Claudine knows this, not because she'd encountered any of them, but some nearby farms had been attacked and word travelled fast. An alert went out a couple of days ago. It might have resulted in more anxiety, however โ the sun is setting when she arrives, and she still sees farmhands busy at work, like they are trying to harvest as much as they can rather than leave crops out in the open.
She makes her way to the house at the edge of the fields. Is anybody around hereโฆ]
Hello! I was told that someone sent a request for protection?
[She nods in agreement, and turns to look out at the fields again. Unsurprisingly, the only difference from when she was passing through is the positions of the farmhands.]
Not much else we can do, anyway.
[Now she's wishing she brought something to pass the time, though. A book, perhaps. Waiting doesn't sit well with her.]
I'm Crow. ( Mia introduces herself, mostly to stave off the silence. and the boredom at this point honestly. she's not a bodyguard, and this sort of thing mentally exhausts her from sheer boredom.
she climbs down on the porch to sit on the edge. ) Kind of nice to not be so alone out here now.
( wherever Mia is directed to leave the letter, a shadow wolf sits perched aside it. it waits patiently for the Priestess to find it, ensuring it reaches her hands and her hands only. with a nod to the Priestess, the wolf disappears into the shadows back to it's master. )
Priestess,
Glad to see you're back from Death. Sorry I couldn't help more. Death kind of stole Mister Kindly, and I only got the news about you after.
If there's anything you need from me now you're back, I'm still willing to help.
( when the letter's returned, Mia reads it quickly as the guard seems to be waiting on something.
something made more obvious by the contents.
she had expected another assignment given through a note, not a direct request.
either way, Mister Kindly settles in the shadows beneath Mia's hair and Eclipse blends into the shadows at her feet as she allows the guards to escort her back to the Priestess's private chambers. Once they let her inside, Mia suddenly realizes she has no idea how to actually address a Priestess in this position. )
High Priestess. ( god that's so basic, but it'll have to do. Mia doesn't bow or curtsy, she's not used to such dignified authority figures, but she does wait by the door. patience is a skill worth knowing after all. )
You have work for me then? ( she really tries not to sound so eager, but outright violence isn't the same as skilled assassination. she's definitely going through some withdrawals. )
[ The Priestess waits in an overstuffed chair, opposite another with a tea service set on a table between them. A gesture is given to the other chair, indicating for Mia to sit. ]
I do. Forgive me that it is not an immediate assignment, however.
Have you heard word of the tarot cards holding Temperance's likeness as the image?
Mia has enough manners not to reject, though. besides, she did miss private sessions with Shahiid Aalea at times, and the setting very much reminded her of those times.
Mia takes the opposite seat, and gives a gentle shrug in response to her concern. )
Patience is a necessary skill in my line of work. ( she does add some sugar to the tea prepared for her. ) I saw what Clary sent on the network of the cards. That's about the most I've known, before others started to question you in the audience.
The cards are an unknown entity, a risk I am unwilling to take with it comes to the safety of my citizens.
[ The Priestess adjusts, crossing her legs and settling both her hands in her lap. ]
I have assigned another Otherworlder to this task, Vergil, though I am led to believe that he has an emotional stake in one of the card holders. [ His son, she hears, through whispers of her network. ]
Should he fail at this task for any reason, Mia, I will need to employ your skills to retrieve them where he fails.
( there's only two card holders Mia's currently aware of so far... )
Clary and Clarke? ( no wait, Clary had made it sound like more than just two. a group, maybe. ) Or is there another card holder I don't know about yet?
( taking a sip of her tea, she thinks on this. )
How much of my skills are you wanting here? ( does she want her to outright kill.... ) And do you want me to wait on your command to act, or follow Vergil's progress to the end?
There are others, though my intelligence does not branch far enough. Rumors, of course. Those closest to the instigator may hold them. Rey and Neria Surana of the Court are Clary Fairchild's closest contacts. Neria's fate is... spoken for. [ Putting it lightly after that show with Gilgamesh at the audience. ]
Deadly force is a last resort if they will not willingly forfeit their cards. [ She has no care for how Mia chooses how to enact said force, as long as she is able to retrieve the cards from any that hold them. ]
You may follow Vergil's progress. I trust you to act when it becomes apparent your touch is needed.
If Vergil can't get her card, and I have to retrieve it? ( she shrugs off her own concern immediately. ) I don't have any issues doing what you need me to do with however much force you want. But I know sometimes people prefer a more delicate touch internally. ( very specifically sometimes. it's not like her own Church didn't enjoy brutal consequences. but this isn't the Red Church. and the Priestess seems to have more compassion than most clients Mia is accustomed to working for. )
Incapacitate Clarke if she will not give it willingly, discreetly as possible. There is no need to use lethal force with one of our own: I desire to protect them from the dangers these cards pose, not to end their lives.
[ There's no need for unnecessary action when it comes to those under her care. Lethal force can be waved off for those that bear any loyalty to the Emperor. ]
I've instructed Tony Stark to attempt retrieval among Moon citizens. Offering compensation for their cards, if need be. It is my greatest hope that Clarke will take the less tumultuous path.
( that's... oddly endearing to Mia. she didn't expect it, she thought it might even be weakness, but when the Priestess says it out loud she feels a sort of respect for that answer. her own people didn't look to protect her. killers all....
she gives a polite nod. ) No force with Moon, that's fine. I have poisons that will put people to sleep without my presence being known. Easy and painless. ( so long as she gets it in without being seen. thankfully, she's not used anything on the Otherworlders yet. she has an element.
for now, of course. ) I'll save any Moon for last, then. In case Tony isn't able to tempt anyone. He seems pretty good at that kind of thing, though. ( she folds her legs, thinking a moment. the mission seems straightforward enough. for now. )
( Lord Stark? Mia raises an eyebrow at that, only slightly. but she doesn't say anything about that. not currently.
she does relax a bit at the Priestess' remark about speaking freely, however. she's never worked for someone like the Priestess, so she keeps respectful for the most part. though, she thinks the Priestess is probably the person she's closest to in this world as it is. the only one that actually knows her. and it's nice to let go of some of that formality just a small part. )
This whole business with Temperance, it's got me wondering lately. Are there any other... ( oh she hates this word, but. ) gods, I guess, that might be an ally to you instead of more enemies? People ( ugh ) or beings, I guess, we should be looking out for to help your cause?
Were there a way to place control over the Tower, if I knew of its location, that would be my first choice of ally. Given that the control of Gods like the Tower is not within my realm of influence, it dims our prospects. [ The Tower, with all the power it beholds, would be a grand tool to have at her disposal. Unfortunate that it outranks her in levels of power.
The Priestess hums, contemplative at Mia's question. ]
Our closest potential ally would be the elves, however they have spent so long declaring the war is not within their realm that I'm beginning to believe that even they have fallen prey to their own lie.
( she notes immediately that the Priestess say "place control over" the Tower. she doesn't speak of keeping the Tower as an ally with their own autonomy, but seems to lament that she can't have that control. that power in her own hands.
interesting ways the Priestess's mind works.
but since the Tower seems a lesser opportunity, she thinks on the elves instead. her brow furrows a bit. )
Within their realm to help? Or within their realm to even care about?
They believe that the war does not exist within their city walls, so it is not within their realm to care about or participate in. [ The Priestess actually rolls her eyes at that. ] Their close proximity is convenient. Their blatant disregard for the state of the world is not.
( a whole race of people who don't really want to get involved. that is annoying. )
I was kind of hoping for something more easy, like bullying a god into helping you. ( it's jest, and she winks to let the Priestess knows she doesn't take it so lightly. ) Unfortunately, short of bullying I'm no good at talking. But maybe I can convince someone else to help with the elves.
[ Is the Priestess laughing? She most certainly is. Mia's admission of bullying a god into helping is positively endearing. ]
I would never place such a burden upon you to recruit one so fickle as a God. We are an unfortunately difficult group to convince when it comes to participating in the affairs of the world.
( it's been a journey through the maze so far, Eclipse and Mister Kindly trading scouting roles for Mia and Kylo Ren to help guide them through. they can't defeat their enemies or solve their puzzles, though Mister Kindly does offer the aid of his scathing wit to those, but they can at least watch and inform.
yet while the pair puzzle over a particular dull riddle, Mister Kindly wanders out for more scouting while Eclipse stays close. though, Mister Kindly has wondered...
instead of scouting, Mister Kindly starts to make his way back to where he remembers of Death's home in the Gods Wood. as best he can. Mister Kindly can move more freely through shadows where others do not fit, but that does not make him all knowing of the path. he simply follows a direction he can remember, cutting through paths and hedges where he can, and wondering if he ever gets nearer. )
[ It will take Mr. Kindly a little bit longer than before to find his way back to Death's Court, given the sudden twisting nature of the forest. But if he follows his nose, he'll find his way to where the shadow salmon is.
Upon seeing its cat friend, Death gasps and lets out a very undignified: ]
( the cat needs no second invitation. it jumps gracefully into Death's lap. to another, he'd probably feel like nothing. idly, he wonders what his weight feels to one such as death. )
...if you would be so kind as to share. i get so few treats...( you know. excepting the constant fear he feasts on. )
[ Mr. Kindly's weight is nothing more than a gentle pressure on its lap, and Death wastes no time drumming up more salmon for him. Delicately, Death feeds the shadow cat with one hand, while the other strokes along his spine. Mr. Kindly's paws leave little indentations on Death's robes. ]
You can have aaall the treats you want while you're here. [ A momentary pause, then: ] Why are you here?
( Mia has always tried to pet Mister Kindly in some form or another, and there's been a ghost of a touch, but Death's touch is so much more real. as real to Mister Kindly as the salmon. it's like coming into a world where Mister Kindly actually fits well. it's a strange sensation, but one he likes. )
...salmon. good company...( the cat rattles off between mouthfuls. his head turns up to Death now. )...i thought you might be lonely, too...
[ Death is unable to make any kind of expression, but its shoulders droop a little. ]
What, me? Lonely? [ its hand pauses behind Mr. Kindly's shoulder blades. ] I've got all the souls that have ever passed to keep me company. Why would you think I'm lonely?
[ Death is lonely. Death is so lonely. Don't believe its lies, Mr. Kindly. ]
[ iona is at whatever the priestess's priestesses (perhaps the goddess should have chosen a different title to use, like the warlock, or at least a better name for her ordained followers) do for service, prayer, whatever, when archer decides it might be good to catch death's attention. no special reason, but without his... new friend, there's little pretense for him to visit inside of the temple proper during the daytime, corporeal and liable to get caught digging where he shouldn't. this seems like a much more responsible choice, even if he'd buying alcohol in the middle of the morning.
death's shrine is mostly empty at this time of day, brilliant squares of light from the windows framed on the tile floors with shadow, perfect for a little cat to lounge in. the shrine door whispers shut behind archer as the quiet surrounds him, the city's bustle of life muted by heavy walls and still air. a peaceful moment, though he knows it must be a short one, before he moves on again.
with his disguise, archer wears clothes in the cut and color of the moon faction, deep blues and dark greys, a single plain sword at his side. yet not even changing out of his armor can hide his hair, and its something that the more one directs attention away from, the more noticeable it is. archer skuffs his toe against the floor, taps the bottle of whiskey (expensive, not something he'd drink on his own but he has coin to spare since he didn't pay for anything besides the sword when he set out) against his leg, and drags a hand through his hair, shoving it out of his face and back into the usual style somewhat. he's not meant for subterfuge or intelligence work, not even remotely. a rifle with a scope on the barrel, or even his bow and a carefully projected arrow, his target's head in his line of sight, that's more his alley. it's tiresome, coming up with lies and half truths for iona, to avoid both her displeasure and her mistrust, and he'll be glad when he finally can return to neutral territory.
but, a gift for death first.
he crosses the tiled floor swiftly, lingering in idleness no longer, and lifts the bottle above the offering bowl. ]
... Yeet.
[ but, being a fun suck that he is, he just gently sets the bottle down in the bowl instead of throwing it. (he could have made the shot from the doorway, actually, but there's no fun in that when the glass shatters and some poor attendant has to clean up the mess.)
anyway, time to move on. iona will be back soon. ]
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
sorry for the delay! backdating this to september, lmk if you want anything changed
Claudine knows this, not because she'd encountered any of them, but some nearby farms had been attacked and word travelled fast. An alert went out a couple of days ago. It might have resulted in more anxiety, however โ the sun is setting when she arrives, and she still sees farmhands busy at work, like they are trying to harvest as much as they can rather than leave crops out in the open.
She makes her way to the house at the edge of the fields. Is anybody around hereโฆ]
Hello! I was told that someone sent a request for protection?
no worries i'm behind too!
but it's something to do. and she figures it might come with some opportunity to kill someone.
yet when she hears that voice...
she pokes her head out the door of the house she's been hanging out it. )
Another? Do they think I can't handle it myself?
no subject
[Duh.]
Iโm guessing you expected a solo job, then. [Just like herself.] Let's get this cleared up. Whereโs the person in charge over here?
no subject
Mia comes out fully on the porch, leaning against a banister. ) They've wondered off.
So it's just the two of us for now. I guess it's not really a problem if we hang out a little while we wait.
no subject
Not much else we can do, anyway.
[Now she's wishing she brought something to pass the time, though. A book, perhaps. Waiting doesn't sit well with her.]
no subject
she climbs down on the porch to sit on the edge. ) Kind of nice to not be so alone out here now.
๐ท๐๐๐๐๐ โธป ๐๐๐ ๐๐๐ ๐ป๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐
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Dearest Mia,
An audience, if you will. I shall await you in my private chambers for an assignment requiring your delicate touch.
High Priestess
no subject
something made more obvious by the contents.
she had expected another assignment given through a note, not a direct request.
either way, Mister Kindly settles in the shadows beneath Mia's hair and Eclipse blends into the shadows at her feet as she allows the guards to escort her back to the Priestess's private chambers. Once they let her inside, Mia suddenly realizes she has no idea how to actually address a Priestess in this position. )
High Priestess. ( god that's so basic, but it'll have to do. Mia doesn't bow or curtsy, she's not used to such dignified authority figures, but she does wait by the door. patience is a skill worth knowing after all. )
You have work for me then? ( she really tries not to sound so eager, but outright violence isn't the same as skilled assassination. she's definitely going through some withdrawals. )
no subject
I do. Forgive me that it is not an immediate assignment, however.
Have you heard word of the tarot cards holding Temperance's likeness as the image?
no subject
Mia has enough manners not to reject, though. besides, she did miss private sessions with Shahiid Aalea at times, and the setting very much reminded her of those times.
Mia takes the opposite seat, and gives a gentle shrug in response to her concern. )
Patience is a necessary skill in my line of work. ( she does add some sugar to the tea prepared for her. ) I saw what Clary sent on the network of the cards. That's about the most I've known, before others started to question you in the audience.
no subject
The cards are an unknown entity, a risk I am unwilling to take with it comes to the safety of my citizens.
[ The Priestess adjusts, crossing her legs and settling both her hands in her lap. ]
I have assigned another Otherworlder to this task, Vergil, though I am led to believe that he has an emotional stake in one of the card holders. [ His son, she hears, through whispers of her network. ]
Should he fail at this task for any reason, Mia, I will need to employ your skills to retrieve them where he fails.
no subject
Clary and Clarke? ( no wait, Clary had made it sound like more than just two. a group, maybe. ) Or is there another card holder I don't know about yet?
( taking a sip of her tea, she thinks on this. )
How much of my skills are you wanting here? ( does she want her to outright kill.... ) And do you want me to wait on your command to act, or follow Vergil's progress to the end?
no subject
Deadly force is a last resort if they will not willingly forfeit their cards. [ She has no care for how Mia chooses how to enact said force, as long as she is able to retrieve the cards from any that hold them. ]
You may follow Vergil's progress. I trust you to act when it becomes apparent your touch is needed.
no subject
but a thought does make her pause. )
And Clarke? She's Moon.
If Vergil can't get her card, and I have to retrieve it? ( she shrugs off her own concern immediately. ) I don't have any issues doing what you need me to do with however much force you want. But I know sometimes people prefer a more delicate touch internally. ( very specifically sometimes. it's not like her own Church didn't enjoy brutal consequences. but this isn't the Red Church. and the Priestess seems to have more compassion than most clients Mia is accustomed to working for. )
no subject
[ There's no need for unnecessary action when it comes to those under her care. Lethal force can be waved off for those that bear any loyalty to the Emperor. ]
I've instructed Tony Stark to attempt retrieval among Moon citizens. Offering compensation for their cards, if need be. It is my greatest hope that Clarke will take the less tumultuous path.
no subject
she gives a polite nod. ) No force with Moon, that's fine. I have poisons that will put people to sleep without my presence being known. Easy and painless. ( so long as she gets it in without being seen. thankfully, she's not used anything on the Otherworlders yet. she has an element.
for now, of course. ) I'll save any Moon for last, then. In case Tony isn't able to tempt anyone. He seems pretty good at that kind of thing, though. ( she folds her legs, thinking a moment. the mission seems straightforward enough. for now. )
Priestes... can I ask an unrelated question?
no subject
What a scoundrel!]Of course, Mia. Please know you may speak freely with me.
no subject
she does relax a bit at the Priestess' remark about speaking freely, however. she's never worked for someone like the Priestess, so she keeps respectful for the most part. though, she thinks the Priestess is probably the person she's closest to in this world as it is. the only one that actually knows her. and it's nice to let go of some of that formality just a small part. )
This whole business with Temperance, it's got me wondering lately. Are there any other... ( oh she hates this word, but. ) gods, I guess, that might be an ally to you instead of more enemies? People ( ugh ) or beings, I guess, we should be looking out for to help your cause?
no subject
The Priestess hums, contemplative at Mia's question. ]
Our closest potential ally would be the elves, however they have spent so long declaring the war is not within their realm that I'm beginning to believe that even they have fallen prey to their own lie.
no subject
interesting ways the Priestess's mind works.
but since the Tower seems a lesser opportunity, she thinks on the elves instead. her brow furrows a bit. )
Within their realm to help? Or within their realm to even care about?
no subject
no subject
I was kind of hoping for something more easy, like bullying a god into helping you. ( it's jest, and she winks to let the Priestess knows she doesn't take it so lightly. ) Unfortunately, short of bullying I'm no good at talking. But maybe I can convince someone else to help with the elves.
no subject
I would never place such a burden upon you to recruit one so fickle as a God. We are an unfortunately difficult group to convince when it comes to participating in the affairs of the world.
๐๐๐๐๐๐ โธป ๐๐๐ ๐ฏ๐๐๐๐
no subject
Upon seeing its cat friend, Death gasps and lets out a very undignified: ]
Kitty!
no subject
seeing as he is not being chased out, Mister Kindly approaches closer, before sitting at the feet of Death. )
...i thought you might like company... ( a pause. ) ...company that would appreciate more of the exquisite salmon...
no subject
I've got lots more salmon, all for you!
[ Is Death cooing at the cat? Yes, yes it is. ]
YA GOOD
...if you would be so kind as to share. i get so few treats... ( you know. excepting the constant fear he feasts on. )
no subject
You can have aaall the treats you want while you're here. [ A momentary pause, then: ] Why are you here?
no subject
...salmon. good company... ( the cat rattles off between mouthfuls. his head turns up to Death now. ) ...i thought you might be lonely, too...
no subject
What, me? Lonely? [ its hand pauses behind Mr. Kindly's shoulder blades. ] I've got all the souls that have ever passed to keep me company. Why would you think I'm lonely?
[ Death is lonely. Death is so lonely. Don't believe its lies, Mr. Kindly. ]
action. for mr kindly.
death's shrine is mostly empty at this time of day, brilliant squares of light from the windows framed on the tile floors with shadow, perfect for a little cat to lounge in. the shrine door whispers shut behind archer as the quiet surrounds him, the city's bustle of life muted by heavy walls and still air. a peaceful moment, though he knows it must be a short one, before he moves on again.
with his disguise, archer wears clothes in the cut and color of the moon faction, deep blues and dark greys, a single plain sword at his side. yet not even changing out of his armor can hide his hair, and its something that the more one directs attention away from, the more noticeable it is. archer skuffs his toe against the floor, taps the bottle of whiskey (expensive, not something he'd drink on his own but he has coin to spare since he didn't pay for anything besides the sword when he set out) against his leg, and drags a hand through his hair, shoving it out of his face and back into the usual style somewhat. he's not meant for subterfuge or intelligence work, not even remotely. a rifle with a scope on the barrel, or even his bow and a carefully projected arrow, his target's head in his line of sight, that's more his alley. it's tiresome, coming up with lies and half truths for iona, to avoid both her displeasure and her mistrust, and he'll be glad when he finally can return to neutral territory.
but, a gift for death first.
he crosses the tiled floor swiftly, lingering in idleness no longer, and lifts the bottle above the offering bowl. ]
... Yeet.
[ but, being a fun suck that he is, he just gently sets the bottle down in the bowl instead of throwing it. (he could have made the shot from the doorway, actually, but there's no fun in that when the glass shatters and some poor attendant has to clean up the mess.)
anyway, time to move on. iona will be back soon. ]