[11:04] Ashiya of TyrosAshiya of Tyros continued on with her dance, with her song, stomping her feet and clapping her hands at certain points to emphasize the rhythm. She felt that the dance was suiting, swaying like the waves of the sea at time, and her hips rocking closely to the sound of wood creaking that could be heard as its own music even on anchored vessels. Not an anthem for Port Kar, but enough that it suited the city. Still, it was only a moment, before her eyes cut through the crowd to take note of one in the distance, and those who passed by, those who stoped, those who did not. The white coat was enough to identify the man and a subtle dip of her head was given as the song came to an end. She looked back at him and waited for the crowd to disperse finally. And that was when she finally stopped, catching her breath, and calming down from her euphoria. How easily she coudl get lost in a melody…
[11:06] 蘆屋道満 Asʜɪʏᴀ Dᴏᴍᴀɴ 蘆屋道満 (azariel.blackheart): ((*black coat… The lighting made it look white..))
[11:08] Haru (cecilia.ushimawa)Haru (cecilia.ushimawa) would follow along behind her master, dark hues flickering over the small crowd gathered. She knew who they were looking for but she kept her face passive and calm, making note of who all was present and who departed just as quickly. She didn’t speak but would dip her head in a non-verbal greet to anyone that might look to her, the leash putting her in protocol as it always did.
[11:11] Darius Valgard (dyce.boucher)Darius Valgard (dyce.boucher) continued to observe the Magician-Thief dance and sing her dooming melody. It caused his head to tilt somewhat to the side, his stare fixed. As the light of the day glinted off of the droplets of gold fixed in his brow and the rings adorning his nostrils and ears, there were a few people who were dispersed and passed him by, greeting him. One asked a simple question about tariffs and he informed the individual to wait until the next council meeting for that information to be solidified. The Consortium’s master ledger was still held at his side and his greatsword that he often used as a cane was uplifted, resting against the leather coats donning his shoulders. He turned his eyes back to Ashiya, seeing her still looking at him. He inclined his head to her then, an unspoken conversation taking place as he watched her catch her breath, her chest heaving, her lips parted ajar. He had noted well the stockings adorning her upper thighs and flanks beneath her dress when she had moved, the golden bangles of her arms, and more. Very little escaped the Praetor’s scrutiny. A movement out of his peripheral vision caused his eyes to slide from Ashiya once again, a man and his slave whom he had seen in passing the past few weeks arriving, perhaps passing through.
[11:19] Ashiya of TyrosAshiya of Tyros took only a moment or two, before she took note of where the Praetor’s gaze had moved, and soon after her own followed. There she would look and behold Haru, and the man to whom she was leashed. She did recognize Crow, but she wouldn’t make a show of knowing who or what he was. She knew far better than that. Still, she would incline her head toward them both, in their general direction. It was almost a shallow bow, but not quite. though she did verbally greet one whom she did have business, “Lord Praetor…” She had caught her breath enough to speak normally at least.
[11:27] Haru (cecilia.ushimawa)Haru (cecilia.ushimawa) would remain by her master’s side. The praetor was noted, the title that Ashiya gave him but she had done her little nonverbal greets and that was as far as it would go for now. Her master was in charge and she was his shadow; acting his eyes and ears while he went into thought Things were peaceful that day. Finally. A small moment of respite though she had reported to him what she had been told. Concerning and an indication that things might not remain silent.
[11:29] Crow (melchior.wardell)Crow (melchior.wardell) observed the scene in silence. Whatever was happening he didn’t want to make assumptions that were not true. So when he noted the woman dance and the other man observing he stood there in silence. Perhaps some would consider it this dark moment in which a life would pass by. The mere suggestion a killer was this close could instill some fear. When he was acknowledged by the mere gesture of a head he inclined his head too. His high caste upbringing and the sophisticated ways of Ar always kept lingering about this old killer.
[11:32] Darius Valgard (dyce.boucher)Darius Valgard (dyce.boucher) lifted his bronze prosthetic from the stone and pivoted back partially, the metal foot clacking audibly as it connected with the stones again. He looked into the council chamber and curled his lower lip against his upper teeth and let out a sharp whistle, causing one of the council page boys to come running out. He handed the heavy book to the young slave lad to return it to its pedestal within the council chamber before he pivoted back towards the direction of Ashiya’s voice. He lifted his free hand, gloved and adorned with expensive rings, and beckoned Ashiya towards him when she called out his title. Finally, he had time to attend her since she expressed desire to speak since yesterday. Unfortunately, dire circumstances had drawn him away and his day had been spent in meetings, but he was now available. “Ashiya of Tyros,” he responded to her words, his own voice – laced with the snobby accent of high caste Physicians – called out to her. Darius did not recognize Crow nor Haru except from glancing at them now and then when he’d spotted them on the streets. “Shall we continue our conversation?” he inquired of her, curious if she would follow him as he took a few steps forward, lowering his greatsword’s tip to the ground to support his hobbling gait. The Praetor was utterly ignorant of Crow’s identity and caste, though he had his suspicions due to the presence of the crossbow with the black robes absent any other colorful ornaments. Darius would not linger overlong, despite his authority. Perhaps this man was one of the Assassins, ready to fire a crossbow through some hated Captain like the raping ram of a ship as it plows through an enemy vessel!
[11:38] Ashiya of TyrosAshiya of Tyros nodded to him. “We should… There are things you should be aware of…” She did want to speak with him in his more official title, rather than as a potential member of his crew and company. There was a moment where she did pause as he started walking, though ready to follow, she took a look back to Crow and Haru, mainly for any particular hint that there was other business to discuss as well. She did remember what she had told to Haru, but she also was not expecting Crow to appear before her himself, and assumed he was out on other business, but she would be a fool not to be aware that she could potentially be his business. She was not so blind to that fact given the events of the last few days.
[11:39] Crow (melchior.wardell)Crow (melchior.wardell) stood still. In a way that he could be a statue and yet – he was ready to address anything that might be thrown his way. His movements were silent as if he had been taught by iron discipline to remain in the shadows and go unnoticed. Yet here he was in plain daylight. Not in fear to show anyone who he was. Not out of bravado but out of that rock-solid self-confidence. He knew that this was the woman that had given his slave the grave news. It had angered him and yet none could have said so. His emotions still part of his life were well confined in himself. At rare occasions he would profess his love to his slave but other than that his social life was cold and heartless. As she spoke of leaving with the Praetor he spoke “It seems you are quite the messenger, lady.” he left it at that … Surely that sentence alone should give everyone of them a shiver.
[11:43] Haru (cecilia.ushimawa)Haru (cecilia.ushimawa) would look between the pair. The praetor, unknown to her, and Ashiya – more than familiar. She didn’t speak, instead simply curling her fingers around the leash that held her attached to her master, letting herself feel it tense a moment as she ran the chain through her fingers. She loved the feeling of the cold steel. The bondage it presented. Her gaze would move directly to Ashiya at her owner’s comment, drinking her in. If it wasn’t known if she had reported to her master what she had told her, it was now.
[11:46] Darius Valgard (dyce.boucher)Darius Valgard (dyce.boucher) was about to move off until Crow spoke up. That, along with Ashiya’s words of him needing to be aware of some things, gave him pause. His body went rigid and his soothing-yet-snobby tone became one of dire seriousness. “If you have business of the Consortium, and wish to speak to the Praetor instead of the Captain, then perhaps here is the best place.” He did not wish to conceal legal matters from the public, and his personal business could always wait. So, he turned to face Ashiya, as well as both Crow and Haru. His scarred face fell slack from its previous smiles and he adopted a professional stance. His eyes lingered past Ashiya and onto Crow a moment, his words still ringing in his ears. Trouble seemed afoot, or so he presumed. He finally cleared his throat and announced himself, so others would know him, “Captain Darius Valgard of the Deadsail Company, one of four Wharf Praetors who make up the Port Consortium.” He then leaned some upon the greatsword’s crossguard, relieving pressure from his stump fitted in the prosthetic.
[11:56] Ashiya of TyrosAshiya of Tyros nearly flinched at the way Crow worded that phrase. Was she expecting to hear that? No. Though that was the confirmation she needed, but how disadvantageous the timing of his approach. She did not know what exactly to make of that particular stance, the man was impossible to read. She had one foot backward just a bit, barely seen beyond the hem of her dress as though she was ready to run should the moment call for it. However, she was looking at Crow, the forehead in particular, the mark of the Dagger. That would have told her far more than words ever could, “I am…when the moment calls for me to be so…” Her confidence in her own abilities was not shaken by the idea of the why they were there, but more so in her ability to get away from a man trained in preventing people from getting away… The Lady-Thief was not a fool to think her chances against such men were set in stone. Had he been anyone but who he was, that would have been a different story.
She didn’t dare take her eyes off of Crow, despite distance between them, she didn’t want to miss the action of him reaching for that crossbow. It would be the only moment she had to evade it should she need. “it is regarding an attack on my person in the baths three suns passed.” It has been at least three days since that attack to say the least, and yet, the business that she had to discuss, ironically dealt with the same man.. both the business between herself and Crow, and the report she was ready to make. However, now she was not certain that this was a moment that was fortuitous enough to discuss matters simultaneously, given the nature of the two men whom she now stood between. Though she coudl see Haru, she was not going to focus on her. The only slave-girl she may have called a friend in different circumstances, and yet.. there would be no insight to be gained from her on this matter. Ashiya had to rely on her own wit at this juncture.
[11:59] Crow (melchior.wardell)Crow (melchior.wardell) would stand in the same spot while his eyes would move from one to the other. His eyes saw much more than just what was on the outside. He had learned that someone’s small movements could tell a lot: A lie or the truth. It was a wisdom he had acquired over many years. Not only in his life as a murderer, but also in the many disguises he used. When the man introduced himself, there was nothing new. Crow had already absorbed more information than many might have known. Still, he bowed slightly without losing sight of the man. “We finally meet, Captain Darius Valgard of the Deadsail Company.” his voice did not held the sarcasm of the many titles when Crow spoke “Crow, Undertaker of the Port.” he introduced himself without the rank he had reached over years. Surely who he was mattered little. It was what he could do in a matter of seconds if he wished. He turned to the woman and she too did not tell things that had not been known to him. He could tell the moment of doubt, the reflection on what could happen. Perhaps some killers would enjoy the mere idea to instill fear yet Crow held little fondness for it. “Ah … ” he replied to her words and did not say much more. He held all the cards before him – making it unable to predict what he was about.
[12:03] Haru (cecilia.ushimawa)Haru (cecilia.ushimawa) was cool, calm and collected. A veritable cucumber of a doll. Chill as the porcelain her flesh represented and stoic in her emotional representation. Sure, there was the usual friendly appearance of her face, the one thing that should it ever fall, woe be to the slave that might have caused such – but she made no further indications outside of her silent, unspoken greets. Her hands were folded before her in that usual demure fashion. Left over right, sharpened and strengthened nails, thanks to Ming’s genetic manipulations, hovering just over her core. There was no need for her to speak. Not in that moment. So she left that to the free.
[12:09] Darius Valgard (dyce.boucher)Darius Valgard (dyce.boucher) slid his gaze to Ashiya as she kept her back to himself while she stared focused upon Crow. This was interesting, especially since she still spoke to himself about her legal issues. When Crow offered his introduction, his eyes turned back to the man and that made much sense to him now, given his attire and behavior. “Ah,” he said as he visibly relaxed some. Why? Because there was no dagger painted on the man’s brow. That didn’t mean murder was out of the question, but Darius saw Crow now as an instrument, a tool, to be paid for on behalf of the Consortium. “I now place a face to the rumored ghost of the Undertaker. I suspect that certain coin might flow from the Consortium to your belted pockets in the coming weeks, Killer.” He called the man by the respected title of his caste, making it known that he wasn’t above employing Assassins on behalf of the city’s administration. He glanced idly upon Haru, seeing her demure folding of hands, his fingers caressing the crossguard of his sword-cane as he observed her. “Obedient,” he remarked. Then, finally, he turned his attention to Ashiya and spoke to the back of her head, “Do you wish to press a case of the matter regarding your assault to the Praetors, Ashiya of Tyros? Do you have witnesses who can testify?” In his capacity of Praetor, Darius was fair across the board, showing zero favoritism to any cursed soul.
[12:26] Aiko Akasuki Laukness (elsamarieanna)Aiko Akasuki Laukness (elsamarieanna) wondering around the port trying to get to know what is were her eyes looking towards the Master and also the Mistress not saying a word for now her hands move to her side
[12:29] That question was the question that answered all her previous question. Witnesses who can testify. For her it wasnt’ a matter of whetehr they were capable of testifying.. it was a matter of if they would… and the answer was clear to her at that point. Though, the idea that the Consortium would employ the Killers only made her relax just a bit more.. but not by much. There was still the matter that she knew things about the Killers that she likely should not have. That alone made her a loose end in some killers’ minds. However, to them both, she would simply say.. “No… no witnesses who will testify.” The only witnesses had been killers and slaves.. and that could work against her as well as for her. She wasn’t going to take the risk.
[12:29] Ashiya of TyrosAshiya of Tyros Ashiya looked to Crow, almost as if she was confirming that she wasn’t going to speak on what she saw or heard inside the court, but the business of the one in question was still a matter on the table. At that point did she dare a step back and look to Darius so that he wasn’t staring at the back of her head, but she did want to keep both men in her line of sight somewhat. “If witnesses are a requirement for such a matter, then I suppose that falls short as it is.” She knew a man like the one in question could nto keep quiet. She had learned that much herself, and how easily she could get a rise out of him. Perhaps that would be useful later.
Turning back to Crow, she asked, “Was there a message you wished me to deliver? Or did you have business with me, Lord Undertaker?” She used the title he used himself. She wasn’t going ot take a chance this time. Subtle messages were being sent btween the group of them, and even in a situation like this, her mind was still moving with the many possibilities of a multitude of outcomes. She would make a point to set her priorities. She still needed work… something that offered coin and a measure of protections that she didn’t quite have. Her vendetta could wait.
[12:33] Crow (melchior.wardell)Crow (melchior.wardell) noted the short reply before the longer sentence addressed to him. Strange as the man spoke of his face. Crow was a master of disguise and with it held a certain art in it to have it appear from this to a warm censor of Ar or a jovial Innkeeper. Crow could adapt to almost any situation, although he too was tested in his resolve. Only a day ago when he nearly killed a so called killer in his court. When the man spoke of coin he inclined his head again. Crow was not a greedy bastard as most of his caste brothers, but held a certain degree of honor and respect to their status within the city. He felt himself a razor sharp tool for those instances when law was no longer a possibility. Surely he would not discuss business, but with the small gesture he made it known to being open for any conversation as to what was needed from him or his caste. When the man spoke of his slave he would give her a quick look. She was far more than obedient and yet she reflected the one thing he wanted from her in this very moment. As Ashiya spoke he learned a lot by what kind of woman she was and could be. “The matter of the man that poses as one of my caste, is it ?” he asks – for this instance he would allow her to see one of the cards in his deck. “I am sure the Praetor might have a desire to know that there is a man posing in the desire to become what … The next Pa Kur.” there – he said it. Now watching how the news would fall upon those ears. Surely the man would have been dead and perhaps dropped in the thieves den if he hadn’t run from the court with his tails between his legs.
[12:37] Haru (cecilia.ushimawa)Haru (cecilia.ushimawa) as picking up the small nuances between them though to the naive she seemed oblivious, her gaze instead wandering to the shift of leaves and people passing. Aiko she could not see. Not from where she stood; the girl hidden behind the large tree and on the other side. Blinded by the large and clearly ancient plant. She was quiet, always keeping her master in her peripheral, that slight tension in the leash that she could see and feel him should any signals be offered. Orders to follow or commands. Obedient she was in all manner of things though at the appropriate times not afraid to speak her mind to her master if she felt there was a concern that should be approached. For now, though, there were none and her Pani-Karian tones remained silent.
[12:47] Darius Valgard (dyce.boucher)Darius Valgard (dyce.boucher) gave a nod of his head to Ashiya and informed her, “You will require witnesses to support your defense, or some other overwhelming evidence. If the witnesses are slaves, then they may be tortured for their legal testimony. Otherwise, it’s just your word against another’s, and there’s nothing that the Consortium can do.” He turned his eyes back to Crow as he mentioned about someone posing an Assassin and trying to be the next Pa-Kur. “Can you give a full account of your meaning, Killer? With something so vast and grave, it should be brought before the Council of Captains. The Consortium handles justice and the port’s public facilities and utilities only. All legislative and executive decisions rest in the hands of the Council.”
[12:48] Aiko Akasuki Laukness (elsamarieanna)Aiko Akasuki Laukness (elsamarieanna) as she had just arrived not to sure what was going on not being able to see crow or haru as the big old tree was in the way .She would stand there hands still by her side not saying a word still as she would listen to what was being said around her .
[12:53] Ashiya of TyrosAshiya of Tyros felt the pathways of that one moment fall away, like the intricate patterns of a butterfly’s wings, now illuminated through the speaking of a single phrase, a decision made and now a path forward presented, until the next crossroads where a decision of her own would need be taken. “I see.” She looked back at the Praetor, Captain Darius Valguard of the Dead company, and now she nodded, decisively. “Then perhaps we should all take a walk that we may discuss this in more detail.” She told them both. She had no issues to speak to them on what she knew, what she had experienced, now that Crow made it okay for her to do so, but given what he said, the specific subject would be the only thing she would speak on, less the man made it okay to speak further, however, that was highly unlikely. The Caste guarded their secrets with extreme prejudice. She would not be the one that met a blade for not minding her tongue if she could help it.
Spotting movement to the side, she did recognize the Slave from the court, bu
Ashiya of Tyros only in a passing glance. She was aware of her, but did not greet her, let alone betray any hint that she’d seen her openly. She looked between the three of them, waiting for Crow or Darius to agree to speak elsewhere. The open streets wer efar too busy fo her liking to discuss matters of such import. The voice of a man speaking in greeting neary was proof enough of this fact. An inclination of her head was given in his direction but no words flowed in greeting given the severity of the subject matter.
[12:54] Crow (melchior.wardell)Crow (melchior.wardell) had now realized that they had been noticed and that some were even standing still. He wanted to resolve some issues quietly and unnoticed. Yet here he spoke of something grave and yet he doubted the man would truly succeed. The man had hardly kept himself professional enough to pose a threat to any man of the port. When Darius spoke of legal matters a brow arched in surprise. Was he truly serious ? Did he truly believe that the consortium would be presented by all facts? Crow would only now move his hand and made a dismissive gesture. “There is a time and place for such conversations, indeed.” he would move his hand again as in taking their lead if they wished to discuss these matters in a more private setting.
[13:00] Haru (cecilia.ushimawa)Haru (cecilia.ushimawa) would take in Darius’ face; the way he stood and held himself and how he spoke. She would be able to recognise him from a distance though this was more out of habit than out of any nefarious meaning. Seeing Elirk, she would dip her head to the man but would not speak. She was silent. Listening and observing.
[13:01] Darius Valgard (dyce.boucher)Darius Valgard (dyce.boucher) canted his head as Crow dismissed his question after just blurting out that there was someone with designs on being the next Pa-Kur. The sudden desire for secrecy with such matters once they were already penny-dropped in public made the Praetor’s left eye twitch slightly. He was already involved in secrets most dire, and there seemed to be more piled on. He moistened his lips a moment, glancing about at others who arrived. A man – Elirk – greeted the group, and Darius gave a ringing clanging tap of his greatsword against the cobblestones in return to the greeting. He then turned to the others, Ashiya and Crow, as well as Haru, and he grunted some. “Very well…. but, I shall not be drawn to the shadows.” (I got RL folks, gonna have to pause my participation – ugh)
[13:05] Ashiya of TyrosAshiya of Tyros took note of what Darius spoke of and then nodded to him, then back to Crow. When Darius seemed to be dragged away toward his ship (assuming such), Ashiya would follow. That was as secure a place as any to speak on this and she’d just use this as a chance to relay all if needed be. To Crow she simply nodded to him, “This way if you would, my Lord.” Some part of her heritage she just couldn’t get out of her… (Gogin to move when you’re ready.)
Crows Murder 