braioch8201 09-16-2008 11:18 PM<br/>Memnoch's face slanted sideways.<br/><br/>"Hmph, a guard dog? That's what you ask of me?"<br/><br/>He rolled his eyes slightly as he walked to the desk. His eyebrows raised as he glanced over at the bottle.<br/><br/>"Human or Vampire?"<br/><br/>He had heard of this new group. Their infamous rumor passing around like wildfire through the community. Actually he had met with a group of them not too long ago, he'd forgotten exactly how long it had been, but after living for a couple of millenia, time lost its meaning. They had been formidable, and well prepared, and extremely well-informed. They knew a lot about him, more than humans should have known, it bothered him slightly, but he enjoyed the new found challenge.<br/><br/>He cocked his head as he considered the prince's request. He moved his eyes upwards and thought about it. Lycan's were well known for their lack of patience, and quick tempers, not to mention it wasn't a hidden fact that they hated vampires. Then again if the meeting should go according to plan, Memnoch knew he they would be dealing with this new human group, and he wanted to be involved in that.<br/><br/>"Fine, I'll do it. 1.2 million, half in cash up front, and throw in a traitor youngling or so to satiate my thirst and we'll call it a deal. Deal?"<br/><br/>Memnoch's eyes glittered coldly as he waited quite patiently, pouring himself a glass.<br/><br/>almond 09-16-2008 11:37 PM<br/>Azhar sighed as Memnoch tried to fish out a deal with the Prince. He may be more powerful physically but in here, his strengths and threats would amount to nothing. Instead he reached out and poured himself a glass while downing the shot in one fast motion. The liquid trickled slowly down his throat and he felt elated because of the sustenance. He hadn't fed yet and this was exactly what he needed.<br/><br/>Still, the Prince's request bothered him a little. Exposing everything he knew was never his style. Doing so would make his meeting with the Lupine alpha earlier a waste of time. He would have to divulge something new, yet not out of line with what he has shown two parties so far.<br/><br/>"I shall do as you ask, my Prince," was all he said to paint a very contrasting picture with Memnoch.<br/><br/>He did not trust others yet played upon it to survive. Then again, he didn't even trust that the Lupine would accept his proposal earlier. No matter, all of them were cogs in a wheel, incomplete by themselves but form a functional and wonderful machine when oiled together. Azhar would be that oil.<br/><br/>"I did gather something new tonight. I shall share it with the others."<br/><br/>He needed leverage. And tonight he would have it.<br/><br/>Aviose 09-17-2008 06:40 PM<br/>Aviose stopped suddenly when Memnoch asked for payment, and a large one at that. The prince's facial features took on a much more sinister gaze, which focused on the mercenary.<br/><br/>"Perhaps you don't know who I am, or what I am capable of." Aviose hissed, anger lacing each of his cold words. "I am the prince, the most powerful vampire in the entire city, and when I ask one of my kind for assistance they do not ask for money. I don't care how strong or skilled you think you are, you will either learn your place in this city or leave. You will receive no money for your presence with me, which by the way most of my warriors would be honored to have, and you will do as I say. Unless of course you tire of your existence, which can be easily remedied if you so desire." He finished, his angered face staring directly at the upstart warrior. He would normally acknowledge Azhar's agreement to his orders, for he was being a proper vampire, but he was waiting on Memnoch's reply to his command. The prince was always prepared to defend himself, and since he began to suspect usurpers trying to take his throne he was well prepared to deal with vampires, especially in his own office.<br/><br/>Scambo 09-17-2008 07:25 PM<br/>He stepped back and reached up to stroke her hair.<br/><br/>"Hasn't anyone ever told you not to ask questions you already know the answers to. Besides, if this actually works I get to be a foot note." He said with a wink.<br/>"I just need to grab a few things before we go. In case the biters get....unfriendly." He strode through the doorway, skipping the opposite halls and doorways, moving straight into his old barracks. They hadn't cleared it out. Good. Reaching into the weapons locker he pulled a sword sheathed in the traditional blue-tan armor of the Atlantean guards. Reaching into his old chest, he produced a 44. revolver which he tucked behind his belt, on his left hand side. Then came a blue glowing vial of which he downed the contents, locking his jaw to not vomit. The mana potions worked but one would think that magic would be able to change its taste! After depositing several speed-loaders and pulling on his sword gauntlets, he went to leave before he noticed a spare armor locker lying dejectedin the hall. Approaching, he pulled the door open and saw his reflection in the tall mounted armor of the Adamantine Arrows. Blue under clothes, wrapped in tan enchanted ceramic plating. After a brief hesitation, he pulled the torso piece over his head and dragged the leggings on as well. For a moment, he eyed the helmet, the symbol of the order with Marks of arrows hurtling about, the thick ceramic unbroken save for the thin bar to allow vision. He threw it into the small messenger bag he strapped to his back, over the sword. After tugging his clothes over the armor, he returned to the surface, locking the enchanted tattoo into position and watching the base sink back beneath the waves, ready to return at his bidding. Turning, he saw Shey standing in the clearing, looking off into the trees. He felt his heart swell at the sight of her, and he found himself questioning the events that had brought them together. He had met her only several times, but this time had been different. When he last had the pleasure of her company, he had been a simple diplomat, observing from the outside but nothing more. Now, he was an equal, pulled to her as if by fate. It was only then that he realized just how madly in love he had fallen with the enigmatic pack alpha. Shifting the bulk of the bag, he started walking back towards the clearing. He could see her face, set in determination and irritation. He was nervous a and sweating bullets and he wouldn't even be a part of the negotiations! The fear on screwing up the deal and putting a screeching stop to any hope of peace held him fast like a chain, almost on the brink of driving him away. He prayed that he could borrow her courage in the hard times to come. But the love he felt for Shey far outwon his fear and the sombre knowledge that if something were to happen to her while he was cowering in fear, he would no longer be able to live with himself. Putting a hand on her shoulder, he spoke softly.<br/><br/>"Whenever you need me, I'll always be there. Always." After several minutes of walking, a clearing opened into view, a lone figure stood, silent and foreboding but Shey walked closer, venting irritation on them. Though he looked somewhat familiar, Jack did not recognize the visitor, and stayed carefully silent as the two spoke.