The Incarnation of Lost Morals [Lisius & Caeli]
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		<h2 id="linktree">Play-By-Post: Bondage, D/s, S&amp;M =&gt; Bondage: Human Solos =&gt; Topic started by: Caeli on 05-12-2008, 09:06:51</h2>
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				Title: <strong>The Incarnation of Lost Morals [Lisius &amp; Caeli]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Caeli</strong> on <strong>05-12-2008, 09:06:51</strong>
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				<div class="floatleft">(http://elliquiy.com/elluiki/images/8/8f/Lhurriel.jpg)</div><strong>Prologue</strong><br><br><em>In the Lower City, there exists another Kingdom and Court - the Lord of Thieves, who rules over his Thieves' Court, the masters and rulers of the city's lower denizens and the underworld. They are neither unsavory, nor vigilantes - the thieves who follow the Court tread the line of neutrality steadfastly, and while they might steal for a living, it is only from the rich who would not miss what these thieves misplace.<br><br>The man known as the Lord of Thieves stands atop this commoner's hierarchy, but he is a much shadowed figure. None know who he is, nor what his name is; nobody even knows what he looks like. None, that is, but for his Thirteen Rogues - thirteen men who serve as his eyes and ears, who keep him atop his throne and serve him with a fierce loyalty borne of true respect and belief in what he stands for. They are thieves, pickpockets, and spies; each rule a different quarter in the Lower City, and meet with the Lord of Thieves secretly to consolidate information and plans.<br><br>A series of unfortunate events lands a thief from the Guardsman's Quarter in the local gaol; however, he is soon taken under the wing of Amery, the leader Rogue of the Fountain District, famous for her flight-footed thieves and skilled pairs. For reasons only known to the Lord of Thieves and perhaps Amery, he is paired with the District's fair songbird - who is, by night, the indisputably skilled female Second of the Fountain District. She still secretly grieves the loss of her partner and love, Raymond, and is none too pleased to find herself saddled without a partner without room for debate or argument. <br><br>Is there some plan being set in motion that will involve this awkward pair, together only by misfortune and chance opportunity?</em><br><br><br><br><em>Additional Details and Information</em> (http://elliquiy.com/forums/index.php?topic=22918.0)
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				Title: <strong>Re: The Incarnation of Lost Morals [Lisius &amp; Caeli]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Caeli</strong> on <strong>05-12-2008, 10:13:39</strong>
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				<em>Throwing daggers... check.</em><br><br>If it hadn't been for the soft rustling of cloth in the corner of the room, an observer might have thought the room empty. Darkness filled the corners, so completely that the only light filtering into the room was between the few layers of cloth strung up around the tall window, dim even then because the moon had risen only slightly, and its crescent the thinnest of slivers as it waned into the new moon.<br><br>Darkness; it wasn't the setting of her life's story by choice, but Fate might have had other plans.<br><br><em>Belt - and lockpicks...</em><br><br>By day, she played the role of an adorable sweetheart, a Singer who was playful, but also shy amongst strangers. She sang from noon until dusk at the North Fountain, busking at that street corner with fellow musicians whose talents with their fingers and rhythm were as good or better than her own talent with her voice; so well known she was, that there were some in the Lower City who came especially to the faded white stone of the North Fountain (now, a faint gray that had no few thin cracks marring the goddess Iris' likeness), simply to hear the songbird who was as strikingly pretty as her song was passionate. She was a colorful bird who never seemed anything but cheerful and happy - or at least, she did not have a bad temper. Perhaps she was slightly outspoken at times, but you needed to be, to make your voice heard in the Lower City.<br><br>And at her height, it was even harder. Thus, the necessity of having strong opinions and stronger voices.<br><br><em>All my clothes seem fine - and these new boots are wonderfully sound. Good of Daran to introduce me to that quirky old cobbler-</em><br><br>By night, Lhurriel Ayriss was a loyal follower of the Lower City's notorious vigilante leader, the Lord of Thieves. Cool and collected, the female thief had risen in the ranks ever since she had first been adopted into the organization by the Rogue of the Fountain District, Amery; cared for from childhood and taught every way to pick a lock by her foster-brother, Lhurriel had established herself as one of the most dependable Seconds among the Thirteen Districts, and the Thieves' Court. But as a thief, she followed no code but that of the Court... and as a thief, darkness had quickly become her day, and dawn the signal of her day's end. Moonlight was her sun; she counted stars and stared up at a darkened sky of inky black, instead of making shapes in the clouds, against a backdrop of vivid pastel blue.<br><br>A knock at the door interrupted Lhurriel's last-minute preparations for the night's meeting.<br><br>"Lhurriel?"<br><br>She secured one of the belts at her waist one last time, tugging at the leather strap before fastening it close to her body. The young thief opened the door to the Fountain District's leader, smiling and giving him a slight nod when he walked in. "You haven't told me where we're going tonight, or what we're doing yet, Amery," she ventured matter-of-factly, shrugging when he paused in the middle of opening the lower panel of her window. He grinned and winked, provoking a good-natured scowl from her.<br><br>"It's not something you need to know until we get there. You have all your things?"<br><br>Lhurriel nodded - thieves' gear, all of it. The bandanna she grabbed from off her bedpost matched the rest of her charcoal-gray clothing, tightly-woven cotton that would never catch on any wood splinters or building corners without tearing a remarkable hole in the fabric.<br><br>It was child's play to clamber out the window after him, to swing onto the roof. They had trained together almost since her debut in the Court, and her small body and slim frame belied a not insignificant strength in her arms and legs. Before long, both of them were but shadows flitting from roof to roof, utilizing the overly-close gaps between each building to get to their destination. They split up after a few minutes - even in their home territory, there was little harm in having caution at their side.<br><br>Her lungs began to burn from the autumn night's chill shortly before she arrived at the North Fountain, twenty minutes of roof-running later. As expected, Amery's longer legs and more completely knowledge of his home District had given him the advantage; he waved her over when he spotted her, making a graceful, but soundless leap over the fence that separated the church's courtyard from the rest of the city, and gave it some small measure of serenity. Panting slightly, Lhurriel smiled up at him when she took her place by his side. Only then, did she take the opportunity to look over the young man Amery had been speaking with, who was even now staring back at her.<br><br>Unabashedly, she stared right back, drinking in his features slowly with her curious, bright green eyes. He was taller than her, of a certainty; toned and weathered, but not old. The moon's pearly silver light gave her little to work with, to distinguish his coloring or features. She could tell, at the very least, that he had strong features and guarded, assessing eyes. His hair was wavy, and light-colored, though she wouldn't be able to put a name to the shade of the short locks until she met him again under the sun's light.<br><br>"Lhurriel, my Second," Amery said, indicating the young woman standing beside him. "This is Trigg. He'll be your new partner starting from today."<br><br>She was too respectful and well-trained to flinch in surprise, but her gaze turned from the stranger to the Rogue for a long moment. <em>You must be joking with me,</em> she wanted to say. Furiously. Bitterly.<br><br>Hurt.<br><br><em>I don't need a new partner.</em><br><br>As if hearing her thoughts, Amery turned his eyes to her, daring her to ask.<br><br>She looked away, swallowing the pit of discomfort that had welled up in her throat. After taking a shallow breath, Lhurriel turned back to Trigg, taking a step forward and extending her hand for a handshake.<br><br>"I am Lhurriel," she said softly. "My apologies, if my knee-jerk reaction was rude - I recently lost my partner on the job." She didn't smile, but her eyes turned up to meet his gaze. Lhurriel ignored the whispers that yet haunted her dreams, during the bad nights; whispers of betraying Raymond, of getting a new partner and moving on without him. It was Amery's words, spoken at her bedside after the incident, that remained in clarity as she shook Trigg's larger, rougher hand.<br><br><em>You have to learn to live without him eventually, Rhee.</em>
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				Title: <strong>Re: The Incarnation of Lost Morals [Lisius &amp; Caeli]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>LisiusChase</strong> on <strong>05-12-2008, 11:07:22</strong>
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				<br><br>The gentle rays of the sun wafted down from the heaven’s kissing the faintly tanned skin of a dusty haired lad. Curious and inquisitive blonde eye’s watched as lazy clouds wandered above him. He gave a sigh; the shadow of cold bars running across his face as he looked through the small window of the cell in which detained him. <br><br>He longed to feel be those clouds, free of the melancholy life that he was cursed into living. He averted his eyes from the freedom above him; the sun’s rays milking into an amber glaze; sugar coating the clouds in vibrant pinks and orange as the night began to creep up on their mortal world.<br><br>“This one?” He heard a rusty voice, that was probably rank with whiskey and lies as he heard the jingle of iron keys; worn with heavy use. “Aye.” Spoke another voice; calm and masculine; having an air about him that was all too curious. Trigg’s eyes lifted again to stair at the large metal door; the small window in the top hardly sufficing as a mediocre porthole.<br><br><em>…Click…</em><br><br>The sound of the lock’s disable filled his cell; and at that moment his heart jumped in joy; however his cold face barley showed such excitement. He had seen too much in his lifetime to bother himself with emotions. He shuffled to his feat; the sun soaking into the fabrics that adorn him; revealing his features for the dust and spider’s that inhabited the cell with him to see.<br><br>Paul Trigg; more formally known just as ‘Trigg’ was a member of the under cities legion of rouges. He wasn’t of much class, or any legend to speak of; but his talents where noted and he was given the respect deserved. However, something went amiss on his last mission, landing him a seat in the fiercest penitentiary in all the seven kingdoms. During the day he worked as a smith; working with metal and crafting iron into various goods in which he sold. Due to his trade; his normal district was the Guardsman's Quarter, although he was from the part of town kept under wraps from his overseeing brotherhood.<br><br>They had bribed many of the guards in the area; and the loyal citizens; poverty stricken, didn’t pass down their chance to repay their debt to the band of thieves. It is spoken through rumor that beggars and peasants are the true eyes and ears of the Lord of Thieves, as for but a few coin; they will supply you with anything they have witnessed during the coarse of their day. They are synced so rhythmically with the happenings of the city; that they will tell you just about anything you heart desires.<br><br>Trigg was of average male height; his body reaching roughly five foot, seven inches from hull to mast. Weighing in at a measly 120lbs, however; his average statue did nothing to describe how well toned he was under his skin. His body was built for stealth; and pounding metal into tempered swords all day was great exorcize. Nimble and agile; he loved to run, he loved freedom, and he loved justice. His soul was hardy; even with all the adversity that lies in his past.<br><br>His torso was wrapped in a worn vest; made from average hide. It was held by three belts; the top two working just the front; aiding as to not let it fall open; and the bottom most wrapping his entire waist to keep the article to his body securely. He had a chiseled masculine face; still keeping some of his boyish round looks. His trousers where wool, average at best, and a deep green in color; which oddly blended in with the limited range of nocturnal colors.<br><br>----------<br><br>The door slid open with an agitated groan; it’s slumber disturbed by this mysterious stranger. He revealed himself; his attire most definitely giving away his status among his kind. Trigg’s trained mind locked itself from any controntation from this section of the Jail’s warden. Instead; he merely made direct contact with his gaze; looking deep into their dark hues. <br><br>“Mr. Trigg.” He began to spoke: “Not only am I hear to bail you out from this hole, but to offer you a new job which we can discuss on the way to the destination fate has directly chosen for you.” Amery smoke, his expression as stern as Trigg’s at the moment. Paul remained quiet; merely bowing his head in respect.<br><br><em>What is going on… am I being transferred? They truly don’t think I am to blame for whatever happened last night…</em><br><br>His mind stirred with confusion as he though about what could possibly be going on; he tried to wrap his fingers around it, but only came up a few inches short with each passing idea. The scent of mustard fell off the rotting old man who oversaw this end of hell; his large form foul and harsh on the eyes moved out of the door, rudely coughing bits of his aqua lungs into the atmosphere as he did so: “Whatever.” He began to speak: “As long as I get me coin; you can take this lad wherever you so please.” He paused, thinking about what he said; his perverted mind ruling his next comment: “If you are that kind of pervert.” He burst into an uproar of hearty laughter, finding his offensive comment to be quite pleasing comedy.<br><br>Amery nearly set the bag of coins in the mans hands; little did he know; it was formerly of a guard that was already working his shift elsewhere in the fortress. Amery shook his head in disgust; and motioned for the boy to follow him.<br><br><br>Onward they went into the city; the bustling noises of the town filled the air as they made their way to what for Trigg was an unknown destination. Amery turned to him speaking: “You’re to meet your new partner, and forget about the events of last night. She is not to know and you are not to judge. You are not being punished; there is nothing that is out of the hands of the Lord’s wishes.” <br><br>Trigg nodded; the only answer he could muster as he received his orders. He locked it away in the back of his mind, only clueless as to what fate had in store for him next. And it wouldn’t be long before he found out. He turned his wheat colored orbs to the sky once more; the clouds now shivering with shades of blue as the sun yawned one last time; slipping into its bed on the horizon. The night began to swell through the air; bringing about sounds of crickets, and the flickering of lanterns.<br><br>Before long he found himself alone; standing patiently in the collectiveness that was the night. He felt as a night’s breeze wove its way through each strand of hair adorning his crown. After moments of waiting his summoner returned with said partner. He watched as the moonlight hid her form; making her difficult to read. His eyes scanned feverishly for some sort of analysis; but her cloak was too strong; he could tell she as well was high of rank.<br><br>“Lhurriel, My Second,” Amery spoke, addressing the woman to his side who was wearing a veil of the night. “This is Trigg. He’ll be your new partner starting today.”<br><br>He watched as her emotions wavered behind her guise. Watching as their silent quarrel unfolded before him. He knew at this moment that discomfort was not strong enough of verbum to describe how he felt. <br><br><em> What was the meaning of all of this? Had the Lord gone mad? </em><br><br><em>No…</em><br><br>He struggled with his thoughts; for it was sin to think so badly of the one who loved them; and gave them their divine rights as keepers over the poor. He snapped back into reality as he heard her soft voice speak to him. The vibrations of her voice carried across the starry breeze like that of a canary. “Trigg” He spoke; grasping her nimble; feminine hand. He listened as she apologized for her behavior; simply responding: “It’s quite already; I’ve had a bit of a day myself.” His lip curled into a half hearted smile, as his eyes took on a weary look. “The pleasure is all mine.” He said, reminding himself of her overseeing rank.<br><br><em>This is going to be interesting…</em><br><br><br>
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				Title: <strong>Re: The Incarnation of Lost Morals [Lisius &amp; Caeli]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Caeli</strong> on <strong>08-12-2008, 05:20:58</strong>
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				She gave him a half-smile, though the shadows cast by the moon over her hair hid most of it except for the slightly upturned corner of her mouth. "Are you sure you should be saying that?" She remarked coolly in response to his trite pleasantry. "You might regret those words if I turn out to be a-"<br><br>"Rhee!"<br><br>Lhurriel visibly stiffened and flinched at Amery's sharp reprimand. He was usually amiable and rather flexible - she had rarely heard him raise his voice, and very rarely with her. That he would do so now, in front of a stranger- <br><br>The thief took a slow breath, her eyes softening apologetically as she looked back up at Trigg, her gaze still bright and honest, if guarded. She hadn't realized that her pain was still so fresh, even though she'd made her peace with his death and buried her pain when he left with the God of Death. Missing Raymond had taken the back burner, as her duties as Amery's only Second piled up while she healed, then tried to catch up on paperwork and planning.<br><br>"My apologies," she murmured, bowing slightly before stepping back. "Amery. I'll be going back first." Later, she would rail and rant at him for doing this without consulting her first. She did not want a new partner, and though it was too late to change that... well, she knew why he'd done it. if he'd brought it up, she would have refused otherwise, practical or not.<br><br>Before Amery could say anything else, Lhurriel turned on her heel and&nbsp; ran down one of the small courtyard's paths, around the fountain and disappearing behind the corner of the church's walls. He watched her go, a small frown on his face, then turned back to Trigg, faintly amused. "So. I'll bring you back to the Tilted Crescent for tonight, and you can meet some of the other thieves that you'll be working with. Tomorrow, you go talk with Lhurriel. Now, follow me - I won't stop for you if you get tired, mind."
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				Title: <strong>Re: The Incarnation of Lost Morals [Lisius &amp; Caeli]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>LisiusChase</strong> on <strong>09-12-2008, 05:15:50</strong>
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				&nbsp;<br>Trigg watched as she was chastised for her comment. He pulled his hand back from their half-hearted shale only to pocket it, sighing at the bitterness and arrogance she had given him. He himself wasn’t too thrilled about the circumstance he was in either. Who was she to point the finger, making accusations that hey may be a traitor? He scoffed in his mind, a bit of angst brewing in the pit of his gut the more he thought about it. However, due to his training, he kept a calm, collective appearance, watching the small quarrel before him.<br>&nbsp;<br><em>This confusion and disconnection between factions of the guild is really concerning…</em><br><br>Trigg’s mind steeped, trying to make sense of the past few days. His memory took him back for a brief moment. The last thing he remembered about the previous day was picking up a rather lavish dagger from a display case he had picked open. And before he knew it a city guard had his sword to the back of his neck. He remembered feeling the cold steel of the blade, milimeteres from his spine. His face quirked a bit, a rare trait for him to show any sort of emotion, though he quickly subdued them before his eyes turned back upwards.<br><br>The awkward situation left Trigg rather antisocial for the time being, he felt as if anything he said only further the incriminating assumptions of the two before him. He had heard rumor of this canary that he was to be partner’s with. By day she sang weaving dulcet hymns for any passer-by; but by night a raven, becoming one with the shadows as she gracefully helped to balance their gilded world. Lhurriel, along with her late partner’s reputations had preceded them, and now here he was, in the presence of two of the highest rank members of an unfamiliar district.<br><br><em>What is a lowly metal thief like myself doing here? Standing among two legends; to be partners with one. </em><br><br>It was all too curious to him, the last few days flying by him as the previous night resonated in his mind. After having an entire day to himself, stewing over the events in a cell he couldn’t help but wonder if he would be placed under suspicion for whatever devious events that may have taken place. His mind grew weary; and so he decided to look towards optimism for answers. He was going to work hard, earning back any loyalty to the Lord of Thieves that may have been falsely displaced.<br><br>Trigg absent mindedly continued to nod in response to their questions and comments; finding no words that could fit the peculiar atmosphere the moon was casting about them. His eyes bear witness as the female’s form turned, an obvious discomfort about her as she swept off, proclaiming her farewell for the time being. He watched as she spread her wings, sailing off into the causeways of the Fountain District, the territory she was queen of. He couldn’t help but think how free she looked, as the shadows welcomed her so generously; he was going to have to work hard indeed to earn this ones trust.<br><br>“So I’ll bring you back to the Tilted Crescent for tonight, and you can meet some of the other thieves that you’ll be working with. Tomorrow, you go talk with Lhurriel. Now, fallow me – I won’t stop for you if you get tired, mind.” <br><br>Snapping back to attention as the masculine voice of Amery began to command him, Trigg, lost in a relay of never ending though had to find it in him to break the cycle and clear his mind. His amber gaze switched to the one who laid claim as one of the thirteen overloads of the empire. His mind began to grow wayward once more and his eyes shifted downward, he had only dealt with one of the thirteen voices of the lord at his initiation as one of the thieves, becoming part of the vagabond protectors of justice. <br><br>Turning back upwards he saw that his company was already swiftly making his way towards his proclaimed destination. Never having set foot in this district he scolded himself for being so inattentive. Thankfully for him he was quick on his heels; kicking off the cobblestone below him as he made his way onto the thieves’ highway consisting of the dark alleys, and the moonlit rooftops. He wasn’t sure what was in store for him in the next chapter of this adventure that was unfolding before him; but as they arrived at their final destination he turned to see the wooden, hand crafted sign that dangle gently from a cast iron support. As one would assume, it read in script letters: “Tilted Crescent” an appropriate picture of so above it. He turned to the door of the Inn, waiting for further instruction.<br>
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				Title: <strong>Re: The Incarnation of Lost Morals [Lisius &amp; Caeli]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Caeli</strong> on <strong>10-12-2008, 11:11:19</strong>
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				Amery began walking through the door of the Tilted Crescent, then paused and looked back at Trigg when the other man didn't follow him in. He chuckled and shook his head, then stepped back out so he could sling an arm around the slightly shorter man's shoulders.<br><br>"Trigg, what are you doing standing outside the door like a fool? If you're going to be Lhurriel's partner, then you can at least walk into your new home without orders. We're a lot less strict here than in the Guardsman's Quarter - I don't give orders as often, and Lhurriel helps me a lot more than most Seconds do. I handle issues with the Lord of Thieves, with other Districts, but she and her- well, just Lhurriel now, she helps train the younger ones, those who are more skilled in our district." Amery grinned and hailed the inn manager as they walked past the coatroom and into the lobby; Jonathan, who came from around his desk to shake his hand, and then Trigg's when Amery introduced him as such.<br><br>They talked for a brief moment - plans of some sort, for a heist a few days away - while laughter and glasses slamming on tables could be heard from the public taproom on the right, where the door was open. The air looked clean, but the people sitting inside... considerably less so, and some of them obviously inebriated. Before long, Amery returned to Trigg's side with a short apology and continued their conversation as if they had never stopped. "And as a thief - well, Lhurriel knows all the tricks of our trade, and knows all the ins and outs of our territory."<br><br>At that moment, they turned away from the public taproom on the right, and walked into the private room on the left, where the door was closed. Unlike the raucous revelry from the public taproom, this one was much more refined, and furnished more comfortably. Several men were reclined in semi-comfortable looking couches, either sleeping or reading by lanterns hung above them or standing on nearby tables; there were about a dozen seated four to a table, drinking and tossing cards into a center pile, before groaning and then returning all of them to the dealer when they lost. The bartender, who was chatting amiably with a few thieves seated on stools next to the bar, was the first to spot Amery and the new arrival - he quickly poured the drink into a glass with a flourish, then hailed the amiable Rogue, making everyone else in the room sit back as they looked towards the door.<br><br>"Hey, it's a new one!"<br><br>"Amery! Where's our little sweetheart?"<br><br>"Augh... I had to wake up and see your ugly mug?! Where's Rhee?"<br><br>That particular thief earned a good-natured scowl and a kick at his chair when Amery came close. <br><br>"Who's he?" A man sitting in the corner nodded at Trigg, who was standing just behind Amery. The Rogue grinned and beckoned for Trigg to come forward.<br><br>"This man is Trigg. He'll be working with us from today on - I have him training with Lhurriel-"<br><br>"-Lucky bastard-"<br><br>"And none of you will complain about that." Amery gave the thief who'd said that a sharp look. "She did not choose any of you for a reason, and if I gave her a choice in the matter, she'd like as not slam the door in my face. To keep out favoritism-" And this time, Amery looked at a man sitting at the next card table over, before continuing, "I have chosen someone new to the District. So I will hear no complaints from any of you."<br><br>It wasn't overtly obvious, but something they heard in his voice made most of them back off, at least grudgingly. It was obvious, though, that Lhurriel was at least as well known in her own District as she was outside it. "It's as he says, gentlemen," the man in the corner said coolly, before putting his newsheet down and standing. His body unfolded - he towered over even the tall Amery, and was as thin as a rail. Despite his height, his movements carried a careless grace that didn't seem trained, but natural. "No more grumbling - let's greet the newcomer," he said, a half-smile curling the corners of his lips. "I'm Alasdair."<br><br>As if on cue, everybody in the room (except those still sleeping) jumped up, abandoning their books, news sheets, and card games to greet Trigg with apparent enthusiasm.
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				Title: <strong>Re: The Incarnation of Lost Morals [Lisius &amp; Caeli]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>LisiusChase</strong> on <strong>10-12-2008, 21:57:57</strong>
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				Trigg’s eyes watched the orange and yellow hues of light cracked forth from the entrance of the building, the form of Amery’s silhouette making its way through the doors, only to turn back and see him standing there. As Amery stepped down the stone steps leading into the building Trigg couldn’t help but notice his attitude was now so casual and he felt his new boss’s arm hanging his shoulders. He was a bit shocked, their awkward introduction having left him with a serious impression of the man, now seeing him with a hearty grin and a lax nature.<br><strong><br>“Aye, you’re right, sir, I’m just a bit off my rocker today; Jail does things to a man.” </strong><br>He chortled, his face lighting up as he relaxed, a smile played his maw as he join his new boss in venturing into his new home. He listened to Amery as he explained how things worked here, taking mental notes and nodding when he felt appropriate. Instantly the sounds of a tavern washed into his ears as he was caught up in the bustle. The place was very alive for the hour at night, but when the pubs full of dunk commoners what else could one expect.<br><br>Upon being jousted into an introduction to the apparent owner of this fine institution, Trigg quickly assessed the man and gripped his hand with a firm handshake: <br><strong>“Nice to meet you, sir. And a fine establishment you have here, I must say.” </strong><br>When Amery took the man’s attention once they’d become acquainted he couldn’t help but advert his gaze to the main taproom. This place had much appeal, and Trigg scouted quietly into the main hall of the building his arms folding neatly over his chest. The smell of sour ale and fresh tobacco joined his senses; possibly masking any foul odors from the unkempt patrons that weren’t too many paces from them.<br><br>Just as he turned his head to peer over at Amery and this man Jonathan, he got caught by the other man’s frame once more as he continued their conversation not missing a beat, finding himself being guided back into a private room. As they entered the calmer atmosphere his eyes instantly observed the situation, sizing up his new team and picking out different things in the room. There was a light blue cloud linger in the air as rolled cigarettes lay in ashtrays smoldering to their death in neglect as their host was consumed by the cards. <br><strong>“Ah, this is much nicer than back at Guildsman’s.” </strong><br>He commented, the apparent income of this sector paying off much nicer than his previous home. <br><strong>“All we had over yonder was a small supply room in the back of a store.”</strong><br>&nbsp;He chuckled, his arms unraveling.<br><br>Trigg wasn’t one to be found clamoring around in a tavern or brothel, finding this atmosphere to be much more his style, in turn his hard shell began to retract while growing more comfortable with the atmosphere. His attentions turned as the bartender spoke out, the rag-tag bunch of thieves averting their notice two the two of them. It was them Amery called out Trigg’s freshman status and his new position among them; smiling a bit as they expressed their affections to their female counterpart. <br><br>He couldn’t believe how lax they where, especially with an astute rouge in their presence. As he was addressed, Trigg stepped forward not shying himself to the man as they where to be is allies and family now. “Evenin’” he said, having an apparent dialect that was slightly more drawn then theirs. “As Amery’s already gone about saying; M’name’s Trigg.” He bowed slightly.<br><br>Amery continued to explain the situation in further detail, expressing how he will be taken under the wing of the lovely little songbird. He listened to their stir; only to be reprimanded by their Rouge and left Trigg astounded that even in their casual presence, he still showed his command, and his men loyal. A quaint smile played his muzzle as his true nature began to show itself. He knew when the time for business and the time for relaxed affairs needed to be, he guessed this was a good trait of himself. <br><br>The man in the corner rose, silencing the quarry of thieves, only to regain stability and control, introducing himself kindly to Trigg. <br><strong>“The pleasure is mine, sir.” </strong><br>He said, his hand wrapping tightly around the other male’s in a shake. <br><strong>“As it is to the rest of you, I can only hope I meet your expectations.” </strong><br>He bowed his head, only to see them all burst forth from their stations and crowd him. He exchanged greetings to the mean, dispensing handshakes and receiving names. After he’d spent a few moments getting general information about his new comrades he stopped, raising his hand into the air.<br><strong>“Gentlemen.”</strong> He said, his voice carrying a tone to be heard thought the room. <br><strong>“I had a long night in the federal penitentiary , and now find myself back with my kind.”</strong> He continued; <strong>“So I think I need something hard to drink while we get to know one another.”</strong> He grinned, his arm falling to his side as the other stuffed into his pocket, finding himself rather happy with how things where turning out, resting any fears or suspicions he was harboring earlier nearly to bay.<br><br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: The Incarnation of Lost Morals [Lisius &amp; Caeli]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Caeli</strong> on <strong>12-12-2008, 02:12:34</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				As most of the thieves dragged Trigg along to the bar (when there were no more stools, some of them dragged and turned chairs around so they could talk facing the other group), where they all sat and asked him questions. Amery watched, amusement in his eyes as he watched Trigg's attempt at a genial, collected attitude get stripped away as the other young men boisterously laughed, joked, and asked questions. Some of them were very young, but most were either around Trigg's age or a few years older. Several of the most unique of the group shined as they handled teasing, mockery, and attention easily; however, even the quieter few were easily brought into the group, with a subtlety of a well-oiled machine.<br><br>It was obvious that the group had known each other for a significant amount of time, and worked with each other often. The only person missing was Lhurriel.<br><br>Alasdair slipped away from the group with a toast and a laugh to join Amery on one of the comfortable fireside seats, both of them sipping from glasses of water while they waited for her to return.<br><br>"She didn't react very well to her new partner, I'm taking it," Alasdair murmured, angling his chin slightly in the direction of the gathering to indicated who he was talking about.<br><br>Amery's mouth twitched, and he drank some water to hide a frown. "You of all people should know how close she was to Raymond." Alasdair didn't respond, though he did raise a brow at the comment to acknowledge that. <br><br>The group had been sitting and drinking long enough for most of the thieves to get drunk, but still believe they were sober, when Lhurriel slipped through the door. Most of the group drinking didn't notice her; seeing Amery and Alasdair sitting next to the hearth, she walked towards them, obviously much more composed than when she had disgraced herself earlier. Alasdair stood and smiled, welcoming the petite girl and drawing her into a warm embrace. She smiled wanly, but flinched when his hand brushed over her arm.<br><br>"I ran into three thugs today, while I was doing a patrol at the South Fountain," she murmured softly, glaring at Amery so he wouldn't show any alarm when Alasdair's palm coming away bloody. "I've never seen them before, but they were obviously waiting for someone. When one of them grabbed my bandanna and it slipped, they saw I was a woman and fled. Didn't see their faces, but I thought I would tell you, so you can warn everyone before they go patrolling tomorrow night."<br><br>Amery frowned. Lhurriel scowled. "I can talk to Trigg tomorrow," she murmured. "I need to go clean and bandage these injuries." Without another word, she slipped back up the hidden stairwell just behind the bar, where her, Amery, and Alasdair's rooms were housed. <br><br>A few minutes after she'd left, Amery and Alasdair slid into seats next to Trigg, who was still conversing with the other thieves. "If you wish to talk to Lhurriel tonight, her room is the last door in the hallway up the stairs," Alasdair murmured, before slipping into the conversation as if he'd been there the whole time.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: The Incarnation of Lost Morals [Lisius &amp; Caeli]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>LisiusChase</strong> on <strong>15-12-2008, 19:33:33</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Trigg happily complied to their near dragging of his smaller frame, chuckling as he enjoyed their welcoming atmosphere, having feared that they might greet them as his new partner did. He watched as the men gathered about him, eager to learn about him, and happy to make their acquaintances. He conversed, telling them the few stories that he had, and of thrilling heists he had made and prizes he claimed in his work, listening as a few of them piped up to share as well and answering questions promptly.<br><br>He smiled as the barkeep slid him a tankard full of ale, explaining how tonight it was on the house in welcome to his induction into their group. It didn’t take him long to quench a bit of his thirst, making ease of two mugs of the thick amber juice as his cheeks grew rosy and he conversed openly with the men. He was overjoyed at how their system worked, seemingly superior and much more comfortable than his former home at Guildsman, a grin sprawling his face as he knew he would work as hard as possible to keep their opinions warm of him.<br><br>Trigg glanced over to the chatting rouge and his fellow thief, lifting his mug to the two of them to show he was grateful for Amery’s work at both bailing him from jail and making him welcome. However, it seemed just on cue that his eyes turned to see the door to the small lodge open, in walking the beautiful figure of the guilds canary. This was the first time Trigg had gotten a good look of her, he smiled, giving her a sheepish wave as he set down the tankard, noticing her avoidance of him, and the rest of the general party he gave a small sigh, turning his attention back to the men to not want to cause any conflict.<br>&nbsp;<br>Trigg turned as the lengthy form of Alsdair instructed him towards the direction of her quarters, and he figured that after everyone had their fill for the night he would slip up to have a word with her. And so he continued, getting to know Alsdair a bit more as he joined the group seamlessly, grinning and finishing a third mug of ale before he shook his head to a forth, not wanting to be completely overcome with inebriation.<br><br>----------<br><br>The time slipped by as they grew more acquainted and intoxicated, Trigg not drinking any further than he had, wanting somewhat of a clear head if he was to talk to Lhurriel. One by one the men parted ways for the night, and when the last few left, Trigg stood. “It was great to meet all you fine thieves, I look forward to missions we may do together.” He bowed, stumbling slightly before laughter erupted from him.<br>“Aye lad, go and get some sleep.” One of the men spoke up, patting him on the shoulder as he left. Trigg’s eyes fell to the stairway, and after thinking about it for a moment, he pressed forth, nodding to the remaining few before he disappeared up into the hall it led to. <br><br>”Last door…” he thought out loud, remember his previous instructions as he came to said door, reaching up he knocked on it lightly, hoping she had not gone to bed already. He fumbled with one of the belts on his vest, a bit anxious for her to open, hoping her mood had lightened, though he was very doubtful.<br><br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: The Incarnation of Lost Morals [Lisius &amp; Caeli]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Caeli</strong> on <strong>11-01-2009, 00:03:40</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				She lay on her bed after going upstairs, staring up at the ceiling with no wish to sleep, and no wish to return downstairs to celebrate the Fountain District's latest.<br><br>Inevitably, her thoughts wandered to Raymond, and the accident that had cost him his life, and left her weakened and injured for several weeks. It was bad luck, or so Lhurriel had thought at the time - a pair of guards had somehow discovered them digging into some records in the library of some noble's home, looking for clues as to who it was that was obstructing the passing of a bill that would ease some of the immense poverty plaguing the worst districts of the Lower City. They had run, of course - together, Lhurriel and Raymond had been a most formidable team, their agility and teamwork usually leaving most pursuers far behind them.<br><br>That night... she didn't remember much of it. Only that they had kept running, and ran into ambushes at every safe point they usually went to. It was Lhurriel who first realized they were routing them, trying to back them into an ambush impossible to escape - surrounded on all sides by guards.<br><br>They'd gambled, and near succeeded. She'd boosted him up to the roof of the building in that narrow alley, and then she'd leapt up after him. They'd run, and had reached the roof of their safe house...<br><br>She couldn't remember what had happened. Only that they had fought, desperately losing as more and more guards joined their fellows. They'd both done their fair best, but outnumbered, it had been rather hopeless. Lhurriel, a smaller and weaker target, found herself on the receiving end of multiple opponents. She was told, after that night, that she'd been scored all over her body by steel, and an unlucky stumble had left her with a twisted ankle and broken arm, when only a vambrace had saved the bone from being completely shattered by a heavy, blunt-edged weapon. To protect her from a blow that would have killed her, Raymond had whirled into that circle of danger. Two fatal wounds - one to the chest, one to the thigh, where cutting a major artery meant he had bled to death by her side.<br><br>Other thieves had come to help, but just too late - they had arrived to see pools of blood shining darkly in the moonlight.<br><br><br>When the knock came to her door, it jolted Lhurriel out of her light doze, from the restless nightmares of that night. Wincing at the still-untreated injury at her arm, Lhurriel got to her feet, brushing some of her hair back with tired fingers.<br><br>Opening her door, she wasn't sure what made her more surprised - that it wasn't Amery at the door wishing to speak with her, or that it was Trigg, obviously not drunk off his feet like the rest surely were.<br><br>"Rather late for a visit, isn't it?" She murmured softly - neutrally, with no sign of the hostility that she'd had earlier in the night at their first meeting. 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: The Incarnation of Lost Morals [Lisius &amp; Caeli]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>LisiusChase</strong> on <strong>28-09-2009, 18:59:18</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Trigg dragged his fingers through his ruddy hair right after he finished the knock unsure of what he was even going to say. <em> I’ll just play it by ear… </em> he thought, feeling the light buzzing of the alcohol in his cheeks, thankful he had his wits about him to quit when he did. He tugged at his vest, fiddling with a random strap on it, a small bit of nervousness wandering through the back of his mind.<br><br>He waited only a few moments, thankfully, before the door gave a reluctant moan, squeaking as it was pulled open to reveal the moonlight figure of his new partner, whose light sarcastic response was still more welcoming then their first encounter. <br><br>“Heh, yeah, a bit late I suppose.” He scratched the back of his head as he dug for a good way to break the ice.<br>“I didn’t wake you did I?” He asked, not much of an ice breaker, but it was a start. <br><br>Trigg glanced around, and suddenly everything became slightly overwhelming. This unfamiliar sect of their organization, the welcoming of these men who moments before were all strangers, the vastness of their cause. Everything started in all at once; he was now in a new home, with a new partner who far out-ranked him. Something was going on, and it was starting to seem strange.
			</dd>
		</dl>
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