Avarice (NorthernCross) GMed by Takimaru

[Tassadar]

Re: Avarice (NorthernCross)

Spoiler

Robin Neudaiz: HP = 82, PP = 41, EP = 39, Status = Fine

After she had signed her name on the contract, the text on it glowed softly for a moment before going dark once more, and Lord Hodrim clapped his hands together and said; "Excellent! Now, would you care for a drink? Don't be shy now, I've got plenty to go around! What'll you have, my good man? Whiskey? Wine? Mead? I've just received a shipment of fine liquors from the Anudor made from agave and pineapple and haven't had a chance to try them out yet if you're feeling adventurous!"

Once Robin had selected a drink or politely declined one, Lord Hodrim gestured toward one of the chairs by the fire and took a seat opposite the one he'd indicated for her to take. Clutching his own drink, which had been brought in by the maid that had answered the door, Lord Hodrim began to explain, "Now, to business! Well, the reason for all of the secrecy is because this is sort of a.... Family problem. Now, normally, I would go to the queen or the Academy to have this sort of thing taken care of, but those aren't exactly people that I can guarantee will keep a tight lip, you understand me? No.... I decided to seek outside aid first, see how that went before making a big public fuss. Don't want a scandal now!"

He paused to glance at Robin knowingly as if expecting her to understand, but only gave her a brief window in which to say something before going on himself, "Now, the problem I have happens to be due to a certain... Unusual curse that has befallen one of my family members. My nephew, actually, and currently the one first in line to inherit my estate since my brother died and I have no children of my own."

Lord Hodrim let out a sigh and paused for a moment, taking a long draw of honey colored liquor from the glass in his hands before going on, "You see, a few months ago, my nephew was traveling in Western Crolia when he came upon, by his indication, a witch. The details on what transpired are unimportant, but suffice to say, she transformed him into... A werewolf. He's in the old mansion right now, locked in the basement with a sheep. We've had to do this every night of the full moon since, but last month the lamb I left him wasn't enough. He broke free, and several of my guards and servants were killed before he could be subdued. I need someone to go in and find a way to cure my nephew before we have to kill him. I don't care how you do it, and I'll provide whatever funds you need to get it done, plus a large reward should you succeed." He fell silent and observed Robin's face carefully, his own expression neutral as he awaited the disguised woman's response.

 

[NorthernCross]

Re: Avarice (NorthernCross)

“A glass of wine would be lovely.” Robin politely requested as she joined Lord Hodrim by the fire. She patiently listened to his explanation giving nods at appropriate moments and quietly digesting what he said.

'It is likely he offended her in some way. A witch casting random curses wouldn't warrant this level of secrecy and would have been dealt with before it reached this point.' Robin thought to herself, as she sipped at the glass of wine she had been offered. 'She could also be someone of importance. Either way, attempting to get official help would be troublesome and could lead to their family name being tarnished.'

“I have to ask two questions before I can agree to help, with all due respect.” Robin began, pausing to take another sip. “Outside of the full moon, is he lucid enough that I could talk to him without being attacked? And does this curse spread or is it targeted specifically to him?”

 

[Tassadar]

Re: Avarice (NorthernCross)

Spoiler

Robin Neudaiz: HP = 82, PP = 41, EP = 39, Status = Fine

Lord Hodrim didn't hesitate to answer Robin's questions, "He is lucid when not transformed, yes. I am unsure if the curse can be spread. As yet, it has not, but all those whom he attacked while transformed are dead, so we have no concrete evidence either way. I for one doubt that it can be transferred given its nature as a curse, but I might easily be wrong, and as you'd be the one in danger I can understand your desire for caution."

 

[NorthernCross]

Re: Avarice (NorthernCross)

“I see. I would like to speak with him if possible. To better know the nature of this curse and thus be better prepared to cure it.” Robin took another sip before continuing. “To be honest, due to the secretive nature of the matter it would've been convenient to have him spread it to me and to use that to justify my interest in a cure to those who might question me about it. Then I could use that knowledge to cure him but alas... ”

 

[Tassadar]

Re: Avarice (NorthernCross)

Spoiler

Robin Neudaiz: HP = 82, PP = 41, EP = 39, Status = Fine

"Of course. You may see him whenever you like, I can call a guard to escort you there now if you like," Lord Hodrim said genially upon Robin's request. His visage darkened at her suggestion, and there was a faint trace of insult present when he replied, "I would never do such a thing! What do you take me for, one of those incestuous, swill-blooded scum from the South!?"

 

[NorthernCross]

Re: Avarice (NorthernCross)

Robin paused to consider Lord Hodrim's dark visage before realizing how her words had been taken. “Which is why I am the one suggesting it as an option. That I am willing to do such a thing in order to preserve your good name... although, I am glad that you had never considered it. It reinforces my notion that you are the kind of Lord that I am looking for.”

Robin rose to her feet and bowed deeply to Lord Hodrim. “I deeply apologize if my previous poor choice in words offended you in anyway. I was only considering all options in which to best liberate your nephew of his curse.”

If he permitted her to rise, she would but she had a few other words to say. “I will do all within my power to help your nephew. It is an honor to help one who places value upon his blood kin.”

In the fire's light, were he to look, Lord Hodrim would notice a finger had a pale imprint of of where a signet ring once rested. And a fresh looking scar where it was obvious someone had tried to remove it.

 

[Tassadar]

Re: Avarice (NorthernCross)

Spoiler

Robin Neudaiz: HP = 82, PP = 41, EP = 39, Status = Fine

"Worry no more of it," Lord Hodrim replied somewhat gruffly, though his dark look had largely lifted when she explained the intentions behind her words. He continued in his previously genial tone "I hope that it isn't necessary to infect yourself in order to find a cure, but I leave the actual methods up to you. If you think risking yourself to the curse is necessary to cure my nephew, then by all means, do so." Robin was allowed to rise, but Hodrim hesitated for a fraction of a second in coming to his feet himself. In that brief moment, his eyes darted to the scar on her hand and the white skin that stood above it and then back at her face, his eyes asking questions that his mouth seemed unwilling to permit him to.

"I can take you to him now if you like. The hour grows late, but we should still have some time. If not, I can permit you rooms here so that you might see him in the morning at your leisure. Don't fret over the expense; the rooms would go to waste otherwise, and I can spare a bit of food and drink."

 

[NorthernCross]

Re: Avarice (NorthernCross)

Robin rose when she was given permission to with a small look of relief. “Thank you. Although it may be an entirely moot point if it isn't transmittable and I'd like to know for sure before I risk that kind of contact.”

The movement of his eyes hadn't gone unnoticed to Robin but she wasn't going to broach that subject with him until her quest here was complete. Then she could talk about what she really hoped to gain from this meeting. She paused to consider whether or not to meet him tonight or tomorrow. Staying the night here would effectively stall the assassination attempt she still feared from her father. “I suspect that this conversation may go on for too long to handle in it's entirety tonight, so I'm afraid I must ask for your hospitality.”

 

[Tassadar]

Re: Avarice (NorthernCross)

Spoiler

Robin Neudaiz: HP = 82, PP = 41, EP = 39, Status = Fine

"That's quite already," Lord Hodrim replied pleasantly, "I'd have offered it regardless! One of my maids can see you to a room and bring you up a meal if you like. I've already had my dinner tonight, but you can use the dining room if you'd prefer to eat in more formal conditions." He downed his glass in one long draw before setting it aside, at which point he rung a bell that had been sitting next to him. Though it chimed relatively quietly, the door opened almost immediately, and the same redheaded maid that had shown Robin around since she'd arrived at the Hodrim estate entered and curtsied politely to the two of them. "How may I serve you, my lord?" she asked, and Lord Hodrim commanded; "I am placing you at Sir Robin's disposal. Do exactly as he desires until he departs from us or until I tell you otherwise. For now, show him to one of the prepared rooms."

The maid curtsied once again and turned to Robin, "Please follow me, my lord." If Robin complied, she would lead him out of Lord Hodrim's study, pausing only to close the door behind them, before leading her down the corridor to another hall. "This wing contains the guest bedrooms," she said just after they passed by a grand staircase, "Lord Hodrim doesn't currently have any other guests, so you will be staying here largely alone. As such, I will be sleeping in your suite so as to better serve you." The maid led Robin to a door in that hall, which she opened to reveal a fairly large and finely furnished bedroom, complete with its own fireplace and two doors on the right hand side of the room, one leading into a fully furnished bathroom and the other into a much smaller and simpler bedroom that was probably meant for a personal attendant.

Turning toward Robin and giving her a moment to take in the details of the room, the maid asked, "Would you care for refreshments or a meal, my lord? I am happy to service you however you might desire~" From the look on her face, it was quite plain that the maid's offer included a great many scandalous things if such were to Robin's tastes, though she would probably be just as happy to simply get her a meal.

(And from here, Taki takes over.)

 

[NorthernCross]

Re: Avarice (NorthernCross) GMed by Takimaru

“By your leave.” Robin bowed to Lord Hodrim, and followed the maid out of the room. She couldn't help but find her eyes fall upon the maid's curvy bottom from time to time until they reached a fairly large guest room. She took a moment to consider the guest room before she heard the maid's question.

“I would like to have dinner, would you kindly? Whatever is available is fine.” Robin requested of the maid. Although she would love to see this maid moaning in ecstasy under her ministrations, that would require risking her secret getting out. The oath she made to her father so long ago had been invalidated by his betrayal but it still felt wrong to reveal herself too openly. Although, once she'd built up enough of a rapport with House Hodrim perhaps she would tell them... and then she could indulge herself as she pleased of their offerings.

Spoiler

NorthernCross waves happily at Takimaru. Then tackles and soup cans.

 

[Takimaru]

Re: Avarice (NorthernCross) GMed by Takimaru

Spoiler

Robin Neudaiz: HP = 82, PP = 41, EP = 39, Status = Fine

"Absolutely, sir. If it is to your liking, we have a fine selection of fresh meats and vegetables just picked earlier in the day--something that Lord Hodrim himself prefers. If not, there are a variety of alternatives available..."

If Robin had no other protests to what the red-haired beauty had to recommend, she would curtsy politely before taking her leave momentarily, her step accentuated by the suggestive swivel of her hips. One could figure by this point that Lord Hodrim's tastes were clearly of the more sensual nature, given the 'standard' manner of the servants working at the estate, let alone their uniforms, which of course left little to the imagination. Perhaps it was due to the owner's lack of progeny that made the revealing outfits and unique code of conduct more acceptable, though the possible reasons behind such a state were far too numerous to make guessing upon just one a safe bet.

While waiting, the noble was free to examine the relatively spacious chamber around her, which included a four-post bed, a table with four seats, two leather chairs by which to survey the fireplace from, a large couch, a desk, and a dresser with an oval mirror to match. Most, if not all of these, were made from fine imported mahogany. With all these amenities available for just one person, and Robin being left to her own devices even for that short period of time, it was possible that one could feel almost lonely in this room, given the number of empty chairs about, but then again, for someone used to the lifestyle of a noble, this was about standard fare.

Not terribly long afterwards, the redhead returned to the disguised noble with a covered silver platter in one hand and a steel bucket in the other, the smile still shining upon her face. "Please, pardon me for intruding, and for making you wait, sir." Moving to the table suited for a dining troupe of four, she allowed Robin to sit where she chose before setting it down in front of her, then lifted the cover to reveal several smaller dishes, which included a large premium cut of pan-roasted steak, a side of potatoes, gravy, cheese, and assorted vegetables. From the bucket she produced a bottle of wine, with two glasses to match, and water if the visitor chose to skip the alcohol for tonight.

"Do you require privacy, sir? Or company..." she asked the honored guest after setting everything up on the table, including the silverware and napkin. A faint look of genuine interest shone in the girl's soft green eyes, hinting that she would prefer the latter, although if Robin indicated a preference to eat alone, then she would of course honor that wish. Otherwise, she would take a seat next to the noble, placing her hands on her lap. So far, it appeared as though the servants in the household, for the most part, stuck to the rules and dutifully refrained from making any inquiries about the lord's dealings, but this maid in particular seemed to take an interest in the new guest, at least enough to bend those regulations. "I must say, it's been a while since we've received such a handsome guest. And you are a capable warrior as well? I can only pray that what Lord Hodrim sent you on isn't too dangerous of a task. To be honest, I have yet to see either of the last two return, but..." She caught herself a tad too late, or at least her expression said as much. "I mean, I would love to see you back with us, sir, after your quest has been completed."

 

[NorthernCross]

Re: Avarice (NorthernCross) GMed by Takimaru

“That sounds lovely.” Robin responded to the maids recommendation. She gave a polite nod to the maid's curtsy. As the maid left to fetch her meal, Robin's eyes followed the sensual movement of the maid's skirt. As the door closed, Robin paused to consider her chambers for the evening. For the first time in a long time, she actually felt alone for a moment. From the time she first had to actively start concealing her true nature, she always felt like there was someone waiting the shadows just waiting for her to slip up. It was almost as if...

“... I could stop hiding it.” For Robin, this was the first time she had actually spoken these words aloud. She stared into the empty fire place for a moment, lost in her thoughts about the past. Before she realized it, the redhead had returned with her meal for the evening and she waved off any notion of being offended by the wait.

“I wouldn't mind some company, Ms...?” Robin asked, pausing as she considered that this might be being a bit too familiar. She invited the maid to join her at the table and began eating, knowing that inviting the maid to actually eat with her would be being too familiar at this point. She listened as the maid began to speak and quickly caught her slip of the tongue but didn't immediately jump up.

“And I'm glad to have such a beautiful maid join me for my meal.” Robin gave the maid a charming smile before continuing. “I have been training with the sword from the moment I was capable of holding one and I have won many duels. I cannot speak of what was discussed with Lord Hodrim, but I would gladly return to enjoy the wonderful company I've had here.”

Robin paused before asking the question that still lingered in the air. “...but, may I ask, do you know which direction your previous guests went? I'll understand if you can't answer me for whatever reason.”

 

[Takimaru]

Re: Avarice (NorthernCross) GMed by Takimaru

Spoiler

Robin Neudaiz: HP = 82, PP = 41, EP = 39, Status = Fine

"Leala," she replied sweetly, settling into the chair comfortable once she caught the noble's invitation. "And thank you. I know you must be very busy with thoughts of the business at hand, but I would be glad to help you relax, if only for a little while, although I'll understand if it has to wait until then, sir." The redhead really seemed to be pushing this service, perhaps even slightly past her boundaries as a maid given the way that she smiled at Robin warmly with a defined blush, dilated pupils, and all the other telltale signs of attraction. However, she still wouldn't be too outright invasive about it, which was at least better for the blonde one's cover.

"My, that is impressive! I'm sure Lord Hodrim was not mistaken in accepting your services, then. I have a--um, a brother who was once very skilled with a blade as well. A-Anyway, as for the other two guests... well, I didn't really know exactly where they went, since I wasn't the servant assigned to either of them. But I know that at least one was supposed to solve some issues involving one of the lord's family members, or something to that matter, according to the gossip amongst the other maids, but... that's all I really know. There hasn't been much chatter about the last visitors since the butler disappeared, as that really left a void in our staff," she recalled aloud.

"But enough about our problems, as I'm sure you'll be sick of them before long! How about yourself? Have you any family or siblings nearby? Or perhaps... a significant other? I'm sure someone of your look and standing can't be without some kind of connections."

 

[NorthernCross]

Re: Avarice (NorthernCross) GMed by Takimaru

“And I would be glad for your help, unfortunately it must wait for now Leala.” Robin smiled charmingly in return. In truth, between Leala and the slightly older maid she'd like nothing more than to have them moaning under her ministrations. The problems would start occurring when they'd desire to return the favor.

She listened to Leala speak for a while and mentally counted the things she'd learned so far. Her hesitance to speak of her 'brother' was duly noted but not commented upon and she could make a wise wager about what had actually happened to the butler. The still missing information about the other two guests was slightly disappointing but not unexpected. As expected, the maid turned to conversation to her guest when she had finished speaking.

“I... have no family in the area as I have come from another part of Crolia. My father...” Robin paused briefly, trying to not let a dark expression come to her face. “...sent me away for family reasons. I've essentially had to leave my old life behind me. Getting a new start, you might say.”

 

[Takimaru]

Re: Avarice (NorthernCross) GMed by Takimaru

Spoiler

Robin Neudaiz: HP = 82, PP = 41, EP = 39, Status = Fine

"Oh? Hmm, I see," replied Leala. "I think I can relate, somehow... though, it sounds like it could be a sensitive topic for you, maybe? I won't hold it against you if you don't want to talk about it, though," she added with mild concern in her voice. "In a way, everyone has something or another that isn't quite the easiest matter to discuss." The maid took a meaningful pause, then slowly stood up when Robin finished, provided that there were no other pressing matters to discuss. "I'll take those for you, sir." She bowed her head before gathering up the used dishes and flashing the guest another smile, then left the noble alone for several more minutes. Not terribly long afterwards, Leala returned, shutting the door behind her and moving towards the table if the blonde one was still sitting there. "Well, Sir Robin, if there is anything you require, anything at all, by all means, please let me know. I am here for you, after all," she said with a wink. Bowing respectfully, the redhead retreated to the adjacent room, which was free for the visitor to slip into if she had any requests or concerns. From here, Robin could finally seek some rest--the large, four-post bed that took up one end of the room had a light veil which could afford her some privacy should she decide to get somewhat more comfortable.

Come morning, she would wake up to the sounds of doors behind opened and closed, and soon find that it was Leala, up rather early, who had walked out into the halls and returned with a light breakfast, setting it on the table. "Good morning, Sir Robin. I've brought you some breakfast if you are hungry, and Lord Hodrim requests your presence when you are ready. At your leisure, of course."

 

[NorthernCross]

Re: Avarice (NorthernCross) GMed by Takimaru

“Thank you kindly.” Robin nodded to Leala as she began gathering up the used dishes. She was thankful that she hadn't pressed the matter but explaining why her father had made an attempt on her life was entirely too much. As Leala left, Robin had to ponder her sleeping arrangements for the evening. Considering that Leala would be sleeping in the next room there was a risk in removing her clothing whilst sleeping even with the veil. But she'd never really gotten used to sleeping with her chest bindings on and used to have the luxury of sleeping without them.

“Oh, I certainly will. Good night Leala.” Robin smiled at Leala's wink as she headed to her personal quarters for the evening. She rose to examine the dresser to see if any night clothes had been set aside for the guests, however unlikely it would be that they'd have anything ready that would suit her purposes. Her flight hadn't allowed her to take any of her own. If not, then once in bed she would loosed her chest bindings just barely enough to allow herself to sleep and laid her shirt over the headboard within easy reach.

…

“Mm... that smells delicious, Leala. I'll be up in just a moment.” The noblewoman discreetly re-tightened her chest bindings as she feigned just waking up. She got out of bed from the opposite side the maid was standing and re-donned her shirt before briefly inspecting herself for any obvious signs of her true gender. Once she was satisfied she wouldn't be discovered, she walked around the bed to sit at the table for breakfast.

 

[Takimaru]

Re: Avarice (NorthernCross) GMed by Takimaru

Spoiler

Robin Neudaiz: HP = 82, PP = 41, EP = 39, Status = Fine

There was a folded set of pajamas and a silken bathrobe set upon the dresser, likely by Leala, who was given the responsibilities of attending to Robin in the first place. As one might expect, they were of masculine, earthen-tone colors compared to the pastel negligee that the noble could spy resting upon the servant's small dresser if she were to merely glance into the other room. The bed proved amazingly soft and comfortable, enough for a good night's sleep, and the maid's apparent degree of respect for Robin's privacy--perhaps in spite of her own urges--left the disguised woman feeling rather safe and comfortable during her time of rest, with minimal fear of being exposed.

The redhead was standing right next to the table when Robin saw her, and she greeted her with a smile before motioning in the direction of the breakfast--eggs, bacon, assorted fruits and a small loaf of bread, with fresh milk and juice at the side. Leala looked as if she had been up for at least an hour already, with not the slightest sign of bedhead or anything of the sort. One might figure that she was an early riser, though whether it was borne of personal habit or standard employee regulations was yet to be discovered. "So, did you sleep well, Sir Robin? I guess you have a big day today, or so it seems... Please, by all means, help yourself," she offered, pulling out a chair for the guest to sit upon.

Once the noble was seated, Leala took her own seat, the same spot from last night, and turning her head, she mentioned somewhat shyly, "I thought about you last night, and I couldn't help but worry, so please... take this." Producing a small amulet of sorts from her dress, a necklace of intricate knotwork somewhat resembling a falcon, she laid it on the table and slid it just a few inches towards Robin. "It's not much, but it has always brought good fortune to me."

Spoiler

If she chooses to accept, Robin will have acquired a MYSTERIOUS AMULET.

 

[NorthernCross]

Re: Avarice (NorthernCross) GMed by Takimaru

Spoiler

Dem revisions based on new information.

Robin smiled at the nice set of pajamas by the considerate maid and quietly slipped into the adjacent bathroom to slip them on. She would leave the chest binding tight until she got into bed, of course. Her thoughts trailed to the glimpse of the pastel negligee she had spotted when Leala had left for the personal quarters for the evening and her mind conjured images of the maid wearing it. It would probably linger in her mind for a good portion of the night.

When morning came and Robin awoke to the smell of breakfast, she tightened her chest bindings and quietly excused herself to visit the bathroom to change and freshen up before joining Leala at the table.

“I did sleep well, Leala. I hope you did as well.” Robin smiled at her before beginning her breakfast. She raised an eyebrow as she examined the necklace that had been passed to her, her hand brushing Leala's as she picked it up. “I would gladly accept it, but are you sure? We've only just met.”

 

[Takimaru]

Re: Avarice (NorthernCross) GMed by Takimaru

Spoiler

Robin Neudaiz: HP = 82, PP = 41, EP = 39, Status = Fine

A telltale streak of red crossed over Leala's upper cheeks with the noble's hand briefly contacted hers, and for a moment she had never found herself so starved for the touch of another. By all means, the maid was allowed to give herself to 'him', if Robin only commanded it, as many other guests have. But that order never came, and something about that only helped to bolster the mystique behind the strange guest. With sincere eyes, she returned the gaze given to her. "I... It could have been better. But please, do take it. I am sure. You can return it to me when you come back safely," replied Leala, taking on a faintly hopeful tone.

The next few moments, at least on the servant's end, would be characterized by a somewhat uncomfortable silence, almost as if it were an unspoken farewell. The blonde-haired duelist could easily tell that their attendant was worried, but whether or not that was warranted was another matter, since the redhead clearly was unaware of the nature of the mission given to the daughter of Neudaiz.

When she was ready, if there was nothing else to be said, Robin was free to head downstairs of her own accord.

 

[NorthernCross]

Re: Avarice (NorthernCross) GMed by Takimaru

“And so I shall.” Robin smiled as she took the amulet. Her eyes met Leala's and she couldn't help it anymore. Leaning forward, she planted a small kiss on the maid's lips before giving her a charming smile. “It appears I've borrowed that from you, too... I shall endeavor to return both upon my return.”

Robin could only hope that once Leala found out, she would forgive her for her deception. Either way, unless Leala had anything to add she would be off to meet Lord Hodrim.