An Unexpected Answer

[Elloria]

Josk rather disliked being on assignment. It wasn’t so much that he hated his job – he usually was given the opportunity to be as ruthless as necessary to achieve his objectives and that was fine by him. He didn’t even mind having to correct some other idiot’s mistake – it left him even more leeway. No, he just couldn’t stand the outfit. He pulled distastefully at the black aketon, wondering once again what the Hive was thinking in issuing it to him. It always feels like I’m suiting up for battle, he thought as he pulled on the leather gauntlets that go with the aketon. These, at least, he’s modified to now include the firing mechanism he had tested last night for the blooming lotus. It had taken most of today to do so – resulting in a decided lack of sleep and more exposure to daylight than he typically dealt with – but it had been well worth it. The few tests he had been able to run after the modifications were complete had been satisfactory, to say the least. With the last bit of his minimal armor in place, Josk began bending this way and that to ensure it was as flexible as possible – occasionally kicking out his legs to check the leather full greaves for the same flexibility. Satisfied, he tugs at the aketon’s collar to loosen it a bit. It is rare for him to be sent out on assignment like this, so he is unaccustomed to the snug fit. “I’m an interrogator, not a fighter,” he grumbled to himself as he went about attaching a dagger to his waist, having chosen to forgo taking his sword. He glanced out the window of his bedroom, noting by the light that the sun was just beginning to dip below the horizon. From what Sáralondë had told them before meeting his timely demise, Aranwion would be leaving just a few hours after sunset. No more time for fiddling with his outfit, then.

With a sigh, Josk picked up his mother’s necklace and clasped it about his neck. He slipped his obsidian ring onto his right ring finger, repeating the process with a blue sapphire-studded bracelet – a gift from Niko for their two hundredth birthday. He had given Niko the same bracelet studded with rubies. It was something of a joke between them, dating back to childhood – what one had received was often given to the other as well in a mirrored form. He smiled slightly as he pulled on a brocade cloak similar to his usual one but lacking the feathers or gold brooch. Its clasp still held an obsidian stone, albeit much smaller and with less energy pooled within. That was only because he had been gifted his usual cloak, along with obsidian ring, from Rensu not long after their relationship had begun and both had already contained large stores of energy. He sighed again, pushing away the memories as he tied his hair back into a low ponytail and pulled the cloak’s hood up. He made his way downstairs and out of the manor, his boots crunching quietly on the gravel. He nodded to his guards before slipping through the gates. He paused just outside to take a deep breath of the cool night air. Despite not having slept for more than two hours – and oh, how he enjoyed sleeping – and this damnable getup he was forced to wear, Josk felt quite invigorated. Perhaps it was because of the night or perhaps it was because he was about to partake in what was sure to be a rather brutal assignment. Whatever the case, it caused the elf to beginning humming quietly as he wound his way through the noble district until he stopped in the shadow of the trees just across the way from Aranwion’s home. It was here that he was supposed to meet Vencari while they both waited for Aranwion’s carriage to leave. He leaned against the tree, wondering where his vaunted leader was. His humming had ceased as his dark grey outfit let him blend into the shadows while he waited.

[Kite]

*Amelia checks herself in the mirror once more, making sure that her long hair is hidden within her cloak, and then looks herself over once she is satisfied that it is sufficiently hidden. Her cloak rests itself on her shoulders with a single clasp above the breast holding it onto her, with a hood that covers the entire back of her head and is low enough to almost reach her eyes in the front. The cloak itself is a dark brown, sturdy cloth that looks well-worn from travel, even if it hasn’t been used as much as she would like. She then opens the front of the cloak enough to reveal what is underneath, a flexible leather chest piece that was slightly darker than the cloak she wore over it, and she wore leather pants as well, all padded and made to offer at least some protection from weapons, and she wore some travelling boots to pull all of this together and make it comfortable to move around, as there would be much travel tonight. On her neck was a black cloth to keep her white skin from being too noticeable, one that could be pulled up to just under her eyes when she needed it to be, but was carefully wrapped to not be too constricting. She also wore gloves on her hands of the same material that made her light armor under the cloak, and were padded enough to allow her to strike with her fists should she require to without breaking them.

Her inspection now through, she rewrapped the cloak and bound it at the clasp, turning to leave her minor estate. She slipped from her room, though the halls of the home to the door, nodding to the guards and servants she met, though they were few and far between at this hour, and left the house, striding through the nobles’ district with the presence of someone who knew they were in the right to move as they pleased around the city and the knowledge that she was correct in that assumption. As she wound her way through the nobles’ district towards the Aranwion home, she reminded herself of the plan so far, that she was supposed to meet Josk across from the house and that they were supposed to wait for the carriage to leave the estate for Osilon, and to interrogate Aranwion once we arrive at the destination. Fairly simple as long as they didn’t get caught, and Amelia was reasonably sure of their skill. That being said, she wasn’t totally sure what was in store for them. That was true for any mission, but still made her uneasy every time. They were not necessarily the most suited for this task, but they would get it done, one way or another.

As she approaches the house, she looks over into the trees and attempts to see Josk, locating him as she got closer to the woods, seeing him barely at first, then better and better. His cloak hid him well in the night, and she hoped hers would do the same as she approaches him. Once they are within a reasonable distance, she smiles slightly and nods her head to him.*

A beautiful night this is, don’t you think? Somehow, I feel easier doing this sort of thing at night. Classic and cliché, I know, but still true. How about for you, Josk?

[Elloria]

(OOC: Short and probably kinda crappy, but I didn't wanna get the action started too quickly either. Lemme know if I should anymore to it.)

Though his humming had ceased, various childhood tunes still played in Josk’s head. It seemed strange for him to feel so nostalgic when he was about to teach a much-needed lesson to some fool who had crossed the Hive. His eyes drifted lazily over the house across the way, taking in all the details of it without really thinking about who was in there and what was going to happen to them. It was a beautiful tree that Aranwion’s family had chosen – a graceful, towering oak with intricate knots in the wood and ivy crawling over it. The surrounding fence was a tall hedge of blackberry bushes. It made Josk smile fondly, for he and Niko had been wont to pluck berries from those hedges many times in their early childhood. Before Ilirea and before the Hive. Sometimes, he missed those days rather desperately. Sure, he had been unhappy for most of it because his mother had been a distant ice queen and his father was more interested in politics than his family. But really, had it been so terrible – to be with Niko every moment and just be so…alive?

He frowned slightly, so caught up in the thought that he almost missed Vencari’s approach. But there was enough of a swish from her cloak as she got closer that pulled Josk from his reverie to look at her. His eyes flicked over her form, pleased that her cloak, clothes and armor hid her well. He nodded an acknowledgement to her as she spoke. “It is pleasant enough,” he replied smoothly. “But I have been most active during the night for many years now. So yes, I am inclined to say that the night is appropriate for our aims tonight.” He grinned at her. “This shall hopefully prove interesting, yes?”

[Kite]

((OOC: This is my first back, so expect a little roughness >.> just tell me if I screw up too much >.>))

*Amelia smiles back at Josk and speaks softly in reply.*

Indeed.

*She turns slightly to look over to the house of Aranwion. Truely a marvel, even in this city of nobility. A shame it would be to have to damage it, but luckily such shame would not come this night. All they had to do at this point was wait for the traitor to leave his home to travel to Osilon. Most of the fun would be had in that city. Until then, however, it would be mostly following Aranwion as he left, as well as keeping pace with Josk. Amelia was fairly confident she could, of course, she wouldn't have come with had she been unable to keep up. However, it would be a long trek if nothing else. She then turns back towards Josk and tilts her head slightly.*

So, how far along the road to Osilon should we make a move? Or should we do it in the city. It strikes me that doing most of the mission in Osilon would step on Company toes, but honestly that doesn't matter to me. Smoothing over is something I can do. Letting nothing happen because of them is not.

*Even the night here, in Du Weldenvarden, was beautiful. She had not seen night elsewhere, of course, but that made the statement nonetheless true. However, it was still dark. Dark deeds deserved dark night, and tonight was already a dark night. Not much longer until Aranwion leaves for Osilon now, and when he did, Amelia was ready.

She looks at Josk a moment longer, pondering why he wanted Aranwion's blood other than for the debacle that was recent history. He had mentioned that he did in her office while they formulated the plan to follow Jora and kill Cirdan, but she felt it was better not to pry. That being said, it still intrigued her.

Part of the game, I guess. Getting information throughout the city just leads to wanting to know more. Oh well.

She waits for Josk's response quietly, looking back towards the estate.*

[Elloria]

“So, how far along the road to Osilon should we make a move? Or should we do it in the city? It strikes me that doing most of the mission in Osilon would step on Company toes, but honestly that doesn't matter to me. Smoothing over is something I can do. Letting nothing happen because of them is not.”

Josk turned back to observe the house as Vencari spoke. Her questions were sensible, even if her concern was pointless. They had not really discussed how exactly to proceed with this mission beyond capturing Aranwion and heading into Osilon to retrieve the documents the Hive wanted. But the mage was a little hesitant – not because of the questions, but because he wondered why Vencari was asking them of him. She was his Lieutenant. He was her Drone. Sure, he led Malakian’s T&I division and conducted countless experiments in a variety of fields which had gained the company respect and profits. He had made a name for himself in and out of the Hive. This was all true. But he was still just a Drone – and a male, at that. She should just be doling out the orders and he should just be quietly obeying them. That was how things were supposed to work.

Well, there wasn’t really time to be pondering what Vencari’s ulterior motives might be in seeking his input. She had asked and he would answer to the best of his ability. “I could not care less about stepping on the Osilon operatives’ toes. If they are going to make such a fuss over what is just Hive business – and therefore their business as well – then the Queen should destroy the company and make the Shrikes and Regent start it over from scratch.” The mage scratched absently at his cheek, eyes fixed on the Aranwion house. “But it would ultimately be easier to capture the carriage before we reach the city. It is about an eight-day journey via carriage and ideally we would strike about halfway through the journey – before he is within range of Osilon’s aid, but also when he is outside the range of Ellesmera’s aid. Then they are trapped with no one but the solitary elves and animals that roam the open forest as options for help.” He glanced at Vencari. “But you surely had already surmised as much, Lieutenant.”

[Kite]

*Amelia smiles and nods at his answers. She had surmised as much, but her faith in him had been well placed. A male, even in the Hive, should have a strong mind in her opinion, and Josk had something akin to that. Dark, sometimes, and twisted, most of the time, but strong nonetheless. Strong enough to be a shining example of Hive membership. He didn’t necessarily think about it, but he was definitely one of the most useful members in her Company, with only possibly Jamie being a peer. They both had their areas of speciality, of course, but in sheer will and knowledge, she felt those two were the only possible candidates for her spot, should she ever become a Shrike. She planned to move up as well, as any member in the Hive should have the ambition to do, and she was carefully considering her choice, as part of the requirement for moving up was to have a solid replacement, and she would have to make a choice for either of them, as males. The Hive wasn’t one to truly discriminate, but the seat in Ellesmera was something of a prestigious spot, as were any Hive positions in a nation’s capital, and would be coveted by others who hope for her first choice to be too weak for the spot. The Malakian Company was her company, and she wouldn’t stand for it to be dishonored by weak leadership requiring. But that wasn’t a point for now.

She replies to his answer while staring into the distance unfocused, but towards the gate on the off chance the carriage leaving would break her from her thoughts.*

I wouldn’t be against them reforming the Osilon Company, but that is a discussion for another time I suppose. Not all Companies can match Malakian’s record. That sounds just about right, Josk. Just have to wait for the carriage taking our imbecile of a lord.

*Almost as if summoned by her words, the gate opens and the carriage exits the manor. As it enters the streets of the city and moves in the general direction of the exit towards Osilon, Amelia nods and moves after it on the side of the road, moving through the trees they were standing in. The carriage isn’t moving too terribly quickly, so they can keep up on foot, as they aren’t terribly worried about people following them, or noting their movement either. Nobles go where they want, it is not for others to worry why.

They were wrong on that count.*

[Elloria]

Vencari seemed pleased by his words, if her smile was anything to go by. Again, Josk wondered what the point of her questions was. He was not anyone’s first choice when it came to field missions. He spent his nights in the bowels of Malakian, studying and practicing and perfecting the finer points of interrogative torture. And he was good at what he did – probably a little too good. But he was fine with that. He had time for advancement. A slow climb meant more time to savor his successes – a mentality he took with his personal and professional projects. So he wasn’t looking for a rapid rise to power or prominence. He wouldn’t say no if it a better position was offered to him, though. That would be completely foolish.

He watched his Lieutenant closely as she stared at the Aranwion estate, her eyes unfocused as she responded. As was to be expected, she ignored nothing he said – she seemed to approve of his opinion about Osilon Company – and gave her stamp of approval on his plan. Yet as she spoke, her words seemingly conjured Aranwion’s carriage from thin air. A quick, unobtrusive scan confirmed the noble’s presence in the carriage. Josk shook his head. The gall and arrogance of some nobles never ceased to amaze him. But even Josk found it hard to believe that Aranwion was so arrogant, so confident – so smug – that he thought he could escape the Hive’s wrath with little more than a single, ornate carriage ride to Osilon, accompanied by six armed guards. “The idiot should have fled on horse. Hell, he should have sent a decoy carriage, then fled. Even on foot, we will keep up with ease. It will be a delight to educate this fool, that he may never blemish the title of “noble” ever again,” he said as the carriage passed by and disappeared from sight. “And to demonstrate how very foolish it is to cross the Hive.”

They waited a few moments longer before “casually” following the carriage and the bright light of their “noble” target.

+++++++
Four days later:

Josk wasn’t sure how he had managed to not snap by now. Normally, he was quite patient. He could wait months, years – even decades, if necessary – to achieve an objective. But this tedious waiting game, this ridiculous parody of a cat-and-mouse chase…it was grating on his nerves. Four days of tracking, back-tracking, hiding, sneaking and sometimes sprinting just to capture this damn carriage.

And now it was raining. He was soaked and muddy and disgusting, all for the sake of not alerting Aranwion or the guards to his and Vencari’s presence. For the normally pristinely-dressed elf, it was almost more than he could tolerate. He hated filth. Unnecessary dirt and grime were two of the banes of his existence and he was going to wring Aranwion’s neck for this. This was why he preferred working in headquarters to going out in the field.

And what if this weather damaged his Lotus Lance? (He really needed to find one of his brainstorming assistants and come up with a better name for the tool.)

He turned his head to glare at Vencari, who was just observing the unsuspecting camp. They’d been standing here all night, waiting for…who knew what. Well…if he had to wager a guess, he would guess that they were waiting for Aranwion to break camp. Josk had made the idle observation two days ago that it might be best to strike while the camp was being packed up for the day’s travel. That was when the group was most disorganized. Vencari hadn’t said a word at the time, but Josk was regretting the words. Tonight and dawn were their last opportunities to strike and safely get away with it.

The hours passed with unending slowness for the mage. He was about to say ‘to hell with it’ when Vencari perked up. Looking back at the camp, Josk saw that Aranwion was up and breakfasting – reminding the mage of the fact that he hadn’t had a proper meal in four days. He was going to bash the smug bastard’s face between the door and the carriage. Repeatedly. But at least the end was now in sight.

As Aranwion’s little group began packing up, Vencari looked at Josk and nodded. Giving a short nod in reply, he turned to the camp and selected his targets. He waited until Vencari was in position – they’d only have one shot at this – then took a deep breath. He lifted his arms, pointed the Lotus Lances at his targets and fired with deadly accuracy. Twin yelps were all the signal Vencari needed and Josk murmured “Losna” as she leapt to attack. As he drew a knife and joined the fray, the mage hoped this battle went more quickly than the last one he’d fought beside his Lieutenant.