Quest Roll Initiative

[Sibylla]

|| Vel Anir ||
​

Go home, Sibylla. That's an order.

The words kept ringing through Sibylla's mind for the past week. Ever since Commander Raj informed her that she was being reassigned from the Army of the West to the Homeguard. Of all the places to be cast-off like some noble's bastard child. A grimace went lacing across Sibylla's lips, twisting her olive complexion into one of distaste.

The sound of her purposeful pace was loud - not the typical light footfalls of what the expeditionary Anirian Knight was known for. No, her annoyance at the re-assignment seemed to resonate upon every feature, from the way the slash of her brows drew forward into a tight pinch to her commanding stride. It isn't that she held distaste for Vel Anir; there was beauty in the ingenuity of the human mind in its architecture and brilliance. No, it was the backstabbing, politic dancing, double-faced, false cordiality of the Houses that got on her nerves.

There was loyalty to Vel Anir and its purpose; but she was well aware that to an extent, the hand that fed was one covered in glamour and gold. Things were far more easily able to read out in the wilds of the West than in a village or a city. Instead of experiencing missions of a worthy cause, most Anirian Knights at the home front found themselves as escorts to the Dreadlords of the nobility, to be of use to any House that deemed they required a little extra care.

That is the situation that Sibylla found herself presently in. House Luana summoned a requisition for an escort and now Sibylla found herself striding into the manor to meet whom her charge for the respective assignment would be. Likely an escort somewhere in the city or some visit to an archive. Or worse -- a society ball.

"Lessat's rings, I hope not," she'd curse under her breath, flexing her shoulders under her dark, scale armor. By all accounts, she was an Anirian Knight fully trained with the sword, excelling in dual-blading that she received full marks in her rigorous training. She was no noble, lithe noble, her body flexing with the toned dexterity of a pugilist. This is why being assigned to escort duty brought a sourness to her mouth that only made her scowl darken, the mole under her left eye seemingly twitching.

Up ahead under the arch of the atrium, ice blue eyes caught standing figures. Ah, here we go.

 

[Srash]

With Sibylla’s footsteps, Srash turned his head to look upon the approaching Knight Sergeant. A smile grew upon the Dreadlord’s face.

“Sibylla, you’ve arrived,” he said aloud.

No tricks to his image this time. His red hair and scars showed clearly in the light. His typical black, non-combat garment with a staff strapped to his back.

One way or another, Sibylla would know any assignment with Srash would not be easy.

Give a cough if you hear me.​

Turning toward her, Srash told her, “Had you took a little more time, we’d be late to the ball.”

 

[Sibylla]

|| Srash ||

Oh, for bloody Lessat's sake...

If there was any way for Sibylla's annoyance to resonate upon her expression, it did so then. Her scowl darkened, lips pursed into displeasure, and there was indeed a visible tick at the corner of her eye.

"I should have known," her clipped words were uttered under her breath, the young Anirian Knight exhaling with edged frustration. However, if there ever was a fault with Sibylla, is that tact was not her best quality. So while they were uttered low, they went sailing over to Srash. Again, her time out in the Army of the West had allowed her to be more flexible with her interactions. Coming back to Vel Anir meant the absolute opposite.

Commander Raj knew exactly where to make Sybilla tick.

There was no slowing of her strides, no demure, demeanor that would indicate the Knight would provide cordial words to the Dreadlord. It should have been obvious that the mage would have sworn allegiance to House Luana, his mentor had been Acher Wehr after all. During her time as a Guardsman, she'd done her dues and had served the various Houses - a time where she became all the too intimate with just how deep the facade of cordiality went. House Luana had been one of them. Ergo, the very reason why Srash could call Sibylla by her first name. Or maybe he just wanted to poke fun at her now that she was reassigned.

They all had their place. Their contribution to Vel Anir. The Dreadlords used their magic while the Knights used their skill of blade and strength. Each had to show a measure of civility and respect as that is what to be expected.

Of course, that didn't mean that it would be easy. Especially considering the red-headed Dreadlord in front of her. A tight smile grew over her features, but her ice-blue eyes were full of rebellious agitation. Perhaps, the very reason why Srash could bully the Knight for her sheer transparency.

Not to mention the man was near-impossible to read anyways.

"My Lord, surely you jest." The words were uttered with a tight jaw at the thought of having to conduct an escort mission to a ball. She had enough sense to refer to him respectfully, as she didn't know who was watching. Back in the city, she was expected to refer to the Dreadlords and the Nobles with proper respect. Of course, there were exceptions, and not every Dreadlord was the same.

It took a second before the Knight came to a stop, grimacing mid-stride. Curling her fingers into a fist, she swung her arm up to her chest in proper greeting.

"Knigh Sibylla, reporting as requested... My Lord."

 

[Srash]

A small chuckled followed Sibylla’s reaction.

No response? A shame, then.​

“This is no joke today, Sibylla,” Srash replied.

The other guards standing at Srash’s side just looked around awkwardly.

“Someone’s developed a rather unpleasant hobby,” Srash told Sibylla, “And is hosting a ball tonight. We’ll be crashing it.”

In other words, a very public arrest of someone for some supposed crime.

Gesturing to the other guards, “You’ll be the lead for them. They’re your juniors, after all.”

 

[Sibylla]

Srash

There was something about the way that Srash's lips went curving upward as he oh so casually clarified that they were indeed going to some society outing that continued to provoke the Knight.

Of all things...

He had her in a bind as well, for the Dreadlord had apparently summoned other guards for this endeavor. That meant that she couldn't really give him a piece of her mind without it breaking the standard of expected respect and the values that the Anirian guards held dear.

If this was going to be a public arrest, then it was to make a statement. That meant that instead of the usual back den discussions, this was going to be an open declaration. Sibylla's right brow gave a quizzical arch that managed to seep from her tightly bound display of annoyance.

"Of course, my Lord," she replied, repeating the act of greeting to the other guards. These were soldiers, not yet proven themselves to a particular skill. Now she had to play babysitter not only for the Dreadlord, but for green guards as well.

Oh, to be able to punch Srash in the face!

Roughhousing someone at the ball will have to do.

"What are the parameters of the mission?" she attempted to inquire with a measure of restraint that was surprising. Then again, while facets of her remained the same since adolescence, at the very least her increase in rank indicated she could follow directions and handle leadership.

 

[Srash]

“Follow,” Srash responded, still maintaining a smile, “And be ready for anything. Our host will aggressively reject our presence.”

After saying that, Srash made a gesture to follow as he turned to begin walking to their destination. No word of getting Sibylla to get in a dress – yet. At least so long as Srash still had a spear-tipped staff, it was unlikely anyone in the group would have to look the part of a socialite.

With his head forward, Srash asked Sibylla, “Settled back in?”

Regardless of whether or not Sibylla informed Srash of her assignment to the West, he knew.

“When was it they sent you off? Did you ever see one of those sun cultists?” he also asked.

 

[Sibylla]

|| Srash ||

What did I do to deserve this?

It took a moment of skyward supplication as if the very answer to her question would be answered by the stars. Unfortunately, they remained annoyingly quiet. Not that any Vel Anir was particularly religious, it was more exasperation at the situation.

It appeared Dreadlord Srash would be entertaining himself this eve on her behalf.

Oh beyond his pleasant, cordial, and respectful demeanor lay the true personality. The one that seemed to enjoy poking fun at Sibylla when he could. Dreadlords had a tendency to do this. This belief was due partially due to Sibylla's prejudice and personal experience. While she wasn't privy to the full extent of traumatic training the Dreadlord's received from childhood, she knew that they were forged under heavy pressure and exhaustive training. Not unlike what she had to endure - although if Sibylla knew just what the Dreadlord's had to go through, perhaps she'd have a bit more sympathy.

However, Srash was only reinforcing her prejudices with his attempts at small talk. Sibylla wasn't quite sure what to be more annoyed with. The fact that he wanted to chat in that cordial manner of his or that he already knew about her previous assignment.

"As well as expected, my lord," not a lie, but not a truth. It was an answer she had to carefully state, and hopefully, he would leave it at that.

But no, he had to ask about the cultists.

"Five years ago and yes, my lord. We dealt with our fair share of the Sun Cultists. " Still were, but keeping the borders safe was a never-ending mission.

The other guards walked behind the pair, keeping pace and watching them. She could feel their curious gaze boring at her back. She had to hand it to the Dreadlord -- he had her between a rock and a hard place. One where she had to properly respond to him or else lose face in front of the greenbloods.

Perfect. Simply ... perfect.

Redirecting the talk toward mission parameters, Sibylla inquired, "For preparation, what House or organization will we be dealing with?"

This will give her some insight based on what she knew commonplace.

 

[Srash]

“Eh~,” Srash uttered after Sibylla’s question, “I thought you’d just be glad in having a chance to swing your sword. Now you’re interested in noble houses and Vel Anir groups?!”

A snicker followed.

“The Cortosi campaigns have certainly changed you,” Srash teased Sibylla, “For the better, if your assignment here is a long one.”

Srash took a pause to let his words simmer within Sibylla.

Eventually, Sibylla got her answer with Srash just saying, “We’re to arrest Lady Akacia.”

None of this would be secret knowledge, but one with little knowledge of Vel Anir nobility might not remember the full facts:

Lady Akacia stood as the matriarch of House Akacia. She inherited the house leadership upon her father’s passing with no living male children. Upon receipt of her titles, she quickly proved to be a formidable noble. She married a nobleman and managed to arrange so that her children would be of her own house – a rarity afforded only to the most beautiful and/or cunning noblewomen.

One key thing about Lady Akacia though: she was a vassal to Lord Luana.

 

[Sibylla]

|| Srash ||

Ohh, he knew exactly where to strike. Like surgeon poking a needle to the appropriate nerve to garner the reaction he desired.

Of course, this was assisted by the fact that Sibylla was easier to get a reaction out of and because of Srash's keen observation skills. It is what made the Dreadlord rise the ranks to First Level so quickly.

In her youth, Sibylla had more trouble keeping her tongue in check. It got her into trouble more times than she could count, with appropriate punishments dealt to remind her of her place and why her absolute adherence to the code and expectations of her status was necessary.

Perhaps, this is why Srash was able to utilize her transparency against her. She'd worked for House Luana years ago, and in that, the experience of how the woman's demeanor was different from the other Home Guard made her an interesting subject of study. Or maybe it was just because everyone else played the game while Sibylla did her best to stay out of it.

A twitch at the corner of her eye right above her mole relayed her increasing irritation. As did the roll and flex of her shoulders in a mental attempt to tell herself to simply breathe and try not to say something she'd regret -- well not so much as a regret as getting into trouble.

Srash was pressing her buttons deliberately, and it took all she could to bite her tongue and attempt to respond. At least, until the snicker and the mention of the possibility that her assignment would be a long one.

And you haven't changed at all...

The flat of her tongue ran over her teeth as if attempting to prevent the quips that's would bubble out. It failed.

"Just gathering all the details we will need to ensure your absolute safety, my lord," Although now she was considering ways to get him to trip and fall on his face. Maybe a wayward punch to the face if things escalated.

The name of the woman, however, managed to pull Sibylla from her wayward if traitorous thoughts. Lady Akacia? The last she knew of her is that she married a man twice her age, old enough to make anyone wonder if he could still get anyone with child.

As it was, while she'd been away from the city for five years, even she knew that storming into Lady Akacia's social gathering was bound to cause trouble.

"Fook me," the low curse was mouthed silently. This meant that she actually had to make sure Srash didn't die. Or worse, lost face for House Luana.

It meant that she really had to go along with whatever Srash told her to do so as to make a statement of power and ensure all matters were properly adhered to.

"What do you need us to do?" it was with a weary exhale that Sibylla made an additional inquiry. Yes, he indicated that she had to be ready for anything, but she was sure he already had a plan in mind.

 

[Srash]

“Hopefully, nothing but follow,” Srash sighed.

In other words, expect a fight.

They drew closer to the Akacia estate at Vel Anir. While Lady Akacia’s property was outside the city, she regularly stayed at this estate to host events and parties. Anyone with a nose for the life of nobility could see her clear attempts to build relationships and favors. Such is this life.

“Tell me, you’ve probably heard of rumors in town,” Srash continued, “Have you heard of the recent courtier disappearances?”

Such was a popular tale whispered in taverns. Lowborn courtiers of fair appearance just disappear at about a rate of once per month. While it was not unheard of a courtier to abandon their lord for greener pastures or out of fear – there would always been word of where they went.

No, for these courtiers that were subject to the rumors, they completely vanished.

 

[Sibylla]

|| Srash ||

For once, the way the Dreadlord had given a sigh with his response gave Sibylla the thought that perhaps, he knew very well the gravity of the situation. That all his attempts at provoking her aside, this mission actually meant something. That it was important. Of course, all likely revolving in an attempt at ensuring House Luana saved face from any particular concern or risk to their reputation.

Not really ensuring the longevity of humanity, but perhaps there was something more to this than just a society ball.

The mention of courtiers disappearing, seemed to confirm it.

Sibylla gave a small frown, her olive complexion scrunching in thoughtful consideration. They continued along their path, the trees casting shadows over their forms as they continued along in pairs. The guards at her back were doing their best to listen in yet seem as if they were not being nosy. They failed at that, but it didn't matter. Not now at least.

"A few," the Anirian Knight admitted, pulling from memory what she heard over a mug of ale when she met a few of knights left from her graduating class.

"A pattern it seems. Dark hair, blue eyes, from minor houses. Mostly it seems to be a third or fourth child whose looks are all that are considered of worth to low-income families." Most perhaps hadn't even been officially out in society. This meant that either landing a husband or wife was all they could do to help their family. Either that or become a mistress or a lover to the elite and be kept as an expensive flight of fancy.

"Not so pretty so as to be well renowned, but not so plain as to be completely overlooked."

 

[Srash]

“Hmm,” Srash began as he scratched his chin, “That’s a new one.”

Then with a glance toward Sibylla and glanced at her black hair and icy blue eyes.

Srash formed a cheesy smile and told her, “But that works perfectly now you’re here.”

With just a few more steps, the gates of the Akacia manor could be seen. Manor being a rather generous term. The building could not compare to that of House Luana’s manor in Vel Anir.

Guards stood at the gates. Before them, an ornate carriage rolled up with a minor house’s emblem. A couple dressed in elegant clothing stepped out to present an invitation to the guards. They were then allowed within.

Looking toward the manor, Srash told Sibylle, “Should things it rowdy, you may lead your soldiers however you need to achieve success.”

Once again, Srash looked toward her and told her, “I trust you.”

 

[Sibylla]

|| Srash ||

Wait, what?

The alarm would widen Sibylla's eyes, the Knight's pace quickly picking up to follow the Dreadlord. Her heart began to race in growing apprehension.

No. He wouldn't -- he wouldn't! Sibylla thought to herself, mentally trying to pick apart Srash's words.

"What works perfectly?" She couldn't help herself, the inquiry bubbling forth, body leaning forward to try to read Srash's body language and expressions. Of course, the bloody mage was difficult to read before he went on to use another feather to push her over.

"Of course, my lord," Sibylla replied, a bit thrown off by how easily he went on to let her know to do what she had to do to ensure the success of the mission, even more so when he so blatantly told her that he trusted her.

Talk about ways to unsteady the Knight's bearings. She came in fully prepared to be irritated at clashing with Srash again, only to be sent into a seasaw of clashing emotions. The ones where anxiety made her wonder if he was playing with her again or if he really meant it? She was an Anirian Knight after all, and she took her position and responsibilities seriously, but when dealing with the mages, it made it difficult to hold her tongue and her prejudices.

Between the mages and the nobles, it was just so hard to really discern what was real and what was not.

Apprehension made her brows furrow, uncertainty coloring her ice-blue eyes. With a deep breath, her shoulders rose, and then Sibylla stood straight.

I have a job to do anyways.

"As you wish, my lord," she curled her hand, laying her arm across her chest in agreement. "We will do all that is necessary."

Turning towards the other four guards, Sibylla's expression grew hard, a certain purpose to it. "Keep close, we will reach the entrance shortly. Keep your weapons sheathed unless I give the signal."

Things were going to be precarious from here on out. It all depended on how Lady Akacia greeted them.

Up ahead, the grand entrance where carriages and guests would be dropped off shone under the light of torches towards a polished stone staircase. There were carriage boys and guards poised at the ready, with a well-dressed attendant reviewing invitations for formal introductions.

 

[Srash]

After hearing Sibylla’s response and seeing her take command, Srash smiled and turned back to the Akacia manor gates. He took a big breath and began continued his walk straight to the guards standing by.

Srash and his entourage were seen. It would be obvious that at least those surrounding Srash were of the Anirian Guard.

Still in the mode of greeting nobles, one guard would greet them with, “Good evening... how may I be of service?”

Pointing to the Luana badge on his chest, Srash would tell them, “Yes, good evening. I’m very sorry for our unannounced arrival, but Lord Luana sent me with my…”

Srash gestured to Sibylla to ensure the guards saw her, “Lovely companion.”

“Lord Luana wishes us to… uh…” Srash stumbled on the last words.

Looking to Sibylla, Srash asked, “What was it again?”

 

[Sibylla]

|| Srash ||

Why are you looking at me!? You should know!

Being placed on the spot meant that Sibylla had to think on her feet. Already she had steeled her mind into considering what sort of potential altercation they may get into, but instead of Srash taking the lead -- as he ought to - he instead swung those cow brown eyes at her, seemingly pleading for assistance.

Really, if he had thicker eyelashes the Dreadlord likely would have batted them!

Six pairs of eyes swung over to focus on the Anirian Knight, and Sibylla felt as if she were suddenly tossed into a ballroom floor and expected to dance.

Blasted hell...

So she said the first thing that came to mind that was somewhat reasonable, "Audit records and review feudal incidents." that is as much as Sibylla could recall regarding vasselship. As a vassal, Lady Akacia would be required to provide support be it through administrative, military, taxes, or court duties.

As this was a right of a Lord from their Vassel, it was a directive that could not be ignored. To do so would be considered an affront.

The attendant's visage seemed to pale at the prospect, as such a review would mean that Lady Akacia would need to be alerted before any one should enter her manor. The issue being that to make House Luana's representative wait would be considered an insult.

Quickly, the attendant gave a wide smile that belied the beats of sweat that would grow over his temple and brow.

"Of course, my lord, if you would follow me.... " with every intention of attempting to guide them elsewhere from the social gathering.

 

[Srash]

Srash grimaced upon hearing Sibylla’s answer. Still, Lady Akacia’s guards opened the gates to guide Sibylla and company into the estate.

The courtyard beyond the gates was small – given that this was the middle of Vel Anir and a manor for a Great House’s vassal. A small gardened lined the manor’s outside walls. Several small statues were scattered around the courtyard as well.

Light could be seen coming from most the windows of the manor. There was also a balcony on the second level with the doors open. The sound of a crowd talking and a band of minstrels playing could be heard.

The attendance would guide everyone into the manor. The walls and flooring was all hardwood. Portraits of Lady Akacia were everywhere. All the portraits depicted her as one that could definitely compete for the title of the Rose of Vel Anir. At least, on the portrait…

After a quick walk, the attendant would guide everyone to a small lounge with a cough and a few seats. A bookshelf sat in the corner.

“Please wait here while I inform the Lady,” the attendant nervously informed them, “Is there anything you would like to drink?”

Srash immediately replied with, “Tea.”

Then looking to Sibylla, “You?”

 

[Sibylla]

Srash

The expression Sibylla pasted upon her features was one that indicated, do I have to? It was akin to that of a child giving an internal plea.

Of course, she had to. With a deep breath and a half-smile that made her appear constipated rather than friendly, the Knight replied, "Ale."

The attendant, of course, gave her a blank look, as if the mere mention of ale was rather lowly of her.

A pause. Fine.

"Tea."

The attendant gave a cordial nod and replied, "Of course, please wait here." he told them, moving towards the exit. He took the handles of both heavy doors, closing them behind him. Immediately Sibylla turned to Srash, "What? An audit is a perfectly acceptable reason to visit."

Oh right.

"... my lord."

 

[Srash]

Srash maintained a faint smile while the attendant took the request from Sibylla. And even after the attendant left and Sibylla asked her question.

Though, he began to absolutely beam when Sibylla added the “my lord” at the end.

“We’re inside the manor, so I’ll give you a passing grade,” Srash admitted.

Taking the moment before their drinks would arrive, Srash wondered over to the bookshelf and began to examine what sat on the shelves.

“But,” Srash continued, “An audit when the Lady has a party? Lady Akacia will be livid.”

Glancing back to Sibylla for a second, Srash finished with, “So no perfect score for that test.”

It did not take long for the attendant to return with a tray of drinks. Tea was already made for the party – not all nobles thought it wise to drink in public or at all. Srash wondered over from the bookcase to take his cup of tea.

“My Lord, I am sorry for any wait. Lady Akacia is busy with guests at the moment,” the attendant informed Srash and Sibylla, “She is informed of your presence and will be here as soon as possible. If anything is needed, someone will be just outside the door to be of service.”

The attendant left and closed the heavy doors behind him. Srash, Sibylla, and the other guards were alone once more. Srash merely held the cup of tea in his hand – not taking one sip.

Looking over to Sibylla, Srash asked, “Well then, shall we go exploring?”

 

[Sibylla]

|| Srash ||

A roll of Sibylla's eyes was her first response to Srash's supposed 'scoring' of a test. She immediately brought her arms arm, crossing them over her chest in a defensive posture. The 'kids' in the background were a bit confused but did their best to simply listen in and take their orders.

At Srash's recommendation to go exploring, Sibylla gave a long, drawn-out sigh, "Would my objections matter, my lord?"

Because honestly, did it really matter what she thought would be best? Sibylla just wanted to ensure that Srash didn't end up killed tonight. Odds were, he was going to want to go exploring anyways.

As if already assuming Srash's response, she gestured with a hand over to a pair of the guards, "Take position at the door, keep it secure, you two," she then indicated a guard with redhair that would match Srash's and another brunette. Both likely no older than early twenties.

"Come with us. "

 

[Srash]

As Sibylla spoke, Srash journeyed toward the door after setting his cup of tea upon the coffee table in front of a sofa.

“You’re free to speak any objections,” Srash told Sibylla as he lifted his hand to the door just as the two Anirian Guards approached.

“But it’s a little late for that,” Srash said as he gave a few firm taps on the door.

Srash took several steps away from the door. He motioned two hands out as if to signal to the guards to make way.

Lady Akacia’s guard opened the door from the outside. Srash waved his hand.

“Yes, my lord?” Akacia’s guard said.

A pause. Srash remained silent and unmoving.

“Yes, right away,” the guard then said as he walked into the room.

Looking to Sibylla, Srash lifted a finger to his mouth. Hush.

The guard would walk to the middle of the room – before the empty sofa and where Srash’s tea was.

“What is it you wish to ask of me, my lord?” Akacia’s guard said.

A conversation between the guard and no one.

Srash motioned to Sibylla to follow and walked out of the room. The hallway would be empty of people. The faint sound of laughter and conversations could be heard from the party somewhere else in the manor.

The hallway went back to the manor’s foyer. There were also several doors that lead to rooms or other hallways.

With a whisper, Srash asked Sibylla, “Where should we start?”

 

[Sibylla]

|| Srash ||

Is he looking at me? Why is he looking at me? Oh, Lesat's moons, don't tell me he wants me to be in charge of this little interrogation?!

Sibylla's expression melted from mild confusion to alarmed awareness, and then exasperation. The Knight did her best to try and contain her emotions, but oftentimes they bled out in subtle or not so subtle nuances. The twitch of an eyebrow, the widening and narrowing of her eyes, and the thinning of her lips.

While she was all for responsibility and the loyalty that Srash had managed to rile up in her with his earlier dialogue, the Knight wasn't in the know of what exactly they were trying to prove with Lady Akacia.

If she had the freedom, she'd have pinched the bridge of her nose, feeling the stress build right behind her eyes.

"The courtiers, my lord," as if reminding him of the rumors regarding the missing courtiers.