Suprise visit (Jygust 31st late TT)

[Grey Wolf]

Coming from the streets the first thing that impressed the senses was the long lane, covered in the shade of old oak trees, allowing a coach to ride right up to the main building while feeling dwarved by the scale of the mansion.
The mansion itself was huge for the expensive ground of the Citadel where most buildings tended to expand upwards instead of horizontally. Two wings were attached to the main building, the house a shining white that looked bright in the morningtide light. The right wing had a lovely view of the Palace Garden as well as the Patrician's House of the Master of Protocol. Large green shrubbery provided a measure of privacy nonetheless. In the middle of the front garden, which was planted with a variety of roses, stood a large fountain, a dragon spewing forth water into the air. It gave the garden a nice moist touch during hot summers.
Inside the house was sumptuously furnished. The hallway was tiled with marble and stretched upwards not just to the ceiling of the first floor, but up to the second. Exposed butresses and supports gave the austere feeling of a church, while the large chandelier hung low and gave off a warm light when the candles were lit. The entire mansion held cream theme, interspersed with other colors in other rooms. Window drapings, seen from the outside, were thin and lacy on the first floor, but the second floor seemed more private with heavier fabrics. A large sitting room opened up with expansive windows into the rear lawn and palace garden, allowing the scent of the flowers to drift into the house.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
It sounded so simple, but as others proved it already, simply coming back could be dangerous. More so since others were moving on his turf, other who had no reason to get involved in that part of life. Those who knew the elderly gentleman walking down the streets of Patrician’s Ring would find it hard to recognize him. His hair grown long, dark at the roots and almost snow-white at the ends, the well-trimmed beard making the man look a bit scruffy, but still respectable. A pair of men wearing what appeared like skirt flanked him, large swords resting on their backs, their eyes scanning the streets warily under red eyebrows. A few words and they paused before the door, turning their backs and guarding their bosses back while he knocked on the door, smiling broadly.

OOC: This one is meant for Ashari, but feel free to jum in if you are around ICly.

[Ashari]

By the time Ashari had left the Burpin Dragon she had a bit of a buzz on. When she got home she had a mind to continue on that path. A knock at the door prevented her from pouring the beverage she'd planned to, causing her to carry the bottle with her to the door. She was in black leather leggings tucked into knee high boots and a washed out blue chemise over which she layered a bodice and vest to expose a generous amount of cleavage. Her long black locks tumbled around her shoulders and down her back in layers of large elegant curls, which she delicately tucked behind her round ears.

She pulled the heavy door open to expose an unexpected figure. "Tom?" Her gray eyes, somewhat bleary from her mild intoxication, took him in with great surprise, which only gave over to more as she took in the men he traveled with. "Are... are those men wearing checkered skirts?" She asked incredulously. "They've got very large swords," she snickered to herself at what she considered a rather clever comment. "Please, come in, come in," she waved a hand inward and opened the door wider. "Your friends, too. Come on then."

[Grey Wolf]

Thomas Crane grinned at Ashari’s expression and was about to answer when one of his guards added over his shoulder in a grumbling voice. “They’s called kilts, lass. Wee lasses like you wear skirts and just cause yer in breeches, dun mean I am wearin’ no bloody skirt. It’s a kilt and only men wear it. I am a man, so it’s a bloody kilt. Can show ye if you dun believe me.” This caused the old crime lord to burst out in laughter and lay a hand on the gruff warrior’s shoulder. “That won’t be necessary, Urich. She’ll take your word for it. Now, come on in. This place should be safe enough.” He stepped in and the pair followed the one called Urich pausing to peer through the closing door, scanning the street for any would be attackers. “Now, before we get ourselves something to drink, and before we get to business after that, lemme introduce you all. These two kilt wearing boys are Urich and Trevor, and they are here to make sure I don’t get into the same trouble Imperial Secretary got into some time ago. This here lady is Ashari Gywien, founder and head of Rocky Isle Guild and a dear friend of mine.” He shrugged off his coat and casually tossed it over his forearm, glancing about with light curiosity. “We are not intruding, are we? I hoped you might humor an old man like myself with a drink and chat. So much has happened since last we met, that we really, really need to have a chat.”

[Ashari]

The quick response via the kilted fellow as well as Tom's laughter caused for Ash's cheeks to rise in a fast blush, though she too joined in the merriment with a burst of giggles. "Apologies," she said with the smirk still plastered over her fine features. "It's a very fetching kilt." She was sure to use the proper term this time, though whether or not it was a man or woman who work breeks they were called the same. How like a man to need a different name for his prettily patterned skirt.

"It's a pleasure to meet you both, Urich and Trevor," she said with a polite nod to each of them, while welcoming them into her home/school. "You're not intruding at all. Here, let me take your coat. And you gentlemen, anything you wish to relinquish rather than carry?" She paused, waited and smiled. "I'd thought not, I'll be just a moment. Her long lean legs carried her from the foyer into a near by hall where she opened a narrow door and place Tom's long coat among the others that hung there which were mostly her own, though there was one of Aeris' as well in the small storage facility.

Returning, she raised a hand and motioned toward another hallway. "Perhaps we'll sit in the more private sitting area than the open waiting room, yes?"

In the rear of the house, opening out onto the terrace, there are full length windows with numerous panes of glass that give a vision of the back lawn, garden and the palace gardens. Inside the room itself are furnishings that give a natural backdrop to the exotic plants within. Highly polished wood reflects against neutral toned fabrics of a sofa and several matching chairs making it a comfortable place to sit and chat while having a cup of tea. A short table sits at the center of attention upon which are miniature cactus of Amun Rah and plenty of space for two trays. A window box contains orchids of Pan's Isle which were shaded by a dwarf Murrelbuck white birch.

Around the sumptuous sitting area are all manner of exotic plant specimens brought in from the distant corridors of the Seven Isles, displaying a wealth of treasures that took months to gather. There are always new additions to the indoor green house, giving inhabitants from far-away a small reminder of home - whether it be from the scgent of familiar flowers or the texture of uneven bark. This exotic flora spills onto the terrace outdoors in topiary forms of tree-roses and other short, round flowering shrubs. The garden itself is in the process of it's renewal, still overgrown and lacking attention. One might expect that to change very much in the coming weeks.

"Make yourselves comfortable," she directed them to any manner of seating while she moved over to a low cabinet from which she procured a cut bottle of Islay's finest. Taking a spot on the sofa herself, crossing one leg over the other, while one slender wrist draped over the arm rest she dove into the matter at hand "So then, you know of the trouble between Silk and Manyana?" It had been big news. "Then you know, too, that he survived it. He is a slippery beast - his name is quite fitting." She poured a glass for Tom and herself. "Urich, Trevor?" The mage gave a gentle twitch of her arm and the contents of the bottle swished in an inviting manner which was paired by subtly raised eyebrows for emphasis. She'd pour them each a glass if they wanted them.

"I've missed you, Tom. This is a dangerous city... and my allies are running low or turning up dead." She still had a resource of numerous powerful persons at her disposal, but she kept those aces hidden high up her sleeve. "Will you be staying long, or is this just a visit?" Her gray eyes leveled with his evenly, and watched him and his companions closely.

[Grey Wolf]

Urich nodded gruffly despite the humorous nature of his comment and as the three men cam in the pair took off their swords, resting them near at hand, their kilts smoothed down carefully to avoid any mishaps and prevent any chance of a sneak check of whether they truly were men in kilts or burly girls in skirts. The offer of drinks was accepted by both men, Trevor frowning until the glass was filled to the brim, while Urich was happy with the normal amount of alcohol one put in a glass. “Aye…. Erm, yes I have heard of that particular incident, though I am not really surprised that Silk survived. I heard he had some unusual help and that worries me. How many more such people there are in this city?”

Pretending he did not hear the query, Thomas took a long pull from his glass and sighed. “I am back for good now. Hopefully I’ll manage to convince the right people that I am good for this city.” He smiled without humor and sighed again. “You undoubtedly heard of why I had to leave. Well, while that particular pest is less of a problem now thanks to Manyana, others have used our conflict to get more powerful, or rather to preserve their power. What truly worries me is that they are now growing in power and it happens with assistance from someone I have no way of influencing.” This time there was no smile as Thomas Crane looked directly into Ashari’s eyes. “Did you know that Caesar Andolin Azarin is covertly helping Guilhelme Haut-Ledoc? Same Guilhelme who is my chief competitor in this city?”

[Ashari]

Pleasantries out of the way, Ash's attention was fully diverted from the men that Tom travelled with toward the Master Crane himself, as well as the peculiar tonation he'd picked up. "You sound like a Dortman," she teased with a smile. "What do you mean unusual help? The women he picked up?" She'd heard rumors of them and the appearance they made in the Council - one tending to him like a nursemaid the other some manner of innocent decoy doing his bidding like a proper puppet.

She'd met one of them directly after, though she didn't realize the woman she met at the Temple was Lir, or rather, didn't know there was a connection between the simple and pleasant attendant at the Mother's Temple was the same mysterious figure that had been said to push the wheelchair of Silk. If she had she would've given the young woman more attention, perhaps even taken her aside to question her about the Mother, and get to know her more. Missed opportunity she wasn't even aware of.

When Tom decided to take a sip, Ash joined him, relishing in the strong aroma that came along with the powerful spirit. It burned a track down her throat to her stomach, but it was a welcome warmth. Tom's next comment, though, was entirely unexpected. "What reason would the Caesar have for assisting Haut-Ledoc?" She queried, and also wondered in what way Tom thought she could be of assistance to him concerning it.

[Grey Wolf]

Nodding, Tom confirmed that Ashari got it right from start, though he thought it wise to explain further. “Precisely. From what I managed to learn one had just arrived into the city while the other was of all things working for me in a way. Now, I am not certain how that relates to my standing with the Secretary and to be honest I am not willing to push in that direction just yet. He is something of an enigma and if only part of the rumors about him are correct a very dangerous man, and could make an excellent ally.” Crane’s mind has not been made on that particular subject just yet, but if some day and somehow he could prove half of what he suspected the crime-lord and black-clad Secretary would have much to talk about.

“From what I know of His Highness, Caesar Andolin was a close friend to Haut-ledoc’s only daughter Ygraine before he was even considered for throne. Whether he is helping Guilhelme out of gratitude to Ygraine, or as a means to repay a debt, or even as a way to indebt Haut-Ledoc to him, I do not know. All I know is that I can ill-afford to have another force to join conflict at this time.” Looking into her eyes, the old man added. “I know he helped you after you’re your old Guildhouse was burned. Made things possible so you could start anew. I was hoping you could use whatever means you used back then once more and see if you can persuade him to keep out of this for a little while. Little Mike is on the verge of being beaten and kicked out of this city, but if Haut-ledoc gets cocky I am not sure I will be able to finish Mike and keep Guilhelme back at the same time.”

[Ashari]

"I should like to meet Silk," Ashari said. "If he so easily picks up help from the streets he must be a very charismatic gentleman." There was also the suggestion of his power. Andolin was a good friend, but, Silk could be a much better one, especially as it seemed ol' Andi's affections were fading. He'd become easily embroiled in his interest of finding a proper wife. Ashari, apparently, wasn't the right material. In that respect, it was time for her to find a more powerful ally, one who could support her; support her and her unborn child. Silk would understand why I am a good friend. "Do you know where I might find him in a more private setting than the Palace? Could you.. arrange something, friend?" Her left eyebrow raised slightly as a plan was formulating deep within her intricate mind.

A different thought occurred to her before answering his question. "And Tiff.. have you heard any news of her?" She was hopeful of this.

"If I staunch the wound that is Guilhelm then we are even, Tom. My debt to you," she said. "I want it done with. That is not to say we won't continue to do business. I very much enjoy helping you in any way I can, but I will not continue to do it free." Ashari had talents that were worth investing in, and Tom had in her a very powerful little thief. He had lost Alice, his last mage, and now Ash was what he had.

The dark haired seductress took a sip of her drink and savored it's flavor almost as much as the next thing that spilled from her full lips. "I should also like to kill Michael, will this present a problem for us?" She set her glass down. It clinked against the smooth surface of the table as a punctuation to her question. "I will do that for free. I've heard mention that he has some manner of trinket that protects him from Mindcraft. Is this true? What is it?"

[Grey Wolf]

Such casual request to meet Silk brought reaction even from mildly disinterested warriors Tom had come with, though neither said anything, letting their employer do the talking. Thomas took his time, sipping the whiskey and savoring the taste, or likely buying himself some time to think. “I could see if I can set up a discrete meeting. Understand that I have no leverage on him, so he might refuse. But, I seriously doubt that. He is ambitious and you have much potential and value. If nothing else he will be interested in talking to you.” Another sip and the final answer came. “Give me a few days to set it up and I’ll send you a note with details. Keep your evenings clear since I suspect the time will be after sunset.”

The mention of Tom’s only daughter caused Crane’s mood to drop immediately. “I know that she is alive, but….” He tried to chuckle, but it was obviously forced. “She’s my blood and knows how to stay hidden. I wish she were somewhere safe, but…. As you can see, nowhere is safe enough right now.” Thomas glanced at his escorts and drained the rest of his drink.

The request that came next was somewhat unexpected, but not entirely unfair. “Have I ever ordered you to do anything for me, darling? Even today I came to ask for a favor. As friend would come to a friend.” That being said, Thomas wanted to be sure they both understood the situation fully. “I know you can not repay me the money. I actually never expected you to pay it back. It was an investment. I am not Mike.” Here he smiled a sad half-smile. “Think of it like this. I do you a favor, you do me a favor. Not because you have to, but because it is the right thing to do. If you refuse and I find your reasons for doing so valid, it’s all fine. If however you refuse because you think you no longer need me, then any future help from me comes at a price. And if you insult me while you refuse, I will of course avenge that slight.” He paused and held the glass in a silent request for a refill. “You have never insulted me and I doubt you ever will. And yeah if you need a favor in return for what you do for me then I will consider it and see if it is in my power to give you what you need. You see, there is no debt. Just an imbalance of favors, that we are too polite to notice. I hope things stay that way and we do not have to keep a favor-ledger. Don’t you agree?”

The request for Michael’s death was met with a silent nod, no reply coming for several long flickers. “As much as it pains me to kill a family member, I think that is the only option this time. Little Mike has gone too far. And if you do manage to do it before someone else does, I will still consider it a personal favor.” He smiled grimly. “But, you best stand in line as others may have a similar idea. Friends are a rare commodity. Enemies are so easy to obtain.”

[Ashari]

"I don't have a few days," she said, and gave a glance to his guardsman. Ashari enjoyed their reaction and wondered what, if anything, Tom had told them of her and why she was important. "The sooner the better."

Tom spoke like the businessman she knew him to be, and it was refreshing. "You've been away too long, Tom," she said again while opening the bottle and refilling his glass. She topped off her own and offered to the guardsman in a similarly silent fashion as the first time.

"And of course we're friends, Tom. I would never want you to believe that I don't respect and admire you, nor appreciate your financial backing for the Guild, but taking that money had also cost me dearly - cost me a friend because of your family feud and my previous Guild house as well.

"I do not intent to fall in your disfavor by asking that the money you gave me be taken out of the equation. You are not such a cold man as that - to deny me a clean slate, so that we may bargain on our further points in a more even way. I am a very different woman now than I was then, and you also understand that, which is how you can come to me and ask me to speak in the ear of my lover - a man who can influence the world and who I can influence with a whisper," here, she paused to take her own sip of the burning alcohol and smiled. "Such serious talk for friends," she commented dryly.

"If Mike isn't killed by one of your agents or by one of his angered whores within the next three days I will do it myself." The young magelet licked her lips. "But you didn't answer my question - does he carry some manner of trinket that protects him from magick?"

[Grey Wolf]

“I never said it will take a few days. I said it might take a few days, but it will likely happen in the next day.” Spreading his arms and smiling Thomas tried to lighten the mood a bit. “I have just returned to the city. And much of my organization is not in perfect shape anymore.” He shrugged and let the matter rest, planning to do his utmost to arrange the meeting, but not willing to make any promises. The pair that accompanied him refused refills to their glasses, one drink useful for warming a man’s bones, any more dulling the senses and reflexes. And those two had no intention of losing their charge to an assassin.

Craen looked as if he was going to comment when Ashari spoke of the money he gave her and what it has brought her, but instead took a long pull of his drink and listened. In the end the old man chuckled, shaking his head. “You make me sound like some old King when you speak of disfavor. And I did come as a friend. You see, while you will be doing me a favor, you will also be doing a favor to yourself and also one for your lover. What he is doing is dangerous. While I have little chance of winning this conflict if he backs LeDoc in it, you know me too well to expect that I will go down without a fight. And since I cannot prevail alone I will have to seek allies. Things will get bloody. Very bloody. And I do think it is in everyone’s best interest that they do not head in that direction.”

The reminder worked where the original question yielded no answer. “You may go after Mike any time you want. You may even use some of my resources if you need them. Ask me first and you will likely be given what you need.” He paused and pondered with eyes narrowed to slits. “I have not seen Mike in almost half a yahren. But he did boast of some form of magical protection. I think it was a ring. Whether it worked against Mindcraft or whether it worked at all I have no idea. Quite possible given his distrust and fear of magic. I do know he can’t protect himself from a well placed arrow or dagger. Just need to find him and organize everything and he will fall.”

[Ashari]

"As I said, the sooner the better. It'd likely be best that you send me a note via personal messenger with the information as to where and when I can meet up with Silk. Tomorrow evening would be... perfect, but the evening after would do as well," she said with a smile.

Tom was doing a good business of avoiding subjects and making sure he didn't place himself in a corner. It was his specialty. While he had more experience in it, Ash was a crafty creature not easily lead astray by quick words or charming chuckles. "It doesn't concern me if it puts him in danger. He is a foolish man, if it's not this it will be another thing - if not that, then something else," she waved a hand casually, emphasizing what she said of their foppish womanizing leader as well as giving a good show of how little she cared for him. "What concerns me is that you're using me to help you, and for that, I'd like you to agree that the favor of my money is over."

Ashari put her glass down. "Can we agree on this point or will we argue it?"

On the subject of Mike and his offering of support she nodded. "I appreciate the sentiment, but I believe I'll take care of it myself - personal like, if you know what I mean. The last time it didn't turn out too well. I was too far away from it all. This time I don't plan on that happening. This time, I will kill him myself. Shame to hear the rumors about his trinket are true.. I will have to find a way around that. I imagine I am creative enough to come up with something."

She laced her fingers together and placed them on one knee. "Is there anything else I can do for you concerning Haut-Ledoc?" She asked the aging underworld lord. If there was it was likely he'd ask for it himself, but it was always nice to put the offer out there.

[Grey Wolf]

With a nod Thomas nearly settled the matter completely, asking one final question a flicker later. “Would you like me to be present at the meeting or......” He had no idea what Ashari wanted to discuss with the likes of Silk, but if she wanted to discuss anything important, Thomas would like to be there and offer his insights, though he would understand if she wanted a private meeting. Then came the time for a chuckle and a shake of Thomas’ head. “No need to argue such a minor thing. Consider whatever monetary debt you had erased. While our plan did not work, in a way that money was a worthy investment. The favor of the money I gave you is over.” He paused and glanced at Ashari to see if she would argue the point more, or if they could move on.

“Very well then. You deal with it if you can and I will try to do the same. Whomever does remove that particular thorn will allow us both to move on to more worthy pursuits.” Then came his turn to mention favors and debts. “And I do not plan to consider his death, should it come as result of my own actions, a favor to anyone but myself.” The mention of Haut-Ledoc brought a small frown on Crane’s face, causing the grey-haired crime lord to ponder for a flicker, but no new information came out of it. “I can deal with Guilhelme on my own if he does not receive outside assistance. So, keeping His Majesty out of the picture should be enough. If something new pops out you will be notified and I may yet ask for help in this. Not just yet though.”

[Ashari]

"That isn't necessary. I should manage him well enough on my own, I believe," she said. "But thank you." Ash smiled. When he finally gave over the money she gave an inward sigh of relief. That was done, and now she could move forward on more even ground. There was great comfort in that.

"I will do what I can. I have my ways with the Caesar, but he is also a very strong and smart man - that is what has gotten him to his position. I've made no demands of him, nor he of I, and for that we respect eachother. Know that the favor you ask me is a heavily weighted one," she said, for the first time feeling as though she were the power in the discussion. Sometimes all the mattered was the change of perspective. He'd come to her home, he was asking her a favor, and she would find a way to grant it to him, or destroy Guilhelme in some other manner.

Behind these thoughts was the boiling revenge she intended to inact on Michael. She would end his life, and slowly, in front of his own men and on his own turf. Oh, how she relished the thought. She would find Tiffany, she would stop Guilhelme, se would kill Michael and the whole Crane organization would owe their safety to her and Tom would owe her more favors than he could easily pay. Things were about to become interesting... This visit had done wonders for the mage.

"Anything else?"

[Grey Wolf]

It was merely a delay, and since Thomas had no actual plans involving Silk, it was not much of a delay, more a missed chance to see where things were. The request was stored in the crime-lord’s mind, the only place where information was completely safe from prying eyes and they went on to another subject. “I know that I am asking much, but I do remind you that it only seems that Thomas Crane will be the only one to benefit from this. The problem is much bigger than most people can even imagine. After all, if I am out of the picture, then you will have to make friends with Guilhelme, if you want to have allies with contacts such as I have.” At times even Thomas imagined Michael’s methods would be much simpler. Eliminate the competition in the true sense of the word and rebuild your strength afterwards. Wonder if I could get away with Guilhelme’s death? “And I think all that remains now is to enjoy our drinks and chat about things I have missed while being away. So, how are classes going along in… Rocky Isle Guild?”

OOC: We can slowly wrap this up if you wish.

[Ashari]

"Of course, Tom, but it's not like I am without my own resources," she smiled. "I'm a very friendly girl, I'm sure Guilhelme would enjoy my company." A thinly veiled threat? "Would you care for something to eat?" She wasn't above being a proper hostess.

"Classes are going well. I'm constantly impressed by my students (few as they are) and their talents at picking up new skills. They are sharp. I've done well by them. They will be good at what they are being trained to do. They will make good wives, all of them, to strong men who deserve the likes of such ladies."

She gave Tom a sly smile. "Are you looking for a woman, my friend?" Though not a prostitution ring she wasn't above using Tom for training, nor giving him the bountiful opportunity of having the company of one of the young ladies. It was a win-win, at least how she saw it. Paige and Yelena were in need of the most training. Could they handle an evening with the crime lord? It could be interesting either way. "Perhaps, to have on your arm for a meeting? One can be impressive with the proper accessories." Not that Tom wasn't impressive all on his own, but he was missing that particular flair - it could help push him above Ledoc.

"How was Dort?" If they were to discuss meaningless topics she might as well ask him some similarly meaningless questions.

[Grey Wolf]

There was just smile and perhaps a hint of mischief on Thomas’ face as Ashari explained how she would not be lost without the elder Crane, the old man glancing at his guards and nodding at the offer of food. “We won’t mind a bite. As for Guilhelme…… Sure, you could be friends, but he is boring and not as handsome as I am.” He chuckled, and dismissed that particular subject with a shake of his head, merriment for a moment twinkling in his eyes.

There genuine interest in Crane’s eyes as Ashari spoke of her guild and the classes, the old man somewhat impressed with the enthusiasm the girl was showing. He knew she had it in her when they met all those months ago and he suggested such a venture, but this was more than he expected. She was genuinely doing her best to make this work and that counted. He did chuckle at the mention of a woman at his arm and then gave it a serious thought. “Perhaps you are right. We might even kill two birds with one stone. I think I am due an evening at the Risque and I could use with some company. We’ll talk more about it.” Then came the final question and Thomas looked towards the door. “Dort was….. different. It is almost as big as Citadel, but lacks it’s bustle. It’s diversity if you will. But, there is much potential there and while Erwin is not too eager to give much to anyone, I think I did fairly well. And did not step on the Duke’s toes too much in the process.”