The Western Invasion [SH 28, Late TT]

[Rosalie Marcada]

Rosalie strode purposefully towards the Citadel, her two Condotierre escorts in her wake. She wore the deep burgundy dress with the wide flaring skirt. It was an unconcious decision to mirror her somewhat heated dream that she had dismissed as a passing fancy. It did however set her to pondering all day about the precarious situation she, and the Mouth, was in.

She was the most high ranking official representing the Mouth, in her mind even outranking her brother though he may beg to differ. It was up to her to seize the advantage, certain that Carloni would not want it any differently. These endeavours were started for one reason only.. they were profitable. Rosalie very much doubted it would remain profitable for much longer. She needed to know what the Empire was aware of and Lord Azarin ignoring her correspondence twice did not bode well.

He was aware enough of her to set one of his goons up to seduce her. So why had he refused to have any official conversations? But the demon provided the perfect excuse. Lord Azarin... Andolin her mind screamed but she ignored her flighty imagination... Lord Azarin would be hard pressed to refuse any offer of assistance.

"My name is Rosalie LoRusso, consul to World's Mouth, " the petite woman declared arrogantly, her chin rising up half an inch as she regarded the guards before her "Protocol officer of the Western Embassy." She considered that her lesser title, but anything that put on status was to be used in such confrontations. "I am here to meet with the Major Domus, Lord Azarin. Please be so kind as to announce me." Her tone suggested that right now, on the double might easily have been added to that sentence.

[Grey Wolf]

The Advisory Council meeting was over and a long column of Immortals was slowly making their way out of the Citadel as Rosalie moved to the entrance. Our half-giants carriers, clad only in loincloth, their oiled skins glistening in the sun, carried a large palanquin, golden drapes obscuring the person within. It was impossible to see who was within, but for those who were 'In the know' it would be obvious that Isis was just departing. The guards were just resuming their posts, after letting the entourage through, when the Western Consul stormed to the gates.

It was Preston Summers that greeted her, his eyes having spied her a while ago as she was still making her way up. Thoroughly unimpressed with her arrogance, Sergeant quirked an eyebrow and nodded. "Very well, milady. Though there is no need for you to be announced. Leave your guards here and I shall have one of my men escort you to Major Domus' office right away." He turned and waved one of his men over. "Jack, milady Consul is here to see Lord Azarin. Be so kind to escort her to his office." He motioned for her to pass, but there was no way those two goons behind her would be allowed to enter. His men would keep them company, but the gate was as far as they could go.

[Rosalie Marcada]

Rosalie was not blind to her surroundings, noting the half giant carriers with mild interest, arching a dark eyebrow. Such a barbaric place. They'd do well to cover themselves with clothing instead of pompous titles. Surely a society like this can only draw in the darkness with their sin of lust so clearly displayed.

Before answering sergeant Summers she glanced up at the Citadel, looking so foreboding as it towered over her petite form. Was my dream but a prelude to disaster? Will this Citadel be my prison one day? Rosalie glanced back at the Condotierre guards, her security. She was loath to give them up, but she knew that rules in the Mouth were the same. Giving them a firm nod and a murmurred "Please wait here" the petite consul moved to go with the man called jack. She knew her escorts were to well trained to blabber too much, yet she would have preferred to instruct them beforehand. Nothing that can be done about that now.

Instead she looked up at the Citadel one last time before disappearing inside, trying to surpress her nerves.

[Grey Wolf]

"Si, Madame Consul." One of the Condotierre nodded as they both stopped and moved to the side, separating themselves from the Imperial Guardsmen. Gazing after Madame Consul as she disappeared into the large looming main doors of the Citadel. It took a flicker for the eyes of those entering to adjust to the lack of lighting there, even though the halls were well lit by torches and high vaulted windows. Jack slowed down intentionally waiting for Rosalie to match his pace, and trying to keep his walk slow so the petite woman did not have trouble keeping up.

Through hallways and twisting passages he lead her, the ancient nature of the Citadel quite apparent in its sturdy walls. Torches flickered ever ten or so paces, soft click of Jack's boots often the only sound beside Rosalie's own footsteps. Finally they came to a door and the Guardsman promptly opened it, ushering the lady inside. The door closed behind her and she was left alone. Alone apart from a rather bland looking clerk sitting behind an oaken desk, scribbling something onto a piece of paper. Lazily his eyes rose and he regarded her through a pair of low sitting eyeglasses. "Yes? How can I help you, milady?"

[Rosalie Marcada]

Rosalie noted how its sturdy walls in a rather classical way were just as she had imagined them to be, quite literally. However the inside of what was no less than a fort, judging by the thickness of the stone and a limited amount of large windows, was far more expansive than she would have thought. A chill went up her back that she tried to ignore.

With an inward sigh Rosalie realized that Jack was not about to announce her, having delivered into the hand of a mere clerk. No sense of etiquette. At the very least he could have introduced me. "My name is Rosalie Lo Russo," she told the man in a calm, clipped manner "I am the consul of World's Mouth here to speak with Lord Azarin."

[Grey Wolf]

The clerk rose at the mention of her name and bowed in a western fashion, offering her one of the chair to the side with a sweep of his hand. "Yes, Madam Consul, certainly. I am afraid Lord Azarin is having a visitor now, but perhaps you could wait for a bit." He smiled warmly. "I think they are almost done with their meeting. If you would wait for just a burn, I'll inform milord of your presence." He did wait for her approval, not wanting to disturb Major Domos if the lady would not wait.

As soon as she nodded, he moved to the door beside his desk and stepped inside after a light knock. Only a glimpse of a room was shown, an image of Major Domos presenting an armor clad man with a sword. The man might seem familiar to Rosalie should she choose to peek inside before the door closed behind the clerk. It was Karch Polante, although he wore an armor now. It really took no more than half a burn before the man emerged once more and moved to his desk.

[Rosalie Marcada]

Rosalie nodded to indicate that would be acceptable. It was quite normal in her eyes that the clerk would at least consult the Major Domus. She could always get nastier when Lord Azarin persisted in his folly. For now protocol served its purpose.

When the door was opened Rosalie took care not to be seen to observe yet from the corners of her eyes she did catch sight of Karsch. Well, well, well.. in some kind of armor. Now you cannot deny he's your lacky can you, milord.

[Grey Wolf]

As soon as he sat down, the clerk, looked up at Rosalie and smiled. "Lord Azarin will be available in five burns. He has just finished a meeting and will see you promptly. I am sorry for the inconvenience." And with that he was back to his work, paying her no attention unless the petite Mouthie chose to address him.

[size]OOC: Please proceed here (you have already done so, but still)[/size]

[Tristam]

Archived with no skills awarded.