World of Warcraft®

The seeds of doubt were sown, the fruit will be the surprise.

Notices appeared throughout the city. Nothing more was said of Meri.
--
Wanted: a secretary. Must be able to read, write, and follow orders. Discretion is a must. References a plus. Contact Trenetir Moradinel of Silvermoon City

Gezelda walked the streets of Silvermoon. She was humming random tunes and bustin random moves as she headed back to the kitchens, a bucket of lard in one hand. She gestured grandly to her tune and as she waved her lard covered hand she struck a post lightly. When she pulled her hand back a flyer was stuck to it "Oops! What's this say? Wanted secret ary? Mush reck bubble--" She tried to read it but the lard was already soaking the page, making it impossible to make out. She looked around and stuck it back on the post, hoping no one would notice.

On the way back to her rented room Koudo couldn't help but notice a flyer hanging on one of the many billboards throughout the city. She clutched her side as an uncontrollable laugh erupted from her.

“Oh my, the poor soul that takes this job will forever be scarred “she spoke out loud.

She suppressed the urge to apply, just seeing his face as she entered the office would be worth a thousand gold. She began walking away and then without thinking wrote down her qualifications with a short letter. She signed it K. Belore’alah and dropped it in the nearest mail box.

She began walking away thinking to herself “By the sun, what did I just do?”

An addendum, by some rogue with a pen. Scrawled at the bottom margin of (nearly) every flier, in comically vulgar script.

Regular beatings to the face a must.
Fuglies need not apply.

Traveling through the city, Lindae was bored out of her mind. She needed work and there was not much a rogue could do besides rob people or get a cushy job working for some noble. The notice caught her eyes.

A smile crossed her mouth in a sly way. So he wanted discretion and literacy? She could follow orders, a secretary she was not sure about, but it seemed there was not much choice. Grabbing the notice and stuffing it into her vest she went to her small cubbyhole and dug into the chest she had her materials in.

A list of her accomplishments including her work in Northrend and in Outland was easy. Writing out the references on separate sheets of parchment in differing styles of handwriting took more time and care. She used different inks so they appeared to be written by separate people.

A cover letter attached to the rest went as follows:

To Trenetir Moradinel ,

I am interested in the position of secretary. I include my list of accomplishments and some references. I can be discrete, I follow orders to the letter and I am used to dealing out as well as taking punishment. I can start immediately. Wages can be discussed, I do expect them to be substantial. Rumors of your disposition and needs will not deter my interest as long as the rewards are good.

Sincerely,
Lindae Shadowblade

((OOC- I made Lindai on CC, but she cannot level at the moment due to the game being stuck. If you are interested Tren, you can rp with my WRA rogue anytime for the fun of it.))

His words echoed woefully in his mind. It was a restless night, filled with hate, spite and frustration. While these emotions were not uncommon to Trenetir, they were rarely, if ever directed at himself; his ego usually saw to that.

Remorse? Was he actually sorry? How had be been so easily manipulated? "Love." In the darkness, the word spat from his lips like a sour grape.

Civility and Truth - the words of his father.

The disappointment he felt was overwhelming. With only the moonlight to guide him he penned the following letter:

Dr. Phrynia Augustine Emberbane

It is with the greatest regret that I write to you this evening, not only to inquire after your health and well being but also to afford you an apology. The words that spewed forth from my lips with little regard to whom they were falling upon were a great error.

Your effort in organizing the defense of poetry was well suited for both your person and your position. It is my hope that in time you will accept my offerings of the most sincere apology that I have.

I hope in time that we may have the opportunity to work together, or, in the interim that the next words we exchange are civil and well thought out.

Warmest regards,
Ser Trenetir Moradinel
of Silvermoon City

((Should have had this up earlier, will respond to the letters a little later!))
((edit - typo))

Belore'alah, that was certainly a surprise, one that brought a grin to his features. This would be interesting. He quickly penned a letter, requesting an interview with her, doubting she would respond to this. Shuffling through the letters he found the next, from Lindae. There was promise, or the prospect of promise, he could not decide. A second letter was just as quickly penned. Time would tell.

Koudo stared at the letter, she hadn’t expected an answer. Now she honestly didn’t know what to do. She bit her lip contemplating her next course of action. Sighing deeply she rose and looked through the small assortment of dresses she had brought with her. She selected one of her favorites, white with dark purple highlights. Gracefully she pressed it up against herself as she looked into the mirror. Her eyes narrowed and a sly grin crested her lips. She had made up her mind; Mr. Moradinel was going to have the interviewee he would not soon forget.

The letter came the next day and Lindae smiled. She thought of dressing up all fancy, but she really did not have those kinds of clothes. Thoughtfully she taps her fingers on her chin. Perhaps it is time to invest in something more suitable. He was a noble so expected something a bit more classy than her usual going to town on the hunt dresses.

Though from the whispers she has gotten from the street crowd he can be a cruel and unforgiving employer. She will have to be a fast mover as well as a fast talker. She had not had to think so much in a long time. She truly loved a good challenge.

Taking her time in the clothing shop, she looked over the various frocks and frowned. They were either so skimpy they hardly covered anything, or so frumpy they were ugly. As she browsed the sales clerk came up to her and asked her what she was looking for. Her attitude was so condescending it was all Lindae could do to control her temper. Turning to the girl with a smile, "I am looking for something that is classy, something that says I am all business, but not afraid of a bit of pleasure. But not too obvious! Can you do that for me?" her tone one of haughty disinterest. She was challenging this sales girl to find her something that Lindae was not even sure existed.

To her surprise, even though she did not show it, the girl did find a suitable dress. It was alluring in a subtle way. Offering a glimpse of cleavage and a slit up the side of the skirt that was modest, but showed off her shapely calves. It was a perfect color as well, blending well with her dark hair and deep teal eyes. Lindae sighed as if she could probably find better elsewhere, fingering the lightweight fabric of the silk gown with quiet appreciation.

The sales girl had no desire to quibble and was about to look for a different dress. "Let me see if I can find another one, Ma'am. Unless you want this one?" her tone was only mildly hopeful.

Lindae considered carefully and changed back into her normal leather clothing. "If you want to get rid of this rag I can give you a few copper for it." she replied lazily as she waited for the girl to return the dress to the hanger.

The sales girl sniffed in disapproval. "If you cannot afford the gold to buy a decent dress, shop elsewhere! It's five gold, take it or leave it."

Lindae glared at the girl for a moment. "I will take it, but I assure you, your attitude will not get you a return customer." as she dug into her precious store of gold and counted out four gold and enough silver to make up for the last one. Secretly she smiled as the girl was forced to count out all the silver. Taking her new dress in a bag, Lindae went to find some shoes.

The rumors appeared to be true. Lindi would have to be careful. The challenge was whether she could use all her skills to become invaluable. A man with a temper was risky, but she had always loved passion in all its forms.

She definutely needed to do more shopping. The outfit was not even worth the five gold she paid for it. He did not give her so much as a second glance. She doubted he had even paid attention to her make up that enhanced her teal eyes, or the soft scent she wore to inspire interest.

Briefly she wondered if he preferred boys? She had not heard anything to that effect, but sometimes that little tidbit was well hidden. She would have to play down the feminine aspect if that was the case. She had plenty of skills worth noting, he would see how she could handle anything he threw at her with style. And discretion of course, he did say something about that.

Only one thing had bothered her, he neglected to mention anything about pay. Perhaps he wished to test her first or his funds were skimpy and he needed to assess her value. He had a potential to be a very lucrative employer if he was not too foolish. Somehow she figured he was smart enough to get where he was. Only time would tell.

Koudo stormed into her room, throwing herself on her bed. Of all things for that monster to say, seduce him? By the sun was he mad? She lay on the bed staring at the ceiling. She had heard of people being delusional but this was taking a step far beyond that. She rose to a sitting position and was instantly reminded of her side. Looking down she could see bleed through on her dress where the bandages had failed. She shook her head in anger realizing that it would take a miracle to get the stains out. Her eyes shifted to the corner of the room where her armor lay.

It took some time to apply new bandages and change into her armor, but it was a welcome feeling. She felt so much more secure. She knew it was late, but right now she just wanted to get out of the city and head home. Her face flushed as she thought of Derscha, if she found out, she didn’t know if she could deal with the jokes. The flowers were bad enough, but this? She closed her eyes shaking her head as she left the room. Oh my, she thought this did look bad.

It was another sleepless night. The chamber's only light coming from the moon and a lantern turned down low. As the sun was starting to rise he finished the book he was reading a strange look upon his features. He heaved a sigh. The interviews concluded there was naught to do but make the trek to the south, to Aerie Peak to retrieve what was his. He did not loath the actions that would follow, but he loathed the idea of travel.

A blue stone sat next to the lantern humming softly. Perhaps he wouldn't have to leave after all. The thought was the last to flicker through his mind before he attempted sleep again.

Sarasri Haleshorn packed a mean punch, hitting fellow intern Arram Nightsworn squarely in the shoulder. The boy yelped at the impact. “For fu--”

The pair of teens were in the immaculate if spartan offices of Dr. Phrynia Augustine Emberbane, The Royal Library’s on-staff physician. Catching himself, Arram bit his tongue to hold back the swear and remained silent, even as Sarasri hit him again.

The interns knew better than to curse idly before the formidable woman. Rumor had it that the physician had turned down a directorship thrice during her illustrious career at the Library.

The doctor was at her desk, flipping through the holographic panels of her terminal, as she updated Arram Nightsworn’s file to accommodate his latest injury: right index finger, shattering of the distal and middle phalange, hairline fractures of the proximal. An hour and a half’s work, including the time for a perfect white cast, hard as stone.

Phrynia did not look up as she addressed her patient.

“Language, Nightsworn.”

“Err … Sorry, Dr. Emberbane, but did you see her hit--OW! Sarasri!”

Sarasri hit him one more time. She was still red with fury. She hissed, “You stupid, stupid, STUPID boy! WHY do you think the artifact is called Nan Feng’s Finger Trap of Doom?! What did you THINK would happen, you daft thing?! OH, that’s RIGHT! You WEREN’T THINKING AT ALL!”

"Calm yourself, Haleshorn."

"Forgive me, Dr. Emberbane, it's just--"

"Haleshorn."

"Yes, Dr. Emberbane. Sorry. Very sorry, ma’am."

Phrynia flicked the windows of her terminal closed and walked towards the interns who sat side by side on the examination table, inseparable. Her sharp eyes caught the way that Sarasri, when not punching the boy, sat rigidly so that Arram might lean upon her. Both were flecked with Arram’s blood, but Sarasri had shown no concern for the ruin of her fine gown.

The corner of Phrynia’s lips curled.

“Right then, Nightsworn. Schedule an appointment for an x-ray in, say, two weeks. That’ll be all.”

The interns hopped down from the table; one curtsied and the other bowed. Arram smacked himself on the forehead with his good hand. “Oh! Dr. Emberbane, I nearly forgot. We picked up your mail for you…”

Arram smiled sheepishly as he handed a blood splattered envelope and a couple of medical journals to the doctor. “I sincerely apologize, ma’am, for the blood, Dr. Emberbane, I’m really so--”

Phrynia cut him off with the shield of her palm, setting the medical journals aside and examining the finely sealed envelope. “That’ll be all, Nightsworn. Haleshorn.” Dismissed, the interns curtsied and bowed again before leaving the doctor’s office.

The doctor didn’t receive much personal correspondence. Frowning deeply, she stared at the sender’s name and address. Trenetir Moradinel...

Who?

She read the letter in full and even took a moment to examine the handwriting. Still, she could not recall who the author of this smarm was.

Intern Nightsworn’s emergency had delayed her day’s schedule. She didn’t have any more minutes to spare. Without hesitation, she tossed the bloodied letter into her medical waste bin and returned to her desk to pull up the files for her next patient.

Andrist Sleetrain chewed on his braid of night black, as though to suckle the streak of blue from it.

He didn't often venture from his hovel in the dorms, but when he did, he was a !@#$ing mess.

People people, sniffing, speaking, laughing talking coughing walking singing crying. Sweeping him from the sanctum of thought and dashing him against a reef of possibilities. For every smiling face that passed, he wrote a thousand stories. For every unknown passerby, he constructed a thousand thousand tragedies. Cursed forever, was Andrist, to be a narrative junkie.

Even here, slouched into himself on one of the padded benches lining the physician's waiting room, absolutely droll with its stale air and its single copy of 'Sin'dorable Fall Fashions!' splayed offcenter over the single austere coffee table. Some other patient had clearly taken the shot, lobbing the magazine errantly back into near-place. A man, Andrist decided, probably not even injured. He'd have conjured a phantom ailment just to brave the crucible that was Dr. Phrynia Emberbane. She was quite pretty, if not brusque. If he was bold, he'd have affected a limp. If he was confident, he'd have affected a grin. Maybe he

Stahp.

Inhale, exhale. An imperfect sigh.

His eyes, one frosty blue and the other a rich purple, trickled down to the half-shorn paper in his hands.

Trenetir Moradinel. The weathered aristocrat was stirring quite a bit of a fuss in this city of aristocrats and fuss-makers. This City of weather. Attending salons and hitting ladies and swirling wine. He begged to sprout a moustache, to pinch and twirl. But there was more substance to him than the villainous hearsay spreading through the Library. There had to be. Why else would he be tolerated?

Andrist stared at his yellowed parchment and traced the tip of his small nose with the brush of his braid.

Trenetir Moradinel.

Would prove his worth, like any decent anti-hero.

The doors swept open, and Andrist started. He kept his gaze lowered. He didn't want his thoughts to unglue so quickly.

A charming girl and a worriless boy exited.

Unbidden, he rolled his paper and tucked it into one of his many apprentice's pouches. It was blank.

And with a borrowed grin, he affected a limp and approached the examination room.

Some call it a wrench in the cogs, others a hiccup in the plan, to Trenetir, it was a brick wall that arose before him. It was not the first, nor would it be the last, of that he was certain.

One thing at a time.

The sword that hung at his side was returned rather than reclaimed. The corners of his lips turned up in what would only be seen as a malicious smirk. She was afraid. There could be no other reason. He quickly penned a letter to Lyndai, his newly hired secretary. Her rather specific skillset would be needed.

The letter was sealed and set aside, his hands quickly flipping through the correspondence, pausing as they came upon the invitation for the Salon. Another night of artifacts? His smile could only grow at this news.

How easily his new shipping arrangements were pushed aside in the prospect of what was too come. He would soon have the satisfaction of seeing Elre Stormsong suffer, the Titan artifacts were merely icing on the cake.

The brightness of the reflections bouncing off the water in the fountain did little to cheer Lindi. Her employer had not said more than a few lines to her in cryptic fashion. Why had he called for her and then made some lame excuse to run off? He did not give her any new orders, he only wanted her to capture this human. No intell on where the target was currently and no way of her knowing what he had planned.

Her irritation grew as the other elf with him tried to be some kind of flirt. His very obvious assessment of her body left no doubt in her mind what he was after. But she was concentrating on her job, not hunting for amusement. She was barely polite to the fellow, maybe she would run into him again when her mind was less occupied and needed distraction.

With not much of a farewell she went off to work on her own intelligence gathering. Perhaps she would have to prove to Trent she was worth something more than a passing glance. First things first. She needed to look up an old friend who specialized in giving her foolproof disguises. She could not very well waltz into the Hinterlands as a blood elf and not be immediately attacked.

The troll was under the stairwell in a ruined building, having made his nest here to practice his voodoo and conduct business with those who valued his services. Mal'Jak had a bright blue mohawk and a body bent and scarred. He was surrounded by shelves of books, cabinets full of potions and elixers and a desk that was piled with oddities, parchment scraps and Lindi could have sworn a set of eyes peeking from beneath a rag that shifted slightly as she approached.

Lindi bowed low to the troll and smiled at him. Her offering of a bag full of not gold, but various body parts of a selection of critters she knew he favored, was met with a tusky grin. "Ya be offerin' treats ta ol' Mal'Jak, ya must be needin' me services...hmmm?" he chortled as he took the proffered bag and opened it to peer inside.

The Sindorei nodded simply and crouched as he did next to the desk. Her curiousity was rewarded by the appearance of a snout and a squeal as the tiny creature under the rag scrambled to get back out of sight of her gaze. "What is this? It looks like a cross between a cat and a raccoon!"

The deep chuckle came from the troll as he pulled out a section of bloody innards and sucked at the end of it like it was the most glorious treat he had ever tasted. Between slurpings he managed to get out a mangled sentence. "It be a band...di...coot...I tink it...be called...dis be deli...shi...ous...how ya know....(slurp) I like dis?" he concentrated on getting every bit out of the length of intestine he had pulled from the bag.

"A bandicoot? Ah, I think I remember they are nocturnal, right? No wonder he does not like the light shining on his big eyes. As for the treat, I know from being here before. Glad you are enjoying it. I need a disguise for an undercover mission. I have to pass in Alliance territory as an ordinary citizen. I need something else too. A bit of blackout to make someone unaware of being transported to another location. It might be a long trip, so it needs to last at least a day."

Storming into her private quarters, Lindi threw her pack on the bed. "The nerve of him handling me that way!! After I come up with a brilliant idea to capture this woman for HIS enjoyment! And all he does is grab my arm like some self righteous....GRRRHHH!"

The potion lay in her pack and the rest of her needed supplies were ready. There was only one more thing to do. She needed to show Mr. Moradinel she was not to be trifled with....her eyes narrowed and she looked in the mirror. Briefly she considered changing now before they arrived in the Hinterlands. What a surprised look she might get from Trent if she snuck into his office as a Night Elf. She could do it...she had snuck into Stormwind before. She knew how to get around the guards.

Tapping her chin thoughtfully she looked at the timepiece in her pocket. Did she have time?

The local city mail courier gently knocked on Koudo’s door; she answered frowning when he explained that Trenetir had requested her presence and that she should dress appropriately. She had already put on her shield armor earlier and had no desire to change into her courier uniform. She could at least hear his request and change later.

It was a short walk from her apartment to Trenetir’s office. She causally walked down the long ramp that brought her to the waiting are in front of his office. She made herself easy to see and waited for his discussion with those present to end.

She rolled her eyes seeing that his demeanor hadn’t changed in the few days she had been gone.

Trenetir studied Gatrandas “And what is your life worth?”

Gatrandas answered “That depends on who you ask. If you are asking me, only every coin I ever made.”

Koudo impatiently watched from a distance as Gatrandas picked up a contract to study more carefully.

Trenetir looked past Gatrandas to Koudo, "Ah, you received my message."

Koudo nodded her head "Yes"

Trenetir eyed her up and down, "I would have thought you'd have dressed for the occasion."

Gatrandas rubbed his chin still reviewing the document.

Koudo sighed pulling her AAMS tabard out of her side pouch an answered "I am a shield first but if you must", she hastily pulled the tabard over her head and took a step forward so he could see”, "Is that better?"

Trenetir watched Gatrandas as he looked over the document, he looked to Koudo, "Worse actually, did you not read the summons?"

Gatrandas looked to Trenetir “Alright”

Koudo frowned knowing where this could lead "If I answer no, you will call me incompetent it was word of mouth"

Trenetir spoke to Gatrandas, "You'll accept then? If you can start tomorrow I can start paying you tomorrow." He looked to Koudo, "Check that trunk, there should be something that fits you there."

Gatrandas nodded to Trenetir

Koudo grumbled as her eyes caught site of the white and purple dress, she looked back "What is the meaning of this?" holding up the dress.

Trenetir grinned at Gatrandas then looked to Koudo, "A nice evening."

Trenetir looked back to Gat with a look that said -women-

Koudo shook her head looking very confused "What?"

Gatrandas glanced at the blood elf woman and then at Trenetir.

Trenetir made some introductions, "Gatrandas, Koudo.... She's with the AAMS, we have a bit of business with them."

Trenetir looked to Koudo, that horrible look in his eyes, "A date of course."

“I've made all the arrangements.” He said with attempting to reassure her

Koudo’s eyes widened at Trenetir "Business yes, which means deliveries.”

Trenetir took several steps forward, "Yes, and -you- are the delivery."

Koudo’s faces darkened "I don't think I understand what you are doing"

“You are here, there's the dress there, what is there to not understand.”

Koudo stared at Trenetir "You are insane"

“Hardrly, I have a penchant for beautiful women.”

Gatrandas spoke “Shall I dispatch of the night elf?

Trenetir inhaled and exhaled slowly ,"No... go... both of you."

Gatrandas folded his arms leaving with a smirk. "Looks like he has a date."

Koudo placed the dress on a crate, "I don't understand you Treneitir"

Trenetir answered “Are you willing to try?

Koudo's eyes narrowed "Sometimes I think there is something warm inside of you. I have seen you smile." She paused “Is there something more to you then just what you expose to everyone else?

Trenetir regretted his words, but they had to be said, "Now is not the time for such questions. You should go."

Koudo placed her hand on the dress "When you are ready to answer such questions. I might just try that dress on."

She turned slowly away speaking quietly “Good night Treneitir”

The trip to the south was far from interesting, but necessary. He cared naught for the attitudes of those as one moved farther sough, and here he was in the Hinterlands, Aerie peak to the northeast, a small tavern to the southwest. It was here that he took up a room, it was here that the trap would be laid.

Koudo left the display quietly, she had made a mental note of the artifacts but did it really matter if she ever saw them again? For now she had more pressing matters at hand, food. Upon leaving she couldn't help but notice that Trenetir had followed her. She shook it off as coincidence and continued on as if nothing mattered. An alarming sound drew her attention as she heard a rather ghastly noise from behind her. Turning she saw Trenetir doubled over, obviously in pain. She fought the urge to rush forward to render aid, and instead walked calmly over as if not to care.

“Are you okay?” she asked quite seriously.

Trenetir remarked on how she seemed to care.

Calming herself and assuring herself that her façade looked genuine she commented that she would only be excited to see him hurt if she was in his will.

He seemed to recover, hastily demanding a light for his cigarette. She scrapped the desire to cast lights prism on the devil stick protruding from his mouth as this would most likely vaporize it and cause a scene she was not ready to deal with. She sighed deeply, turning away continuing on her trek for a much needed meal.