279 réponses à ce sujet

[Serelir]

[Serelir]

Spoiler

The second name on Elowyn’s list was Fulgentius Critonius, a soporatus who lived above a pub called the Magister’s Britches. She was about to go investigate when Caius called her into his study. He stood by his desk, a paper in his hand. He glanced at Elowyn and cleared his throat. He actually seemed a little nervous.

 

Elowyn realized her heart was beating faster and took a deep breath. She fell back on formality to steady her nerves. “Yes, Master?”

 

“In light of your recent service to me and my family, I have decided to increase your salary and reward you with a change in title. You shall henceforth be known as my First Apprentice. This title carries with it a spacious private apartment.”

 

Elowyn tried to mask her surprise. “That is a most generous reward, Master.”

 

“House Vaellanius values its loyal members,” replied Caius. Was he blushing a little? He seemed a bit tongue-tied. “I was very glad you returned to us safe and sound,” he added, somewhat hoarsely.

 

“I was glad I was able to get to you in time!” exclaimed Elowyn.

 

“About that… and your time away. This mark on your neck…”

 

It was apparent to Elowyn that Caius wanted to know, and as her Master, he deserved to know, but there was so much to tell! “Master, I promise I will fill you in on everything that has happened, but there’s an urgent situation: do you remember when we talked about the spirits trapped in objects? Not spirits from the Fade, but spirits of people from this side of the Veil. You asked me to take you with me when I searched for them.”

 

“Yes, I remember. Have you found any?”

 

“I did – I went to see the Medical Examiner. I’m afraid you were away, and I… well, I was able to free one of the trapped spirits myself.” Elowyn touched the mark on her throat, “Without dire consequences.” A white lie, Elowyn thought; nonetheless, the revenant had been useful. Caius had lowered his brows, so Elowyn rushed on, “But if you’re not too terribly busy, perhaps you could help me with the next victim?” Elowyn almost laughed at the thought of Caius not being busy, considering he was dealing with not only his usual political machinations, but the assassination attempt as well, not to mention whatever he had been doing in the north of Tevinter with Nazlik and the baby. The baby! Elowyn wondered just how many more of Caius’ secrets she would stumble across, because that one was a doozy.

 

Caius gave her a look that spoke a multitude of thoughts. Elowyn expected that he was upset with her for once again putting herself in danger without consulting him. However, he simply said, “Of course. Shall we go? You can fill me in on the way.”

 

“Now? This minute? Ah, okay, yes. We need to go to a, um, pub,” Elowyn mumbled, “called the, uhhhh, Magister’s Britches…” she trailed off, her face hot.

 

To her surprise, the Master burst out laughing. “Well then!” he said, “It’s a good thing I’m wearing some today! I expect a free drink out of this.”

 

Elowyn laughed along with him, blushing a little at the thought of her Master without his britches. “Master, perhaps it would be better if we tried to blend in? I’m not sure a Magister has ever actually visited this pub – it might cause a commotion.”

 

The Master looked her up and down. “I expect they would be too busy looking at you.”

 

Elowyn’s face grew even hotter. “I borrowed some of my servant’s clothes last time,” she explained.

 

“Then I shall do the same. Meet me at the gate by the training grounds. We’ll make a subtle exit.”

[raging_monkey]

Aww I feel fuzzy

[Uccio]

That was awesome, Caius seemed a bit more humane. Even how strange it must make him feel.

[Serelir]

Maybe Elowyn has that effect on him

[Serelir]

Spoiler

Elowyn smiled to see Caius dressed as a simple laborer. Instead of his splendid black robes embroidered with silver dragons, he wore a loose muslin shirt, knee britches – yes, britches! – and a pair of scuffed boots. She had dressed herself like the proverbial kitchen ginger: short-sleeved muslin chemise, long, loose skirt, and a working woman’s corset made of sturdy cloth.

 

He grinned at her and, surprisingly, took her hand. “I thought we’d pose as a servant couple, out for a night on the town.”

 

“I wonder if anyone will recognize you?” Elowyn wondered.

 

“What do they say? The clothes maketh the man,” Caius responded, echoing some venerable sage.

 

How different it was to walk the streets of Minrathous as an ordinary person. Elowyn realized she’d been carrying a weight on her shoulders: duty to her house, fear for its members’ safety, the burden of responsibility. She and Caius watched a Magister’s coach go by, surrounded by guards protecting its occupants from the rabble. She knew that if she really had been a soporata, she would face a different set of prejudices and expectations. But for one night, it was a lark to see how the other half lived.

 

If she admitted it to herself, it was also thrilling to hold her Master’s hand and pretend they were a couple. She couldn’t imagine herself as a Magister’s wife, but she could imagine some other place and time where they could have been humble farmers or craftspeople. Caius, too, seemed lighter of spirit than she’d ever seen him, chuckling and joking about the people going by.

 

As they waited to cross a busy thoroughfare, he turned serious. “These scars on your throat – just say the word, and they can be painlessly removed.”

 

“You don’t fancy my scars?” asked Elowyn. “I notice that you still have yours, from the war.”

 

Caius looked chagrined. “You are just as beautiful as ever, of course. I thought to offer, in case your marks reawakened painful memories.”

 

“Do you remember when I met you in your dream and removed the shards of pain from your body?” asked Elowyn. It felt a bit dangerous to openly acknowledge what had passed between them in dreams, but Caius nodded, and she forged ahead. “I considered whether I could remove those memories completely.”

 

“You can do that? Remove memories?” Caius asked. Elowyn didn’t like the calculating look in his eye. She could almost see the plots unfolding in his head.

 

“It may be possible. But I decided that these painful memories are necessary. Without them, we would be like the Tranquil: incapable of feeling. Without bad memories, we would keep making the same mistakes over and over.” She watched his face as he considered her words.

 

He squeezed her hand. “I understand. You wish to keep those scars as reminders.”

 

“We are composed of our experiences, both good and bad. Without them, we’d have no empathy or compassion for the sorrows of others. But this is a bit deep!” Elowyn laughed at herself.

 

“Your observations often give me a perspective I hadn’t considered before,” he said, smiling at her.

 

“I will take that as a compliment!” she laughed.

[Uccio]

Brilliant as ever.

[raging_monkey]

Agreed

[Serelir]

The Magister's Britches, Minrathous

Spoiler

The Magister’s Britches was a cheerful pub decorated with baskets of flowers and a sign on which was painted a pair of flying pants. Caius examined the sign, stroking his goatee. “So how are we going to approach this?” he asked Elowyn.

 

“Let me do the talking. Elves are skilled at confidence games.”

 

The Magister contemplated her with a gleam in his eye. “So that’s why I let you get away with so much! It’s an elf trick.”

 

Elowyn decided to play along. “All part of my plan to get you out for a drink.”

 

“An elaborate ruse!”

 

“Only the best for you, Master.” She led him inside. A few patrons turned to look, but Caius and Elowyn’s disguises proved effective. A serving woman approached them.

 

“What kin I getcha?” she asked.

 

“We’re looking for a man named Fulgentius Critonius. This is his brother, Priscus.” Caius raised an eyebrow at her, and she stepped on his boot and pressed down. “We received news that he was in poor health,” she added.

 

“Lemme get the inkeep,” said the woman. She returned with a portly man who wiped his hands on his apron before addressing them.

 

“So you received my letter finally?” he asked. Elowyn nodded. The innkeep went on, “He’s been like this for awhile now. Went up to his room with a friend one night and didn’t come down in the morning. Room’s paid up through the end of the month, but I was losing hope that his family would come for him. We had the herbalist in, but she hasn’t been able to wake him. Strangest thing! Here, right this way.”

 

The innkeep led them upstairs to a room at the end of the corridor. It was simply-furnished, but clean and spacious enough. Fulgentius lay in the bed, unmoving, much the same as Fabia.

 

“You said he was keeping company with a friend before this happened?” Elowyn asked.

 

“Sure, they come in a few times. Was up here singing together. Fulgentius was fond of his ale. He had me import it special from Ferelden.”

 

“Is this all of his property?” asked Elowyn, glancing around.

 

“Aye, his clothes are in that trunk there. Nothing’s been touched, I can promise you that. He was a good customer – always paid his rent on time. We was right sorry about what happened to ‘im.” There wasn’t much in the room – just the trunk, a pair of shoes and a satchel containing a wallet with a few coins and a miniature of a dog.

 

Caius had walked over to the fireplace and was examining a stein sitting on the mantel. “Is this his?” he asked.

 

“Aye, he’d drink from no other. Brought it wi’ ‘im, he did, sure enough,” said the innkeep. “Funny thing though – the cap is stuck tight on that vessel. Never had a problem with it before.”

 

Caius picked up the stein and shook it – there didn’t seem to be anything inside, but the cap wouldn’t budge. The stein felt unusually heavy though.

 

“Well, I’ll leave you to pack things up in here – I expect ye’ll be moving him?” asked the innkeep.

 

“Yes, we will,” promised Elowyn. “Thank you for taking such good care of him.”

 

The innkeep went back downstairs. Caius placed the stein in Elowyn’s hands. “Are you thinking what I’m thinking?” he asked.

 

“I am! But how do we get it open?”

 

Caius set the stein on the table. He tried a few spells on it, but the cap stuck tight.

 

“Careful!” warned Elowyn. “Breaking it might be the end of him.”

 

“The innkeep said they’d been singing. I have an idea!” said Caius. “Do you know any drinking songs?”

 

“Err, I’m afraid that’s not my area of expertise,” Elowyn confessed. “We had only a little wine with dinner in the Circle.” She tried to imagine the Orlesian mages singing a rowdy song and laughed at the absurd image.

 

“I know a few. Shall I try some? You can join in on the chorus. But I may break your lovely ears with my voice.”

 

“I’m sure you sing beautifully!” said Elowyn encouragingly. Caius had a deep, resonant voice. Elowyn was curious to hear him sing – this was a side of her Master she’d never seen before.

 

“You’d best reserve judgment until you hear me,” said Caius. “Alright, let’s try this popular tune,” he replied, launching into song:

 

There was a man of Tevinter

And a very fine Vintner was he

Of grapes he had plenty

Of slaves two and twenty

And pretty maids one, two, three!

 

Elowyn joined in on the last verse with relish. But the stein was still stuck.

 

“There’s something missing,” said Caius. He stuck his head out the door and called for the innkeeper.

 

“Yes, what can I do fer ya?” asked the innkeep.

 

“Bring us a jug of my brother’s ale and two glasses,” said Caius. “Need to loosen the vocal cords a bit,” he said to Elowyn. The innkeep returned and poured a glass for each of them, then went out again. Caius handed a glass to Elowyn. “Manaveris Dracona!” he said, raising his glass and taking a swig.

 

“Manaveris Dracona!” said Elowyn, taking a sip and trying not to make a face at the unfamiliar beverage.

 

“Ready?” asked Caius. Elowyn nodded, and they launched into song again, drinking each time they finished a verse.

 

There was a man of Tevinter

And a very fine Vintner was he

Of grapes he had plenty

Of slaves two and twenty

And pretty maids one, two, three!

 

Oh, the jolly Tevinter Vintner

Drove into town one dee

His cart loaded high

With casks to the sky

And pretty maids, one, two, three!

 

The jolly Tevinter Vintner

Went down the road by the sea

But a whale jumped out

And ate up the cart

And the pretty maids one, two, three!

 

The jolly Tevinter Vintner

A whale of a dinner was he

“The end is near

So I’ll be of good cheer

And drink with maids one, two, three!”

 

The jolly Tevinter Vintner

The luckiest man was he

The whale choked on his dinner

And belched up the vintner

And pretty maids one, two, three!

 

By the end of the song, Elowyn was feeling decidedly giddy. But the stein’s cap remained stuck. “How many drinking songs are there?” she asked Caius.

 

“Oh, tons!” he exclaimed, belching. Elowyn giggled. Caius sang a few more ditties, to no avail. By this time, the room was starting to spin slowly for Elowyn.

 

“Where did you learn these songs?” asked Elowyn, appalled at some of the bawdy lyrics.

 

“Army days,” said Caius. He frowned at some memory. “Here’s one I used to sing with the fellows,” he said, beginning a mournful air.

 

When I was a young lad I fancied a lass

As bonny and bright as could be

Our troth we swore

Then she went off to the war

All along the Shores of Seheron

 

All through the summer

I prayed for my lass

To return to my waiting arms

But my love lost her life

Amidst torment and strife

On the blood-stained Shores of Seheron

 

Now my love’s grave lies shallow

The grass it grows green

And waves in the winds off the sea

The war goes on

And I am alone

On the desolate Shores of Seheron

 

It’s been many a year since my love went to war

And many are those who have fallen

But the love in my heart

Will never depart

As I walk the Shores of Seheron

 

Elowyn wiped her eyes as the last note faded. “Aye, that’s a sad one,” said Caius, blinking back what looked suspiciously like moisture.

 

“Damn thish cap!” said Elowyn, tugging uselessly on the lid of the stein. Caius threw an arm over her shoulder and leaned his head against hers as they both contemplated the stubborn object.

 

“Did that man say my bother was F’reldan?” asked Caius.

 

“Fugnetiush?” slurred Elowyn, “Thash not F’reldan… name.”

 

“Who elsh would drink thish shlop?” asked Caius, waving his glass around. A little bit of ale flew out and landed on the sick man in the bed. Elowyn was sure she saw him twitch, but the whole room had started to jump a little at the edges.

 

Caius rubbed his head, causing his hair to stick up all over. “F’reldan song,” he said. He began to sing again, and Elowyn’s soprano joined in on the chorus:

 

All ye lusty lads gather round, gather round

Gather round the wheel of cheese

And I’ll tell you a story

Full of hope and of glory

Shining like the Golden Brew

 

Oh the Brew, the Brew, the Golden Brew

The only brew for me!

Away with your spirits

Your wine and your claret

And give me the Golden Brew!

 

Now in the Blessed years

Lived a man without peers

A man of mighty thew

He brought in the Dragon

By raising a flagon

Of the magnificent Golden Brew

 

Oh the Brew, the Brew…

 

Our proud land was flayed

By the Knights of Orlais

To our freedom we bid adieu

Then brave Maric Theirin

Challenged evil Meghren

And killed him in a duel

 

Oh the Brew, the Brew…

 

Ferelden lives without fear

Of a rogue Chevalier

To King Theirin we pay our due

Meghren’s out on his ass

So we’ll raise a glass

Of the beautiful Golden Brew!

 

They both gazed, bleary-eyed with astonishment, as the cap popped open.

[raging_monkey]

Hehe no more drinking lol

[Serelir]

What could possibly happen? 

[raging_monkey]

What indeed

[Uccio]

Awesome!

Did you make those songs up or changed them from existing ones? They look quite pro songs.

[Serelir]

I made them up - they're such drivel! I was looking at 17th century drinking songs and feeling humbled. They're really long and complicated and full of political commentary. It's a wonder anyone could sing them while drinking - I have new admiration for my forebears.

 

I can almost hear Caius singing the Shores of Seheron though.

[raging_monkey]

Haha we are just humanizing the dragon lol

[Serelir]

Shh! Pretend to be awed - he likes that.

[raging_monkey]

I bet lol

[Serelir]

Well, I am not sure about this - feedback appreciated!

 

Spoiler

“So,” said Caius, “Does he come out of the stein now?”

 

“Not that shimple, unfortunately,” replied Elowyn. “We have to go in.”

 

“In? It’s a bit small, don’t you agree? For the both of us.”

 

“Tight fit. We’ll have to snuggle up!” Elowyn winked. She moved close to Caius, who, misinterpreting her advance, wrapped his arms around her. She giggled and took him into the stein.

 

He gazed around himself in wonder. Elowyn realized she probably shouldn’t have attempted that maneuver while tipsy, but they seemed to be in the right place: the figures decorating the outside of the stein were brought to life in the Fade. There was a woman playing hurdy-gurdy, and seated at a table was a little group of card players. Elowyn recognized Vel and Galatea and Caradoc. Strange.

 

“Err, Master, do you see Vel and Galatea over there?”

 

“How’d they get in here?” asked Caius, scratching his head.

 

“Must’ve plucked those images from our minds, eh?” asked Elowyn. The hurdy-gurdy music was making her want to dance. Her feet seemed to move of their own volition, and she started spinning a circle with her arms out, lost her balance, and stumbled into Caius, who caught her.

 

“Whoopsy daisy!” he exclaimed.

 

“Maybe we should have shobered up firsht?” asked Elowyn, blinking.

 

“Nonshense! I’m perfeckly shober!” declared Caius. He led her unsteadily over to the table. The card players looked up, grinned, and made room for them.

 

“Deal me in!” shouted Caius. His gaze fixed on an unknown man across the table, whose visage paled when he appeared to recognize Caius. “Frank Crichton!” Caius thundered.

 

The man jumped, knocking his chair over. “Who let you in here?” he said, his voice quavering. Elowyn looked questioningly from Caius to the man.

 

“Sit down,” said Caius, his voice menacingly quiet. The man righted his chair and took his seat again, beads of sweat appearing on his forehead. “What are we playing?” asked Caius.

 

Galatea sat back in her seat and regarded Caius. “Dubi. What about the girl?”

 

Elowyn gave Caius a worried look. She was good at card games, but too tiny to win a drinking game against shemlens… or demons, rather. Did demons get drunk? What if Caius lost? Would they both be trapped here at the eternal gaming table?

 

“The girl deals,” said Caius. Galatea passed him the cards, and he handed them to Elowyn. She wondered if she could shape the cards and get them out of here more quickly. But the demons would probably sense what she was doing. She tried to keep her hands steady as she shuffled and cut the cards, then dealt five to each player.

 

Each player took turns showing one of their cards, then bets were made. Caradoc showed a Jack of Pies. “Two Pair,” he said.

 

“Hmm, I’ll grant that,” said Galatea. “Credo.” Frank and Vel both said, “Credo,” then it was Caius’ turn. He turned his black gaze on the Caradoc demon, and a sly smile twitched the corner of his mouth. “Dubi!” he said with relish. Caradoc laid down his hand. He had only one pair. Galatea, Vel and Frank had to drink. Elowyn gathered up the cards and dealt each player a new hand.

 

Vel’s turn came around. He pushed his hair back and blew out a breath. “I got nothing!” he declared. The demon shot a glance at Elowyn. She was having a difficult time remembering that the card players were not actually her friends. She wondered if Caius saw them the same way she did. She noticed him looking at her as well. She thought Vel was lying, but she felt an illogical compunction against sending a signal to Caius. They were playing against demons, and they needed to win, so why did she feel she needed to be fair?

 

The other players made their guesses. “Credo,” said Caius, and Elowyn winced. But he was right! Vel had to drink.

 

The game went round, with the players getting progressively drunker. Caius lost a few rounds and had to drink, too, but he seemed composed. At one point, Frank burped and slowly slid off his chair onto the floor. Then Caradoc threw his cards into the air, said, “I’m out,” took two steps and collapsed. Eventually, Vel was out, too, and it was down to Caius vs. Galatea. Elowyn could see that Caius’ eyes were bloodshot, and sweat dripped down his forehead. The next hand put a big smile on Galatea’s face. She turned over the Archon of Daggers.  “Full House,” she declared.

 

“Druffalo poop!” said Caius. “Dubi!”

 

Galatea turned over her hand. She had a Full House. Caius had to drink, but instead he turned over his hand, showing two of the same cards as Galatea. “Cheating Demon,” he said menacingly, “This game is over.”

 

Galatea jumped up, her body morphing into a grotesque, distorted version of the real person. It snarled at Caius, its claws lengthening. Caius stood up, a bit unsteadily, and Elowyn prepared to cast a shield. But the demon’s eyes rolled up in its head, and it fell over backwards, out cold.

 

Caius went over to where Frank lay and shook him. “Time to go,” he said, and slapped Frank’s face, trying to wake him up. Elowyn hurried over, anxious to get Frank out of the stein before the demons woke up again. She and Caius each put an arm around Frank and hoisted him up. The three of them walked unsteadily toward the door. Frank started singing. Caius rolled his eyes.

 

Elowyn opened the door, and they stepped out of the Fade and back into the room. With relief, she saw consciousness return to Frank’s body. He sat up suddenly. “Who won?” he asked.

 

“I did,” said Caius. Frank turned to look at him and paled, shrinking back against the wall. “Funny how things work out,” said Caius.

 

“How do you know this man?” asked Elowyn.

 

Caius smiled sardonically. “I’ve been looking for him for a while. Thought he’d slipped my noose. You’re my lucky coin, Elowyn.”

 

She didn’t like the look on Caius’ face. They’d just saved this man, Frank, and she wasn’t anxious to see him dragged into Caius’ torture chamber.

 

“Caius,” she said, putting a hand on his arm.

 

He turned to her. “Don’t worry, little one, once he recovers, he’ll be another arrow in my quiver.” Caius went over to the window and made a gesture. Guards entered the inn and took Frank, aka “Fulgentius” away.

 

“They were there the whole time?” asked Elowyn in consternation.

 

“Of course,” replied Caius, “I didn’t become a Magister by being careless.”

 

“So he’s a spy?” asked Elowyn.

 

“Now he’s my spy,” said Caius. “Come on, let’s go.” He picked up the stein and put it in his robe. Elowyn wondered just how drunk her Master was. He certainly didn’t act like her father, who’d been a maudlin, soppy drunk. Caius seemed sober, but she noticed a slight unsteadiness to his walk.

 

They emerged into the cool night air. Caius put his arm around Elowyn’s shoulder and pulled her close as they walked. “You surprised me, Master. I never knew you were a card shark.”

 

Caius raised an eyebrow at her and cracked a smile. “There’s a lot you don’t know about me,” he said “Did you think I was always a stuffy old Magister?”

 

“You’re not old!” said Elowyn hotly.

 

Caius smiled ruefully. “I’m glad to hear you say that.”

 

Elowyn blushed, glad the darkness hid her rosy cheeks. She was enjoying having her Master’s arm around her a little too much.

 

“Shortcut,” said Caius as they approached an alley. He steered her into its narrow entrance. Halfway down, he stopped and put both hands on her shoulders. “We need to talk,” he said.

 

“Here?” she asked, her voice unnaturally high. She looked around nervously.

 

“You know how I feel about you,” said Caius.

 

Elowyn swallowed. “Master, we… we can’t. Nazlik…”

 

The Master’s face was very close to hers. He took her chin in his hand. “Look me in the eye and tell me you don’t want me,” he demanded.

 

Her troubled gaze met his. “I do want you,” she said slowly, “but… you made a commitment to Nazlik. She told me. And Vel… too many people would be hurt. It… it could also be dangerous, for both of us.”

 

Caius brushed her hair back from her face. His breathing was a little ragged. She could feel the heat from his body. “Do you think I can’t handle a little danger?” he asked, his mouth curving in a smile. He put his hand behind her head and pressed his lips against hers. She felt an answering heat course through her body. She wanted to give in, but she knew it was wrong. He was a little drunk. Maybe he would regret it if he lost control. She tried to push him away.

 

He pressed her back against the wall of the alley, his hands lifting her skirt, his mouth against her throat. Her traitorous heart was telling her to submit, to let him take her right there in the alley. “Master, stop,” she whispered raggedly. He let go of her reluctantly. She bit her lip.

 

He stroked her cheek and looked at her gently. “You know that you have only to say yes, and I am yours.”

 

She leaned her head on his hand and blinked back tears. “It’s wrong,” she said, her voice trembling. “It will destroy us.”

 

“We are strong,” he said and kissed the top of her head. “I will prove it to you.”

 

He tucked her arm in his and led her back to the Manor.

[raging_monkey]

PHenmominal got everything down to a z bravo

[Serelir]

I've never played a drinking game! I kind of wanted it to be more raucous. Still, I was having an awfully good time with drunken Caius. 

[raging_monkey]

You never played a drinking game! Oh maker you have to play quarters, bodyshotz, or mimic. We have hang one day lol (disclaimer not a pass )

Hehe caius is a plushie drunk lol

[Serelir]

We'd better do the surfing before the drinking, Monkey.

[Uccio]

Ooh! Drunken Caius moves! And cards are on the table, awesome. And it had to happen.

[Serelir]

They are! Finally.

 

She bluffs.

[raging_monkey]

Of course can't have two people drown lol