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[Uccio]

Caius talks with Zera.

 

Spoiler

*Guards walked into the study holding Zera between them. Caius stood before his table, his arms crossed.

 

"What is this father?", Zera said shaking with anger, her eyes blazing. "You sent your goons to fetch me like some criminal, and how did you know where I was?".

 

"I know where my daughters are, all the time", Caius said silently. He nodded to the guards, they released their grip of Zera, bowed and left. Zera gave the guards the evil eye when they left. She straightened her robes glaring at Caius. "So speak up, that is why you brought me here isn´t it? Another lecture on the way like always".

 

"Zera", Caius said placing his hands on her shoulders. "Do you really think you can run away and think I would just let it slide?".  Caius grip tightened on her shoulders and his eyes turned darker, "I told you that your marriage with Monkai is over. Even the fake you had Miriel to falsify in the archives". The astonished look on Zera´s face told him all. "Yes, did you really think I don´t know what you are doing?".

 

Caius grinded his teeth, "and I told you not to hang around with that Monkai anymore. It is over for you two". "You don´t get to tell me what I do or not do!", Zera screamed at his face close up.

 

"I do", Caius said with a ominous silent voice, "and if you keep going against my will there will be repercussions".

 

"What, what will you do? Send me to the Chantry, to be a sister?". Zera laughed at her father. "You will not do that, you despise the Chantry more than anything".

 

"Monkai..." Caius said with his dark eyes gleaming. Zera´s face flushed pale, "you wouldn´t dare...". 

"I will do what I see necessary", Caius whispered to her, with a cold voice.

 

Zera slapped him in th e cheek, "and round and round it goes. You are just the same tyrant like grandfather was. You are just like him".

 

Caius rubbed his chin in his thoughts, "I am nothing like he was, you have no idea... ".

 

"I can´t have children!", Zera screamed striking her both fists into Caius chest, again and again. "Your precious daughter is barren! There will not be heirs for Vaellanius family through me! There, are you happy now?".

 

Caius stood there, awe struck. Silenced completely by her confession. Zera started crying collapsing on the chair.

 

A muscle twitched on Caius cheek, "I will kill that little worm... ". "It is not his fault, don´t you get it? This is what I am!", Zera screamed wiping her tears. Caius clenched his hands into fists, another set back.

 

"Go to your room, I wll see you soon. Don´t try to leave, there will be guards. Both mage killers and mages to make sure you stay put. I will not have you leave to see him again", Caius hissed from between his teeth.

 

"Guards!". Door opened and several guards stepped in, "take her to her room. As instructed". 

 

He turned around looking at the window, " send word to Sulla, I want Monkai brought to me for a little discussion".*

[raging_monkey]

Hehe pub will have pass kai's big brother exam...

[raging_monkey]

Okay... I honestly just crapped myself wasn't expecting that... and monkai is in the **** now big time... must know what happens

[Uccio]

There will be... trouble.

[Serelir]

Oooh, developments! I hope Elowyn can win over Publius somehow, though their rivalry is a lot of fun. She's going to hate all the talk about how she got her... position.

 

And Zera! Well, what a pickle.

[raging_monkey]

Indeed I wrote her to have a rebellious flair but DAAAAAAAmn

[Uccio]

Spoiler

*Caius stood by the window looking outside. Her eyes, warm lips touching his. Her body heat, soft touch. Caius touched his own lips in his thoughts. He closed his eyes letting himself fall into his thoughts. Are you mad?

Caius rubbed his temples. Her scent was so vivid as he inhaled, taste of her skin, lips. Caius took a deep breath, yes I am.

It had felt like he had seen himself from the outside, something he had no control over. Like a avalanche things had rolled forward towards something he did not regret. There were so many things wrong with what they did. And yet it felt so right. In the old days Caius would have not cared of such actions.

Those eyes, her lips brushing against his. But now he was a different man.

 

Are you mad? Yes I am. I have been mad all my life, how did you not see it before? A soft smile lingered on his lips, at least I was not wrong. She had left from the room. No words, just that look. She knew it too.

 

A knock on the door interrupted his thoughts, "yes?".

 

Sestius Sulla opened the door, "my lord. We have Monkai". Caius nodded, "bring him in". Caius' pretorians walked into the room Monkai between them in chains. They sat him down removing his shackles, then left.

 

Sulla gazed at Monkai with indifferent eyes, "he did not put up much of a fight. But his apprentice did, that woman, Coldi. She tried to stop us from taking him. We had to neutralize her and lock her into the closet for her own sake". 

 

Caius nodded to him, "you can leave now". Sulla bowed and left without a word.

 

Caius walked slowly towards Monkai stopping before him as he sat in the chair. "I´m glad you had the time to come to see me", Caius said smiling shortly. 

 

"I think there has been a little misunderstanding with my invitation. I merely wished to speak with you, not to drag you here against your will. Sulla takes his orders sometimes literally".

Caius walked to the side tray pouring a cup of wine, "But, please inform your student Coldi, that next time she tries to intervene with the official representatives of a Magister, she will find herself from the Proving Grounds testing her combat skills".

 

Caius turned to Monkai with a cold smile on his lips, "this warning was free". He placed the cup before Monkai, "here, have some wine to bury the hatched. So to speak".

Monkai gazed at the old geezer with mixed feelings, what was this now? First he had him dragged here. Then apologized but in same sentence threatens his apprentice.

 

"I take it you have something you want to talk about since I was invited here so gently?", he asked taking the cup in his hand.

 

"Yes", Caius nodded walking slowly behind his desk. "I do. It concerns you and Zera". He sat down taking his cup from the table and leaning back looking at Monkai. He contemplated for a moment, "you know I don´t want you two be together. How much gold you want from leaving her alone?".

 

Monkai blinked, "are you seriously trying to bribe me off?". Caius smiled shortly, "if you want to put it that way". He took a sip of his cup. "At least it is easier to have you bought thank killed. Don´t you think?".

 

"You just try", Monkai whispered staring at him.

 

"Oh, I have killed men far more threatening and powerful than you are", Caius gazed at him with cold eyes. "And I could kill you right now in this study. You do not have the power to fight me boy, and neither does your demon".

 

Caius saw him twitch a little. "And I would suggest not trying to use any magic. This room is filled with defensive glyphs and wards. You would be dead before I even would lift my arm. Only my magic can work in this room".

 

Caius sighted twirling his cup looking at the wine in it, "but you have not answered my question. Will you take the money and leave Zera alone?". Monkai licked his lips, he realized what potential this moment had. Caius was rich beyond his wildest dreams and he could make him filthy rich too. "Yes I have thought about it".

 

"So what is your answer then?", Caius said tilting his head with a expectant look.

 

"Go fuc* yourself".

 

Caius bursted out laughing, he placed the cup on the table slamming his both hands on his thighs. "You boy have some bravado. Too bad it does not help you here".

 

Monkai stared at him surprised, he had expected something more from Caius. In fact he had been expecting a violent outburst. Instead he just seemed amused. Monkai took a sip of his wine.

 

Caius glanced him sharply. 

 

"So, now that you have taken your wine I will tell you something". He stood up, and with a slight gestures couple of glyphs fell on Monkai, paralysis and neutralization,

 

Caius walked before him sitting on the edge of the table. He locked his eyes with Monkai, "You just drank a substance which is poisonous. On its own it is nothing more than a spice. But combined with a specific substance it will turn into a deadly poison. It will remain in your system for a certain amount of time. How long, only I know". 

 

Monkai´s eyes flared up. "That is the specific reason I had to restrain you. Getting angry will only get you killed and then I would have to explain Zera why you died", Caius said calmly.

 

"this is how it will go down. You will break up with her and I will reward you with money. A substantial sum of it actually", Caius said crossing his arms. "if you will not, the one day you might find yourself eating or drinking something you shouldn´t have".

 

He stood up straightening his robes, "believe me. I´d rather not take this route, as it is not my way of dealing with things. But I have no other way".

He gazed at Monkai, "so do we have a understanding? Good, you can leave now". Caius gestured removing the glyphs from Monkai. He bolted up swinging his fist towards Caius. Caius stepped aside smoothly grabbing Monkai´s arm twisting it to the side. 

 

Their faces were only few inches apart, Caius whispered with a ominous voice, "I have been in the war and killed men in hand to hand combat already when you were still sucking your mothers ti*s. And I have killed men for a lot less. Do not think for a moment that I would not kill you just because of Zera". He released Monkai´s arm, "let me know what you decide".

 

Monkai glared at him silently, then he left the study.*

[Serelir]

Ooooooooohh, Monkai's in trouuuuuuuuble!

 

Such a joy to see Caius in action 

[raging_monkey]

Haha that seems exactly like coldi just locked in a closet and told to hush lol

And the arrogance between caius and monkai is unreal like the are both momentous forces that meet a immovable object. Neither will budge but a powerful confrontation is coming. I liked the poisoning and bribery it shows his mixed feelings for control but at the same time shows a father trying to compromise with his kid (monkai) while prove to the other that he 's always right(zera), well done.

And you've captured the angst and mistrust to a tea

[Uccio]

There is something to be told, Caius didn't tell monkai everything. And he still has to face zera.

[raging_monkey]

Can't say I'll like where your going

But jokes aside I think I know what's going to happen and I have a broad idea of the next scene but I don't want to toss your plot in the sink

[Uccio]

Nothing too bad, no worries.

[raging_monkey]

Oh I know it's just what's in my is just brutal and out of character for all three. Free write time maybe be I'll do another flashback for one the ragins

[Serelir]

I wonder what sort of arranged marriage Caius has in mind for Zera?

[raging_monkey]

One that monkai might crash Ala princess bride

[Uccio]

Spoiler

*Zera paced around her chamber. She walked to the little side room, then to the massive closet, and back again. She walked into the balcony looking at the yard and walls. Guards, guards everywhere. She walked back to the main room and pulled the door open. A combat mage and four guards stood there looking at her carefully.

"I´m sorry my lady, we are instructed to not to let you leave. Under any conditions", the mage said regretfully. "Lord Vaellanius was precise with the instructions".

 

Zera stared at them for a moment then slammed the door closed. "Venhedis" she hissed in anger. Her eye wandered around the room for a moment, then she grabbed a old vase and threw it against the door with a high pitch scream pacing around the room.

 

After a couple of hours she heard a knock on the door. Then Caius stepped in. "Have you calmed down already?", he asked calmly walking into the room. "Am I a prisoner now?" she asked standing up, "in my own home?".

"You are confined indoors as long as you keep acting like some peasant girl in heat", Caius said sitting down. "Do you not understand who you are and what is expected of you?".

 

"Until recently you didn´t care that much", Zera glared at him. "That was before you almost got killed by his machinations", Caius said tapping the table. "You are to be the heir or house Vaellanius, doesn´t that mean anything to you?".

 

"It does", she said silently. "You do understand that this will affect our relationship?". "No it doesn´t", Caius said taking her hand. "You are my daughter and I will do anything to keep you safe. Even from yourself".

"It does", she whispered again, tears in her eyes. "You are just too blind to see...".

 

Caius stood up looking at her, "I have arranged you a marriage. The groom will come to see us in couple of days with his parents. I expect you to be on your best when this happens. He has agreed to become a prince consort and thus leaving his family for ours".

 

He took a step but turned around before the door, "after the engagement is announced I will allow you to see monkai, I am certain he has something to tell you too".

 

Caius gazed at Zera for a while with plaintive look, "I will take care of your infertility issue. Trust me. Everything will be fine". Then he left closing the door behind him.*

[Serelir]

Maybe the groom will be really cool? *says Elowyn, feeling glad she's not a Magister's daughter*

[raging_monkey]

Maker this is wrenching. I have a strong anger for caius since he just controls everything but I can't help but pity him even sympathize with him.

But will monkai take the money he's a bastard but is it possible he has had everything... and zera what will she do ... keep going please * turns on popcorn machine in garage *

[Uccio]

The groom.

 

Spoiler

*A elaborate carriage rolls into the inner yard of Vaellanius manor escorted by dozen soldiers on horse. The flag of house Silius popped in the wind. The carriage rolled slowly around the fountain stopping before a line of Vaellanius soldiers standing in honorary alley sun playing in their shining armors. A servant ran to open the carriage door.

 

A young man stepped slowly outside. A wide smile lingered in his lips, Tiberius Aurius Silius had arrived. His gray blue eyes gazed around interested. He had heard so much about this house, and now he was here. To be wed to the Magister Vaellanius daughter. What a moment this was. Tiberius stroked his smooth chin, unlike the general fashion in Minrathous he did not grow any beard. His long dark brown hair was tied in a ponytail. He had elaborate long coat of sky blue silk and vest under it. A golden belt tied to his waist. And long shining brown boots.

 

He was the middle son of house Silius and since his older brother was going to be their of their house Tiberius was left available for outside marriage. A elemental mage and Altus. His father Septimus stepped out of the carriage after him, then turned around to help his wife Silia to step outside.

 

He leaned closer to whisper to Tiberius, "remember, Magister Caius is a poweful and dangerous man. Do not let his good manners to make you forget it".

"you worry too much father", Tiberius exhaled, "I wouldn´t be here unless he thought I was worth it".

"Just remember what I said", his father whispered as they saw Caius walking towards the carriage, a red headed elven woman followed him close by.

 

"Good morning and welcome to house Vaellanius Magister Septimus", Caius said with a smile on his face offering his hand to to the head of house Silius.

"Good to see you Caius", the old man shook his hand. "This is my son, Tiberius". He pointed at the boy.

 

"I see, it is good to see you young man. Your future bride waits you anxiously".

 

Tiberius bowed with a smile, "good to finally see you my lord. I am anxius to see my future bride too".

 

Lady Silia turned her gaze at Elowyn. "And who is, is she your.. escort?". Her cold voice chilled the air.

Caius smiled shortly shaking his head, "this is Elowyn Adaran, from Monpellier Circle, Orlais. She is my First Apprentice".

 

Elowyn gave a perfect curtsey. "It is a pleasure to make your acquaintance my lords and lady".

 

Tiberius could not help but wrinkle his brow, as for escorts elves were fantastic but as a apprentice, and a First one at that? Magister Vaellanius had to really value her, or be out of his mind.

 

Caius saw that, "I expect you to offer my Fist Apprentice the same courtesy you are offering to any member of my house. I hope this is clear to us all?". He locked his eyes with Tiberius. The boy swalloved quickly, those eyes turned so dark so quickly.

 

"But of course my lord", lady Silia hurried to confirm making her own curtsey smiling like a sun, trying to outshine Elowyn. A apprentice? My ass, and hers. She thought.

 

"Alright then, shall we go?", Caius said smiling again gesturing to the manor.

 

Zera stood like a statue facing the main door to the great hall. She was wearing her best dress and her hair was done. Cassia and Miriel stood next to her shining equally in their dresses. Several members of the household stood there with them.

Livia stood next to Miriel. She whispered to her, "the house Silia is a old and powerful house, or has been since their position and wealth has been waning during recent centuries. Caius, your father, has literally lifted them from falling to nothingness with this engagement".

 

"Oh", Miriel whispered. "So that is why they were so eager to take the offer". Livia nodded, looking at her smiling. "I could teach you a thing or two about these things if you are ever interested". Miriel looked at her with her eyes shining, "you would? I would love to know more of your secret work".

 

Cassia was pleased, as much as she loved Zera she could not help but feel relieved that she was being separated with Monkai. Finally she would be getting rid of that upstart! She should remember to thank father.

 

Zera could not help but wonder why she wasn´t running out of the door just this moment. But she knew why, her father had done something and she needed to see Monkai to hear what it is. Fighting him now would postpone that moment, possibly prevent it completely from happening.

 

The servants opened the twin doors and Caius walked in Elowyn on his right side and members of house Silia on his left side. And there was Tiberius. She had seen pictures of him but he was truly a good looking man. And arrogant, she could tell that moment when their eyes met that she would not like what this man had to say.

 

"My lady Zera!", Tiberius exhaled looking at her. "You are truly more beautiful than I ever thought of possible!". He kneeled before Zera taking her hand giving a kiss on it. "I am sure your mind is also as legendary as is your fathers", he said standing up.

 

Zera smiled shortly, "thank you my lord". Then the smile disappeared and she fell silent. Tiberius stood there for a moment surprised of the cold welcome. Caius rushed in, "shall we take our seats by the table?". He gestured at the table prepared at the hall close to Caius seat. Slaves and servants stood ready to serve around it.

 

"Yes, of course", Tiberius collected himself fast. He offered his arm to Zera, "shall we go my lady?". Zera took his arm without a word.*

[Serelir]

"or be out of his mind"    

 

What a fun dinner party this is going to be! 

[Serelir]

Elowyn's observations at the dinner party:

 

Spoiler

Being an elf, Elowyn was used to rude treatment from shems, but Tiberius’ comment was the first time she’d been referred to as an escort. She knew he was used to seeing elven escorts – his father probably had them, and as the son of a Magisterial house, he’d almost certainly had his first sexual encounter with one of his family’s slaves. Nonetheless, she took an instant dislike to him.

 

She felt torn about Zera’s marriage. On one hand, Monkai was her friend, and she knew he loved Zera as much as Scorn would allow him to love any mortal woman. Zera was a fun-loving, open-minded person, and Elowyn couldn’t see her in the role of a stuffy Magister’s wife.

 

On the other hand, Elowyn’s survival was tied more firmly than ever to the success of House Vaellanius, and that meant she had to support Caius’ choice of bridegroom for his daughters. Tiberius was handsome enough, and Caius would ensure that Zera was treated well by her husband.

 

As she took her seat, she remembered her first dinner at this house, back when she’d been so frightened of the Master. She’d had no idea then of what had been in store for her. Had he really been considering her for a bedmate back then? She blushed at the thought.

 

“Feeling a little warm?” Lady Silia asked her.

 

“I don’t think I’ll ever get used to this heat!” Elowyn exclaimed, playing up her Orlesian accent.  She took out her fan, hand-painted in Antiva, a gift from the Master. She noticed Tiberius’ father eyeing her figure and she winked at him slowly. Lady Silia noticed as well, and Magister Septimus quickly turned away, coughing into his hand.

 

“I’m curious how an Orlesian mage came to be living in Minrathous,” said Lady Silia.

 

“You were wondering if Magister Vaellanius bought me at the slave market?” asked Elowyn archly. “No, my apprenticeship was arranged through the Bessay family of Orlais – I’m sure you’ve heard of them?”

 

“The ones with the silverite mines?”

 

“Yes, that would be them. Their son, Guy du Bessay, is now an Imperial Templar,” said Elowyn, letting it drop that not only did she have a connection to a powerful Orlesian family, but it didn’t hurt to hint that Caius had a Templar in his pocket. The details were unimportant, as was the fact that Elowyn was technically a slave. In Tevinter, a slave was often more powerful than a free person.

 

Elowyn noticed Zera’s coldness toward Tiberius. She couldn’t blame her for being unhappy, though Tiberius was at least handsome and well-dressed and appeared to have perspicacity, judging by the charm of his greeting to Zera. Caius said, “Shall we take our seats at the table?” and they proceeded into the dining room. Caius had placed Silia to his right and Elowyn to his left, the traditional seat for the hostess. Elowyn felt honored that he’d chosen to put her there. Septimus was on her left and Cassia next to him. Zera and Tiberius were seated together so that they could converse. The rest of the table alternated by gender. As Second Apprentice and Miriel’s promised, though not as yet formally betrothed, Publius was also attending. There had been no official betrothal party for Cassia, either, though Elowyn knew the protocol was for the eldest daughter to marry first. So perhaps Caius was simply waiting to safely marry off Zera before the others had their turns. She wasn’t sure where Zera’s marriage to and divorce from Monkai fit into the protocol.

 

The butler brought the wine to Caius for his approval, then served it to the guests. The first course was the hot soup. Elowyn knew that her job was to entertain Magister Septimus while Caius handled Lady Silia. Accordingly, she asked him about his Senatorial career, giving him a chance to boast about various pieces of legislation. She felt grateful to Aurelie for all those dinner parties she’d had to attend before joining Caius’ house. Aurelie was an accomplished conversationalist, and Elowyn had observed her closely. If she’d come straight from the Circle to this seat next to Caius, she’d have been completely lost.

 

Septimus was talking about some of his colleagues in the Senate. “Did you hear about Magister Fuficius’ rally?” asked Elowyn.

 

“I heard he was a little under the weather!” joked Septimus.

 

“They say his hair stood up to the challenge,” added Elowyn. Septimus chuckled, and Elowyn warmed to him. It was apparent that lady Silia ruled the family. Judging by Silia's blushes and ladylike giggles, Caius was unleashing his considerable charm on her.

 

They had just begun the third course when the door to the dining room burst open. There was a scuffle of guards. Elowyn couldn’t see who was causing the commotion, but Zera stood up quickly, knocking her chair over, and rushed toward the door. Elowyn had a sinking feeling that the dinner party was ruined, when Caius put down his napkin, stood up, and calmly raised his hand.

 

“Silence,” he said. Everyone stopped what they were doing. 

[raging_monkey]

Okay back from business and I come to this..... F-FANTASTIC LADIES AND GENTLEMAN.

Ucci: have I said your the better writer? No? Well you are *gives award* the feels anger, humor, romance, jealousy, everything! Phenomenal! what's your secret I seek to emulate the way you do political scenes. Its as if your job is in politics. bravo a 1k times

Sere: ely's development from a fugitive to future magister is epic. Add to her conflict of interest with monkai just heightens the drama. They had a shaky start. Became friends(as much Scorn allowed) and then now this situation . Makers t*ts it's riddled with the drama only I can hope to imagine but never properly flesh it out.

Thanks guys my fire is lite again

[Uccio]

Thanks monkey. You give me too much credit, but thank you  . I think you tackle these issue as well as I do. With your wily ways. 

There is one above us though, I will hand that trophy over to Sere. 

[Serelir]

Nope! No trophies! I admire both of you too much to choose. Monkey, I love the way you handle relationships between your characters, and there's always a lot of crazy action and excitement in your stories. Ucci, you're a master of suspenseful plotting and create this tremendous atmosphere of dread around Caius. It's no wonder at all that Elowyn fell under his spell - who would look at anything else when a vortex of dark energy enters the room?

[raging_monkey]

All in all fantastic