The Conduit//// Violetta
Violetta hummed softly making her way towards the park, opting to drive instead of walk to the agreed meeting spot, a show of sorts not like the walk would’ve tired the young girl out in the slightest. A pencil tucked behind her ear and a pad of paper in the inside pocket of her jacket both in easy reach in case anything went array; not that she thought she had a chance against the Conduit if he decided to end her then and there but perhaps she could slip away and live to at least lick her wounds so to speak. The brunette cruised through traffic drumming lightly on the steering wheel in time with the soft smooth jazz echoing out of the cars speakers, she had a soft spot for the music, often finding her way downtown at nights to listen to the players as they poured their souls out into songs while passersby rummage for loose change and crumbled bills in exchange. It also helped the girl steel her nerves as she drew closer to the time and place, as much as she joked with her lieutenants before leaving her stomach was like a cold iron ball twisted and weighing down the pit of her stomach, a slight gulp and a shaky breath rattled through the car as she thought about how foolish and dangerous what she was about to do was.
There was no lying that the Conduit wasn’t an attractive man, even for one as distasted with men as Viole. His striking stature and features sat well in contrast with the bright surroundings, his dark black suit clashing with the white painted wooden bench, soft pearls of children’s laughter filling the air as parents watched on. It was a popular well crowded place; one Viole knew well, she was surprised when he had agreed to her meeting place as long as he could pick the time. She approached from behind easily weaving her way through the throng of children as they ran playing tag or some other novelty child’s game. A soft wisp of envy flickering through her before being banished now was not the time to bemoan her lost childhood, she was here on business no matter how casual and nonchalant the atmosphere and conversation might be. Steeling herself once more taking a calming breath she slide into the bench leaving space between the two of them as she stole a side glance leaning forward slightly to rest her elbows on her knees, embodying a rather relaxed manner yet in truth it would give her swift mobility if she needed to run.
”Jim, right?”Her tone was pleasant if a little superficial, a bright smile painted on her face, she studied him curiously noting his relaxed yet businesslike manner as if all of this was in a day’s work, a trifle of a matter but he bore it with the upmost attention. She found it intriguing if nothing else, perhaps she would listen to what the man had summoned her for after all, relaxing her posture ever so slightly still wary.
”That’s right. You would be Malikane’s successor, would you not?”His reply was just as short as her greeting and it would seem he wasn’t even bothered to learn of her name. Viole pursed her lips at the slight before smiling again, a tingle running down her spine from the sparks emitting around him in loose pulses and tendrils of electricity. It was something else to experience them; it was a lot more impressive than just watching afar. In a sense the younger woman understood just how much damage he could actually do before she had the chance to run, but being the stubborn woman she is Viole smirked slightly leaning back lounging almost in defiance of the rigid structure of his posture before answering.
”The name’s Violetta, though most call me Viole, pleasure’s mine. That was a rather impressive display you made the other night when Sabre was attacked. He wouldn’t have lasted if you hadn’t intervened. “The smirk had carried through to her voice, a slight tinge of smugness that she doubted he would have missed. She sulked inwardly as he ignored it nodding once as if confirming information he already possessed, a slight tilt of the head and a crackle of electricity amplified his demeanor as she watched him pause before speaking again.
”Good, so you saw my demonstration, did you. Then I don’t have to explain the type of protection I can enact to keep you and your Knives safe. I’m offering a simple arrangement. Become part of the Wire and that protection is yours.” An arch of an eyebrow and a slight look of disbelief contorted Viole’s face for a second before a blank face slide into place. Inside she seethed at the idea of letting some else control her again, for a brief moment she enjoyed the dangerously tempting thought of telling the man to take his offer and shove it somewhere rather explicit but she couldn’t afford that type of reaction, besides the way he offered it seemed so sure of himself as if he expected her to take the deal and he would be on with his day another territory added to his collection. She breathed once before shoving those dark feelings of animosity deep down mimicking his head tilt from earlier before offering a counter offer.
”While that is a generous offer, Ser. I think it best if I decline, though I do not wish to be on your bad side, I have little desire to dance in the palm of your hand like a puppet. I am more than open to having a partnership with you, but I will keep what is mine, I think.”Her soft Russian accent decorated the words that slide out in reply as she bowed her head slightly, offering a rare genuine smile keeping back any signs of the anger and curiosity swirling inside her mind. For a moment, though perhaps she imagined she saw a similar look of disbelief and amusement flickering across his face before returning back to its stoic façade. He seemed to straighten slightly and actually look at her, as if bothering to examine just was he was dealing with. Viole’s appearance and stature gave little to the sharp mind and depth of her thoughts; she kept that side of her well-hidden until it needed to rear its head like a snake for the strike. Her eyebrow cocked once more as a small chuckle escaped the man, before he opened his mouth to speak once more almost grinning as if baring fangs of his own.
”I see, l see. And what is it you could offer that I would find remotely useful. What could I benefit if I agreed to this arrangement of yours, hmm?”Again that mocking tone riled her hackles as she kept from glaring at the man, while most men set her on edge this one bother her more, perhaps it was because he had a pretty face hiding a calculating mind like herself. It wasn’t like she didn’t expect a rebuttal along these lines; it was the way he said it that pissed the smaller woman off.
”I know who attacked Sabre, but more importantly I know why.”She smirked again at the small victory as she gained his attention watching the gears turn in his head as he mulled over the information she just feed him a morsel off. It was a slight exaggeration; she knew why but was still working out the why. Her earlier endeavors to find this illusive man had been meet with more dead ends and false trails, she was wondering it if wasn’t just an elaborate goose chase the City Council hadn’t concocted to keep the gangs busy as they reestablished dominance and presence in the city. Either way she had set plans in motion to find out, but that was for later thought for now she focused on the man in front of her, still feeling the tingling of electricity as it danced across her exposed skin.
”Well that is….interesting. Heh, you are an peculiar one Violetta. May I think over it?”She smirked again at the small victory as she gained his attention watching the gears turn in his head as he mulled over the information she just feed him a morsel off. It was a slight exaggeration; she knew why but was still working out the why. Her earlier endeavors to find this illusive man had been meet with more dead ends and false trails, she was wondering it if wasn’t just an elaborate goose chase the City Council hadn’t concocted to keep the gangs busy as they reestablished dominance and presence in the city. Either way she had set plans in motion to find out, but that was for later thought for now she focused on the man in front of her, still feeling the tingling of electricity as it danced across her exposed skin.
”Well that is….interesting. Heh, you are an peculiar one Violetta. May I think over it?”She blinked slightly at the cordial response, fully expecting another reply full of smugness and mock. She nodded once in agreement, taking it as an exit queue. She rose to her feet, but the man raised his hand, a much more curious look on his face. He spoke again.
"I don't suppose you could...aquire...something for me? I would of course be willing to pay, it's not such an object that would be worth territory or anything like that."She raised an eyebrow, intrigued by this sudden shift in the mood. His face had turned more wolfish, almost hungry, and the electrical sparks popped and fizzed with more fever now. He paused and looked out over the children. After a minute, he turned back to the girl.
"Up to the Northeast, there's an Island off the coast of the Farmland. Its official name is Marshall Island Prison, but most inmates call it The Brig. Somewhere underneath the prison itself, probably connected to the sewage tunnels, there should be a rock or projection marked with an odd symbol."He reached into his pocket, and she tensed up, cautious of his actions. Instead, he drew out a sheet of paper, with an odd, angular symbol drawn on it with what looked like charcoal. A square atop two reflected lightning-bolt-esque lines, which met at the bottom. He continued.
"Use your ability on this symbol, I'm sure you'll figure out how. It will trigger an opening in something nearby. I need you to go into this opening, and collect a shard of pottery for me, it will have similar symbols on it. Be careful, the room will probably be trapped, though it's never been anything deadly, just the door sealing quickly or something that would smash the pottery, which I can't have happening. I'd do this myself, but that would require me to assault the prison. I figure somebody of your...talents could accomplish this easier. As mentioned, I will pay a large price for this object."She considered his offer. It would be dangerous, but it would put her on his good side, and she'd get a hefty pay from it. She gave another false smile, and looked up at him. She was surprised to see something in his eyes. Not the wicked glint that had been there, but something more...human.
"Fine, I'll look for your shard or whatever, but I do expect something useful in return."The man nodded curtly, suddenly the rigid businessman again.
"Excellent. Don't contact me about this part of our deal unless you have the shard, or you destroy it. I will reach out to you when I decide on our other arrangement. It was a pleasure doing business with you."He stuck out his hand, and she took it, a faint jolt running through her body. She then excused herself with an air of confidence of her own turning her back on the man making her way back towards the parking lot and the sleek car that gleamed lightly in the setting sun. She would have a lot to write tonight if little else, a turn of the key and a rev of an engine and the car shoot out of the parking lot cruising its way back towards the highway and the city that never sleeps.
