---

Juniper’s fingers dug into the tablecloth as her knuckles turned white and ached; if not for the cloth surely her nails would’ve bitten and drawn blood from her small, sweating palms. She could feel her teeth grinding together as Meldyr suggested that he have his men escort her back to her room, her eyes burning a floor in the carpet as Lucien offered to do it himself. Did they think she was incapable of walking down a hall and taking a flight of stairs by herself, images of her tripping and snapping her neck on a step running through their minds? Or did they know that she had no intention of going to her room, let alone staying in the manor, at all? That couldn’t have been possible. Unlike some of Lorenzo’s girls, she didn’t wake up the whole household in a fumbling attempt to sneak out discretely.

Her head snapped up as someone dared to utter the word “no” in response to her question, her anger apparent in her narrowed eyes as she fixed her best withering stare upon Dr. Engel. He had no right to speak to her like that, the thought that he even believed he could tell her “no” was nearly as laughable as the thought that her father was in a better place. Even a child could see that being alive was better than being dead; only an idiot would say otherwise. A quiet huff came from the girl as she turned her head, unable to even look at the doctor anymore. Suddenly it made more sense why her mother had passed and why she never had the opportunity to meet Vincent. Like Meldyr, who had failed to protect her father, Otto had also failed. Both of them were ineffective, incompetent, and in need of a reminder as to who could and could not speak to her with such patronizing tones. They weren’t her father. They weren’t her family.

Her tongue had no opportunity to lash out as her sister rapped the table in a successive one, two, just like how father would do to grab everyone’s attention when he had an announcement to make. Juniper was unable to meet her sister’s look as the older woman seemingly peered into her heart and tried to settle her woes. A wave of panic rushed over Juniper; obviously Juniper didn’t want Lorenzo to be Nalia’s stand-in, there was no way the young lady could hide that, but why did Nalia have to bring that up? Even though she didn’t outright say it the implication was strong enough, and the suggestion that Nalia would’ve chosen Juniper if not for father’s word? Juniper knew when she was being teased; the red on her cheeks intensified.

Fearing any further embarrassment, Juniper slowly walked around the table, her eyes focused on her feet. There was no stomping of the feet, no grumbling of quiet curses, just a dejected, sullen girl listening to her sister, her hand clutching the letter from father tightly to her chest. As she took her seat next to Lucien her eyes accidentally met Lorenzo’s and another jolt of panic coursed through her. Thanks to Nalia stripping her bare, she had to apologize now, didn’t she? Perhaps Lorenzo wouldn’t even give a damn what the girl thought, but she knew her aunt would expect one and, as much as she hated to admit it, life would be easier if Aunt Fiona wasn’t out for her blood.

“I’m sorry for behaving like a child; it’s just...it’s been hard for me,” she said to her cousin, swallowing back a choke as tears welled up in her eyes. “Hard for all of us, I mean.” She glanced away and wiped her eyes, taking a moment to think before speaking again, her words coming out as heartfelt and sincere as she looked back at Lorenzo. “If Father believed you to be the right choice then so do I. I know you’ll take care of us, cousin. I trust you.”

Having said her piece, Juniper returned to whatever it was that she saw on the floor that was so interesting. It was not until the shot of the musket rang out that the girl looked up again; it hadn’t come from inside the manor, but it was close. Scarily close. Juniper’s eyes, wide with worry, fell on the balcony door as it began to rattle before it burst open with a cold blast of air. A scream was caught in her throat and came out only as a choking gasp as she reached out and grabbed, not for her brother Lucien, but for Pieter next to her. She stared in horror at the feathered figure as it moved into the room, Meldyr already acting to intercept it, but as it spoke the fright began to fall from Juniper’s face. Instead, the girl found herself intrigued by what the intruder had to say; perhaps not fully trusting, but curious nonetheless.

“Or what,” she added, her eyes not moving from the mask’s two dark holes.

Lips curling at the sight of little Juniper causing trouble. Pieter had to admit, he would have thought that all the lessons he had offered her in subterfuge and skulduggery would have taught her the value of keeping your cards to your chest. But lo, here she is, not even to Pieter's chin and daring to try and incite a civil war inside the House. Perhaps once she learnt to let go of grudges, she could become a successful player in Venaran politics. Then again, maybe she needed to get better at holding grudges.

Chuckling slightly to himself, Pieter took another sip of his rosé. This was excellent. Gods above, he would love to spend an evening with a few bottles of th_{is and maybe that sweet young actress he had seen performing at the Hierophant Theatre. Goddesses, what was her name? She had the excellent bosom, and that lovely dimple. She had actually known all of her lines while performing The Ruin of Fortinbras, which is rare indeed, since most of those pretty girls who took to the stage had more tits than smarts, and come to think of it it's very likely that Livia, ha! Livia! That's her name, anyway it's very likely that Livia would only be a year or two older than Juniper, and wasn't that a thought? Goddess around, that chill must be what a father feels. Disgusting. Let it be gone, there's no need of that. but given how much is going to be changing around here it might be prudent to start cutting back on dalliances- who knows how many will be on someone else's payroll? It's not that wild a thought, it was done in one of the operas a while back, now that was a fucking excellent piece of work. So were the legs on that soprano. And that baritone had that alluringly snug doublet. Perhaps it would be smart to commission a play venerating Leon. Perhaps a retelling of one of those great Elven Journey Plays. Tie it in to the coming greatness of the House Delor-}

A crack.

That was a fucking gunshot.

And there's a blur just outside of the balcony.

FUCK.

Scraping his chair roughly against the floor, Pieter jackknifed up standing, fumbling with his pistol as he pointed it towards the balcony. Otto shouting something unintelligible per the norm, Meldyr, the brave man ordering his men into defensive positions.

Pieter listened to the masked figure talk. Interesting, if what they said was true. Pieter lowered his gun. All aiming it did was make the fellow more likely to strike. But....

"Why are you here?"

---

Fiona watched her son as he entered the room with the eyes of a proud parent basking in the success of a child as well as the eyes of a lioness watching her growing son. His mannerisms and accomplishments in his knowledge and abilities were evident those paying attention. As Lorenzo shook hands with his friends and comrades, Nalia made her announcement of Lorenzos new position and seat in the hall which took many for a surprise including Lorenzo whose face lit up slightly at his name being spoken in such honor. When he took his place next to his mother, Fiona caught his eye and smiled gently at him her eyes screaming with victory behind the fading tears and then returning her expression to normal as she faced to group once again. Watching the drama unfold under the Delorano roof as she sipped from the edge of her wine glass with all the grace of a noble lady.

She was no longer surprised or shocked by Luciens childish temper tantrums though now, she was almost gracious towards them due to their influence in the advancements of her sons position.

Fionas eyes found Junipers in cold content at her outburst during the summoning of her brother to honor him in a wake. The scorn was apparent to anyone watching and the disapproval was evident. Had Otto and Nalia not spoken first, she would no doubt have stood and spoken, instead she rose a glass of deep red wine to Nalia in honor of what she said and how she spoke then took a sip upon the conclusion of her speech. Fionas eyes no longer bore evidence to her distress and sadness towards her brothers death, they were instead filled with calm disdain, mixed with a solemn kindness that was known to others as her neutral expression.

As Juniper stood and came around the table, speaking words of apology, Lorenzos face immediately fell into a soft smile he nodded at her understandingly and sympathetically, "I understand cousin." his voice was compassionate and warm as it often was. "By my honor, my fathers honor and the honor of my beloved uncle and second father, I will never disgrace them or give them any reason to believe their decision was not a sound one. They are wise and noble." Lorenzo's voice showed no evidence of mockery or sarcasm, his words were genuine and honest. When Fionas eyes met Junipers she simply nodded approvingly before turning to face the room again.

The crack of the gunshot disturbed the subtle murmurings of the gathered group. Lorenzo stood instantly, hand on the hilt of his sword ready to draw it at any moment. Fiona did not stand but she did shift her eyes towards the balcony where the doors rattled then opened emerging The Crow from the shifting air. The others spoke singularly and all at once, Lorenzo's sword now being drawn from it's sheath before Fiona's hand lifted and touched Lorenzo's arm with her fingertips. Lorenzo looked at her with a small face of confusion as to why she had stopped him.

Fiona rose from her seat with elegance and walked towards the balcony door, walking past the other members of the house and standing in front of them towards the uninvited guest. "Crow, why have you come here? If I remember from our last encounter you were told to never appear unless called upon. Was I unclear at the conclusion of our last engagement on this matter?" Her eyes watched the crows firmly and unmoving. Disapproval and scorn marked her face as she spoke to the man she seemingly had known for quite some time. "Speak!" Her deep, noble voice was loud and demanding her fingers were laced together and draped low in front of her waste standing still, her beautiful eyes and face marking him for death should he fail to comply with her demands.

Lorenzo's eyes shifted from his mother to the crow unsure of how or why there had ever been an alliance between the two, unsure of how they met, or when, or for what purpose. He made his way as well and stood somewhat behind but next to his mother his hand still wrapped around the hilt of his sword in case of a scuffle.

---

Considering the ruckus and the reaction of everyone else, Nalia let out a sigh and slowly stood up from her chair to face the being who had walked in. She looked almost bored, but her eyes were narrowed as she listened to the words than rang from behind the mask. "If you have come to pay your respects you should have come through the front door," she told the man calmly, her arms crossed over her chest as she felt like she had nothing to worry about, not yet at least, "Though if you took care of a potential assassin I guess I have to thank you for dispatching him. Now, who are you exactly and what was your relation to my late Father?"

Unfolding her arms, her left hand went to the hilt of the rapier she always had at her hip, though she did not close her fingers around it as she did not want the figure to think that she was going to take. Ready to attack? Yes, always... but she wasn't about to, not yet and much like her father told her with fire arms, don't put your finger on the trigger unless you are willing to kill. At the immediate moment she wanted to know what the being wanted, because those who wished to pay their respects rarely decided to crawl in through a window. "And to answer your question old man, you can take my sister to her quarters and secure the two of you there for now, take three of the guards," she directed the doctor, displeasure in her voice for the man having went to her brother rather than herself though she never took her eyes off the cloaked figure.

"And you my dear Aunt... you have some explaining to do if you know this being that has entered the hall without proper leave," bright blue eyes shot to her Aunt, the displeasure in her voice turning to anger in her eyes, she was getting sick and tired of people keeping secrets from her that could very well pain members of the house in a bad light. If her Aunt had an assassin on her belt, this was something her father should have known about, and at the very least left a notation about for his successor.

---

The figure stood stalk still as swords, muskets, and threats were leveled at them. The mask hid any reaction the uninvited assassin might have had to the number of questions leveled at it. The Crow kept its hands well away from the weapons it was carrying and just folded them in front of itself, keeping them in plain view. Now was not the time to start a gunfight. The Mask turned when Nalia spoke to The Crow, the black pits of the silver mask centering on the new head of house.

"If I came in through the front door as I am I would be apprehended and then you would know who I am. If I came without the uniform, I would have been ignored unless I revealed myself. I had not planned on making such an entrance. Someone detected me as I was arriving and sent cat's paws after me. Not proper guards, mind you. I suspect it was your master of spies given the men who tried to stop me." The Crow tilted its head to the side as a gesture instead of moving its hands to point. "I am sorry to inform you that one of them fell to lady Fiona's balcony and is likely quite hurt. The other will be fine, maybe a little bruised. after I had been shot at I had no choice but to enter to avoid any further casualties. I didn't come through the balcony on a whim, Matriarch Nalia. As for who exactly I am, I am The Crow, that will have to suffice unless you intend to kill me and pull my mask off. My relationship to your father was, complicated. It would be hard to explain and I am not interested in telling you at this time. Perhaps when I am not surrounded by guards and unimportant parties."

The Crow turned its masked face and locked Lady Fiona in its eyeless stare now, "Lady Fiona, you did tell me not to return after our business was done. I regret to inform you, I did not intend to return to you unless someone wanted you dead. These circumstances go beyond simple contracts though. I came here of my own accord, no one is paying me to inform you about what the captured assassin said, nor are they paying me to suffer your delusions of having any measure of control over me." the last part was a hiss of disdain. While the assassin never gave any physical signs of anger, its voice clearly portrayed its dislike for being spoken to as an inferior by Fiona.

The dark pits of The Crow's mask passed over the rest of the room. No words for them. The Crow thought they were all very unimportant in the grand scheme of things.The assassin judged each of them in turn, its mind processing and dismissing them in turn; the doctor was a failure and a murderer; the younger brother a foolhardy boy who would get himself killed in the courts; the former noble guard captain was just another body to take a bullet; the cousin and son to Fiona was an easy target with less sense than the women he bedded; and the musician and spy pretended at being important enough and that would lead him down to ruin. The Crow's gaze stopped on Juniper, she was different. Always sneaking about. If she could get her emotions under control she would a force. The Crow inclined its head slightly at the young girl, a small nodd and show of respect for the young girl.

---

Otto gazed at Nalia for a moment, contemplating on whether or not he should comply with her order or not. Naturally, he refused to obey the orders of her, it would not be a man’s place to retreat while such a threatening figure stood before them. “As much as you would love for me to disappear, I shan’t,” the old man grumbled, his eyes returning to the assassin as he spoke with his gruff voice. How would he look if he retreated from the situation, certainly it would damage his reputation as a member of the family. Thusly, he would have to stay even if he openly defied the new leader of the house.

When the assassin looked down at Juniper, Otto took a threatening step forward ready to attack if this being attempted to make a move on someone he had helped to deliver. He wielded his cane in both hands, seemingly ready to charge should he need to. The foreigner spoke in a bit aggravated tone, “While, sir or madam, I respect that you dealt with those assassins for us, barging in here as you did certainly did not alleviate the situation one bit.” Hoping that the Crow did not call his bluff on attacking, Otto kept his face stern, attempting to hide fear. “I would kindly ask you to leave, as your presence is not particularly trusted here,” Otto ordered, daring to take another small step towards the Crow.

---

Meldyr allowed his eyes to flicker to his left just for a moment at the commotion, but otherwise kept his gaze firmly upon the Crow. So this man was known among the family? Actually, now that he thought of it, he'd heard of a figure called the Crow. Perhaps they had never met simply because of this inevitability of an encounter such as this one, with sword and gun. Meldyr did not appreciate shady characters in association with the family he was sworn to protect.

Their words did seem to alleviate his concerns somewhat, and as Nalia spoke he relaxed, putting the hammer of his pistol back to its original position. Still, he stood between Nalia, as well as the other family members, and the Crow. He holstered his pistol, but kept the military sidesword out and at the ready, confident he could bring it to bear no matter how skilled this Crow was.

Otto's declaration that he would not adhere to the Head of the House's request was far too bold. It didn't cause Meldyr to lower his guard, but he was surprised at how foolish the old man was, to make himself such an enemy of Nalia. "Olaf, Steg, Jory," Meldyr called, and the men hustled over and gave salutes, at his request. "Take Otto and Juniper to their Quarters, and keep them there. Particularly the good doctor. We'll be by shortly to relieve you."

The soldiers nodded, and approached Otto. They would manhandle him if need be.

---

Fiona's pale blue eyes watched the Crow intently as he spoke watching the eyes that barely showed through the slit crevices of his mask. A small breeze carried it's way in from the open balcony shifting the seems on her elegant black gown lightly almost giving the illusion that she was floating, if only briefly. Nalia's voice hit her ears with cold stubbornness and immaturity just before to voice of the crow made it's announcement towards the onslaught of questions thrown at him.

Fiona kept her composure through it all took a light breath and then parted her lips before speaking in a softer more subdue and understanding voice, ”Apologies Crow for my rudeness at your arrival, surely you understand the apprehension at your sudden appearance. Please speak your piece on the words the assassin you apprehended spoke.”

Fiona's hands were still clasped together in front of her before she shifted slightly and looked towards her niece who was still eying her from her position at the table unwarranted anger in her eyes and uncalled for disdain in her voice. A small, sweet smile graced her face as she spoke. ”My dear niece, we shall surely have a discussion on this matter when the time and place is more appropriate. All I will say on this matter is that it was a circumstance which occurred years past to which your father, my brother, requested I make the connection.”

Fiona was not amused at the situation that fell into her lap and understood the next few years would be trying and frustrating to say the least, her physical disposition and appearance, however, did not change though her thoughts did. She shifted her eyes towards Meldyr, they were somewhat warmer then they had been throughout the evening, her small smile still displaying itself on her elegant face and silky skin. When she met his eyes her voice was gentle and pleasant, ”My friend, would you be so kind as to have one of your men retrieve the assassin that fell to my balcony? If he is still alive I believe it would be imperative to hear what he has to say.” her voice was neither condescending or rude. It was gentle and sweet.

The fire that warmed the room crackled as the crows eyes were landed on Junipers. It hissed and flipped in it's ritualistic tribal dance of energy and warmth as if attempting to break up the tension in the room. The orange light reflected off the well carves and finished wooden tables that encompassed it. Lorenzo, shifted his eyes from person to person, still standing as a guard by his mothers side. He knew his mother well enough not to interrupt her in these types of moments and wait to ask questions until they were in a more private setting.

---

Juniper was absolutely fixated by the feathered interloper, her bloodshot eyes beginning to burn with pain as she remained staring at the Crow as if they were a picture instead of a person. She was so focused on the intruder that it barely registered with the girl that her sister was trying to force the Doctor to whisk her away to her room. For once she was thankful that Otto was a stubborn old bastard, since for the first time tonight she actually wanted to be stuck in this room. Juniper drank in the Crow’s words as they spoke, a smile of schadenfreude creeping onto her lips as they carved into her aunt with their tongue.

The smile quickly crumbled as the Crow finally caught Juniper starring; the young girl nearly got whiplash from how quickly she turned her head to look away, a natural reflex shared by the shady and the awkward. Juniper had caught the nod from the Crow before she had looked away. What was that about? she thought as she felt her heart in her mouth. Juniper decided that the Crow must’ve been looking down on her, as she could clearly be nothing else but an “unimportant party”. Yet it had not felt like the usual disregarding looks the girl felt that she received almost daily; there had been something unfamiliar there, made almost impossible to interpret thanks to their mask.

However, there were more pressing matters to worry about at the moment. Otto seemed absolutely determined to show the Crow the door, despite the stranger stating that they not only were acquainted with their father but had more information than any of the others regarding who had been behind his savage murder. The idiot! Juniper would’ve been grateful to Meldyr for requesting that his soldiers escort the older man to his quarters if the captain hadn’t also included her in with the group of people who were now liabilities. As much as it shocked Juniper to admit, only her aunt seemed to be the one acting sensibly in the room: they needed to know whatever information the Crow had wrung out of one of father’s assassins.

Quickly, too; Otto wouldn’t keep Meldyr’s men distracted forever, and Juniper couldn’t bare the thought of being kept in the dark. As a daughter she had been absolutely ungrateful, and if she tried to do anything to make right the wrongs that had been committed against her family and father that she would surely fail. Truly, she would be the first to admit that, but that did not change the fact that she deserved to know the truth, even if there would be no comfort in knowing it. Juniper had her doubts that the Crow would answer her aunt. They seemed to rightfully despise the woman, but, despite her feeling as if it were a longshot, perhaps they would listen to her plea.

Juniper stood up, giving her sister a quick, unapologetic look, before turning her attention to the Crow. She could feel the eyes of Meldyr’s men turn from Otto to her; she didn’t have long before one of them grabbed her and escorted her away for her “safety”. If she had been on her own she could have easily threaten the men’s job security as she was often to do whenever she was confronted by one of her family’s guards that was simply trying to follow their orders, but surrounded by her family it would be quite impossible for her to get away with the usual lie that they would be sacked if they laid a single finger on her. She just prayed the Crow would answer her before they took her away.

“Tell me their name!” she said, startled by her own shouting as her eyes were unable to decide whether to look at the Crow’s mask or their feet. She felt fingers brushing against her shoulder as she took a step forward, one hand pressed against her chest while the other reaching out like a starving beggar reaching for a piece of molded bread. “Please. Tell me the name of the bastard that orchestrated my father’s death.”

---

It was very rare that any form of annoyance or anger showed up on Nalia's face, emotions were things she had to keep tight to her chest and hide from those around her, but Juniper's outburst cased blue eyes to narrow on the young woman. "Juniper!" her sister snapped, "If you wish to stay then you will request it properly and act like the young woman you are! Such outbursts are not becoming of you in front of mixed company!" In truth, and Juniper knew this well, Nalia did not care how Juniper acted as she loved the young woman's free spirit, but it was very clear that Nalia had enough of people stepping on her toes. It had gotten well to the point that the Head of House's arm was beginning to burn, it was the only warning she ever got when her anger was bordering on uncontrolled.

Taking a deep breath, her eyes locked onto the Crow, "If you do not mind, I would like for you to follow me to my study so we can discuss whatever matters you have come to report. Both my brother and sister will be present as I feel it best for them to know what you have to say, the rest are getting far too rowdy don't you think?" She offered a smile to the figure, the look surprisingly genuine as she removed her hand from her blade and rested them behind her, much like how her father would stand. "Plus, I think it would be best to leave the care of the men to Old Man Otto there and for them to be questioned by my Cousin about how they managed to fail at whatever task they were clearly given. I would like to see if he is indeed capable of running the house when I am gone." With that said, her eyes shot over to her Aunt, there was a small hint of distaste for the woman that shown there.

With all that said, she motioned for Juniper to come closer to her, she really did care for her sister, she wanted the young lady to know what had happened, but she also needed her to understand that certain things would not be tolerated. Just like their father, Nalia did not like to be undermined, she knew certain things were best discussed behind closed doors and away from those who need not hear it. If the Crow agreed then she would have the individual follow her to her fa- no, to her study, it was her's now, she needed to start thinking of it that way. "I really wish none of this had interrupted our attempt at some form of honor for our Father, but it seems that was not to be the case," she murmured, the burning in her arm had faded.

---

The situation flared rather quickly. Guards were no longer just focused on The Crow, but, some had to be sent to deal with the old doctor who seemed like he was going to try to beat the assassin down with his cane. Many of the guards wavered slightly. They did not know if they should move to stop the old man, grab Juniper, or just keep their eyes on the strange figure in the mask. In the second that there was enough distraction and confusion there was a flick from the Crow's left index finger. Juniper's outstretched hand closed a split second later, a small metal circle in the center of her palm. The girl wanted a name. She would have it.

[Awareness Required to see the action of The Crow shooting to something to Juniper. Roll at -3]

Once things had been settled slightly by Nalia and she had made the wise proposition to have them meet in private, The Crow nodded to her. "You need not question the two assassins your spy master sent after me too harshly. They failed because they were up against a supperior foe. This happens from time to time." dark circles turned their attention to Fiona, "I think if Leon wanted me to do what you asked, he would have just asked me himself." as if that was an obvious statement, the assassin left it at that.

Gloved hands moved from their folded position at The Crow's waist and moved to either side of the assassin's body, palms facing outward, making sure that no aggressive actions could be interpreted. "I think speaking in a place where I have less guns and swords pointed at me would be best, Matriarch Nalia." there was a long pause and a hiss of inhaled air through the mask, an attentive person might have noted that it almost sounded like someone trying to steady their emotions. "Your study would be as good a place as any to discuss our current situation and the men who killed your father, and, my friend." the assassin took a few careful steps closer to Nalia and nodded to her, "Lead the way."

---

Lucien pushed back the heavy chair he had resigned himself to remain in for the remainder of the evening. Already his head was swimming from the wine, it had been a dry year for the young Delorano, and his tolerance, coupled with his outbursts of rage had drained him. Pieters words had turned to meaningless syllables the more Lucien imbibed, and with the arrival of the Crow, Lucien decided he might be going half-mad. Opting to remain silent during the intense exchange that followed (more so out of debating with himself on what words to choose), Lucien perked up at his sister, Nalias' suggestion that they retire to her study for further inquiry. Impatience clawed at Luciens mind, but was beat back by the numbing wine.

"Lead the way", said the Crow.

Lucien stood quietly, swaying a bit. He realized he was still clutching his rapier tightly, and, with a sheepish, boyish grin slammed it home into the sheathe.

"It is as you say dear sister. Let us retire to father's study," said Lucien. The words had not been intended as a slight to his sister, It was of course now Nalias study and would be until her death or one of the families of Venara with a blood feud burned it to the ground. Which, given the ease with which the Crow had infiltrated the estate grounds, seemed more and more likely. Lucien decided to recant.

"Pardon m'lady. I mean your study of course."

---

Meldyr still held his gaze at the Crow while his men began to escort Otto out of the room. That is, until a number of events occurred. Juniper speaking up he should have foreseen, and indeed it did matter little. His men would take her out of the room readily enough anyway. Meldyr only gave the merest glances that way, before returning his eyes to The Crow, still brandishing his weapon. That is, until Nalia stood up.

Meldyr had to admit he was a tad more at ease with The Crow being familiar with Fiona, but when Nalia ordered his men, Meldyr knew that he should trust her judgement and sheathed his own weapons. "Stand down," he said, his voice carrying a silent strength. His men followed his orders, standing back from Otto and Juniper and standing as still as statues. "Guard the guests," Meldyr ordered his men. "I want double patrols around the halls. Two men flank me as I escort the Lady and Second of the House."

His men bowed to him, and hustled to follow his orders. Meldyr on the other hand, gave a bow to Nalia. "I will be right outside your study, should you need anything my lady." he told her, and when he rose he merely gazed forward. He made sure he looked at no one, so as not to give away any sense of anger toward any one person. Two of his finest flanked the Guard Captain, ready to serve as he was.

Talos dammit, Lucien was so shit-faced that he would probably pass out before Nalia and the Crow would actually say anything important. Mmmh. And there's no way Pieter could think of a way to be invited along with them. And he really doubted his ability to sneak along with them into the room. Not with the Crow around. He'd snuck past Nalia plenty of times. Heh.

"I mean, your study (hic) of course"

Flinching ever so slightly, Pieter covered it up by dropping into a deep bow. He caught Juniper shifting where she stood. Was she hiding something? And what was that nervous glance at the Crow? That was something that required immediate investigation. Juniper could very easily get in over her head, especially if such a dangerous character such as the Crow had caught her focus.

"Very good. My Lady Delorano, if I make take my leave? I would escort Miss Juniper, I would appreciate her conversation before retiring for the evening."

(Awareness Roll- 12. (I rolled twice because the first time I didn't include the modifiers even though they cancel each other out but I thought it would be better to include them and I succeeded both times so it's fine in the end)

---

Juniper felt a soft sting in the palm of her hand as her fingers locked over the coin that the Crow had shot her. She seemingly hung her head in shame as Nalia snapped at her for her outbursts. Normally, Nalia wouldn’t have given a damn as to how Juniper acted; Juniper wondered if being the Head was already going to hers, although that did not matter now. Her hand was now pressed against her stomach, her other hand clasped over it as if she was afraid the coin would slip through her vice-like grip. Her fingers traced over the cold metal and dragged against the grooves of the coin, but she dared not to look at it. Not yet, at least. From what she could tell, nobody had noticed that something had been passed to her. If they did, then they were keeping quiet about it.

Juniper was grateful that her sister wasn’t trying to shoo her away, and even more grateful that the Crow had accepted her proposal to speak in private with her and her siblings. She shuffled over to her sister at the older woman’s beck, the coin feeling heavy in her hands as she sidled up behind Nalia. As her brother struggled slightly to stand straight and join his sisters, Juniper took a second to glance at the Crow’s gift while standing in the shadow of her sister. Her fingers unfurled and for the briefest of moments there was a look of befuddlement on her face. There was absolutely nothing special about the coin the Crow had shot her—Is this some kind of joke?

And then her eyes widened in realization. Her hand clamped shut as she subconsciously stepped even closer to Nalia, practically trying to disappear behind her sister. She felt her tongue tie in her mouth as she glued her eyes to Nalia’s back, trying her hardest to not betray what she had just learned by casting her eyes towards them. The acid in her stomach threatened to escape as she tried to steady her breathing, panic running through her mind as she thought that every movement she made was being closely scrutinized by the guilty party.

Just don’t look at them, she thought. You don’t even know that there’s any truth in this, or if they were even apart of it, or if you can even trust the Crow, but just don’t look at them. Breathe. Breathe. No, do it normally. Stop looking towards them. Breathe. Breathe.

Juniper’s shoulders hunched up with a start at the sound of her name the same way a person would flinch when it looked like they were about to be hit by a ball and then have to go through the motions of playing it off as if they hadn’t just jumped at nothing when it missed them by a mile. It had just been Pieter. Juniper released her breath (and let go of Nalia’s sleeve, which she had apparently latched onto) and gave Pieter a weak smile. If anyone could help her wrap her mind around this, it would be him. However, it would have to be later, after they had spoken in private with the Crow.

“Nalia wants me to go with her,” said Juniper after a second of trying to find her words, although perhaps it would’ve been more accurate for the girl to say that Nalia was letting Juniper go with her. However, if her eyes could speak they would be telling Pieter to fight off the weariness from the wine and wait up for her. She would come find him the moment she could.

« Square » said a scruffy middle-aged man as he put down a Jack of Spades on a weathered wood table around which sat three others in discoloured moth holed clothes.
A young man, balancing on the rear legs of his chair, his cards held close to his chest turn to the old man. “Dammit fella, I’m going to start tak…”.

The distant sound of a fog horn interrupted his speech. He let himself fall forward and slapped his deck on the table. The old man picked up one of the candles by which light they played in this dilapidated shack and lit a pair of oil lanterns before heading out the door.

Walking down the pier, followed by his colleagues, he spotted the imposing silhouette of a carrack sitting atop the bay’s foggy surface. Orange lights moved back and forth on top of the black shape of the three-mast ship. The old man raised his lamp above his head and waived it. One of the ships lights blinked as to communicate it had spotted the stevedores who in return placed their lamps as to signal the piers’ limits.
The carrack slowly glided towards the shore until its keel hit the stone wall with a soft thud.

Wooden soles clanked on the main bridge, closing on the guard rail until a lamp popped out from the side of the ship. Holding it was a man in a long black and yellow plaid frock coat with a braided brown beard.

“Ooh crap. Fuck. We didn’t hit anything important did we? I can’t see shit in that bloody weather.”
“That might be because you’re five fucking hours late and it’s fucking night.”
“It’s a blasted ship, what am I supposed to do? Blow on the sodding sails?”
“Don’t set a fucking appointment if you’re not going to fucking show on fucking time, fuck dammit.”

Behind the captain, two men lowered a ramp from the ship.
“So you’re going to do your bloody job or what?”

Two of the stevedores rolled with a large ornate cart onto the pier with great difficulty as sailors started to pile up large crates.
As they started loading the cart the loud sound of heavy steps resounded across the ship’s hull.

The wood creaked and the ship wobbled under the weight. The stevedores surprised looked up at the ship froze with terror. A dragon stood in front of them, dressed in sapphire blue scales. It was the size of an elephant and had the silhouette of a lion. Its tail, almost as long as the rest of its body, ended with an arrowhead shaped bony plate. A faint glow came off from its eyes, nostrils, mouth and its foot long teeth. Horns twice as long projected up and out of its skull, slanting backwards slightly. The beast twisted and arched its neck and spine, pushed it's shoulder blades together as it stretch every muscle of its body, its respiration sounding like the grinding of a quern-stone.

An enormous cloaked figure walked up to its side and tapped it on the back. A black haired, grey skinned Talosian, nine feet tall and three feet across the shoulders, dressed in continental fashion, a long black tunic covering puffy linen pants stuffed into a pair of scraped leather boots. The sailors standing next to him barely reached his waist.

“Huuah!” he moaned in an unnaturally deep voice as he stretched his arms out above his head.
“Master Wilhelm, please take a seat, your personal effects will be unloaded shortly.”
The Talosian stared at the captain for a second in somewhat annoyed disbelief before crouching to grab at the net wrapping around the largest crate on the bridge and with a swing throwing it over his shoulder, walking down the ramp and slamming it onto the cart.

As he turned his gaze to the city, Wilhelm found two dismounted knights in white armour and draped in purple capes standing silent at the pier’s entrance, waiting to escort him away. Above them was the black figure of a one hundred and fifty feet tall keep that overlooked this portion of the docks.

Is that a knowing glint in her eyes? Sister's blessings, I think the girl wants to confide with me!

The courtesan gave the girl a small, knowing smile, acknowledging her unspoken offer for a later encounter.

"As you wish, Juniper. It's good to take interest in matters of House."

It figures Fiona had already worked with the Crow, she's as deadly as an adder. I just hope Nalia has enough sense to avoid getting bit. I'm a fine lute player, but I doubt I could serenade the sisters into giving her back.

Amused with his own joke, Pieter widened his smile into a grin, turning to face his Lady with a handsomely cheerful face,

"My Lady, I leave you under the stern eye of the esteemed Miss Juney. Her wisdom is inverse to her weight, and she's very light indeed."

Giving a springily bow to Nalia and Lucien, Pieter doffed an imaginary cap to the brooding Crow. Stepping away, he scanned the table for any food that looked appetizing. Spotting a delectable lemon tart, he plucked it into his hand, smiling.

"I suppose I'll be off to my quarters. I need to continue on my current work, so I'll be up late tonight." He said to nobody in particular.

The artist left the dining hall with it's chandeliers and the plotting that was occurring beneath the burnished gleam of the candles.

---

Nalia shook her head and gently placed a warm hand over Juniper's when the young woman clamped down on her sleeve, her eyes catching the toss of the coin to her sister. However, she had no plan to ask her what it was, not yet, as she knew the young girl would speak to her when she was ready to do so. She wanted her to know she could still trust her older sister and that she only spoke to Juniper the way she did so Fiona wouldn't think of some reason to try to take care of things her own way. Nalia loved and trusted her sister, wanted her to be a part of whatever they needed to do to find out exactly what happened to their father. After all, he had been the only living relative that truly tied her to the two siblings she had through blood. The fact that she was of a different mother was not something well known to the young Juniper, not unless their father had told her, she wasn't even sure her brother knew and that was probably a good thing.

"If you will follow me please," she said to the Crow before gently taking Juniper's hand, she knew the young woman was having a hard time, though she was not sure as to what it had been caused by. No, it didn't really matter did it? She was the eldest and she would do what she could to show her sister that she was there for her. She had tried to do such things for Lucien in the past, but with his hotheadedness she was not sure it ever really got through to him in the end. "Meldyr, I would like to you stand watch outside the Study, make sure no one comes in that should not... which is basically everyone who will not be in the room." Moving away from the table, she looked to the servants for a brief moment, "We have barely had the time to eat, I would like you to bring enough food for my guest, siblings and myself. Include an extra sweet for my sister dear."

Smiling down at Juniper, she nodded to her before motioning for the other two to follow her to her father's- no damn it it was her's, to her study. Gods be damned how long would it take her to get used to that train of thought? In the end she figured it didn't really matter, eventually she would start calling it her own but for now it wouldn't be too bad to just figure it was her father's, even if he was to never use it again. The room was being used for it's intended purpose, and she had already made up her mind that she wanted to teach Juniper all she could about leading the house should something happen to her. Nalia had long since had her will written out at her father's bidding and it left Juniper with far more than the young girl would have ever assumed she would get.

Once within the Study, she closed the door behind the other three and took her place at the desk, though she did not sit, she would not sit. "With those doors closed everyone here is an equal," Nalia said calmly, "No one is above the other and no one is to cut the other off. Crow, if it so pleases you, please tell us what you have come to report."

---

---

While Juniper's interaction with Nalia kept themselves busy, the Guard Captain was a bit too busy focusing on Pieter and whether or not the man would fall over from the alcohol he had consumed. It was quite comical, the oft grave Meldyr gazing at a teetering Pieter uncertainly, as if to go 'you ok there pal'? What, did Pieter chug drink after drink as the entire debacle with the assassins and Crow happen in this very balcony and room?

When Nalia spoke up, he snapped to. "My Lady?" he asked until he had heard the entire request. He felt honored she'd ask him to do it himself, and not grant another few Guards this task. The handsome swordsman gave her a respectful bow. "It would be my honor." Meldyr stood at the ready, just after he gazed about the room to make sure all of his guardsmen were performing the duties he had just given them.