The Rogue's Deception [Pumpkin x Hahvoc]

[Hahvoc The Decepticon]

Wandering the castle at night was what he had been born to do. Well, roaming anywhere at night was what he was prone to do, especially when he could have silence to clear out any stray thoughts that usually sprung from the clutter of voices that normally filled the hallways. What was his aim? To go onto the castle grounds and take in some fresh air. He craved that air like his next breath, like his next lay, like his favorite dish. But he had to be careful. It wasn't uncommon for him to be seen outside of his chambers at night, but he was stealthy. He didn't like to be seen until he reached his destination. But who was he?

His name was Darius, nothing more nothing less, but here- he was Darius De'Macteere, a duke from the east. He was low-tier, but high enough up in supposed rank to reach the Count's notice. He had falsified his way in with words and documents, a fine horse he had stolen, and two men who were just as good of actors as he was. They were sound asleep in their beds with women beside them. He wasn't one to indulge in their pleasures. What he was truly after was the Count's coveted red diamond - a rare piece that would fetch a beautiful price when it was cut up into smaller pieces and sold off bit by bit. Some called him a thief, but he didn't always steal what he wanted. Sometimes he bartered, sometimes he seduced his prize into his hands. He wasn't all bad. But he was a rogue, and preferred the challenge.

His booted feet made no sound as he walked the luxurious halls. He had no interest in the fine, imported rugs, or the statues, or the gold flakes that adorned framed paintings from distant artists. He would have given them to some of the families in need he knew of and told them to sell them to get some good food and clothing. He wasn't necessarily a good man, but he did have some heart. And there was room in it for the less fortunate who didn't have the strength to try to get what they wanted.

Once at the end of the hall, candles fluttered into his view, revealing his features to the guards at the castle door. He was tall, six feet, with deep red hair that was almost black and flowed part his shoulders. He was built but lithe, having just enough muscle to put behind a good punch. His eyes were dark blue and always cunning, almost like they carried a wolfish gleam. He had a scar along the underside of his right eye from a fight he had gotten in as a youth. But he also had piercings, usually unheard of for a person of rank, but he had told the story well. He wasn't like other nobility. The candle light winked off of the piercings in his lip - two of them, making his smile sinister yet entrancing. He had more piercings, but they were hidden by his dark clothing of choice.

The guards saw it was him and relaxed, adjusting their cards once more. So he had interrupted a card game. It was pretty boring at night, after all. Smiling at the trio of beat up men, Darius soon joined them in their game, all the better to gain information and have a little fun. He had no idea, however, that his activities of late had attracted the eye of someone else in the castle.

 

[Pumpkin the Bird]

x

Resiel Emory, a nobleman of unknown extent, wasn't one to pry into other peoples' business. He was moral to some degree, and he thought it would be rude if he was anything otherwise.. However, on this very night, as he traced the small sound of clicking footsteps, he spotted the man he'd been suspicious of from the very beginning. Slithering rather silently about like a snake desperately seeking prey. Desperately hungry for it. A few lavish doors and well-decorated hallways later, the snake ended up sitting with a few guards. Joining their silly card game. He scoffed. How ridiculous, that the guards would betray their nightly duties to play cards with a man like that.

He glared through the crack in the door only long enough to memorize the man's features. What was the man's name, again? He'd certainly been introduced before.. Huh, it escaped him. He walked away. It wasn't his concern what the guards did, but they would hang if anything happened in the castle unsupervised. Resiel was a bit different from the rest of the nobles as well; he, too, had a silver piercing below the waistline. Above, his nipples, his chin, and finally his left ear were pierced with similar studs. He wasn't ruled by the law of politics. Rather, he was ruled by his superiors, the elite knights.

...yes, he was truly of noble blood, and many noblemen shied away from violence. He thought it was quite brave of him, joining the knight army to protect the kingdom, and he wasn't half bad. Natural talent was all he had, but it was enough. No discipline, no hard work, none of it was necessary for him to properly execute an enemy on the battlefield. He used a spear in combat, and wore relatively little armor for the increased speed. Defense could be bartered; he was excellent at dodging. His body showed the work he put into it, a nice, toned abdominal region, curved chest. His muscles weren't swollen looking, but rather condensed.

He stopped before fleeing the scene, turning on his heel and opening the door widely. "I do wonder who in this room is doing his job." He announced, walking in a few steps and shutting the door behind him. "If anyone in the kingdom were to find out that a castle full of nobles was left unguarded by their only security..." He paused. "It would cause a stir, don't you think?" He wasn't one to pay no mind to a lack of structure and value. They deserved, at very least, a firm scolding. He swung open the door. "Go, why don't you?" It wasn't so much a question as it was a command. The guards practically threw down their cards and ran out, manning their rightful posts patrolling the castle.

 

[Hahvoc The Decepticon]

Darius had been enjoying the game, having kept tabs on every door that was open and closed. He had noticed that a few of the doors had been slightly ajar, but that one that the man came from had been opened more for someone to see from. But he hadn't reacted or hinted that he had glimpsed anything out of the ordinary. He was much too reserved and cunning for that. A few rounds had gone by before he heard the steps of the man in question, but didn't react to show he knew he was coming. Most people were supposed to be able to hear quiet foot steps over the sounds of men playing cards. He was supposed to be a noble that was no one special and so he played his part as the man interrupted their game. The guards were quick to look at Darius before fleeing to go back to their positions. Most of the time, nothing happened at the castle, but they were right to flee. They would probably be reprimanded in the morning.

Darius was good at his role, making his eyes just wide enough to show some surprise as he turned his head and looked at the man. He was an attractive thing, but the rogue wouldn't be swayed from something pretty catching his eye. He already had something more valuable keeping him occupied. With a shrug, he gathered up the cards and small coins and put them in a pouch he carried that was always empty. He would return all of it to the guards in he morning. He was meticulous in putting things away, almost like he was ignoring the other nobleman, but it was a ruse. He was taking in all his features as he had done a few times before. It was rare that he forgot a face. Especially one that had suspicious eyes.

"My good sir, I doubt anything would happen this night. They are good men, after all. However, it was in poor taste to play cards in the middle of the night.."

He turned his blue eyes up to the man's face. Darius was pretty tall and very few came close to his height, but he never looked down on anyone. At least, he tried not to if he could help it. Smiling lightly and pleasantly, he presented his hand to the other noble, showing no signs of his true thoughts.

"I seem to have forgotten your name, I'm terribly sorry. I am Darius De'Macteere. And you, sir?"