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Journeys of a Demon's Daughter // Nobody x Cherubian //

RE: Journeys of a Demon's Daughter

“As I said, I want to find a reasonable solution for this” Verialyn slowly extended an arm and tentatively tried to touch the other woman’s shoulder in a gesture that she hoped would be received as comforting. “I like the idea of having your children suffer endlessly for the screw ups of their father as much as you do. But some solution has to be found.”

The nearly constant rattling and thumping noises coming from the door were becoming increasingly distracting and definitely not conductive for the sort of conversation Verialyn had in mind. A brief look over her shoulder confirmed that the massive double door was indeed holding up and not showing any signs of weakening, so she returned her attention to Ms. Azdak and asked “Maybe we could continue this talk in a quieter location? If you want to you can call in your other children as well. It is their fate that is being decided, so it would be appropriate if they were heard. At least your daughter seems old and smart enough for a good idea herself. And a good idea would definitely be helpful.”
 
RE: Journeys of a Demon's Daughter

The woman initially shrunk back from even the hint of contact, but when the hand landed upon her shoulder and brought comfort instead of pain she seemed to relax very slightly. Still looking fearfully at her Kaliss slowly stood, carrying her son and slowly moving through the house. Eventually she led Verialyn to a rather nicely furnished sitting room, though discolored patches on the wall revealed that there had once been nearly twice as many paintings and ornaments hanging from the walls, and the large bookshelf seemed depressingly sparse. "Um...please..." Kalliss, said softly, motioning towards one of the chairs.

She very carefully set her child down, kneeling upon the ground to speak with him. "I need you to go upstairs and stay in your room, ok?" she said softly. The son was quiet, looking back and forth between his mother and Verialyn a few times before very slowly heading towards the door back to the main hallway. Kaliss took a chair herself, her hands clasped tightly before her as she stared at the floor. "I...I can't...please, I don't want them involved, not at all. There must be something I can do."
 
RE: Journeys of a Demon's Daughter

Verialyn quietly took a seat in one of the comfortable chairs, her arms resting lightly on the armrests as one leg was slung over the other, and proceeded to watch quietly as first Arthour followed suit next to her and then the little boy, still visibly dismayed, left the room. So Ms. Azdak did not like her idea of having the children partake in the discussion. Hopefully they would find a solution.

Nodding to indicate she had understood the other woman’s pleas Verialyn first waited in case something more was to be added, but when an uninterrupted uncomfortable silence settled on the room she finally began to speak.

“The main problem we are facing is that in some way your husband’s debts have to be paid. For all his outspoken dissatisfaction to the current situation even he did not seem to dispute that the claim itself is valid, so until you think so and ideally can provide evidence I am assuming this to be a fact.”

“Which leaves the question how to settle the claim. There is more than one option, and I am willing to let you pick the one you like best, or raher dislike the least. First of course I could seize all your material possessions, and to the best of my information it would really have to be all of it. Which means you – and more importantly all of your children – will be out on the streets without even a copper in their purse. Not an enviable situation, and not a good starting point for their lives.”

“Secondly the payment could be made in living beings. Meaning one member of your family will have to be sold into slavery. Your daughter would fetch the best price … “ Verialyn raised a hand, palm facing Ms. Azdag, in an attempt to stave off any sudden desperate outburst “I am merely trying to list the theoretical options. So if I picked anyone else but your daughter I would be in serious trouble myself. My goodwill does not reach that far. You have been very vocal about disagreeing with this option, I know.”

“But what else is there?” Verialyn thought for a moment, and then turned to face the clerk at her side “Say, Arthour, let’s assume Mr. Azdag gives up his freedom and is sold on the slave market. Despite his bad temper he must have some skills that allowed him to build his merchant business, so he should fetch a decent price.” She felt surprisingly little qualms at having her unwilling host suffer this fate. “would there be a legally acceptable way to fill the financial gap this creates with selling off only part of his holdings? Assuming the family is willing to cooperate?”
 
RE: Journeys of a Demon's Daughter

Arthour was silent for a few moments as he pondered the question, seemingly unbothered or simply apathetic to Kaliss' sudden stare. Her hands were nearly quivering from being gripped so tightly together, hope appearing in her eyes for the first time. At last he began to speak slowly, his voice cautious. "Legally, the taking of a slave automatically clears a debt up to a certain value, a value that is substantially above that of the debt in question and the expected market value of most slaves. Once someone has been taken as slave the debt is clear and there is no longer a legal backing for seizing any of their property; the law is meant to discourage taking slaves instead of promote it.

Kaliss' face plummeted, and she seemed on the verge of tears again before Arthour continued. "However, it is possible to make arrangements outside the context of the original debt, and as Master Quaric's appointed representative you have the power to make such arrangements. The simplest legal method is for Mr. Azdak to make a debt payment to Master Quaric of the assorted properties and submit himself in order to clear the rest of the debt. However, the non-standard method of dealing with the situation, as well your presence as an outside element, would leave you and Master Quaric vulnerable to investigation and this could possibly be construed as extortion of properties in excess of the debt. I'm afraid any other tactics would leave the same risk; they are legal, but it depends upon how the magistrates view what occurred."

"I-I'll tell them," Kaliss said hurriedly, her desperate gaze shifting back to Verialyn. "I'll tell them you didn't do anything, we wanted to do this, anything to save my babies, please," she begged quietly.
 
RE: Journeys of a Demon's Daughter

Verialyn leaned forward, elbows on her knees as her hands were loosely folded in front of her, and looking sternly at Ms. Azdag she replied in a slow, measured tone. “I believe you would, and you would keep your word. The problem I see, however is your husband. What I have seen so far from him is a strong indication that at the first opportunity he will start clamoring about how that black haired whore screwed him up, took his gold and his freedom, and generally was just an extremely greedy bitch profiting from his misery. And that would be too much water on the mills of those people that like to see Mr. ro Quaric in trouble, a trouble that would be passed to me.”

She lowered her head between her shoulders, fingertips reaching for her temples and starting to massage them slowly. A low throbbing was starting to develop at the base of her skull, threatening to turn the whole situation not only into a figurative but also a literal headache. She had little inclination to enslave one of the childred, but even less to put her sweet little behind on the line for the loudmouth who had been spewing a continuous stream of insults at her since the second they had met. Why could things never be easy?

The longer she was in Ael Morish, the more she began to doubt the wisdom of seeking employ with Xorien ro Quaric. Yes, he was a wealthy man and working for him offered a lot of opportunities, but he appeared to be more ruthless than Lord Geldern had ever been. The lord had at least tried to stay fair and just, often even merciful in his dealings, believing that the business opportunities granted by a good reputation would far outweigh any short term monetary losses. And maybe even deep down feeling that he had to do what seemed right. Yes, sometimes someone had to get her hands dirty, and more often than not that was her, but the ones that suffered from it seemed to deserve it every single time. Xorien was another caliber. That, or this was an intricate scheme to test her moral attitude.

She knew she was clutching at straws now as she raised herself up straight again and inquired “Since we seem to have few real options so far, there’s one more question I have, assuming you are somewhat familiar with your husband’s business. When we first entered your home he claimed that he still had some time left to repay this dept, and he seemed confident to be able to do so. Likely it was just another empty boast, but maybe, just maybe, there is more to it. Would you know anything about this?”
 
RE: Journeys of a Demon's Daughter

Kaliss was silent for several moments, a look of desperate thought appearing on her face as she searched for any scrap of memory that could but her family more time together. When she finally spoke it was hesitantly, trying to remember as many details as she could. "He...He sent a message a few days ago, to an old friend of his named Sirvin. He wouldn't tell me what was in it, but...but when he got a reply, he said everything would be taken care of. That in a few days...I, I guess that would be tomorrow, that our problems would be solved." Hope appeared on her face for a moment, only to fall once more. "But...but he didn't say whether it was money, or goods, or if we were leaving, or...or anything. I don't even know if it was real or if it was just like those damned furs again..." her voice broke at the last, bowing her head.

Arthour had been quiet with no questions directed at him, but now he glanced towards Kaliss. "Is that Sirvin Nialech?" he asked, turning towards Verialyn when the weeping wife nodded. "The gentleman in question is hardly a businessman, and it is highly unlikely he would be in a position to supply enough goods or funds to solve the debt so rapidly. Ultimately he is little more then a mercenary, working as a caravan guard for the various trade shipments that come through here. I believe he's between jobs at the moment."
 
RE: Journeys of a Demon's Daughter

Why would Sorrel Azdak place all his hopes in an unemployed mercenary, and think that that man could solve their problems? Verialyn shared Arthour’s opinion that from what he knew of the man it was unlikely that he would be able to provide enough coin to cleanse all debts. Which means Sorrel had been looking for other ways to solve the current solution. Either by departing the city with as much of his wealth in tow as was moveable, or by … eliminating the debtee. And the latter would definitely be a course that warranted action. No, things really never were easy. She briefly placed her face in the palms of her upturned hands in resignation before she looked up at the mistress of the house and spoke “Well, if you don’t know it, I guess we will have to ask the one person who does.”

Getting to her feet she added a quick “Excuse me for a moment” before she stepped out of the room and traced her way back towards the entrance hall. The settling of the dept had to take a backseat for now as long as it was not clear what exactly Sirvin Nialech had been tasked with. Thus with eyes and ears attentive for any change or sound that indicated some other trouble under foot she approached the barred main entrance door, curious whether the incessant pouning had ceased by now.
 
RE: Journeys of a Demon's Daughter

Kaliss stared wide-eyed at Verialyn when she moved, only a calming gesture and a few quiet words from Arthour keeping her in her seat. There was more activity when she emerged into the hallway, frightened eyes staring down at her from the top of the stairs and quickly scurrying away when she noticed them; all but one. As little as Kaliss wanted her children to be involved, it seemed that her daughter was already choosing to involve herself. Merea Azdak was indeed an attractive young woman, staring down at Verialyn from the balcony with scared but determined eyes. It was easy to see why Xorien had chosen her as his preferred method of payment; she would fit right in with the other young, pretty slaves that decorated his mansion. "If.." she said quietly, pausing to swallow deeply; the faint shine of tears was starting to appear in her eyes. "If I go with you, then...then you'll leave everyone else alone, right?"

The pounding from the door had indeed stopped, though not before one of the few remaining paintings by the door had been knocked loose from its hanger and fallen, the pane of glass shattering as it struck the floor. From the window Azdak could be seen on the street, apparently arguing loudly with a couple of guardsmen while a couple of neighbors watched from their own doorways.
 
RE: Journeys of a Demon's Daughter

Verialyn observed the scene playing out on the open street from behind the glass window, trying to come up with a course of action to deal with any potential guardsmen Sorrell might field against her. The longer she watched, though, the more evident it became for her that the best thing to do was to do nothing. If the guard’s body language was any indication letting the friendly Mr. Azdag work his charm uninterrupted on them for as long as possible would further her cause more than any direct intervention on her part could. Which gave her all the time she wanted with the one member of the family in this room.

So she turned towards the girl – no, the young woman, she corrected herself – standing on the top of the stairs. As Verialyn slowly ascended the stairs, one hand gliding over the railing as she climbed step after step approaching she had enough time to closely study the daughter of the house. By her guess Merea must be close to eighteen years old, maybe even older already, and indeed she was pretty. Of a slender build similar to herself, softer overall, not hardened by a life of physical exercise, a smaller but by no means small bust and rounder hips. But she radiated youthful innocence with those large blue eyes, widened even more now by fear, surrounded by a straw blonde mane. And she seemed to be brave. Clearly she was scared of the recent events, and mostly of her, but still she stood her ground. Only fools knew no fear, true courage was to accept those fears and to master them. Verialyn liked her.

“Yes” she finally spoke, coming to a halt a mere two meters away from Merea “if I choose to claim you as compensation for your fathers debts, then all obligations will be waved and the rest of your family will be left in peace … until your father steers into the next financial debacle. But … “ Verialyn paused briefly as she intensified the eye contact “ … do you have any idea what will await you should I choose that course of action?”
 
RE: Journeys of a Demon's Daughter

The girl truly was afraid; as Verialyn approached she could see the girl trembling as she stood, her hands gripping one another so tightly that her knuckles were beginning to turn white. Mera sniffled slightly when Verialyn spoke, finally nodding very slightly. "I...sometimes I have to pass by the slave markets and I...hear things," she mumbled, her eyes falling from the deep contact to stare at the floor while her cheeks began to turn red. "And I know I'd have to do....things...with men...But," a stray tear starting to flow down her cheek. "If I don't, then...then we'll all end up on the street and Mom and I might have to..." The trembles had become shakes, the girl nervously chewing on her lip between words. "And...and then Leriss...and she's just a kid and..."

She swallowed deeply, trying to compose herself. Her hair had fallen forward across her face as she looked up, and she brushed it aside nervously. "So...so if it'll keep them safe then..." the words hitched in her throat, and she stared dumbly at Verialyn.

Outside, the argument between Sorrel and the guardsmen seemed to have reached fever pitch, his wild gesticulations conveying his extreme displeasure at the fact that the guards didn't seem to give a damn. Ultimately one of them sighed deeply and started to walk towards the house, more to shut the prick up then anything else.
 
RE: Journeys of a Demon's Daughter

Verialyn felt a slight lump form in her throat as she listened to the daughter of the house and watched her struggle with herself. She had heard things. Likely not even been with a man before. What a way to lose her virginity to some perverted old geezer. And yet she was right, if her family was kicked out the same fate might indeed befall all the women, and Leriss likely sooner that even Merea would think.

Moments passed as she looked at the trembling young girl that stared back at her wide eyed as the first tear rolled down her cheek, thinking of what to say when the decision was postponed by a loud knock at the front door. Verialyn lifted a hand and lightly touched the girl’s upper arm as she replied in a soft voice “I fear you are right. We’ll talk about this after I have answered the door, please wait here for me.”

With that she turned and strode down the stairs, crossed the room and lifted the bar out of its fittings until she could open the entrance and have a closer look at the guardsman standing opposite of her. With a friendly noncommittal smile she inquired “Yes, how may I help you?”
 
RE: Journeys of a Demon's Daughter

The girl released a faint sob as Verialyn touched her, instinctively flinching away from even this gentle comfort. She nodded very slightly, moving slightly closer to the railing to watch Verialyn descend and approach the door.

When the door was opened, the revealed guard seemed mildly surprised to actually see a stranger standing in Azdak's home, lending credence to the man's angry shouts. After a moment he cleared his throat and straightened up, trying to become the professional guardsman despite the ill-fitting breastplate and badly scuffed helmet he wore. "Good day, miss. Mr. Sorrel Azdak has declared you to be a trespasser upon his property, and I must ask you to vacate the premises immediately," he declared in an authoritative tone, crossing his arms and glaring at her with what he no doubt thought was a terrifying glare.

Back upon the road, Azdak was pointing somewhat at triumphantly at Verialyn and continuing to make demands of the other guard, a burly fellow who seemed more then ready to simply slug the little prick.
 
RE: Journeys of a Demon's Daughter

Verialyn looked calmly back at the guardsman, seeming to intently listen to his speech as one of her hands rested lightly against the door post as the other pulled a strand of her black hair out of her face. If she found his show of authority fitted or laughable she gave no sign indicating this.

Instead she smiled warmly back at the man once he was finished, and then replied in a pleasant tone. “I fear you have been sorely misinformed by the previous owner of this house. The property has been confiscated in the course of settling a debt he had incurred, and his lack of insight in the situation he found himself in and general display of attitude left me no choice but to expel him.” Hopefully the reference to Sorrels behavioral patterns triggered some not so fond recent memories in the guard.

“If you deem it necessary I can of course present to you the paperwork validating my claim. My clerk currently carrying it is right inside.” With that she took half a step back and to the side, making way for the guard to enter should he so choose.
 
RE: Journeys of a Demon's Daughter

The guard was silent for a moment, plainly mulling over the words. He glanced back slightly at the mention of Azdak's attitude, a brief grimace covering his face. Even if this was his first encounter with the merchant, it was obvious that the arrogant jackass had left a remarkable impression. "I think that would be best," he said after a moment, nodding slightly as he stepped forward into the house.

Arthour had already emerged at the sound of the guard's voice, rummaging through the stack of papers he carried. "Good evening, sir," he said politely. "Sorrel Azdak is in debt to Master Xorien ro Quaric, a debt that has been verified to be in default by Magistrate Corianis. As such, the residence of Sorrel Azdak and all material possessions within have been seized by Mistress Verialyn Kallidis, acting as appointed representative of Master Quaric, as payment of the debt until such time as an alternate payment method can be established or the combined value of the goods is proven to be more then the total value of the debt," he explained, passing several sheets of paper to the guard as he did so.

The guard seemed less than familiar with the legalese, but after several minutes of examination the papers appeared to satisfy him. "Well, it all seems to be in order," he muttered, finally straightening up as he handed back the papers. "Is there anything we can do to assist?"
 
RE: Journeys of a Demon's Daughter

Ahh bureaucracy, the mightiest weapon of civilization in action. Verialyn barely managed to keep the amusement off her face as she watched the guardsman fight his losing battle with the documents in his hands, finally succumbing to the walls of text collapsing over him.

“I thank you for your generous offer” Verialyn replied finally “But right now I do not think an official intervention will be necessary. Unless some of the neighbors consider themselves harassed by the continuing declamations of Mr. Azdak on the street. But that is not for me to decide.”

Watching the guardsman give a final nod, and then turn to step down towards his comrade she closed the large double door behind him and put the bar back in place. That had been a brief reprieve, but now the impeding decision to be made was prominently back to the forefront of her attention at her first glance at the young woman still standing attentively on top of the stairs.

Mumbling a low “You don’t have a good solution for this either, do you?” in Arthour’s direction she ascended the stairs once more until she was again facing Merea. A few seconds passed in silence as she intently stared into the frightened girl’s eys, but the young woman did not flinch despite the obvious traces of tears on her cheeks and her hands frimly clasping each other in front of her.

“You have had a bit of time to think this over.” Verialyn finally spoke. “Do you stand by what you said before? You may have a rough inkling what awaits you, but let me tell you the reality is far worse. You will be facing hell. But you are an intelligent and strong woman, and I will respect your decision.” Way to steal yourself out of the responsibility she thought to herself at those last words.
 
RE: Journeys of a Demon's Daughter

Arthour was silent, looking down at his stack of papers with what might have been a touch of embarrassment or shame. Yet however he felt about the situation, he offered no solutions Verialyn ascended the stairs to face Merea. The girl was shaking life a leaf as she was warned of what faced her, tears starting to flow more freely down her cheeks. "I...I can't let Leriss..." she paused, swallowing deeply.

"If...If I have to go then...then I'll-" the last words were broken by a choking sob, bowing her head for a moment before finally looking back up at Verialyn, terrified determination in her eyes. "I'll go," she whispered.

"No!" a voice suddenly exclaimed, Kaliss Azdak having emerged into the hallway. She was staring wide-eyed up at the two of them, as though she had surprised herself with the sudden vehemence of her objection. "You...you're not taking her, I...I'll stop you!" she exclaimed, darting towards a small endtable in the corner and fumbling in its drawer, emerging with a small dagger that she held in trembling hands.
 
RE: Journeys of a Demon's Daughter

The throbbing in Verialyn’s temples began to intensify again. This whole affair was starting to develop into a mayor headache, literally as well as figuratively. But then, the latest development was to be expected, Ms. Azdak had made her point clear on that matter previously.

So she turned and faced the mistress of the house brandishing the small weapon like some sort of a ward in front of her. Her whole body taut with tension on the chance that Kaliss would go further than merely block her exit she took a single step down the stairs, and without breaking eye contact with the older woman she spoke somberly “Merea, tell your mother what you told me. Tell her why despite what tribulations we all know you will be facing you believe this is the right decision. The necessary decision. The lesser of two evils.”
 
RE: Journeys of a Demon's Daughter

Kaliss was trembling with fear and adrenaline as Verialyn stepped down, flinching at even that simple motion as he rose the blade even higher. "Mom?!" Merea said quickly, descending the stairs rapidly. "Mom, don't-"

"Get behind me!" her mother said quickly, a terrified tremor in her voice. "I'm not going to let her-"

"Mom, no, please," the girl said quickly, trying to sound brave despite the tears that were running down her own cheeks. Her voice became softer as she finally reached the ground level, almost inaudible to Verialyn above. The words were quiet, almost calm, Kaliss' tremors only becoming more pronounced as she shook with terror. "No," she finally began to whisper, sinking to her knees. Her arms fell to her sides, the knife clinking against the floor. "No, please, no,"

Silently Merea moved forward, falling down to her own knees to hug her mother tightly. "I know," she said in a shaky voice, her own shoulders shaking with suppressed sobs.

"I"m sorry," Kaliss whispered, hugging her daughter tightly. "I'm sorry...I'm sorry...I'm so sorry...." Perhaps no one else would have noticed, but Verialyn noticed the woman's fingers suddenly tightening around the handle of the blade as she whispered apologies.
 
RE: Journeys of a Demon's Daughter

For the human subconscious the world surrounding us is just an endless conglomeration of patterns, sensory inputs repeating themselves over and over again, mingling and melding with each other as they pass by us and stream into our eyes, ears, noses even. And then among the homogeneous mass there are those patterns that stand out, that contrast with the swirling mass around them. A trained subconscious can pick them up immediately, a process that had been given different names throughout history. Instinct. Perception. Sixth Sense.

The sudden decisive tension in the older woman’s arm was such a chord of discord in the sea of weeping and sorrow and moaning, and while Verialyn’s throat was still busy with the virtual lump constricting it that had formed at the sight of the tearful goodbye scene, her neurons already fired on all cylinders. She definitely belonged to those that were trained to notice even the tiniest bits of unusual sensory input, and react to them at utmost speed. More than once her life had hinged on it. Adrenaline instantly flooded her body as she sprang into action and time around her seemed to slow down.

Down the stairs she rushed, flew even, with a speed no human should be capable of, as the wicked weapon was pulled back, Kaliss’ knuckles by now sporting a prominent white as her fingers tried to grip the steel implement even harder.

Two more yards ...

“I’m sorry …” she whispered once more. “… but they won’t …”

One yard ...

And with that the blade drove forward, pointing maliciously at the young girls heart.

It was mere inches from invading Merea’s chest, about ready to pierce dress and skin alike, when Verialyn’s foot shot forward. It was a wild kick without regard for her own safety, driven by the urgency to prevent this senseless killing. Pain flared up her leg as the sharp dagger edge severed the bindings of her sandals and cut into the top of her foot before her toes connected with the woman’s fingers, jerking her hand back forcefully, the sudden impact driving the dagger from her grip and sending it flying across the room.

Verialyn did not stop here. As her shouted “No!” revebrated through the room strong hands grabbed the mistress of the house by the shoulders and unceremoniously flung her away from her daughter, away from the weapons strewn on the floor, into one vacated corner of the large entrance hall. Immediately she took up position between the two women, trying to shield Merea from the insanity of her mother as best as she could and for the moment oblivious to the one sandal that was hanging only loosely around her ankle or the first drops of blood forming on that same foot. Her stares were focused on the mother that would have killed her own daughter before giving her into slavery.
 
RE: Journeys of a Demon's Daughter

Mother and daughter alike screamed at the sudden strike, neither of them able to react as the knife went flying and the two women were violently ripped apart. For an instant Kaliss tried to fight back, clawing and screaming at Verialyn, yet the hard impact upon the wall seemed to knock the fight out of her. The woman simply slumped down onto the floor, sobbing loudly as she curled up on the floor and covered her face with her hands. "No," she moaned quietly amidst the sobs, "no, no, no, no, no, no..." The words collapsed into meaningless cries, a broken woman unable to deal with what was happening around her.

Merea said nothing as she was thrust behind Verialyn, staring wide-eyed at the fallen dagger. For a time her face held nothing but confusion, unable to comprehend what had happened even conceive of it as a possibility. Yet very slowly it was replaced with understanding, horror, her body trembling as tears flowed freely down her cheeks. "Mommy...I..." Suddenly she was sobbing, clutching the side of her head as she shook her head and wept.

There was silence for several moments until at last Arthour cleared his throat gently, just enough to catch Verialyn's attention. "I'm very sorry miss, but I'm afraid my position means that I must report this to the guardsmen outside. Although there is the question of whether Miss Azdak is guilty of attempted murder-" Merea wailed, and it was a moment before he could speak again. "Or the noticeably lesser charge of attempted property damage." Outside, the noise and sobs seemed to have attracted the attention of one of the guards, he could be seen from the window coming back down the walk with Azdak close on his heels. It seemed as though the decision could no longer be put off.
 
RE: Journeys of a Demon's Daughter

Verialyn got the hint, or at least she thought she did. For this incident to be downgraded to attempted property damage Merea had to become property under the eyes of the law. Her shoulders slumped, and she felt weary and resigned. The throbbing in her foot, prominent now that the rush of adrenaline had died down, did nothing to change that. This whole affair had definitely not developed in a way she liked, and the seemingly inevitable conclusion did nothing to better her mood. One hand reaching out to the daughter of the house in an offer to help her get to her feet, she finally spoke, although with a noticeable lack of enthusiasm.

“Oh well, it is decided then.” Turning to the girl she added “Merea, I hereby officially claim you as compensation for the debts of your family incurred with the Merchant Xorien ro Quaric, finally settling all demands. In the same vein I relinquish my claim on all other items temporarily seized in this affair.” Quickly glancing to Arthour she added “Correct me if this was not legally correct, and if you think Ms. Azdag has not suffered enough already then go ahead and report what you must. I only hope she will gather herself again quickly, her other two children need her more than ever.” The last sentence was intentionally spoken loud enough for everyone in the room to clearly hear it.

“Well then, let’s get going. I am definitely done here.” And I better get away soon, she thought to herself, before someone notices that that gash on my foot heals faster than it is supposed to.
 
RE: Journeys of a Demon's Daughter

The next several minutes were thoroughly unpleasant. As soon as the guards burst in through the door Azdak started screaming threats, Kaliss began wailing and throwing herself at Verialyn's feet trying to prevent her from leaving, Arthour had to shout to be heard by the guards over the general commotion, and Merea appeared to be too deeply in shock to actually walk out of the house by herself. Yet someone Verialyn managed to force a path through the madness and emerged out into the street, guiding the new slave down the path away from the noise and shouting behind them and finally getting her into the carriage that still waited patiently outside.

At last the carriage door slammed shut. Arthour still seemed to be dealing with the guards and, glancing outside, made a gesture towards the driver that he took as a command to start moving. The journey seemed to be much shorter on the way back, the estates rapidly growing in size as the occupants became richer. Merea spent most of the trip in silence, staring blankly out the window with the occasional tear falling unnoticed down her cheek.
 
RE: Journeys of a Demon's Daughter

Verialyn did nothing herself to interrupt the uncomfortable quiet, lost in her own brooding thoughts. What a hell of a day this had been. Technically speaking she was successful. She had collected the dept as asked, it – or rather she - sat right opposite of her on her way to an unknown and likely unpleasant fate. Which was why that success did not feel like one, rather like she had failed on all accounts, leaving a whole family back in grief. She did not mind Sorrel, that pompous ass had something like this coming as far as she knew, but Merea's little siblings. Hopefully their parents got their act together again in time to care for them.

In her dark musings she did not notice the passing of time, and as such was surprised when the carriage came to a halt. A quick glance out of the window confirmed that yes, they were back already. 'No use morning about what is done any longer' she told herself 'Just get going, what's done is done'. The unpleasant thoughts dismissed for the moment she pushed herself upward and out of the vehicle with something resembling newfound vigor. Reaching back for Merea she gently took the girls hand and led her along the marble pathway up the stairs towards the huge doors. Again the huge knocker rose and fell, announcing her return. And likely heralding the next act of the drama.
 
RE: Journeys of a Demon's Daughter

There was silence for several moments before the door opened, Billingsley's narrow face emerging. It seemed strange to think that less then two hours ago the same man had been brutally facefucking a young slave in lieu of Verialyn's own tight cunt; once more he had the dry, contemptuous expression that suggested that the mere presence of a female who so freely engaged in licentious activities would require to scrub the entire house from top to bottom. Yet this time he couldn't simply slam the door in her face, and so he stepped aside to let her guide the unresisting Merea into the lobby.

Billingsley vanished into the house, and a few moments later Xorien emerged. He'd changed into a robe that could have been used as a small tent, smiling broadly as he approached the two women. "I wasn't expecting you back so soon," he said calmly, nodding a greeting towards Verialyn before turning his attentions to the trembling girl beside her. Casually he reached out a fat hand and took the girl's chin, tilting her tear-stained face up to look at him. "Very nice," he murmured softly, examining her with a hungry expression. He snapped his fingers, Billingsley somehow appearing behind him. "Take her to the slave quarters and get her changed, then bring her to the library," he ordered, releasing the girl into the old butler's custody. The two vanished back into the seemingly endless hallways of the palace while Xorien turned towards Verialyn, extending an arm towards her. "Shall we?"

Eventually they reached the library and he motioned for her to take a seat, stepping over to a small bar in the corner and starting to pour a pair of drinks. "Please, tell me all of the details. I'm sure Arthour will try to give me a report later, but I would much rather hear your impressions. Do you require anything for your foot?" he asked casually, the blood from the cut drying upon her foot.
 
RE: Journeys of a Demon's Daughter

“Oh my foot?” Verialyn had just sat down in one of the comfortable chairs, about to recline and drape her arms casually over the arm rests. Instead she looked down her leg, momentarily distracted “Nah, no need to. It looks worse than it is.” Which was an accurate description of the situation, she could feel that beneath the scab the wound was already closed again and almost completely healed. There was no need to point this out, though.

“You want to hear my impressions?” finally she did settle back into a comfortable position and she gave a dry laugh, one lacking any humor. “I felt like an angel of retribution sweeping down and wrecking havoc with every step, whether I wanted to or not. Let’s see…” she lifted one hand, all five fingers outstretched, and then demonstratively began to count then as she told her story, trying to stay cool and not to let her discomfort with the whole affair shine through.

“First I kock on the door, and Sorrel gives his best Billingsley impression, so I have to help myself in. Then he screams how I dare to do this to him in his house, so I confiscate that pile of stone to ease his sorrows. Problem solved, one would think, but he just gets even madder. Does that guy ever stop ranting? So I haul him outside. He tries to bring in the guards later, but Arthour’s paperwork was waterproof. Then I try to talk this over with Ms. Azdak, but she also has no real new insights to offer for their predicament. Oh, she did mention a certain Mr. Sirvin Nialech. Seems he teamed up with Sorrel, so you might want to be careful around him in the future. Then Merea enters the picture and volunteers to come along to save her siblings. Quite a girl, that one, if you ask me, and not only because of her looks. I am about to agree when Ms. Azdak shows up again, and she almost manages to stab her own daughter. What a mad hatter. So I grab the daughter and get out there and back to you under much wailing and screaming. Arthour wanted to stay back and close a few open threads.” Pausing for a moment she added “I think that was about it, in a nutshell.”

“But there is one thing I am curious about.” She got a bit more upright, looking intently at Xorien now. “What has Sorrel done to you that you take this so personal?”
 
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