Playing the Game [ Chai & Razgriz ]

[Chai]

RE: Playing the Game [ Ariamella & Razgriz ]

Unknown Location
Early December​

"What, don't tell me you don't know the story. You know, 'fee fi fo fum' and all that. No?" Rex continued on, knowing full well why Stella wasn't responding. He walked to a table with a large pitcher of lemon water, pouring two glasses before taking a sip of one and setting the other on the table in front of the princess. "Please, have a beverage. Some snacks as well maybe?" He gave her a smirk; he was toying with her, likely because of her jab about him not being a good host. And then he let out a low laugh, adding, "What's wrong, Princess? Did I stun you with my sudden hospitality? Or was it Keenan's shocking change of heart? On the bright side, he seemed to shut you up very quickly. Good bloke, he is."

Stella's head was hanging limply, only the chains to hold her body straight as she sat on the couch. But at the water and teasing, she looked up, her violet eyes clearly full of pain and suffering. She seemed much more ready to comply, though the fire within her never left. They might have quieted her for now, but she knew she would rather die than go through with whatever their plan was.

"Such a beautiful face, Ellastaria," Rex commented, leaning in front of her and using a few fingers to gently push her jaw this way and that, inspecting her up close. "Yes, it would be a shame to bring your dead body back to mum and dad all mangled. It would be best for all of us if you kept that smart mouth in check, that way we don't have to do it for you. Keenan did go a little overboard, but who knows why he does what he does? You should be thanking me!" He threw his head back and cackled, then stroked her cheek in a mock caress. "Don't worry, I'll take good care of you. By the time we're done, you'll be begging me for death, and maybe I'll feel nice enough to give it to you. Sound like a good deal?"

"...We'll see," was all the princess said, eyes glaring daggers into her kidnapper, her voice hoarse from the electrocution and her subsequent screaming. But she refrained from profanities, a part of her still terrified at the thought of reliving the pain from earlier.

"Indeed, Princess Durante, we will see," Rex replied, all traces of humor now gone from his tone, and the silly grin wiped off his face. Too much was riding on this for it to fail, and he was determined to make her obey him, no matter how long or what it took.

But then a servant ran up to Rex, a scrawny messenger that seemed to avoid looking at the man. "Lord Rex, there's been a disturbance outside..." The boy trailed off, mumbling other things that neither Stella nor his master could pick up.

Rex sighed, crossing his arms impatiently. "Boy, what I have I told you about mumbling? Are you frigging daft?"

"I'M SORRY, LORD REX," the messenger repeated, his voice unnecessarily loud now. "THE WATCHMEN HAVE REPORTED AN UNKNOWN DISTURBANCE IN THE JUNGLES."

The young man ran off, and Rex narrowed his eyes, glancing at his chained captive before muttering something under his breath. His watchmen could have seen anything—he thought more than half of them were thick in the head anyway—but he knew he mustn't make a mistake when he had gotten this far. Mistakes would not only cost him the entire plan, but his life as well. No, it was better to make sure the report was nothing serious. He couldn't risk losing the Princess. "My apologies, Miss Durante, why don't you just sit tight while I take care of some things... Not that you have a choice anyway." He shot her another cruel smile before disappearing down a hallway, his voice barking, "Keenan!" before leaving Stella completely alone.

 

[Razgriz]

RE: Playing the Game [ Ariamella & Razgriz ]

Keenan had heard the call and rushed right as Rex was heading out the back door. "What the hell, Rex? Never heard you shout before." Keenan demanded, the hooded male replying sharply, "Can it and keep an eye on the Princess. One of these dunderheads thinks they saw something out in the jungle. Probably some stupid koala or a turkey; I keep telling these idiots we have wildlife here for a reason. If there are intruders, they'll be the first to let us know. Not everything has to be solved with magic, after all. So stay here....And DO NOT KILL HER! I SWEAR I WILL HURT YOU IF YOU DO!" Rex bellowed the command, Keenan's already sour face turning ever more so at the thought of her living.

"Sure...No problem." Keenan just muttered; he then walked down the opposite direction until he was face to face with the barely conscious Stella. Oh, the itch to just kill her was so powerful he just wanted to scratch it. Oh really he did...But he couldn't. Not yet. And so the man just decided to sit across from her, keeping a close eye on the Princess. "Don't expect this is a rescue party, Your Highness. And trust me, Wolfswift's a dead man with you out of the picture. That asshole cyclops won't be causing trouble anymore." he sneered, seemingly confident that the plan was as solid as ever.

Rex had gone outside, taking several of the sentries with him to scout the jungle; so far their search had turned up nothing. He wanted to be absolutely sure there was no one here; last thing he needed was the plan to be interrupted. "Spread out, you idiots! If anyone is here, fucking murder them!" he shouted, a small twinkle on his cuff serving as a radio, His right arm now sported an impressive metal gauntlet, something of Keenan's own design to help him defend himself should he need it.

At that moment, a strangled cry was heard; Rex shouted into the comm spell on his wrist, "Who the hell was that? Dirge! Tohn! ! Adams! Hull! Report!" He soon heard several reports of "Here!" from all of them except Adams; he then shouted again, "Adams! You didn't forget to place your spell again, did you, you fucking dolt!"

Silence....Except for Hull saying that he would look for Adams, only for him to shout in terror as something silenced him too. Something was out here, and it was coming; just then what appeared to be a glowing net appeared over Rex, the man throwing his arm back and being pulled out of the way for the snare to fall harmlessly to the forest floor and fizzle out. "Crikey!" he shouted out of reflex; where the hell did that come from?

"Don't know how you found me, ya long-eared dingoes, but I'm not going down with out a fight!" he then shouted, only for another net to try and capture him, Rex dodging it once more. "Sentries, fall back!" he then shouted before sending up a telepathic message to Keenan:

"Wake up Gerald...And get ready to move our guest to the secondary location."

Keenan heard this and sighed loudly; without saying a word, he went down the empty hallway to Stella's right before disappearing around the corner. A muffled voice could be heard, followed by a loud creaking as the young giant rose. Even at adolescence, a giant was more than a match for most mages: Their skin having twenty times the density of average mortals gave them a form of natural armor against physical attacks and spellweaving, not to mention a diamond-like toughness that turned hard strikes into lethal ones from their strength alone.

Gerald emerged once more, not even paying attention to the Princess as he went to assist his master. "Intruders...MUST...KILL!" the enormous male shouted as he sprinted out the backdoor, his girth and mass serving to bulldoze the trees with ease. Keenan then grabbed Stella's still somewhat unresponsive body, muttering "Change of plans, Princess, now move your ass. We're going somewhere nicer than this, you should be grateful."

Of course, he had just said that as several men dressed in armor burst through the front door, a binding hex hitting Keenan square between the shoulders. And in seconds, others dressed in orange-black armor - House Chidume's symbol stitched into the shoulder plates - cast nets over him. "So, it seems the MLA and those fucking desert crawlers found out about us. Not bad for morons to fall for something that acts like they do." he sneered, several soldiers moving forward to secure Melchior and Stella.

And before Keenan was truly bound, he sent one final message:

"Damn diversion to get Gerald out of the house. Take the giant and men and go; the asset is lost for now."

Now it was Rex's turn to be displeased, even though he'd found his men only ensnared in those glowing nets. Gerald had arrived quickly on scene, leaving quite the visible path in order to rush to his master's aid. "Gerald...Thank you, but we have to leave. Take the bound sentries and carry them." Gerald did so, but voiced his concern, "This IS Master's home; we will reclaim it, will we not?" Rex just smirked, even as more MLA soldiers encircled, "Yes, old friend, we will...But not today." And just like that, they teleported again, leaving the reinforcements quite stunned that he'd gotten away.

Back in the house, the report came through that several of the suspects escaped, evidenced by the characteristic thundering of the transport spell; the Sergeant - the very same one that had visited House Ellison during Ric's capture - walked up to Melchior, "I don't take it you're going to tell us where your friends went." Keenan just smirked, "Where's the fun in that?" to which the Sergeant grumbled about him being a snarky douche, stating "Take him to HQ. We'll break that skull of his wide open." And just like that, more thundering echoed out as Keenan was taken away, instead pulled through to their secure area rather than going there themselves.

"HQ, Sergeant Rickertt reporting. We have one suspect inbound for interrogation and Ellastaria Durante with us." he then spoke into his wrist, using the same spell that Rex had done before receiving orders to secure the area for further investigation. He then turned to one of the other soldiers from House Chidume, stating "I don't know where you got your intel, but you have the Council's thanks, Abdimelech." The soldier then took off his helmet, revealing him to be the man that had stayed behind after Keenan and Stella left his Prince's home.

"It is no trouble, and truth be told, Prince Chidume had his suspicions about that man. It was he that tasked me to watch him; I am only sorry that I did not intervene sooner. And please, call me Melech." the man replied with a bow of the head; he then turned to Stella, "I only ask that the Princess find mercy in her heart for not approaching sooner. I deeply regret that you had to endure such a traumatic experience."

 

[Chai]

RE: Playing the Game [ Ariamella & Razgriz ]

Unknown Location
Early December​

Everything had happened so fast, it was all a blur in Stella's mind. Or perhaps that was only because she was fighting to stay awake, wanting to close her eyes, but the pain too great for her to feel at rest. Instead, she let her mind wander as soldiers flooded the room, Keenan was taken away, and now Melech was talking to her. It took her a moment to register that her binds had been removed, and she looked at him, saying thanks, taking note of the cringes that went around the room when they heard her speak. She must have sounded like absolute hell.

"Perhaps a medic would be the best choice for now," Melech suggested, one of the soldiers already rushing forward to inspect the princess. But Stella shied away, not wanting to be touched. No, she had questions for the Nigerian man, ones that she wanted answered immediately.

"Only something for the pain then, Princess," the medic urged, already working a spell that washed over Stella and soothed away the burning and aching.

It was like a splash of water, but this water was gentle, and it eased the nerves and sensory overload from the shock. She sighed, not realizing how badly she was actually hurting until the pain was lifted. "You can inspect me later," Stella said, stretching her limbs after being chained for so long. It was quiet and tense, but the room seemed to collectively sigh when they saw she was, for the most part, alright. The medic handed her a warm blanket to wrap around herself, which she took gladly. "Melech, there is nothing to forgive, and you have my eternal gratitude. But I would like to know how you found me."

"If you would like to know, I will be happy to do so later," he replied, nodding toward the door, but Stella shook her head, stubborn and impatient as always. Melech sighed, trading a glance with the Sergeant, then looking back at the princess. "If you would accompany me outside for just a moment then?"

Stella began to follow, though she turned and said, "Leave us," pausing mid-stride after a group of soldiers stepped forward to escort her. It was quiet for a moment, nobody wanting to break the silence on what should or shouldn't happen. Then she sighed, clutching the blanket around her and turning around to face them. "There's no one else here. Melech will be with me, and there are reinforcements crawling the jungles, yes? I'm positive that I'll be okay. Really, you guys need to let me breathe every once in a while."

"But your wounds and the report, Prin—" one of the soldiers started, only to be cut off by a shake of the head from his Sergeant.

"Let her go," Rickertt said, nodding and turning to Stella. "Ellastaria, you have as much time as you need. Of course, until it's time to bring you home. Lord Durante had been notified of the situation just as we left... I'm sure he will want to know his daughter is safe." Then her turned away and began barking orders to his men, telling them to secure the perimeter and search the mansion for any evidence of who this man was or what he wanted. Not that they would probably find much, if anything at all, Stella thought. Rex seemed too careful and too methodical to leave anything of importance. No, as scary as it was, something told her he knew his way around the Council and the MLA, and that it was only a matter of time until she saw him again.

But she nodded her thanks and let Melech lead her to the front door, the Nigerian man holding the door open as she walked outside. "Please do not be too angry with them, Princess. Understand that their only task and wish is to keep you safe," he said as they walked a trail that led around the house. "It may be frustrating, but with Adenji gone, they are being very careful."

He had a point, but Stella still shook her head. "Even now, I am perfectly safe with you. And not just now, but earlier as well. Having people watch me when I'm out... I doubt they gave the same treatment to King Adenji when he was Marked." Her face had a sour expression, more visible now that the sun was rising over the horizon, tinging the sky with oranges and lighter blues.

Seeing the look on her face, Melech laughed good naturedly. "No, he did not. But he was also much older by the time he was Marked. He was a Nigerian Prince and a successor to House Chidume, but he was also part of the House guard. More experienced with his magic as well," he added thoughtfully, but then seemed to remember that he was talking to the Princess, and he gave a sheepish smile. "Forgive me. My only point is that you are young, so full of life, and the Council, your parents and the other Houses would like to see you live your life out as our Queen. The MLA only want to be sure of that."

They walked some more, reaching a spot where the trees created a heavy shading, and Melech turned to the princess. "As I'm sure you know, we are not the only magical beings of this world. There are others—some of which you have already met, like the fae—and they do keep in contact with mage-kind. Vampires, were-people, fairies... For the most part, their ruling authorities and Council like to keep in contact with each other to minimize fighting and bloodshed. To create a safer, more livable world for all of us. The Council does have its allies, however, and I thought it only appropriate to show you who intervened and let me know that you had been taken by Melchior..."

Then the Nigerian guard gestured with both his hands, and out of the shadows came a beautiful woman, tall, graceful and elegant despite having rather large assets, and she was adorned with jewelry from head to toe. Long white hair flowed down her back, creating a striking contrast with her dark caramel skin, and her red eyes shone with kindness. She was smiling, and when she lifted her head and came completely in view, Stella noticed the most distinctive feature about her: the woman's ears protruded from the sides of her head, long and pointed.

An elf maiden.

"Princess Ellastaria," the elf said, bowing her head slightly in respect, "I am most glad that you are alright. I was afraid that I may not have made it in time. But Abdimelech worked quite quickly to assure your rescue." She stepped forward and put a hand over her mouth to conceal a dainty gasp. "Princess! Your eyes tell me you are exhausted. Should you not be resting inside?"

"Exhausted, yeah, but at least the pain has been taken care of," Stella waved off the elf's concern, letting out a small yawn. While the awkward burning, tingling sensation and the muscle pain had been taken away, it did nothing for how tired she was. She felt like she had been hit by a truck. "Anyway, I want to thank you...?"

"Please, call me Eria."

"Eria, then," the princess repeated with a smile. "Truly, thank you. I thought..." She trailed off, her mind racing with the worst possible situations she could have been in. Death was only at the top of her list; she knew there were certainly a number of ways to torture someone, and she didn't doubt that Rex was the type to employ one or any number of torture techniques.

Melech put a hand on Stella's shoulder and squeezed, sensing what she was likely thinking about. "Not to worry. The important thing is that you're safe now. And with Melchior in custody, perhaps we will find some answers. Although, if you do not mind me asking, how did he manage to get you to the remote Colorado wilderness? I had lost you for a moment..."

At this, the young woman blushed. "I'm assuming Nonso told you why I visited him. Well, after I dropped the vial of the Veritas potion during the attack in North Carolina, Keenan enticed me with the idea of getting another one. That we were going to visit a Dreg, and so it had to be done in secret. I know, I should have known... I was just being hopeful, I guess."

Melech nodded, his eyes offering kindness, when suddenly the Sergeant's voice came through his wrist: "Melech, the area is secure."

"I must go back now, Ellastaria... I trust that you will also return in a few moments?" Then he turned and took his leave, leaving the two women.

 

[Razgriz]

RE: Playing the Game [ Ariamella & Razgriz ]

Eria looked at the Princess as she tried to stay upright; gently taking her shoulders, she led her to sit down on the edge of the porch leading to the dense jungle in the back. Or, the one not so dense anymore since the giant went hurtling through it like a derailed train, a visible path clear through the brush and trees. "Princess...Forgive me if I might be so forward, but I want you to have this." She then shoved a pitch-black bottle into Stella's hand; she would find the familiar wax seal and the coloration and shape of the bottle. It was another vial of Veritas, and she seemed to be giving it her.

"Chukwunonso Chidume sends his regards and apologies about the deception; he was not entirely truthful about his supply of Veritas. This is one bottle that you can give to the authorities." the Elf then said to Stella, a solemn smile on her face. "But please...If you do use it to achieve Ric's freedom...Can you let me talk to him? There's a very important question I want to ask, and it's been so long...." Eria requested politely; at the prospect of talking to him, she seemed to develop a dreamy look in her eyes. Like it was something extremely relevant to her as an individual.

TIME - 10:50AM. TRIAL FOR RICENDITHAS WOLFSWIFT. CHARGED WITH CAPITAL MURDER, CONSPIRACY TO COMMIT CAPITAL MURDER AND ATTEMPTED CAPITAL MURDER​

A few days had passed since the attempted kidnapping, and needless to say the media vultures were churning quite the storm. Thankfully, the MLA seemed to take the brunt of the paparazzi, three of them forming a wide berth around the Durantes as well keeping their family estate safe. Having just arrived at the Tribunal's place of business, they began their ascent of the rather long stairs to the top. Being that their home was more secure and easily looked after, they had requested Stella stay with her parents until the trial. And needless to say, both of her parents were quite obsessive about seeing their daughter - relatively - unharmed from the ordeal she endured.

"I still can't believe Keenan pulled off such an act for so long..." said one of the younger MLA officers, his deep-brown eyes scanning the outside for threats, to which another responded, "Bastard that he is, gotta give him credit for his patience. Will it affect how that Wolfswift guy's going to be tried?" The one in the front left then chimed in, "Doubt it; Dregs don't get shit for leniency in the courts. Any excuse to throw them in the slammer and they'll take it...Not that I blame them." Lorencio then cleared his throat, "If we could please change the subject, gentlemen?" Something that was almost barely heard amidst the throng of spectators and reporters, all of them begging to see the Princess that had survived so many close encounters. At the very least, the MLA seemed to be doing quite the job of keeping these rabid dogs at bay

Looking to his daughter, the elder Durante just said, "It's incredibly brave of you to come through like this for him, Stella...Papa is very proud of you." He then gave her a gentle kiss on the forehead and hugged her tight; it seemed the threat of losing his daughter was still very much fresh in his mind. If anything happened to her, if he'd lost his baby girl...How would he live with himself? And to think, Soyeon and he had pushed for Stella to marry the man.

And when they arrived in the courtroom, they would see that Ric - dressed in a bright-orange jumpsuit much like the Normals used and sporting heavy enchanted iron manacles around his limbs and neck - was already sitting in the 'executioner's chair' as the locals loved to call it, right in front of the Tribunal podiums. The front of the room sported three tall podiums, one for each of the Tribunal officials that would be overseeing this case. The names were emblazoned on each one by a gold plaque, but they were somewhat hard to read from the angle of the incoming light.

Lorencio took note of Ric's lack of defense, asking "Did he...." to which one of the more attentive guards stated, "He's denied himself legal counsel. Calls it a waste of time, saying they'll just be trying to bury him anyway." Lorencio cursed; what a stubborn fool. "Come on, come on...We should have a seat." Just then one other guard - dressed in combat fatigues much like the MLA, but sporting a matte-black coloration instead - came forward. "All rise, Tribunal Officers Jericho Waller, Amanda Hornsworth, and Stacy Green presiding." Just then, three individuals dressed in black robes seemed to rise from behind, using magic to levitate themselves onto the seats. The leftmost was Jericho Waller, a thin man with short grey hair, gunmetal eyes and narrow-rimmed spectacles. The woman in the middle was Amanda Hornsworth, a short but rounded-out dark-skinned women with curly long brown hair. and yellow-green hues. And last was Stacy Green, a lanky pale-skinned woman with medium-length straight red hair and sea-green eyes.

One thing they shared in common was their obvious distaste for the warlock before them. It was clear that their minds were already made up, but duty to the law - however slimly it applied to Dregs - compelled them to at least entertain. The officer then stood next to Wolfswift, stating "You better behave yourself, Dreg. You're only here because you're being charged with a capital offense, one a mage of your caliber could easily pull off." then spoke Judge Waller, already setting a grim mood for the trial. "You flatter me...Your Honor" Ric then replied snidely, making Lorencio pinch the bridge of his nose. Waller's lips tightened a little, adding "You'd do well to watch your tone, Dreg."

The accused warlock then snickered, "Would you expect anything less?" Judge Waller then gave a small cough, "Well, luckily we don't have to worry about you lying. It would seem you somehow made a friend, Mr. Wolfswift. Do the People still accept the use of the Veritas serum in this trial?" The prosecuting official - a woman of five-six and dressed in a blue suit with making skirt and red heels, her golden eyes framed by square black-rimmed glasses, nodded "We do, Your Honor. Per the aid of Prince Chukwunonso Chidume, we have been given sufficient evidence to believe that there is more here than meets the eye."

The Judge just nodded, motioning to the guards near the door just as a loud banging was heard. "Bring it in. Let's get this over with."

 

[Chai]

RE: Playing the Game [ Ariamella & Razgriz ]

Washington, D.C
Mid-December​

At the judge's words, curious glances went around the room, the guests leaning over to their friends and whispering to each other:

Ricendithas having a friend?
Who was it?
Who even wanted to help him?

Stella was in no way oblivious to what they were saying, what they were thinking. How could anyone even want to have him freed? In what world did anyone think he was innocent? She set her mouth in a hard line; she didn't just think he was innocent. She knew he was innocent, and the Veritas potion was going to prove it. She couldn't wait to see the look on his face when he found out it was her who had obtained the potion for him. Then again, he had acted like nothing other than an ingrate before, so why would he change that now? Her only regret, which stayed at the forefront of her mind, was that she knew he would tell the truth and the whole truth. Once he drank that potion, there was no concealing what really happened that Thanksgiving night. The judges, the MLA, her parents and everyone else in attendance would hear about her and Zeus.

She looked over at the eldest Ellison son, seated a ways away and whispering and grinning to his younger brother. And then on his other side was his wife, a timid woman around his age. She was rather average-looking in comparison to his dashing good looks, but then again, most everyone looked rather plain in Zeus's presence. And while she was from outside the Ten and the upper elite, Stella knew she was rather gifted in magic. Strange, she thought, that Zeus married her. All throughout his adolescence and early twenties, he chose women that were superior in the physical department. But who really knew why he married her or what he found attractive?

A sudden rush of nervous energy racked Stella's body. Zeus seemed awfully relaxed for someone that was about to be caught cheating on his wife. Publicly, at least. It was no secret that he often made passes and casual flirtation with the women he met, even after getting married, but this was different. Zeus may have gotten a pass because of who he was, but there would be no excuses for Stella. She was a House successor and a Princess; she would be criticized harshly for her actions. And that thought did nothing to quell the ball of nerves settling and growing in her stomach.

But then the doors to the courtroom swung open, all the heads turning to see a woman dressed in all black with a white lab coat over top. Her heels clacked audibly in the silent room, and in her hands was a mahogany box. The box that held the potion. Officers escorted her down the center isle until she was standing in front of the three judges. Then she opened the box, showing them the tiny black vial, and after a nod by Judge Hornsworth, she walked over the Ric.

"Good morning, Ricendithas," she began, her tone cordial but flat. "My name is Doctor Rivera, the potions master assigned for you today, as someone has thought to graciously provide you with the Truth Serum. Of course, you are free to not take it should you so wish... but I highly advise against it." Her facial expression remained neutral, but it was obvious that even she held some sort of contempt for him. "Once the red seal comes off, you have 10 seconds to drink it. Afterward, I will ask you some questions to ensure it is indeed working. All of them basic, nothing at all intrusive. If all is going as it should, the prosecuting officer may proceed. You may feel some slight nausea, but know that is completely normal. If there are any objections... No? Good."

Then Doctor Rivera placed the box down, put on sterile gloves, and then went to peeling the red wax off the top of the vial. Hurriedly but carefully, she handed Ric the potion. "Eight seconds, Mr. Wolfswift," was all she said, a timer now visible on the side of the black glass. Then after a minute of waiting, the rest of the courtroom silent and also watching in anticipation, she took a step back.

"Excellent. I'm going to ask you a few questions now. Please answer them as honestly and as accurately as you can." Opening a small notebook, she asked, "Can you tell me the criminal act committed that led to your detainment within Periculosis?" Then she paused. "Did you or did you not requisition the services of over 300 women while in custody at Periculosis before you were assigned to the Durantes?"

At this second question, a snicker or two broke the atmosphere in the courtroom, only to be silenced by a glare from Judge Waller.

"Honestly and accurately as possible," the potions master repeated again, waiting expectantly for Ric's answers.

 

[Razgriz]

RE: Playing the Game [ Ariamella & Razgriz ]

Ricendithas just rolled his eyes, the 'baliff' turning the warlock's chair around so that he was now facing the crowd. "Oh, looky look, if ain't the peanut gallery" the mage said in a very insulting tone, several of the onlookers glowering at his insolence. Though that did little to break his enjoyment of all these snobs looking down on him; he could kill every last one if he wanted to. He honestly could...But he would save that for later. Catch them when they weren't expecting it.

However, he would find his attention diverted as a not-unattractive doctor-looking woman came down the central aisle, flanked by her MLA goons. "Hellooooo, Nurse. Here to give me my happy pills? All I need is that pretty face of yours" he then said, resorting to his usual flirtations. Something that did not seem to phase the good doctor for she simply went on to explain how the potion must be consumed in less than ten seconds, and she even took a shot at his dignity by placing the bottle just in front of him.

Giving her a wink, he then grabbed the neck of the vial with his teeth and shotgunned its contents just as the timer was about to run. "Oh goodness, that man is going to be the death of me" said Lorencio; why was he doing all this bravado now? But then again...After almost losing his daughter, he found himself smiling at Ric's carefree way of doing things, aggravating as it was. And as protocol, there was a five-minute wait that literally disabled every filter the warlock's mind had. However few there were, anyway.

At her first question, Ric's eyes seemed to wander up to the ceiling, the serum making the words flow like butter just after she reminded him of the obligation. "I had attacked a nearby village just outside of Romania. Monster sympathizers hiding a clan of selkies once word got around I was coming. One of them had drowned a young boy, and I was hunting him." Letting out a low chuckle, he then added, "To make a long story short, I turned the winter there into a nuclear winter. Skies so dark with ash you couldn't even see a single ray of light go through. Stunk to high hell too with the burnt seal flesh," Some of the gallery gasped, others wide-eyed with shock at his brashness.

"And as for the women....Was it only over 300? Felt like it was more, not to mention I promised myself to bang at least 500 before I got out. But yes, I had MANY visitors to keep me company while inside that icebox. Certainly helped that most of them just wanted the fame of sleeping with the infamous Wolfswift, the monster killer. Had you been there I probably would have shown you a good time too." This in turn also garnered looks of disgust; how could anyone be proud of being so loose? Of course, a few of the men in the room had quite obvious expressions of envy, no matter how they tried to hide it.

"Alright...Well, I believe we know the serum works...Perhaps a little too well for Mr. Wolfswift" Doctor Rivera tacked on, Judge Green rubbing her temples as she replied, "Thank you, Doctor. Your service is complete." At this, the mature woman gave a bow of the head and took her leave, her entourage escorting her out the door. Judge Waller then declarred, "The prosecution may come forward to address the accused."

 

[Chai]

RE: Playing the Game [ Ariamella & Razgriz ]

Washington, D.C
Mid-December​

The serum was administered, and Stella sunk somewhat into her seat. She was going to die. She wanted to die. There was no way Ric was going to phrase what he had seen nicely. No, he was going to phrase it exactly like he did just now, lewd and disgusting. Her face burned, tinged with red, and she looked down to the floor. Ugh, she wanted to take it back. But there was no going back now.

"Stella, are you alright?" Her mother whispered to her, eyes expressing concern for her daughter's sudden uneasiness. "I know, vile isn't it? If you need to silence the room for a moment...?" But Stella only shook her head, forcing herself to look up again. Being held at gunpoint, being choked by some crazy man in a Goofy costume, being shocked until she was nearly unconscious... All of her brushes and flirtations with death, and nothing could prepare her for social suicide. At least, social suicide for the time being. She was sure that after a while, someone else would take the spotlight. Society was like that, always looking for the newest scandal.

Briefly, she caught Zeus's gaze and was satisfied to notice how serious his face had gotten. His normally fair skin looked even more pale, and in his eyes, she could see the same nervousness she felt. And then she saw him interlock his fingers with the woman beside him, lifting his wife's hand up to his lips. That's when she knew he was also preparing for the worst.

Fuck.

"MISTER Wolfswift," the prosecuting officer almost shouted his name after she cleared her throat, pushing her glasses up to sit nicely on the bridge of her nose. Aggressive little thing. "You know why you're here. We have evidence that indicates you conspired to murder AND committed the murder of King Adenji Chidume." She turned to the judges and then to the crowd watching, saying, "What we're looking at here, ladies and gentleman, is a cold-blooded killer who ADMITS to hating Society and the Council, who ADMITS to having the desire to kill them—us—given the chance. And he had his chance, by committing this ATROCIOUS act against the King Did you or did you not admit to having the desire to murder multiple members of the Council of Ten Mr. Wolfswift?"

And then impatiently, she motioned for a man to come forth, who presented a folded up garment. "The evidence is here. THIS cloak was found in the Chidume palace the night of the murder. Is this or is this not your cloak, Mr. Wolfswift?" While her voice remained at the same volume, the accusation was clear in her tone. A small smile graced her lips; she thought he was a dead man already, and everyone else did too.

 

[Razgriz]

RE: Playing the Game [ Ariamella & Razgriz ]

The crowd was watching with baited breath as the prosecutor rambled off everything that made him the guilty suspect. Yes, he hated the Council. Yes, he'd gladly rid this planet of them if given the chance. But the fact was that he didn't do it, and only now did he realize that the use of the Veritas potion would greatly help him here.

"Well, I'll be damned..." he said just as the prosecutor held up his cloak and asked him if it was his or not. "Finally realizing you can't get away with this, Dreg?" the prosecutor taunted, to which Ricendithas said with a smile of his own, "No...I think I owe a certain someone a bottle of Lambrusco. Hell a case of it." At this, Lorencio and several others quirked their brows, the prosecutor's face now falling into a dissatisfied frown. "What do you mean, Mr. Wolfswift?" the woman asked, the warlock chuckling, "Yeah, that's my cloak alright...."

"SEE!? The man admits this is his cloak! This is irrefutable proo..." she started to say while holding the garment up for all to gaze on, but then Ric interjected, "I'M NOT FINISHED, YOU STUCK-UP BITCH!" This certainly made everyone go wide with surprise; not even the worst of Society offenders DARED to talk like that in court, especially in the Tribunal's courtroom. "Mr. Wolfswift, one more outburst like that and I *will* hold you in contempt!" shouted Judge Green after slamming her gavel several times, to which the mage cleared his throat and replied, "Apologies, Your Honor..." pausing to smile at the prosecutor, "She interrupted me."

Judge Hornsworth then sighed and motioned with her hand, "Very well, Mr. Wolfswift. Continue, not that it matters." Ric just relaced and resumed like nothing had happened, "Yes, that is my cloak...But did you know that there was a sword and set of armor with it? Is that tagged in evidence?" The prosecutor seemed a little dumbfounded, not replying at first. "Come on, Proc....I'm literally forced to spill my guts here. You could at least meet me halfway." Ric then fake-begged, to which the woman simply stated, "No, it's not."

Ric just smiled even more, "What's more, and this probably falls on me, but I *do* have an alibi for that night." At this, most everyone now paid full attention. The prosecutor especially so, crossing her arms she then huffed and replied, "Very well, Wolfswift...Where were you that night?" At this Ric just pointed at Zeus first, "This naughty dog was about ready to shuck this...." he stopped as his finger then trailed over to Stella, "pretty little thing's oyster. Why, he had all but stripped her panties off when I managed to save her innocence. And she was alllll too ready for him to pet that pussy."

There was instantly an uproar in the gallery, several of the more prominent Society members shouting obscenities for slandering the Princess. Soyeon and Lorencio, however, stayed seated; Lorencio seemed especially distraught. He did recall Ric saying that Zeus was feeling feisty...No, had he tried to force his daughter? All three judges now were slamming their gavels as security moved in to calm people down. "Order! ORDER!" all three shouted asynchronously; after a few minutes, everyone seemed to have settled down. "That's quite the accusation, Mr. Wolfswift; though I don't think dragging HER name through the mud will help you here." Ric just chuckled, "Don't believe, me huh? Well, according to the law, I *am* allowed to question a witness, am I not?" The prosecutor looked up at the Judges, as if pleading to let this go, but Green just replied, "Mr. Wolfswift is correct. All in favor of allowing him to question a witness?" The other two Tribunal officers just replied with the most half-heared 'Aye' anyone had ever heard.

"And my witness is....Elllastaria Durante. Princess, please kindly tell the court EXACTLY what happened on Thanksgiving evening, the night in which I allegedly committed this heinous crime" he then said, making everyone turn to look right at her.

 

[Chai]

RE: Playing the Game [ Ariamella & Razgriz ]

Washington, D.C
Mid-December​

And he said it.

Both of Stella's parents glanced at their daughter, her head held high and a steely look on her face as everyone else also turned to look at her. The room was dead silent when Ric called her forward, and for a moment she hesitated; she easily could deny his words, deny anything from ever happening, and she knew everyone would believe her. His 'lie' would be chalked up to a poorly made batch of Veritas, and everyone would go along their merry way while he was carried off to be executed. Her word was as good as gold, if not better than gold against his. Soyeon squeezed her arm and sighed, knowing just by looking at her daughter's face that it was true. And Stella knew they would have a talk about it later.

But at the moment, a courtroom was waiting for her to speak.

Finally, she stood and nodded, walking down the central isle. She could feel the eyes on her, staring and burning into her soul. The fact that she had even gotten up to speak already had many Society members suspicious, their mouths shut but their gazes passing judgement as she moved past them. And then there was Zeus himself, his own face in obvious shock at Ric's admission, and in even more shock as Stella walked past. But she didn't miss the briefest flash of anger that came across his features. He couldn't believe that she was going to out the both of them for Ric, for a Dreg, for someone that treated her poorly and was looked upon poorly by 99% of people he came into contact with. Well, Stella had to suck it up, and so did he. Her only regret was that his wife was watching, the woman's eyes wide and watery.

She stood in front of the Tribunal judges, Judge Hornsworth immediately gesturing to the side where a seat seemed to materialize next to Ric. "If you would so kindly take a seat, Princess..." the judge said kindly, and Stella followed the command silently.

"You may begin whenever you are ready," Judge Waller told her softly. The difference in how she and Ric were treated was astounding, and she knew they were only trying to make it as comfortable as possible, but Stella wanted to get this over with. She started it, and she would finish it now.

"That night..." she began, frowning, looking at the prosecutor and then out to the crowd of onlookers, only avoiding her parents' faces. "That night, I had forced Ric to come to the Ellisons' annual Thanksgiving get-together. It wasn't like he had a choice anyway—the contract that was signed by him and my father included a distance stipulation. No more than fifteen meters away from me at all times. I also forced him to wear something more appropriate for the occasion, meaning his armor, sword and clock were all left at my home, in his room."

She paused, letting out a deep sigh before continuing. "When we arrived at the party, he stayed true to the contract and observed from afar. If I had ever attempted to go past the 15-meter limit, the magic would prevent me from going any further. That's how I knew he was still there, still at the party even when we weren't in sight of each other. Such was the case when... when..." She swallowed, dreading the words she was about to say. "When Zeus Ellison and I went to talk in one of the studies on the first floor. I imagine my father or a friend sent him to find me, because he did find us in that study."

The prosecutor looked embarrassed, shuffling endlessly with the papers in her hands before mustering up the courage to ask her final question. "And- and do you confirm everything in Mr. Wolfswift's alibi?"

The princess seemed to pause for a moment, looking straight ahead before saying, "I do, yes. His alibi is correct. One thing led to another, and I found myself in a... compromising situation. Ric was the one who found us, and yes, everything is true."

The low buzz of whispers and murmurs started rising in the room, and Stella finally shifted her gaze to her parents. Lorencio looked caught somewhere between quiet anger and surprise, while her mother appeared to be livid, glaring across the room at the eldest Ellison. Zeus himself was now murmuring things to his own family while stroking his wife's hand, and everyone else seemed to be too caught up in gossip to pay attention to anything. Even the judges looked slightly lost, not knowing what to say in the moment.

But Stella only stole a side glance at Ric, offering him a sad smile and a quiet, "You're welcome." A strange sense of relief washed over her now that it was over, and she would accept whatever the consequences were. She only hoped that her kindness and unwillingness to condemn the innocent was worth it.

 

[Razgriz]

RE: Playing the Game [ Ariamella & Razgriz ]

Ric just watched with growing surprise, along with everyone else, as Stella opened up about what had happened that night. "Well...Shit, I guess I was wrong." the warlock admitted to himself; still, with how much she was helping he felt oddly obliged to help shed even more light on what happened. After all, he'd guessed Zeus' real intentions when he first laid eye on him. Birds of a feather and all that jazz.

"Your Honor, might I add something?" asked Ricendithas, to which Waller responded, "Now is not the time for gloating, Mr. Wolfswift". "Talk about a disaster case" Green then muttered almost inaudibly; Hornsworth said nothing, only looking like a deer in headlights. This could not have gone any worse; not only did a Dreg get proven innocent, but now they had the Princess of all people in a scandal!

"Judge Waller, I mean nothing of the sort; I just feel I should shed more light on the events Miss Durante just described." Ricendithas added honestly, not an ounce of snark to be heard. He then Stella a wink, as if to say "Don't worry, I got you." Letting out a disgruntled sigh, Judge Waller reluctantly replied "Very well...Not that it's going to save this courtroom any." Ricendithas just smiled as these fuckers swam in it, but wasted no time.

"Now, is Ellastaria in the wrong for being with Mr. Ellison in that manner? By your rules, yes; but let me tell you something. She was head over heels for that man. She wanted him so badly it probably hurt, literally a galaxy in each eye just for him. And what did he plan to do? Use her for a hit-it-and-quit-it quickie. And if there's ANYONE in this room that was in her situation, then let me tell you right now that you have ABSOLUTELY NO FUCKING PLACE TO JUDGE HER!" His tirade seemed to grow quite passionate, almost like it struck a personal chord for him.

"So, if you're going to judge anyone...." he then stopped and pointed right back at Zeus, who was now looking absolutely furious at the warlock, "That's the one you should be casting judgment on. Not only would he use the young woman's heart as his own plaything, but I bet the beauty sitting next to him probably caught him more than once with another woman. Am I wrong?" That last question was aimed directly at the female next to him, who looked about ready to cry her eyes out after his little speech, who looked at Zeus and just shook her head. Her voice was barely a whisper, "....No," before she started sobbing and ran out of the courtrooom crying. Seemed the warlock struck a chord.

Zeus called out, "Baby wait! They were just accidents!" before turning his anger to the warlock, "You're a fucking dead man, Wolfswift! I catch you near me or my woman and I'm gonna beat your fucking ass!" And like that he left too, trying to go after his wife. Needless to say, this was not how the trial was expected to go. And with no real ground left to hold Ricendithas on, there was only one clear course of action.

"I take it we're all in agreement about the prisoner?" Judge Green asked, a weary nod from the other two as Hornsworth then stated, "As of this very moment, the Tribunal has no other alternative than to order the immediate release of Ricendithas Wolfswift." She then looked down at the warlock, "Mr. Wolfswift, we three would like to..." But Ric cut her off, "Look, it's been a long day, can we just save the forced apologies? I really can't stand people being fake." Amanda seemed to flounder for a second, but just closed her mouth and stated, "Very well. Guards, please remove the restraints from Mr. Wolfswift and have his belongings shipped from evidence to the address he'll be staying at."

Moments later, a few counterspells and enchanted keys unlocked the heavy bonds from his person, allowing him free movement once more. "You know, I think I pull orange off pretty well....Mind if I keep it?" he then asked, the two guards just shaking their heads as Ric laughed, "Hey, come on, lighten up! I got exonerated! That's a reason to party!" He then cupped his hands over his mouth and shouted as people began to file out, "Free lap dances and endless shots for everyone that wants it! WHoooooooo!"

And within moments, he was back next to Stella. "So....I guess I owe you an apology, little lady. I'm not really good at this, but you saved my fucking ass today. So...Yeah. Thanks...I guess." Ric then told her a little nervously; it wasn't like him to rely on others. He honestly thought she was just going to be thrown under the bus, but she pulled through for him.

 

[Chai]

RE: Playing the Game [ Ariamella & Razgriz ]

Washington, D.C
Mid-December​

"Hm? Oh, well, it's fine," Stella said, still in a daze over what had happened. "You can get on my nerves, but you don't deserve to die. I did tell you I would find a way to get you out." She suspected Zeus would be just as upset with her as he was with Ric, yet she knew he wouldn't care enough to actually fix things with his wife. Once the scandal blew over, he would be right back in the game, and his wife would be subjected to the cheating once more. And as for herself... she felt nothing for Zeus now, the usual tug of of fondness for him now completely gone. There was something about the way he had looked at her... but she couldn't place it, nor did she want to try right now.

Instead, she fully turned to the warlock beside her, offering him a small smile. "I should be thanking you too, actually. I'm not completely out of the water for having been caught like that, especially since it's Zeus, but people will just have to get over it, I guess. Really, I... That... meant a lot to me," she finalized, her words now just as awkward as his. Then she laughed, "But thanks for telling everyone I had a massive thing for him. You know Adrian will never let me live it down now that it's been, like, officially confirmed." The princess seemed to pause in thought, reflecting over the recent events that had happened, before carefully saying, "You... are a good person, Ric. A little too lewd and, er, not entirely so refined, but a good person all the same. Thanks." It seemed Aneira was right about him. At least, her claims of Ric being a golden boy held some truth to it. Obviously, some part of him felt the need to return the favor, his words painting Zeus as a uncontrollable sex fiend, and Stella just another victim in his game. Respect given where it was earned, she guessed.

Then Stella left him in search of her parents, only to find them standing and talking with Benedict. Adrian was standing off to the side, phone in hand as he tried to ignore their conversation, but each time his thumb paused on the screen, it was obvious that he was eavesdropping. And once Stella approached, she could hear their voices die down when they noticed her.

"Stella!" Soyeon was beside herself with worry, hugging her daughter and stroking her hair. "Are you alright? Of course you're not alright, you must be feeling awful! My baby, put on the spot and humiliated for everyone to see." She hugged her daughter even closer, muttering a string of words in Korean. Something about not trusting dirty dogs, and something else about Zeus following in his mother's footsteps. The apple didn't fall far from the tree, it seemed. Then she looped her arm through Lorencio's own and looked up fondly at her husband. "Who taught her how to make sacrifices like that? Our baby girl is all grown up."

Benedict shook his head and sighed, giving the Princess an apologetic smile. "As Head of House, please accept my sincerest apologies. I know Zeus is a handful, and as much as it pains me to say, I definitely know I could have done a better job at keeping a closer eye on him. I thought it was just a phase he would grow out of once he was married, but..." He sighed once more. "A disappointment for House Ellison."

"Don't be sorry," Stella said, "it was my fault too. I let my feelings get the better of me. I guess I just figured..."

"Well, now we all know that childhood crush never went away," Adrian interrupted with a stupid grin on his face, earning a glare from both his father and Lorencio. "What? Okay, sorry, I'm just trying to lighten up the mood. Listen Stella, he's my brother and all, but even I know he's a giant douche." His eyes softened somewhat, and then he added, "You can do better than that, trust me."

Stella nodded; thankfully they all seemed to be very supportive, even those that approached her later and either congratulated her (for what, she didn't even know) or offered their condolences. But then again, these were her friends. And while both her parents were going to keep this scandal contained and on the down-low, she knew there were Council members and other Houses that would use it against her. But she would cross that bridge when she got there; right now there was something else she needed to take care of...

A few minutes later, she returned to Ric's side. "Hey... I had a special request from someone who wanted to see you, if you were freed. And I keep my word, so..." Then she stepped to the side and nodded, another woman coming into view. The elf, Eria, who's face changed from neutrality to elation when she set her eyes on the warlock.

 

[Razgriz]

RE: Playing the Game [ Ariamella & Razgriz ]

Ric just stood away from the crowd, arms crossed as he waited for the rest of these snobs to file on out of here. And when the last person left, he made his exit too; last he checked, he wasn't bound to this girl anymore. Which meant he was a free man....And there was A LOT he had to catch up on. But first, he figured he would treat himself to a good hard drink and a fine woman; he was sure there were more than a few that did worse than Stella. And would have no qualms about him bedding them, even if he was a Dreg.

But before he could make it far past the door, he heard someone approaching him; pausing, he then turned and saw Stella standing before him. Talking about someone that wanted to see him; he honestly had no clue who it could have been. Until she stepped aside and showed him: Erirmona Leratis. Heir to the Leritas clan's High Elder position. And being as young as she was would make her the earliest ascendant to that level of responsibility.

"Ricendithas!" she then exclaimed after her eyes practically lit up like perfectly-cut rubies, rushing forward and embracing him strongly. Something that caught the warlock completely off guard as he held his arms up in surprise, shoulders hunched as he tried to process what was going on. "Thank goodness you're free; I know you're a bit rough, but I knew you couldn't have done that to Adenji..." she then murmured, nuzzling her face into the nape of his neck. "Uh, yeah...Good to see you too" Ric responded half-heartedly, asking then "What are you doing here, Eria? Isn't there a ceremony that you have to attend?"

The gorgeous Elven maiden stepped back and giggled, "Oh wow, it's been so long since I told you about that I'm surprised you remember. No no, that ceremony finished only a few moons ago. It was glorious...I won't lie I missed having you there." Ricendithas did spend a fair bit of time at her father's place; though after what he'd done, he knew that Elder Leratis was all too eager for the two of them to be wed. Plus, it seemed the chocolate-skinned beauty was fairly smitten with him, leading Ric to wonder just what was wrong with her.

"You still didn't answer my question though..." Ric then added, to which Eria giggled again, "Sorry, I just couldn't wait to see...But I came back because I wished to see if you were still at interested in marrying me." This certainly made just about everyone stop in their tracks; the ornaments she wore were a clear enough indicator of her authority even among the Ten, but her dress suggested she was someone of supreme importance regardless.

"Did I just hear that right?"

"She wants to marry HIM?"

"Ew, who'd marry a Dreg...Leave it to the pointy-eared to desire the trash."

"I dunno...He is dashing in that cold-blooded rogueish way" "Oh, Maria get a bib. We can see you drooling."

"Lucky bastard..."

Almost instantly the whispers stopped from the trial and shifted to the current situation. The warlock could only stand there dumbfounded, looking at her with an expression that could only be described as flabbergasted shock. "You...want to me marry me...." Ric trailed off, trying to form words; Eria just started to talk excitedly, "Yes! The ceremony will be perfect! Oh, I've got it all planned out, you're going to love it....And don't worry, my father already approves, so you won...."

"Are you seriously this fucking stupid?"

That one statement shut her up on the spot, her red eyes wide as she was broken from her daydreaming. "R..Ric, I don't under..." she started to say, her words failing her as Ric continued, "Of course you don't, you idiotic child. I was just released from being accused of killing the King. The KING, you dunce." Eria couldn't even talk anymore, tears pricking the corners of her eyes as Ric continued, "If you knew HALF of the things I've done, you wouldn't want to see me EVER again. If you knew even one iota more about me than those few days showed, you would see how small-minded and childish your fantasy is."

He then stepped it up another notch, people's expressions ranging from largely shocked to downright angry, "I am not your knight in shining armor. I am not the hero of your people, of your King. If I am your idea of a perfect husband, then you seriously have a lot to learn and even more to realize. Because the truth is, I'm a lost cause. So go on...Beat it." Eria just stood her, her eyes watering at this relentless assault and him telling her to get lost. "Ric....How can you say that? I know you hurt, but I can be there..." she tried to say, until the warlock seemed to charge forward and drive a flat-hand straight towards her throat, stopping just inches before the surface, the hand itself covered in molten fire.

Her voice died right there, feeling the heat from his magic pouring off, a small swallow leaving her as Ric then said, "Would your ideal husband do that to you...Would he even make a move like this against a woman that would disregard every flaw he was? Probably not." He then pushed a little closer, the tip of his fiery digits just just barely grazing her throat. "So I will tell you this once and only once. Nothing is ever going to happen between us."

Eria's heart felt like it was going to break; what had so corrupted this man that he would deny a woman that loved him? Was he really so scared of loss that he would push her away? Regardless, she choked as she tried to hold back her cries of anguish. She then reached up and slapped him across the face, a red handprint quite visible on the skin. "You foolish man...." she whispered hoarsely, sniffling a little as she then clenched her teeth before shouting, "I...I hate you! I offer you my heart and you don't even give a chance!" Her eyes were closed and she then just took off running, leaving the spectators in stunned silence as the warlock disengaged his technique. No one could speak at the moment; what would they even say to him?

 

[Chai]

RE: Playing the Game [ Ariamella & Razgriz ]

Washington, D.C
Mid-December​

Stella could only stare in disbelief, shock and surprise as Eria left the room. There was so much to process that she could barely keep up, trying to work it out in her mind during the moments of awkward, oh-so-awkward silence that followed the little scene. Obviously, Eria and Ric had some sort of history, but it was hard to tell if it was good or bad based off the small exchange. What was even more interesting was that Eria wanted to marry him, exclaimed her love for him, and even had her father's approval for the marriage. As far as Stella knew, Ric liked him some beautiful women (or maybe he just liked vagina; he didn't seem all too picky to her), so why would he turn this one down? A pretty damn stupid move on his part, but she kept her mouth shut and just waited.

"Well, I mean, I'm not an expert in relationships or anything, but let me tell you something, man," Adrian finally broke the silence, his tactless ass attempting to make light of the situation by cracking a joke, "that was the wrong choice. Clearly. If you look up the definition of 'fool' in the dictionary, your picture would be there. And it would redirect to 'stupid,' probably. Seriously, Ric, I don't even...."

Many of the older Society members also looked lost and confused at the situation, unable to hide their expressions. "Adrian..." Benedict warned his son after clearing his throat, putting a hand on his shoulder to pull him back as if afraid that Ric would have another outburst much like he did at the Ellisons' estate.

"What? Have you even heard the guy speak? C'mon, he can take a joke. He cracks 'em endlessly himself," Adrian countered, but the damage had already been done. Other similar comments now began to spring up, people looking down on the warlock for having so publicly and harshly rejected the Elf. And their tones of voice did not hold the same teasing quality that Adrian's had. Rather, they criticized the Dreg for his actions, some calling him even worse than Zeus. And what a change it was from the previous commentary:

"I can't believe he threatened to kill her."

"We knew Dregs were stupid, but this just confirms it goes deeper than we ever thought. What a tool."

"At least Zeus never laid his hand on a woman like that."

"Yeah, he deserved that slap and more!"

"Oh yeah, Maria, real dashing alright."

More people shook their heads and shot him rude looks as they finally continued their way out, grumbling about him being released. Even Soyeon's lips quirked up in a half-smile at the derogatory words, unable to hide her contempt for the Dreg. But it was Lorencio that finally approached him, saying, "That was quite the display, Mr. Wolfswift. On a side note... Well, I'm not sure if it matters to you that you've probably made a mistake."

"A huge one," Adrian chimed in, "and I mean, so big I'm not even sure if it's possible to recover. You're never getting married now, man." He grinned at Ric, and then at Stella, before looking down at his phone to see an incoming call from Zeus. "And speaking of marriages... I'll see you guys later," he offered his goodbyes and stepped out of the room, leaving the Durantes and Benedict with the warlock and the few remaining people.

"Anyway..." Lorencio turned to Ric and continued, "if you could, please refrain from such actions. My daughter just risked her own reputation to save yours. The least you could do is act civilized while we're here, yes? She's been through hell and back these past few weeks, and I'm sure the last thing we all want to feel is the sense of regret at letting you roam free. Well, not free. There is the matter of the contract, not to mention the others who did, in fact, want you gone. I'm assuming you've made some enemies over the years, Mr. Wolfswift."

"Some?" Stella almost snorted, characteristically rolling her eyes. "I'm sure there were more than just the two who hated him. Well, three, if you count Eria." She smirked at Ric, immediately falling into the familiar teasing and insults from before. But even with the bite in her tone, the usual edge was taken away. And her eyes displayed the same kinder emotions; she still didn't like him, but after Keenan, she could find one or two things to respect and appreciate about him. "You don't know about that... do you?"

 

[Razgriz]

RE: Playing the Game [ Ariamella & Razgriz ]

Ric just stood there for a while, hearing the sneers and jeers at his stupidity; maybe he was stupid. But they were even stupider for not seeing the very clear reason why he did what he did. So even when he heard the snark, he didn't bother replying, just watching the exit intently as Eria ran off. And truthfully, it was the most painful thing he had to do since scattering his mother's ashes. And if one bothered to look closely, they would a vestige of tears forming in his eyes, the lids watering ever so slightly.

He then took a deep breath through his nose, like he was enjoying the free air, and just chuckled as Lorencio referred back to the contract. "Really now...It was me being assigned to her that got me in this mess. What makes you think I'll want to go back after you so carelessly threw me away?" Lorencio's tone sharpened, "Because you were thought as and did act like a guilty man, Wolfswift. You would do well to remember it was your actions that led to your imprisonment." Ric just snorted, "Suuuuure, it was all me. I guess we're just overlooking the fact that your bigotry let a wolf into the sheep's pen after all was said and done?"

The elder Durante had no reply to this; though he wondered about the sureness in the mage's tone. "You know something don't you?" Lorencio then queried pointedly, to which Ric replied while still keeping his back turned, "I might...But with how rudely you're addressing me, I'm not entirely sure you deserve to know." Benedict at this point had enough, "Wolfswift, after all of this, you're still acting like a little punk? Honestly, looking at you reminds all too much of Zeus! Little shit was hardly ever grateful for anything, always toyed with people and made their lives miserable!"

He then pulled out a length of ebony, its middle lined with sapphires rimmed in gold, and pointed it right at the mage. "I don't normally use this, but you're going to tell me what you know. And give Stella's family a lead...Now." he then pointed out threateningly, holding the wand which now crackled with electricity. "Old friend, please...Not here, let us find somewhere...." Lorencio then started to beg his friend, only for Ric to interject "You plan to turn your wand into a lightning rod...How primitive, but I applaud you in such devastating magic...." Ric then chuckled, his visible green eye turning to look at them.

"But you really shouldn't broadcast your intent like that....It winds up getting you killed." he then muttered, the pair now encircled in black flames. A sight that already was causing the few MLA soldiers to come rushing over, only to be blocked by fire as well. "I wouldn't recommend touching that by the way...This isn't your ordinary charcoal flame, after all" Ric explained, holding a handout and Benedict's wand zipping out with him shouting "Hey!" before it flew into Ric's hand. Where after a moment of brief interest, the mage cast it into the fire, the entire wand being swallowed in a matter of seconds and disappearing.

"The hell..." one of the MLA soldiers stuttered, Ric grinning as he added "See there's no ash? Not even the remote smell of burning wood? That's because this fire consumes whatever it touches until there's nothing left. Not even a shadow for you all to remember it by." Lorencio then shouted, "What do you want, Ric? We can work something out, we won't have you arrested! Just give us a chance!"

 

[Chai]

RE: Playing the Game [ Ariamella & Razgriz ]

Washington, D.C
Mid-December​

"If he wants to fight, let him fight!" Benedict exclaimed, his hands glowing blue in response to Ric's aggression. It was obvious who would likely come out the winner, but Ric killing Benedict also meant that her would be captured once more and immediately sent for execution. There would be no defense for him then, and not even Stella would be able to save him from the claims that he murdered a royal Society member in cold blood.

But this couldn't happen, something even her father knew as he went so far as to offer Ric whatever he wanted. With Ric dead, there would be no other leads to figuring out who Rex was and what he wanted with the princess, and that was something Lorencio wouldn't give up. Hell, that was something Stella wouldn't even give up.

She sighed; it was the first day she had seen or talked with Ric in weeks, and already he was proving to be a giant headache. But maybe it didn't have to be such a headache...

Then she opened up a mental link, her mind tentatively reaching out over the room. She could have done it individually, but at this point it was obvious that everyone was a little strung up. Ric was releasing his anger the only way he knew how, and Benedict had his magic up in defense, an od mixture of determination and terror on his face. Her mother was seething to herself while attempting to pull Stella to her, a murderous look on her face, no doubt from the fact that in her mind, the big bad Dreg was putting her precious baby in danger. And then there was Lorencio; Stella was sure that if her father looked any more stressed, he'd be aging another year every minute. It definitely made more sense to put everyone at ease, even if it was artificial and through magic. Not that she thought anyone would be complaining about it, anyhow.

"Stella..." her father said nervously, knowing what his daughter was doing even before he could feel the subtle change. This particular ability of hers was something of a secret, kept under wraps if only because they knew how many of the other Houses would react. Some of them would likely accuse her of using it to get her way, never mind the fact that the most of them would also be able to detect the mental intrusion before she got anywhere far with it. Still, it was decided that it was best to keep word of it within the family given that it was rare magic anyway. While not entirely understood how empaths were able to change the brain chemistry of those around them—perhaps the magic caused a sudden increase in certain neurotransmitters—it was acknowledged that it could be quite a powerful force given the right circumstances. And stranger still was the fact that some empaths were able to pick up on others' emotions or even share their own.

"Why don't we all just sit and talk it out like the adults I know we are?" The princess asked calmly with her arms crossed in front of her chest, standing at the edge of the fiery black circle, taking care not to get too close. She didn't want to accidentally burn herself and disappear into oblivion, after all. "Ric. Benedict. The both of you should relax, find your inner peace... You guys are stressing out for nothing." At her words, she could see the Head of House Ellison relax his shoulders, though fear was still plainly written on his face, and he hadn't released his hold on his magic. Then giving another gentle prod, she mentally willed him to let go, now noticing his straightened posture and the lack of the blue ball of energy that had previously surrounded his left hand.

Better, much better.

Then turning her attention to Ric, Stella uncrossed her arms and walked around the ring of black flame until she was looking almost directly at her former bodyguard. Or soon-to-be bodyguard, as she and her father hoped. "You don't need all that, Ric. No one is here to throw you back in prison. You're not getting arrested. You can trust me a little bit more today, can't you? I did free you like I said I would."

"But Princess..." One of the MLA soldiers stuttered, his fear apparently stronger than her calming atmosphere that now blanketed the room.

Stella only shook her head, repeating, "No one's getting arrested. Everyone's experienced a stressful past few weeks, including him. And I think it'd be really great if nobody died, yeah? Plus..." She focused on the warlock in front of her, suspecting that even he wouldn't be able to block the magic from reaching his mind. Not in this state, at least, with the Veritas still fresh and working, taking a toll on his mental defenses. "Plus, this is just a little spat, isn't it, Ric? Totally meaningless. You can talk this out with us, can't you? Look, Benedict isn't fighting you anymore. We're begging you to at least listen... You can do that for us, right?" Well, she wasn't begging, but her father was, and hopefully her empath magic was enough to get Ric to cool it.

 

[Razgriz]

RE: Playing the Game [ Ariamella & Razgriz ]

Ricendithas stood there, having turned to face Lorencio and Benedict; the things he could let this flame do to them. Slow or quick, from the outside or the inside, burst their eyeballs, the possibilities were deliciously endless. And how bad off would the world be with two less Council snobs? He certainly wouldn't mind, and he'd killed people for far less. "You would do well not to aggravate me, Sir Dicnmouth. You do realize this fire is something I control...Right?" he then taunted; oh yes, the man seemed all too eager to fight him, high as the chance was he would lose spectacularly.

However, Stella then intervened, her ability as an empath already working its effects; and with the Veritas still rushing through his system the warlock simply didn't have the mental resources to counter it. So her influence easily overwhelmed him, forcing him to chill out and start to relax. Letting out a sigh, he then replied, "I suppose not; thank your stars that this stupid truth juice is still screwing with my head." And with a wave of his hands, the black flames vanished; though Benedict's wand was gone, at least he had his life.

"Ric....Do you think you would reconsider taking on the bodyguard role again? With how nearly Stella was lost to us, well, I think it goes without saying that you're our best shot for her getting to the Throne." Lorencio then asked, to which Ric crossed his arms and bowed his head, eyes closed in thought as he tapped his left bicep with his pointer finger. He then gave a huff of defeat, raising his head once more to stare at House Durante's head member, "Fine....But we're having some serious negotiations for this."

*A FEW HOURS LATER, AT THE DURANTE'S ESTATE. TUSCAN COUNTRYSIDE, ITALY*​

Ric was escorted through the Renaissance-style mansion, designed much like the others but with its own set of twists and little details that made it clear the Durantes owned this establishment. Only thing it was good for was firewood, Ric thought to himself, but kept his mouth shut. And soon enough, the four of them were seated in Lorencio's office, Soyeon having left to take care of some errands; of course, it was more than obvious that she just did not want to be anywhere around this lecherous womanizer.

"Alright so, you have some demands, I take it?" Benedict then asked, sitting back in the cushy lounge-chair. The warlock just grinned, "Oh you bet I do, and I think I deserve them." Lorencio pinched his nose and took a deep breath, shaking his head ever so slightly as he replied with "Just tell us, Wolfswift, and we'll see what we can do to work them into the new contract." Ric could only laugh, "First things first.." but Lorencio cut him off "And there is anything regarding my daughter, you can just forget about those!" And the Italian was deathly serious, like he would truly decimate this pervert if he tried anything at all.

"Well darn, there goes every single demand I've got..You give poor me no wiggle room do you?" Ric then smirked, adding "No, I know better than to take advantage of her like this, not I imagine she would go along with it anyway. Probably just tell me a buy a courtesan or something for the night to entertain myself....SPEAKING OF WHICH". He paused as he raised his left pointer finger, "At Stella's house, one room will be mine. It will not be the smallest one and it will not be the cellar., and I will be allowed to enchant it so that I may have my privacy." Lorencio and Benedict both quirked a brow, the former nodding "OK, that seems reasonable. Next?" Ric raised a second finger, "I will be allowed to practice magic while inside; I don't need your daughter interrupting me during a ritual or anything like that, or have anyone barging in wondering what I'm doing."

Now that was treading dangerous water; while Council families were given some leeway in how much freedom they could give to Dreg servants, it wasn't exactly advised to allow one, let alone someone as powerful as Wolfswift, any measurable freedom in casting spells. However, given the dire circumstances, it was probably better to let him do what he wanted with magic. He could always have an MLA agent covertly watching or something if the need arose. "Fine, but we'll need to hammer out the specifics. Anything else?"

Ric then raised his ring finger, "Your daughter will treat me to a delightful meal once a week. If her lasagna was any indication, she's got some serious talent. She may make whatever she likes, but it has to be home-cooked and it must be made that day unless I request we go out somewhere. No reheating days-old leftovers or ordering out otherwise." Lorencio's brows furrowed; well, it wasn't sexual at least. But there was still the issue of the chain of command.

"While I appreciate you not making overt sexual demands, Mr. Wolfswift, I'm afraid that last one will be entirely up to the Princess. She might not be your master, but neither is she your servant. If anything, it should be you cooking the meals." Benedict then chimed in, to which Ric laughed, "Sorry, I wasn't exactly gifted with your fancy cooking classes, and I didn't develop much in the sense of refined taste in Periculosis. Out there, it was whatever you were given and you had to learn to like it. Otherwise you'd, you know, starve?" Lorencio then sighed and turned to his daughter, "Stella, out of respect for him I ask you consider his request, but you hold final say. Whatever you feel will be best to keep him placated until you reach the Throne."

 

[Chai]

RE: Playing the Game [ Ariamella & Razgriz ]

Tuscany, Italy
Mid-December​

Stella only raised her eyebrows in surprise, shooting Ric a curious glance. She was sure that he was going to pick some condition that was wildly lewd and sexual, especially since he already knew that she could get sexual. But cooking wasn't so bad, especially since it was something she did anyway. "I can do that," she said after only a moment of thought, much to Benedict's surprise. Laughing a little bit, she continued, "But however much I make that night is it. I'll be cooking enough for the two us... Not whatever army is inside your stomach, yeah?" Then she crossed her arms and leaned back against the wall, continuing to pretend that she was only mildly interested in the conversation at hand. In truth, she had some conditions of her own that she wanted to change, but she decided not to bring them up until later.

"Well... I suppose that settles it then," Lorencio finalized, sharing a quick side glance with his friend. Both he and Benedict knew Stella was easy-going for most things, but they both seemed to be surprised by how easily she agreed to Wolfswift's strange request. But with the terms of the negotiations set, and Lorencio leaned back in his chair, satisfied with how things turned out. His only concern was if Ric had a sexual demand that involved his daughter, but seeing as the warlock had chosen not to pursue that request, there was nothing really to worry about.

He folded his hands in his lap, now planning to go over specifics of what they all wanted, when there was a sharp rap on his office door. A second later, it opened to Soyeon popping her head in the doorway. Her eyes flicked over to the Dreg, a brief look of disgust flashing across her features before she turned back to her husband. "A word, dear? Alone," she asked, her eyes now moving to Benedict. And then facing her daughter, she smiled and said, "Stella, would you mind taking Ric outside for a second? Show him around the villa, or—" she paused abruptly, seeming to think better of the suggestion, and then continued. "Actually, just take him outside to wait." Then she stared expectantly at everyone, until Benedict made the first move to stand.

"I'll get a bottle of wine for all of us," he said abruptly, pushing his chair back and nodding at Soyeon before walking past her to exit the room.

Then Stella followed suit, tugging Ric by his sleeve with a quiet, "Let's go," before standing in the entrance and ushering the warlock out. Soyeon took a wide step to the side as he left, as if repulsed by the very idea that he might accidentally brush against her on his way out. Ric and the princess were then left standing in the broad, open hallway that looked down onto the first floor foyer, Stella having closed the door to her father's office before facing her bodyguard. From this view, the interior of the villa looked very uniform: white marble floors and off-white walls with arching doorways and windows that fell in line with the architecture. There was a taste of Renaissance Italy in the decor, just as lush and opulent as the historical period that influenced much of the home.

"You wanna grab a bite to eat?" Stella suggested after a moment of awkward silence, running a hand through her hair and gathering it to one side. After the recent events that had passed, it was somewhat difficult for her to gauge where the two of them stood with each other, but she would play it safe for the time being. "If I take you there, just try not to, well, touch anything. Some of this stuff are 15th century antiques, passed down through generations of the Durante fam—" Her voice cut off as her ears picked up the angry female voice of her mother floating outside from behind the closed door.

"I can't believe you!" Soyeon's voice was muffled slightly by the walls but audible nonetheless. "Did you not hear? Were you not there during that trial?"

"Do we have a choice, So? Stella's life is in danger. I think we can learn to give a little in order to keep her safe."

"Over 300 women, Lorencio, 300! I refuse to let that... that... that beast around my baby girl!" She was seething, huffing at her husband as she said the words.

Outside, Stella only raised an eyebrow and shot Ric a side glance, fighting to keep a straight face. It was beyond obvious how much her mother despised the Dreg, but somehow Stella had a feeling that this didn't particularly bother him. He must have found it amusing to say the least.

"Enough, Soyeon," Lorencio said firmly, and then he sighed. "The magic of the contract has enough protection against his wandering hands. But what would you prefer: the loss of the Dreg as a guard, or the loss of our daughter? I fully intend to give her the best protection possible, and right now, Wolfswift is the best we have. I'm not going to test fate by letting another Melchior into our lives. No... it's for the best that Wolfswift stays."

There was a moment of silence, and Stella knew that it was an indication that Soyeon had acknowledged the truth in his words, though she was still very much upset. The Durante husband and wife exchanged an additional string of murmurs too quiet for the princess and her bodyguard to hear, and then after a minute, the door swung open.

"Stella, if the two of you could come inside?" Soyeon called out, waiting until both Stella and Ric were in the study before speaking again. But this time, she addressed Ric directly, giving him a long, hard stare before saying, "Understand that if you make one move against our daughter, and there will be no one to save you from your guaranteed execution, Mr. Wolfswift. Let me be abundantly clear when I say that if you even do so much as to lay a finger on her, your life will end. Remember this," she finished, standing from her chair and brusquely striding out of the study.

Lorencio also stood, leaning against the front of his desk. "I would apologize, but I cannot fault a mother for being concerned for her child. But if this all we need to discuss, the two of you are free to go. Any last requests, Ricendithas? Speak now or forever hold your peace....?"

"Actually, I want some changes too," Stella said suddenly, rushing forward with her request before her father could say anything. "I want the distance restriction either lifted or increased, but hear me out first! First of all, I feel like I have no personal space when we travel. I don't want to feel like he's just attached to me. We're still separate people. Secondly, forcing me to be connected to him at a short distance puts me in danger, like what happened in Japan. I want him to be close enough to protect me, but I don't really want a front row seat to the show."

Lorencio looked carefully at his daughter, folding his hands together and then turning to Ric. "And your thoughts on the matter, Wolfswift?"

 

[Razgriz]

RE: Playing the Game [ Ariamella & Razgriz ]

Ricendithas stood after this meeting was adjourned, disinterestedly looking around the room as he then followed Stella out into the main room. He hadn't missed Soyeon giving him the stink eye; if anything, it only brightened his mood that he'd managed to ruffle her feathers so nicely. And while they were going down the stairs, Ric just looked about while ignoring her little tryst about not touching anything. "Do I look like some common thief?" he muttered, his visible green eye shooting downstairs as he heard the argument. One that made his bemused smirk turn into a grin that make the Cheshire Cat jealous.

"So I sleep with a few women and suddenly I'm a beast....Think that's the nicest compliment she's ever given me." he joked upon entering the room, seeing Soyeon herself march up to him, her lips pursed as she gave him quite the death glare as she told him what would happen if he touched her daughter. And whether she believed it or not, he knew better than to harm with a family's child, joke about doing such as he might. That was something he would never do unless the situation somehow absolutely called for it. Of course...There'd been a few 'daddy girls' that didn't seem to mind him getting handsy.

"Sorry, I think I temporarily went deaf during her tirade...So I have no clue what you're talking about." he joked, pausing as Stella then stood up and made her demand. Something that caught the father off-guard, but something Ric knew was coming down the pipe. "Well, well...Look at you working the angles. I'm impressed, Star." he grinned at her, earning a less than pleased stern glance from the Head of the House. "What? It's a compliment, I swear." he added on in a playful tone, Lorencio sighing, "Yes, yes, but please answer my question. What do you think about her argument?"

Ric stroked his chin a little, arms crossed over the orange jumpsuit covering his chest, stating "She makes good points. And it's not like I can't track her even if she wants to hide herself, should she get in trouble somehow. Frankly, I wasn't too fond of the distance restriction either. I say get rid of the damn thing myself...My question to you is, what do YOU think? You're the one who's going to have to do all the revision paperwork." At this Lorencio raised a brow, Ric chuckling, "You think this is the first time I've been hired as a bodyguard? Wasn't for a Councilor's daughter, but a princess all the same...Turns out she liked me a little too much, and Daddy didn't like that. Tried to revise the contract, but daughter said either keep it or she was leaving with me. I saved 'em both the trouble and just told them to return me, something her father was more than eager to do."

Lorencio's brow raised again, Ric shooting him a wink and saying "Hey, I'm not just some beast between the sheets. I know better than to cause 'too much' trouble in the house." At this, Lorencio couldn't help but smile a bit, replying "Very well...But before I go, Wolfswift, I believe you promised me you would say something about Melchior." Ric just laughed, "Suppose I did, didn't I? Well, you threw me a bone, so I'll throw you one. But not too much of one, since I don't really know much about him. An earth-arcana mage, real name Moonlight Sparrow. I remember a long time ago, a friend of mine and I were in a bar, and this jackass has this smoking hot 11 all over him. And what does he do? Punches her in the tits and tells her to get lost, then left in a storm after everyone started calling him gay and mocked his folks for being hippies."

At this, Lorencio coughed, "Well...That was quite the tale..." Just then, he was interrupted by a shrill squawk. Lorencio held up his left pointer and reached into a pocket, pulling out what looked like a pocketwatch. Flipping it open, one could see the set shard of aquamarine in its silver lid, with what appeared to be a glass-lined chamber on the other half. Words appeared on it, something that made the Italian sigh heavily. "Seems the wine will have to wait; that was the MLA Espionage Unit. Wolfswift, is it alright if I share what you just told me?" Ric just shrugged, "Does it look like I can say no?" making Lorencio nod and add, "Very good...Please behave yourself, and I will have a revised contract by tonight at the latest. Stella, don't mind if I drop by and borrow your bodyguard's attention for a few minutes."

And just like that, Lorencio vanished as he teleported away. "Everyone's always in such a hurry. Well, guess it's just you and me, Princess...What say we go relax at your place for a while?"

A FEW DAYS LATER​

Ricendithas Wolfswift, a man charged with capital murder and exonerated of all charges. At least that was all the headlines were talking about, many of the broadcasters not bothering to hide the fact that they also disliked Dregs. "You think they'd try to hide their contempt a little, yeah?" Ric muttered lazily as he lazed on the sofa. He was back in his full armor, heavy black coat about his shoulders and the blue-white runes luminous as ever. It really good to be back, even though he thought he pulled off jailhouse orange quite nicely.

And with the new contract signed and sealed, Ric was free to make the changes he wanted to his own quarters: A quite-sizable guest bedroom that he re-decorated for his own use. A bookshelf lined with tomes and texts from a collection he kept hidden from anyone but himself, a small self-heating, adjustable-temperature cauldron that was a hand-me-down from Stella's studies, and of course for his own pleasures, complete sound-proofing of the room. That wasn't to say that he didn't do some work around the house as well; he placed a spirit barrier around the estate such that those in spectral form could not enter. He also set hex traps on the roof and some of the less used windows in the cellar, as well as in the fireplace should anyone try to mimic jolly old Saint Nick.

"So, what do you think, Stella? I still the big bad wolf of this whole thing?" he joked at her, only for the doorbell to suddenly ring. Looking at the clock and back out the window to see that the twilight colors of evening were upon them, Ric just muttered, "Stay here...I'll go see who it is." Someone coming at this hour was highly suspect; and though Ric was confident in his ability...He still had a contract to abide by. Walking quite silently, he ghosted his way across the hall with a palm alit in flame in case things went south.

However, he would find himself quite surprised when he peeped through the eyehole, his fire extinguishing himself as he opened the door. "A little late for a booty-call, ain't it?" he then joked, a girlish giggle erupting as he found himself smothered. "I never recall you having hours of availability, Ric! Don't tell me you're an old geezer just using a charm to make yourself look handsome!"

 

[Chai]

RE: Playing the Game [ Ariamella & Razgriz ]

Colorado Springs, CO
Mid-December​

Things seemed to fall into place nicely in the days following the trial. It wasn't perfect, but at least nobody was threatening each other or admitting to wanting to kill each other. It was almost a breath of fresh air to have him back. Stella wasn't particularly fond of having to stay at her parents' place, and she was more than happy that she was able to return to her own home. It was much less busy than the Durante Villa, and there were no annoying reporters who seemed to pop up everywhere she went.

The one thing she did miss about Ric's month of absence was that Keenan usually took care of the small, daily activities so that she didn't have to worry about them: food, whatever the schedule was that day, always offering to help where he could. But Keenan also turned out to be a raging dickhead of a liar; just thinking about him was enough to make her blood boil, her sense of annoyance and anger spiking up irrationally as she was reminded of the betrayal. That simple fact was more than enough reason as to why she preferred Ric over that asshole. And so far, Ric was behaving himself. Maybe if the two of them tried hard enough, this period of peace would last.

"Sure, sure," Stella called out belatedly, replying even though Ric had already left the room. It was an easy first few days of living together again, and even Stella had been feeling carefree and lazy. She was lounging about in sweatpants and a tank top, curled up under a thick blanket and seated in a chair near the fireplace. In front of her, a notebook was open, and a pen was scribbling across the page seemingly by its own accord. She was only jotting down some simple ideas and plans for the coming weeks—something she had actually wanted to ask Ric about. And she had looked up, just about to call him, when she heard giggles float through her house.

Stella could hear Rowena's lively voice all the way from the entrance, and though she couldn't make out the words, she could tell the witch was obviously very excited. Looking up just as the Ric and Rowena made their way to the living room, Stella paused in her train of thought, the pen also coming to an abrupt stop. "Hey Rowena," she greeted Adrian's bodyguard with a bright smile and a wave, sitting up straighter in her chair. Much of the initial animosity that they had expressed for each other upon first impression had already faded into nothing, especially since the Ellison and Durante families had been spending much more time with each other. "How's it going? You and Adrian still spending the rest of winter here?"

Rowena nodded, a curious twinkle in her eyes. "I was pretty surprised, considering what's recently come to the pubic light, and also 'cause Adrian's close to his brother. But he seemed pretty eager get away from his family business and back to his personal vacation. The boy does what he wants, but I always keep him in check." She winked at the end, which made the princess laugh.

"I think he likes it, to be honest," Stella joked, shaking her head and peeling the blanket off, stretching her limbs as she settled back into the seat.

"Anyway," Rowena continued, "I'm just here to catch up and talk with Ric for a little bit, if that's okay? Haven't seen this crazy bastard in a while, and I definitely want to hear some of the horror stories from Siberia." Her eyes shifted to the warlock beside her, and a wide grin split her face.

"Sure, sure, that's totally fine! It's not like we're busy or anything. Catch up all you want." And before the two Dregs walked away, Stella added, "And Ric? If you need me later on, I'll probably be in the library." Then the princess looked down at her notebook once more, the pen beginning to scribble across the page again as the two Dregs exited the room.

* * * * * *​

"She's nice and all, but I don't think you'll be needing her later on," Rowena giggled and shot Ric a flirtatious look as they walked toward the staircase. She was looking around the home, mildly surprised to see how sparsely decorated everything was in comparison to the Ellisons' place, and even Adrian's apartment in Denver. And while Stella didn't strike her as the kind of person to fill her living space with unnecessary lavishness, she had expected the place to be a little more filled out. Still, the features of the home hinted at money, something she knew that the Durantes—and all the other Council families—had plenty of. "Isn't it crazy that the Council has this much? And they spend it like it's nothing? Still though, I'd rather watch over Adrian than be stuck in prison again. I don't miss that place."

She was walking up the stairs in front of Ric, when she suddenly paused as she reached the landing. She spun around just as the man ran into her, her ample breasts pressing against his chest and making her cleavage look even more delicious under the neckline of her low-cut sweater. "I did miss this, though," Rowena said, a smirk lifting her face and her green eyes swimming with a sultry gaze. Her fingers were splayed out on his shirt, traveling up his chest and to his shoulders as she stood on her tip-toes to gently nip at his ear. "Definitely missed this," she giggled, taking a step back and continuing up the stairs. She was always like this, teasing and savoring the moments of back-and-forth flirtation. And Ric had always been a favorite of hers because he was always so willing to play along, to engage in her little game of temptation. It was such a shame that Princess Durante couldn't pick her men right.

"You know, for a moment I thought you were goner for sure! Some of the other Dregs were actually taking bets on whether you'd make it out of that trial without an immediate death sentence. The outcome was a hell of a lot different than what anyone expected. That girl really has some nerve, I'll give her that... I was so relieved at the end. So excited in fact, that I wanted to show you exactly how much I missed you."

 

[Razgriz]

RE: Playing the Game [ Ariamella & Razgriz ]

"You got that right; teasing Alexei was fun and all, but nothing beats being able to move around. Even if I have to play babysitter to a Council brat." he replied; sure, the place was stark when compared to how he thought - and by consequence, nearly all other Dregs - but there were a few items that had him wondering just how much it cost. Nothing they wouldn't make back in a day...But his mind was elsewhere, his one good eye watching the supple curve of that butt moving with her wide hips. Everything about her screamed seduction to him, her movements calculated and precise, meant entirely for eliciting the lust of the man she was after.

And her deliberate movement to press her rack against his firm torso, feeling the distinct points that told him she didn't have a bra on underneath, only served to make his already lecherous grin even wider. Even more so when she teasingly ran her fingers to his strong shoulders. "Missed a hug, did you?" he whispered back to her, giving a fake bite on her neck as she nipped his ear before going up the stairs, themselves reaching the door to his room: A mahogany slab with a golden plaque towards the top, the words "PRIVATE SUITE OF RICENDITHAS WOLFSWIFT" etched into it.

"Oh, is that right? The other guys had some hope I'd finally stop stealing the spotlight, huh?" he teased back, smiling as she then told him exactly what both of them were thinking. "I still remember your offer from the Chinese restaurant, Rowena; let's just say I was planning on giving you a call. Seems your timing couldn't be better." the warlock replied as he thumped the door twice, letting the pair into the room. While one might expect a Dreg to splurge given the chance, Ric was a man of simple pleasures and his decor showed as such. However, he did treat himself to a little luxury: The bed itself was made from enchanted down, the fabric plush and smooth and with a little of Ric's handiwork self-cleaning. The sheets and covers were fine red silk in gold trim, everything that screamed money.

He then began their little tryst with the simple removal of his cloak, tossing it aside and letting her see the black clothes that hugged his body, the cloth doing quite a lot to hide the fact that he was wearing dragonscale underneath. "But tell me, my dear...What exactly did you plan to do to me? Because I know exactly what I'm going to do to you. Probably should be gentle with me though; been a hot minute since I've seen any action." he lied playfully; both of them were beasts between the sheets, and could handle quite a lot of each other. He then walked up to her and grabbed her butt, squeezing the globes through her pants, pulling her close to him again as he whispered heatedly in her ear, "Don't worry about the bed though; I re-inforced it. Just in case things get wild. Now, how about we get more comfortable and 're-acquaint' ourselves?"

 

[Chai]

RE: Playing the Game [ Ariamella & Razgriz ]

Colorado Springs, CO
Mid-December​

"Mm... I'm already there," Rowena sighed, tilting her head to the side, her wild mane of long red curls falling over her shoulder. Ric's warm breath was tickling her ear and already starting the pool of desire low in her stomach. She'd had more than her fair share of good fucks, but Ric was always something else. He was one of the few men who could keep up with her ravenous sexual appetite, and he never did disappoint when it came to this particular hobby. "Reinforce the bed, did you?" She giggled softly, bringing her hands over his shoulders and behind, playing with the hair above the nape of his neck. She ran her nails softly against the hairline and back of the neck, grinning into his shoulder. "Did you reinforce the house too? It would be a shame for the princess to lose her pretty house because we couldn't control ourselves."

Then she lifted her head and kissed his neck, her lips and tongue tasting his skin as she made a trail starting from the base to his jawline, pausing momentarily as she smiled against his neck and sucked softly on the flesh. She finished with a small nibble and then moved up to his lips, kissing them with the same hunger as she had his neck. If she could have pressed them any closer together, there wasn't a doubt in her mind that she would have. A breathless moan escaped her mouth as Ric kneaded on her shapely ass through her jeans, and she briefly pushed back into his hands before sliding her own hands down his chest and torso. A couple fingers dipped into the band of his pants, pulling his lower body to hers, and then she started to sneak her fingers under his shirt, only to be stopped by the feel of his dragon hide armor.

"Ready even at home, I see," Rowena teased lightly, arching a well-groomed brow and giggling, "Well, that's never been an issue, has it? Just don't keep those on too long—I might just ruin them trying to tear them off of you." She winked and took a step back; her body was alive with arousal: her cheeks were a little bit flushed, eyes sparkling with excitement, and from behind her sweater, two peaks could be seen poking out from underneath the thin fabric. Even with all her clothing still on, most would see her as a sight of pure desire. The kind of woman that most of the uppity Society men fantasized about, she knew. So different from their prim and proper wives who knew nothing about how to properly please a man.

Then the clothes came off. First the sweater, lifting it up and over her head to release her sizable tits, perky despite being large. And then came the jeans and panties, peeling them off her legs and finally stepping out of them. Her body was like an embodiment of lust itself, from her breasts to her thin waist to the hips that always seemed to have men transfixed to her behind. With her tousled red curls, she looked wild and un-tamable, like a lioness about to pounce on her prey. And with a lazy smile, she walked back up to the warlock and hooked two fingers into his belt loops, playfully pulling him toward the bed and giving him a push so that he was sitting at the edge. She sat her naked body into his lap, kissing him again and gently tugging on his bottom lip with her teeth, moaning into his mouth, before her lips found his ear and her hands found the edge of his shirt. "Off," she said in a breathy, impatient tone, hardly able to keep her desire at bay as she tugged upwards.

 

[Razgriz]

RE: Playing the Game [ Ariamella & Razgriz ]

"Call it...a force of habit." he breathed as her full lips touched everywhere, sending illicit shivers down his spine. Of all the women he'd been with, Rowena was one of a select number that could push his buttons like no other. And that was whenever the urges hit, she was almost always his first to call. "Strong as you are, darling, even these straps won't break." he teased, giving her round ass another squeeze before she stepped back, letting him see her in full glory. Even clothed, he just knew these Council jackasses were ogling her, and all that talk was nothing but a crock to make themselves seem better compared to Dregs.

And if she was a ten before, watching her undress was turning it up to twenty. His arousal hidden by the cod-piece of his armor, he could feel it starting to get a little more cramped down south as she peeled off each article slowly and sensually. Her huge chest seemed to defy gravity, the creamy flesh flawless all over. Her belly was flat and smooth, and already he could see her lower lips swollen with need, that tight pussy he knew she had begging to be stretched and filled. His hands would be everywhere, and the lion would not be sleeping much tonight.

And before long, he felt himself trapped beneath the curvaceous beauty, her body pressing into his and her tone that of one desperate for someone to take her. And though his body was relatively warm compared to others, her heat radiated all over him, marking the other as their own for the evening. Grinning, he just replied, "Your wish is my command." Though he couldn't get his pants off with her on him, he used a little magic to make them slide off, the fabric gliding on her inner thighs before pooling on the floor beneath them. His hands then came off to lift his shirt, revealing the many pieces of armor bound by leather straps over his body, underneath of which was a set of leathers to prevent chaffing. He then slowly undid them with the leathers seeming to fall off of him, teasing the temptress more into wanting it as each unclasped section revealed a body that would make even the best-trained Olympian green with envy. His flesh was a fairly prominent shade of red, a side-effect from the depths of his fire mastery. Though not overly muscular, his physique rippled with tides of raw strength, more than a normal mage should have. But then, it had been clear to most that met him that he was no normal spellweaver.

And then there was the last piece, hiding the thick flesh they both wanted out. Despite the weight of it, his hardness seemed to make it appear 'lifted'. Taking her hands and guiding them to his waist, he then growled, "Now then, how about I give you the honors? He's very eager to meet you." Underneath that final annoying piece, she would find his manhood fully erect at almost eleven inches paired with a sack containing tennis ball-sized orbs that oozed virility. And much like Rowena's perfect figure, it was all natural with not a hint of applied magic behind it.

 

[Chai]

RE: Playing the Game [ Ariamella & Razgriz ]

Colorado Springs, CO
Mid-December​

Rowena gave a seductive, low laugh that quickly turned into a sigh of pleasure at the contact of bare skin, the warmth of his skin somehow making her burn up even more. She didn't nearly have enough hands for the amount of touching they were going to be doing, but then again, there was no rush. They had all night, and there wasn't a doubt in her mind that they were going to be using a good majority of it. With his erection freed, she smirked as she felt it between them, the weight resting against her stomach. Her insides quivered with anticipation, just as eager for the main course as he was, but she wasn't done yet. Oh no, there was much more to savor about Ricendithas when it came to sex.

Her fingers gripped the thick shaft, stroking softly, sensually, until she shimmied off his legs and dropped wordlessly to the ground. She eyed the length hungrily, moving her hand up and down before giving Ric a sly smile and biting her full lower lip. And then she got on her knees and tasted him, her mouth covering the bulbous head. Her tongue swirled around the tip, sucking with gentle but increasing pressure, until she just took him deep. Her hair bounced along as she bobbed up and down, taking as much as she could, letting out whimpers as she drove her own need higher and higher.

Rowena gasped for air, Ric's thick cocking popping out of her pretty lips, and she grinned up at him. It was just as good as she remembered; hell, it was even better than she remembered, and she suspected it would be better every single time. Standing then, her green eyes intensely peering down at him with a hazy lust, she gently pushed him so that he was now laying on his back, and she clambered on top, straddling his torso. A shiver tingled down her spine, her body making a slow, smooth grind. Her pussy was slick with wetness already, and she knew exactly what she wanted from Rick. But their night was only getting started.

Bending down to give him a quick kiss, she spun around and arched her back, knowing she was providing him with a great view of her twin globes, and more importantly, the dripping cunt between them. The lips were pink and swollen, showing him just how aroused she was. And after a sensual wiggle of her hips, she gripped his erection and resumed sucking, her teeth scraping ever so gently on the head, tongue swirling over the tip.

 

[Razgriz]

RE: Playing the Game [ Ariamella & Razgriz ]

Ric just grinned as she worked the straps, soon enough the beast between his legs being let out to play. The heavy shaft gave an appreciative throb against her belly, prominent veins lining the length as he felt the heat from her pussy wash over his engorged sack. He always had plenty for someone like Rowena, but tonight he planned on making the most of every single moment they were awake. She would then feel how hard he was as she started to rub him, her fingers firm yet gentle as she stroked him, already feeling his body respond nicely.

And when she went down, Ric gave a hearty groan as she sucked on him, feeling his thick tip go into her throat slightly as she took his whole length in one feel swoop. She really was too good at this, but thankfully he had a fair bit of stamina to his name else he would have flooded her already. Her mouth was warm and wet as she continued to give him a blowjob, his sack resting against her chin whenever she got to the base. His head was thrown back, his breathing a little headier as she treated him.

Her grin was returned with one of his own when she stopped, soon flat on his back as she mounted him, feeling her huge chest rub on his firm pecs. And before he knew it, he had her pussy in his face and she was already back to taking him again. Not wasting a second, he took her supple ass in hand and began to treat her as well, tongue delving between her soaked folds and running along every inch inside her pussy he could reach, seeing her juices run down her inner thighs. His left hand then reached down and started to toy with the pearl between her legs, making sure to really have her good and flowing before they got to the good part.

For nearly an hour, they toyed with each other, Rowena's incessant sucking and Ric's relentless toying pushing the two closer and closer to release. The warlock felt his sack begin to tighten as the burn in his groin strengthened, the veins along his cock bulging as it stiffened just a little more and expanded, pushing against her lips more and more as it pulsed. He was getting close, and he hoped that his time in prison didn't make him weak in pleasuring a lady. After all, a woman in bliss was something that really got Ric's blood pumping. The warlock couldn't hold for long though, the witch's skill too great; finally his cock thrust upward, burying itself completely in her mouth as his own latched to her clit, licking and sucking fiercely. A slight but noticeable bulge raced up his shaft, the first wad of cum shooting down Rowena's throat, followed by another and another.

His cock throbbed and spasmed as he pumped wad after wad into his partner's mouth, the amount filling her until her cheeks puffed and cum started to leak from the seal her lips made, running down her chin and dripping onto her breasts.

 

[Chai]

RE: Playing the Game [ Ariamella & Razgriz ]

Colorado Springs, CO
Mid-December​

A long, drawn out moan could be heard as Ric finally tasted her sex, and Rowena momentarily stopped her oral treatment to push back against his mouth, his head buried between her thighs. He was talented in every area, quite obviously so as her flushed slit was coated in juices that were now running down the inside of her thighs. His tongue seemed to explore every crevice and fold, and while there wasn't much subtlety in the technique, she loved it that way. There was only the mad, raw animality of their passion. Fuck! How long had it been since she'd had something this good? Too long, that was for damn sure.

And on it went, both their stamina matched evenly, driving each other toward what she knew would be the first of many climaxes that night. His lips teased and tugged, tongue alternating between circling the little button of pleasure and swirling in and out of her tight hole. Her left hand gripped his shaft a little more fiercely, pumping up and down as she sucked him, and she made an audible sigh of satisfaction. Already, she could feel him getting closer and closer to his release, his cock stiffening and twitching in her mouth while simultaneously, her own body was burning its way to a boiling point.

And when she finally reached her release, she whimpered loudly against Ric's thick member, her jaw going slack as the orgasm hit her. She squeezed her legs around him, the muscles in her abdomen tightening, her thighs quivering as wave after wave of pleasure seemed to stem from the center of nerves being treated quite nicely in Ric's mouth and wrack her body. Her tight passage spasmed uncontrollably as if trying to find a cock that wasn't there, and she could only moan lewdly in response. It was a fitting though, as she couldn't say anything anyway because the warlock was currently throat deep, ropes of his ejaculate painting her throat and the inside of her mouth.

It became too much all to soon, however, and her cheeks puffed from the sheer volume. Finally, she slid her mouth off of his still-hard cock, white liquid seeping past her lips and down his shaft. Then she tilted her head back and swallowed, the mouthful of cum making a noticeable lump as it raced down her throat. She swung her leg around so that she was sitting on the bed next to the warlock, flashing him with a lazy, seductive smile before bending down to clean the rest of the mess off his body, her tongue collecting the remaining trails that dripped down his shaft. A few curious fingers came up and swiped at the droplets around her mouth, which she also happily sucked down. There was something intensely erotic about swallowing a man's semen, but few tasted as good as Ric did.

"All clean," Rowena teased, shifting again so that she was straddling his stomach, her body leaning over his, her heavy tits bouncing and hanging in front of his face. She was aggressive in her actions, but only because she was already ready for round two, and she knew exactly what she wanted. No, she knew what she needed. There was nothing more she desired to have Ric's hard length pumping into her, fucking her, filling her pussy until she screamed her orgasm. And once she got it, she would get it again. Almost excruciatingly slow, she moved her body until she felt the bulbous head just barely touching her entrance, and she closed her eyes as she slid a couple inches down, pausing, then sliding up again. She wanted to drive them both mad with need, to push them to the edge and back again. And she absolutely loved seeing Ric taken over by his lust and passion; it was a good look on him, and it felt even better too.

"Fuck me," she finally said in a low voice after a few long minutes of the teasing, now sliding all the way back and gasping as she got the sudden sensation of feeling full. Her fingers dug into his chest, finding stability as her hips began to move and gyrate against him, the wet sounds of her arousal filling the air. "Hard, Ric."