~sniffle~
Nuin: ~tries her hardest not to glance around at the landscape as she er... knocks on the castle door~
Servant: *opens the door a tiny bit, not really paying attention* Just leave it on the front step like I told you... *starts to close it again*
Nuin: ~clears her throat and sticks a foot in the door~ I do believe the Lord High Mage is expecting me.
Servant: *jumps a foot in the air* L-lady Nuin! *throws the door open and bows low* My apologies, my lady, I didn't think you would be arriving so soon!
Nuin: ~forces a smile and steps in~ It's quite alright.
Servant: *closes the door behind her and immediately steps up to receive her cloak or anything she has to set down* I trust your journey was a safe and pleasant one?
Nuin: Oh, pleasant enough, I assure you. ~unclasps a light cloak and hands it to him with a smile~
Shanzi: ((Btw, if there's any sign of the poor servant being beaten you might as well tell me.....heheheheeeee))
Six-chan: [meh, I figure he's got a few bruises and burn marks, but he's been treated fairly well considering how polite he is xD]
Shanzi: ((Hehehe alrighty. ... and why do I see Haesia standing down in the dungeon with some poor kitchen girl going "... hmm... Sing me a nice song, kid, and we'll make it look like you're hurt, k?"))
Six-chan: [LOL Chstavr gets into bed with her later that night and asks her why he heard some of the servants desperately singing I'm A Little Tea Pot all day long]
Shanzi: ((~snerks~ Yep!))
Servant: *quickly hands it off to another waiting servant and straightens* If you'll follow me, my lady, L-lord Ch-Chstavr is waiting for you *blushes as he stumbles over his master's name*
Nuin: ~faint darkening of her eyes as she nods to him with another smile and follows him quietly, sparing the castle's gloom a few glances~
Nuin: ~asks after a moment~ Would you happen to know if Lady Haesia is joining us this evening?
Servant: *CHOKES* I-I'm afraid L-l-lady Haesia is away o-on a sh-shopping trip. *blushes further* Th-that is to say, she's away on i-important business.
Nuin: I see... thank you. ~calmly smiling look~
Servant: *trips over himself, looking highly embarrassed, and leads her down a few more winding hallways* Ahh... I hope my lady has had a... um... pleasant y-year so far? *absentmindedly rubs the burn mark on his cheek*
Nuin: ~glances at an alcove as a shadow moves a bit in its depths and back to the servant~ Oh, very. It has been a rather fruitful year... ~glances out a window and thinks 'elsewhere, anyway... ugh.'~
Servant: *chokes slightly as he sees his lord's favorite spy moving about* M-my apologies m-my lady...
Nuin: Hmm, for what? ~smiles~ Oh, yes, I'm quite aware.
Servant: *blushes horribly, looking over to see some of Chstavr's other goons watching from a doorway then disappearing* I-it is merely... I mean that is to say... I do not think they expected you to... I-I mean... *completely fails at talking*
Servant: I-I will report this to my l-lord as soon as you depart... *swallows hard, because that means Khiet's going to kill him*
Nuin: There's absolutely no need. ~smiles~ I would be curious, too.
Servant: *is slowly getting comfortable with her smile and smiles in return, laughing slightly* I-I guess you're right. None of us expected 'Dad' to have any visitors. *eeps and shuts his mouth when he realizes he said Dad, moving faster down the hallway* Uh, w-we've almost a-arrived, please follow close... *mortified*
Nuin: ~can't possibly hide her amusement and chuckles~ Yes, of course. Well, I won't tell him that I've noticed anything odd if you won't. ~smiles more and follows~
Servant: *shakes his head quickly* No, my lady! *arrives at the destination and knocks on the door* Here we are, my lady.
Nuin: ~ever so covertly conjures a small tube and slips it into his pocket~ Ahh, wonderful. ~smiles softly~
Chstavr: *waves his hand slightly so the door unlocks* Enter.
Servant: *gestures her inside then runs the hell away*
Nuin: ~steps in in a flutter of silk skirts and looks him up and down, the smile fading away a bit~
Chstavr: *is wearing one of his best robes, but that doesn't exactly hide the fact that he's... well, floating and has no legs* Nuin. *nods his head, looking her up and down as well*
Nuin: ~inclines her head~ Chstavr. You look... well.
Chstavr: As do you. *doesn't know what he's expecting out of this, so he starts forward carefully* The journey wasn't... too troubling, I trust. *knows this place is damn depressing*
Nuin: ~really can't see much point in lying now that the servants aren't attending~ We both know it was. What I don't know is how you stand this wretched place.
Chstavr: *can feel the headache start to come on* It has everything I require. One starts to forget the gloom, after a while.
Nuin: ~nods~ I suppose I'll have to take your word for it.
Chstavr: *prays she doesn't see one of the reasons that distracts him, damned brat of an adopted son, and shrugs* There are certain items and herbs it is more convenient to have around.
Nuin: Ahh, then it must be worth it. ~slight bit of sarcasm~ Well...
Chstavr: *manages to get the twitch down to a light twitch, wishing they'd hurry up dinner* To each their own. *scowls slightly*
Nuin: ~smiles at him~ Oh, so you did invite me here to glare at me. Good to know. By the way, Chstavr... you do realize that if you beat your servants, they're much more likely to fumble out of sheer terror, yes?
Chstavr: *clenches his hand into a fist and takes a deep breath, trying to keep calm* If you are referring to the burn on Marren's cheek, let me assure you that I was very much not the cause of it.
Nuin: Ahh, just the bruises then? Well, that's fine, isn't it? ~looks at him~
Chstavr: *clenches his jaw* How I deal with my own particular servants is my business and mine alone.
Nuin: Oh, yes, I'd say. Especially if they come to fear you enough that they start to hate you. <3
Chstavr: My thanks for your unendingly useful advice. <3.
Nuin: ~smiles sweetly~ You're very welcome. <3
Chstavr: *goes to pour himself a very stiff drink, looks back at her and asks through gritted teeth* Would you like anything?
Nuin: ~ponders genuinely for a moment, then shakes her head~ No, thank you, I think I'll pass.
Chstavr: *mutters* Your loss. *pours himself some of his older scotch and sips it delicately*
Nuin: I'd just rather not make things worse by loosening my tongue anymore. I am trying, Chstavr.
Chstavr: *sighs and braces a hand on the table* I know, Nuin. Believe it or not, I am as well.
Nuin: ~nods with a sigh~ So if it's not to glare, why is it you wanted to see me?
Chstavr: *takes a moment to just breathe, then says slowly* I wished to speak to you... about Shane.
Six-chan: [how old do you think their kid was when he got hurt? *ponders*]
Shanzi: ((mmmmm or not... and er.. probably not very old..... if he was even born yet. O.o hmm.....))
Shanzi: ((I'd say a baby, not more than 2 or 3...))
Six-chan: [that's what I was thinking... *WIBBLE*]
Nuin: ~looks at him, having not quite expected that one~ Oh. Well... it took you long enough...
Chstavr: *visibly winces because that one really hurt, turns away* Better late than never.
Nuin: That's fair enough. ~goes and takes a seat in a chair~ What do you want to know?
Chstavr: *won't admit that he had been keeping tabs on Shane, then stopped once he grew much older* When did he have children?
Nuin: ... ~chuckles softly~ Well... I have my suspicions, but officially, almost 80 years ago now.
Chstavr: *nods, still not turning back to her* Go on.
Nuin: ~sits back~ Aina's the oldest by a few minutes. She's always been rather headstrong... these days she's training to be an ambassador to the Courts, but obviously she has a long way to go yet. Siala takes more after her mother. She'll either turn out to be an herbalist or a healer of some sort, I'm rather sure...
Chstavr: *gruffly* I assume Shane married this girl.
Nuin: Yes, quite some time ago.
Chstavr: Tell me about her.
Nuin: Illyra? Well, she and Shane are about the same age... She's an herbalist, with a bit of a knack for animals. Really, she's a very sweet girl. Very helpful and considerate. I swear she doesn't have a cruel hair on her head... ~smiles softly~ She really does love him.
Chstavr: *feels conflicted inside, just nods* I see.
Nuin: ~goes to say something, but doesn't and just folds her hands in her lap~
Chstavr: *finishes off his drink and mutters something about hoping the twins have their grandmother's eyes, or else they'd be out of luck*
Nuin: ~says softly~ Actually, they have their grandfather's... and more suitors than I care to think about.
Chstavr: *snerks* As well they should. They're from our lineages.
Nuin: ~laughs quietly~ Well, they certainly do have their hands full.
Chstavr: *lapses into a silence, pouring himself another drink* And you. How have... you been?
Nuin: ~watches him, thinking he always did drink too much...~ Well enough. Busy, really. The world doesn't stop turning for unrest, and someone has to make sure it turns smoothly... ~rests her hand on her chin and peers at him~ Have you really been well?
Chstavr: As well as one in my position can be. *doesn't know why he's telling her this, but* I'm thinking of vacationing in France, however.
Nuin: ~blinks a bit and smiles~ That does sound nice... I was always more fond of Germany, though... still, it's not a bad spot at all.
Chstavr: My apprentice is fond of the food, I believe.]
Nuin: Oh, that or the atmosphere, I'm sure.
Chstavr: *snerks* That makes sense, I suppose. I did give up smoking a few years after she came to live here.
Nuin: Well, that's something. ~laughs~
Chstavr: *turns to look at her while she laughs, his mouth pulling upwards slightly*
Nuin: ~feels her heart clench a little at the infant smile and tapers off, just looking at him~
Chstavr: *feels the smile fade away and again lapses into a long silence, then looks up as somone knocks on the door* Enter.
Altun: ~walks in, wearing a pair of jeans, with his hair braided in tons of little, gold-capped braids~ I just wanted to... Oh. ~smiles at Nuin~ I'm sorry, I forgot you were having company...<3
Nuin: ~headtilt and smiles at him~ Now this one I don't know about...
Chstavr: *sighs and puts his head in his hands* Altun, introduce yourself, seeing as how my attempts at hiding you have failed.
Altun: ~sticks his tongue out at Chstavr before grinning at Nuin~ Well, he already did, so I won't. Hi. <333
Nuin: ~chuckles~ Hello then, Altun. I'm Nuin. ~smiles~ Hide him, Chstavr? Whatever for?
Chstavr: *is still slightly unnerved by the conversation he and Altun had* I thought having such a hyper ball of fuzz might ruin the air *snerk*
Altun: ~happily ignores Chstavr~ It's very nice to meet you, Nuin. Oh! And Mum said that wh--er.. if I saw you, I should tell you she says hello, and not to hurt him too much because she "rather likes him in one piece." ~smiles~ <3333
Chstavr: *groans and covers his face with his hands*
Nuin:... ~laughs, glances at Chstavr~ My, you are keeping secrets, aren't you? ~smiles at Altun~ Well, tell her not to worry. I don't plan on hurting him at all. <3
Chstavr: *sighs and uncovers his face* He was a gift from my apprentice's friend. *mutters* Damn demigod... *can't believe he's watching his "son" and his "goddess" converse*
Nuin: ~raises an eyebrow~
Altun: ~rolls his eyes at Chstavr~ What he really means to say is that a very nice lady brought a very nice cougar, me, to Haesia, and when they found out I was more than that, Mum adopted me and made him like it. ~grins~
Chstavr: *mutters* We still haven't taught him how to put on a shirt...
Nuin: ~looks from Altun to Chstavr and back to Altun with a soft smile~ Your Mum is a very smart woman.
Altun: ~beams and nods~ She really is, and very wonderful, too. Well, before I get myself grumbled at any more... ~smiles and steps over to hug her~ It really is very good to meet you. I'll go now so you can talk in peace. ~starts to walk out~ You were right, by the way, Chstavr. <3 ~walks out and closes the door behind him~
Chstavr: *looks after Altun, watching the door for a moment, and wonders when the hell the brat got so smart* Damned cat brat.
Nuin: ~watches Chstavr~ You really do like him, though. ~smiles~
Chstavr: *wonders why the hell everyone can decode his insults* My apprentice does see him as her adopted son.
Nuin: Oh, just drop the pretense, Chstavr. I know very well she's more your lover than your apprentice. ~sits back~
Chstavr: It is not to your benefit what name I choose to acknowledge her as.
Nuin: ~smiles softly, affirmation attained~ Well, he's very sweet.
Chstavr: *mutters* He damn well didn't get it from me...
Nuin: Mm... perhaps...
Chstavr: *hears another knock on the door* What does the damned brat want now? *waves it open*
Marren: *peeks in* M-my lord? *tries to hide the fact that his cheek is covered with the balm Nuin gave him* Dinner is prepared.
Nuin: ~smiles behind her hand~
Chstavr: *touches his finger to the boy's cheek, rubs the balm between his fingers, then looks over at Nuin curiously* Very well. *moves and waits for her to stand up*
Nuin: ~rises gracefully and smiles at Chstavr with a nod that says, "Damn right, it's my doing."~
Chstavr: *snerks, giving her a look that says he isn't surprised, and follows his servant down the hall*
Nuin: ~chuckles and follows him with a shake of her head~
Chstavr: *steps in front of Marren as they reach the dining hall and throws the door open, gesturing her inside and looking at his servant* Stay for a moment, I have something I want you to do.
Nuin: ~gives him a look but figures she really can't say much and steps inside, going to take a seat~
Chstavr: *reaches into one of the pockets on his robes and pulls out a key, handing it to Marren* Give this to Altun, and tell him he is allowed to have one, one person there.
Marren: *looks at the key with wide eyes* This one, m-my lord? A-are you sure you wish to give this to him?
Chstavr: *gives him a flat look* Do you really think I would give away this key so easily if I did not know full well what I was doing? *feels a vague urge to slap him but doesn't*
Marren: *straightens and stutters, bowing* N-no, my lord! I'll give this to him right away! *marvels at the key and runs off*
Chstavr: *shakes his head and mutters about idiot servants, then goes to take his seat at the table*
Nuin: ~looks rather amused~
Chstavr: *sits and pours them both wine, then scowls at her* Do not give me that look.
Nuin: ~chuckles~ What look is that? <3
Chstavr: *glares* The one that you used to use when you wanted to get me to admit something.
Nuin: Oh, that one... ~smiles placidly~ Am I still good at it?
Chstavr: *just takes up his glass of wine and lets his look say it all*
Nuin: ~grins and idly swirls her glass~ Good to know.
Chstavr: *grumbles into his glass, now regretting that he chose one of his better wines for this excursion, and watches the servants serve the food*
Six-chan: [you know he made them make one of her favorite dishes XD]
Nuin: ~sips a bit at her wine, smiling gratefully at the servants~
Chstavr: *watches the servants exchange curious glances and know this will be the talk of the castle for at least the next two weeks, waits until they’re finished to speak* You're all dismissed for the night.
Nuin: ~smiles into her glass and tries not to chuckle~
Chstavr: *grumbles more into his wine glass and eats his meal in silence*
Nuin: ~smiles~ You remembered... ~and that's about all she'll say during the meal~
Chstavr: *grumbles* I may technically be dead, but my memory is as good as ever...
Shanzi: ((~cosmically SMACKS Chstavr~ ahem.))
Chstavr: *looks up and shakes his fist, shouting* You all need to admit it at some point!
Nuin: ~glances at the mun bubble and nods~ It would, however, be nice to carry on with life not knowing until we must, however... you didn't tell Haesia, did you?
Chstavr: *groans and downs the rest of his wine, then pours himself another glass* The damned woman near killed me.
Nuin: I'm surprised she didn't find a way.
Chstavr: We are probably the only two who find it would be in our least interests to do so.
Nuin: ~sighs and shakes her head~ I suppose it doesn't matter now. Still, back to the topic. It's a pain in the ass, Chstavr.
Chstavr: *sighs* What on earth are you talking about, woman?
Nuin: Mourning you while you're still around. ~takes a calm sip of wine, having at least somewhat dealt with this centuries ago~
Chstavr: Ahh. *swirls his wine and watches the red reflect in the light* I suppose so. I've only just finished myself.
Nuin: ~reaches out across the table to him and then stops, letting her hand fall softly and closing her eyes for a moment, taking a deep breath and letting it out slowly as she opens them and looks at him, saying softly~ I would undo it all if I could... and least of all for political reasons.
Chstavr: *finishes what she started and places his scarred hand over hers* If you had told me that not even a year ago, I might have asked you to find away. Now, however, I am not so sure.
Nuin: ~squeezes her eyes shut and whispers~ Gods... Chstavr... please... don't... If I touch you I'm afraid I'll never stop.....
Chstavr: *looks at her for a moment, his hand trembling on hers, then nods and bows his head, taking his hand away and folding it tightly in his lap* I'm sorry... Nuin...
Marren: *enters the dining hall, a rolled letter in his hands* M-my lord, you have a summons from Dr. Muraki.
Chstavr: *looks up and takes it, reading it carefully, then sighs* I must go. Marren, prepare my things for travel. *looks back at her* Nuin...
Nuin: ~draws a shaky breath and looks up~
Chstavr: *sighs, looking tired and worn rather than evil or angry* You may stay here for the night if you are too weary from traveling. You do not know how sorry I am...
Nuin: ~takes one look at that expression and loses the battle, more than loses, is slaughtered, gets up and walks around the table, ignoring Marren's presence and doesn't stop until her arms are around Chstavr tightly~ ... ~hugs him even more and then whispers hoarsely~ No, I... I think I should go...
Chstavr: *shudders, putting his face in his hand and putting the other arm tentatively around her* Yes... I think that would be best...
Nuin: ... ~holds him close for a few more moments, whispering~ .... I am so sorry, Chstavr... I... ~makes herself let go and turns away with a nod~
Chstavr: *clenches the arm around her waist, trying so hard to let go, then finally lets it fall to his side, and stands up* Marren. I said to go prepare for my travels. *steals his expression to the angry one it usually is*
Marren: *looks at them before running away*
Nuin: I should go... ~to herself, more than anything else, even if she seems rooted to the spot~
Chstavr: *looks at her for a long moment before moving close to her and wrapping his arms around her again* Goodbye, Nuin. May your journey be safe and never plagued with harm. *kisses her softly with his scarred mouth, then lets go and departs before she can say anything more*
Nuin: ~melts unwillingly into his arms, and nearly chokes on a sob as he kisses her and leaves~
Marren: *returns to the room, trying not to look at her* Lady Nuin...? Shall I escort you to your horse?
Nuin: I... ~takes a deep breath and nods, composing herself as best she can~ Yes, thank you.
Marren: *chooses to stay quiet as he leads her to the stable*