Trigger Content Warning:
Graphic Violence, Gunshots, Stabbing, Blood
ᯓ .ᐟ🗡.ᐟᯓ .ᐟ🗡.ᐟᯓ .ᐟ🗡.ᐟᯓ .ᐟ🗡.ᐟᯓ
A long read but a good one - a reflection of a past rp event
Theme Music - Anarchy Club Assassins
As light a sleeper as he was, it was the very soft faint noise of the vibration that went off by the bedside that woke him. He knew what that vibration was and reached over as fluidly and carefully as he could to keep from disturbing the one resting in his arms as strange as it was to be sleeping with anyone truth be told. A single transmission from a number he knew though it had no name attached to it, he instantly knew it was serious.
Nathanris would not send him something like this willy-nilly, that wasn't even a concern of his. The bond he had with his former charge, the last of those taken in back when the Lure was still up and running, had left a soft spot in Ramiaell for whatever reason as one of the few still under his protection even if it was no longer his job nor his place to treat him as such. So the moment he read it, he acted. Had his lover met him in his former years this would have been a constant for them. Always leaving, always sneaking off and always on duty at everyone's call. Steeling his mind, he turned and he left without a word.
Just outside the condo appearing in the shadows on the rooftop across from theirs, Ramiaell approached another shadowed figure's side. "Keep watch over him, no matter the cost." Ramiaell's voice broke the silence but just barely.
The giant figure didn't move from his post, he didn't even turn his head to look over at him as he spoke in a thick, masculine tone. He was far bigger than Ramiaell, a true wall of muscle. "You promised me blood, it better come soon. Is it him?"
"Maybe, uncertain. It's Nathanris."
A sneer was heard in the giant’s voice in return. "Jacks is right, you have gone soft." Why else would an elf like Stone still waste his time watching over his last assignment from the Lure? It just didn't make sense.
"Maybe." Was Stone’s only reply devoid of emotion at all.
"Most likely a trap, you know that. Still going solo?"
"If it is, then you will have your blood when they come for him here. Don't let them get near him, you know what will happen if you fail Olave."
"Threats mean little from dead men Stone."
"Do it." Stone said with that cold, steely sharpness he could truly harness.
Begrudgingly the giant sighed and adjusted his seating posture before Stone slipped away into the darkness. Olave watched over the sleeping beauty from above because he knew that if anyone in life could best him it would be Stone, He knew that even if he were to die tonight the bastard would find a way from the grave to see to it that he kept his word. Superstitious much? Damn right he was. And for good reason.
The restaurant doors were unlocked, but it didn't matter. Whoever was inside knew their target wasn't going to use the front doors just as Nathanris himself did. Which may or may not be why they sat at their table waiting for their guest to arrive. One by one bodies were being left behind in Stone's wake. First the snipers posted about the rooftops, silly of them to assume that Ramiaell didn't know the perfect vantage points to this place already so he didn't have to guess where a well trained sniper would lay in wait. The henchmen at the backdoor entryway he took out next. Followed by the two who came in through the kitchen. He knew it was a trap when gunfire wasn't ablaze by the time he got into a full out fist and knife fight with the three inside. But he pressed on anyway. He had too, this was his life. However messed up a moral code it now was, however silly it may be now after all these years passed, he'd treated everyone under the protection of the lure as being under his protection still to this day. Those who were still left and had no one else to turn to, they were still his priority. But as so many were no longer high value targets with how Suramar had changed and been opened to the world it did make it far easier to let go and move on. But an elf like Stone never let anything go, not when this had become his life. No matter who lived or died, or what had been demolished and rebuilt, he took his services to his death bed. And that was why he was so sought after.
Was this a trap? Definitely. Were they fools to think he'd come so easily? Perhaps, these men were merely pawns to lure him inside and keep him busy while other things were in motion. He was not unaware of any of this but who else was going to ensure that Nathanris was safe? Who else was going to make sure that those who harmed him were dead? The two he knew he could count on were making sure Beaureve was safe and secured. And it was only because these two had already been committed to having his back in this that he knew he could entrust his safety with them. They were the worst kind of men, but fear was more powerful than anything and the only thing they really feared was each other. Which is why they were still allies, and in some small messed up way they would always have each other's backs so long as there would always be a way to satiate their lust for blood. Because that was what men like them longed for. Nevermind that one was a born sociopath and the other a serial killer, but Beaureve was safe from at least one of their victim profiles.
By the time Ramiaell had finally made it to the dining area where he knew his targets sat in wait, he had done so mostly unscathed. Mostly. It felt damn good to get that adrenaline pumping and his little warm up session which ended with a wake of dead bodies in very creative yet effective ways behind him. So when he pushed through the swinging doors into the dining room he had time to adjust his mask he wore and tug on his well tailored jacket as he walked in rather tense with his blades in each hand.
Two elves sat at a table with a full meal and wine before them, a meal they'd mostly eaten and enjoyed by now. Behind each of them were their main muscle, bodyguards and one of them was sporting a puffy eye and a bloodied lip already. It told Ramiaell that at least before Nathanris was taken he'd put up a fight. Good. He was proud of the kid for doing so as he'd taught him some self defense years ago now. But sitting in the third chair between the two at the table was Nathanris himself. Bloodied, bruised, gagged & tied to his chair in his bloodied chef's apron. Angry tears in his eyes with his comm device sitting on the table in front of him, a sure sign they'd forced him to lure Ramiaell there knowing he would or more, could.
"Mr. Stone, so glad you could join us. Please, si..." Before the elf on the left could even finish his statement Ramiaell had thrown with deadly accuracy and speed a smaller throwing knife which landed right in the throat of the muscle that stood behind the elf at the table. He grabbed at his throat as it bled out and before he had time to throw more he had a gun pointed at him from the other muscle as the two elves at the table were already revealing their trump cards screaming at him to, "WAIT OR HE DIES!". So typical... but effective enough to make even Stone pause.
One gun on him from the henchman still standing. The two at the table showing trigger fingers both placed over the top of detonation devices. While at first he did not know what they were, he'd seen enough explosives and twisted situations in his life to know they were either bluffing or something he hadn't seen yet was about to go very wrong if he was too hasty. Seeing they had his attention, the two kept their trigger fingers pressed to the detonation devices still as they eased a bit in their chairs and smiled at Ramiaell pleased to see that they had his attention. Meanwhile Nathanris looked at Stone with a look that clearly read he was sorry and felt so guilty for this despite being so bound and gagged as tears welled in his eyes. The look hit a very very sore spot in Ramiaell's gut. Because he knew that this wasn't Nathanris's fault at all. They were here for HIM, and HE was guilty of getting him in this. Damn it all.
They'd done their research, far better than the elf that last tried to get to him. Maybe he was getting too damn soft, and now they were paying the price. Was Beaureve next? He couldn't afford to think that way, one thing at a time. He had to trust his trump card would work. Both of them.
After some petty small talk and gloating, they managed to force Stone to lower his blades as their one henchmen still alive stepped forward with the gun to Stone’s head and started to pat him down and disarm him. The impressive amount of weaponry on him made both the elves blink a bit in shock but like always they did not pat down his spine. The deadliest weapon he carried on him was still safely tucked along the sheath on his spine as he was motioned forward to 'sit and talk'. With explosives strapped to Nathanris's chair he now sat on, there was no way to effectively keep the men from killing him and all of them right where they stood. If their bluff was real. It certainly looked real enough and soon Stone was forced to have this conversation.
Unlike last time when he was 'asked' to join, this time it was a forced 'join us, work for us or die here along with your friend.' And as further incentive, his 'other friend' would be taken care of more civilly the more he cooperated. An attempt at a deal that so long as he worked for them faithfully, Beaureve would live a good life and they would not use him before delivering him to Cassious. But should he betray them, then Beaureve and Nathanris would suffer far far worse. And even if somehow he got away here and now with Nathanris, though how they could not imagine, well Beaureve would be taken tonight.
The entire time Stone heard them out he never said a word just staring from one to the other with his stony piercing gaze that never once showed fear or unease that he'd been had. It was off-setting to both of them as they were frustrated they did not get to delight in seeing his expressions. But Nathanris seemed to believe every word and he was truly terrified as he cried not just for himself, but for Stone. This was truly tearing him up.
After a much more lengthy conversation that Stone was not really letting go anywhere as he was only saying the bare minimum, the two elves were getting quite frustrated. But they still felt they had the upper hand. So when Stone was given his final ultimatum and still he refused, they decided to resort to violence. With a nod, the lone henchman was signaled to rough him up. It was sad how textbook this was but they were clever enough to not use magic. Thus Ramiaell was rather powerless or so he let them believe as he took the full brunt of a few punches and was soon sent to the floor with a bloodied lip and nose as they chastised him. Unknown by them of course, they were playing right into Stone's hand as he knew he had to make them feel they had him in order for this to work. So he played it out to make it look worse than he really was, leaving poor Nathanris crying harder as he watched Ramiaell beaten to the ground. Their first mistake, they hadn't bound him nor even tried too. So it was all too easy to wait for the perfect moment at the right punch to dodge just enough at the right moment to use that missed momentum to send the henchman down with a move he'd taught before. And with said move the final strike would cause his hand to turn just right to be wrong so when the gun fired it hit his own head instead of Ramiaell's. It happened so suddenly and so fast that none had time to react as they were so certain it was Ramiaell who had been shot. But when he came up revealing it was not, the henchman dropped and Ramiaell swiftly grabbed and unsheathed his hidden blade. With the swiftness of the Stoneblade name he managed two strikes faster than anything the men had seen before as suddenly both were now severed of their trigger hands. As both reeled back with bloodied arms crying out in shock, pain and trying to stop the bleeding limbs Ramiaell quickly grabbed both the bloodied hands to make certain their fingers remained on the triggers. With a kick to one's face both were on the floor now screaming as Stone went for Nathanris.
He cut him free of the gag and then went for the chair bindings only to find they were at least smart enough to bind him with the explosive wiring too so it wasn't so easy as merely cutting him free. He had to be careful, DAMNIT! Nathanris was trying in a frenzy to help untangle himself while Stone was still doing what he could while keeping ahold of the two bloodied hands and making sure they didn't let up due to some reflex leftover in the severed limb. As good as Stone was, he wasn't above error. It was rare, and he took great pride in making sure whoever he put down was DEAD and not just maybe dead. But maybe luck just wasn't on his side. Maybe fate was finally catching up to him, or maybe... he was getting too soft and missed his mark. It was a fatal mistake and he knew it, but perhaps it was the urgency of trying to make sure the bombs didn't go off that tripped him up. Whatever the case was, Nathanris suddenly screamed for him to LOOK OUT!
Instead of trying to see where he was looking, Stone quickly ducked and rolled. It was probably what saved his life as the bullet that fired slugged into his hip instead of back where it would have hit a lung or worse. The elf he hadn't knocked out yet managed to crawl on one hand and knees to the gun of his fallen henchman, grabbing it and firing at the distracted Stone and Nathanris. In his duck and roll though Stone had managed to knock the chair over along with Nathanris who was on his back now with the chair and Ramiaell on top. Despite the sharp pain in his hip, he kicked the table with the full force of his foot towards the shooter but dropped one of the severed hands. Cursing he worked as fast as he could to finish freeing Nathanris as the two of them began running!
Outside on the quiet streets of Suramar this late time of night, one lone restaurant that was favored by many locals suddenly went ablaze from an explosion within.
Across the city, too far away to really hear the explosion much at all, three silenced shots were fired. Two bodies were dropped at the apartment door Beaureve was sleeping within. A third at the window as the body fell below. He didn't need to find out who or why, the timing was too perfect to not know without a doubt that they had come for their target with the threat neutralized or otherwise distracted. But they had not been expecting someone to be there waiting. No sooner than the big giant shadow was gathering the bodies to move them away than a portal opened as a greasy black haired elf that looked a bit disheveled and unkempt with a sniper rifle slung over his shoulder stepped through a few blocks away. Stepping up in time to see his much larger comrade moving the bodies he sneered as he'd missed out on the fun.
"Why are you here? Is the target en route?" The giant quietly inquired.
"Ch', no. Target's laying low and hiding. Stone said you needed backup."
There was a sudden silence for a moment as the two of them almost swore they heard something rumble in the distance. Something, like a distant explosion foreshadowing what was to come.
"Kids still inside, take the rear post." The giant said as he continued with disposing of the bodies.
“Ch’ I just love babysitting.” The thinner elf grunted.
They were a little tense with this foreboding air now, but they could both only lay in wait for more to come.
@daily-writing-challenge
Mentions to @beaureve-lunathas
Meeting up with one of his many lucrative clients within the floating city of Dalaran, Beaureve was used to doing business with men and women that didn't want to be seen in exchange for his very potent substances. Not many people of influence ever wanted to be viewed as an addict or even be seen with the distributers of drugs of any sort, afraid their reputation would be injured. The young man did not have such hang up, and knew when it came to pleasures of the mind and body that people would be willing to pay exuberant prices for the right sort of feeling.
Not fond of those that were overly tardy, the priest would give out a slow sigh when it was approach time in which he would wait no longer. He was the sort to leave specific instructions and to follow through to a fault. There was not a lot of room for exception with these sorts of contracts. Already standing up to take his leave, he spots the contact and gives the woman a rather pointed stare.
This one was a Sin'dorei client. All covered and clad up in scarves and sunglasses as if it were a disguise so profound no one could hope to recognize her. It looked ridiculous. She seemed to poured bad perfume all over herself and Beaureve regrettably could smell her from feet away. His guess is that this socialite had made some horrible life decision the night before and was still hoping to collect some of his product in her half influenced state. A very different person than the one the priest was used to associating with.
Her bit of a stagger gives her away, as she was still either high or intoxicated on something. "I'm here." she whispers loudly to the Shal'dorei, only making his jaw clench. "Here. Give it to me." she reaches out of the case in his hands.
"You are more than aware of how this exchange happens." he fakes a slow smile over his lips, not wanting to deal with this. "Funds are secured and then product is presented."
Already getting upset with this whole thing, would bluster. "Well. I don't see why you can't let me....make sure what you have is there. Before I give you payment."
Beaureve keeps his expression fixated in that unmoving smile. "This is how our business is always done. As depicted in contract. That is why." he predicted he knew why this behavior was going on. She didn't have the money and this was a waste of his time. Not wanting to be right he decided to weave and mutter words of spell to gently worm in her simple head. It was just easier to work with people such as this. It took but seconds to confirm and the look of disappointment was reflecting in his eyes.
Unknowing to what Beaureve had saw in her mind, she waves her hand at him as he begins to walk away. "Where are you going! Get back here! I need those!" she begins to get louder, almost tripping over her heels.
"You do not have my requested payment for my products. I am leaving. Our contract is dissolved." the priest says bluntly.
"What?! How did....! I have the money you pompous...." she bites her tongue wanting that magical substance very badly. "I just...it's not directly on me. But I can get it!" She follows after him trying to argue. "Right at this very bank! I have a couple accounts at the Dalaran ones. I just didn't want to miss you! That's all. We can go there right now. And after even get drink? What do you think handsome?"
Beaureve felt his face twitch as he keeps becoming more agitated. He keeps walking.
"This is not my fault! You know. This is yours. Making me reliant on your illegal substances. I should be reporting you the authorities. Maybe I'll do that! Tell them that you're preying on women. Taking advantage of their emotional state so that you can get them addicted to your dangerous drugs. It's true after all."
The priest stops a moment and the Sin'dorei woman smiles devilishly feeling she had won this little dispute. Slowly turning over to her with his gaze of ice, Beaureve offers a smile back seeming to mimic hers. "You are trying to blame me. For your incompetency. For your vices you obviously have no control over and no desire to let go of your reliance. How cute. Fine. We'll conduct business after all. You'll pay me interest for the inconvenience to having to put up with your disregard for our contract. And on top of that? You'll barely remember most of this conversation as you'll think in your little hung over brain muddled the details."
The woman blinks at him and was about to retort but she just stops in mid attempt in speaking left frozen a moment in stare. Blinking a couple times as if a different person, she begins to unwrap herself from her awful disguise and the two make their way to the Dalaran bank. If she wanted to relieve herself of funds she held at this bank so badly? Whom was it for Beaureve to deny her that wish. He was used to being blamed for a great deal of things, including being heartless and unfeeling. Coming to terms with it long ago just left so much room for new opportunity.
( Just a normal day in the life of a drug distributer. There is no secret that Beau wants to leave that part of his life behind. But he needs much more before that can ever happen. It’s a vicious cycle.) @daily-writing-challenge
Thoughts had folded onto themselves, over and over again while the magi awaits for his expected company. From the moment their gazes passed over each other at the social event every briefly, Talthorn had a very strange sensation. An instant hesitation and mistrust stirred within him about the Nightborne entertainer: Beaureve. It was very odd for him to experience as he had nothing to base this feeling on other than a sort of instinct that he was a threat. He had attempted to dismiss it as quickly as it rose, embracing parts of this night more as he should!
Later however, would only give him more reasons to listen to his initial instincts. After the incredible shared dance between beautiful partners, his eyes had found their way back on this man after his voice had travelled to his ears that sent sharp prickles up his neck when speaking to his friend, Jiro. Perhaps it was the way he spoke so smoothly and looked predatory inspiring that he felt he needed to interfere.
Jiro certainly did not help matters, inviting this man to tell her more and become closer with whatever he offered. He thought Beaureve would give more space if he knew there was someone else right there to question what he was doing. Most people became very distracted with his questions. When she snatched the vial and drank it down, Talthorn was shocked and narrowed his gaze on this dealer of sorts. The entertainer's eyes danced with unspoken intentions and then his magic started to weave.
While the drug itself gave his friend pleasant and non harmful effects? It did not make this man any less dangerous in Talthorn's mind. There were bombarding questions of what this concoction really was, and what he aspired to use it for. Their dance with each other as he stood between Jiro and Beau, had sparks flare there. Even when the Nightborne was defiant and tried to walk around him, his hand shot out to stop and catch him right in the chest. As Beau's hand slipped over his, what he found to be a devilish smile to meet with his was when he decided to back off knowing he was not going to get past the magi.
They knew they were not done with this. And tonight, they were going to discuss more.
Talthorn had made a very dramatic change of his clothing when a meeting was confirmed with this man. He stood in a confident pose, head held high while still wearing a rather all knowing smile on his face. His hair had been transformed back to his more tidy and formal approach of two thick, silver braids on either side of his shoulder and his long top knot flowing down all the way down his back. He chose to wear his blue and gold arcanist regalia robe.
He wanted to make a rather serious impression. It was important that Beaureve would see he was there on business instead of an easy going conversation in Dalaran's inn.
Beaureave arrives in his rather glamorous and eye catching attire. He looked as if he could take the stage at any time with his violet blue choices in what might be seen as a costume to many. He thought this meeting up with one of his fellow Tarts would be that more of a casual setting, so he approaches he is momentarily stunned with the Kaldorei's appearance.
"You're a..." he speaks before thinking fully.
"How unexpected." he begins to smirk slowly. "You wish to speak of my Lord." he almost plays with those last words wanting to strike a reaction.
Talthorn turns to greet the man with a half nod of his head, noticing that the priest did not look much different than the first time that they were in the same room together. His smile never shifts, almost cool in its delivery. There is a momentary pause as Beaureve comments on what he was? Or what the man thought he was. Hearing the younger man address him as a Lord. He would take that if it meant that he could strike a more upfront stance with the other.
"I do. This way. If you please." he gestures toward one of the empty tables for them to sit. Beaureve would receive no reaction to his liking right now.
The entertainer moves to sit gracefully and folds his hand on the table to look over his company. This night had just become very interesting for him. Here he was expecting a flamboyant person, and instead was sitting before a rather self assured and borderline intimidating presence. "Are you here with offers to bring me into your collection? I must tell you upfront I am exceptionally expensive."
Talthorn turns his head slowly, his eyes not leaving the man. Collection? Surely he did not think true on that. A matter to address some other time. "I want to know more about the substance that you gave to my friend, Jiro." he begins.
Beaureve looks slightly disappointed. He ahs gently and slips out one of his vials from his bracelet. "You mean this." he shows it to the mage, turning it ever so slightly so he can see the vibrant liquid dance. "It's an enhancing drug. For the senses. Very friendly to new users and in stronger doses will give even the most seasoned veterans sensations beyond imagining. Your friend received a trial 'stress free' edition to have her come down from whatever she is so livid in life with."
Talthorn looks it over to the enchanting vial's liquid with a rather neutral expression. In truth, he didn't have a negative reaction toward drugs unless they were exceptionally damaging. He was mature enough to know people sought escape. "I see. I heard you mention that you also use magic with it?"
Beaureve nods in confirmation. "I can. To expand the experience even farther should it be desired. I have spells and abilities that can reach into the very mind. Take over for someone that does not want to feel pain or anxiety they are feeling. Let them feel sweet memories, receive tantalizing visions, or just have me embrace their thoughts and let them be completely taken care of. A service most people find rather fulfilling in an unfulfilling world."
And that is where the magi holds in his breath, having a silent discomfort with this. He had been correct with what he heard. Mind control, manipulation. His heartbeat begins to quicken under his calm demeanor.
"How much." Talthorn points to the vial he holds.
The priest's eyebrows raise. "You are simply full of surprises, my Lord. However you are going to be more specific. How much did you wish to purchase?" he smiles slowly already, glad this could be a lucrative transaction.
"All of it." Talthorn speaks firmly and looks right to Beaureve rather determined.
Beaureve almost sputters and he stares a moment in disbelief. "Excuse me?"
The magi takes another breath in and then speaks again. "More specifically, I want to purchase all of your supplies that you were ever to bring at any function featuring the Tarts and any full function I am attending at any given time. I give you your gold, you refrain from offering these elixirs and mind manipulations for that event. I want you compensated so that you can guarantee that you will not be tempted to offer this to my friends and my most dear."
The priest watches from the other side of the table. "You're that concerned." Beaureve is not opposed to the idea; he is just very surprised. "I think an arrangement can be made if you are honestly good for your funds. Your most dear. The ones you were dancing with I assume."
Talthorn finally smiles brighter, showing his pride in being able to conduct matters in a mature fashion! He pauses with the man's inquiry. "Both of them. Especially. Inside or outside any event. You will never offer them these. Whatever additional compensation you need. Will be met."
Beaureve slips the vial back into his bracelet carefully but keeps his look right on the other. "We shall define those when we meet again perhaps." his eyes still glowing in their allure of this entire situation. He was exchanging potential clients for confirmed income whenever these troupe events were concerned.
"Tell me, my Lord. Have you ever been to Suramar."
There was some hesitation in Talthorn's face when being asked such things. Despite them reaching a rather preliminary agreement, there was still no established trust. Holding up his head in a rather dignified fashion, he wonders if it was time to fix that. The twisting feeling in his chest lingered.
"It has been a while." he confesses knowing one would now be in his future, very soon. He would get this threat under control, one way or another.
@daily-writing-challenge
(( Expanded thoughts on actual rp events featured last week, showing yet again Talthorn’s need to protect his friends and most dear. I am not used to roleplaying my mage as being so uneasy, but it’s great. I look forward to the coming developments of this!
Thank you for permission to share this to both Jiro and Beaureve! Mentions to them along with implied Konietzko and Saeil references. ))
Breaking and entering, not something new for him but it was the first time he had done so with a client he was bodyguarding. The Howling Owl’s employee apartments were not hard to break into, especially when this one left the balcony door unlocked. With the shadows wrapped tightly around him he snuck in and did a full sweep to make sure the apartment was secure before letting Beaureve sneak inside too. Of course due to the sweep and the small size of the apartment it was easy to tell that noone was home.
It had been a few years since he and Konietzko had last spoken, this was not how he’d have guessed they’d reunite, if at all. It was also not in a place like this that he’d expect to find him. Keeping to the shadows he witnessed as his new client chose not to poke and prod around the apartment much at all but took right to the sofa and curled up. He had not been guarding him for long yet, but he did wonder if this sort of nuance was typical of him. They both waited in silence for the Kaldorei to arrive home and since he was hidden in the shadows himself, there was no conversation between him and his client. He watched as the time passed and Beaureve fell fast asleep on that sofa as if stress and current events in his life had caught up with him.
It was well into the night when the door opened and Kon arrived home, stepping down the hallway and passing by the entryway right into the kitchen without even looking into the living room as why would he? He turned on a light in the kitchen and started a kettle making some tea as he began washing his hands. The shadow in the room witnessed his first look at the Kaldorei after this time without his knowing. He looked tired and a bit fatigued but not due to poor health. If anything his health seemed to have increased greatly since they last met. He must have just returned from some sort of physical activity as he was still a bit dark in the cheeks, chest and ears from a good workout and was tending to blisters on his hand. Interesting.
Beaureve was starting to wake from the sounds in the kitchen as Konietzko put the tea on the stove and started to walk into the living room, stopping dead in his tracks with a double take to the sofa when he saw the moving body of the Shal’dorei waking up from his nap. Stone steadied himself, tucked in the shadows just behind him ready to stop him at a moment’s indication he might try to harm his client. Beyond an understandable startle he didn’t, he just jerked and stared.
“Took you long enough.” Beaureve said stifling a small yawn as he rubbed at his eyes. “I mean… welcome home.”
“Well, I am terribly sorry for the inconvenience!” Kon replied with a mix of humor and shock both as he looked Beaureve over closely before opting to go to the chair next to the sofa. “Had I known I was playing host I would not have stayed so late practicing my routine. Now tell me… to what do I owe the honor of this…” He motioned to the balcony. “... break-in?”
With a smirk breaking over his lips, Beaureve just smiled. “You are forgiven. This time.” He said perfectly aware he was in the wrong but calmly combed out his hair as he sat there pleasantly.
“Well it’s my lucky day I suppose, you’ve taught me a valuable lesson.” Kon said walking then over to the balcony door and pulling aside the curtains slowly looking outside. He’d close the door then slowly, pursing his lips as if he was looking for something. “I need to invest in better locks, or lock the door at all it would seem.” He said somewhat bemused yet he turned around and looked about the room with a slow gaze of his amber eyes.
“Practice? Routine? Mm, so you’re turning your aspirations into reality. That’s rather wonderful to hear.” Beaureve said as he watched. “And in my defense, I did try to knock on the door first. However, after coming all this way with noone to answer? It was in my best interest to see if there was a way to wait inside.” The priest said only telling part of the story but it was enough. “And with how many letters I had to write up in order to actually receive word and meeting arrangements… I preferred a more direct approach.” He smirked. “You don’t mind. We can speak a bit now.” the priest said not leaving this open ended.
Kon stepped back over to the couch then and would find the chair to sit in as he tried to piece this all together. “Perhaps you came here seeking Talthorn? He is here often lately I’ll admit but not when I’m gone.” He said eyeing the priest a little suspiciously but he was far calmer about it than Talthorn had been. “Did you seek my contact I gave you?” He asked resisting the urge to look around the room once more.
“No. I am here to see you.” The priest says bluntly. “Yes. I did.” He replied to the latter question before moving right along. “Now we can officially make arrangements. As promised. When are you available?”
Kon stared at Beaureve and his audacity with a small smirk. “I suppose I can’t be upset considering how Talthorn did choose to ignore your letters till I found them. As much as I love him dearly he has his reasons for acting as he did. But I am not him.” He pointed out as he thought a moment before responding. “You did?” He redirected the conversation back to the point on the contact. “And did he accept?”
Beaureve seemed pleasantly welcome to this information and eager to ask more. “Are these reasons that you are willing to share at all?” he asked before Kon redirected the conversation. “He did. Very interesting man. This contact of yours. We’ve made a good business arrangement. Thank you again for your recommendation. I aspire to have a meeting with my issue whenever he gets my word. In the next few days most likely.”
Kon knew who he was talking about with this recent issue. Well he more knew -of- them from what Beaureve and Talthorn both had told him of that incident that left Beaureve wounded and carried to the healer’s ward after Talthorn had saved him. Even the shadow in the room knew the details enough to understand this comment and where it was going.
“Talthorn’s secrets are his own to share. I will only say for whatever it’s worth that his… mistrust is a valid one.” Kon looked right to Beaureve then. “Even if you were not the cause for them, just a trigger. But that is all the more I will say. If you want trust or his truths? That’s going to take time Beaureve. Time, and a significant lack of your magic. But in that too I will say no more. I’ve only said this much in the interest of trying to make this easier. For both of you.” Kon explained rubbing at his palms and the ache within them as he sighed and looked to the side. “So, the contract was made. That is good, though forgive me if I wish to make certain.” Kon said oddly as he raised his head then and would stare Beaureve right in the eyes as he spoke out louder. “Show yourself, old friend.”
Beaureve listened closely and drew in a slow breath. He was taking much from these statements but why? Why was there mistrust?! The priest was eager to figure that out. When he realized what Kon had said just then, however, he added in his own command in case his bodyguard was truly as strict as not to do so unless ordered. “Hm? Oh. Of course. Yes, please reveal yourself, Stone.”
No sooner than Beau had given the command, the shadows against the far wall on the other side of the dining room table would start to shift and lift as soon a voice was heard before the body was seen. Where Kon’s voice was deep and full of bass, his was low but more crisp and sharp. “While some things never change, some things… do. It has been a time, Kon.” The bodyguard stood leaning against the wall in full gear head to toe. Blades on his side and no doubt many more hidden throughout his attire. His face was masked, as always and those eyes as cold as winter skies peered right back at Kon’s as they made eye contact across the room.
For one who’s home was being invaded, Kon certainly didn’t seem too worked up over it. As his amber eyes met Stone’s, they softened just a bit. A hint of a sad yet genuine smile almost shadowed along his face. How bittersweet this was. “Some things do indeed, though you are not one of those things I would ever ask to change. Please, come. Sit with us. You know he is in no danger here.” Kon said motioning to the couch next to Beaureve.
Beaureve motioned to the couch as well. “Yes, join us.” He confirmed and watched the exchange between them, both seeming interested in this reunion between them. At first, Stone did not move. But eventually he pushed off form the wall to step over and stand at Beaureve’s side.
“Quite the place here, I see you’ve returned to the club scene afterall?” Stone quipped as he looked firmly down at Kon having already done his research on this place before they arrived.
"I have, though not intentionally at first. But after my seclusion from the world and the dream therapy it seems... I was ready to come back. Though certainly not with such old habits as I indulged in before. Of that... I endeavor to stray from as much as possible." His eyes then flicked to Beaureve well aware he was listening and oddly enough, he didn't seem to mind. ``I think you'll come to agree in no time at all that Sivah would have liked this one. Perhaps even -you- will." He playfully smirked towards Stone.
Beaureve enjoyed collecting the information he could, seeing how they both reacted with one another. He wears his smile and finds the details intriguing but blinks at the mention here. "Sivah? Who is that? And why would they like me? " he tips his head and looks back to Stone.
Stone met his gaze. “Sivandris Lumenstone, owner of the Starcaller Lure and heir to the Lumenstone Estate.” He told him as if just reciting information. “He had a way about collecting rare gems, like yourself. And each of them came with their own troubles that I always had the privilege of helping sort.” And that was all the more Stone seemed willing to share.
As Stone had decided that was all the more that needed said, Kon and Beaureve spent the rest of the night discussing how their arrangement would work. As Talthorn was to give Beaureve a date of his choosing once a month, Kon would under the same rules to help make up for Talthorn’s lack of his part of the deal in the beginning of their original arrangement. By doing so Talthorn would have the ease that Beaureve would no longer be trying to sell his rare drug to anyone of the Tarts nor of the Owl so long as it was a function put on by either group or when in Talthorn’s presence. It was an exchange no one would ever know even had taken place, all for the comfort that Talthorn could protect his friends and fellow entertainers from this mind-altering drug that he had no power to stop him from creating. However, Kon saw it fit by the end of this meeting here in his home to call Beaureve out. To him, this seemed like an overly complicated agreement in contract that they would be meeting as friends to do things that friends would willingly do without a contract because they were… friends? But to Beaureve that was not the case at all. He could not understand the concept of friends so to him this was a contract and he expected it to be upheld. Despite having his point made, Kon agreed and pushed the subject no longer. The entire exchange was witnessed by Stone, but he said nothing during it. Just observed in complete silence as he did for most his guard detail he’d signed on for with Beaureve. It was not his job to state his thoughts nor opinions on any matters Beaureve had to deal with. It was only his job to ensure his safety. Thankfully, one could do that with very little said as he was not one for idle conversation. Ever. But he did not think he’d be meeting Kon again, let alone under such circumstances. It was interesting how life had a way of bringing things left unresolved back around. Even among former friends.
Stone came to realize much had changed for the Kaldorei, not all but there was something very significant that he noticed right away in Kon that had not been there before. He’d come a long way on the road to recovery, and in doing so had begun truly turning his life around for the better. While Stone did not intend to be his ‘friend’ at that time and just to let everything go and move on, he was curious enough to see just where this would all lead for his current client’s future. Beaureve had alot to experience now in his ‘free’ life. Stone wasn’t so certain that experiencing it through Kon and the others he was associated with was the best way, but he wasn't paid to give his thoughts nor opinions on those matters either. They were invalid. At that time, he had only one job to do. And when the threat returned, he would do it. After that, the priest was on his own.
“Next week. At the same point we met before in Suramar. Wear something similar to that. You seem very comfortable. I’ll take care of the rest.” Beuareve said to the expectant Kaldorei as he rose to leave.
Kon took a slow breath in and let it back out as he nodded his head once. “A word to the wise Beaureve, what Talthorn and I want is not always what others think. But I can easily see the same could be said for you.” The Kaldorei’s eyes shifted back to Stonel then. “You are going to have your hands full with this one.”
Stone drew his gaze to Kon, “You’ve never been one to make my job easy. But we both know, that is where I thrive.”
“Oh I do.” Kon said with a laugh and a smirk to follow as he watched them both turn to leave. “It will be quite the… learning experience.” He teased at Beaureve before flashing Stone a knowing look. As usual, he got no response from Stone, just that stone-faced stare before he turned away and escorted Beaureve out. “Next week then.” Kon said as he watched them go and looked to the couch in thought. Maybe he would omit that part to Talthorn; he doubted his love would ever be able to let go the thought of Beaureve breaking into his apartment. What a little shit.
((A former rp from last year recapped in a shorter format though it still includes both our writing. A fun look at the beginnings of Talthorn, Kon, Beaureve and Rami’s friendship that few know about. While the rp has gone places none of us could imagine at that time, it has been a real trip to reflect back to this rp and the reunion of Kon and Stone as witnessed by Beau. Mentions too @beaureve-lunathas , @talthorn-sylvoran , @konietzko-lumenstone ))
On this particular day not too long before the big Love is in the Air event with the Succulent Tarts, Beaureve had asked Ramiaell if he would mind helping him make a decision. The two of them were on their way to the studio where Beaureve and Ramiaell spent most of their time as it was a convenient location and large enough studio. Usually Beaureve went his own way to rehearse and practice his vocals while Ramiaell secured the location locking it down before he would dedicate time to his lengthy workout regime to keep his own skills honed. Ramiaell had agreed to help him, he wasn’t certain how much help he’d be in such an area but he did have opinions even if he never voiced them nor let them show. While he and Beaureve were still trying to understand and discover whatever this odd… development between them was as of late, he had come to know just how important his work was to him and his goals for the future he was working hard to achieve. It was admirable, what would it hurt to offer his thoughts if that was what he wanted.
With a towel in hand, he was wiping off his excess sweat and drinking some water as he made his way down the halls after his training, following the sound of Beaureve’s voice. While the room he practiced in was made for proper acoustics he could still hear him enough. He appreciated that Beaureve did not put on his usual glamour when here either, there was no special attempt to grab the attention of others anytime they came here for him to practice. He’d never tell him he’d noticed it, he’d learned long ago to never tell someone who might be vain of their flaws. Though he still wasn’t certain how vain Beaureve really was when he wasn’t putting on a show.
"Ah, wonderful timing." Beaureve confirmed and gestured for the other to join him. Ramiaell found a place to sit for now, still trying to cool down his body. The priest adjusted his sonic environment enhancer before going to speak with Ramiaell about this. "So to start off in context. The troupe I am a part of. They are having a Love is in the Air celebration with many performances. They are a rather...trendy mindset with much of their music? Known for more burlesque shows too at times, but this is not to be on the level of too risque. However, as I am really trying to make my public shows focus on more of my grand show theatric with mild emphasis on more sensual displays, I wanted to give the audience that wants to see these sorts of performances something impactful. A different sort of awe. Nothing silly, nothing meaningless.."
"I follow," He said with a firm nod. Ramiaell had seen hundreds of performances in his lifetime at the Starcaller Lure of course most of them were erotic in nature. During his earlier years before his family and the house they served fell, he was dragged to many operatic performances and shows befitting that of nobility. So while he did not usually express much about them, he had a good basis of what would wow a crowd and what wouldn't.
The priest turns around to look over Ramiaell hoping he was in place so he could begin. There is a strange moment that flutters in his chest as he stares over, Beau realizes he's actually a touch nervous. Why was not yet identified, but it was good to have that feeling. It made it mean something.
Rami watched and waited as he stared into Beau's eyes wondering if he was making him nervous already or if he was just excited. When Beaureve felt Ramiaell was ready, he gave a nod to him. He pressed the button and knew he had a few moments to walk during the light parts of the piano that played. Making his way to the part of the floor he held his eyes down and the keys came to lead him to the first opening of the song.
"I'm trying to hold my breath." his air comes in his lungs as he holds it after a short purposeful sound of breath. "Let it stay this way. Can't let this moment end." As he moves his hand to form a slow fist in determination.
Ramiaell watched his face, his body language. No good singer let alone performer could help from putting some real feeling into their work even when practicing. Yet as Beaureve started his voice literally filled the room from the start, it didn't exactly shock him but he was feeling a very small tingle somewhere in him. Beau's eyes moved over to Ramiaell's own singing to him now. "You set off a dream in me..." A smile came over his lips before the next words. "Getting louder now, can you hear it echoing." His hand opens up toward the man hearing this music. "Take my hand. Will you share this with me? Cause darling without you..."
Ramiaell started to become that stone faced man he usually was, refusing to show what he truly thought but a whisper in Beau’s voice hit his head. 'don't hide from me'. He almost had to look behind himself but didn't, the voice echoing in his mind making that stony visage ease as he stared at Beaureve like he saw only him. There were more voices in his head though, voices that were far older screaming at him that this was weakness and to remain firm. A good performer could make anyone who watched them feel like they were singing directly to them. Ramiaell wasn't certain if it was because of this recent development they were both experiencing in their hearts and heads or if it was just because he was that good. But what was clear, was that he was truly captivating. And this wasn't even with his full performance mode!
The hand curled up slowly came down as Beaureve looked around as if to see what he envisions. "All the shine of a thousand spotlight. All the stars we steal from the night sky. Will never be enough. Never be enough. Towers of the gold are still too little. These hands could hold the world but it'll never be enough....Never be enooooough. For me."
"Never, Never!"
When the song started to pick up and Beau's voice truly resonated with the music, there was a strong thud in his chest, and a slight skip as his eyes started to faintly reflect that he was in a state of awe. It was little, but for Rami it was there. Sure he'd heard him practicing, heard his voice quite a bit by now but sitting there front and center while capturing his attention was an experience all of its own.
"Never, Never!"
As the song progressed, the more dramatic and warm Beau's voice got. His hands came out as if they were an anchor for him to really go for an almost opera feel to this song in its intensity. It became stronger where it should and brought it up right to the dynamic climax it deserved in a show of his range and skill with his voice resounding in the room with a force that could not be denied. It really felt that Beau got wrapped up in the feel of the music and as his final part of voice melodically called out, slowly setting his hand on his chest. He could feel the pound of his heart in his very ears slowly dying in the background.
He looked over Ramiaell with his own need to catch his breath. His hands folding together carefully with his eyes still searching. "Impressions...?" he manages to say with a half smile on his lips. "Or should I...just give you the next song to compare."
When the last few notes were sung, he continued to stare unblinking and for a moment speechless or so it seemed. Truth be told he wanted to express something that was very uncharacteristic of him. But he refrained, too well trained and conditioned to get that lost in any moment but it was there in his eyes as he finally blinked once. "That was truly... captivating." He said as he snapped from his minor daze and sat back more in his chair as he motioned a hand out towards him. "This next one is going to have quite the competition. But yes, I would like to hear it. To compare of course."
As Beaureve awaited his review he felt a unique quiver inside just seeing how it affected Ramiaell sitting there. He -knew- this man had seen so many performances in his lifetime. Perhaps not a part of them all, but all sorts of different music with an assortment of talents. Ramiaell didn't have to be on his feet or falling out of his chair to speak that he had touched in ways the singer wished. His eyes spoke volumes. The difference between singing at, and singing for were definite distinctions Beau was making. With his heart still pounding hard in his chest, he can feel a touch of a laugh leave him. "Mm, you say that." he turns around to adjust the player again, content to hopefully drive out any attempt to flush on his own face after that vocal workout. "However, it might be this one that could really win this crowd over." A few breathes and mental preparation to shift to a more opera-esque focus.
Turning back around, the music starts off gentle as the other did to create the mood. It gives him time to take his place in a slow, but purposeful step as this too was a part of the performance. His voice would begin to flow out to greet his audience in Ramiaell. "Never knew, I could feel like this. Like I've never seen the sky befooore. Want to vanish inside your kiss." his fingers move to hover closer to his lips. "Every day I love you more and more."
Ramiaell watched him turn away to reset the player. While pretty he didn't think too much of the beginning that is till he heard the lyrics coming forth from his mouth as he stared right back at Beaureve. His eyes watched those fingers as they touched along his lips. His eyes snapping back to his face as he listened to that voice truly sing out.
"Listen to my heart, can you hear it sing." His voice begins to take on a more rich feel. "Telling me to give you eeeeeverything. Season may change, winter to spring. But I love you, until the eeend oooof time." he smiles and would allows the words to start develop into bloom. "Come what maaay. Cooome what maaay~"
Watching him just wasn't like watching any other, it was like being in a waltz with him and seeing him truly enjoy himself as he expressed himself physically and vocally yes but moreso emotionally. Did he even know he was doing it? Was this why he was so sought after? The way he made him feel like he was singing this song directly to him made his mind teeter back and forth. Surely he wasn't singing it -for- him, this was just how good he was as a performer. It had to be. But that didn't stop it from captivating him as he found himself unable to look away and that heartbeat in his chest beating harder with every breath.
There was no question that Beaureve was meant to sing these sorts of works with both his natural and trained talents. His hand would instinctively weave as if knew places where spell could be cast, but no divine would sprout from him here. Since he had gone from wanting to see genuine reaction to his music opposed to a cast of enthrall, he would let just his voice be that to create magic.
As the music comes to the final parts of the song, Beaureve would again fall into this area in which the melody was his very lifeblood, letting his voice take his audience to where he was in emotions that would only ever be there when he was singing like this. The last line echoes and his hand flared out would close to symbolize the end of the song as the music is meant to linger just a touch longer.
Almost wild eyed with the new sensation of high, he meets Ramiaell's eyes as he slowly comes down. A gradual smile crosses his lips as he shakes inside. What the fel was wrong with him? There was a new element to his music that even he could feel! There was no way he could explain it to this man in front of him. Not right now. He had to figure this out. For now? Beau tried to catch his breath again and remained unmoved from his spot he took on this studio floor. "A bit more encompassing I think. What do you feel?" The priest looked over Ramiaell as he processed both the renditions of the song.
Rami’s eyes met with his, he didn't dare look away. He couldn't, and Beaureve would see a look of bewilderment in his eyes, however subtle and restrained, it was there. As was a slight hint of color in his cheeks that he was failing to hide as his mask wasn't on currently, it must be the workout still affecting him. In that small momentary lapse of silence shared between them and their gaze he found himself almost smiling right back at him as he saw that small gradual smile across his lips, as if his own was unwillingly coming forth feeling that equal need to just admire and smile at him. But when Beau tried to catch his breath so too would Ramiaell as he cleared his throat and fought the urge to go to him. Maybe a day would come when he wouldn't fight this but right now it went against everything he’d lived for and trained for. Honestly he didn’t really even know what this feeling truly was and if it was even alright to feel it. He still felt he had no business! But it was there, and he couldn't deny it.
Both hands came down onto his knees as he leaned forward a little, then raised one hand up to rub across his face as if wiping away his flush as it went back and up along the top of his shaved head. "I, feel many things if I'm honest. I, was not certain what to expect but you have a true talent Beaureve. I'm in awe of your wonder." He motioned that hand out towards him then. "You have a way about you that makes you feel like you're singing your very heart and soul to your audience, however long ago you learned that talent I am uncertain but it shows. I don't truly know how the audience couldn't be captivated even without your magic about you, your voice... is majestic as much as it is angelic."
There were still throbs of aftermath in sharing this with the man in front of him. Beaureve was used to listening to recordings of himself, viewing orbs. Since his only people that were relatively close would just gape and not say anything productive, it was difficult to get honest feedback. When Ramiaell just offered this smile and had the priest seeming to even seem shy for a few glimpses of time. As if he was not allowed to see this man like this, quickly he tried to gather himself up also trying to subtly wipe off the color they wore.
"I am honored you think so..." he said after his praise but also to know how it portrayed where this song was coming from. Beau had no one that described it like that, and it felt....really good. Valued. Appreciated. "After much in the way of looking at compositions, I thought these would be very good contenders for a festival that is wanting to paint a picture of a dynamic way about....love." It was a subject that he sang about enough to know it had to pierce the heart and soul to really make a true impression. Lust was a different matter altogether! And even that he was really good at. Moving up closer as the performances were done now. "Do you feel one would be better suited for the troupe? The first one I feel is...centering deeper on myself. The next feels more involving me with my audience." his eyes glimmer over Ramiaell as he wishes his heart would stop pumping too fast!
As he approached Rami followed him with his eyes, sitting up straighter as his hands went more to his thighs then as he considered how to answer that. "I believe you're on the right track and have successfully conveyed 'love' as it is known in both. I think both would belong to such an audience as you have described them to me, and if anything I'd choose more based on how you wished to approach your audience. Are you wanting to offer them something more personal and deep about yourself? Or are you wanting to hit them here." He said, raising a hand up to his chest over his heart area. "Both have the ability to captivate, awe and move but the second would cater to a much more vast array of people I feel." He lowered his hand then as he considered something for a moment.
"I guess in another attempt to explain, the first feels more like this is me, I am here, and this is me crying out to the world. The second..." He thought for a moment as he reached up to slide fingers along his own chin. "... offers more devotion and depth to the subject. And displays more depth and range of your voice." He paused then as he looked up at him in the eyes. "Well, that's not entirely true. Both do that in their own way." He twitched a little feeling he was just rambling now and not too fond of it. He wasn't the kind to ramble and speak without meaning. Well, it wasn't without meaning it just was too wordy for his taste. Hmm... interesting.
Beaureve would listen attentively as the other shared his insights on the selections and his eyes widened as he continued to delve more on his own thoughts on the subject. He looked at Ramiaell's chest and mms. Not feeling the man rambling in at all, he remains fixated on how he speaks about the songs. He nods firmly and is giving this serious thought! He usually had an array of effects to stimulate his audience with too. He seems to be in his own little thought bubble for a bit longer and then reaches out himself. A hand needed some grounding as he felt a bit in the clouds with his mystical thought. "All of what you have said helps, Ramiaell. These perspectives were very important for me. Something I could not easily do on my own." There is some resolution in his eyes, as if he had made a decision already. He truly enjoyed singing and performing. It showed when he was on any stage, but he was still trying to figure out why this was different to him when in front of this man.
As that hand reached out, he'd not even hesitate to slowly raise his own hand to take it as he would rise up from his seat and stand before him as he listened. "I'm glad my insight was useful then." He slowly started to raise his hand up then as he spoke. "Your voice alone has the power to move people, even me." He admitted as he would then kiss the back of his knuckles for just a moment. Even a man of stone had been well trained and versed in how to conduct himself gentlemanly. It was almost more a proper gesture than anything but there was something more felt there as he did it even if slow, short and simple. He'd then raise his head back up as he lowered his hand once more. "May I ask which you will choose?"
The priest was so grateful for that hand to hold on to, it seemed to make a physical effect over him and he watched the man rise with a smile to welcome this response. "It has. I understand that much more. And matters with this troupe, I feel the audience needs a specific focus." When Ramiaell reveals his voice had the power to move him, he stares at the other, feeling the other treating him like a gentleman with that tender kiss on his knuckle. He forgot how to speak, holding in his breath making it seem as if he were just taking in more of his words. Beaureve was in his own state of strange feeling and refreshment of color. Concentrating on his question, he refused to have that hand go just yet. ".....the second one is my choice for this performance. I plan on making it a rather memorable spectacle." he gave his hand a small, warm squeeze. "And you'll have to let me know if it moves you again in full blossom when you see it fully on stage." Beaureve felt something unique in knowing Ramiaell would just be there for this.
Ramiaell let his thumb gently slide along his hand as he held it and found himself starting to smile a little more gazing down at the shorter elf as even now he spoke and acted with such a grace to him at least in his eyes. "I will be watching, though my face will be hidden as we will be in public, I will let you know how much it moves me."
@daily-writing-challenge
Mentions and fellow Writer @beaureve-lunathas
The chosen song was beautifully performed live at the @succulent-tart's Love is in the Air 2021 and Beaureve let that voice ring true! This was a fun reflection of the rp that had lead up to that song choice. And a personal memory between Beaureve and Stone of when that particular song became something more for the both of them.
Following through with the rotated daily routine for himself with Suramar City itself, Beaureve had come to pick up his post to arrange his client appointments in a timely fashion. The beginning of this week he would also be making a trip to his bank to sort his very specific accounts. This was all after hours of his morning training in an array of different focuses. For those that thought that an entertainer's life was all glamor and fame, they were sincerely mistaken. It required hard work and determination, as well as a talent for managing the monetary if you intended to make it a career. All things this young man possessed and more.
Years had passed since Suramar had opened up to the world, and for opportunists such as Beaureve their business endeavors exploded with possibility. So much so, that the entertainer had aspirations to leave other aspects of life behind to focus on his grand show performing. It was a process, but he would be making his years of planning for it a reality.
Exiting the building with his full satchel of requests for services in his known fields of business, he is reading over his pointed notes and charting the path in his head on how he was going to get to other destinations efficiently. Three were optimal. As he turned in the direction of his choice for the day, Beaureve was expecting a rather uneventful day. His favorite sort was when everything went to plan.
Unfortunately for the entertainer, it was not long before he felt he was being followed. The irritation that ran through him had his face twitch, passing a slow glare over his shoulder to see whom it could be. Beaureve had his fair share of stalkers about, from the more innocent fan sort to the leering drug addicts. And it was not as if he masked up or glamour on himself beyond recognition today, dressing more casual and hardly looking to stand out today. When he gives a peer around the area and sees nothing, he continues on his path not wanting to be bothered by what it could be. He had a schedule to keep.
However as he turned back and through the steady forest of passing people, Beaureve saw who had been following him. Across the street, the flared eyes that had their sights fixated on him had his blood turn cold. They belonged to a large Shal'dorei man with the look of an elite guard to him from one of the higher ranks Noble households within Suramar. His crest was in cloth around his shoulder, and today he was fully armored in soldier fashion. His name was Seolfaus Lumos, and he was one of the few surviving elements of the entertainer's last life. There was a deep hatred with the warrior and he looked ready to tear him apart. One would argue for valid reasons, except right now this was not a time to argue.
It was more rare for Beau to have this element of fear with most anyone, having the ability to alter minds as he did. However, this man. Seolfaus was extremely resilient against his mental attacks or manipulations, so there was reason to feel it. Already attempting to calculate the next path to get him far away, the young man knew he was in no position to meet this threat head on. Going with the flow of people in their chosen direction, Beaureve wanted to get himself lost as soon as possible! He heard the angry voice yell at him but of course he kept moving. Not faster, just smarter.
A woven word over one of the citizens and they relinquished their cloak warmly to him wishing the entertainer a good day without breaking a step. Beaureve would smile and thank and move on through the crowd, in another turn getting a different civilian to get Seolfaus to stop and help him instead! While the entertainer could not coerce the warrior's mind, he could get other unsuspecting people to take on a role for him as he tried to disappear. Right now it was a matter of self preservation, knowing if he was ever to take on this battle he needed it to be on his own terms and not caught out like this.
Seolfaus had been distracted for a couple of moments, but it was only to yell and push through. Every interaction caused him to lose his focus on him for just a short time and it helped the younger man get closer to escape. Unfortunately for Beaureve, his enemy was starting a ruckus that his own lack of reaction was making him stand out. Too focused on where he was going to be next instead of acting a part in the now. It was a small mistake, but it was one that cost him capture. The warrior quickly closed the gap in a rush to grasp at Beaureve's head from behind. Even with as agile as the entertainer was he was too slow against this man whole yanks that cloaked head of hair violently back. An instant reaction was to try to stun his mind and wrestle free, but Seolfaus only growled and gripped tighter.
"That's not going to work on me you little asshole!" he bellows as he backhands the younger man. Pain in its white surge would get Beaureve ready to go numb. Before he could even speak he had an angry mad yelling in his face. "Give back everything you took from me! NOW! Before I drag you back to the cage you belong to." Beaureve could feel himself getting shaken and he yells back. "It was never yours! It never existed! You know it's true!" he tries to reach Seolfaus this way as yelling back seemed to be the only way this lummox understood anything.
"LIAR!" was his only response as the man's eyes flared in more anger. "How DARE you say that! Give them back to me! Or I'll rip your head off!" Seolfaus's words made Beaureve close his. Such a tragedy that had befallen this warrior, and right now they were both helpless in this violent reunion that was only going to keep going in this cycle. How could he hope to reach Seolfaus with truth and reason, when he was so blinded with rage? His abilities were almost useless against this foe, and yet Beau still understood where he was coming from. He needed a plan.
Shaking the younger man in his grip again, he begins to lift him up off the ground looking ready to lay into him with some armored punches. He takes a few shots as if to soften him up in the body area but got nothing. As the warrior's arm pulls back he stops seeming to hear a voice. Turning his head slowly to the sound, the onlookers would see the violent man have his attention on nothing there. However what they could not see, was Beaureve's final attempt at an attack but in a much softer way in his mind. He just needed to get the other to listen for a few seconds.
In the warrior's head, he thought he could hear both of his mates call to him. It made Seolfaus shake to the core, and even if he could feel there being a tingle in his head it was almost as he wanted it to happen? If it meant he could see this right now...
Lowering the battered man, Seolfaus was entranced by what he thought he saw in those moments. Beaureve watches as best as he could and continues this mental invasion waiting for the right moment. He didn't want to do it this way. To give the warrior a reunion with the people that he loved....with the people that didn't even exist. But the chances of his survival this way were higher. As Seolfaus seems to be lost in emotion, accepting more and more that what he saw had to be real, he releases the young man and moves in to embrace people that the thought were truly there.
Beaureve could feel the ache as he let the man in the street just sob and sink down with happiness carrying on a beautiful conversation with loved ones in his head. Turning to run and disappear as quickly as he could, there would be an echo of anguish when he relinquished his hold and was safe from any more harm. Silently the younger man vowed to set this right. When he could. When it was possible and he was able. He didn't have the means right now, but one day.....perhaps he would.
( The past always finds a way to haunt you. No matter what new life you make for yourself. Beaureve is discovering this as he grows older, and like all that have experienced this before him, try to find those ways to conquer and cope with the ghosts that rise up. Beau was finally able to help this man, but that is a story for another time. ) @daily-writing-challenge
After another long productive day of training and errands, both entertainer and bodyguard return back to their home to continue with more work. Beaureve always felt accomplished if he had felt the ache in exerting his body and was in need of a shower. He was far from the glamorous man saw on stage right now, with hair pulled back and his sweaty workout clothing in layers over him. Slipping out of his shoes where they are always placed, the entertainer grumbles and finds his way to the living area with a heavier satchel of request than usual. There were packages in the midst of everything which usually indicated different kind of requests.
Slumping on the sofa, he stares at the ceiling for a few moments as he knows he has to deal with this. And the sooner the better. Unearthing the contents of his bag and sorting the letters in meticulous fashion to review, he would have to judge and book accordingly through all of these. Ripping open one of the packages after the basic letters were dealt with, he produces a long letter of what seemed to be poetry and compliments along with shallow promises accompanied with expensive jewelry. Already bored, the entertainer rolls his eyes over it. He was sure this person that had sent this found themselves quiet charming in this attempt to woo him. It would be one of a handful this week.
After a sigh, Beau skims through the writing for anything at all relevant. He opens the elaborate box that held some crafted ear cuffs in an arrangement of beautifully crafted metals and gems that were meant to take the breath away of any appreciator. Beaureve was not an easy man to impress, but at least he could assume that the value of the object was high and it earns a slight nod of approval. Sliding the box on the table he takes out his planner for the upcoming couple of months and a ledger with descriptive notes. He was already making a note of selling this item as it was from someone that knew he would not wear gifts from them. It was their own choice to send, but he didn't stand for people thinking they owned him because he accepted a token from them.
Looking over the planner getting ready to confirm his appointments of the week, there was a note that catches his eye. He had not memorized this one so it out of place for him. It was in Ramiaell's handwriting, with the simple word 'Dinner' in a designated time slot. It had him fluster quickly in the ears and tops of his cheeks. Perhaps this was not romantic to many, but to Beau? It was exceedingly so. Ramiaell had taken the time to notice what heavy schedule he had and picked out an optimal time to alleviate the stress during that series of intense days with a planned dinner. Like he just knew....
His lover had emerged from the kitchen with a small tray. A couple waters and brewing tea in pot with cups. Pointing to the green tea blend in the pot, he speaks directly. "For muscle recovery." Ramiaell's supported a rather neutral expression, but he looked Beaureve in the eyes as if dictated it was meant especially for him. It earned him an appreciative slow smile from the entertainer. In everything the man of Stone did, it was all for the priest's well being. There was never a time that Beau didn't feel it. Their contract forged that had started as hiring him as a protectorate, had developed into more on paper as well as practically. Again, even if people could not understand how this was endearing to the both of them it worked for the two of them. It was if he just found someone that finally understood the language he was speaking in. And suddenly the world they more than accepted they would be alone in? Gained them a chance to discover what their version of what friendship and love could feel like.
"Thank you." Beaureve nods about the tea and watches as the other sits with him, taking up the ledger to help him make notes. "So. The beginning of next week then. Dinner is it?" he was acknowledging the plans and Ramiaell glances over. Only Beau could tell there was a hint of a slightest smile. "If that is acceptable." were his only words about this right now. Another nod is cast before the priest reaches over to place on the man's leg. "Very acceptable." he confirms but knowing that they could talk more in detail later moves on to the business that needed to be finished up.
Everyone has a different view on romance and for Beaureve, he was discovering for himself it was about the small things. The genuine things. Never filled with the superficial words or extravagant gifts or traditional societal expectation. Something that was beyond the physical. It was about sharing an everyday without the glamor. It was about knowing how to take care of someone. There were so few people that could actually be able to really take care of this tycoon in the making, for he was extremely independent and ambitious but Ramiaell proved he was more than capable. Had so many skills he lacked while complimenting others. And they kept teaching each other about those parts of life they just never were able to live before meeting one another. And all of this was being created without any semblance of Beau's mind abilities, because they were essentially useless against Ramiaell's barriers against magic.
So sitting with one another and creating schedules and revising goal journals was something real and worthwhile. While the monetary was driven for in Beaureve, at the end of his day it was what that represented when he finally had enough of it. It symbolized freedom and eventually a making of a new empire for those that craved for a different life than they were forced to live. Sharing this dream with Ramiaell instead of keeping it all to himself had given Beaureve something people accused him not having. A heart.
(( What can I say. Beaureve is not a usual person when it comes to romance. But neither is his partner! They are both cold as ice and hard as stone most times, because no one really knows their language. It really was a miracle these two met each other when they did. I enjoy rping their developments very much.)) @daily-writing-challenge @ramiaell
Mature content: Violence, blood, implied rape and murder
Waking up slowly from the aftermath of what could only be described as mental battle to the death, Beaureve could hear murmured of voice floating somewhere in the background as if he had just been discovered in this mess. His head throbbed and his body was on fire. The inflicted wounds over his naked body before all this happened burned horribly. His blurry vision could barely make out anything other than distorted shape and his limbs felt useless still strapped to the operating bed.
"....what happened here...!" repeats in echo within the young man's ears.
"...the Doctor...! He's dead!" "What do you mean he's dead! He can't be! No one else has been in here." The people argue in what seemed like so far away.
Beaureve struggled to keep himself awake, slowly becoming more aware of where he was. What had happened transpired here. His fists slowly form as he tries again to twist his wrists in the restraints. Emotionally void and detached from this situation, with what was done to him usually in this room he just felt that small sense of what might have been relief that he didn't have to deal with the 'Doctor' ever again. That was over.
The attempt to suppress his mental abilities had failed and backlashed over the man that was responsible in carving out parts of his mind for years. Of man others as well. All in the name of keeping those bound and possessed in his part of House Lumos compliant servants. Molding their bodies and minds to be vessels to pleasure the men and women of power here. Many had just turned into puppets to be used as playthings in the most vile ways you could imagine.
The young man had managed to survive through viscous group edgeplay and was brought here afterward to be cleansed and healed. Beaureve was numb to it at this point, but the loss of blood would hinder his usefulness in service if he didn't repair quickly. Except this time, there was an obstacle for the Doctor when he tried to help himself to the broken mess that the young man was left in before beginning to repair him. He pushed back in his mind against the invader this time and would not relent. It never occurred to the mind surgeon, that Beaureve could rival him in his abilities. It was that short coming that called forth the flurry of desperate attacks to rip through his brain while unintentionally absorbing knowledge and memories leaving him a slumped bloodied and mutilated mess on the floor.
Biting down on the side of his lip hard to taste the blood and try to feel anything, Beaureve realized he was still just numb to most all feeling after this kill. There was no fear here no matter he wanted to feel that adrenaline maybe help him get out of here sooner. His dimly lit eyes try to focus on the people here. He could not see them, but he could reach out and hear their minds. They were afraid. But not of him. Not yet. They didn't suspect that he had done this. No one had. As the two argue, he felt blood flow out of the side of his mouth. He just wanted to be freed. Attempting to make a sound, it gurgled in his throat pathetically.
As they approach he tries again. "...help..." he turns his wrist again in the binds.
He could feel their panic and it annoyed him. Were they just going to stare at him and blather if they should do something? Looking right to the frame of one of them, he takes over them and compels him to release him. But this only instilled more fear in the other as he sees the other look entranced and Beau was being threatened to stop. Weaponry pulled out and pointed out at the battered young man on the table. Accusations and fear was making this guard become stupid.
The flat, unblinking stare that Beaureve gives only freaks out the other even more, to the point that the young man makes his comrade reach for his own weaponry and in attempts to get him to stand down. Making the man speak when he could not, that he just wanted help it gains his friend's attention and now the weapon was aimed at him. Lost to the consuming horror he made this out to be, the slip of a gun shot sounded at his partner. Not even hours into his new found abilities and he invoked such havoc and now the screaming. Another shot goes off before Beau can think to switch over to ensnare the other, and he can feel the pain blossom in his gut before lashes about again with his mental attack rendering the other unconscious instead.
He smacks the back of his head against the table a couple of times in a methodical frustration. He had to think of a different approach. And fast.
(( Probably one of Beau’s most tame experiences when it came to the Doctor as it was the unleashing of his mental abilities and his death. Unsure if I will post public stories about the tortures this character has been put through earlier in his life as they are rather graphic but we’ll see. This was right before he was appointed to be a new Doctor and forced to ‘fix’ people. More on that later in the challenge. Thanks for readin! )) @daily-writing-challenge
