To Burn Every Bridge (Torn)

[Ceried'a Itonris Sa'achern]

It was hard to travel between countries without running into trouble. With tensions like they were it was hard to move without catching someone's eye, and sometimes it wasn't out of sheer boredom that the gazes continued to follow whoever was passing through their city. It was a rather cool day, the clouds sprinkling down some rain as a large black stallion sauntered down the road. The rider's cloak hugged tightly to the form, their posture stiff, strong as they continued through the city. The water helped was away some of the dusty road that had accumulated on the simple, but well made cape, the hood pulled up far over the eyes for no man or woman to see.

This trip had been a long and tedious process, the planning behind it thorough and detailed. In the several months it seemed that all there had been was planning and creating illusions to cover up the lies that would only further accumulate. In created the future desired there was a need to tie up loose ends...

These loose ends were a job that Ceried'a only trusted herself with as she glanced up at the passing signs that marked each establishment. She made the trip fairly quickly, making up the time lost with the fanfare that her departure had needed to cover her tracks. Of course her powers and great as they were extended only so far and going outside of the city meant that she had to bring her "king" with her. That had meant as well that there would be need to be witnesses to the king leaving, and knowing that she'd taken great care into making guards and those to drive the coach they would take, including other horses to hide her own among them until she got far enough away to ditch what she didn't need. With just herself, her pack, and what little else she'd packed for her trip she'd made good time as she had reached the city before night.

There had been been spies in the castle, ladies made to keep an on her, and as quickly as she'd outed them she had sent them away to other's in her court to keep watch on them instead. There were the other lovers her husband had taken, a few maids who the king often sought private audiences with who Ceried'a had made sure have her king cut off quickly eliminating anyone who got to close. There were even a few who claimed their children to be of royal blood, but a few bags of gold was enough to silence their flapping lips.

The only problem came from the place she pulled her stallion to a stop in front of. For a king to use the brothel in their capitol, or even in their country was risky, and so she was not surprised to find that a man like himself during his time would find himself so far out in this rather low place simply to avoid the eyes that might have caught sight of the Crown of Carthonia making a royal ass of himself. Ceried'a knew only of this place because of several trinkets that were left to him by pretty boys and girls he'd bedded, and it was that which made her worry. It was fine to seek pleasure from others, but it was when someone came forward claiming a royal bastard, or someone who knew the king figured out something was off about him.

She just really wanted to see first what people knew, and it was then she'd begin to bring out the gold that she carried in case their memories were too sharp. Getting off her horse she lead the creatre to decent cover to rest before she moved back towards the brothel.

Opening the doors she was hit with a strong warmth that could only be from the warmth of bodies and liquor. Moving further in she pulled off her hood, dark chocolaty curls falling around her face as she looked around, eyes adjusted to being inside, lit up. Letting her cloak fall open she placed one hand on her hip resting on the edge of her belt that hung crooked at her hip, the weight of her blade holding it down at such and angle over the black leather trousers she wore, black boots pulled up nearly to mid-thigh, a dark bodice was tied tight over a deep violet shirt. Dark eyes moved around the room as she looked for someone who ran or at least helped run this establishment. Hopefully this would be all over rather quickly and soon she could return to the inn she'd stopped at to change back into royal garments and bring herself and her "King" home to their people after taking some time to themselves away in the country.

[MUSENDA TORN VELESH]

Today was one of those few lazy days that actually was a lazy day were the young man didn't sneak out to find some fun. Lounging in one of the chairs watching the others around him entertain their guests. Usually he would have someone for him to play with as well but honestly he just wasn't up for it today, it seemed like much to often lately he had been stuck saving young men more than his actual job.

He was close to almost asleep with his little Rosto curled up in his lap when the door opened letting a woman into their little world. An eyebrow shot up as it clicked in his mind as to who that was. Sure, Torn wasn't the best at remembering all names but he made sure he at least knew names and faces such as a queen's.

Moving the cat from his lap to the chair, Torn made his way over to the lady in her wonderful tight clothing. He himself in tight dark pants and the loose white shirt that was open showing off the tattoos from his neck to his chest and even the ones on his lower stomach right above the pant line.

"Can I help you lady?" he asked innocently enough acting as if he hadn't a clue as to who she was. His look and actions caused many to not believe that he was the owner no matter what they were told and he was kinda hoping that she would think the same. Well that was only a small wish and if it didn't happen, well it wasn't every day that a queen came to his little place. Actually, it was the first time he had seen her himself.

[Ceried'a Itonris Sa'achern]

Ceried'a wasn't completely sure what she was going to do when she got in. Really it was a place that she wasn't sure if she could simply buy, threaten, or plead for silence and distance. In the back of her head she doubted some painted up girl would come all the way to her country seeking her husband, but she wanted to make a clean cut. A few people who were there took some interest in the woman who had walked in, but some eyes and bodies went back to their own tasks as she moved to pull off her cloak, letting it hang over one arm as a young man approached her.

Looking at him she let her eyes roam over his form that was not well hid by his clothing. He seemed one of the little pets you could buy, the way he moved in close, so polite, but something subtle beneath that, a little more mischievous and tempting. Still she kept her composure save for a small smile that played on her lips.

"I need to speak to the person who owns this establishment." She spoke softly, her tone gentle, but official as she looked around the room once more before letting her gaze settle on the other once more speaking with her, "I was sent here about a matter of great importance." Of course coming outright and saying she was a Queen was not really an option for her, not in a place like this with the laws as they were. A messenger was safer, and she could only hope that whoever she had to deal with was foolish enough to believe it.

"I have a mistress who has some business dealing with this brothel, and it is important that I speak to the owner and only the owner."

[MUSENDA TORN VELESH]

Here he had thought today would be a lazy day for him to just sit around and watch, but that was before the lady walked in. Now he was forced to actually do some work, ah well being the owner did imply some work. Actually more then some but Torn could put that off for a little bit longer. He only smiled as the older woman, the queen at that, looking him up and down.

Mistress, eh? That playful little smile still on his face as he gave a slight nod. "Sure ma'am," he said with a wink, "Here I'll leave you in his .....office and go get him if that's alright?" He led her past the rich heavy fabric dividing off the one part of the large room that had all the previous doors removed. "Well, here we are," he said moving the curtain aside and letting her in without stepping in himself, "Hes sure to be around here somewhere. I shall find him for you." Then with that he departed to go "find" the owner.

It seemed as soon as he left a jingle sounded in the darkened room and the pinkish white creature emerged from under a blanket before sauntering over and jumping on a table trying to inspect the newcomer. Rosto, the hairless cat of the brothel, purred at the woman being as flirtatious as his master always was.

Then the curtain opened again and Torn reappeared with another playful smile. "I found him," he said stepping in and taking a seat on a couch across the room from her, "So what may I do for you my lady?"

[Ceried'a Itonris Sa'achern]

“That would be ideal.” Ceried’a replied softly to the “servant” boy’s suggestion of taking her to the owners office. His wink threw her off a litte...as if some game was being played that she didn’t know had started. She didn’t like games that she didn’t make or that she got caught up in without wanting to play. Still she followed through the heavy curtains without complaint...her business not the a brothel boy but the owner himself.

The warmth of the room slowly seeped into her cold body, her wet clothes slowly drying, long dark hair left loose curling slowly as it dried. Once inside the room the young man brought her too she sat down on one of the plush seats. It was nice to finally be inside and warm after such a long ride. With the warmth and the darkness it almost made her want to sleep, and as he’d left her alone she found her eyes growing a little heavy until the soft jingle of a bell caught her attention. Lifting her gaze just a bit from where she sat she found herself staring right at the glowing eyes of the cat whose soft purr seemed to be a equally teasing as the boy’s. “Aren’t you just a lovely young thing.” She murmured as she leaned forward, brushing her fingers over the soft furless flesh.

It was then behind her she heard the curtain move, looking up from the animal she was met with the sight of the brothel boy, her gaze moving to try to look beyond him, but as he entered further, and as the curtain fell she realized no one else was entering she found herself staring at the other in surprise as he sat down across from her. “Ah...what a lovely little tease.” She chuckled, bringing one hand up to her lips as if to cover the smile. It was amusing, but still a game that she had lost a part of.

“I have a mistress who has a few questions that she wishes to have answered...specifically about a certain client.” Moving her hand to her side she pulled out a pouch, “She is more than willing to pay for the time you give.”

[MUSENDA TORN VELESH]

Rosto's purrs got louder as he arched his back into her hand, ignoring his owner since he was receiving the attention at the moment. Torn watched as Rosto purred for more and more attention. Who would have guessed that was the same wrinkled little kitten he had found years ago? He smiled as he leaned forward listening to her story.

"Your mistress?" he asked, well if she decided to play this part then he would see where she was trying to go with this. He started messing with fingernails, "A certain client? Well, you'll have to remind me miss since this place sees many clients everyday."

He picked at a fingernail seeming as if he were truly bored with this whole situation. Honestly, well he was quite curious to what this woman would come up with. "Well, if your mistress wishes then remind me," he said with a smile looking back up at her, "Then we can talk about compensation."

[Ceried'a Itonris Sa'achern]

The cat purring beneath her touch was a nice feeling, warmth vibrating with the internal noises that seemed only to urge her on to continue with the affection. With what few pets she'd had she could remember cats being the most selfish when it came to attention, but also the most fickle. It was almost sad to draw her hand back as the brothel boy...the surprising owner of such a place...asked her for more detail.

The Queen had figured that it would come to this. Of course she wasn't willing to outright say that it was the King of Carthonia. It then came to the point where she would need her skills and her attention. "That is right, let me give you a picture." She murmured before focusing her attention on the table between them.

Slowly the figure began to form as if a person was removing a cloak that had kept them invisible during their exchanged words. Bit by bit the distinctly male figure began to take shape, the clothes fancy, but nothing distinctive of a king. The face with it's strong features...he had never been a hideous man to look upon, a man a woman could see herself desiring for a night or two, but having known him most of her life he was not the man she'd ever come to love for his mind or his body.

Within a few moments the illusion of the king stood before Torn and Ceri, this one not as good as the one she did while in the palace, but mainly in case anyone decided to put the level of her skills together with the thoughts of the sudden change in the kings grip over her. "This man, whatever name you may know him as, is a respected man of the courts, but due to some scandal and rumors it is important that if any of your..." She was tempted to call them "goods" or even "products" but even she knew better to throw insults of status when a situation was sensitive. "...people think they have some special relationship with him that they soon learn how heartbreaking love truly is, and I mean very soon."

Crossing one leather clad leg over the other she took a long breath in before letting it out, preparing her thoughts as she slowly let the image before her fade. "Now to do this out of the goodness of their own hearts would be most kind, but my mistress knows that good will does not always fill bellies but rather actions. She is willing to take action to make sure every belly in this house is filled to content." Leaning in dark eyes took in Torn's, Ceried'a searching his face for some thought to read.

He was lovely in a way that a fire was as it torn through kindle, if her husband had taken him at any point she could see why that could be. She found herself somewhat attracted to the youth for his boldness and the way he played his games. Though it amused her to think that perhaps it was not her husband in control if that was the case that this one ever met him, the image drawing a small chuckle from her lips. "So what say you? Do we have something to talk about here? Or do you plan to turn me out in this storm?"

[MUSENDA TORN VELESH]

Torn sat back into the chair, turning so that now his back rested on one arm rest and his legs going over the other. The act probably making him look younger but he didn't really care, if he was to sit here and talk then he would do it as he pleased. Those eyes a bit more interested as she made the image appear before a smile slid on to his face. Of course he knew who it was and for her 'mistress's' sake he might as well admit to that.

"He always gave me different names, every time, as if my memory was truly that bad I wouldn't remember," he said with a laugh to the ceiling, that ignorant old man as if he didn't know his face either. "Love?" he looked back at her, "What ever does that have to do with it? Though their mouths are what you should truly fear, behind those lips hold secrets that could break many a man and women alike."

Rosto, annoyed with the attention now not on him, sauntered over to Torn jumping up into the chair with Torn before jumping onto it's back. That's where he sat, thin tail curled around his toes, looking like a little king himself. Torn looked up at him, "Rosto could probably tell you a thing or two as well about that man. Well, that is if you could talk to him." He was having a bit of fun with all of this and now was curious where exactly he could take this.

Torn ran a hand through his hair before looking back at her again, those eyes of his holding no color at all , just black and white. "I don't have a reason to throw you out into the rain, yet. So what exactly did you have in mid then?"

[Ceried'a Itonris Sa'achern]

The other didn't seem surprised to see the image appear before him, nor did he seem quick to attempt to put a name to it. That was all well and good, but she felt uncomfortable looking at that smile. As he spoke she simply let the image slip away into nothingness once more, her attention fully on the young man on the couch and the cat that seemed to mimic its master...or perhaps the master was mimicking the feline in a sense.

"Whatever is behind their lips I want quieted." She responded, slipping just a little in who it was exactly she was talking about as dark eyes narrowed. Leaning forward now to stare into the ivory and ebony gaze, her voice grew softer, "Love, lusts, bastard children...it's not that my mistress believes they deserve nothing for their time with this man. All she wants is silence in case others come poking around."

In all truth she wasn't afraid of "scandal" most nobles knew her husband had take many lovers, but she didn't want anyone showing up who were intimate with him enough that she may not be able to control the situation. When Torn did not take action to remove her she simply leaned in closer, "Compensation for their silence. All you have to do is tell me what it is you want."

Pushing the bag of gold on the table forward, her eyes never left his, watching his face for some reaction or hint as to the desires he wanted, "There is more where that came from, unless you have something else it is you desire?" Sitting back Ceried'a rand fingers through her now dried curls, pushing them from her eyes. She was not going to leave without some deal made, even if it would take all night.

[MUSENDA TORN VELESH]

Torn stretched his legs a bit crossing one over the other near his heels but still in that sideways position in the chair as he listened to the woman explain about the mistress of hers. Well, it was interesting to say the least. Not as exciting as some things but better than being bored during a storm like this.

"Oh to be quiet....," he said acting as if it was some horrible thing of her to ask and in a way it was, "That may be a bit tough." One such as himself lived off the lust and the secrets that came with it. Well, what he said and what he did where to different things and he knew full well that they were usually quite different things at that.

Torn looked over at the bag she had set on the table, an interest to pick it up sure but this game he was in was much to fun for him to stop yet. He clicked the metal of the piercings against his teeth at the idea of it ending so earlier. "But if I tell you," he said with an obviously fake pout, "Then that's the end."

[Ceried'a Itonris Sa'achern]

Ceried'a gave a small huff as she moved to draw one leg up, setting it on the table as she stretched a little. Her journey had left her tired, the rain making her muscles bunched and tight from huddling from the cold breeze and drops or moisture. She could have fallen asleep among the cushions and the warmth and dim lights, but that would do little good for her now as she just watched Torn with interest.

"Ah, that is why there is compensation. I know how tempting it can be to have a secret you want to share." She stood slowly, raising her arms above her head, her form stretching to work out the kinks as well as attempt to rouse her from the groggy feeling the warmth brought about. "Keep silent and there will be great rewards. However..."

At his pout she simply sighed and smiled. "Oh but a gentleman surrounded by such beautiful boys and girls couldn't possibly desire more of them, and no doubt they make a pretty penny already. What more could you desire?" Ceried'a asked, curious as to what it could be possibly that the other would seem to want. Fortune was easy enough...force could always be used, but that was something she didn't like to resort to.

"Surely you can't find my company that amazing you wish to talk more business? I can guess all night at what you want." And she could, but one again that was not something she'd like to resort to doing for the rest of the night. This time it was her turn to pout at Torn.

"I am not good at the games of nobles, and I am not good at these sorts of things. Why do you play with such a simple servant girl as I?"

[MUSENDA TORN VELESH]

Torn watched the woman, those blank white eyes just watching as he clicked the metal against his teeth once again. The man stretched himself, the stretch between the two arm rests leaving him floating above the actual seat for a few moments before continuing on in this game. "Gentleman?" he asked that smirk picking up on his face at that, "They must have changed that definition since I last checked. Someone must surely send out a message of some sort when doing that."

Suddenly he kicked up his legs while twisting himself back right round with his boots landing with heavy clicks against the hard floor. "You can?" he asked those white suddenly more interested, "Well if you can guess maybe I can tell you, if you can't...." Torn just shrugged without truly finishing the sentence.

"Well if you are not," he said clicking those piercings once more, "Then learn." That forever smile on his face once more, that smile that had lasted him through many a game and would see many more.

[Ceried'a Itonris Sa'achern]

Oh this one was a smart one...talking about everything but what was important...

It infuriated and intrigued the Queen more than she'd like to admit, and more than she showed in her expression. Part of her wanted to get up and walk out of that brothel and leave the other to miss out on whatever deal she'd been offering, but as he stretched and moves about so languidly she couldn't take her eyes off of him. "I'm sorry...do those who come from brothels not enjoy being treated with some hint of respect? You own this place, obviously you made a name for yourself...whatever that name may be." She chided, resting her chin in her hand now. Not bored, but fighting the rising urge to try and get some reaction out of him that wasn't just amusement.

The loud hallow sound of boots hitting the ground made her body tense, every muscle alert before eyes narrowed down to near slits. "You..." She didn't his or shout, her voice carrying no anger in it, but still she bristled just a little bit at not having this go as well as she wished.

"Most just want money and they're gone. Others want titles and land which can be arranged. There are others who need protection, or some pardons...seeing that you're surrounded by more than willing subjects it's not as if you seek some sort of bedmate. So frankly if it's not one of those then there is no guess to be made because anything else would be easily achieved without having to make a deal." Now the slight tinge of courtly training, the argument and heat rising up as she planted her own feet and leaned in towards the brothel boy.

"I knew that you were smarter than you looked, and much, much more clever than that...however I am beginning to believe that you really are no threat and have nothing but stories." She called him out now, daring him to say or do something that didn't keep this night at a stand still of words dancing around words, and questions answering questions. She'd been the one to come forward with the information and now she wanted to see what the other held in his hand. "I will not be strung along like a toy. My offer is only if you can give me something, there is no point making a offer for nothing if that is all you have."

[MUSENDA TORN VELESH]

"Respect?" he asked with an evil grin, "I have my own ways to make them respect me....fear me, which ever comes first." His means of such giving him many ways to achieve such goals. "But a lady like yourself," he paused for a moment looking for the right words, "Well no, if I told you then it wouldn't be my secret anymore."

Torn got up going over to a small table set with wine and glasses pouring out two in the decorated glass cups. He shook his head looking back at her, "Now that's just cheating." He turned back around as he continued, "I said guess not guesses, using all of them at once. How am I supposed to tell you if you were right?" He knew this wasn't what she wanted, by her tone he could tell she wanted this all just to be done and settled but he just simply was not done yet.

Walking over to the chair where she sat, those two decorated glasses in his hands. Without much care for the lady's personal space, Torn sat on the arm of her chair looking before looking over at her. Those eyes of his now as red as the wine in his hands, "Give you something?" He handed one of the glasses to her, whether she took it or not was up to the lady herself. "Well what is it you wish to know? I can tell you many things. You must be specific dear." He took a sip of his own wine glass, "I'm not going to sit here and tell you everything now."

TAG: ceried'a
WORDS:

[/color] more than 100 less than 1,000
NOTES:[/color] Wine is good XD
CREDIT:[/color] TILLY of caution 2.0.[/font][/left][/size]

[Ceried'a Itonris Sa'achern]

Ceried'a had thought she'd finally drawn the line where the game ended...in a spoiled way she was use to that being the end. Even with her husband she made it clear when their games began and ended and they only ended if she'd won. So when the young man simply brushed her off once more it made her face flush.

Flustered, yes. Upset, very much so. Intrigued...as much as she hated to admit it with him as she saw him move to get wine. In the enclosed space she could smell the subtle hint of it. That initial wave that carried with it the fruity dry scent that hinted at a wonderful flavor. It only grew stronger as he brought her a glass, getting in extremely close to herself. She was tempted to move away but she remained there taking the glass offered to her.

"Questions answered with questions...challenges and obstacles..." She swirled the wine in its glass, watching the crimson liquid move as the scent grew stronger before she looked up.

Burgundy colored eyes, red as the wine that stained her lips as she drank it.

"I'm not sure where to start with you. I would think someone like you would want money, but now..." She went quiet, taking another long drink before she gave a small sigh.

"What I want to know is just how much you do know of this man?" Tell me what you know and then perhaps then we can discuss payments. Show me what you know of this situation." Ceried'a murmured as she closed the distance between them even further.