Pyxis
28
Unmarried
Noble | Rook
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Post by Katherine Montjoy on Mar 26, 2021 6:43:42 GMT -5
She wasn’t too worried, even if they were caught- all she had to do was pretend to struggle and she would essentially be throwing the other Rook to the dogs. Would she have done it, if it came down to it? Quite possibly, maybe, Kate honestly didn’t know- there were other ways they could have played it off. It wouldn’t be the first time a lady had been caught with a servant after sneaking away from a party. But Kate definitely didn’t want that stain on her reputation- so maybe she would scream, if push came to shove. She wondered what Darragh would do, how he would react.
Pressed against the wall, there weren’t exactly a lot of places Kate could look. Her choices were to look down at the fabric of his shirt, look level and focus on his Adam’s apple, or look up and take in the lines of his face- or at least what she could make out against the shadows. She had opted for the latter, a smirk on her lips as she remarked the way he seemed so incredibly focused on the wall ahead. The footsteps had mostly passed now, so she could afford to mess with him a little. Slowly, deliberately, Kate traced a finger over his shirt- her eyes not leaving his face. Hoping he would squirm, if only just a little. The man was solid, but Kate knew that already- she had seen him at the Rogue court sparring matches before. She enjoyed those.
”Not unless she wants to be.” Kate mused lightly, deciding not to correct his overfamiliarity in this instance. It was all too easy to roll her eyes at the smirk which crossed his lips- at the amusement twinkling behind those blue yes- it was easier still to gently shove him out of the alcove. Lacking the man’s height, it took Kate nearly two steps to his every one to keep up: but she managed it with ease.
When he ducked behind the stack of crates, hiding himself behind a barrel- Kate once again raised a quizzical brow, there was no chance she was getting her skirts dustier than they already were. Instead she slipped into another alcove.
From her hiding place, Kate could just about see Darragh- watching as he peeked over the haphazardly stacked crates and barrels. He might as well have just stood there, gawping. Really? Why bother hiding at all? Still, it seemed as though they, well Darragh, had found who they were looking for… and Kate had no idea just how the other Rook was hoping to bend this particular fork back into shape. This was his plan after all… so she left him to it. Keeping to the shadows and watching with amusement to see what he would do.
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Aquila
27
Single
Servant
Tier 2 Character
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Post by Darragh Kirkby on Mar 31, 2021 2:43:44 GMT -5
Darragh always liked plans. In fact, he’d make up plans and then come up with a plan B, and C, and D, and anything that could happen would have plans. He was often very indecisive about decisions, but only because he was so cautious. There was no plan tonight. Any plan he’d had been thrown out the window when Kate got involved, and if he was being honest with her, which he wouldn’t, he hadn’t had much of a plan to begin with, in the first place. He just knew their fork, a one Fredrick Minson, had money he owed the court, and Xilas was getting tired of waiting.
He observed the shorter, thinner man as the door banged shut behind him and he moved towards the sacks. Darragh took on look over his shoulder to ensure Kate was out of the way and safe. Catching her eye from the alcove she hid in, a small smirk crossed his face before put his attention back on Minson. Keep a hand resting on the side of the barrel, Darragh moved carefully around it. Keeping himself crouched as he expertly moved through the shadows, watching Minson carefully as he muttered to himself and picked up one of the sacks.
Darragh was upon him in the next second, a hand clamped around Minson’s mouth and a dagger had magically appeared in his other hand at some point from the time he’d left the barrel to appearing behind Minsion. He held the dagger against the other man’s throat, and Darragh could feel him tremble as there was a small sound of alarm. “How ye doin Freddy?“ Darragh grinned, his voice was low and near the other man’s ear. Freddy dropped the sack he was carrying almost instantly, and his hand reached up to grab Darragh’s forearm. He applied more pressure on Minsion’s throat in warning. “Ah ah ah, let’s not be hasty now Fred. You never know when someone might get butterfingers. Real shame if you ended up with a red smile because of it.” He warned as he began to pull him backward in the shadows. Getting them out of sight.
Darragh pulled Minson towards Kate’s alcove, considering he worked often with the court, Darragh wouldn’t be surprised if he recognized either of them. He maneuvered himself so he was in front of Minson, pushing him against the wall, letting part of the alcove and their surrounding bushes too act as their cover from prying eyes. “Scream and I’ll kill you, understand?” Darragh informed the man, his tone none to kind. The pressure he held on his neck was proof enough he wasn’t lying. He could feel Minson nod, and slowly Darragh removed his hand. “Don’ kill me!” The man whispered frantically. Darragh could just barely see his eyes from the torchlight a ways off, but it was enough that he could put his gramarye to work. “Well, depending on what you tell me Freddy, decides that fate. Xilas ain’t happy with you.” He said with a raised brow, his eyes flickered to Kate for a moment before they were back on their fork. “He’s given you enough time to get him what he wants, now…” Darragh leaned in a bit, leveling his eyes on the other man and using his height to help intimidate him. “Where’s the money?”
Minson nervously licked his lips, his eyes frantically looking around, and Darragh thought he seemed extra twitchy. His blue gaze narrowed as he grew more serious. “I don’ ‘ave it yet but I will,” He said quickly. The sudden sick feeling Darragh felt was enough to know that Minson was lying. He did have it, but why would he be lying and asking for more time? Did he really have a death wish, or was he just really that big of an idiot to withhold Xilas’s money from him? “You don’t have time Fred, Xilas wants it now, or else.” Darragh threatened. He really didn’t have an option here. You didn’t cross a man like Xilas.
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Pyxis
28
Unmarried
Noble | Rook
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Post by Katherine Montjoy on Mar 31, 2021 13:15:52 GMT -5
If their roles had been reversed, if it had been Darragh tagging along on a mission of her’s, well… well she wouldn’t have let him. A look would have hopefully done it, if not then a sharp words… worst case,the woman would have quite literally dragged him from the building by his ear and tossed him out into the cold before even considering having her plan derailed. It wasn’t often Kate allowed plan A to go off the rails, and if it did- like Darragh, she often had plans B through to H or I just in case. Still, it was quickly becoming the highlight of the winter season- this engagement-party-come-escapade. Not that she would ever thank Darragh for livening up her evening, no, as far as he was concerned- she was the one doing him a favour by tagging along.
Not that he seemed to need the help.
When he turned back to her, Kate met his smirk with a roll of her eyes and a silent (yet still over dramatic) sigh. She watched from her place in the shadows. Watched as Darragh crept through the shadows. Kate couldn’t quite help it, but part of her almost hoped he would trip- but, luckily for the other Rook (and not so luckily for their ‘bent fork’), Darragh managed to be upon him in a matter of seconds. Oh well, there would be plenty of other things to tease Darragh over, she was sure of it.
This alcove was roomier than the one he had cornered her in a few moments ago, and Kate stepped back just a little to make room as ‘Freddy’ was pressed against the wall. ’Scream and I’ll kill you, understand?’ A little heavy-handed, but this was Darragh’s mission and the woman wasn’t exactly going to undercut his authority now. She knew better than that. If she messed this up for him, it would be Kate getting chewed out (or worse) by Xilas… and even though there wasn’t a lot that frightened Katherine Montjoy, the King of the Rogue Court probably topped that short list. So, she kept her silence, regarding the ‘fork’ with interest. Money? What idiot borrowed money from the court unless they could repay it, with the interest? Evidently this one. Blue eyes flicked over to her- and Kate shot the man a look that said ‘if you get blood on this dress, I will kill you’. The woman would have told him outright, but again, she didn’t wish to question his authority in front of their new fork. ’He’s given you enough time to get him what he wants, now…’ Darragh’s patience seemed to outlast Kate’s, he was still wasting time on threats. Just take the hand and get on with it. Her mind screamed. But her face still wore that softly amused expression, dark eyes sparkling. Languidly and without a word, as though she had all the time in the world- Kate slid off one of her bangles, separating it into two pieces. One, she tucked into her bodice, the other she curled her fingers around- so the thin blades stuck out, glinting in the flickering torchlight.
Satisfied, she stepped forward. Instantly regretting it as the stench of the man filled her nostrils. Did he not bathe? Ever so lightly, she traced the tip of the blade from his temple to his collarbone- flicking sharply up to press against his adam’s apple. ”Look-” She began, her tone practically laced with boredom. ”-I got dragged out of a party to clear up this mess. So you either have the money for my friend here, or you don’t. I don’t have the time to play games- Fred was it?” She applied more pressure, enough to bring a bead of blood forward. ”So which is it?”
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Aquila
27
Single
Servant
Tier 2 Character
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Post by Darragh Kirkby on Apr 3, 2021 19:21:48 GMT -5
Something told Darragh from the lie, and the demeanor of the man currently under his blade that he knew something they didn’t. His eyes kept flickering back and forth between him and Kate, and he licked his lips nervously. He could practically see the cogs working in the inner part of his mind and the question now was if he was going to share. It made Darragh’s eyes narrow suspiciously, and he was about to get a lot a more threatening, when Kate was suddenly doing it for him.
He arched a brow at her as she stepped up beside him, and was suddenly tracing the tip of a blade down Minsons’ throat while Darragh held his knife up under his chin. Where the hell had that come from? He wondered. He glanced curiously at Kate, realizing she could have poked him with one of her sharp toys when they were in the other alcove at any point she wished it. There was something about not knowing what a woman kept up her skirts that was both thrilling, and terrifying at once. And knowing Katherine Montjoy kept blades hidden on her person? Consider him both aroused and terrified.
Darragh let her tag in for the moment, amusement instantly flickered into his eyes as a small smirk curled one side of his lips. He pulled his eyes away from the brunette and focused on Minson. “You heard the la-” “You can’t kill me!” He blurted, interrupting Darragh. He licked his bottom lip nervously as his eyes flickered between the two of them. He swallowed slowly, his adam's apple bobbing up and down as he tried to lean back to relieve some of the pressure Kate put on his neck. “And why’s that?” Darragh asked him, beginning to grow annoyed. “Because if you kill me, you won’t know where your Queen is.” Minson whispered quickly. Staring his eyes into Darragh’s bright blues. A chill went down Darragh’s spine as it then spread throughout the rest of his body. There was no gut twist, no nauseous feeling. No lightheadedness. Frederick Minson was not bluffing, and that both startled, and concerned Darragh.
What the fuck did he mean, he knew where the Queen was? Darragh wasn't dumb enough to think he was meaning Queen Eleesa. It was the other Queen. The Rogue Court Queen.
Carys.
Any amusement or mirth from before was gone, as his demeanor turned more serious. His eyes flickered to Kate for a brief second to share a look with her, before Darragh pointed the tip of his knife up under his chin more. Forcing Minson to raise his head up and look him more in the eye. “Think carefully with your next words Freddy. I don’t think the lady will like blood on her dress.” He told him lowly. The threat was clear in his voice. “Explain yourself.” He Darragh said sharply. He dug the tip of the knife in a bit. “And quickly.”
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Pyxis
28
Unmarried
Noble | Rook
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Post by Katherine Montjoy on Apr 3, 2021 20:34:27 GMT -5
So much for not getting involved. So much for simply tagging along, for just supervising. But what was she to do? Darragh had been taking his sweet time and the longer they lingered here: the more likely they were to get caught.
And Katherine Montjoy did not get caught.
Clocking the other Rook's raised brow from the corner of her eye, Kate made no sign to indicate she had noticed. What had he expected? That she would arm herself that day with only her wit and her smile? That would have been foolish, it was impossible to plan for every possible outcome... But at least she could be prepared. Besides, it meant she could join in on fun little moments such as this- Kate very rarely got her own hands dirty, preferring to play the game with her pawns (and occasionally other Rooks, when it came to it). But, when she did, it was usually memorable.
Funnily enough, the thought of sticking Darragh in the alcove hadn't crossed her mind... There had been plenty of moments during their time knowing each other that she had wanted to give him a sharp slap or a bloody nose, but never any permanent damage... But not then, not there. Even if she was still a teeny bit sore he had elected to stare at the wall above her head- in that moment, though Kate had those brown eyes focused squarely on their fork, she made a mental note to either have this dress altered or thrown out (if it survived the night without a blood stain, which was looking less and less likely with how thin her patience was rapidly wearing) as it clearly was not serving its purpose if a stone wall was more interesting to look at. A stone wall.
'You can’t kill me!'
"On the contrary, it wouldn't even take a moment.". Kate said lightly, dragging the blade over to where she could see the artery pulsing. It was ironic really, that the survival instinct- heart racing to push adrenaline around the body- only made it easier to identify the exact spot she needed to puncture.
She was almost looking forward to it, the thrill so close Kate could practically taste it.
However Freddy's next words broke the spell, and for the first time she found herself looking to Darragh. He had to be lying... Right?. Had to be desperately scrambling for what to say to save his life. No, this had been too precise to be made up on the spot.
There wasn't time to confer, or even the space to. And Kate had the sinking feeling that came with knowing your opponent had a better hand. She had joined the Rogue Court on a whim, to keep her idiot twin out of trouble... Now she was in deep, and Katherine Montjoy had loyalties. Which meant this little fork was suddenly a lot more valuable alive, at least until he ran out of information.
"As I said, I have a party to get back to- so if you would like to keep breathing long enough to see sunrise, talk." It wasn't a request or even a suggestion. As much as Kate wanted to find Carys... She wasn't about to suffer through the lowlife thinking he could walk away from this unharmed. She could always pay his dreams a little visit, coax out the information that way- but for now, the woman was hoping the threat of a little disfigurement or death was enough to get him talking.
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Aquila
27
Single
Servant
Tier 2 Character
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Post by Darragh Kirkby on Apr 3, 2021 23:15:11 GMT -5
Darraghs hold on Minson’s shoulder tightened and his eyes narrowed. He didn’t like this. Not one bit. Carys had been missing for months and Xilas had been adamant that she was fine. Darragh hadn’t picked up a lie at all, though even the rogue court, with all the conversations going on, all the lies being spewed, it was hard to pinpoint the actual truth. That was why he liked the sparring ring so much, and spent most of his time in there. He didn’t have to worry about lies except for the ones his fists made.
“Okay, I was walking right, minding my own business, when there was a commotion out on the street. Ye see, they’d ambushed her, everyone was tucked up in their homes all tight, they’d done it on a less traveled rode, but they took her!” He stammered out. Eyes flickering between Darragh and Kate. He didn’t care to much on what Minson was doing, it was the fact Carys had been taken. Any patience he had evaporated instantly, and he reached down, gabbing one of Minson’s hands before he forced his fingers to spread and then took the knife and held it against the first joint of his pinky finger. Minson made a strangled noise, and his eyes got wide.
“Who did?” Darragh asked him. His voice calm, but quiet. “W-well, that’s the thing, you guys did.” He said nervously. You guys did? Darragh’s eyes narrowed. “I later heard one of Xilas’ boys talkin ‘bout it. How Carys and Xilas had some sort of power struggle goin on, and she crossed him on her last job, so he’s got her locked up somewhere.” Minson looked between Darragh and Kate, nodding his head rapidly. “It’s true!” He whispered loudly. And true it was, which made that cold sensation in his spine just intensify to know that it was the King of the Rogue Court that had taken her and hidden her away. Angus wasn’t going to like this…
But Carys was family whether she knew it or not. She’d been at the court nearly as long as the Kirby boys, and they trusted her far more than the King. If she was taken…
Darragh really hoped they didn’t start a Court civil war for rescuing her... “Why, the fuck, did you not say something sooner Fred?” Darragh hissed at him. “And get myself killed? I’m not that big of an idiot.” Fred fired back. “Listen, from what I’ve seen, I know you and you’re brother are good ones. Aren’t like Xilas’ boys that go where the money is, you go for loyalty.” Darragh’s eyes narrowed, not amused that Minson been watching him and Angus, but it was getting obvious that Minson was smarter then he looked. Being careful, watching those that could be trusted with information such as the one he held.
“And yer Loyal to her aren’t ye?” Minson said, knowing he got Darragh. Just to be spiteful, Darragh pressed the edges of the blade down on Minson’s finger to not give him any bright ideas. “Pay Xilas his money, or you’re dead next time. You’ve been smart up until now Fred, keep using that brain and you might live” Darragh told him, ignoring what he said about Carys. He didn’t like other people knowing who he was involved with, or what lengths he’d go to for them. They could be used against you, and...Darragh didn’t trust people with secrets.
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Pyxis
28
Unmarried
Noble | Rook
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Post by Katherine Montjoy on Apr 4, 2021 3:53:41 GMT -5
So the Queen had been taken and it seemed as though the King was to blame. Kate almost didn't believe the man, it just seemed too neat. But, at the same time- she believed every word. Power drove men to strange things, why wouldn't Xilas arrange for the kidnap of his Queen? Without her around, there was no one to question him so long as no one suspected her dead... It had been months, and Kate had just assumed the Rogue Court Queen had travelled at first. But time had stretched on, and though Kate's concern has begun to grow- it had yet to become pressing until this very moment.
She gave the blade a little twist before lifting it, drawing forth a few more small pinpricks of blood. So much for the thrill, it seemed as though their little fork would get to live another day. Something told Kate that her loyalties wouldn't be lying even close to Xilas if the man's information proved true. The Rogue Court survived on trust, as much as you could beat the pulp out of a man in the sparring ring: outside of it you were supposed to have each other's back.
Fishing the other part of her cuff from her bodice, Kate snapped the little bangle back together- sliding it up onto her forearm where it joined the others, the soft tinkling of metal upon metal was almost soothing in comparison to Minson's flustered breathing and the waves of tension practically rolling from Darragh.
Kate waited, until Darragh permitted their little fork to go scampering back to his duties- and if he did so, she would raise an eyebrow at him. "Did you hear that? Kate would ask, her voice laced with mirth despite the bombshell that had just dropped. "Your little fork called you a good boy, isn't that sweet?"
But then her expression would darken, resolve working its way onto her features. "It looks as though I have some digging to do and a party to get back to..." Kate said with a heavy sigh, if Freddie had spoken true- she would have to put her better spies to work, and quickly too, the Queen had already been gone for months. It was looking as though tonight would be a late one, she would make her excuses- citing a headache or excitement or some combination thereof- retire and lock the door. Then it would be out the window. It was an art she had perfected years ago. Turning her full attention back to Darragh for the first time since the arrival of Freddy, Kate looked up at him with a smirk and lifted her hand to rest against his cheek. "Thanks for the distraction, it was a blast." She grinned, lightly tapping his cheek. "Be a good boy, won't you?"
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Aquila
27
Single
Servant
Tier 2 Character
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Post by Darragh Kirkby on Apr 5, 2021 13:31:28 GMT -5
Minson’s eyes were on Darragh, flickering to the hand he held captive and the knife that was digging into his pinky. A small warning. There were no “if you’re lying to me” threats, because Darragh knew the man’s words to be true. “Speak a word of this to no one. Bring me Xilas’s payment. Tomorrow night, down by the docks. Or I’ll have to hunt you down Freddy, and I’m a very busy man.” He instructed, with a slight tilt of his head. He leaned in then, getting his face right up in Minsons. “If you’re not there, you’ll see just how unforgiving I can be to those I’ve given second chances too.” He whispered quietly. His eyes piercing before he leaned back. Pulling the knife away from Minson’s hand, he had a cut on his pinky as his little reminder that he’d narrowly escaped a not so pleasant night.
Minson’s eyes looked confused for a second, but nodded in understanding. He looked at Darragh as he put his knife back away from where he usually hid it. “Aren’t you going to ask if I’m lying?” He asked, confused. It caused a small smirk to appear on Darragh’s face. “You really want to push your luck tonight Freddy?” Darragh grabbed the front of his shirt and then yanked him out of the alcove. Giving him a shove to indicate he shouldn’t ask anymore questions and to get back to work. “Tomorrow Night, Fred.” Darragh reminded him as he watched Fred scamper off.
Darragh finally turned back to Kate then, and was rolling his eyes instantly at her little remark. Here we go again… He thought. Darragh was far from a good boy. But he supposed he did have his moments. Only those moments were often with either his brother or Lady Helene while at work. He didn’t like other people thinking he was “good” as “good” could sometimes be a bad thing. Especially in this line of work, and Darragh had done many bad things in this second life of his.
Much like Kate, his face was still darkened from the news, but hearing her next comments about doing some digging had him do a double take. “What? No!” He blurted. Did she go mad? Did she forget who she was? This sort of thing she shouldn’t be involved in. It could get messy real quick. “I’m doing the digging, along with Angus, you’re not going anywhere near this.” He told her.
She turned and faced him and reached up to pat his cheek. Asking him to be a good boy, and it struck a nerve in him. His hand was reaching up to grasp hers, annoyingly ignoring how soft her hand felt as his calloused fingers touched her skin, and the fact her hand was little in comparison to his bigger hand. He pulled it away from his face, but kept a hold of it firmly. “I mean it Kate, you could get hurt. Leave it to me and my brother.” His voice was low, any mirth or previous amusement in her little charade was gone. Darragh was serious.
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Pyxis
28
Unmarried
Noble | Rook
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Post by Katherine Montjoy on Apr 5, 2021 15:29:36 GMT -5
Kate watched, her expression one of mild interest, as Darragh finished up with bending Freddy the fork back into shape. There was a small part of her that was curious as to whether he would turn up tomorrow at the docks to give Darragh what was owed, or if he would make the Rook chase him down. She hoped it was the latter, and made a mental note to ask him about it in a week or so, if she remembered. It really wasn’t all that important after all, it was only money. But still, she was enjoying the show: Darragh Kirkby doing his best to appear threatening and the smaller man scampering off into the night.
But then it was back to business, they had found their fork- now it was time to focus on finding their queen.
She had been rather hoping for a little more than a mere rolling of his eyes, but Kate was pleased to know she’d touched a nerve there. But he was right, in the Rogue Court: reputation was everything. Just as it was in the Tresterian Court. Reputation. What was it they said? A lifetime to build and not even a second to destroy. It was why Kate guarded hers so carefully, both as a noblewoman and Rook. She had risked both by getting involved in this tonight, but the woman didn’t regret a moment of it. So far, both had remained unscathed- and now she had the opportunity to possibly find Carys? The chance to side with the queen in power struggle? Oh it had been worth the risk.
’What? No!’
It seemed as though it was Kate’s turn to roll her eyes. Did he forget who she was? ”That’s funny, I don’t recall asking for your permission.” Darragh had no business dictating how she conducted her business, and it was best he remembered that if he wished to stay in her good graces for longer than a few moments. ”Something tells me this situation requires a little more tact that you have at your disposal, or were you just going to wave a little knife around and hope someone talks to you?” He may have had the height, the strength, but Katherine Montjoy was not a woman so easily cowed.
Even when he took hold of her hand, even when he didn’t release it immediately- Kate didn’t even blink, let alone flinch. Instead, challenge rose in those brown eyes as she was forced to stare up- damn why was he so tall? It was unnecessary- at him to meet his gaze. ”I could get hurt?” She echoed, barely even bothering to cover the contempt in her tone. ”I hadn’t realised your opinion of me was so low.” But then again, she was used to being underestimated, and she often used it to her advantage. Kate would be careful, it would be her pawns asking the questions, it would be orchestrated down to the most minute of details… she would be nowhere near harm- the Rook rarely was- it was how she had survived so long in this game they all played. Kate hadn’t moved to snatch her hand away, hadn’t even lifted her eyes from Darragh’s blues. Instead she stepped forward, closing the slight distance between them so the taller man would need to crane his neck downwards to look at her. ”Dig away, you and your brother- do things your way, just be a good boy and stay out of mine.”
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Aquila
27
Single
Servant
Tier 2 Character
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Post by Darragh Kirkby on Apr 16, 2021 12:18:30 GMT -5
Oh Darragh knew perfectly well Who she was, and that was why he didn’t want her involved anywhere near this. He was replaceable, she was not. His blue eyes turned to more of a glare, as he clenched his jaw.
“I have other methods,” He all but growled out. Annoyed with her again for thinking he was just some meat headed buffoon. Darragh was far from that, he was a servant yes, but he could move in and out of a place unbothered. He had stealth and subtle on his side for somethings, and the knife was only needed when it was necessary.
“Yes, you could.” He snapped. Annoyed they were even having this conversation, but Kate was proving to be a stubborn one. His grip on her hand was still gentle and firm, despite his clear irritation. “On the contrary my opinion of you is quite high, which is why I don’t want you around this. This isn’t just some other crime lord we’re dealin with, Kate.” His said. Unafraid to admit that he had high opinions of her if it would placate her just a smidgen. “This is Xilas. we’re crossing, and I dunno ‘bout you, but my loyalties lay with Carys. I’m willing to risk my life for her, are you?” He asked her. Dropping his voice low in case they might get over heard. You never knew when Xilas might have ears about.
As she stepped forward, his eyes narrowed as he looked down at her. Not caring if he got a kink in his next from the angle he was forced to use. The hand that wasn’t holding hers was handing at his side, and he had a brief moment of urgency to take her by the shoulders and shake some sense into her. “I’m serious here Kate, one slip up and we’re both dead. Your title might protect you, but my head will be on a pike for the rest of the court to know not to cross him. He’ll go after someone you care about, make it look like an accident. If not yourself, are willing for someone else to suffer the consequences of your actions?” He asked her. “Truthfully.” Those bright blues stared into her eyes, waiting for some sort of life, or for to speak the truth. He hated this situation already and he had the inkling he was going to hate it more even later, as it wouldn’t be just Agnus he’d have to worry about...
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Pyxis
28
Unmarried
Noble | Rook
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Post by Katherine Montjoy on Apr 17, 2021 8:27:53 GMT -5
Rolling her eyes, Kate looked straight at Darragh- the obvious annoyance in his voice passing unremarked and unchallenged. She had been hoping to push a button, but she hadn’t expected it to be so easy. ”I’m sure you do.” She said, her words clipped- eyes rolling once again as he continued.
Was she willing to risk her life for Carys? Probably not. Kate quite liked her head on her shoulders. But Xilas wasn’t a secure king… and should it come down to it, the noblewoman thought the odds would fallin Carys’s favour- which in turn meant that Kate felt as though the Queen was the better option. ”No, but I’m not willing to risk my life for a treacherous king either. The court looks after its own.” Kate said flatly, ”I will do as I need to.”
"I don’t make mistakes Darragh. There won’t be a slip up.” Dark eyes meeting his with challenge sparkling behind them, Kate was not a woman to be so easily cowed. She had joined the court to keep an eye on her idiot brother, now she was here because it was home, she could be more of herself- there were enough men talking down to her in her life at court, the last thing she needed was more of the same from Darragh. Or from anyone. ”Your concern is touching, almost sweet really, but it is unnecessary- I know what I’m doing.” Free hand found her hip then, an eyebrow rising as though daring the man to disagree with her even a little. Kate hadn’t lied: his concern was almost sweet, it was completely unnecessary, and Kate knew exactly what she was doing. There was little point in fretting over consequences that wouldn’t come up. So long as they didn’t fail, there would be no repercussions. ”With all due respect, it’s a little early to be worried about heads on pikes- all we have is the word of a man who’s throat you came very close to cutting, hardly reliable testimony Darragh. Anyone could have taken Carys, we might have been sent on a wild goose chase to buy your fork some more time with air in his lungs. I’ll worry about what I’ll wear to your execution nearer the time.”
Was she willing to put herself in harm’s way? Absolutely not. Someone else? Quite possibly. There was only really Kit she cared for, and at this point she was beginning to think he could fall from the cliff tops and simply bounce back to his feet and shake it off without a scratch to show for it.
”Are you quite finished?” She asked, falling oh so easily back into that easy confidence. ”I have a lot to do tonight and you’ve wasted enough time playing the overprotective gentleman don’t you think?” Her eyes fell to the hand he had yet to drop. ”We’ll compromise? I’ll-” Kate pressed her free hand against her chest, ”- do things my way. But if anything turns up, I’ll let you know before I make a move? You-” She lightly jabbed at his chest before speaking again. ”Do the same. And stop playing lord high protector. Okay?”
What was the phrase? A compromise leaves no-one satisfied?
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Aquila
27
Single
Servant
Tier 2 Character
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Post by Darragh Kirkby on Apr 18, 2021 12:36:00 GMT -5
Darragh’s jaw was starting to clench as she continued to argue with him. Or was it her reminding him what sort of woman she was? Despite his wishes, the noblewoman was not going to be swayed. He could see that clear as day, but he didn’t have to be happy about.
He saw the challenge in her dark eyes, and couldn’t help himself with his next words. “Everyone makes mistakes at some point. It’s merely a matter of time.” He told her back. None could be so lucky as to never make a mistake. You could be overly cautious all you wanted. If fate wanted to throw a monkey wrench at you, they would. Darragh just hoped for Kate’s sake, the wrench didn’t beam her in that pretty little head of hers.
A sigh escaped him as he looked down at her. They were going to keep going around in circles if they kept at this. If they were closer, and Darragh considered more of a friend, he might have dared tying her to her bed while she slept so she was unable to do anything dangerous at the moment. His thoughts turned a bit more inappropriate at the idea of Katherine Montjoy bound to a bed, and he swallowed the lump forming in his throat, while he forced himself to pay attention.
His upper lip curled up slightly in a small sneer, he knew very well that their little fork hadn’t been lying, save for not having Xilas’s money. He didn’t want to out himself though on how he knew. “I like to be prepared for the worst case situation, alright? Knowing what’s at stake makes me more cautious, more careful.” He snapped. Her little poking and prodding was beginning to play on his nerves, and hearing that Xilas was to blame for Carys’s disappearance put him more on edge.
Darragh pursed his lips as he stared down at her, his eyes narrowing. The reality of the matter? He couldn’t stop her. Their stations made it clear she was a woman that could what she wanted. He wasn’t Kate’s Keeper, but that didn’t mean he didn’t want to make sure she staid safe. They might have not been close, but she was a member of the court, and there was that bond there even if she denied it.
His eyes flickered to her hand that was suddenly being placed on his chest and he realized how they must have looked in that moment. A man and woman in an alcove, pressed together in a heated debate. Lord help him that no one saw… He was reminded though he still held her other hand, and as if it was natural as breathing, his free hand cam up to lay over the one on his chest after she’d jabbed him with a sharp finger. He lifted their other hands so he was holding them both between them. As if it would keep her from slipping through his fingers quite yet. She spoke of compromise and he had to admit it didn’t make him feel any better, but...So long as she kept her word...He supposed knowing what she was up to was better then laying in bed worrying….
With a disheveled groan, and roll of his eyes, he let his head roll back was he was staring up for a second before he looked back down at her, and took a deep sigh. “Fine, but I can’t promise not to be a high protector.” He told her. He wasn’t a “lord” but he was certainly protective. He studied for a moment before he finally let got of her hands, and gestured in the direction of her party. “I supposed I’ve kept you from your party long enough.”
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Pyxis
28
Unmarried
Noble | Rook
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Post by Katherine Montjoy on Apr 20, 2021 17:17:47 GMT -5
She scoffed as Darragh stressed that everyone made mistakes, that it would only be a matter of time before she slipped up... Somehow and somewhere. He might have had a point, may have even been right. But Kate wasn't about to give him the satisfaction of agreeing with him. So the noble woman just rolled her eyes and did her best to look annoyed. Darragh was just as likely to make a mistake as she was, so he should really be worrying about his own head over hers. Really.
Kate had every confidence that asking a few questions here and there wouldn't raise any flags. Her people were well trained and they were even better placed. "Why are you so concerned?". Kate asked, jaw clenching ever so lightly as she looked the man square in the eye. She might have lacked the other Rook's particular skill in determining a loe- but Kate liked to think she could generally tell, which was why she looked at him so intently: watching for the slightest little twitch.
Kate would have been indignant has she known what thoughts were trickling through his mind in that moment. It would have been difficult to doubt that Darragh was capable of breaking into her chambers- for all her jabs and taunts about his little knives and heavy handed way of handling things, there was still a (albeit grudging) respect for him. Kate had watched Darragh spar more than once, had seen him around with Helene Hewitt on occasion, and had even been a little impressed by his acting this evening. But her head would be on the pike he'd mentioned earlier before Katherine Montjoy ever gave him the satisfaction of her voicing those thoughts aloud. No, a friendly, if distant, almost-but-not-quite rivalry suited them better. At least for the moment, it seemed as though they might be working together on this- much to each other's disagreement.
The sneer she didn't much care for, but Kate let it pass without comment or response. Being prepared for the worst case scenario was all well and good, probably even sensible... But it still all felt like counting chickens before they had hatched. If, and it was a big if, Freddie had been telling the truth... Xilas had committed treason. And the ripples of that would be felt all through Tresteria. If not, the Freddie either paid up or Xilas got his pound of flesh and life would continue on and the Queen would stay missing.
Neither option seemed to be a good one. But it was all they had.
"Fine." Kate said after a brief pause. "We'll assume he was telling the truth, and we'll be careful, I'll be extra careful." Her tone was drawn out, almost bored, Kate just wished Darragh would pause for a moment- this had the potential to turn very serious, but right now it was just chasing the smallest whisper of a lead. It would be fine. No need for all the extra caution and talk of pikes.
For a moment, the noble woman was distracted by his cradling of her hands- both of them in the small space between them as though Darragh was hoping she wouldn't turn and leave. But then he seemed to be agreeing with her and Kate's senses snapped almost jarringly into focus.
"Then don't promise." She said matter of factly, "Though if you can't stick to the compromise, well, I can't see any reason for me to." The way she spoke suggested that she was still thinking about it, though a small sliver of humour had crept back into her tone. "But I suppose you're right, I should go make my excuses and get to work." Hands found her hips the moment they were dropped. "Do try to not look so serious, you'll get little worry lines all over that face of yours. We'll know more by morning."
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Aquila
27
Single
Servant
Tier 2 Character
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Post by Darragh Kirkby on Jul 28, 2021 11:30:26 GMT -5
Darragh clenched his jaw, those blues of his narrowing as he looked down at her. “I said I can’t promise to be a high protector, not that I wouldn’t uphold the compromise.” he clarified. He would most certainly hold his word to that, even if he didn’t agree with her on being involved. Still, let it be known if Darragh Kirkby gave you his word, he fully intended to keep it. No lies there.
His hands almost felt...empty without holding hers in them. Something he found annoyingly odd that he would feel such a thing. He shoved his hands in his pockets so as to give him something to do and gave her a small nod. She should get back, she’d been gone too long as is. Surely someone would go looking for her? He thought about whether or not she had a date at that party. If she was scheduled to dance with some other little lordling, and the thought put a sour taste in his mouth. He wasn’t...jealous. No, Katherine could do, and dance with whoever she pleased. Darragh didn’t care. He wouldn’t let himself care.
Or so he told himself. His eyes gave her another once over, merely to check that she didn’t have a hair out of place, and he was slapped in the face with how lovely she looked again. Thankfully, or unthankfully, she was telling him to relax. “I don’t get worry lines!” He hissed in annoyance. Giving her a glare. There was not bite to it, in fact he almost looked self-conscious suddenly and reached up to touch his forehead as if he could feel the worry lines. “Anyway’s, go back to your fancy party.” He made the first move in exiting the alcove. Adjusting his jacket as he glanced around. He glanced over his shoulder at her. “I’ll let you know what I find out.” He told her, hoping she’d take him seriously and that he meant his word. And then, because Darragh wasn’t quite yet done clearly making a fool of himself that night, his face took on a look of mischief as a smirk spread across his face. “I promise next time I interrupt one of your parties, I’ll be sure to ask you to dance first before I crash it.” The look in his eye told her he was serious as well. With one last dip of his head in farewell, the floundering rogue disappeared into the shadows.
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Pyxis
28
Unmarried
Noble | Rook
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Post by Katherine Montjoy on Aug 18, 2021 16:23:32 GMT -5
She narrowed those dark eyes of her own back at the man. There were times, many of them in fact, when playing to her gender had its advantages… and Katherine Montjoy was no stranger to playing coy, to playing the weak woman and using being underestimated to her advantage. But that didn’t mean she enjoyed feeling underestimated- and having Darragh Kirkby worry over protecting her made the noblewoman feel just that. But Kate didn’t voice a word of this, contenting herself with the narrowing of her gaze and a single, begrudging syllable: ”Fine.”
The woman had known better than to fight it, and she believed he would uphold their little compromise. So she let the matter drop, for now at the very least.
Hands found her hips, planted firmly upon them now that the other Rook had seen fit to drop them for the time being. In comparison the fabric of her dress felt cold and Kate couldn’t quite place how she had felt about the interaction. Did she miss it? The feeling of her hand in his. No, that was ridiculous. She assured herself, just the thrill of the chase wearing off, nothing more.
”Perhaps not yet, but you sure will if you keep insisting on frowning so much.” Kate said, quickly adopting an expression of mock concern as she reached up to lightly tap Darragh’s cheek before quickly returning her hand to her hip. ”Be a shame to ruin such a pretty face with premature creases.” Following the other Rook from the alcove, Kate couldn’t quite keep the smirk from her lips- this evening had been a lot more fun than she had initially expected it to be.
At his suggestion she go back to the party, Kate rolled her eyes and audibly scoffed. ”Actually I think I’ll head home for the evening- I’ve been away long enough that it will cause more of a stir should I return.” Shrugging, the woman lagged a step or two behind- meeting Darragh’s eyes as he glanced behind. ”Good.” The woman said matter of factly, ”Make sure you do, save me the trouble of chasing after you.”
I’ll be sure to ask you to dance first before I crash it
That earned another roll of her eyes, though the smirk on her lips didn’t falter for a moment. ”Now that I would like to witness. She called after him, watching Darragh disappear for perhaps a moment too long before disappearing herself- she had work to do.
[End thread]
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