Seren
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Mechanical Mastery
Posts: 38
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Post by Seren on Mar 14, 2005 13:03:51 GMT -5
A slender figure watched from the back of the crowd, blue eyes focused on the main character in the charade being portrayed. Of course, she didn't really know it was a charade, but she'd never really bought into the whole "holy order" bit. Seren was a natural skeptic, and she could afford to be. The woman was one of the highest paid black market weapons dealers to have come into existence. She could custom alter any bit of metal put into her hands, and never have to consciously think about it.
Seren didn't typically dress to draw attention, but today was different. Her black hair was slicked back, away from her round face, and she'd even applied an eyeliner to accentuate the bright blue gaze that took so much in. A bodice the color of freshly-spilled blood hugged her torso, displaying her figure to good effect, and black leather trousers flared from slender hips, covering the heavy boots she usually wore. Black gloves, black cloak, and a bloodstone strung on a leather cord around her neck finished the outfit.
She could have passed for a young noblewoman in the depths of rebellion, if only she had the mannerisms. The expression she wore was one of amused boredom, something that was regularly seen on her. Unless weapons were on the agenda, Seren didn't typically show much interest; and it was unusual for her to even make an appearance at something like this. But Adlai was someone who drew her interest, both professionally and personally.
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Seren
Member
Mechanical Mastery
Posts: 38
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Post by Seren on Mar 14, 2005 13:26:11 GMT -5
Seren wasn't hiding, so it was easy to find her, still leaning against a wall. She'd felt his gaze on her and somehow knew that he would seek her out. It came as a bit of a surprise that he was seeking her out now.
The fall had been very theatrical, and even Seren could feel a surge of excitement at the danger of his leap. The shuddering impact shook the ground, and she steadied herself against the wall. Blue eyes moved down to make certain she'd not gotten herself filthy, and when next she looked up, he was heading in her direction, the crowd parting before him almost reverantly. If he expected her to fall to her knees in worshipful adoration, however, he would be sorely disappointed.
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Seren
Member
Mechanical Mastery
Posts: 38
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Post by Seren on Mar 15, 2005 9:08:01 GMT -5
"Well, well, well... how gracious of you to bestow your all-knowing gaze upon me." Seren's voice was low, husky, broken, as if she'd yelled one time too many. The people surrounding them fell into a hushed awe, listening for the conversation that was about to take place. Only Adlai would be able to discern that underlying sarcasm that she so often used to keep people at a distance. No one liked a smart ass, and she could manage to be very harsh if she tried hard enough.
The wall was left to hold itself up, and the woman straightened, those blue eyes never leaving his face, scrutinizing him as if he had need to prove himself worthy of being in her presence, and not the other way around. Again, this expression was something only he would be able to read; everyone else was too enthralled with the circumstances to notice such insubordination. Absently, she wondered how he would respond to such treatment by a mere woman.
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Seren
Member
Mechanical Mastery
Posts: 38
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Post by Seren on Mar 15, 2005 10:24:07 GMT -5
Blue eyes traveled over him, as she found herself seeking something more to distinguish him from everyone else. Of course, there was that overwhelming sense of power, but beyond that, he was little more than a street entertainer in her eyes, casting illusions here and there in order to gain a few coins. He had yet to actually gain her respect, but that didn't mean he held no interest for her.
"I think I would have survived your dismissal, hard as it might have been. As for my profession, we'll just say that I deal in items rarely found in your standard marketplace. And this convention is something to help me pass the time as I wait for clients, and potential clients, to arrive." She shrugged, beginning to look bored again. "The name's Seren."
She didn't know if he would recognize her name, but typically that's all it took to let people know what she was.
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Seren
Member
Mechanical Mastery
Posts: 38
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Post by Seren on Mar 15, 2005 12:45:45 GMT -5
Adlai's breath was warm on her cheek, and she felt herself shudder involuntarily at the feeling. Her eyes closed for a moment, breaking the contact with him, but then it was restored when she opened them, having gotten herself under better control. Seren was beginning to understand how these sheep could be so easily led to the slaughter; he was beautiful and seductive in so many ways, and his power only added to that effect.
In response to his assumption about her profession, she gave only the slightest of nods, enough that his suspicions would be confirmed but not so much that everyone around him would pick up on it. The woman had become master of subtlety, and she found it highly useful when approaching potential clients. It was her turn to lean forward, whispering hot breath into his ear.
"There are many things I could show you." Her eyes had become more intense, returning that seductive charm in her own way. "What I wonder is which of those things you truly wish to see."
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Seren
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Mechanical Mastery
Posts: 38
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Post by Seren on Mar 15, 2005 13:27:04 GMT -5
His words were invitation enough, and so Seren did as requested, moving through the crowd, expecting him to follow. The gaze of so many of those followers were shifting back and forth from him to her, and she could hear the undercurrent of whispers as they discussed what this woman could mean to their god. A smile touched her face at some of the ideas that came to mind. Perhaps they thought her blessed, being chosen by him for special attention. That special attention could take many, many forms.
As she reached the edge of the crowd, she paused, turning her head to look over her shoulder at him. Her breath caught suddenly in her throat at the intensity with which he watched her... it was almost hungry, that look. She wondered what could awaken such hunger.
"Do you wish to dismiss your followers or perhaps make a grand exit? They are expecting more of a show."
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Seren
Member
Mechanical Mastery
Posts: 38
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Post by Seren on Mar 15, 2005 14:29:02 GMT -5
It would be one of the few times anyone would see Seren annoyed. The display, while well enough for him, was something she wished to have no part of, and as she felt the ground fall away from her, it was all she could do not to retch onto his faithful. Those blue eyes flared up with irritation at how easily he had taken her along with him. No matter how handsome he was, she could find any reason to push against him and not with him.
"My temporary quarters are in the Black District." It was slang for the upperclass section of the crime-ridden area of Ragnarok. "Once there, we can discuss... whatever we need to discuss."
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Seren
Member
Mechanical Mastery
Posts: 38
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Post by Seren on Mar 16, 2005 13:35:11 GMT -5
The exasperation did not change much, except that it was now tinged with amusement. Adlai assumed so much about her, and he would soon discover how wrong he was. Her arms crossed over her chest once more, and she shook her head slowly, dark tendrils shifting around her head at the wind from their flying.
"I have no need for another's respect. You seem to think me easily swayed by popular opinion, but if that were true, I'd not be in the state of wealth I am today. The detriment in drawing their attention to me is that my workings will be harder to disguise and my face will be more recognizable. I prefer to be kept to the shadows." One hand raised and she directed him to an alley that was out of the way. "There... my quarters lie inside the back of that warehouse."
He would hear no more about business until they were safely on the ground and in her home territory.
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Seren
Member
Mechanical Mastery
Posts: 38
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Post by Seren on Mar 17, 2005 11:03:16 GMT -5
Again, her dark head shook, and as they touched down, she turned to face him fully once more, bright blue eyes burning with intensity.
"Never once did I say that I would 'spit back' the respect I am given, but I am not one who begs for it. The attention that comes with it is not something I enjoy, and I suggest you think before speaking in such a way to someone who is doing well enough to be pleased with her life. Your talk of shadows and future decisions has nothing to do with what I am." Her tone was firm but without malice. Seren was simply a woman who knew her place in the mix. "You may be a god to them, but in my eyes you are still only a potential client."
With that, she turned to the door, unlocking it quietly and pushing it open. The interior was well-lit, and once he stepped inside, Adlai would find a comfortable living space. The decor could even be considered sumptuous, and the deep rich colors bespoke a woman with taste as well as fire in her soul. Thick rugs were scattered effectively about the floor, as well as plush cushions for lounging. Her quarters were indeed closed off from the rest of the warehouse, and the insulation was such that it was warm and comfortable inside. From the main room there was a doorless entry to the kitchen and a hall that probably led back to her bed chamber.
"Please, come in and be comfortable."
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Seren
Member
Mechanical Mastery
Posts: 38
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Post by Seren on Mar 17, 2005 12:40:10 GMT -5
"You aren't to assume anything... that is my point. And did you ever consider that you noticed me because I wanted you to?" She managed a soft laugh. "You are so certain that you are in control of everything that you forget that others maintain some control over some things."
The cloak was peeled off and hung on a hook next to the door. The blood-red bodice was strapless, leaving her shoulders and arms bare and pale. They were well-muscled however, and as she tugged the gloves from long-fingered hands, he would see that she was not a delicate creature. This was a woman who worked hard and often to get what she deserved.
"Have you ever heard of the one called 'Hands' in the city of Ragnarok? The one who can create a workable weapon from various and asundry parts?" As she spoke, she moved into the kitchen, loading up a tray with refreshments before returning to peer at him curiously.
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Seren
Member
Mechanical Mastery
Posts: 38
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Post by Seren on Mar 17, 2005 13:19:04 GMT -5
Seren listened quietly as he spoke, carrying the tray to a small table in one corner of the main room. A cool pitcher sat on it along with two simple glasses and a plate of fruit and cheese. Those strong hands lifted the pitcher, pouring a rich red wine into the glasses. One was lifted to her own lips as the second was offered over. A piece of strong yellow cheese was then plucked from the platter, and she took a small bite, chewing thoughtfully.
"I do not doubt that you hold sway over many people... eventually all the people, here in Ragnarok. And I approach you with not so much an offer of weaponry as an offer of my mechanical expertise. While it is true that weapons are a speciality of mine, I am not limited to them. Someone with the technical knowledge I have could be very valuable to a campaign like yours. I do create mechanical masterpieces, but I also have the ability to quickly and quietly destroy them. If you do not see me as an asset, then I beg you to forgive me for wasting your time."
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Seren
Member
Mechanical Mastery
Posts: 38
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Post by Seren on Mar 21, 2005 9:32:17 GMT -5
"A bond between friends..." Seren pondered that statement as she claimed a piece of cheese, nibbling on it lightly. She wondered absently at his interest. Typically, it was easy enough to encourage a joining of resources, but he was different. Her eyes studied his face closely, measuring him once more.
"Do you not think it important that we become friends first? You have yet to even share your name with me." Of course, she probably knew it from watching him as she had. That didn't mean the name others knew was not his real name, either. It was easy enough to hold onto an alias; she would know that well enough.
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Seren
Member
Mechanical Mastery
Posts: 38
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Post by Seren on Mar 21, 2005 13:08:56 GMT -5
Adlai was strangely fascinating, with his odd personality and weird pursuit of power. Seren felt herself drawn to him, as a moth to a flame, and she knew if she wasn't careful, she would be burned to ash, leaving nothing of herself behind. He was that dangerous, and they both knew it.
Long legs bent to allow her to settle atop a small pile of cushions in close proximity to the food and wine. As he paced and spoke, her blue eyes were lifted to watch him, her demeanor almost that of a child listening to the lecture of an elder. In such a languid pose, she could almost be mistaken for an expensive whore. Rough she was, with that sensual edge that kept so many guessing; it was something that helped keep her clients on edge, anticipating her next move, her next words, many of them watching for an opportunity to slip in closer to the woman. Genhao Adlai had gotten closer than any of them.
Seren let him speak, never interrupting, never removing her attention. She showed no response at his revelation of his past but wondered about the duality of his life, the strong leader tempered by a man who hid himself, claiming an empty shell. Why would he want to share that self with her? What was it that drew him? He saw the power she bore, what little of it there was... and like was attracted to like; but they weren't alike enough for that to be true. Maybe she was just different enough to keep his interest... to keep him from getting bored.
Her brow furrowed suddenly at her own concern. Why did it matter if he got bored? What did she care about such mundane things? As quickly as possible, she put her expression to rights, not wanting to give away her thoughts and concerns about this male she'd just met. This male who wanted to know the "true" Seren.
"And what, exactly, do you think you'll find when you pursue this sudden interest in me? I'm not a weak and romantic woman hiding behind a tough exterior just waiting for a man to sweep me off my feet." The idea was preposterous. "Nor am I so ambitious and self-centered that I'll trod upon any who get in my way. Believe me, Genhao, my uniqueness ends with my abilities; you would likely get bored with the rest of it very quickly."
Was that bitterness in her tone?
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Seren
Member
Mechanical Mastery
Posts: 38
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Post by Seren on Mar 22, 2005 9:24:29 GMT -5
"It is a good thing that I do not rely on feelings or inclinations to determine my actions. There may indeed be a connection, Gehao, between us; that does not mean it should necessarily be fed or maintained. I ask for time." Seren swallowed another mouthful of wine. Her body was growing more relaxed as she drank, and a flush had entered her pale cheeks. She wasn't drunk, but any alcohol had an effect on her; and wine was the most potent and pleasurable.
"I'll rush into nothing. That would simply be bad business."
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Seren
Member
Mechanical Mastery
Posts: 38
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Post by Seren on Mar 22, 2005 13:02:20 GMT -5
Seren was moving as he stepped out the door, a long and slender blade appearing seemingly from nowhere in her hand. Although she dealt in mechanical weapons, it would not do to be found with one. The blade flashed, reflecting the light, and she lowered it next to her leg as she reached the door. Something was wrong, obviously, from the appearance of his weapon, and she wasn't about to let trouble get out of hand.
Her head shifted and she looked around the corner to where he was flat against the wall. Nothing was said; somehow she knew he would be more than aware of her presence. The blue light had just flashed over his body, and she could see the residual effects of it, her own eyes seeming to pick up the color and intensify it.
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