Lareth's castle

[Haeo]

Ost carried his cold leftovers in their wooden bowl far enough into the open spaces of the castle that he could get the proper angle. Then he started jumping, ground to wall to ledge to wall to wall to window to wall and finally all the way up to the roof of one of the shorter towers. He was in clear view from a number of the castle's windows, but there were few ways to reach his present perch. He needed to be vigilant. He ate mechanically. He reclined on his side, from a distance he might even appear to be relaxed. However, every muscle was primed for an instant lunge and he was more than ready to be fully shifted before he hit the ground.

When the king wished to speak with him again there would be no obstacle to his being found and he would come without hesitation. He suspected that he deserved far more than his majesty would bestow. In the meantime, he remained acutely aware of every aspect of the castle and those within, like a spider in the center of its web. Nothing could happen in the castle or around it without him knowing. When he finished emptying his bowl, not noticing what was actually in it, he set it aside to return to the kitchen when he could. He did take care to ensure that it would not fall from its perch onto someone's unsuspecting head. He flexed his left hand and gazed at it. The black eyes on the back of that hand blinked at him once but met his gaze steadily. There was nothing to do but wait.  

[Haeo]

Hot Champion_of_justice

The road had been long and the journey hot. Shale Azuranal had been carrying a sack of gifts for the king for the better part of a month. He was finally almost to the castle, he could even see it now. The butt of his staff struck the dusty road in even time and he made steady progress. He was unaware of his appearance but with his hood up he was really very well concealed. The only things visible were the dark muddy red of the cloak, the black of the body suit underneath it and the boots, the white, red and black of the staff and the black sack over his left shoulder.

The sack contained gifts that were also proof of his loyalty and the reason why he could consider this his first family road-trip, albeit a morbid one. The gifts were the personal effects and heads of his family members after all. Thankfully, he had had the presence of mind to craft the sack out of shadow such that nothing inside it would begin to decay until after it was opened. Otherwise it would have stunk and attracted lots of trouble on the way. He did have one source of company on this trip, other than his dead relatives.

The last surviving golem from the force he made to kill them was also with him, silently keeping step behind him and always perfectly alert. It was the most advanced of the golems he had ever made, an archer type that could create arrows of explosive fire, light charged lightning, shredding wind, or unmelting ice. It had taken more than three years to craft. It was actually rather handsome, for a golem, with finely chiseled features of shaped bone and an almost perfect physique. This golem had been strong enough and agile enough to kill Shale's father, a very old and powerful demon, while avoiding irreparable damage. It stood about a foot taller than Shale and had a bone and shadow crafted bow instead of a left hand. It's right hand was clawed and runed, capable of close combat if necessary but mostly for generating arrows. Its form was lithe and dense with incorporated black armor shaped from heavily spelled shadow instead of skin. It was tall and slim, fast and accurate. Truly, the closest thing to a masterwork that Shale had created. It was also instrumental in keeping him alive on his long journey to the castle of the king from the place where he had been born in exile.

He finally approached the castle, feeling the watchful wards that surrounded it and keeping all hostility from his mind and energy. The wards trembled as he passed through them, announcing his presence but not sounding an alert. He meant nothing but to see the king and seek to have a legitimate place in the Demon Realm. If groveling was necessary, then so be it. He had come far too far to hold back now. He did not rush but he did not stop walking. He was headed to the throne room.

((Open to interception but otherwise exiting to Throne Room))

---------------------

Ost sensed the disturbance in the wards and rose to his feet. Jumping from his perch, he made his way to a ledge with a good view of the gate and took a look at the visitor. He did not come to any swift conclusions. There was no hostility or active battle magic but the aura indicated a demon of some age, not ancient but old enough. But the aura was wrong, like bits of it were missing or warped. Still, the golem could be a problem. It was clearly well made, Ost had never seen anything similar. Well, whatever the visitor's business, it wouldn't do to not do his job. There was no clear threat so the decision of how to greet the visitor would be up to his Magesty. So, Ost would do as he had always done before he left. He pitched his voice and magic to carry silently until it reached King Lareth's own ears and sang this message.

"My King, There is an unfamiliar visitor with no house livery at the gate. He has a powerful golem with him and a large bag but does not appear hostile. He is heading toward the Throne Room. Should I intercept?"

Ost knew that his king could use the wards to send any orders he wished back to Ost regarding this visitor, or any other matter, at any time. Until he received orders he simply remained vigilant while trying to rest as ordered. His failures still twisted inside him but he knew that his loss of control and expression of personal grief and loss had not been taken well by anyone who heard. Even those who knew him best and were most important to him had radiated annoyance, anger, and embarrassment into the wards. So, as his feelings were unacceptable, he locked them deeper still. He would not reveal his heart again, no matter the cost.  

[Hot Champion_of_justice]

Haeo

"A guest huh? Well I suggest you present yourself to this guest and tell them, their golem can wait in the main yard. You will then guard the visitor until I arrive. I will see him in the Throne Room shortly, once I finish something.

There was a slight pause in his thoughts before he spoke again.

If he or she gives you trouble...dispose of them. Understand? No questions asked....Consider this your probation exercise."

Then Lareth was gone from Ost's mind leaving him to speak to the guest and either escort him to the throne room or to smash him into putty.  

[Haeo]

Hot Champion_of_justice

Ost heard Lareth's message clearly. He also understood that no response was necessary other than obedience. He ended his song and jumped lightly from his perch to land between the visitor and the front door of the keep. It was only a fourty foot drop so he didn't even have to bend his knees. He kept his eye on the golem, a defensive golem could react very quickly if it perceived danger to its master. When it did not immediately react he addressed the cloaked visitor coldly.

"His Majesty, the King of the Demon Realm, commands that I escort you to him in the throne room. Your golem must remain here in the courtyard and do nothing."
-------------------

Shale stopped walking when his path was blocked and kept his golem from moving to strike with a wordless command through his master's link. This must be one of the guardians of the castle. I sense that the ward network is likely his doing. Strength and an awareness of subtlety. At least I'm not being met by an ordinary flunky. He gestured with his staff to indicate a place in the center of the courtyard, ordering his golem to stay and take no action through the link. It turned and strode to the position standing with its back to the keep as it had been instructed.

"As his Majesty commands." Shale said, his voice sounding a little harsh from the dust of his journey and disuse. He hadn't had anyone worth talking to accompanying him after all.

--------------------

Ost acknowledged the visitor's obedience by stepping aside to let him enter first. He had been ordered to guard this visitor, not lead him. The best place to do that was right behind him. Ost hummed softly, strengthening the wards immediately around the golem and the throne room just in case. Then he turned to follow the as yet unnamed visitor, directing him to the throne room.

-------------------

When the guardian stepped aside Shale knew the reception was only polite on the surface. One wrong move or sign of battle magic and this formidible guardian would destroy him without a flinch. Once the guardian was behind him, Shale smiled. The rumors he had overheard on the journey had begun to make him unsure of this king's strength and ability. However, the obedience he saw in the guardian and the efficiency of the servants he witnessed as he passed them at their work set those weak doubts to rest. This was a mighty king indeed. His smile faded to a blank expression. He could well destroy me as soon as I name myself. But, that is a risk I have to take to complete the annihilation of my family's fallen legacy.

((Double exit to Throne Room))  

[Sorrybutgoodbye]

Yamille was still swearing and fighting with Darga by the time they got to the demon castle. She ignored most peoples looks for her it was normal to argue with the dragon on her shoulder. "man you suck at this you got lost three times" Dagra said laughing as Yamille swear at him in her mother's tongue. It was not ehr fault most times she was here she was in one area for most of her stay she was not use to walking from the drow kingdom to here. "If you don't shut up all Ready I swear to the gods I will skin you" she snapped at him, "just help me Find Cya." Dagra suck his tongue out at her but nodded as he hopped to the ground and led the way to the main castle gates. She was not one to follow rulers rulers so if they would not let her in she was just going to sneak in. But for now she would play nice as she told them who she was and way she was here.  

[Hot Champion_of_justice]

Haeo

Devossy

Lareth was leading ost outside to show him where he wanted Ost to set up a special perimeter barrier that cancelled out magic from those who crossed it, when he heard arguing and turned his head to see Yamille and Dagra coming.

He was surprised to see her, but it didn't stop him from calling out to her and hurrying over to welcome her.

"Yamille! Good to see you made it here safely."

Lareth went over and took her hand and gave it a kiss on the top as he looked to Dagra and gave the dragon a bow and a respective hello. Lareth turned his eyes back to Yamille.

"What brings you here so soon? Get tired of playing with the drow?"  

[Sorrybutgoodbye]

Hot Champion_of_justice

Haeo

"Of course she made it safe here it would take a lot to stop here from seeing here friend" Dagra said before he disappeared in to the shadows as Yamille brought a hell down on him. She was still pissed at him form this morning. "Good to see you to Lareth and cute but no" she said smiling at him, "My friends are good and have other plans so I thought I would head over here and check on Cya and see how she is holding up with you. Good to see your still in one piece." She had told Cris she was coming here and plus he had plans with Amity. She hoped those two would have fun. "So big guy where is she?" Yamille said smiling as she put her hands on her hips.  

[Hot Champion_of_justice]

devossy

Lareth could only chuckle as the dragon vanished into the shadows.
"Oh she is inside the house. Since she is mistress here, I asked her if she could see to giving the staff orders of how she wants things to run.
We have barons coming tomorrow, and I kinda....'fired' quite a bit of the help. It could not be helped considering all that has happened here and I do honestly want her safe here."

He scratched his head.
"She may be in the kitchens as I think she may ask the cook for a menu for tomorrows guests. If shes not...well you're on your own there."  

[Sorrybutgoodbye]

Hot Champion_of_justice

Yamille was going to ask why he fired some staff but she was sure Cya would give her the low down of everything once she found her. "I am glade you want her safe but you have no clue where she is....some lover you are" she said bugging him a bit, "I will find her I always do and don't worry I will make my self gone for when your guest show tomorrow" she said smiling more, "I am sure you do not want me around." While she was here she could find Hal too and bug the old demon a bit. Thinking she let out a loud long whistle and hell hound came running to her. "There the cute little puppy I played with last time I was ehre" she said baby talking to it. It barked and she patted it head smiling. "I am happy She has you in her life now...just don't tell her I said that" she said  

[Hot Champion_of_justice]

"Sometimes to be a good lover, I need to give the love of my life some room to breathe. If I didn't give her space, she might begin to resent me, as I would be on her like white on rice."

Lareth looked to Ost.

"Ost this is Yamille and our guest here. Please escort her to find Lady Cynthia. We can speak of what I want to do later."

Lareth watched as the hell hound came bounding out of somewhere and ran with its tail wagging to Yamille. He frowned some.
"Some guard dog you are.....Anyway Yamille, do not stay simply the night. The outcome of this meeting I hope will determine Cynthia's future. I would like to have more support around for her, in case things head south."

Lareth was partially convinced that he could convince his barons to side with him and get a pardon for Cynthia. Once he succeeded, he planned on making it known, he was going to make her queen.

"Well anyway, I will see you both later. I have much to do."

Lareth hurried away.

((Didin't want to leave you hanging, so you can play with Haeo or Gypsy. Whomever comes on first.))  

[Sorrybutgoodbye]

The hell hound looked down and Yamille ruffled it fur. "He dose not mean it your good just playful" she said smiling to it before nodding to Lareth, "if its for Cya then I will stay as long as I am welcome. Thanks Lareth and see you around." She waved bye to him as the hell hound started to lean in to her. "hey stop that your going to make me fall over" she said smiling before she head off to find her best friend.


((kay see you champ))  

[Haeo]

Hot Champion_of_justice

Devossy

Red Gypsy

Ost remained silent through his king's conversation with the latest addition to the castle's guest list. He ignored the hound's antics with practiced ease. He had been around their kind before when he was still a child. There was some information in the exchange that was of interest but not much. This arrival had interrupted whatever plans for him that King Lareth had. Yet, if his king said it could wait, then it could wait.

"Yes, Sire." He said calmly, moving to accompany Yamille. It would be a simple matter to feel Cynthia in the wards and lead the guest to her. The feel of her in the ward web was moving. She was leaving the King's private chambers and seemed to be heading to the Kitchen, perhaps to have a word with the staff. Ost did not know or care too much about why she was moving but leading someone to a moving target was more difficult.

"My lady, Lady Cynthia is this way." He said with his typically unflappable calm. With that, he headed to intercept her either in the kitchen or the nearby hallways. He kept a running tab on her location in the wards so that he could tell if she changed destinations.

((Exit to Kitchen))  

[Red Gypsy]

Darsto_23

Ash and Rebecca appeared in the castle in a flash of flames, their bags near them. He kept one hand around her waist, but let her look around all she wanted to for the moment as he called a servant over and asked her to tell Lareth he was here.

Gypsy came into the castle just after that and saw them standing in the main hall and found herself swearing softly before approaching them, "Hey you two. I haven't had a chance to see Lareth yet but I'm sure he's around here somewhere. I kindof got a bit distracted by something..." she said to them as she approached, trying to warn Ash that she hadn't had a chance to talk to Lareth yet.

Instead, Ash frowned at her as she approached. She wasn't wearing a cloak at all. She also wasn't having any trouble with her demonic half. That worried him a bit, "Okay, Gypsy... Dish it out... Who made your demon that happy?" he had to ask it, knowing it was a valid point.

Gypsy swore under her breath but refused to say anything about it, "Come on, you two. Let's get you a room then see about finding Lareth. Unless he finds us first. I'd take you to Cynthia, but she's dealing with the chef right now," she said with a displeased growl and headed up the stairs.  

[Darsto_23]

Red Gypsy

Rebecca smiles as she glances around as Gypsy came over to them she let Ash speak to her as she glanced around. The place was very nice better looking then Lucifers place that's for sure but she could get a weird warning feeling going through her as she stood there, she did hear rumors there was something that detects any of Lucifers people hear so they could come here and spy or hide here or it could be her dark power sensing something as that happens too but she's still learning about herself.

She gives Gypsy a smile as she seemed to be avoiding Ashs question, she could tell her being so calm was not a good sign to Ash and she could tell she was very calm, more calm then she was with Vince..speaking of Vince she didn't see him in the front room, wondered if he is doing alright.  

[Red Gypsy]

Darsto_23

Ash lead Rebecca with him as he followed after Gypsy, determined to get a straight answer from her. He knew a servant or two would collect their bags for them.

"Gypsy..." he growled out to the hybrid as he reached out and pulled her to a stop on the stairs and made her face him, pulling Rebecca down with him as he ducked a punch in the process.

Gypsy growled at him, "Don't push it Ash..." she warned him then turned and continued on up the stairs, "Damn Kael for this..." she muttered to herself.

That last statement made Ash pull up with wide eyes, "Kael? Kael did this to your demonic half?! You slept with Kael?!" no matter how he put it, it still didn't sound right to him.

Gypsy spun around and gave him a warning glare that actually made Ash back down the stairs a few steps, "Not one word, Ash..." she told him then threw up her hands over it all, "Fine. You can deal with Lareth on your own. I'm going to go check on that damned lock..." she growled out and moved right back down the stairs and headed for the main door, leaving them both standing right there on the stairs.