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Rayvinn
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Post by Rayvinn »

January 14th (Events that occurred directly after 'Battles')

Rayvinn gave a curt nod at his choice, having no stakes in where they had this conversation, so long as they were off of these streets. She brushed the shards of broken glass as best she could from her clothing and hair, feeling the numerous cuts to her scalp, chest, and face begin to sting now that the thrill of battle was over. Of course, they were mere scratches compared to what she'd experienced in the past so they were ignored for now. Leading him away from the boutique with its ruined window and gruesome litter of bodies, she slowed her pace a bit as they turned a corner and the old fashioned neon sign declared "Jerry's All Night Diner" in pink seemed to fade for a moment before buzzing back to life. "I've frequented this place for the several years since I moved to the City. Jerry is a good guy and doesn't ask many questions. Try the peach cobbler." Yes, let's speak of cobbler after ending the existence of four men. Shadow didn't realize this about the woman he accompanied just yet, but this was more the norm than not.

He'd once been baron of this district, and had never even seen the place - a testament to what he'd actually been doing when he held the barony: building an orphanage. That time had comsumed him, but right now he was filled with a very faint regret that he hadn't gotten to know the district better. With Raye's poise and recent display of skill, he had no doubt she knew the 'underbelly' of this part of the city - he was beginning to actually form some conclusions about what she did. Or at least what she was capable of with those knives, and with that commanding presence. Gang lord would be too simple; she fought like a trained warrior, someone who had seen numerous battles. He had his own cuts and nicks, and he might have been able to heal his, and hers, but a display of magic on the street was not exactly a good way to remain discreet. He did step forward to hold the door for her though, gesturing with a hand. "Peach cobbler it is, my Lady," he said with a slight smile, his eyes following her before he himself did. Whether at the diner's counter, or a table, did not much matter. This was out of the way. The pair must have looked quite odd, fancily enough dressed but with obvious signs of having been in a fight.

At first they were greeted by a cheery faced girl in her early twenties, whose eyes widened a little when Rayvinn stepped through the door. She pressed an old fashioned service bell several tiimes and called through the open space between the counter and the grill area. "Yo pops, Miss Olivia's here." She looked back over at the pair and grinned. "She brought some suit with her." Rayvinn snickered a little and inclined her head. "Good evening to you as well, Maria. It's wonderful to see your lovely face. Before your father gets out here, tell me the truth...is he alright?" There seemed to be genuine affection upon Rayvinn's face followed by concern for the man they spoke of. The girl shrugged but nodded. "Stubborn as always, works too much, and won't do what the doc tells him to but whatya gonna do, right?" She picked up a couple of menus and rolls of silverware and was moving around the counter.

Rayvinn shook her head and frowned. "I would have a talk with him but it wouldn't do any good. The man has his pride and far be it from me to chastise him too harshly for taking care of what is his." She followed the words up with another shrug then turned to gesture towards Shadow. "This is Shadow, a friend of ours." Her gaze lingered upon Maria's for just a brief second and the girl nodded then turned a bright, bubble-gum popping smile the baron's way. "Nice to meet you Shadow. We're all friends here. Make yourself at home." That greeting meant more than the simple words thatwere spoken and Rayvinn offered a quirk of a smile before following behind the girl to a booth secluded at the back of the diner next to the only exit. "Your table as always, Miss Olive." Rayvinn smiled and shrugged out of her coat, tossing it into the booth before she slid in.

He'd made the right call in calling her 'Lady' rather than 'Lady Rayvinn', or so it appeared. If these people knew her as Olivia, so would he, in public. Until she said otherwise. He quirked a brow faintly at the 'suit' reference - he had a suitcoat on, to be sure - but smiled nevertheless at Maria's cheerful greeting. "Maria, a pleasure. Thank you," he replied, keeping his words simple. He was faintly embarrassed to be meeting anyone for the first time, with visible cuts and clothing torn by streetfighting, but he immediately felt at ease in the normalcy of the diner. He doffed his coat as well, hanging it at the booth's seat, and took the side opposite the table from her. Another thought had comeinto his mind, an observation. Friend of ours. Either she was using the royal 'we' in referring to herself, or she was indeed part of some greater organization in some way. Another fact to file away, but not to mention here. He was here for an explanation, not an inquest of his own.

"Maria, peach cobbler and coffee for me," he said to the young lady, allowing himself to ease back gently in his own cushioned seating. Simple, perhaps tacky in color, but as comfortable as any fancy baronial furnishing, after the stresses of the night. He thought of ordering for Raye, but that would be taking the gentlemanly bit too far. She knew what she wanted, and she didn't need him deciding such things for her. He was already formulating his words regarding the purpose of the attack, his own conclusions at least, but he'd wait until orders were made before he began. A slight wince as he tried to shift, and a brief grimace, quickly schooled from his face. With adrenaline's departure, fighting just hurt, no doubt about it.

If Maria noticed that Rayvinn and Shadow were disheveled and looking a little worse for the wear, she gave no hint. Taking out her little order pad and a pen from behind her ear, she wrote down Shadow's order and grinned. "That's Olive's favorite." Then she turned to Rayvinn and readied herself for the onslaught. "Okay Maria, let's start with some mozzarella sticks and your dad's bruschetta...to die for. Then some garlic knots, fettucine alfredo with grilled chicken -- that blackened stuff he makes, not the normal grilled. Extra broccoli with the sauce over it too. Breadsticks, some of that spicy sausage that he grinds himself, but put that with his red sauce over some spaghetti and some of those giant meatballs. Peach cobbler with vanilla ice cream, my special coffee." Then she picked up the menu and twitched her lips back and forth as she tried to decide what else sounded good. "Grilled cheese. The grown up one that he makes with the five cheeses, olives, and tomatoes? Make it adouble. Potato salad with that instead of fries please." She closed the menu and handed it to the girl, who was snickering as she always did when Raye ordered food.

Maria’s gaze shifted to Shadow to see his reaction, she could always tell who was a new acquaintance by how they reacted to her orders. Truthfully, Rayvinn hadn't brought many people here over the years. The fact that she had brought Shadow and introduced him as a friend meant they were to keep an eye out. The diner, a front for something entirely different, was a safe place..a port in the storm per se. "You're sure you just want the peach cobbler and coffee? I'm buying." The waif thin elf that had just ordered enough food to feed six smiled.
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Rayvinn
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Post by Rayvinn »

Not only had she displayed poise and skill during the fight, but to be so hungry after it? Truly, a warrior. He'd spent decades her in this city acting the part of spy, of scout, of agent; he could sniff the signs of a front of some sort, but he also knew that to mention any such thing was a true breach of confidence. And he was really trying to be on his best behavior. His reaction to the huge order was at first a slight widening of his eyes, then a growing smile. She may have been skinny, but clearly her stomach was some abyss, some furnace which burned away all but the most essential calories. Impressive. For his part, he was not nearly as hungry, to say the least. "Ah, just the cobbler and coffee, yes. Thank you, my Lady." Oh, he was grinning his amusement plainly, but the sparkle in his eyes displayed even more respect than humor. He was clearly in the presence of a cool customer in this elfess, one who shed battle-terrors like others might remove their shoes. But then, it was not the worst of battles, what they'd been through. "Perhaps if there's anything left over from your...feast, I might nibble a bit." And he didn't say those words with any hint of innuendo, though the tease of his tone could be heard. What a woman she was. He dipped his head to Maria and handed off his menu. Amusement had eased those stinging cuts, the aches of post-battle rigor, rather well, and he felt more relaxed than he had since... Well, since before the debacle last week, to be accurate.

For her, the recent battle and being back amongst friends, she had visibly relaxed. Even in a relaxed state, Rayvinn was tightly coiled like a fierce jungle cat about to spring, always mentally prepared for some mishap or other. What she would give for the sanctity of true relaxation and peace for even one night where she didn't feel she needed to be on guard. That was not the life she chose, however, so this was as close as she would get. Amongst people she knew always had her back; trust was not a thing that she granted most but Jerry and Co. were an exception. In such a state of relaxation, Rayvinn's regal posture faltered and she turned sideways in her side of the booth, pushing her coat against the wall and then leaning against it. The miles of legs, riddled with cuts and street grime--likely splatterings of blood as well, were outstretched and she sighed softly. "It feels good to just rest sometimes, does it not, Baron?" Her lashes lowered over her eyes as she leaned her headback. "You had a story to tell me, I believe."

They'd kissed, they'd fought - and fought some more, though the second had not been between them - and she still called him Baron. But then, he still called her Lady; formality was there, and it would have to do for the nonce. Ice took time to melt, and Shadow knew it as well as any who'd ever walked this city or even this world. Still, he perceived her continued relaxation, matching his own, and that was enough to begin a major thaw. A thaw enough for him to say his next words. "It does feel good just to rest, at that," he agreed. Leaning forward - he'd taken a cut somewhere on his back, probably from falling glass - he set his elbows on the table, and met her eyes directly.

"As I'd started to explain, before we were so rudely interrupted on the street," he said with a slight grin quirking his mouth, "Last Wednesday I found myself in the West End, one of the seedier parts. I heard a scream from an alley... And when I went for a look, found six men, surrounding a young girl. They'd already been at her clothes - she was probably a dancer, or escort - enough to scare her silly. Something within me snapped." He paused. "And I killed them all, all the men, and sent the girl on her way. I think by the end of it she was more terrified of me." He blew out a breath, and though he blinked, his eyes didn't falter from hers. "They might have had children, dependents. What they were about to do was unconscionable, but.. I murdered them all." Maria was back with the coffees soon enough, and he quieted, nodding thanks her way, given a brief respite from the grisly admission.

She allowed Shadow to speak for a moment before she finally opened her eyes and met his, giving him her full attention. During his story her face didn't change in the slightest bit, no hint at all of what she was thinking. When he was finished, she began to speak but then paused when Maria arrived with their coffee. She trusted the girl with her own secrets (most of them anyway), but his were not hers and she'd not presume to speak of them in front of the girl. "Thank you, Maria," Rayvinn murmured as her hand slid towards the cup and fingers were walked up the side of it so that fingertips were tapping along the rim.

Dealing in discretion more than any other thing, the girl gave both a small smile and then quickly moved away, rightly sensing the somber mood between the two. Rayvinn leveled her gaze upon Shadow, watching him for a full minute, before nodding. "Yes, they ight have had dependents. And those dependents might now be spared the horrors that poor girl was facing prior to your intervention, Shadow." Her tone was soft enough that only an elf could hear. "It is not murder when it is in defense of the helpless. Certainly it is extinguishing life, and that in itself is a serious matter upon a conscience such as ours, but it is not murder. While your conscience may now feel soiled, your soul remains clean."

A full minute, under her stare. Which he didn't shy from, his ambers soaking up her greens, drinking them in - he really had to stop losing himself in those so easily - but he did pay close heed to her response. It was reassuring that she did not immediately brand him monster, so close on the heels of his violation of her trust at the hotel, but his conscience was soiled, and only time would truly heal him of that personal stain. A drink from his own coffee, breath blown to cool it before the first careful sip, and he said, "I believe you are correct. I believe I cleansed some evil that night, whilst the passions of the day yet raged within me. I suppose I could have done more damage, more reckless damage, had I not encountered those ruffians. But that is also why I believe I was targeted tonight, and we were attacked. Seldom have I been so bold as to take a direct hand in the black bowels of this city, and I am now becoming sure that I upset the wrong people with my heroics."

Only then did his eyes drift down from her own, to look into the swirl of his black coffee. A good color to match the weight of conscience. "The mage... the man with the gun, used a time stop spell, which is amongst the most powerful of combat magics. You likely have seen one before, but for such power to be used in an attempt on my life, means something larger is at work." His head lifted, and he met her eyes again, smiling very slightly. "If you are to protect me, my Lady, it's best to know what you're getting yourself into, yes?" Maybe he didn't need her protection, but that was no reason to shun it.
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Rayvinn
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Post by Rayvinn »

The tapping of nail upon rim resumed after he'd spoken, but for just a moment. Her own coffee was lifted and the steam given a puff of breath to disperse it. A sip of the spiked dark brew, complete with a thick dollop of real whipped cream, was taken and savored. "I did not wish to pry but I am familiar with battle mages and am also familiar with their cost. I knew it was not some random act for a battle mage wouldn't waste the energy or take on the danger for some street thuggery. Nor would any typical criminal afford the cost of that mage simply for retribution. You do not strike me as a man in dire need of my protection but it is yours nonetheless. I worry most for your orphanage, to be honest. Whatever Syndicate you have angered, they will hear of what occurred tonight and will undoubtedly retaliate where it will hurt you most." Another sip of her coffee was taken calmly, they might as well be discussing what flowers to plant come spring.

"I am not certain of your background, Shadow, so forgive my intrusion into matters that are not directly my business but if this were my problem, I would prepare for any eventuality." This was how Rayvinn lived every day of her life...prepared for any eventuality. "I will offer you whatever resources you require whether it be manpower, money, or expertise. Or, if you so wish, I shall stay back and leave you to your own considerable abilities."

She scooted from the booth and smiled down at him from where she stood. "If you will excuse me for one moment, I do have a matter of some urgency to attend to." And with that, the cacophony of her heels signaled the appearance of Maria near the counter. She gestured towards the grill area and the girl called for Jerry to finally come out. He made rare appearances when strangers were about but whatever the elfess had said had lured the man from his solitary confinement. Messages were written rather than spoken, for the tone needed for their human ears to hear would quite easily carry within an elf's earshot. Jerry frowned and Rayvinn laid a soothing hand upon his forearm before giving the man a reassuring smile. She scribbled something upon a paper and he nodded just before she moved away to return to Shadow.

His brows lifted as she rose just after her reply, and his eyes trailed her on her walk toward the counter. A woman who could share tea with a man who'd wronged her, then aid in a deadly struggle, and then take him to a diner and order a feast, and then conduct business was as formidable as Shadow had ever seen, in his centuries of life. More layers revealed, at least in so far as this place and its function in her plans, but when the notes were scribbled he didn't stare. He returned himself to his coffee, and pondered quietly her words and what he'd to say of them. And it was surprisingly good coffee, too. Had they put something in his, he wondered? Strange, the small things the mind fixed upon in the wake of a brush with violent death. When she finally returned, he was ready to continue. "You are a woman of many talents, my Lady. I accept any help you are willing to give. And I mean that."

He punctuated his words with another, lingering look, falling silent himself. Where once she had referred to children as demons, here, now, she expressed some concern for them. For his obligations to them. It touched him deeply. But his voice, and face were smooth, free of displayed emotion, when he continued. "It's true they might come at the orphanage itself. But never has a more secure orphanage been built in this world, or many others, I suspect. It is a fortress, warded against all manner of magics and fell creatures, designed to protect the youth from the depredations of one of this city's most foul villains - Vanion Shadowcast. I'll have to take my chances there. So you too believe this is a criminal syndicate? I'd say, then, that the assistance I would wish of you is this. Help me find the leader. Help me end this organization, and cut the head off at least one serpent. By my side. We... we fight well together, my lady." At that, the tips of his ears reddened, though not precisely due to shame or embarrassment at her offer; far more due to the boldness of his request.

Oh have no doubt, those children would forever be demons in Rayvinn's mind...but they were helpless demons and Raye was nothing if not a champion for the underdog. As he described the orphanage, the elfess appeared impressed and nodded at his conclusion. "That is one less concern upon our shoulders then. Still, it would be a good precaution to perhaps house workers, and even their families if they cannot be parted from them, within the walls of the orphanage lest they be harassed and then used as a tool to gain access to the inside of the orphanage." A bit paranoid perhaps? Possibly, but Rayvinn also tended to think many steps ahead of her foes which fell under the category of "preparing for all eventualities." Another sip of the coffee. "I don't foresee the need for this for more than a few days. It won't take long, with the properly laid traps, to lure out who we want. From there it is a simple matter of persuading the person." It was best that he didn't ask too many questions regarding that phase of her plan.

In the midst of Rayvinn going into General mode, the tone with which he spoke his request, as well as the reddening ears, made her pause. The sudden fluttering within her belly made her cheeks flush and she offered a slight smile, but after a long moment of her gaze lingering upon his, she cleared her throat and averted her gaze. "I hope you don't have many obligations that require your attention in the morning, Baron, it is going to be a long night."

Just then, she saw Maria moving towards them with a tray laden with food. "Maria, we're going to need the entire pot of coffee, lovely."
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