Post by Admin on Aug 1, 2020 3:35:03 GMT
Lives Circle (Combined Copy)
(Hogsmeade, Madam Puddifoot's Tea Shop, 2013
Richard
Richard, Ari and Tarik had apparated to just outside Madam Puddifoot’s Tea Shoppe entrance. The meeting had gone well in Deputy Headmistress Office, but they all needed some dinner. Tarik would be returning to probably a meeting with Sasha, which made Richard smile. Normally very smart and able to think clearly, Tarik was so in love with the woman, he became almost tongue-tied. It was good Sasha was just as in love with him. The kept putting their “talk” off for another time.
Richard opened the door to the Tea Shoppe and the familiar bell tinkled. Before Richard had taken his position at Hogwarts he had stayed at Sara’s in one of the three, very small, but comfortable backrooms down the small hall in the back. The hall also contained three meeting rooms across for the sleeping areas. Sara’s was always a comfortable place to be. Darik the HouseElf just coming from the kitchen area, to greet the customers as he always did. “Hi, Darik. We,” motioning to Ari and Tarik following him throught the door, “thought we may be able to get a bite to eat, if it is not too late. I know I would love one of your meat sandwiches.” The sandwiches were fabulous and Richard had been very careful not to ask what kind of meat it was, because he wanted to continue to eat them. “We would like a quiet table near the back please.”
(OOC: continuation of thread: Sasha’s Office, Differences Can Work (Ari, Sasha, Tarik, Richard, Darik, Invite)
Darik
When Darik had made sure the meeting in Mistress Sasha’s Office was almost complete, he had placed the usual lock on the door, which Mistress Sasha used and was the only one who could unlock, and apparated to the Tea Shoppe. He had been gone longer than he liked but it had been necessary. He checked the kitchen to make sure everything was in proper order, went to his room, which had been built just for him off the kitchen, and freshened up.
As he entered the main dining area, he looked over at Madam Sara’s special table and found she was not in her usual seat. She was probably in one of the back rooms or upstairs in her private quarters, doing something. If she needed him, she could signal from where ever she was and he could be there instantly. The bell over the door chimed so Darik headed to the door, knowing it had to be Master Tarik, Mistress Arianna, and Master Richard.
“Hi Darik. We,” motioning to Ari and Tarik following him through the door, “thought we may be able to get a bite to eat, if it is not too late. I know I would love one of your meat sandwiches.” The sandwiches were fabulous and Richard had been very careful not to ask what kind of meat it was, because he wanted to continue to eat them. “We would like a quiet table near the back, if possible, please.”
“Good evening Master Richard. It is good to see you again.” Darik smiled because he knew Master Richard had known he was outside the door the whole time of the meeting which had just ended. Turning to the others, he welcomed, “Good evening Mistress Adrianna and Master Tarik. I have the perfect table for you and your dinner is almost ready.” As he led them to a table not far from Madam Sara’s private table, he said, “I am not sure where Madam Sara is at the moment. What would you like to drink?”
“If you will excuse me I will get your meals and refreshments. The bell is on the table if you need me before I return.” Bowing slightly, Darik headed for the kitchen.
Tarik
“Hi, Darik. We,” motioning to Ari and Tarik following him throught the door, “thought we may be able to get a bite to eat, if it is not too late. I know I would love one of your meat sandwiches.” The sandwiches were fabulous and Richard had been very careful not to ask what kind of meat it was, because he wanted to continue to eat them.
Tarik smiled as his friend always seemed to know exactly when they would leaving a place. He heard what Richard had said about the sandwiches and had to giggle. Darik had a habit of liking strange meats. Looking at Ari knowingly as it was probably scorpion or even snake. He shook his head as if to tell his sister that Tarik had no intention of telling Richard.
“Good evening Master Richard. It is good to see you again.” Darik smiled because he knew Master Richard had known he was outside the door the whole time of the meeting which had just ended.
Tarik looked at Sara special table and saw that she was not sitting there. At the moment, he would not be alarmed.
“We would like a quiet table near the back please.”
Tarik was about to ask for his special meeting room but with Sara not at her usual spot, he decided that he rather be visible.
Turning to the others, he welcomed, “Good evening Mistress Adrianna and Master Tarik. I have the perfect table for you and your dinner is almost ready.” As he led them to a table not far from Madam Sara’s private table, he said, “I am not sure where Madam Sara is at the moment. What would you like to drink?”
Tarik asked, "Darik, two questions and please quick answers. The first is when you got here was the protections still up and the doors locked? Two, have you checked my special room?"
Tarik stood and said, "Thank You Darik."
Looking at Ari and Richard after Darik was out of hearing range. Tarik said worried, "It is not like her and you both know it. I don't want to worry Darik but maybe we need to go on the hunt. What do you think?"
Arianna
Arianna suppressed a small giggle behind her hand, when her brother shook his head. She would also never question the meat in the delicious sandwiches Darik would provide. Once she had asked him what was in a salad he had served; it had never occurred to her the bark and the leaves from a Dwarf Dragon Spice tree could be used in a salad, because in most cultures the tree was considered highly poisonous. Upon questioning Darik on this fact she was informed you had to know which parts not to eat.
Following Darik to the table he had chosen for them, she listened to her brother try and get quick answers out of the Elf. All Darik said was, “No, No, business hours, yes.” then turned to walk away. That had not been like the Elf. Generally he enjoyed a game of verbal jousting with Tarik. Arianna had known Darik long enough to realize his mind was somewhere else. He was also walking with a slight limp.
“Brother, did you notice Darik as he returned to the kitchen. He is favoring his right leg and is hiding his right hand. Let’s sit down for a little and see what transpires. Sara will return soon, and if not we will look. They have a signaling system set up between them in case of danger. If Darik becomes worried the first person he will come to is you. The only reason he would not involve you would be if he thought it would be a greater danger to you to go looking. You have studied together Tarik, read him.”
(OOC: Darik is one of my characters so I included what he said here
Richard
Following Tarik’s glance toward Sara’s table he was very surprised to not see the lady sitting there. The whole Tea Shoppe ran so efficiently, Sara could just sit and enjoy. Sometimes she would get up and walk around the room greeting patrons, and sometimes she would go into the kitchen and prepare something special, but these times were of her choosing not out of necessity. Richard was behind Darik, Ari, and Tarik as they walked to the table. When they reached the table Richard carefully maneuvered around Tarik and pulled out Ari’s chair for her. He was enjoying being in her company more as time passed. Ari was a very special person and a bit above his level in social standing, but it was nice to think or dream of possibilities.
(Ari) “Brother, did you notice Darik as he returned to the kitchen? He is favoring his right leg and is hiding his right hand. Let’s sit down for a little and see what transpires. Sara will return soon, and if not we will look. They have a signaling system set up between them in case of danger. If Darik becomes worried the first person he will come to is you. The only reason he would not involve you would be if he thought it would be a greater danger to you to go looking.
You have studied together Tarik, read him.”
Richard looked over toward the swinging café doors leading into the kitchen. Darik had already disappeared behind them. When he had been guarding the door of Sasha’s office he had not noticed anything, but then Darik had not moved much and had opened the door with his left hand. Richard figured it was not much or Darik would have said something. Richard was also not sure what “read him” encompassed but he knew it must be an Egyptian method of trying to figure out what was happening to someone else. Richard would ask Tarik later.
Tarik was obviously worried about Sara’s absence. Ari was not so worried but was ready to start looking if Sara did not show up soon. “We can always do a short search around here, if it would help,” he volunteered. “I know we can get into the back rooms, and around the building, but Sara has a lock on her private quarters and I do not think we can break that unless one of you has been up there before. I never had the honor.” Richard looked over at Tarik as he smiled and poured water from the pitcher in the center of the table into her glass goblet.
Tarik
Tarik smiled as he realized that the man was going to need a little pushing. They would talk later as Tarik wanted his sister happy. Tarik saw that Richard made Ari very happy.
Tarik listened carefully and was shocked by what he heard. The protections were down. Tarik and Darik had been the ones that had put the protections up when the problems with Artemis started. Tarik knew of only two that could remove them and he knew that he had not. Watching Darik very carefully he noticed a few things and none of them good. First Darik had given very quick answers, a little too quick. The second thing that Tarik noticed that Darik was acting as if he was in a hurry. Though he was careful not to show his right hand. He also tried to hide his limp.
Darik was either lying about the protections being down or Tarik had a very big problem. He hoped that Ari had caught what was wrong with what Darik said. He would not say anything yet as Sara might have asked that the protections be removed. He knew that it was Nathalie's night off.
Tarik smiled as he said, "Yes, I did. I also noticed a few other things. Ari, Darik was a little too quick with those answers. Also look on the shelf and tell me how Sara is going to signal without her wand? We have a problem, in the fact that those protections are down. There is only two who could have. So either Darik just lied to me or..." Tarik would not finish that sentence as it would mean that Darik had betrayed the trust that Tarik and Ari had put in him. Tarik would rather believe that Darik had lied to him. Or even better had considered the question foolish and so gave a foolish answer.
Tarik nodded as he said, "This will be the second full search that has been done here."
Turning to Ari as he said, "Ari, you remember Nat, right? I think we will need her since Sara is missing. Would you do the honors? And Ari, it is best not to tell her what we suspect."
Tarik wondered how Richard would react when the vampire appeared. The one thing he did know is that it would not take Nat long to figure out what was wrong.
Saying a little aloud, "Let's hope it takes a while for her eyes to go ice-blue because at the moment I need all the focus I can get. Calming down a vampire on the rampage is a distraction I don't need at the moment."
(OCC: Rick has agreed to what has been said. Preplanned thread)
Corbin
Without care or worry, Corbin entered the doors of Madam Puddifoot’s Tea Shoppe. He strolled straight to an open table and spread out his journal and opened two of his books "Simple Enchantments" and "The Art of Magic Dispelling; lvl 1". He also opened up the journal he recently acquired which had notes on Magitech ideas in the modern Wizarding world. He was so engrossed in his reading that it took him a few moments to realize people were gazing at him. It didn't take a genius to realize that it wasn't to ask his order and he cleared his throat before asking. "I'm sorry, have I entered a private party?" as usual, his Messer and dirk hung from his hip along with the sheath of his wand and, looking to see that Tarik was present, he made sure to keep his hands as far from threatening as possible. His orders were to keep an eye on things and that he intended to do however, given the circumstances of his initial orders, he was to remain an inconspicuous air about him when wandering undisguised. Besides, he'd rather take the time to continue his studies and at least make himself more of an appropriate wizard. So far he was able to pass himself off as a Wizard researching Muggle lifestyles, to which he used to explain his magical limit as his attempts to see if a Muggle could survive the Wizarding world. Still, he knew he'd need to get somewhere soon so as to make it appear he was a real wizard. and unlike many of those he bumped into thus far, these folk didn't seem all too easy to trick.
Darik
Darik had gone to the kitchen a passed back and forth for several minutes. He was in a quandary what to do. Madam Sara was missing, and he had told Master Tarik the defenses were dropped. He had not totally lied, because on the ones which would allow wizards with minimum powers to enter unannounced. These could be handled easily. He had to talk to Tarik and soon. This may mean his death, if Master Tarik took it as an affront to himself.
Slowly Darik entered the main dining room with his head down. When he had reached the point where Master Tarik was standing, he noticed everyone was staring at a table near the front of the Tea Shoppe. Looking in that direction almost made him light headed enough to lose his balance. The man sitting at the table was the one who had entered the Tea Shoppe grounds through the back gate, where Darik fed the animals. Corbin was the grandson of Khalid, Tarik’s half-brother. He had told Darik he was in the way, preventing him from delivering a message to the owner of the Tea Shoppe. Then he told Darik if there were defenses on the Tea Shoppe he was to remove them, quickly. Corbin had decided Darik had not moved quickly enough so he burned Darik’s hand and kicked him in the hip. After that he walked into the Tea Shoppe dining room through the kitchen and talked with Mistress Sara, while Darik stayed in the kitchen putting medicine on his hand. When he had returned, everyone had left.
Darik could not look Mistress Ari in the eyes. She had sent Darik to Madam Sara’s to watch out for Madam Sara and her baby-brother Tarik. Master Tarik was the easiest to talk to right now, With him his death would be quick and relatively painless, with Mistress Ari it would be……Darik preferred not to think of that. Turning back to Master Tarik and giving a slight bow he said, “Master Tarik, may I talk with you in the back room? You may bring Mistress Ari and Master Richard also, if you like.” Darik hoped maybe with the other two humans there he may be able to retain his life and just receive painful, but not deadly punishment, for putting the Amir in danger
Arianna
Ari smiled sweetly at Richard, “Thank you kind sir. You always were the gentleman. You sit on this side of me and Tarik can sit on the other.”
(Ari) “Brother, did you notice Darik as he returned to the kitchen. He is favoring his right leg and is hiding his right hand. Let’s sit down for a little and see what transpires. Sara will return soon, and if not we will look…….”
(Tarik)"Yes, I did. I also noticed a few other things. Ari, Darik was a little too quick with those answers. Also look on the shelf and tell me how Sara is going to signal without her wand? We have a problem, in the fact that those protections are down. There is only two who could have. So either Darik just lied to me or..." Tarik would not finish that sentence as it would mean that Darik had betrayed the trust that Tarik and Ari had put in him. Tarik would rather believe that Darik had lied to him. Or even better had considered the question foolish and so gave a foolish answer.
Ari tried not to look at the kitchen with a piercing glance. She did not want to do any non-verbal language without hearing the whole story. It was not like Darik to endanger the occupants of the Tea Shoppe. Their protection had been why he was originally sent. Ari and Darik had a very long conversation before he was sent to Hogsmeade and he knew what was expected of him. She would let Tarik handle the situation at the moment until it was necessary for her to declare her thoughts. Darik had been hurt by someone, and finding out who had done it would be absolutely necessary. Darik had been given his freedom, almost instantly after Ari’s father had purchased him, he was family to all now, and you did not hurt the Sadiki family without feeling their wrath.
To try and calm down Air decided now would be the best time to find Nat. She knew all she had to do was tell Nat she was needed at the Tea Shoppe and the girl would come quickly without any further explanation. As Ari apparated out of the Tea Shoppe, to the Lupin house, she had a glimpse of Darik immerging from the kitchen.
Richard
Richard was now standing because things were changing fast. Ari was apparently leaving to go and have Nat come to the Shoppe, which meant Tarik was worried about things going wrong. A man he had never seen before just walked in and Richard was not sure whether he should acknowledge him or not. They would probably be moving to somewhere a little more private.
Something was wrong with Darik. Richard had not picked up on it as quickly as Tarik and Ari, because he was trying to take everything else in.
Just as Ari disappeared Darik immerged from the kitchen and walked toward where Tarik was standing. He had made a side glance at the man sitting at the table, and Richard notice, Darik’s expression and demeanor had changed. He became rigid and the expression on his face showed extreme worry. Richard mentally relaxed his mussels, which would allow him to react faster and gave the impression he was not on his guard. Sometimes it made the other person think he was easy prey. He listened to what Darik was saying to Tarik, while never taking his eyes off of the man at the table
Tarik
Tarik smiled. He was glad his sister was here. He missed her though it was not their way to state what was in their hearts. He hoped she knew. He looked at Ari as a second mother as he had never known his own. He knew that his mother had raised Ari. So he always wondered if his mother was like Ari.
Tarik saw the man walk in and just sit down. Watching the man intensely, Tarik wondered if anybody had seen him around. He noticed that the table that the man had picked was right next to the door. With the weapons the man was carrying, Tarik felt uneasy about the arrangement. The man had not done anything to raise Tarik's radar but he had the feeling something was off about the man.
When the man asked if it was a private party, Tarik spoke, "Sir, it is just that the lady of the shop does not allow weapons. I ask that you remove them." His and hopefully Richard's wands were hidden. Taking time to read this man, Tarik had become more worried about his blades then his wand.
Smiling he said, "Your blades, I mean." As long as Sara was missing and Derik was injuried, Tarik was taking no chances. Looking at Richard as if to let him know what the Medjai was getting from the man.
Smiling as he heard Derik. Tarik said calmly to the elf, "Derik, of course we can talk. Though now I believe is not the time. Let me and Richard deal with any customers until Arianna gets back with Nathalie. You are injured my friend and need rest so go sit down. Though Nat might need her special tea when she gets here."
Tarik watched this man to see what he would do.
Turning to Richard, Tarik said, "Richard, I believe it is time to start looking both in the back as well as upstairs. Can you handle any customers while I search upstairs? Then I will do the same, while you search the back rooms? Derik is injured and Sara is missing. I for one know that something is not at all right with this."
Tarik had hoped the man was far enough away that he hadn't heard, but he was more worried about the fear in Derik's eyes. It was what had put it there that worried Tarik as Derik had never in all the time they had grown-up together had that look in his eyes.
Darik
“Master Tarik, may I talk with you in the back room? You may bring Mistress Ari and Master Richard also, if you like.” Darik hoped maybe with the other two humans there he may be able to retain his life and just receive painful, but not deadly punishment, for putting the Amir in danger.
Darik had accepted the fact he was about to die, but he had to first let Master Tarik, know what had happened and let him set up other deterrence’s. Darik knew he should not keep Khalid’s where about a secret, but brothers should not fight and Darik still held hope Khalid could be brought around to where he was when he was a boy.
All Darik could do was bow and say, “Yes Master Tarik,” He would use Master Tarik’s title in front of Corbin, because Corbin did not deserve the respect of being in the Amir’s presence. Darik started the spell which would make Mistress Nathalie's tea and then took up a position not far from where Corbin sat and listened and waited. If the Amir told him to kill this family member Darik would
Richard
Tarik asked, "Darik, two questions and please quick answers. The first is when you got here was the protections still up and the doors locked? Two, have you checked my special room?"
“If you will excuse me I will get your meals and refreshments. The bell is on the table if you need me before I return.” Bowing slightly, Darik headed for the kitchen.
Tarik stood and said, "Thank You Darik."
Looking at Ari and Richard after Darik was out of hearing range. Tarik said worried, "It is not like her and you both know it. I don't want to worry Darik but maybe we need to go on the hunt. What do you think?"
Arianna
Tarik smiled as his friend always seemed to know exactly when they would leave a place. He heard what Richard had said about the sandwiches and had to giggle. Darik had a habit of liking strange meats, looking at Ari knowingly, as it was probably scorpion or even snake. He shook his head as if to tell his sister that Tarik had no intention of telling Richard.
Arianna suppressed a small giggle behind her hand, when her brother shook his head. She would also never question the meat in the delicious sandwiches Darik would provide. Once she had asked him what was in a salad he had served; it had never occurred to her the bark and the leaves from a Dwarf Dragon Spice tree could be used in a salad, because in most cultures the tree was considered highly poisonous. Upon questioning Darik on this fact she was informed you had to know which parts not to eat.
Tarik asked, "Darik, two questions and please quick answers. The first is when you got here was the protections still up and the doors locked? Two, have you checked my special room?"
Following Darik to the table he had chosen for them, she listened to her brother try and get quick answers out of the Elf. All Darik said was, “No, No, business hours, yes.” then turned to walk away. That had not been like the Elf. Generally he enjoyed a game of verbal jousting with Tarik. Arianna had known Darik long enough to realize his mind was somewhere else. He was also walking with a slight limp.
Tarik stood and said, "Thank You Darik."
Looking at Ari and Richard after Darik was out of hearing range. Tarik said worried, "It is not like her and you both know it. I don't want to worry Darik but maybe we need to go on the hunt. What do you think?"
Looking at Ari and Richard after Darik was out of hearing range. Tarik said worried, "It is not like her and you both know it. I don't want to worry Darik but maybe we need to go on the hunt. What do you think?"
“Brother, did you notice Darik as he returned to the kitchen. He is favoring his right leg and is hiding his right hand. Let’s sit down for a little and see what transpires. Sara will return soon, and if not we will look. They have a signaling system set up between them in case of danger. If Darik becomes worried the first person he will come to is you. The only reason he would not involve you would be if he thought it would be a greater danger to you to go looking. You have studied together Tarik, read him.”
(OOC: Darik is one of my characters so I included what he said here
Richard
Tarik looked at Sara’s special table and saw that she was not sitting there. At the moment, he would not be alarmed
Following Tarik’s glance toward Sara’s table he was very surprised to not see the lady sitting there. The whole Tea Shoppe ran so efficiently, Sara could just sit and enjoy. Sometimes she would get up and walk around the room greeting patrons, and sometimes she would go into the kitchen and prepare something special, but these times were of her choosing not out of necessity. Richard was behind Darik, Ari, and Tarik as they walked to the table. When they reached the table Richard carefully maneuvered around Tarik and pulled out Ari’s chair for her. He was enjoying being in her company more as time passed. Ari was a very special person and a bit above his level in social standing, but it was nice to think or dream of possibilities.
Looking at Ari and Richard after Darik was out of hearing range. Tarik said worried, "It is not like her and you both know it. I don't want to worry Darik but maybe we need to go on the hunt. What do you think?"
(Ari) “Brother, did you notice Darik as he returned to the kitchen? He is favoring his right leg and is hiding his right hand. Let’s sit down for a little and see what transpires. Sara will return soon, and if not we will look. They have a signaling system set up between them in case of danger. If Darik becomes worried the first person he will come to is you. The only reason he would not involve you would be if he thought it would be a greater danger to you to go looking.
You have studied together Tarik, read him.”
Richard looked over toward the swinging café doors leading into the kitchen. Darik had already disappeared behind them. When he had been guarding the door of Sasha’s office he had not noticed anything, but then Darik had not moved much and had opened the door with his left hand. Richard figured it was not much or Darik would have said something. Richard was also not sure what “read him” encompassed but he knew it must be an Egyptian method of trying to figure out what was happening to someone else. Richard would ask Tarik later.
Tarik was obviously worried about Sara’s absence. Ari was not so worried but was ready to start looking if Sara did not show up soon. “We can always do a short search around here, if it would help,” he volunteered. “I know we can get into the back rooms, and around the building, but Sara has a lock on her private quarters and I do not think we can break that unless one of you has been up there before. I never had the honor.” Richard looked over at Tarik as he smiled and poured water from the pitcher in the center of the table into her glass goblet.
Tarik
When they reached the table Richard carefully maneuvered around Tarik and pulled out Ari’s chair for her. He was enjoying being in her company more as time passed. Ari was a very special person and a bit above his level in social standing, but it was nice to think or dream of possibilities.
Tarik smiled as he realized that the man was going to need a little pushing. They would talk later as Tarik wanted his sister happy. Tarik saw that Richard made Ari very happy.
All Darik said was, “No, No, business hours, yes.” then turned to walk away. That had not been like the Elf. Generally he enjoyed a game of verbal jousting with Tarik. Arianna had known Darik long enough to realize his mind was somewhere else. He was also walking with a slight limp.
Tarik listened carefully and was shocked by what he heard. The protections were down. Tarik and Darik had been the ones that had put the protections up when the problems with Artemis started. Tarik knew of only two that could remove them and he knew that he had not. Watching Darik very carefully he noticed a few things and none of them good. First Darik had given very quick answers, a little too quick. The second thing that Tarik noticed that Darik was acting as if he was in a hurry. Though he was careful not to show his right hand. He also tried to hide his limp.
Darik was either lying about the protections being down or Tarik had a very big problem. He hoped that Ari had caught what was wrong with what Darik said. He would not say anything yet as Sara might have asked that the protections be removed. He knew that it was Nathalie's night off.
“Brother, did you notice Darik as he returned to the kitchen. He is favoring his right leg and is hiding his right hand. Let’s sit down for a little and see what transpires. Sara will return soon, and if not we will look. They have a signaling system set up between them in case of danger. If Darik becomes worried the first person he will come to is you. The only reason he would not involve you would be if he thought it would be a greater danger to you to go looking. You have studied together Tarik, read him.”
Tarik smiled as he said, "Yes, I did. I also noticed a few other things. Ari, Darik was a little too quick with those answers. Also look on the shelf and tell me how Sara is going to signal without her wand? We have a problem, in the fact that those protections are down. There is only two who could have. So either Darik just lied to me or..." Tarik would not finish that sentence as it would mean that Darik had betrayed the trust that Tarik and Ari had put in him. Tarik would rather believe that Darik had lied to him. Or even better had considered the question foolish and so gave a foolish answer.
“We can always do a short search around here, if it would help,” he volunteered. “I know we can get into the back rooms, and around the building, but Sara has a lock on her private quarters and I do not think we can break that unless one of you has been up there before. I never had the honor.” Richard looked over at Tarik as he smiled and poured water from the pitcher in the center of the table into her glass goblet.
Tarik nodded as he said, "This will be the second full search that has been done here."
Turning to Ari as he said, "Ari, you remember Nat, right? I think we will need her since Sara is missing. Would you do the honors? And Ari, it is best not to tell her what we suspect."
Tarik wondered how Richard would react when the vampire appeared. The one thing he did know is that it would not take Nat long to figure out what was wrong.
Saying a little aloud, "Let's hope it takes a while for her eyes to go ice-blue because at the moment I need all the focus I can get. Calming down a vampire on the rampage is a distraction I don't need at the moment."
(OCC: Rick has agreed to what has been said. Preplanned thread)
Corbin
Without care or worry, Corbin entered the doors of Madam Puddifoot’s Tea Shoppe. He strolled straight to an open table and spread out his journal and opened two of his books "Simple Enchantments" and "The Art of Magic Dispelling; lvl 1". He also opened up the journal he recently acquired which had notes on Magitech ideas in the modern Wizarding world. He was so engrossed in his reading that it took him a few moments to realize people were gazing at him. It didn't take a genius to realize that it wasn't to ask his order and he cleared his throat before asking. "I'm sorry, have I entered a private party?" as usual, his Messer and dirk hung from his hip along with the sheath of his wand and, looking to see that Tarik was present, he made sure to keep his hands as far from threatening as possible. His orders were to keep an eye on things and that he intended to do however, given the circumstances of his initial orders, he was to remain an inconspicuous air about him when wandering undisguised. Besides, he'd rather take the time to continue his studies and at least make himself more of an appropriate wizard. So far he was able to pass himself off as a Wizard researching Muggle lifestyles, to which he used to explain his magical limit as his attempts to see if a Muggle could survive the Wizarding world. Still, he knew he'd need to get somewhere soon so as to make it appear he was a real wizard. and unlike many of those he bumped into thus far, these folk didn't seem all too easy to trick.
Darik
Without care or worry, Corbin entered the doors of Madam Puddifoot’s Tea Shoppe. He strolled straight to an open table and spread out his journal and opened two of his books "Simple Enchantments" and "The Art of Magic Dispelling; level 1". He also opened up the journal he recently acquired which had notes on Magitech ideas in the modern Wizarding world.
Darik had gone to the kitchen a passed back and forth for several minutes. He was in a quandary what to do. Madam Sara was missing, and he had told Master Tarik the defenses were dropped. He had not totally lied, because on the ones which would allow wizards with minimum powers to enter unannounced. These could be handled easily. He had to talk to Tarik and soon. This may mean his death, if Master Tarik took it as an affront to himself.
He was so engrossed in his reading that it took him a few moments to realize people were gazing at him. It didn't take a genius to realize that it wasn't to ask his order and he cleared his throat before asking. "I'm sorry, have I entered a private party?"
Slowly Darik entered the main dining room with his head down. When he had reached the point where Master Tarik was standing, he noticed everyone was staring at a table near the front of the Tea Shoppe. Looking in that direction almost made him light headed enough to lose his balance. The man sitting at the table was the one who had entered the Tea Shoppe grounds through the back gate, where Darik fed the animals. Corbin was the grandson of Khalid, Tarik’s half-brother. He had told Darik he was in the way, preventing him from delivering a message to the owner of the Tea Shoppe. Then he told Darik if there were defenses on the Tea Shoppe he was to remove them, quickly. Corbin had decided Darik had not moved quickly enough so he burned Darik’s hand and kicked him in the hip. After that he walked into the Tea Shoppe dining room through the kitchen and talked with Mistress Sara, while Darik stayed in the kitchen putting medicine on his hand. When he had returned, everyone had left.
Darik could not look Mistress Ari in the eyes. She had sent Darik to Madam Sara’s to watch out for Madam Sara and her baby-brother Tarik. Master Tarik was the easiest to talk to right now, With him his death would be quick and relatively painless, with Mistress Ari it would be……Darik preferred not to think of that. Turning back to Master Tarik and giving a slight bow he said, “Master Tarik, may I talk with you in the back room? You may bring Mistress Ari and Master Richard also, if you like.” Darik hoped maybe with the other two humans there he may be able to retain his life and just receive painful, but not deadly punishment, for putting the Amir in danger
Arianna
When they reached the table Richard carefully maneuvered around Tarik and pulled out Ari’s chair for her. He was enjoying being in her company more as time passed. Ari was a very special person and a bit above his level in social standing, but it was nice to think or dream of possibilities.
Ari smiled sweetly at Richard, “Thank you kind sir. You always were the gentleman. You sit on this side of me and Tarik can sit on the other.”
(Ari) “Brother, did you notice Darik as he returned to the kitchen. He is favoring his right leg and is hiding his right hand. Let’s sit down for a little and see what transpires. Sara will return soon, and if not we will look…….”
(Tarik)"Yes, I did. I also noticed a few other things. Ari, Darik was a little too quick with those answers. Also look on the shelf and tell me how Sara is going to signal without her wand? We have a problem, in the fact that those protections are down. There is only two who could have. So either Darik just lied to me or..." Tarik would not finish that sentence as it would mean that Darik had betrayed the trust that Tarik and Ari had put in him. Tarik would rather believe that Darik had lied to him. Or even better had considered the question foolish and so gave a foolish answer.
Ari tried not to look at the kitchen with a piercing glance. She did not want to do any non-verbal language without hearing the whole story. It was not like Darik to endanger the occupants of the Tea Shoppe. Their protection had been why he was originally sent. Ari and Darik had a very long conversation before he was sent to Hogsmeade and he knew what was expected of him. She would let Tarik handle the situation at the moment until it was necessary for her to declare her thoughts. Darik had been hurt by someone, and finding out who had done it would be absolutely necessary. Darik had been given his freedom, almost instantly after Ari’s father had purchased him, he was family to all now, and you did not hurt the Sadiki family without feeling their wrath.
Turning to Ari as he said, "Ari, you remember Nat, right? I think we will need her since Sara is missing. Would you do the honors? And Ari, it is best not to tell her what we suspect."
To try and calm down Air decided now would be the best time to find Nat. She knew all she had to do was tell Nat she was needed at the Tea Shoppe and the girl would come quickly without any further explanation. As Ari apparated out of the Tea Shoppe, to the Lupin house, she had a glimpse of Darik immerging from the kitchen.
Richard
Turning to Ari as he said, "Ari, you remember Nat, right? I think we will need her since Sara is missing. Would you do the honors? And Ari, it is best not to tell her what we suspect."…… Tarik wondered how Richard would react when the vampire appeared. The one thing he did know is that it would not take Nat long to figure out what was wrong…….Saying a little aloud, "Let's hope it takes a while for her eyes to go ice-blue because at the moment I need all the focus I can get. Calming down a vampire on the rampage is a distraction I don't need at the moment."
Richard was now standing because things were changing fast. Ari was apparently leaving to go and have Nat come to the Shoppe, which meant Tarik was worried about things going wrong. A man he had never seen before just walked in and Richard was not sure whether he should acknowledge him or not. They would probably be moving to somewhere a little more private.
Something was wrong with Darik. Richard had not picked up on it as quickly as Tarik and Ari, because he was trying to take everything else in.
As Ari apparated out of the Tea Shoppe, to the Lupin house, she had a glimpse of Darik immerging from the kitchen……..Slowly Darik entered the main dining room with his head down…….Turning back to Master Tarik and giving a slight bow he said, “Master Tarik, may I talk with you in the back room? You may bring Mistress Ari and Master Richard also, if you like.” Darik hoped maybe with the other two humans there he may be able to retain his life and just receive painful, but not deadly punishment, for putting the Amir in danger.
Just as Ari disappeared Darik immerged from the kitchen and walked toward where Tarik was standing. He had made a side glance at the man sitting at the table, and Richard notice, Darik’s expression and demeanor had changed. He became rigid and the expression on his face showed extreme worry. Richard mentally relaxed his mussels, which would allow him to react faster and gave the impression he was not on his guard. Sometimes it made the other person think he was easy prey. He listened to what Darik was saying to Tarik, while never taking his eyes off of the man at the table
Tarik
Ari smiled sweetly at Richard, “Thank you kind sir. You always were the gentleman. You sit on this side of me and Tarik can sit on the other.”
Tarik smiled. He was glad his sister was here. He missed her though it was not their way to state what was in their hearts. He hoped she knew. He looked at Ari as a second mother as he had never known his own. He knew that his mother had raised Ari. So he always wondered if his mother was like Ari.
He was so engrossed in his reading that it took him a few moments to realize people were gazing at him. It didn't take a genius to realize that it wasn't to ask his order and he cleared his thoat before asking. "I'm sorry, have I entered a private party?" as usual, his messer and dirk hung from his hip along with the sheath of his wand and, looking to see that Tarik was present, he made sure to keep his hands as far from threatening as possible.
Tarik saw the man walk in and just sit down. Watching the man intensely, Tarik wondered if anybody had seen him around. He noticed that the table that the man had picked was right next to the door. With the weapons the man was carrying, Tarik felt uneasy about the arrangement. The man had not done anything to raise Tarik's radar but he had the feeling something was off about the man.
When the man asked if it was a private party, Tarik spoke, "Sir, it is just that the lady of the shop does not allow weapons. I ask that you remove them." His and hopefully Richard's wands were hidden. Taking time to read this man, Tarik had become more worried about his blades then his wand.
Smiling he said, "Your blades, I mean." As long as Sara was missing and Derik was injuried, Tarik was taking no chances. Looking at Richard as if to let him know what the Medjai was getting from the man.
Turning back to Master Tarik and giving a slight bow he said, “Master Tarik, may I talk with you in the back room? You may bring Mistress Ari and Master Richard also, if you like.”
Smiling as he heard Derik. Tarik said calmly to the elf, "Derik, of course we can talk. Though now I believe is not the time. Let me and Richard deal with any customers until Arianna gets back with Nathalie. You are injured my friend and need rest so go sit down. Though Nat might need her special tea when she gets here."
Tarik watched this man to see what he would do.
Turning to Richard, Tarik said, "Richard, I believe it is time to start looking both in the back as well as upstairs. Can you handle any customers while I search upstairs? Then I will do the same, while you search the back rooms? Derik is injured and Sara is missing. I for one know that something is not at all right with this."
Tarik had hoped the man was far enough away that he hadn't heard, but he was more worried about the fear in Derik's eyes. It was what had put it there that worried Tarik as Derik had never in all the time they had grown-up together had that look in his eyes.
Darik
The man sitting at the table was…... Corbin….. the grandson of Khalid, Tarik’s half-brother.
“Master Tarik, may I talk with you in the back room? You may bring Mistress Ari and Master Richard also, if you like.” Darik hoped maybe with the other two humans there he may be able to retain his life and just receive painful, but not deadly punishment, for putting the Amir in danger.
Darik had accepted the fact he was about to die, but he had to first let Master Tarik, know what had happened and let him set up other deterrence’s. Darik knew he should not keep Khalid’s where about a secret, but brothers should not fight and Darik still held hope Khalid could be brought around to where he was when he was a boy.
Smiling as he heard Derik. Tarik said calmly to the elf, "Derik, of course we can talk. Though now I believe is not the time. Let me and Richard deal with any customers until Arianna gets back with Nathalie. You are injured my friend and need rest so go sit down. Though Nat might need her special tea when she gets here."
All Darik could do was bow and say, “Yes Master Tarik,” He would use Master Tarik’s title in front of Corbin, because Corbin did not deserve the respect of being in the Amir’s presence. Darik started the spell which would make Mistress Nathalie's tea and then took up a position not far from where Corbin sat and listened and waited. If the Amir told him to kill this family member Darik would
Richard
All Darik could do was bow and say, “Yes Master Tarik,”
Darik was still talking in short sentences, which was not characteristic of him. The hair on the back of his neck was starting to prickle. Mentally he reminded himself Ari and Nat would be popping in so he did not react, when they did.
Darik was still talking in short sentences, which was not characteristic of him. The hair on the back of his neck was starting to prickle. Mentally he reminded himself Ari and Nat would be popping in so he did not react, when they did.
When the man asked if it was a private party, Tarik spoke, "Sir, it is just that the lady of the shop does not allow weapons. I ask that you remove them." His and hopefully Richard's wands were hidden. Taking time to read this man, Tarik had become more worried about his blades then his wand……..Smiling he said, "Your blades, I mean." As long as Sara was missing and Derik was injured, Tarik was taking no chances. Looking at Richard as if to let him know what the Medjai was getting from the man.
The blades the man was wearing had drawn Richards’s attention almost immediately. The man was Scottish, and with the combination he wore, probably more adept at using them then magic. It let Richard know he would have to concentrate more on Muggle fighting than wizardry. Richard caught Tarik’s warning and he was ready to move any direction fast.
The blades the man was wearing had drawn Richards’s attention almost immediately. The man was Scottish, and with the combination he wore, probably more adept at using them then magic. It let Richard know he would have to concentrate more on Muggle fighting than wizardry. Richard caught Tarik’s warning and he was ready to move any direction fast.
Turning to Richard, Tarik said, "Richard, I believe it is time to start looking both in the back as well as upstairs. Can you handle any customers while I search upstairs? Then I will do the same, while you search the back rooms? Derik is injured and Sara is missing. I for one know that something is not at all right with this."
Tarik had hoped the man was far enough away that he hadn't heard, but he was more worried about the fear in Derik's eyes. It was what had put it there that worried Tarik as Derik had never in all the time they had grown-up together had that look in his eyes.
Looking at the man sitting at the table, who was the only customer in the Tea Shoppe, Richard said, a bit sarcastically, “Yes, Tarik, I can handle the customers. I will make sure they have everything they need.” Richard gave a rather wicked smile to the man sitting at the table and then sat back down with his wand at the ready under the table top. Casually he took a sip of his water.
Tarik
Tarik smiled, though when the man mentioned the phrase, Tarik gave a knowing look. That phrase was military. It was used during training by instructors. This man using it told Tarik a lot. One that the man had in fact been in the military. Two that this guy was far from harmless at least by Muggle standards.
Giving the man a knowing look, Tarik said with a sly grin, "Yea! What outfit?" Tarik had every intention of checking this guy out. As the Medjai did not believe in coincidences. This man just happens to appear on the same day that Sara disappears.
Looking at Richard, the Medjai hoped that he too was finding that strange.
Tarik smiled as he looked at Richard. Saying as he took the weapons, "I believe you can find a safe place for these Richard."
Handing them to Richard as he said to the man, "You can get them before you leave."
Tarik smiled, though he noticed that Darik was not showing his usual manners to this customer. That told Tarik a couple of things. The first being that the elf knew this customer and second his friend did not like him.
Tarik watched as Darik sat down but near where the customer was and not at Sara's table. To Tarik that meant that Derik did not trust this customer. He knew that him and Derik would need to talk later. Though Tarik used this time to do a non-verbal spell to check the protections. Looking at Darik, he smiled as the only protections down were the small ones. The ones that allowed a student or somebody with limited ability though unannounced.
Tarik smiled as he said, "Anything is possible as the small bell seems not to be working. Signal me if Ari and Nat get back before I am done. Or Sara for that matter."
With that he headed for the stairs that lead to Sara's private rooms.
Corbin
Corbin pretended not to have heard the remark and ignored the man. He felt a ping of guilt toward the elf he had roughed up earlier. His objective was to deliver a message and have the elf comply with a simple task. In his mind he knew there was no need to overdue the force and if he had indeed overdone it then he might turn around and apologize to the little guy whenever he had a free chance, as well as maybe take a look at that limp. It wouldn't do much he realized and it probably won’t change the elf's feelings toward him but it was something of an honor thing for him.
He saw the elf talk to the man at the table. Tarik and the other man next to him. There seemed to be a bit of a conversation and finally Tarik's friend turned to look at him before returning to the conversation. Looks like I'm suspicious Corbin sighed mentally. Like always his job was to observe and take note and no more. Sadly if people kept getting suspicious of him it may make his other orders much harder in the long run. Still, he had his orders and from the way things were looking he'd have no choice but to drop the charades. At least a small amount of it. He had argued his role was to be secretive and he had hoped to deliver the message without anyone noticing but with everyone in the building and him being the newcomer, there was mute point to playing coy. As Tarik stood to move, Corbin cleared his throat.
"Gentlemen," he said and waited for Richard and Tarik's attention to revert back to him. He held a folded letter in his fingers for them to see. "A word if I may... in private might be best". It was too late, his cover would soon be blown and these two might at least know his real identity, however, in thinking to himself, he realized it was too late to turn back.
Richard
Corbin pretended not to have heard the remark and ignored the man.
Richard knew the man sitting at the other table had heard Tarik’s question concerning his stint in the service. When the man refused to say, the service was confirmed and Richard would have given odds on the possibility of it being Special Forces. From his standing position, Richard moved around to the front of the table and mentally started focusing on Muggle fighting tactics. His wand was still ready, but it was second on the list for protection at the moment.
Richard walked over to where Tarik was standing and retrieved the weapons. He took a close look at the weaponry and then looked at the unwanted visitor and said, “Impressive, it has been a while since I had this good of set in my hands. Interesting, your training is mostly European. I would be interested in comparing your European fighting styles with the medieval styles or the Chinese techniques. Going up against you sometime, if everything works out here would be a great learning experience for both of us.” Richard would have enjoyed sparing with the man, but he had a feeling the sparing would only come when they would be fighting for real. Feeling the balance of the weapons in his hand, Richard looked at the man and said, “I will keep them safe.”, and then he carefully locked them in the cabinet behind him.
Expressing all his reservations to Tarik about the man, Richard agreed to stand guard duty, while Tarik checked upstairs in Sara’s private rooms.
Tarik smiled as he said, "Anything is possible as the small bell seems not to be working. Signal me if Ari and Nat get back before I am done. Or Sara for that matter."
“I noticed the absence of the bell,” Richard commented looking over at Darik. Turning his attention to the stranger he said to Tarik, “Our friends should be arriving soon. You find out what you can up there,” Richard pointed toward the stairs leading to Sara’s private apartments, adding “Call if you need help.”
Richards’s total attention was immediately drawn from watching Tarik heading for the stairs to the uninvited guest. Looking quickly at Darik, he signaled him to do a lock down on the Tea Shoppe. Darik stood up and put his hand out in front of him, fingers spread, palm down and caused the front windows to cloud over; multi locks on the front door, scratched tight, even the kitchen area had a film barrier blocking it. He had added enough strength to the spell to insure no one else would be able to come into the situation.
Richard stood and watched as the lock down took hold on the Tea Shoppe then taking a firm stance closer to the man at the other table he said, “We are now locked down. The place is as private as anywhere else.” Richard looked in Tarik’s direction which was basically behind the man to see if he needed to add anything to the conversation, or if he wanted the note being presented first. “We are all listening.”
Darik had moved to the left hand side of the man and positioning himself close help if needed. Richard said, “Who are you and why are you the one delivering this note?”
(OOC: Darik is one of my characters, so I explained his reaction here.
Tarik
Tarik grinned as he watched the man that reminded him so much of men that were known around the world as legionnaires. The Medjai had given them a run for their money when they had come to Egypt.
With a smirk, The Amir said, “What, you afraid to admit that you are a legionnaire? Especially to a Medjai.” Tarik was trying to get a response from the man.
Still watching the man, Tarik noticed that the newcomer seemed to feel a little guilty about Darik being hurt. Smiling at Richard as he decided to clue the fool in on a few things…
Turning to face the man with a look of disgust, Tarik said, “Mister, I will find out who hurt Darik and for your sake it better not be you. Darik is no House-Elf and nobody should do that even if he was.”
Turning to Richard as he said, “Richard, see what you can do about my brother's injuries.”
Tarik realized that Darik would protest. Turning to see the look that Darik was giving, Tarik said, “Darik Sadaki, stop being stubborn and let Richard help you, please. Or do you want Sara to see you limping?”
Tarik listened and smiled. This man was most likely a squib or somebody who had lost their magic. Tarik hoped that the man had nothing to do with Sara being missing. If the man had shown at any other time, Tarik would have probably given him the benefit of the doubt and maybe taught him a few things. The problem was after all the protections that Darik and Tarik had placed on the Tea Shop to deal with Artemis, Nathalie's uncle; the vampire was still able to get a hold of Sara. Tarik looked at Richard as he realized that Nathalie would most likely go hunting her uncle. The bad thing was, that was exactly what Artemis wanted.
Tarik nodded still wondering what this man had to do with Artemis.
Tarik's eyes darted to the man and smiled as he said to Richard, “Plan to my friend! If you have to play down here, Play Nice and save some for Arianna, Richard as you know my sister hates to be left out.”
Tarik had been wondering when the man would reveal why he was here. Staring at the man, Tarik reached for his Egyptian dagger.
Tarik grinned as he said, “I gather there is something upstairs that you don't want us to see. Too bad!” Tarik was even more determined to see Sara's private rooms and continued heading for the stairs.
As Tarik reached the man, he saw the letter and heard what the man said. He had thought that the man had been sent by Artemis. The letter showed that not to be the case.
Looking at Richard and Darik, as he pointed to the letter. They had seen that writing a few times.
Tarik said, “Darik, Tia now as you know as well as I who's writing that is.” The only reason Shadow would want Sara is for a distraction, well he went after Tia.
Tarik nodded
Corbin
Corbin raised a brow then spoke. "What I am, if you MUST know, is a mercenary. Nothing more, nothing less." Although he did wonder how the Medjai knew he had been in the legion before, he realized that he had no right to call himself a member of the French Foreign Legion after his request to reenlist was cast aside due to circumstances of deaths he had been involved with. No, he realized it was not fear but shame and bitterness that he could not associate with his previous corps.
"You are quite right" Corbin responded sincerely focusing on the elf. "No one should do that, even if the person were to have been ignorant of elves it still does not excuse how unnecessary it is." His eyes never left Darik and his words were far from any proper apology but he realized it would have to suffice for the moment. Too much was at risk for him to let sympathy and ethics get the better of him. He pondered his next course of action while the two men focused on the elf. The objective was to send a message to these men and observe them. Instead he found himself in the middle of a Spanish arena surrounded by two bulls kicking up the dirt and lowering their heads for the charge. Although both his literal and metaphorical swords were elsewhere he still had his cape to tire hopefully tire them out. Granted his blades were only a foot or so away from his reach, it would not be worth the attempt to grab it before things got truly messy.
The mercenary gave a half smile and nodded. "Thank you, it's hard to find any sort of weapons enthusiast in the Wizarding world and even harder still to find anyone competent enough to actually use them." He thought for a moment to assess the man. He clearly knew enough about the weapons to know that they were European. While the dirk was a dead giveaway, most people often mistook the Grosse Messer for a scimitar. He had also mentioned a blend of medieval and Chinese styles which also intrigued him. Depending on the era, most of the combat for this man would be sword and shield combos or a bastard sword. Both, he learned long ago along with other European weapons, often didn't blend well with anything in the orient. Still the idea intrigued him and at least he wasn't another "Japanese" swordsman.
"I would definitely love a sparring match. Perhaps when our business is settled we can enjoy a few bouts".
"I'd appreciate that. I'd hate to have to replace them." He kept note of the cabinet but made no movement to cause any sort of disturbance. If things turned out worse, he had a trick or two up his sleeve.
He allowed himself a chance to breath and prepare for the next few moments. He refrained from making any movements or speaking as Tarik turned and plucked the letter from his fingers to read it. Or as the other man made sure the place was secured. He had not read the message that was handed to him but, from the looks on both men's faces, it clearly had their attention. They seemed to ignore him completely as they communicated to each other and after a moment or two they were focused back on him.
"What you should be asking is the full who, what, where, when, why, and how" He paused a moment reading the expressions on the two men. It was clear whatever it was it had shaken them and as a result he had their undivided attentions.
"Who I am, you can easily find out with a bit of asking around since I've been living here for some time now. However, for politeness sake, the name's Airgead. What I am is a messenger, currently unarmed, and in possession of a letter I was instructed not to read. Where I am is in a "secure" location under your control. When, though irrelevant, is this morning when I received this letter and instructions. Why I have the letter, from all I can figure out, is for convenience and possibly some amusement of the writer of said letter. And how I came into possession of it is simple; He came, he gave the instructions, and he left. We both know how he is and instead of spending time trying to figure out his game it was easier just to play along and keep my eyes open." he stretched then slowly raised himself from the chair. "Now that that is done, and it doesn't seem like you're in any mood to divulge anything of interest, I'd best get my effects and leave. Unless there was something else you wanted?"
Richard
Apparently the Medjai had fought the legionnaires in the past. Richards’s money would have been on the Medjai of course. Tarik was using an old trick, trying to draw the man to either say something he shouldn’t and give them some information or give Tarik reason to put him down in a not so gentle way. Richard just watched.
To Richard mercenaries were just “thugs for hire.” They had no allegiances to anyone; it all depended on who would pay them the most. It was interesting though this man had been in the legionnaires. That group had gained a bad, or at a minimum mixed, reputation. They were a well-organized group, well disciplined. Richard thought, “There is more to this man than that.”
Tarik had hoped the man was far enough away that he hadn't heard, but he was more worried about the fear in Derik's eyes. It was what had put it there that worried Tarik as Derik had never in all the time they had grown-up together had that look in his eyes.
Looking at the man sitting at the table, who was the only customer in the Tea Shoppe, Richard said, a bit sarcastically, “Yes, Tarik, I can handle the customers. I will make sure they have everything they need.” Richard gave a rather wicked smile to the man sitting at the table and then sat back down with his wand at the ready under the table top. Casually he took a sip of his water.
Tarik
"Oh!" Corbin began to laugh innocently. "I've been so used to wearing them that I forget proper manners. Forgive me, you know the saying, 'an extenion of ones self'"
Tarik smiled, though when the man mentioned the phrase, Tarik gave a knowing look. That phrase was military. It was used during training by instructors. This man using it told Tarik a lot. One that the man had in fact been in the military. Two that this guy was far from harmless at least by Muggle standards.
Giving the man a knowing look, Tarik said with a sly grin, "Yea! What outfit?" Tarik had every intention of checking this guy out. As the Medjai did not believe in coincidences. This man just happens to appear on the same day that Sara disappears.
Looking at Richard, the Medjai hoped that he too was finding that strange.
He smoothly unclasped the buckles that held his messer and his dirk to his belt and gently laid them onto the table. "Is there a place I could have these checked until I leave? Or must I return them to my room?"
Tarik smiled as he looked at Richard. Saying as he took the weapons, "I believe you can find a safe place for these Richard."
Handing them to Richard as he said to the man, "You can get them before you leave."
All Darik could do was bow and say, “Yes Master Tarik,” he would use Master Tarik’s title in front of Corbin, because Corbin did not deserve the respect of being in the Amir’s presence.
Tarik smiled, though he noticed that Darik was not showing his usual manners to this customer. That told Tarik a couple of things. The first being that the elf knew this customer and second his friend did not like him.
Darik started the spell which would make Mistress Nathalie's tea and then took up a position not far from where Corbin sat and listened and waited. If the Amir told him to kill this family member Darik would.
Tarik watched as Darik sat down but near where the customer was and not at Sara's table. To Tarik that meant that Derik did not trust this customer. He knew that him and Derik would need to talk later. Though Tarik used this time to do a non-verbal spell to check the protections. Looking at Darik, he smiled as the only protections down were the small ones. The ones that allowed a student or somebody with limited ability though unannounced.
Looking at the man sitting at the table, who was the only customer in the Tea Shoppe, Richard said, a bit sarcastically, “Yes, Tarik, I can handle the customers. I will make sure they have everything they need.” Richard gave a rather wicked smile to the man sitting at the table and then sat back down with his wand at the ready under the table top. Casually he took a sip of his water.
Tarik smiled as he said, "Anything is possible as the small bell seems not to be working. Signal me if Ari and Nat get back before I am done. Or Sara for that matter."
With that he headed for the stairs that lead to Sara's private rooms.
Corbin
Giving the man a knowing look, Tarik said with a sly grin, "Yea! What outfit?"
Corbin pretended not to have heard the remark and ignored the man. He felt a ping of guilt toward the elf he had roughed up earlier. His objective was to deliver a message and have the elf comply with a simple task. In his mind he knew there was no need to overdue the force and if he had indeed overdone it then he might turn around and apologize to the little guy whenever he had a free chance, as well as maybe take a look at that limp. It wouldn't do much he realized and it probably won’t change the elf's feelings toward him but it was something of an honor thing for him.
He saw the elf talk to the man at the table. Tarik and the other man next to him. There seemed to be a bit of a conversation and finally Tarik's friend turned to look at him before returning to the conversation. Looks like I'm suspicious Corbin sighed mentally. Like always his job was to observe and take note and no more. Sadly if people kept getting suspicious of him it may make his other orders much harder in the long run. Still, he had his orders and from the way things were looking he'd have no choice but to drop the charades. At least a small amount of it. He had argued his role was to be secretive and he had hoped to deliver the message without anyone noticing but with everyone in the building and him being the newcomer, there was mute point to playing coy. As Tarik stood to move, Corbin cleared his throat.
"Gentlemen," he said and waited for Richard and Tarik's attention to revert back to him. He held a folded letter in his fingers for them to see. "A word if I may... in private might be best". It was too late, his cover would soon be blown and these two might at least know his real identity, however, in thinking to himself, he realized it was too late to turn back.
Richard
Giving the man a knowing look, Tarik said with a sly grin, "Yea! What outfit?"
Corbin pretended not to have heard the remark and ignored the man.
Richard knew the man sitting at the other table had heard Tarik’s question concerning his stint in the service. When the man refused to say, the service was confirmed and Richard would have given odds on the possibility of it being Special Forces. From his standing position, Richard moved around to the front of the table and mentally started focusing on Muggle fighting tactics. His wand was still ready, but it was second on the list for protection at the moment.
Tarik smiled as he looked at Richard. Saying as he took the weapons, "I believe you can find a safe place for these Richard."
Handing them to Richard as he said to the man, "You can get them before you leave."
Handing them to Richard as he said to the man, "You can get them before you leave."
Richard walked over to where Tarik was standing and retrieved the weapons. He took a close look at the weaponry and then looked at the unwanted visitor and said, “Impressive, it has been a while since I had this good of set in my hands. Interesting, your training is mostly European. I would be interested in comparing your European fighting styles with the medieval styles or the Chinese techniques. Going up against you sometime, if everything works out here would be a great learning experience for both of us.” Richard would have enjoyed sparing with the man, but he had a feeling the sparing would only come when they would be fighting for real. Feeling the balance of the weapons in his hand, Richard looked at the man and said, “I will keep them safe.”, and then he carefully locked them in the cabinet behind him.
(Corbin) He saw the elf talk to the man at the table. [Between] Tarik and the other man next to him, there seemed to be a bit of a conversation and finally Tarik's friend turned to look at him before returning to the conversation.
Expressing all his reservations to Tarik about the man, Richard agreed to stand guard duty, while Tarik checked upstairs in Sara’s private rooms.
(Richard) Looking at the man sitting at the table, who was the only customer in the Tea Shoppe, Richard said, a bit sarcastically, “Yes, Tarik, I can handle the customers. I will make sure they have everything they need.” Richard gave a rather wicked smile to the man sitting at the table and then sat back down with his wand at the ready under the table top. Casually he took a sip of his tea
Tarik smiled as he said, "Anything is possible as the small bell seems not to be working. Signal me if Ari and Nat get back before I am done. Or Sara for that matter."
“I noticed the absence of the bell,” Richard commented looking over at Darik. Turning his attention to the stranger he said to Tarik, “Our friends should be arriving soon. You find out what you can up there,” Richard pointed toward the stairs leading to Sara’s private apartments, adding “Call if you need help.”
At least a small amount of it. He had argued his role was to be secretive and he had hoped to deliver the message without anyone noticing but with everyone in the building and him being the newcomer, there was mute point to playing coy. As Tarik stood to move, Corbin cleared his throat.
"Gentlemen," he said and waited for Richard and Tarik's attention to revert back to him. He held a folded letter in his fingers for them to see. "A word if I may... in private might be best". It was too late, his cover would soon be blown and these two might at least know his real identity, however, in thinking to himself, he realized it was too late to turn back.
"Gentlemen," he said and waited for Richard and Tarik's attention to revert back to him. He held a folded letter in his fingers for them to see. "A word if I may... in private might be best". It was too late, his cover would soon be blown and these two might at least know his real identity, however, in thinking to himself, he realized it was too late to turn back.
Richards’s total attention was immediately drawn from watching Tarik heading for the stairs to the uninvited guest. Looking quickly at Darik, he signaled him to do a lock down on the Tea Shoppe. Darik stood up and put his hand out in front of him, fingers spread, palm down and caused the front windows to cloud over; multi locks on the front door, scratched tight, even the kitchen area had a film barrier blocking it. He had added enough strength to the spell to insure no one else would be able to come into the situation.
Richard stood and watched as the lock down took hold on the Tea Shoppe then taking a firm stance closer to the man at the other table he said, “We are now locked down. The place is as private as anywhere else.” Richard looked in Tarik’s direction which was basically behind the man to see if he needed to add anything to the conversation, or if he wanted the note being presented first. “We are all listening.”
Darik had moved to the left hand side of the man and positioning himself close help if needed. Richard said, “Who are you and why are you the one delivering this note?”
(OOC: Darik is one of my characters, so I explained his reaction here.
Tarik
Corbin pretended not to have heard the remark and ignored the man.
When the man refused to say, the service was confirmed and Richard would have given odds on the possibility of it being Special Forces. From his standing position, Richard moved around to the front of the table and mentally started focusing on Muggle fighting tactics. His wand was still ready, but it was second on the list for protection at the moment.
When the man refused to say, the service was confirmed and Richard would have given odds on the possibility of it being Special Forces. From his standing position, Richard moved around to the front of the table and mentally started focusing on Muggle fighting tactics. His wand was still ready, but it was second on the list for protection at the moment.
Tarik grinned as he watched the man that reminded him so much of men that were known around the world as legionnaires. The Medjai had given them a run for their money when they had come to Egypt.
With a smirk, The Amir said, “What, you afraid to admit that you are a legionnaire? Especially to a Medjai.” Tarik was trying to get a response from the man.
(Corbin)He felt a ping of guilt toward the elf he had roughed up earlier.
Still watching the man, Tarik noticed that the newcomer seemed to feel a little guilty about Darik being hurt. Smiling at Richard as he decided to clue the fool in on a few things…
Turning to face the man with a look of disgust, Tarik said, “Mister, I will find out who hurt Darik and for your sake it better not be you. Darik is no House-Elf and nobody should do that even if he was.”
Turning to Richard as he said, “Richard, see what you can do about my brother's injuries.”
Tarik realized that Darik would protest. Turning to see the look that Darik was giving, Tarik said, “Darik Sadaki, stop being stubborn and let Richard help you, please. Or do you want Sara to see you limping?”
Richard walked over to where Tarik was standing and retrieved the weapons. He took a close look at the weaponry and then looked at the unwanted visitor and said, “Impressive, it has been a while since I had this good of set in my hands. Interesting, your training is mostly European. I would be interested in comparing your European fighting styles with the medieval styles or the Chinese techniques. Going up against you sometime, if everything works out here would be a great learning experience for both of us.” Richard would have enjoyed sparing with the man, but he had a feeling the sparing would only come when they would be fighting for real. Feeling the balance of the weapons in his hand, Richard looked at the man and said, “I will keep them safe.”, and then he carefully locked them in the cabinet behind him.
Tarik listened and smiled. This man was most likely a squib or somebody who had lost their magic. Tarik hoped that the man had nothing to do with Sara being missing. If the man had shown at any other time, Tarik would have probably given him the benefit of the doubt and maybe taught him a few things. The problem was after all the protections that Darik and Tarik had placed on the Tea Shop to deal with Artemis, Nathalie's uncle; the vampire was still able to get a hold of Sara. Tarik looked at Richard as he realized that Nathalie would most likely go hunting her uncle. The bad thing was, that was exactly what Artemis wanted.
He saw the elf talk to the man at the table. Tarik, and the other man next to him. there seemed to be a bit of a conversation and finally Tarik's friend turned to look at him before returning to the conversation. Looks like I'm suspicious Corbin sighed mentally.
Expressing all his reservations to Tarik about the man, Richard agreed to stand guard duty, while Tarik checked upstairs in Sara’s private rooms.
Expressing all his reservations to Tarik about the man, Richard agreed to stand guard duty, while Tarik checked upstairs in Sara’s private rooms.
Tarik nodded still wondering what this man had to do with Artemis.
“I noticed the absence of the bell,” Richard commented looking over at Darik. Turning his attention to the stranger he said to Tarik, “Our friends should be arriving soon. You find out what you can up there,” Richard pointed toward the stairs leading to Sara’s private apartments, adding “Call if you need help.”
Tarik's eyes darted to the man and smiled as he said to Richard, “Plan to my friend! If you have to play down here, Play Nice and save some for Arianna, Richard as you know my sister hates to be left out.”
As Tarik stood to move, Corbin cleared his throat.
Tarik had been wondering when the man would reveal why he was here. Staring at the man, Tarik reached for his Egyptian dagger.
"Gentlemen," he said and waited for Richard and Tarik's attention to revert back to him.
Tarik grinned as he said, “I gather there is something upstairs that you don't want us to see. Too bad!” Tarik was even more determined to see Sara's private rooms and continued heading for the stairs.
He held a folded letter in his fingers for them to see. "A word if I may... in private might be best"
As Tarik reached the man, he saw the letter and heard what the man said. He had thought that the man had been sent by Artemis. The letter showed that not to be the case.
Richards’s total attention was immediately drawn from watching Tarik heading for the stairs to the uninvited guest. Looking quickly at Darik, he signaled him to do a lock down on the Tea Shoppe. Darik stood up and put his hand out in front of him, fingers spread, palm down and caused the front windows to cloud over; multiple locks on the front door, scratched tight, even the kitchen area had a film barrier blocking it. He had added enough strength to the spell to insure no one else would be able to come into the situation.
Looking at Richard and Darik, as he pointed to the letter. They had seen that writing a few times.
Richard looked in Tarik’s direction which was basically behind the man to see if he needed to add anything to the conversation, or if he wanted the note being presented first.
Darik had moved to the left hand side of the man and positioning himself close help if needed.
Darik had moved to the left hand side of the man and positioning himself close help if needed.
Tarik said, “Darik, Tia now as you know as well as I who's writing that is.” The only reason Shadow would want Sara is for a distraction, well he went after Tia.
Richard said, “Who are you and why are you the one delivering this note?”
Tarik nodded
Corbin
With a smirk, The Amir said, “What, you afraid to admit that you are a legionnaire? Especially to a Medjai.” Tarik was trying to get a response from the man.
Corbin raised a brow then spoke. "What I am, if you MUST know, is a mercenary. Nothing more, nothing less." Although he did wonder how the Medjai knew he had been in the legion before, he realized that he had no right to call himself a member of the French Foreign Legion after his request to reenlist was cast aside due to circumstances of deaths he had been involved with. No, he realized it was not fear but shame and bitterness that he could not associate with his previous corps.
“Mister, I will find out who hurt Darik and for your sake it better not be you. Darik is no House-Elf and nobody should do that even if he was.”
"You are quite right" Corbin responded sincerely focusing on the elf. "No one should do that, even if the person were to have been ignorant of elves it still does not excuse how unnecessary it is." His eyes never left Darik and his words were far from any proper apology but he realized it would have to suffice for the moment. Too much was at risk for him to let sympathy and ethics get the better of him. He pondered his next course of action while the two men focused on the elf. The objective was to send a message to these men and observe them. Instead he found himself in the middle of a Spanish arena surrounded by two bulls kicking up the dirt and lowering their heads for the charge. Although both his literal and metaphorical swords were elsewhere he still had his cape to tire hopefully tire them out. Granted his blades were only a foot or so away from his reach, it would not be worth the attempt to grab it before things got truly messy.
Richard walked over to where Tarik was standing and retrieved the weapons. He took a close look at the weaponry and then looked at the unwanted visitor and said, “Impressive, it has been a while since I had this good of set in my hands. Interesting, your training is mostly European. I would be interested in comparing your European fighting styles with the medieval styles or the Chinese techniques. Going up against you sometime, if everything works out here would be a great learning experience for both of us.”
The mercenary gave a half smile and nodded. "Thank you, it's hard to find any sort of weapons enthusiast in the Wizarding world and even harder still to find anyone competent enough to actually use them." He thought for a moment to assess the man. He clearly knew enough about the weapons to know that they were European. While the dirk was a dead giveaway, most people often mistook the Grosse Messer for a scimitar. He had also mentioned a blend of medieval and Chinese styles which also intrigued him. Depending on the era, most of the combat for this man would be sword and shield combos or a bastard sword. Both, he learned long ago along with other European weapons, often didn't blend well with anything in the orient. Still the idea intrigued him and at least he wasn't another "Japanese" swordsman.
"I would definitely love a sparring match. Perhaps when our business is settled we can enjoy a few bouts".
Feeling the balance of the weapons in his hand, Richard looked at the man and said, “I will keep them safe.,” and then he carefully locked them in the cabinet behind him.
"I'd appreciate that. I'd hate to have to replace them." He kept note of the cabinet but made no movement to cause any sort of disturbance. If things turned out worse, he had a trick or two up his sleeve.
Richards’s total attention was immediately drawn from watching Tarik heading for the stairs to the uninvited guest. Looking quickly at Darik, he signaled him to do a lock down on the Tea Shoppe. Darik stood up and put his hand out in front of him, fingers spread, palm down and caused the front windows to cloud over; multi locks on the front door, scratched tight; even the kitchen area had a film barrier blocking it. He had added enough strength to the spell to insure no one else would be able to come into the situation.
He allowed himself a chance to breath and prepare for the next few moments. He refrained from making any movements or speaking as Tarik turned and plucked the letter from his fingers to read it. Or as the other man made sure the place was secured. He had not read the message that was handed to him but, from the looks on both men's faces, it clearly had their attention. They seemed to ignore him completely as they communicated to each other and after a moment or two they were focused back on him.
“Who are you and why are you the one delivering this note?”
"What you should be asking is the full who, what, where, when, why, and how" He paused a moment reading the expressions on the two men. It was clear whatever it was it had shaken them and as a result he had their undivided attentions.
"Who I am, you can easily find out with a bit of asking around since I've been living here for some time now. However, for politeness sake, the name's Airgead. What I am is a messenger, currently unarmed, and in possession of a letter I was instructed not to read. Where I am is in a "secure" location under your control. When, though irrelevant, is this morning when I received this letter and instructions. Why I have the letter, from all I can figure out, is for convenience and possibly some amusement of the writer of said letter. And how I came into possession of it is simple; He came, he gave the instructions, and he left. We both know how he is and instead of spending time trying to figure out his game it was easier just to play along and keep my eyes open." he stretched then slowly raised himself from the chair. "Now that that is done, and it doesn't seem like you're in any mood to divulge anything of interest, I'd best get my effects and leave. Unless there was something else you wanted?"
Richard
With a smirk, The Amir said, “What, you afraid to admit that you are a legionnaire? Especially to a Medjai.” Tarik was trying to get a response from the man.
Corbin raised a brow then spoke. "What I am, if you MUST know, is a mercenary. Nothing more, nothing less…..."
Corbin raised a brow then spoke. "What I am, if you MUST know, is a mercenary. Nothing more, nothing less…..."
Apparently the Medjai had fought the legionnaires in the past. Richards’s money would have been on the Medjai of course. Tarik was using an old trick, trying to draw the man to either say something he shouldn’t and give them some information or give Tarik reason to put him down in a not so gentle way. Richard just watched.
To Richard mercenaries were just “thugs for hire.” They had no allegiances to anyone; it all depended on who would pay them the most. It was interesting though this man had been in the legionnaires. That group had gained a bad, or at a minimum mixed, reputation. They were a well-organized group, well disciplined. Richard thought, “There is more to this man than that.”
(Tarik) “Mister, I will find out who hurt Darik and for your sake it better not be you. Darik is no House-Elf and nobody should do that even if he was.”
Although Richard had known of Tarik for a long time, because he had worked with Arianna and the family in general, it had only been at the beginning of this term when he had talked with Tarik. Richard had a high caliber of respect for the Amir Medjai. For a man so in control, his statement could be taken as an outburst. Richard wondered what Tarik would be like if he really let go and reacted emotionally.
Richard listened to the man and saw where his eyes were looking. Tarik had pegged it correctly. This man had caused the current injuries to Darik. He knew if Tarik ever confirmed the treatment, then the man would suffer a lot more than Darik had. Tarik was Darik’s brother in mind if not body. The man was making an attempt, if only crudely to apologize to the elf. The first chance Richard got, he would examine the elf for injuries. He could not tell from the way Darik was acting how bad he was hurt, because the Elf had learned to deal with pain, from the treatment he had received before Tarik’s father had bought him and then set him free, to become a trusted part of their family.
(Corbin) The mercenary gave a half smile and nodded. "Thank you, it's hard to find any sort of weapons enthusiast in the wizarding world and even harder still to find anyone competent enough to actually use them…..I would definitely love a sparring match. Perhaps when our business is settled we can enjoy a few bouts.”
The man was relaxed, at least that was the trait he was portraying. He also was very sure of how to handle the weapons, because he was not trying to hide behind cockiness. In the back of his mind Richard was hoping maybe the man was ok, and had just got caught in the middle, because he would like to try the weapons out, on friendly terms.
"I'd appreciate that. I'd hate to have to replace them." He kept note of the cabinet but made no movement to cause any sort of disturbance. If things turned out worse, he had a trick or two up his sleeve.
Richard was watching closely to see if the man would make some type of movement toward the cabinet, even sub-consciously, but there was none. Apparently he was not sent here to fight, ”Interesting,” Richard thought to himself as he turned back to the man. Richard had enough experience in this type of situation to realize the man must still have tricks up his sleeve. It would be interesting to see what he tried first.
Tarik's eyes darted to the man and smiled as he said to Richard, “Plan to my friend! If you have to play down here, Play Nice and save some for Arianna, Richard as you know my sister hates to be left out.”
Richard was starting to wonder where Arianna and Nathalie were. It had been a while since Ari had left to collect the vampiress. Smiling Richard settled back on the edge of the table and watched the movements of the stranger. The only reason the bell would not have rung was if Darik had set it to be silent. Darik was hiding something, but Richard would let Tarik draw it out of him.
Although Richard had known of Tarik for a long time, because he had worked with Arianna and the family in general, it had only been at the beginning of this term when he had talked with Tarik. Richard had a high caliber of respect for the Amir Medjai. For a man so in control, his statement could be taken as an outburst. Richard wondered what Tarik would be like if he really let go and reacted emotionally.
"You are quite right" Corbin responded sincerely focusing on the elf. "No one should do that, even if the person were to have been ignorant of elves it still does not excuse how unnecessary it is." His eyes never left Darik and his words were far from any proper apology but he realized it would have to suffice for the moment.
Richard listened to the man and saw where his eyes were looking. Tarik had pegged it correctly. This man had caused the current injuries to Darik. He knew if Tarik ever confirmed the treatment, then the man would suffer a lot more than Darik had. Tarik was Darik’s brother in mind if not body. The man was making an attempt, if only crudely to apologize to the elf. The first chance Richard got, he would examine the elf for injuries. He could not tell from the way Darik was acting how bad he was hurt, because the Elf had learned to deal with pain, from the treatment he had received before Tarik’s father had bought him and then set him free, to become a trusted part of their family.
(Richard) “….I would be interested in comparing your European fighting styles with the medieval styles or the Chinese techniques. Going up against you sometime, if everything works out here it would be a great learning experience for both of us.”
(Corbin) The mercenary gave a half smile and nodded. "Thank you, it's hard to find any sort of weapons enthusiast in the wizarding world and even harder still to find anyone competent enough to actually use them…..I would definitely love a sparring match. Perhaps when our business is settled we can enjoy a few bouts.”
The man was relaxed, at least that was the trait he was portraying. He also was very sure of how to handle the weapons, because he was not trying to hide behind cockiness. In the back of his mind Richard was hoping maybe the man was ok, and had just got caught in the middle, because he would like to try the weapons out, on friendly terms.
Feeling the balance of the weapons in his hand, Richard looked at the man and said, “I will keep them safe.” and then he carefully locked them in the cabinet behind him.
"I'd appreciate that. I'd hate to have to replace them." He kept note of the cabinet but made no movement to cause any sort of disturbance. If things turned out worse, he had a trick or two up his sleeve.
Richard was watching closely to see if the man would make some type of movement toward the cabinet, even sub-consciously, but there was none. Apparently he was not sent here to fight, ”Interesting,” Richard thought to himself as he turned back to the man. Richard had enough experience in this type of situation to realize the man must still have tricks up his sleeve. It would be interesting to see what he tried first.
“I noticed the absence of the bell,” Richard commented looking over at Darik. Turning his attention to the stranger he said to Tarik, “Our friends should be arriving soon. You find out what you can up there,” Richard pointed toward the stairs leading to Sara’s private apartments, adding “Call if you need help.”
Tarik's eyes darted to the man and smiled as he said to Richard, “Plan to my friend! If you have to play down here, Play Nice and save some for Arianna, Richard as you know my sister hates to be left out.”
Richard was starting to wonder where Arianna and Nathalie were. It had been a while since Ari had left to collect the vampiress. Smiling Richard settled back on the edge of the table and watched the movements of the stranger. The only reason the bell would not have rung was if Darik had set it to be silent. Darik was hiding something, but Richard would let Tarik draw it out of him.
(Corbin) He held a folded letter in his fingers for them to see. "A word if I may... in private might be best"
(Corbin) "Who I am, you can easily find out with a bit of asking around since I've been living here for some time now. However, for politeness sake, the name's Airgead. What I am is a messenger, currently unarmed, and in possession of a letter I was instructed not to read. Where I am is in a "secure" location under your control. When, though irrelevant, is this morning when I received this letter and instructions. Why I have the letter, from all I can figure out, is for convenience and possibly some amusement of the writer of said letter. And how I came into possession of it is simple; He came, he gave the instructions, and he left. We both know how he is and instead of spending time trying to figure out his game it was easier just to play along and keep my eyes open." he stretched then slowly raised himself from the chair. "Now that that is done, and it doesn't seem like you're in any mood to divulge anything of interest, I'd best get my effects and leave. Unless there was something else you wanted?"
Richard stood up straight ready to react. Looking first to Tarik for agreement, he said to the now named Airgead, “I think you should have a seat, Mr. Airgead. We still have not located our friend Sara who owns this establishment. Our friends have also not arrived. If you have been around a while as you say than one of our visitors, who works frequently at this establishment will be able to verify who you are.”
“The man who gave you the note and the instruction on what to do does not just pick someone off the street to run his errands. He uses family, friends, or minions to make sure it is done correctly, because they understand what will happen to them if they do wrong. Now the question upper most in my mind which of the three are you, Mr. Airgead.” Richard gave a questioning stare to the man. He did not trust this man. If Airgead started to feel trapped he would try something. Richard almost hoped he did.
Darik
Turning to Richard as he said, “Richard, see what you can do about my brother's injuries.”
Tarik realized that Darik would protest. Turning to see the look that Darik was giving, Tarik said, “Darik Sadaki, stop being stubborn and let Richard help you, please. Or do you want Sara to see you limping?”
He was about to refuse treatment by Master Richard, but the way Master Tarik told him to stop being stubborn left no room for not following the directions. Darik had been treated as one of the family for the last fifty-plus years, and although he knew Master Tarik thought of him as a brother, to Darik Master Tarik was much more. If he had been told to lay down in the middle of the floor so Master Tarik could cut off his head he would have done it. Master Tarik was on a very high pedestal to him.
Darik had been so intent on making sure Corbin did not cause problems, he had missed the cues of possible problems with his injuries. Corbin was Master Khalid’s grandson and an errand boy for Shadow. Darik had spent many long hours and time with other injuries trying to convince Master Khalid to turn away from the Dark Wizardry. Darik had just about lost hope because of the control Shadow was gaining and because Master Khalid was getting older and appeared to slowly be moving slowly to the point of losing all contact with reality.
Corbin was different, he was even offering Darik an apology. Darik had seen him talking with Mistress Tia on several occasions. When he had seen them Corbin had been a perfect gentleman to the young mistress. Several times they had laughed together, and Darik knew Mistress Tia was not able to laugh very often. Everyday Darik was hoping he would be able to get Corbin to the point of pulling him away from the Dark Wizardry. Shadow had a firm hold on him, but the possibility did exist, and Darik would hold onto that possibility as long as he could.
Tarik said, “Darik, Tia now as you know as well as I whose writing that is.” The only reason Shadow would want Sara is for a distraction, well he went after Tia.
Darik was pulled quickly out of his own thoughts. “Yes Master Tarik, I am on my way.” With that he evaporated out of the room and went to check on Mistress Tia. She would not be hard to find, because Darik had finally been able to establish a marker on her. It was not one she would know about, but it was necessary to be able to protect the young Princess.
Tarik
Tarik grinned as he said, “A mercenary wearing the uniform of the legionnaires. If you knew anything about me, then you would know that it is not a question of Must know and more a question of Will know! I am not just any Medjai but a member of the Magi.” Tarik knew that if this man was sent by Artemis then Nathalie would want answers. Sara was like a mother to the vampire and Nat was not about to let this attack go unchallenged. The Amir just hoped that he had the answers already by the time Arianna and Nathalie got there.
(Corbin) "Who I am, you can easily find out with a bit of asking around since I've been living here for some time now. However, for politeness sake, the name's Airgead. What I am is a messenger, currently unarmed, and in possession of a letter I was instructed not to read. Where I am is in a "secure" location under your control. When, though irrelevant, is this morning when I received this letter and instructions. Why I have the letter, from all I can figure out, is for convenience and possibly some amusement of the writer of said letter. And how I came into possession of it is simple; He came, he gave the instructions, and he left. We both know how he is and instead of spending time trying to figure out his game it was easier just to play along and keep my eyes open." he stretched then slowly raised himself from the chair. "Now that that is done, and it doesn't seem like you're in any mood to divulge anything of interest, I'd best get my effects and leave. Unless there was something else you wanted?"
Richard stood up straight ready to react. Looking first to Tarik for agreement, he said to the now named Airgead, “I think you should have a seat, Mr. Airgead. We still have not located our friend Sara who owns this establishment. Our friends have also not arrived. If you have been around a while as you say than one of our visitors, who works frequently at this establishment will be able to verify who you are.”
“The man who gave you the note and the instruction on what to do does not just pick someone off the street to run his errands. He uses family, friends, or minions to make sure it is done correctly, because they understand what will happen to them if they do wrong. Now the question upper most in my mind which of the three are you, Mr. Airgead.” Richard gave a questioning stare to the man. He did not trust this man. If Airgead started to feel trapped he would try something. Richard almost hoped he did.
Darik
Turning to face the man with a look of disgust, Tarik said, “Mister, I will find out who hurt Darik and for your sake it better not be you. Darik is no House-Elf and nobody should do that even if he was.”
Turning to Richard as he said, “Richard, see what you can do about my brother's injuries.”
Tarik realized that Darik would protest. Turning to see the look that Darik was giving, Tarik said, “Darik Sadaki, stop being stubborn and let Richard help you, please. Or do you want Sara to see you limping?”
He was about to refuse treatment by Master Richard, but the way Master Tarik told him to stop being stubborn left no room for not following the directions. Darik had been treated as one of the family for the last fifty-plus years, and although he knew Master Tarik thought of him as a brother, to Darik Master Tarik was much more. If he had been told to lay down in the middle of the floor so Master Tarik could cut off his head he would have done it. Master Tarik was on a very high pedestal to him.
Darik had been so intent on making sure Corbin did not cause problems, he had missed the cues of possible problems with his injuries. Corbin was Master Khalid’s grandson and an errand boy for Shadow. Darik had spent many long hours and time with other injuries trying to convince Master Khalid to turn away from the Dark Wizardry. Darik had just about lost hope because of the control Shadow was gaining and because Master Khalid was getting older and appeared to slowly be moving slowly to the point of losing all contact with reality.
"You are quite right" Corbin responded sincerely focusing on the elf. "No one should do that, even if the person were to have been ignorant of elves it still does not excuse how unnecessary it is." His eyes never left Darik and his words were far from any proper apology but he realized it would have to suffice for the moment……
Corbin was different, he was even offering Darik an apology. Darik had seen him talking with Mistress Tia on several occasions. When he had seen them Corbin had been a perfect gentleman to the young mistress. Several times they had laughed together, and Darik knew Mistress Tia was not able to laugh very often. Everyday Darik was hoping he would be able to get Corbin to the point of pulling him away from the Dark Wizardry. Shadow had a firm hold on him, but the possibility did exist, and Darik would hold onto that possibility as long as he could.
Darik had moved to the left hand side of the man and positioning himself close help if needed.
Tarik said, “Darik, Tia now as you know as well as I whose writing that is.” The only reason Shadow would want Sara is for a distraction, well he went after Tia.
Darik was pulled quickly out of his own thoughts. “Yes Master Tarik, I am on my way.” With that he evaporated out of the room and went to check on Mistress Tia. She would not be hard to find, because Darik had finally been able to establish a marker on her. It was not one she would know about, but it was necessary to be able to protect the young Princess.
Tarik
Corbin raised a brow then spoke. "What I am, if you MUST know, is a mercenary. Nothing more, nothing less."
Tarik grinned as he said, “A mercenary wearing the uniform of the legionnaires. If you knew anything about me, then you would know that it is not a question of Must know and more a question of Will know! I am not just any Medjai but a member of the Magi.” Tarik knew that if this man was sent by Artemis then Nathalie would want answers. Sara was like a mother to the vampire and Nat was not about to let this attack go unchallenged. The Amir just hoped that he had the answers already by the time Arianna and Nathalie got there.
"You are quite right" Corbin responded sincerely focusing on the elf. "No one should do that, even if the person were to have been ignorant of elves it still does not excuse how unnecessary it is." His eyes never left Darik and his words were far from any proper apology but he realized it would have to suffice for the moment.
Tarik listened and realized that this man was apologizing. Watching Darik, he realized that his brother was listening as well. The look that had passed between Darik and Tarik had requested that Tarik not judge the man too soon. Tarik wondered why his adopted brother was defending this man. He gave the elf a look that said they would talk later. For now Tarik would honor Darik's request.
He did want the man to realize just how close he came. Glaring at the man, Tarik said as he messed with his blade, “It looks like my brother accepts your apology. Be grateful that he did and don't ever make the mistake again.”
Tarik read the note and exploded. His blade went flying into the wall by the door. Tarik was furious at both Shadow and himself. Shadow had taken Sara to make a point. The point that he could get to anybody and there was nothing Tarik could do to stop him. Tarik was also scared because Tarik had the same protections on his family and Tia. Hitting the wall with his fist as he worried just how good his protections were is a simple wizard could disarm them.
Saying a little aloud, “One day Shadow, I will see just how good you are, coward!” Right now Tia needed watched as Shadow used distractions.
Tarik smiled as he knew that Shadow would not get pass Darik.
Crumbling up the notes and tossing it, Tarik just glared at the man. Knowing that if he killed the messenger, then they could lose Sara forever. The note had hinted that Sara would be returned but when Shadow was ready until then Tarik was to do nothing but stay put and follow the instructions that Shadow had given the deliver of the note.
Tarik realized that the man was scared of Shadow. He felt a little bad about what he had thought of the man.
Richard stood up straight ready to react. Looking first to Tarik for agreement, he said to the now named Airgead, “I think you should have a seat, Mr. Airgead. We still have not located our friend Sara who owns this establishment. Our friends have also not arrived. If you have been around a while as you say than one of our visitors, who works frequently at this establishment will be able to verify who you are.”
/Tarik finally spoke as he went and retrieved his blade, “Shadow gave you other instructions, so what are they? Though I see that he still is a coward who one day will face my wrath.”
Corbin
Tarik grinned as he said, “A mercenary wearing the uniform of the legionaires. If you knew anything about me, then you would know that it is not a question of Must know and more a question of Will know! I am not just any Medjai but a member of the Magi.”
Corbin laughed then sarcastically surveyed his clothing before responding. "Unless I'm mistaken, this would hardly be considered a uniform of anyone much less of the French Foreign Legion. Then again I could be wrong. It has been known to happen. But I can hardly argue with a Maggie... ahem, Magi now can I?" It was clear this man wanted to pick a fight and in any other circumstances Corbin would have been more than happy to push the man to it. But he had more important things to do and upsetting the man before him wouldn't help. Still he was only human and couldn't resist landing a few prods of his own.
"Clearly," Corbin sighed. "I lack any tact or skill at concealment. Well too late now. Although now I can't find an appropriate way to say sorry." Corbin chuckled at the situation and continued.
"However as for making the mistake thats pretty vague, but to save on arguments I won't lie and I'll just say I'll try."
Corbin took the time to review both men and think on Valentine's actions. Given how many people hated the yank, the mercenary understood why the man had kept himself in hiding for so long. Still, Corbin had to allow himself a slight bit of pleasure that all it took was people knowing it was Val's handywork and automatically the rage was focused on that man as opposed to himself, which Corbin didn't mind in situations like these.
Corbin Shrugged and reseated himself and leaned back in his chair leisurely. "By all means ask away. This is actually been my third time here, the first I entered out of curiosity, saw the furnishing, and tried to walk back out before the owner, I think, halted me and convinced me to stay for some tea. I came back a second time under the becoming of a young acquaintance of mine and again had tea. In fact, where is the proprietor? Sara... or was it Sonia? Either way I'm surprised she wasn't here today."
The mercenary leveled a look at Richard as he spoke his next bit and smiled. "Then clearly you have no idea what kind of man you're dealing with. He's a class A Sadist and would enjoy nothing more than his little 'Games'. I suggest getting used to that fact of life."
"Actually that concluded my end of the bit. Or did you not notice my getting ready to leave? Then again." Corbin looked to the door then back to the men. "I have a feeling that you both won't let me go until you feel like you have received sufficient answers and seeing as I'm pretty much free I have no rush to leave just yet. Although if we are going to play a game of 'Spanish inquisition' can I at least get something to drink and maybe something to nibble on?"
Richard
Corbin laughed then sarcastically surveyed his clothing before responding. "Unless I'm mistaken, this would hardly be considered a uniform of anyone much less of the French Foreign Legion….. But I can hardly argue with a Maggie... ahem, Magi now can I?”
Richard just stood there listening. Two strong personalities were fighting it out so far with only strong rhetoric. It may not stay that way for long. He was trying to stay relaxed but ready. Tarik’s temper could mushroom quickly; only the Magi’s training was keeping it under control at the moment.
Watching Tarik and Darik pass looks back and forth was like watching a well defined silent language. The two of them could read each other’s minds. Richard had never had anyone that close to him. With his line of work, he had never allowed anyone, except…..well that moment had been shoved in the past. At the moment he learned what he could from reading the looks himself. Darik was telling Tarik to hold off on fighting the man. This was an interesting development and only strengthened Richards’s idea, that Darik knew this man more than as a passing acquaintance.
Tarik listened and realized that this man was apologizing. Watching Darik, he realized that his brother was listening as well. The look that had passed between Darik and Tarik had requested that Tarik not judge the man too soon. Tarik wondered why his adopted brother was defending this man. He gave the elf a look that said they would talk later. For now Tarik would honor Darik's request.
He did want the man to realize just how close he came. Glaring at the man, Tarik said as he messed with his blade, “It looks like my brother accepts your apology. Be grateful that he did and don't ever make the mistake again.”
He allowed himself a chance to breath and prepare for the next few moments. He refrained from making ay movements or speaking as Tarik turned and plucked the letter from his fingers to read it.
Tarik read the note and exploded. His blade went flying into the wall by the door. Tarik was furious at both Shadow and himself. Shadow had taken Sara to make a point. The point that he could get to anybody and there was nothing Tarik could do to stop him. Tarik was also scared because Tarik had the same protections on his family and Tia. Hitting the wall with his fist as he worried just how good his protections were is a simple wizard could disarm them.
Saying a little aloud, “One day Shadow, I will see just how good you are, coward!” Right now Tia needed watched as Shadow used distractions.
Darik was pulled quickly out of his own thoughts. “Yes Master Tarik, I am on my way.”
Tarik smiled as he knew that Shadow would not get pass Darik.
"What you should be asking is the full who, what, where, when, why, and how" He paused a moment reading the expressions on the two men. It was clear whatever it was it had shaken them and as a result he had their undivided attentions.
Crumbling up the notes and tossing it, Tarik just glared at the man. Knowing that if he killed the messenger, then they could lose Sara forever. The note had hinted that Sara would be returned but when Shadow was ready until then Tarik was to do nothing but stay put and follow the instructions that Shadow had given the deliver of the note.
"Who I am you can easily find out with a bit of asking around since I've been living here for some time now. However, for politeness sake, the name's Airgead. What I am is a messenger, currently unarmed, and in possession of a letter I was instructed not to read. Where I am is in a "secure" location under your control. When, though irrelevant, is this morning when I received this letter and instructions. Why I have the letter, from all I can figure out, is for convenience and possibly some amusement of the writer of said letter. And how I came into possession of it is simple; He came, he gave the instructions, and he left. We both know how he is and instead of spending time trying to figure out his game it was easier just to play along and keep my eyes open." he stretched then slowly raised himself from the chair. "Now that that is done, and it doesn't seem like you're in any mood to divulge anything of interest, I'd best get my effects and leave. Unless there was something else you wanted?"
Tarik realized that the man was scared of Shadow. He felt a little bad about what he had thought of the man.
Richard stood up straight ready to react. Looking first to Tarik for agreement, he said to the now named Airgead, “I think you should have a seat, Mr. Airgead. We still have not located our friend Sara who owns this establishment. Our friends have also not arrived. If you have been around a while as you say than one of our visitors, who works frequently at this establishment will be able to verify who you are.”
“The man who gave you the note and the instruction on what to do does not just pick someone off the street to run his errands. He uses family, friends, or minions to make sure it is done correctly, because they understand what will happen to them if they do wrong. Now the question upper most in my mind which of the three are you, Mr. Airgead.” Richard gave a questioning stare to the man. He did not trust this man. If Airgead started to feel trapped he would try something. Richard almost hoped he did.
/Tarik finally spoke as he went and retrieved his blade, “Shadow gave you other instructions, so what are they? Though I see that he still is a coward who one day will face my wrath.”
Corbin
Tarik grinned as he said, “A mercenary wearing the uniform of the legionaires. If you knew anything about me, then you would know that it is not a question of Must know and more a question of Will know! I am not just any Medjai but a member of the Magi.”
Corbin laughed then sarcastically surveyed his clothing before responding. "Unless I'm mistaken, this would hardly be considered a uniform of anyone much less of the French Foreign Legion. Then again I could be wrong. It has been known to happen. But I can hardly argue with a Maggie... ahem, Magi now can I?" It was clear this man wanted to pick a fight and in any other circumstances Corbin would have been more than happy to push the man to it. But he had more important things to do and upsetting the man before him wouldn't help. Still he was only human and couldn't resist landing a few prods of his own.
Glaring at the man, Tarik said as he messed with his blade, “It looks like my brother accepts your apology. Be grateful that he did and don't ever make the mistake again.”
"Clearly," Corbin sighed. "I lack any tact or skill at concealment. Well too late now. Although now I can't find an appropriate way to say sorry." Corbin chuckled at the situation and continued.
"However as for making the mistake thats pretty vague, but to save on arguments I won't lie and I'll just say I'll try."
“One day Shadow, I will see just how good you are, coward!”
Corbin took the time to review both men and think on Valentine's actions. Given how many people hated the yank, the mercenary understood why the man had kept himself in hiding for so long. Still, Corbin had to allow himself a slight bit of pleasure that all it took was people knowing it was Val's handywork and automatically the rage was focused on that man as opposed to himself, which Corbin didn't mind in situations like these.
Richard stood up straight ready to react. Looking first to Tarik for agreement, he said to the now named Airgead, “I think you should have a seat, Mr. Airgead. We still have not located our friend Sara who owns this establishment. Our friends have also not arrived. If you have been around a while as you say than one of our visitors, who works frequently at this establishment will be able to verify who you are.”
“The man who gave you the note and the instruction on what to do does not just pick someone off the street to run his errands. He uses family, friends, or minions to make sure it is done correctly, because they understand what will happen to them if they do wrong. Now the question upper most in my mind which of the three are you, Mr. Airgead.” Richard gave a questioning stare to the man. He did not trust this man. If Airgead started to feel trapped he would try something. Richard almost hoped he did.
“The man who gave you the note and the instruction on what to do does not just pick someone off the street to run his errands. He uses family, friends, or minions to make sure it is done correctly, because they understand what will happen to them if they do wrong. Now the question upper most in my mind which of the three are you, Mr. Airgead.” Richard gave a questioning stare to the man. He did not trust this man. If Airgead started to feel trapped he would try something. Richard almost hoped he did.
Corbin Shrugged and reseated himself and leaned back in his chair leisurely. "By all means ask away. This is actually been my third time here, the first I entered out of curiosity, saw the furnishing, and tried to walk back out before the owner, I think, halted me and convinced me to stay for some tea. I came back a second time under the becoming of a young acquaintance of mine and again had tea. In fact, where is the proprietor? Sara... or was it Sonia? Either way I'm surprised she wasn't here today."
The mercenary leveled a look at Richard as he spoke his next bit and smiled. "Then clearly you have no idea what kind of man you're dealing with. He's a class A Sadist and would enjoy nothing more than his little 'Games'. I suggest getting used to that fact of life."
Tarik finally spoke as he went and retrieved his blade, “Shadow gave you other instructions, so what are they? Though I see that he still is a coward who one day will face my wrath.”
"Actually that concluded my end of the bit. Or did you not notice my getting ready to leave? Then again." Corbin looked to the door then back to the men. "I have a feeling that you both won't let me go until you feel like you have received sufficient answers and seeing as I'm pretty much free I have no rush to leave just yet. Although if we are going to play a game of 'Spanish inquisition' can I at least get something to drink and maybe something to nibble on?"
Richard
Tarik grinned as he said, “A mercenary wearing the uniform of the legionnaires. If you knew anything about me, then you would know that it is not a question of Must know and more a question of Will know! I am not just any Medjai but a member of the Magi.”
Corbin laughed then sarcastically surveyed his clothing before responding. "Unless I'm mistaken, this would hardly be considered a uniform of anyone much less of the French Foreign Legion….. But I can hardly argue with a Maggie... ahem, Magi now can I?”
Richard just stood there listening. Two strong personalities were fighting it out so far with only strong rhetoric. It may not stay that way for long. He was trying to stay relaxed but ready. Tarik’s temper could mushroom quickly; only the Magi’s training was keeping it under control at the moment.
Tarik listened and realized that this man was apologizing. Watching Darik, he realized that his brother was listening as well. The look that had passed between Darik and Tarik had requested that Tarik not judge the man too soon. … “It looks like my brother accepts your apology. Be grateful that he did and don't ever make the mistake again.”
Watching Tarik and Darik pass looks back and forth was like watching a well defined silent language. The two of them could read each other’s minds. Richard had never had anyone that close to him. With his line of work, he had never allowed anyone, except…..well that moment had been shoved in the past. At the moment he learned what he could from reading the looks himself. Darik was telling Tarik to hold off on fighting the man. This was an interesting development and only strengthened Richards’s idea, that Darik knew this man more than as a passing acquaintance.
Tarik read the note and exploded. His blade went flying into the wall by the door. Tarik was furious at both Shadow and himself. Shadow had taken Sara to make a point. The point that he could get to anybody and there was nothing Tarik could do to stop him. He was also scared because Tarik had the same protections on his family and Tia. Hitting the wall with his fist as he worried just how good his protections were is a simple wizard could disarm them.
Note:
Greetings Tarik,
I would like you to meet Corbin. At the moment he is only my messenger. Whatever you do to him will of course, will happily be demonstrated to Sara. She sure is a feisty old lady. Too bad I had to quiet her down a bit. Do not worry, I will heal any wounds before she is returned, I promise.
You now realize, I cannot be kept out of your life by the petty wizard spells you use. I will always be greater than you, Magi. Why do you not just give up and let me have what I want. Better yet why do you not join me as my second in command? We would make a great team and after a small bit of questioning I may consider letting you bring in anyone you think worthy of joining us.
Think about it Tarik, for the alternative could be detrimental to many people’s health.
Corbin does not know much, but you are welcome to try and get information from him. Sara and I will both be waiting for his return, so we can find out about your questioning techniques.
Your constant companion,
Shadow
Richard retrieved the note from the floor where it met the bottom of the cabinet baseboard. It had bounced there when Tarik had wadded it up and threw it. The wand in Richard’s sleeve had flown into his had as Tarik’s knife hit the wall and stuck fast. If Corbin had decided to make a move then he had to be ready
Keeping one eye on the man at the table, Richard slowly un-bunched the note with one hand and read it. His own temper started to rise. Looking at Tarik with worry in his eyes, he hoped the Medjai would be able to hold by his years of training. Richard hoped Darik or Arianna would return, before he was forced to remind Tarik about what the note said and the importance of not hurting Corbin. He was not sure he had the expertise to stop the Magi from doing anything.
"Clearly," Corbin sighed. "I lack any tact or skill at concealment. Well too late now. Although now I can't find an appropriate way to say sorry." Corbin chuckled at the situation and continued.
Looking again at the note and then at the man Richard had just learned was called Corbin, he said, “Corbin, is it? Corbin I personally do not see what you have to chuckle about.” Walking a couple steps closer to his advisory, Richard continued, “With the training I have observed you have, and what Tarik has hinted at, you must realize Shadow has willingly pitted himself against those he thinks he can get some satisfaction out of beating. Because of this someday he will make an error, and he has enough enemies of all ages, that the mistake will be caught. “
“After reading the note, I would be willing to take a chance on saying you are not directly related to Shadow.” Looking at Tarik to try and catch his eye, he then looked back at Corbin, “After reading the message, it appears Shadow is hoping we will do something to you, so he can demonstrate his truthfulness, by harming a nice old lady who only wants to be friendly and help others. He also does not think very highly of you, Mr. Corbin.” Richard was trying to give time to Tarik time to collect his thoughts.
Richard only smiled and shook his head sadly. The man was going to be trouble.
Richard smiled broader. Tarik had regained most of his composer.
Corbin shrugged and reseated himself and leaned back in his chair leisurely. "By all means ask away. …the first I entered out of curiosity….. I came back a second time under the becoming of a young acquaintance of mine and again had tea. In fact, where is the proprietor? Sara... or was it Sonia? Either way I'm surprised she wasn't here today."
Apparently the man had not been considered a threat before this. If Darik had allowed him in then Darik did not consider him a viable threat enough to tell Tarik. More and more Richard realized Darik knew this person, far more personally than he was telling anyone. “May I ask who the young aquaintneace was you were with?” If Darik had allowed this man in the Tea Shoppe with one of the students, then that student would need to be possibly questioned.
“Shadow will eventually be handled, and will either end up in custody or dead. I wonder which way he would wish it to be.” Richard was hoping Corbin would give more away about his relationship with David Valentine, the Shadow. “His games have rules no matter how crocked, and once we have refined our understanding of those rules, we will use them against him.” Richard had stayed perfectly calm so far. Calmness could sometimes be used to throw the adversary off and make him overlook the danger you can present.
“If he sticks with games, then his pattern will soon be recognized. I am used to his games, Mr. Corbin Airgead. Counter moves can and will be costly to him someday.”
"Actually that concluded my end of the bit. Or did you not notice my getting ready to leave? Then again." Corbin looked to the door then back to the men. "I have a feeling that you both won't let me go until you feel like you have received sufficient answers and seeing as I'm pretty much free I have no rush to leave just yet. Although if we are going to play a game of 'Spanish inquisition' can I at least get something to drink and maybe something to nibble on?"
Richard looked over to Tarik, who did not signal yea or new to Corbin’s request for food and drink. Shrugging his shoulders and making sure Tarik was paying attention Richard said. “I think a bit of food and drink can be arranged. I trust Mr. Corbin I can rely on you to mind your manners and sit quietly.” Then looking at Tarik he said, “Remember what you said before Amir, “If you have to play down here, Play Nice and save some for Arianna, Richard as you know my sister hates to be left out.” well I would be really disappointed also, if you took all the fun on yourself.” Richard smiled at Tarik and headed to the kitchen to get the refreshments. He knew he would not be able to go up the back steps to Sara’s quarters without knowing the spell used to guard them, but he was hoping to possibly find a clue in the kitchen on what happened to Sara.
Tarik
Tarik look told anybody that was watching, that if Darik had not gotten the promise from him about waiting on judging this man... Well he would have given this mercenary a taste of his own medicine. The Medjai wondered again what Darik knew of this man.
Tarik was lost in his thoughts as he went over the note from memory.
Deciding to test the man that Shadow called Corbin, Tarik voiced his thoughts, “Sara better not have a wound on her Shadow. For if she does, Nat will not only be hunting her uncle. Petty spells Shadow, I wonder. So I am in your way of getting to Tia, good! You have taken everything, you are going to take from the Princess, I will see to that! So Corbin will be returning to where you have Sara, interesting.”
Tarik was not going to show just how shaken he really was. Thinking the tracking spell and praying that Corbin would lead them straight to the Onaris. Smiling as he thought about how Shadow had made a major error by letting it slip that Corbin had been ordered to return. Tarik had every intention of showing Shadow just how costly that error was.
Tarik smiled as he said, “It looks like you dislike him as much as he dislikes you, Airgead. So that means you are probably blood related. Don't be surprised that I figured that out, it is what I do. He has made a grave error in taking Sara. For one it has Darik very upset as he was sent by Arianna to protect the old lady. My brother for one is not to get mad easily. Shadow's other error was not seeing how Nathalie and Gabriel would look at him grabbing Sara. Have you ever seen a vampire and werewolf furious, Mr. Airgead? I doubt it, as it is not a pretty sight. Especially when said werewolf already has a score to settle with Shadow.”
Tarik had hoped to get some clue as to has to Corbin's part in all this. Darik had seen something about Corbin that gave Darik hope. Hope that Corbin was not like Shadow and more like Antonio, Tarik was looking for what that was. Tarik thought a moment and then said, “Richard, maybe we need to have a talk with Antonio later?” Then realizing how Darik was always keeping an eye on Tia. He wondered and decided to test his hunch by saying, “Or maybe you could ask Tia if she knows Corbin? I wonder what she would think of his connection to Shadow?”
Just then the door flew open, and Tarik turned to see Nathalie followed closely by his sister Arianna. Neither woman seemed in a good mood.
(OCC: Nathalie is one of my many characters.)
Corbin
"Training you've observed!" Corbin smiled and shook his head in mock shame. "It can't be, to see through me like that; my horrible secret that I am, in fact a nobody. What gave me away? The lack of doing anything or the nothing I've done?"
It was relatively pointless to press both men's' patience but it gave him a great deal of satisfaction. The mercenary always stood up to a challenge, regardless of if he could win or lose, but having wizards push him made him all the more eager to poke their sensitive points. or at least see how long he could. He wasn't afraid, the medallion Khalid had given him would deflect most spells save the most powerful or dangerous so their magic would be almost no use. In hand to hand, he felt confident; he had faced Khalid in a life or death fight before when he first met the man so fighting Tarik should be no issue. Still, if it came to that, he wouldn't be the first to act but he'll continue to enjoy verbally striking back.
"Tia?" Corbin's brows furrowed as he murmured to himself. "Going after the girl like this? No, something is off. Some detail missing..." He shook himself out of his thoughts quickly. It made no sense that the yank would go after Tia. Then again that same yank rarely every gave him any real information concerning his plans, Corbin realized.
"So if I'm not then that makes me....?" He waved his hand as if to emphasize the question. When
Richard spoke the last part Corbin gave a bark of laughter.
"I honestly could care less since I have less than any real liking for the yank myself. But please, do commence with the obvious."
He nodded. "You may, but sadly for his sake I will have to keep his name confidential...Or was it a girl? So hard to remember sometimes. Either it was a very effeminate boy or a tomboy of a girl. Kids these days"
“If he sticks with games, then his pattern will soon be recognized. I am used to his games, Mr. Corbin Airgead. Counter moves can and will be costly to him someday.”
"By all means go right on ahead and cost him. In fact you'd probably be doing me a favor or two in the process. If not, then it makes no real difference. He is taken out or he survives makes no major problems for me." He leaned forward and raised a brow. "If you want a hint, I hear he's lactose intolerant. You could also try his hemorrhoid cream, with all the pains in the ass he deals with if should be a breeze for you." He allowed and extra layer of sarcasm into his voice then relaxed back into his chair.
Corbin could not help himself. The air of the room seemed to have gotten more dangerous and yet it made his blood boil in anticipation of a challenge. "And you hate him more than he loves tormenting you. That does beg to question relations, although...." he allowed a brief pause as he smiled viciously at the man, "from my understanding of that family, the genetic trait does indicate a sense of temperamental obsession with an issue that is recurring among the relatives. Sounds almost familiar in a current setting wouldn't you say?"
He was enjoying this too much. There was an immense sense of fun and enjoyment in knowing that wizards, no matter the name, were still susceptible to the same emotions, stinging of pride, and level of insults and banter like every normal/ muggle person. When Tarik brought up the subject of the Vampire and Werewolf, the mercenary couldn't contain himself
"Well, no worries. She can tell you I check out positive, AB positive that is." Corbin allowed his mirth to flow out into his laughing. He didn't care that he was the one who was. "Sorry sorry, poor sense of humor. I am really worried though, it's not that I wonder if his bark is worse than his bite, but if his wife's bite is worse than his bark. hahahahahaha Sorry again, mustn't keep barking up the wrong tree, otherwise I could be deemed batty... well guess I'm in the right place. Oh how things have gone to the dogs..." Corbin almost wished the vampire and werewolf were around. In all honesty he had met the vampire and had actually had no issues with her. She seemed to be OK in his book, but the horrible puns were just too good an opportunity to pass up.
"Of course, on the condition that if you do plan to pull a Gestapo number on me you're going to have to do it with German accents." Corbin stopped and took a breath. "All venom aside, perhaps the courtesy can be displayed both ways. Cut out the high and mighty 'good cop bad cop' number and I'll be more than happy to be more civil."
Corbin held out his hands in a symbol for "time out". He mentally realized the hilarity after the fact that the meaning behind the gesture could have been completely lost on the wizards. He allowed his mind to process the information. It was definitely one thing to let these people know about him. Tia was another story. While it would have been no problem for the mercenary to cut his losses and leave the girl be he had to admit that he did enjoy their lessons together. Not to mention the fact that if Valentine knew he had been found out by the girl or as even close enough like that, there would be repercussions. In the end, Corbin had to settle this like a member of the echelon whether he liked it or not.
"Telling the girl may not be the wisest... or safest plan of action for her. Then again the yank might actually prefer that but your choice. If you want my advice, the girl is safest not knowing about me period, but your choice. Ultimately you know who will end up using it to play his game if he hasn't already. I’m sure you're used to taking chances when it comes to her safety." Corbin allowed the implication to linger and resigned himself to his fate. He knew his words now made him the enemy where he had been neutral before but for everyone's own good it was for the best.
Richard
"Training you've observed!" Corbin smiled and shook his head in mock shame. "It can't be, to see through me like that; my horrible secret that I am, in fact a nobody. What gave me away? The lack of doing anything or the nothing I've done?"
Richard chuckled, because he was wondering how much of what he could tell, he should give away. “Actually it was what you have and have not done. You carry yourself as a fighter would. You also move in a very relaxed way, but still poised for trouble from any direction. You cannot keep your eyes from flickering to where I have your weapons locked up.”
Looking at Corbin with a knowing smile, Richard continued, “From the expression, or should I say the lack of expression on your face, you have already calculated your chances of getting to the weapons to use, or how you would do in hand to hand combat. I think I would enjoy the hand to hand, Mr. Corbin.”
Two things struck Richard as he listened to Tarik say out loud what he was thinking; Corbin knew Tia and second Corbin could not understand how she was involved in the conversation. It was an interesting problem.
Richard looked at Corbin, and then said, “Tia Andreas is a princess and will someday be in charge of the Wizarding World in Egypt. Because of this there are individuals who think if they can control the girl, by any means…and I do mean by any means….then they will control the Wizard community in that part of the world. With this power, they also hope to branch out to other parts of the world. The girl has been in danger since she was two years old and she is protected by students and teachers at the school, and other members outside of the school.”
Richard stopped talking for a moment to see what effect the information had on Corbin. Then continuing he added, “Her well being is the main reason behind a lot of lives. Tarik and I are just wondering how you are added to the mix of protectors and hunters.”
Thinking for a moment Richard ventured a guess, “You imply you are not related to Shadow directly, but he has control over you, a strong control. Since it is a well known fact he uses peoples weaknesses, whether a personal weakness or a weakness for someone else, to control people, I would venture to say it is possibly a personal weakness in your case.”
He nodded. "You may, but sadly for his sake I will have to keep his name confidential...Or was it a girl? So hard to remember sometimes. Either it was a very effeminate boy or a tomboy of a girl. Kids these days"
Richard had spent many years in The Caretaker’s learning to read people, it was part of his job because his codename was Caretaker and he had to know how to take care of problems, efficiently and with little loss to anyone, including the person he was after. Richard never pointlessly killed an adversary if he could bring him in without harm. Corbin mentioned the possibility it was a boy first before introducing the alternate possibility it was a girl. To Richard this signified, Corbin’s interest was definitely a girl. It was an old trick in the “mind game” stratagem game.
Shaking his head in discuss, it took all Richards training not to just knock the man out. Mr. Airgead was a cocky one, the question Richard had to answer would be, was the cockiness a cover-up for frazzled nerves or was it just the way the person reacted to danger.
Richard stood ready to get in between Tarik and Corbin. He wondered if Corbin fully understood the position he was putting himself into. In Tarik’s mind Corbin would have just compared Tarik to his older brother, a comparison which would easily set Tarik off. Tarik was nothing like his brother. From what Richard had learned over the years by working for “that family” Tarik was the true opposite of his older sibling.
”Interesting…” Richard thought to himself, trying not to do a double take. ”Corbin, knows Nat. Or at least he is acquainted with her and has had a conversation.” . At the moment he let the thought go unmentioned.
"Of course, on the condition that if you do plan to pull a Gestapo number on me you're going to have to do it with German accents." Corbin stopped and took a breath. "All venom aside, perhaps the courtesy can be displayed both ways. Cut out the high and mighty 'good cop bad cop' number and I'll be more than happy to be more civil."
Richard looked over at Tarik, and said, “I think that may be arranged, at least on my part.”
Knowing Tarik was voicing a rhetorical question, Richard waited to see what effect it had on Corbin before he voiced his opinion. The man was a little shaken and had a questioning look on his face, which soon changed to resolve. All he said was, “I will be seeing Antonio later and then will make a point of asking Tia about her knowledge of Mr. Corbin when we are finished here.”
Corbin had just made the firm connection between himself and Shadow. The man did not like his boss but he would not fight him, which made him an enemy of the group. Corbin also had guts because he had to realize the position he had just put himself in. Richard would be very interested in what Nat had to say about this man.
After reminding Tarik about what he had told Richard before when Tarik thought he was leaving the room, Richard headed for the kitchen. Darik should have Nat’s special calming tea already prepared, at least he hoped so because he knew what was supposed to go in it, but had no idea of the proportions of the brew.
While looking around to see if Sara had left any message or clue to what had happened, he prepared a tray of sandwiches and pumpkin juice, with a cup of Tarik’s favorite tea. Picking up the tray he headed back to the dining room. As he reached the door, the small signal bell in the kitchen chimed. Someone had come through the front door. With the locks placed there, the individual or individuals would have had to be strong wizards. Richard put a levitation spell on the tray, so he would not have to be holding it as he entered the room.
At first Richard smiled seeing Nat followed by Ari, but his expression changed quickly when he saw the looks on their faces. Richard hurried to put the tray down and said looking at the two women, “Ladies….” Richard wondered if he handed Nat her tea now, would she throw it at the wall or him. He decided to wait and see
Tarik
Tarik frowned as he heard the exchange. The man had been made to feel that since he was better with blades then with a wand, that he was nothing. Tarik knew who had belittled the man. Getting a smile on his face as he said, “What is so horrible about being better at blades then a wand? I happen to prefer a blade to my wand. You will find that not all wizards will look down on you. Those that do mostly have no honor or are lacking in other ways themselves. In those cases, I have found they are not worth my time or energy. It is not your skills that I and Rich are putting into question but your honor and ideals. As a Medjai, I have run across many that have thought they have no choice in what they do for a living. They had blood ties to some very dark wizards. The difference between me calling them a friend even when on opposite sides of battle was that they had honor and I learned that if they gave their word, they honored it.” Tarik smiled as he realized that maybe even Richard would be surprised at his next words, “One of those men was the leader of the Seven, Daniel Marsden.”
Giving Richard a look of we'll talk later. Richard probably knew how Sasha felt about Daniel. One day Tarik would have to tell Sasha and he prayed that he did not lose her when he did.
Tarik listened and then spoke, “Tia is just not any Amira to my people. Her line dates back to Menka. In her blood is the blood of Pharaohs and there are those that want those old ways back. There has not been all out war between Egypt and the wizardry world in over a hundred years. If those that want to control her get their way, there will be again. Those that protect her have our own reasons for doing so. Mine are simple.” Tarik smiled as he realized that his reasons had started out simple as it was his duty. As he had translated the writings for Daniel, Tarik had come to realize just what power Menka had guarded. On that day, Tarik had made a faithful choice. Now that he knew what the Dark Sect was after, what Menka's treasure really was. He became more determined than ever to protect Tia. No one man had the right to wield that much power, especially his insane older brother. Tarik had lied to Daniel telling the man that he had still not finished the translation. He wondered if Shadow had in fact figured out the real purpose behind the medallions. He prayed that he hadn't as it would not be just Egypt at stake but the entire world.
Tarik smiled as he said, “Corbin, Richard is right. Shadow will have control over you as long as you believe is stronger than you. I have known blade masters who have bested a wizard.” Looking to Richard before continuing, “James Spellman was one of those men. He was murdered by the Cutting Curse when Tia was two. He was struck in the back while he was carrying Tia. If his murderer had faced him instead. I believe it would have been the Shadow who would have died that night. Shadow has no honor and deserves none in return.”
Tarik thought on Corbin's words and wondered if it was indeed Tia. Tarik noticed that Corbin was protecting the child's name but not for his sake. No, Corbin was protecting that name for the child's sake. Tarik was finding this man to be intriguing and was seeing why Darik had asked him to wait on judging the man.
Tarik smiled as he was seeing this man's heart. If things were different, Tarik might have even called this man friend. Still smiling, he said, “Corbin, no man is so powerful that they can't be taken down. Shadow has made a lot of enemies in his pursuit of Tia. Some of those are in his own camp. While others are family of his victims. Some are both. He will go down and hard. The question is though how many are going to go down with him and are you one of them? It is a question that you and only you can answer.” Tarik hoped that the man would not wait until it was too late.
Tarik was furious at Corbin's words. He realized that Richard must have realized how the Magi would react because the man's stance changed. It was time to set this Corbin straight on a few things. Tarik's face gave his intentions away as he said with venom, “The Shadow does not torment me Corbin! He rather torment children. As for relationship, that is still up for debate. It is not him I'm after as there are enough that are, his take down is assured. No, I am after the Dark Medjai that he has allied himself with. That man's head is mine to take and Take it I shall!”
Tarik wondered about the note and why Shadow acted as if Khalid no longer ran things. Shadow had implied that he and not Tarik's older half-brother now had control of the Onaris family. Tarik shook his head as he wondered whether that had just made things better or worst for his people. Tarik needed to find out. He would then decide how best to handle things. He had been shocked that the Medjai council had before their deaths had given him not only a free hand in regards to the Dark Sect members. They had also accepted the team that Arianna had formed. The Caretakers had the abilities and training of the Medjai Hunters. His sister's team were more than a match for any Dark Medjai that they hunted. Tarik had to admit that he had been glad to hand Khalid's fate to Arianna. Now he could fully focus on protecting the young princess.
Tarik frowned as he said, “I pray for your sake that Nathalie never hears you say those words. She might not find the sense of humor that you seem to. Shadow made Gabriel an enemy, the night he killed Tia's mother Tamika. Those two you don't want as enemies and now Shadow has made both his. They look at Sara as a second mother and those who hurt her as...well let's just say that Shadow is in for a world of pain.”
Tarik glared at Corbin as he said, “This is civil for me. I don't take kindly to people who help in kidnapping sweet little old ladies. Are you going to sit there and tell me that you knew nothing of why you were to keep my brother busy? That you had no idea that Shadow was having Darik hurt so that Sara could be taken while Darik was tending his wounds? Corbin, your answers will decided whether I have Richard show that note to Nathalie and Arianna. Believe me when I say, what those women do to you will make mine and Richard's actions a friendly chat.”
Tarik nodded as he took in everything. It had been a long time since he had such a mental challenge as this man gave him.
The Medjai realized that he had his answer. This Corbin, would rather be deemed the enemy that risk Tia finding out the connection. Smiling as he said calmly, “You answered my question with your own words. Answer my next questions truthfully and Tia will know nothing of this talk, agreed? First, does Shadow know about your friendship? And if Shadow ordered you to, would you betray her?”
Tarik smiled as he said, “Nathalie, your tea is ready.”
Nathalie's eyes were a very dark ice-blue as she said, “Tarik, you swore that my uncle would not get to Sara!”
Tarik smiled as he handed Nat her tea, saying, “It was not Artemis my dear. Now drink your tea as it won't matter if you do that vampire's work for him. You have not hunted as a vampire in almost thirty years, let's not break that now.”
Tarik smiled as he said, “Arianna, do I need to get Gab's tea ready?”
Just then Nat asked, “If not Artemis, Tarik then who?”
Tarik said calmly, “Shadow”
(OCC: Nathalie and Gabriel are two of my many characters.)
Arianna
When Arianna had left earlier that day to find Nat, she left under duress. If Richard had not been there, she would have fought her brother’s idea that she should leave. She knew Richard could at least talk to Tarik if he started to harm the stranger.
It had not been too difficult to locate Nat, because she was not scheduled to come in that day, Arianna tried first at her home. Nat had opened the door, with a questioning look on her face. “Hello Nat, may I come in?”
Nat opened the door a little wider to allow Arianna to enter. “You are Arianna correct. Yes, please come in. How may I help you?” Nat did not get many visitors at her house. Some were afraid of her and her husband and others just did not like them. She led Arianna into the living room and motioned for her to have a seat on the couch. Nat then took a seat in one of the arm chairs on the other side of the coffee table. She waited for Arianna to say something.
Arianna looked around the room as she took a seat. It was comfortable and gave a sense of warmth and protectiveness. Sitting a little forward on the couch cushion, she started, “I have been sent here by Tarik to see if you can come into the Tea Shoppe today. It seems Sara has become missing….”
Arianna was not able to go any farther in her explanation. She had been expecting a reaction, but not quite so sudden or violent. Nat was on her feet in an instant, “Let’s go. You can explain when we get there.” Nat’s eyes had suddenly gone icy-blue and although Arianna did not know for sure what that meant she knew it was not a good sign. They were out the door and on the way to the Tea Shoppe at a dead run.
As they reached the corner of the Tea Shoppe building Nat stopped and put out her arm to get Arianna to also stop. Carefully she looked inside through the large picture window which ran along the front of the Tea Shoppe. The view had been blocked by a spell, but apparently Nat knew how to get around the spell. Suddenly Nat headed for the door speaking an opening spell as she went. She did not even wait to see if it worked before she opened the door. With the force she used, Arianna knew the door would have opened no matter what had been blocking it.
Tarik smiled as he said, “Nathalie, your tea is ready.”
Nathalie's eyes were a very dark ice-blue as she said, “Tarik, you swore that my uncle would not get to Sara!”
Tarik smiled as he handed Nat her tea, saying, “It was not Artemis my dear. Now drink your tea as it won't matter if you do that vampire's work for him. You have not hunted as a vampire in almost thirty years, let's not break that now.”
Nat took the cup from Tarik and as she drank it, she looked over the rim at Corbin, wondering what he was doing there. She had taken two healthy swallows, before putting the cup and saucer on the nearby table. The medicine in the tea was already starting to take effect. She was not sure her eyes had started to change back yet, but she did not want to kill anyone quickly, at the moment.
Looking over at Corbin, she asked, “Corbin what are you doing here? Are you a part of the disappearance of Sara?” She hoped he wasn’t but she would have her answers.
Arianna listened to the exchange. She had positioned herself behind the man known as Corbin. Her wand was out and held only inches from the back of the man’s neck and a spell was more than half way spoken. Her eyes were pinned to any moment the man would make. Without taking her eyes off of the man, she answered Tarik’s question. “I did not call him at the moment, because he is working. If we need him it will be easy to apparate there and bring him back.” Now she needed to wait and see what they were going to do with Corbin.
Arianna let out a moan. Shadow was really getting on her nerves. She hoped he would make his mistake soon and she could watch him go down. She did not want a quick end to the Dark Wizard, she had plans for his demise and none of the plans include Azkaban.
(OOC: I have Nathalie’s permission to control her actions for this part of the thread)
Corbin
The mercenary treated the man with a cocked brow and a half grin. Only an idiot or a man too full of himself would ever make such a claim as to enjoy hand to hand. He thought to himself. Then again, Corbin often wondered which he was at times, if not both. In truth it was best to let the man continue his train of thought. The fact remained that he didn't require his blades to deal with the situation. If he did, he never would have surrendered them so easily. Of course there was no need to point that little detail out, the more these men derived the wrong impression the better it was for him.
Corbin tried hard to keep from Rolling his eyes and ignored the man's comment. There was only so much pity talk and motivational speeches he could stomach. Instead, he began letting his thoughts recap his current situation.
He thought for a few more moments while the men continued talking. These false perceptions gave him the room he needed to easily hold them at bay and, if needed, slip out should things go bad; but in order to gain the upper hand he'd need some way to reverse the power play. As of this moment the only power they had was to detain or cause obstacles for his exit. Likewise, he had only the power to nudge aside their prodding and keep them occupied. He'd need to find some way to hold power over them soon.
Corbin snapped out of his thoughts. "What’s your guess? Regardless of what I say you already have your thoughts". He had missed most of what had been said, he realized, but if there was one thing he was good at, it was pretending to pay attention.
"True... or maybe not true" Corbin shifted in his seat and allowed himself to lean on an elbow. "The question is not power, honor, or motive, but incentive. You have your incentive to keep me here, to question me. The Yank has his incentives, albeit twisted and sadistic at times. I have incentives, but the question you both want answered is what incentive has brought me to the point I'm at now and why a man of my position would willingly place myself into such a situation as dangerous as this, to have to deliver a message or two for a man I may or may not like. Well, how does one solve that riddle?"
"Of course, and anyone can kill a raging polar bear with the correct weapon or, in your case, the right 'Bippidy boppidy boo'. It takes a rare and skilled person to kill the same bear with a Q-tip, a ball of wax, and a woman's bra." Corbin chuckled "Sadly MacGyver I am not"
Dance my little puppet dance! Tarik’s outrage brought joy to the mercenary. Like w well strung marionette, Tarik and Richard were beginning to move as he wanted. If he kept this up he might be able to put on a show. Still it was all Corbin could do to keep from laughing out loud at his small victory. Still he had to press his luck further, if only to see what would happen.
"Me thinks he doth protest too much"
"Maybe, but then the question comes up what would happen if she did? That depends on a lot of situational factors deciding that one. But still your concern is noted" Corbin had a few brief encounters with the woman and though they had gotten along he wouldn't say he was much of a friend to her; at least she never made it seem like it. "Then again, I do have a way of rubbing people the wrong way but you wouldn't have guessed from my gentlemanly appearance and charming personality huh?"
Corbin met the man's gaze levelly. "You know, I bet that was the same thing Julius was thinking when he spoke to those senators... or Cleopatra to Caesar Augusts. Why even Napoleon, Attila, and Hitler thought the same thing... sadly they all shared the same fate."
Corbin leaned in further "Don't feel so invincible, a massive tantrum does not a master make."
Laughter poured from Corbin, low at first, then gaining in volume as his victory became more apparent. He finally had his end game.
"You think I'm concerned that the girl knows about me? You presume to think she and I are friends or that I take orders regularly from the Shadow? Tell her and Him. hell tell the rest for all I care." Corbin stood, now was the time to make his puppets dance. " I give you a warning for the sake of the girl and you think that gives you something to hold as a threat. Perhaps I can find the girl after this and tell her who I am and what i do. Save you the trouble of giving her speculation and then the Yank can play his little game without me in his way. Tia is important to YOU, her happiness, health, and well being are your concern. the opposite is Shadow's concern. Mine, none of you are mine"
Corbin Sat back down and rested back against the chair. "The danger you face is the unknown. You know the shadow and what he is. You know what he'll do. you can't say the same for me can you? True you deduce and speculate but what does that give you? What is a Shadow of a Shadow worth? You hold no power over me. If I'm an enemy you'd know what will happen if you cross me. If I'm an unknown ally, and believe me you have no idea of all the different groups out there besides your toe, ministry, and Echelon; but if I'm an unknown ally or a neutral third party, you can't risk making an enemy of me and having my and whatever other support I may have joining your enemies and splitting your resources."
Picking up the tea and sipping at it, Corbin leveled a cold stare at the men. His smile devoid of it's original warmth. "Now that you understand your situation I suggest you both fall back in line and rethink your strategy. I hold all the cards right now. You? a pair of blades locked away and idle threats you can't hope to act on since it will hurt all those you hope to protect. Just the two of you can't hope to beat me at this game..."
But four might pose a problem. Corbin's brow rose as he cursed himself mentally for his arrogance and for dragging the game so long. He still had the advantage, if only very slight given the circumstances, but not enough to make them obey his demands.
Let's see if we can add two more puppets to the show?
"Well Baby Blue Eyes, "Corbin Began "to answer your first question I'm being interrogated by a temperamental Egyptian and his Sherlock-wannabe side kick. As to the part of Sara, if you ask them, they’d say yes. Ask me or Sara and you might get a different answer... that is if Sara gets back before the Spanish decide to swing by and join in on the proceedings. And lastly I'm doing very well, thank you for asking. How have you been?"
He had to be patient and watch, hopefully things could work to his advantage again.
The Mercenary sighed inwardly at that small bit of good news. No point in getting more people involved. In truth he was relatively safe in this case. The woman behind him he couldn't see but since she had not acted or tried anything he felt no need to be concerned about her.
"And now for round two." sighed feeling the eyes back on him. He took a moment to review the four people around him. The woman that entered with Nathalie had set Tarik and Richard in worry mode. Nat seemed to have some overlooked to her as well. Richard already showed anxiety towards Tarik and it only increased with these other two; A sure sign the man was concerned the others would lose thier temper. Tarik must have likely felt the same about the other two and Nathalie, though far from a close friend, had shown some reluctance to harming him. In this case, if one were to lose their head, the other three would try to stop the person for their own reasons and/or for fear of what might result of injuring the messenger. He allowed himself a small smirk.
Master of puppets I'm pulling your strings? Obey your Master...
Richard
When Richard heard Tarik speak about Daniel Marsden, as if he had respect for the man, he was surprised and by the look Tarik was giving him, there would be more of an explanation coming in the not too distant future which would probably add to the surprising way he was talking about the now deceased confirmed enemy. Richard had known Daniel, from his days at Hogwarts, before he tried to “take over the world” both magical and muggle. Human nature also dictated there was a “soft spot” in everyone, even if they buried it deep and refused to recognize it. Richard wondered what Daniels would have been.
Richard had used magic mostly in his life, ever since he had been taught the spells and potions when he attended school, but there was something about hand to hand combat which made it worth learning the moves. There was great skill in besting someone else with your own refined technique. Corbin was more at home using the muggle fighting ways and it would be interesting to Richard to see how he may have combined the hand to hand skills of more than one system to refine the mercenaries technique. Richard was not sure he could beat the man, probably not, but if it could be arranged where they were not trying to kill each other, he would like to try.
Corbin tried hard to keep from rolling his eyes and ignored the man's comment. There was only so much pity talk and motivational speeches he could stomach. Instead, he began letting his thoughts recap his current situation.
He thought for a few more moments while the men continued talking.
It was not a difficult thing to notice Corbin had stopped listening to the conversation. He was thinking about something…..but what?
Richard was listening closely to Corbin. He was playing a game of words with Tarik. Corbin’s body language was also giving the fact away, that he was worried about the situation, not scared but worried. He was also planning his next move.
Looking Corbin squarely in the eyes, Richard said, “Incentives are used to get someone into a situation, but that same situation can modify those incentives because of added information. Be careful Corbin to not miss another road which can be traveled.” Richard was trying to get Corbin to keep an open mind. Even mercenaries were known to switch sides because of a better offer. That offer did not have to be money, but maybe just another adventure.
Richard listened to Tarik’s attempt to try and get the man to change sides, but in Richards experience it was not going to happen, at least not during their present conversation. Smiling when he heard the name MacGyver, a muggle television character, who could take seemingly unrelated items and using science put them together to save another character. Richard slowly turned and returned to his seat at the table opposite of Corbin. Sitting comfortably in the chair he put his elbows on the arms, inter-twined his fingers and looked at Corbin. The man was a puzzle and every hair on the back of Richards’s neck was prickling.
This man was a true mercenary. Normally he worked for the highest bidder or in the case of Shadow, for the person who held something over him. They would work for the blackmailer until a way could be found to break the hold, then they would be off to find another adventure. Mercenaries not only worked for the money, but for the adventure. They took pleasures where they could find pleasure, and hardly ever left any piece of themselves, either physical or mental behind when they left.
Corbin had accepted the possibility of death, so that did not scare him. Richard needed to find out what the hold Shadow held on Corbin was and also what scared this mercenary. Richard was gaining a lot of respect for this man, and truly hoped someday he would not have to kill him.
Richard only untangled his fingers when Corbin leaned toward Tarik. The man had not made an unusual move. He and Tarik were having a war of words at the moment. Tarik was not having as easy of a time as he normally had with reading the man, which was interesting.
Richard wondered if Corbin was trying to convince them or himself about how he personally felt about Tia. The saying Corbin had used earlier “me thinks he doth protest too much” came to Richards mind and he thought of throwing it back at Corbin, but decided against it. Instead he held his comfortable spot in his chair only changing position enough to non-verbally heat up his mug of tea and take a sip. Putting his mug down, he put his finger tips together and rested his chin on them. Looking at Corbin through partially closed eyes, he kept trying to work out who this man really was.
Corbin had thrown the proverbial ball back in their court, and he was waiting to see what they would do with it. Before any move could be made on their part……
Richard now sat forward in his chair and rested his forearms on the table. His wand was poised to pop out of his sleeve into his hand at the first sign of trouble. He did not expect what happened next. He had only gotten ready in case he had to keep Corbin alive until questions could be answered.
By the way Corbin addressed Nat he had definitely met with her more than once. Although Nat may not trust him, she did not consider him an immediate danger. Nat talked with very few people. Corbin would have been observant enough to know Nat’s eyes were not normally the icy-blue they were at the present because she was expecting danger, so he had seen them that way before and knew what they meant. Richard realized Corbin was trying to defuse the situation and through cockiness, calm Nat down at least in her present relationship with him.
Richard looked at Nat to try and gauge how she was reacting to the familiarity. He also looked at Tarik to see if he had caught the annotation of Corbin’s answer. Tarik was still upset and had not calmed himself down enough to take in all the solidities being presented. Things were getting more interesting as time passed.
Natalie
Tarik gave a sly grin as he said quietly, "Wouldn't you like to know?" It was a non-wizard's phrase that Tarik had decided to use. He hoped that the man realized that Tarik walked in both worlds. He hoped that soon he would know for sure how Corbin fit into this.
Tarik wondered if Corbin was having as much of a challenge with this mentally battle of wits as he. Though the Medjai had to admit that it was refreshing to have somebody that he could not so easily read. He wondered if that was the real reason Daniel Marsden had fascinated him. The leader of the Seven was a lot of things and to Tarik, the man that was a puzzle that the Egyptian had yet to solve. Tarik grinned as he realized that unlike most wizards, Tarik actually had come to understand Daniel's motives at least some of them.
Tarik listened and thought about the answer to Corbin's riddle. Smiling as he said, "By watching and listening very carefully, Corbin! By the way, I believe you agreed because like me you like challenges. Though I am surprised that you would state that you might have delivered or will be delivering a message to here?" He was curious about this second message from Shadow and to whom it was to.
Tarik listened and then finished Corbin's last sentence with, "Or maybe you are just that. Though I have a riddle for you. How do you deal with a raging polar bear when you have nothing with you?" He wondered if even Richard would catch the answer right a way. If Corbin got the answer to that riddle then the man would actually be able to say he understood a true Medjai.
Tarik grinned as he said, "I think you protest to little."
Tarik gave a sly grin and whispered, "Remember the raging polar bear, well to answer your question... What does everybody fear and yet respect?" Tarik's people compared an enraged Vampire to Egypt's Sand Storms. They both were nearly impossible to stop or survive, yet there were Magi that knew how.
Tarik smiled and then said, "He that would think himself invincible is either insane or a fool. I am neither nor do I consider myself a master. As a Master has no need for his life here and chose to join the Gods." He was inwardly concerned that this man would challenge the gods by daring to think that he was a master of a set of skills. Looking over at Richard, he wondered what his friend thought.
Tarik wondered if he had miss something as Corbin was laughing. Listening as inwardly he got more alarmed. Had the man actually just threatened Tia. The protector in him wanted to remove the threat to the princess but the Saygar in him wanted to study the man more. Tarik knew that if he was not careful this battle of wits would be lost. He hoped his body language would not show the inward battle that was raging in his mind as he continued to listen.
Tarik realized that this man had read him. He wondered at the man's reference to other groups and the fact that he had unknownly caught Tarik's fear. The Medjai was indeed scared of the unknown. To Tarik's people knowledge was power and this man had knowledge that could either help or destroy Tia. Corbin also had hit the nail on the head about Tarik fearing turning a possible friend into an enemy or worst Corbin being an enemy who was angry enough to make him regret it by hurting the princess.
Tarik feared that this man was possible of anything and that he would not be able to fully read him until it was to late to stop him. Looking at Richard as he wondered if he had already pushed this man to far.
Tarik realized that somehow he a Medjai had become almost an open book. This man seemed to know that Tarik would not risk either Tia or Sara. Not even to get his answers. Tarik said to Corbin as he once again tried to understand this man's heart, " Who said anything about beating you? As far as you holding all the cards, I will agree at the moment that seems to be the case. Though Corbin, remember things change from moment to moment." Tarik prayed that the man had no idea the effect his words had on the Medjai. He knew deep down he had to once again find a way to get his answers without upsetting this man to much. Tarik feared that he had already cost his side something, he just prayed that it would not be Tia or Sara.
Nat smiled as she said, "Tarik is just protective and very interested in knowledge. He is probably testing your heart. Corbin feel honored as most wizards, Tarik finds unworthy of him learning about their way of viewing things."
Nathalie's eyes went dark ice blue as she said, "What does that maniac want with Sara? Tarik, Gab can't find out as he already want the dark wizard for what is happening with Tia. If he finds out that Shadow has Sara, he will tracker that man down full moon or not."
Watching Tarik, Nathalie wondered what or who had the old Medjai spooked. It was not like Tarik to be so quiet. She looked to Richard and then Corbin. The beautiful vampire wondered if Tarik blamed himself for Sara being missing. if that was the case, Nat would set him straight as something had Tarik doubting himself and his abilities.
Looking Tarik in the eyes, "Tarik, my old friend. Don't worry so, Shadow dares not harm her. If he did, his game and life would be forfeit."
(OCC: Tarik and Gab are two of my many characters.)
Richard
Although Corbin had not moved, from where Richard sat he noticed a very minuscule shift in his eyes, one he may have not consciously made. He was definitely adding up the situation as it stood. He was out numbered, four to one, with Darik expected at any time. Richard was sure everyone in the room knew magic much more than Corbin could use.
Corbin was looking for a way to take charge of the situation. The small smirk on Corbin’s face gave the fact away and gave Richard the opinion Corbin would try and use one or several of the four of them against the others. Richard sat comfortably back in his chair and took a sip of his tea.
As Richards eyes flickered to each of his companions he thought, “Nat is trying to get a handle on the situation; Arianna is wondering if she should just knock the person out, sitting in front of her, and Tarik, although not confused, is trying to think of his next move. He did not like losing control of the situation, but he was the one who was running this show as far as Richard was concerned. It would be up to Tarik to make the next move.”
Richard was relaxed and ready to move quickly if needed. “Arianna,” Richard calmly said, “Corbin is not going anywhere at the moment. Come join me over here and enjoy some tea and be comfortable.” Smiling he winked at Ari.
Arianna looked from the back of Corbin’s head to Richard, never moving her poised wand from near the back of his neck. “Why don’t I just put him to sleep and then we can all relax until we figure out what to do with him,” she said with mock venom in her voice. She did not want to knock him out, because she wanted some answers to some questions, not all having to do with the present situation. If this man was connected to Shadow, she wanted a long, involved talk with him. She would ask the questions and he would give the answers one way or another.
Instead she removed her wand from the back of Corbin’s neck, blew on it as if it was a loaded gun which had just been fired and placed it in the pocket of her casual slacks. Then she leaned down to whisper in Corbin’s ear, “How about giving me the satisfaction, sweetie of over reacting to something here and let me put you out of my misery.” With this being said she gave a slight chuckle and went to sit next to Richard. Politely thanking him for the tea he set in front of her, she looked at Corbin, winked, then saluted him with the tea cup and took a sip.
Richard only shook his head realizing Ari was out to get answers. He was hoping in the end they would be able to let Corbin go, and not have him held by the group, so they could get their answers. He knew Ari would not torture the poor man, but over the 80 and some odd years she had been in charge of the Caretakers she had learned many ways to get information from those who thought they could hold it to themselves. Looking in Ari’s directing, he whispered, “Ari, calm down. The man has still not done anything, just delivered a message.” Richard at least had a little hope she would take his words to heart.
(OOC: Richard and Arianna are both my characters)
Note:
Greetings Tarik,
I would like you to meet Corbin. At the moment he is only my messenger. Whatever you do to him will of course, will happily be demonstrated to Sara. She sure is a feisty old lady. Too bad I had to quiet her down a bit. Do not worry, I will heal any wounds before she is returned, I promise.
You now realize, I cannot be kept out of your life by the petty wizard spells you use. I will always be greater than you, Magi. Why do you not just give up and let me have what I want. Better yet why do you not join me as my second in command? We would make a great team and after a small bit of questioning I may consider letting you bring in anyone you think worthy of joining us.
Think about it Tarik, for the alternative could be detrimental to many people’s health.
Corbin does not know much, but you are welcome to try and get information from him. Sara and I will both be waiting for his return, so we can find out about your questioning techniques.
Your constant companion,
Shadow
Richard retrieved the note from the floor where it met the bottom of the cabinet baseboard. It had bounced there when Tarik had wadded it up and threw it. The wand in Richard’s sleeve had flown into his had as Tarik’s knife hit the wall and stuck fast. If Corbin had decided to make a move then he had to be ready
Keeping one eye on the man at the table, Richard slowly un-bunched the note with one hand and read it. His own temper started to rise. Looking at Tarik with worry in his eyes, he hoped the Medjai would be able to hold by his years of training. Richard hoped Darik or Arianna would return, before he was forced to remind Tarik about what the note said and the importance of not hurting Corbin. He was not sure he had the expertise to stop the Magi from doing anything.
(Tarik) Glaring at the man, Tarik said as he messed with his blade, “It looks like my brother accepts your apology. Be grateful that he did and don't ever make the mistake again.”
"Clearly," Corbin sighed. "I lack any tact or skill at concealment. Well too late now. Although now I can't find an appropriate way to say sorry." Corbin chuckled at the situation and continued.
Looking again at the note and then at the man Richard had just learned was called Corbin, he said, “Corbin, is it? Corbin I personally do not see what you have to chuckle about.” Walking a couple steps closer to his advisory, Richard continued, “With the training I have observed you have, and what Tarik has hinted at, you must realize Shadow has willingly pitted himself against those he thinks he can get some satisfaction out of beating. Because of this someday he will make an error, and he has enough enemies of all ages, that the mistake will be caught. “
“After reading the note, I would be willing to take a chance on saying you are not directly related to Shadow.” Looking at Tarik to try and catch his eye, he then looked back at Corbin, “After reading the message, it appears Shadow is hoping we will do something to you, so he can demonstrate his truthfulness, by harming a nice old lady who only wants to be friendly and help others. He also does not think very highly of you, Mr. Corbin.” Richard was trying to give time to Tarik time to collect his thoughts.
"However as for making the mistake that’s pretty vague, but to save on arguments I won't lie and I'll just say I'll try."
Richard only smiled and shook his head sadly. The man was going to be trouble.
(Tarik) Saying a little aloud, “One day Shadow, I will see just how good you are, coward!” Right now Tia needed watched as Shadow used distractions.
Richard smiled broader. Tarik had regained most of his composer.
(Richard) “The man who gave you the note and the instruction on what to do does not just pick someone off the street to run his errands.
Corbin shrugged and reseated himself and leaned back in his chair leisurely. "By all means ask away. …the first I entered out of curiosity….. I came back a second time under the becoming of a young acquaintance of mine and again had tea. In fact, where is the proprietor? Sara... or was it Sonia? Either way I'm surprised she wasn't here today."
Apparently the man had not been considered a threat before this. If Darik had allowed him in then Darik did not consider him a viable threat enough to tell Tarik. More and more Richard realized Darik knew this person, far more personally than he was telling anyone. “May I ask who the young aquaintneace was you were with?” If Darik had allowed this man in the Tea Shoppe with one of the students, then that student would need to be possibly questioned.
“Shadow will eventually be handled, and will either end up in custody or dead. I wonder which way he would wish it to be.” Richard was hoping Corbin would give more away about his relationship with David Valentine, the Shadow. “His games have rules no matter how crocked, and once we have refined our understanding of those rules, we will use them against him.” Richard had stayed perfectly calm so far. Calmness could sometimes be used to throw the adversary off and make him overlook the danger you can present.
The mercenary leveled a look at Richard as he spoke his next bit and smiled. "Then clearly you have no idea what kind of man you're dealing with. He's a class A Sadist and would enjoy nothing more than his little 'Games'. I suggest getting used to that fact of life."
“If he sticks with games, then his pattern will soon be recognized. I am used to his games, Mr. Corbin Airgead. Counter moves can and will be costly to him someday.”
Tarik finally spoke as he went and retrieved his blade, “Shadow gave you other instructions, so what are they? Though I see that he still is a coward who one day will face my wrath.”
"Actually that concluded my end of the bit. Or did you not notice my getting ready to leave? Then again." Corbin looked to the door then back to the men. "I have a feeling that you both won't let me go until you feel like you have received sufficient answers and seeing as I'm pretty much free I have no rush to leave just yet. Although if we are going to play a game of 'Spanish inquisition' can I at least get something to drink and maybe something to nibble on?"
Richard looked over to Tarik, who did not signal yea or new to Corbin’s request for food and drink. Shrugging his shoulders and making sure Tarik was paying attention Richard said. “I think a bit of food and drink can be arranged. I trust Mr. Corbin I can rely on you to mind your manners and sit quietly.” Then looking at Tarik he said, “Remember what you said before Amir, “If you have to play down here, Play Nice and save some for Arianna, Richard as you know my sister hates to be left out.” well I would be really disappointed also, if you took all the fun on yourself.” Richard smiled at Tarik and headed to the kitchen to get the refreshments. He knew he would not be able to go up the back steps to Sara’s quarters without knowing the spell used to guard them, but he was hoping to possibly find a clue in the kitchen on what happened to Sara.
Tarik
"Clearly," Corbin sighed. "I lack any tact or skill at concealment. Well too late now. Although now I can't find an appropriate way to say sorry." Corbin chuckled at the situation and continued.
"However as for making the mistake that’s pretty vague, but to save on arguments I won't lie and I'll just say I'll try."
"However as for making the mistake that’s pretty vague, but to save on arguments I won't lie and I'll just say I'll try."
Tarik look told anybody that was watching, that if Darik had not gotten the promise from him about waiting on judging this man... Well he would have given this mercenary a taste of his own medicine. The Medjai wondered again what Darik knew of this man.
Richard retrieved the note from the floor where it met the bottom of the cabinet baseboard. It had bounced there when Tarik had wadded it up and threw it. The wand in Richard’s sleeve had flown into his had as Tarik’s knife hit the wall and stuck fast. If Corbin had decided to make a move then he had to be ready.
Keeping one eye on the man at the table, Richard slowly un-bunched the note with one hand and read it. His own temper started to rise. Looking at Tarik with worry in his eyes, he hoped the Medjai would be able to hold by his years of training. Richard hoped Darik or Arianna would return, before he was forced to remind Tarik about what the note said and the importance of not hurting Corbin. He was not sure he had the expertise to stop the Magi from doing anything.
Keeping one eye on the man at the table, Richard slowly un-bunched the note with one hand and read it. His own temper started to rise. Looking at Tarik with worry in his eyes, he hoped the Medjai would be able to hold by his years of training. Richard hoped Darik or Arianna would return, before he was forced to remind Tarik about what the note said and the importance of not hurting Corbin. He was not sure he had the expertise to stop the Magi from doing anything.
Tarik was lost in his thoughts as he went over the note from memory.
Note:
Greetings Tarik,
I would like you to meet Corbin. At the moment he is only my messenger. Whatever you do to him will of course, will happily be demonstrated to Sara. She sure is a feisty old lady. Too bad I had to quiet her down a bit. Do not worry, I will heal any wounds before she is returned, I promise.
You now realize, I cannot be kept out of your life by the petty wizard spells you use. I will always be greater than you, Magi. Why do you not just give up and let me have what I want. Better yet why do you not join me as my second in command? We would make a great team and after a small bit of questioning I may consider letting you bring in anyone you think worthy of joining us.
Think about it Tarik, for the alternative could be detrimental to many people’s health.
Corbin does not know much, but you are welcome to try and get information from him. Sara and I will both be waiting for his return, so we can find out about your questioning techniques.
Your constant companion,
Shadow
Greetings Tarik,
I would like you to meet Corbin. At the moment he is only my messenger. Whatever you do to him will of course, will happily be demonstrated to Sara. She sure is a feisty old lady. Too bad I had to quiet her down a bit. Do not worry, I will heal any wounds before she is returned, I promise.
You now realize, I cannot be kept out of your life by the petty wizard spells you use. I will always be greater than you, Magi. Why do you not just give up and let me have what I want. Better yet why do you not join me as my second in command? We would make a great team and after a small bit of questioning I may consider letting you bring in anyone you think worthy of joining us.
Think about it Tarik, for the alternative could be detrimental to many people’s health.
Corbin does not know much, but you are welcome to try and get information from him. Sara and I will both be waiting for his return, so we can find out about your questioning techniques.
Your constant companion,
Shadow
Deciding to test the man that Shadow called Corbin, Tarik voiced his thoughts, “Sara better not have a wound on her Shadow. For if she does, Nat will not only be hunting her uncle. Petty spells Shadow, I wonder. So I am in your way of getting to Tia, good! You have taken everything, you are going to take from the Princess, I will see to that! So Corbin will be returning to where you have Sara, interesting.”
Tarik was not going to show just how shaken he really was. Thinking the tracking spell and praying that Corbin would lead them straight to the Onaris. Smiling as he thought about how Shadow had made a major error by letting it slip that Corbin had been ordered to return. Tarik had every intention of showing Shadow just how costly that error was.
The mercenary leveled a look at Richard as he spoke his next bit and smiled. "Then clearly you have no idea what kind of man you're dealing with. He's a class A Sadist and would enjoy nothing more than his little 'Games'. I suggest getting used to that fact of life."
“If he sticks with games, then his pattern will soon be recognized. I am used to his games, Mr. Corbin Airgead. Counter moves can and will be costly to him someday.”
“If he sticks with games, then his pattern will soon be recognized. I am used to his games, Mr. Corbin Airgead. Counter moves can and will be costly to him someday.”
Tarik smiled as he said, “It looks like you dislike him as much as he dislikes you, Airgead. So that means you are probably blood related. Don't be surprised that I figured that out, it is what I do. He has made a grave error in taking Sara. For one it has Darik very upset as he was sent by Arianna to protect the old lady. My brother for one is not to get mad easily. Shadow's other error was not seeing how Nathalie and Gabriel would look at him grabbing Sara. Have you ever seen a vampire and werewolf furious, Mr. Airgead? I doubt it, as it is not a pretty sight. Especially when said werewolf already has a score to settle with Shadow.”
"Actually that concluded my end of the bit. Or did you not notice my getting ready to leave? Then again." Corbin looked to the door then back to the men. "I have a feeling that you both won't let me go until you feel like you have recieved sufficient answers and seeing as I'm pretty much free I have no rush to leave just yet. Although if we are going to play a game of 'Spanish inquisition' can I at least get something to drink and maybe something to nibble on?"
Richard looked over to Tarik, who did not signal yea or new to Corbin’s request for food and drink. Shrugging his shoulders and making sure Tarik was paying attention Richard said. “I think a bit of food and drink can be arranged. I trust Mr. Corbin I can rely on you to mind your manners and sit quietly.” Then looking at Tarik he said, “Remember what you said before Amir, “If you have to play down here, Play Nice and save some for Arianna, Richard as you know my sister hates to be left out.” Well I would be really be disappointed also, if you took all the fun on yourself.” Richard smiled at Tarik and headed to the kitchen to get the refreshments. He knew he would not be able to go up the back steps to Sara’s quarters without knowing the spell used to guard them, but he was hoping to possibly find a clue in the kitchen on what happened to Sara.
Richard looked over to Tarik, who did not signal yea or new to Corbin’s request for food and drink. Shrugging his shoulders and making sure Tarik was paying attention Richard said. “I think a bit of food and drink can be arranged. I trust Mr. Corbin I can rely on you to mind your manners and sit quietly.” Then looking at Tarik he said, “Remember what you said before Amir, “If you have to play down here, Play Nice and save some for Arianna, Richard as you know my sister hates to be left out.” Well I would be really be disappointed also, if you took all the fun on yourself.” Richard smiled at Tarik and headed to the kitchen to get the refreshments. He knew he would not be able to go up the back steps to Sara’s quarters without knowing the spell used to guard them, but he was hoping to possibly find a clue in the kitchen on what happened to Sara.
Tarik had hoped to get some clue as to has to Corbin's part in all this. Darik had seen something about Corbin that gave Darik hope. Hope that Corbin was not like Shadow and more like Antonio, Tarik was looking for what that was. Tarik thought a moment and then said, “Richard, maybe we need to have a talk with Antonio later?” Then realizing how Darik was always keeping an eye on Tia. He wondered and decided to test his hunch by saying, “Or maybe you could ask Tia if she knows Corbin? I wonder what she would think of his connection to Shadow?”
Just then the door flew open, and Tarik turned to see Nathalie followed closely by his sister Arianna. Neither woman seemed in a good mood.
(OCC: Nathalie is one of my many characters.)
Corbin
“Corbin, is it? Corbin I personally do not see what you have to chuckle about.” Walking a couple steps closer to his advisory, Richard continued, “With the training I have observed you have, and what Tarik has hinted at, you must realize Shadow has willingly pitted himself against those he thinks he can get some satisfaction out of beating. Because of this someday he will make an error, and he has enough enemies of all ages, that the mistake will be caught."
"Training you've observed!" Corbin smiled and shook his head in mock shame. "It can't be, to see through me like that; my horrible secret that I am, in fact a nobody. What gave me away? The lack of doing anything or the nothing I've done?"
It was relatively pointless to press both men's' patience but it gave him a great deal of satisfaction. The mercenary always stood up to a challenge, regardless of if he could win or lose, but having wizards push him made him all the more eager to poke their sensitive points. or at least see how long he could. He wasn't afraid, the medallion Khalid had given him would deflect most spells save the most powerful or dangerous so their magic would be almost no use. In hand to hand, he felt confident; he had faced Khalid in a life or death fight before when he first met the man so fighting Tarik should be no issue. Still, if it came to that, he wouldn't be the first to act but he'll continue to enjoy verbally striking back.
“Sara better not have a wound on her Shadow. For if she does, Nat will not only be hunting her uncle. Petty spells Shadow, I wonder. So I am in your way of getting to Tia, good! You have taken everything, you are going to take from the Princess, I will see to that! So Corbin will be returning to where you have Sara, interesting.”
"Tia?" Corbin's brows furrowed as he murmured to himself. "Going after the girl like this? No, something is off. Some detail missing..." He shook himself out of his thoughts quickly. It made no sense that the yank would go after Tia. Then again that same yank rarely every gave him any real information concerning his plans, Corbin realized.
“After reading the note, I would be willing to take a chance on saying you are not directly related to Shadow...He also does not think very highly of you, Mr. Corbin.”
"So if I'm not then that makes me....?" He waved his hand as if to emphasize the question. When
Richard spoke the last part Corbin gave a bark of laughter.
"I honestly could care less since I have less than any real liking for the yank myself. But please, do commence with the obvious."
"May I ask who the young aquaintneace was you were with?”
He nodded. "You may, but sadly for his sake I will have to keep his name confidential...Or was it a girl? So hard to remember sometimes. Either it was a very effeminate boy or a tomboy of a girl. Kids these days"
Can't make it too easy for them He thought to himself. Besides no need to get others involved where they aren't needed.
“If he sticks with games, then his pattern will soon be recognized. I am used to his games, Mr. Corbin Airgead. Counter moves can and will be costly to him someday.”
"By all means go right on ahead and cost him. In fact you'd probably be doing me a favor or two in the process. If not, then it makes no real difference. He is taken out or he survives makes no major problems for me." He leaned forward and raised a brow. "If you want a hint, I hear he's lactose intolerant. You could also try his hemorrhoid cream, with all the pains in the ass he deals with if should be a breeze for you." He allowed and extra layer of sarcasm into his voice then relaxed back into his chair.
Tarik smiled as he said, “It looks like you dislike him as much as he dislikes you, Airgead. So that means you are probably blood related. Don't be surprised that I figured that out, it is what I do. He has made a grave error in taking Sara. For one it has Darik very upset as he was sent by Arianna to protect the old lady. My brother for one is not to get mad easily. Shadow's other error was not seeing how Nathalie and Gabriel would look at him grabbing Sara. Have you ever seen a vampire and werewolf furious, Mr. Airgead? I doubt it, as it is not a pretty sight. Especially when werewolf said already has a score to settle with Shadow.”
Corbin could not help himself. The air of the room seemed to have gotten more dangerous and yet it made his blood boil in anticipation of a challenge. "And you hate him more than he loves tormenting you. That does beg to question relations, although...." he allowed a brief pause as he smiled viciously at the man, "from my understanding of that family, the genetic trait does indicate a sense of temperamental obsession with an issue that is recurring among the relatives. Sounds almost familiar in a current setting wouldn't you say?"
He was enjoying this too much. There was an immense sense of fun and enjoyment in knowing that wizards, no matter the name, were still susceptible to the same emotions, stinging of pride, and level of insults and banter like every normal/ muggle person. When Tarik brought up the subject of the Vampire and Werewolf, the mercenary couldn't contain himself
"Well, no worries. She can tell you I check out positive, AB positive that is." Corbin allowed his mirth to flow out into his laughing. He didn't care that he was the one who was. "Sorry sorry, poor sense of humor. I am really worried though, it's not that I wonder if his bark is worse than his bite, but if his wife's bite is worse than his bark. hahahahahaha Sorry again, mustn't keep barking up the wrong tree, otherwise I could be deemed batty... well guess I'm in the right place. Oh how things have gone to the dogs..." Corbin almost wished the vampire and werewolf were around. In all honesty he had met the vampire and had actually had no issues with her. She seemed to be OK in his book, but the horrible puns were just too good an opportunity to pass up.
“I think a bit of food and drink can be arranged. I trust Mr. Corbin I can rely on you to mind your manners and sit quietly.”
"Of course, on the condition that if you do plan to pull a Gestapo number on me you're going to have to do it with German accents." Corbin stopped and took a breath. "All venom aside, perhaps the courtesy can be displayed both ways. Cut out the high and mighty 'good cop bad cop' number and I'll be more than happy to be more civil."
“Or maybe you could ask Tia if she knows Corbin? I wonder what she would think of his connection to Shadow.”
Corbin held out his hands in a symbol for "time out". He mentally realized the hilarity after the fact that the meaning behind the gesture could have been completely lost on the wizards. He allowed his mind to process the information. It was definitely one thing to let these people know about him. Tia was another story. While it would have been no problem for the mercenary to cut his losses and leave the girl be he had to admit that he did enjoy their lessons together. Not to mention the fact that if Valentine knew he had been found out by the girl or as even close enough like that, there would be repercussions. In the end, Corbin had to settle this like a member of the echelon whether he liked it or not.
"Telling the girl may not be the wisest... or safest plan of action for her. Then again the yank might actually prefer that but your choice. If you want my advice, the girl is safest not knowing about me period, but your choice. Ultimately you know who will end up using it to play his game if he hasn't already. I’m sure you're used to taking chances when it comes to her safety." Corbin allowed the implication to linger and resigned himself to his fate. He knew his words now made him the enemy where he had been neutral before but for everyone's own good it was for the best.
Richard
Richard continued, “With the training I have observed you have, and what Tarik has hinted at,
"Training you've observed!" Corbin smiled and shook his head in mock shame. "It can't be, to see through me like that; my horrible secret that I am, in fact a nobody. What gave me away? The lack of doing anything or the nothing I've done?"
Richard chuckled, because he was wondering how much of what he could tell, he should give away. “Actually it was what you have and have not done. You carry yourself as a fighter would. You also move in a very relaxed way, but still poised for trouble from any direction. You cannot keep your eyes from flickering to where I have your weapons locked up.”
Looking at Corbin with a knowing smile, Richard continued, “From the expression, or should I say the lack of expression on your face, you have already calculated your chances of getting to the weapons to use, or how you would do in hand to hand combat. I think I would enjoy the hand to hand, Mr. Corbin.”
Deciding to test the man that Shadow called Corbin, Tarik voiced his thoughts, “Sara better not have a wound on her Shadow. For if she does, Nat will not only be hunting her uncle. Petty spells Shadow, I wonder. So I am in your way of getting to Tia, good! You have taken everything, you are going to take from the Princess, I will see to that! So Corbin will be returning to where you have Sara, interesting.”
"Tia?" Corbin's brows furrowed as he murmured to himself. "Going after the girl like this? No, something is off. Some detail missing..." He shook himself out of his thoughts quickly. It made no sense that the yank would go after Tia. Then again that same yank rarely every gave him any real information concerning his plans, Corbin realized.
"Tia?" Corbin's brows furrowed as he murmured to himself. "Going after the girl like this? No, something is off. Some detail missing..." He shook himself out of his thoughts quickly. It made no sense that the yank would go after Tia. Then again that same yank rarely every gave him any real information concerning his plans, Corbin realized.
Two things struck Richard as he listened to Tarik say out loud what he was thinking; Corbin knew Tia and second Corbin could not understand how she was involved in the conversation. It was an interesting problem.
Richard looked at Corbin, and then said, “Tia Andreas is a princess and will someday be in charge of the Wizarding World in Egypt. Because of this there are individuals who think if they can control the girl, by any means…and I do mean by any means….then they will control the Wizard community in that part of the world. With this power, they also hope to branch out to other parts of the world. The girl has been in danger since she was two years old and she is protected by students and teachers at the school, and other members outside of the school.”
Richard stopped talking for a moment to see what effect the information had on Corbin. Then continuing he added, “Her well being is the main reason behind a lot of lives. Tarik and I are just wondering how you are added to the mix of protectors and hunters.”
"So if I'm not then that makes me....?" He waved his hand as if to emphasize the question. When Richard spoke the last part Corbin gave a bark of laughter.
"I honestly could care less since I have less than any real liking for the yank myself. But please, do commence with the obvious."
"I honestly could care less since I have less than any real liking for the yank myself. But please, do commence with the obvious."
Thinking for a moment Richard ventured a guess, “You imply you are not related to Shadow directly, but he has control over you, a strong control. Since it is a well known fact he uses peoples weaknesses, whether a personal weakness or a weakness for someone else, to control people, I would venture to say it is possibly a personal weakness in your case.”
(Richard} "May I ask who the young aquaintneace was you were with?”
He nodded. "You may, but sadly for his sake I will have to keep his name confidential...Or was it a girl? So hard to remember sometimes. Either it was a very effeminate boy or a tomboy of a girl. Kids these days"
Richard had spent many years in The Caretaker’s learning to read people, it was part of his job because his codename was Caretaker and he had to know how to take care of problems, efficiently and with little loss to anyone, including the person he was after. Richard never pointlessly killed an adversary if he could bring him in without harm. Corbin mentioned the possibility it was a boy first before introducing the alternate possibility it was a girl. To Richard this signified, Corbin’s interest was definitely a girl. It was an old trick in the “mind game” stratagem game.
(Richard) “If he sticks with games, then his pattern will soon be recognized. I am used to his games, Mr. Corbin Airgead. Counter moves can and will be costly to him someday.”
"By all means go right on ahead and cost him. In fact you'd probably be doing me a favor or two in the process. If not, then it makes no real difference. He is taken out or he survives makes no major problems for me." He leaned forward and raised a brow. "If you want a hint, I hear he's lactose intolerant. You could also try his hemorrhoid cream, with all the pains in the ass he deals with if should be a breeze for you." He allowed and extra layer of sarcasm into his voice then relaxed back into his chair.
"By all means go right on ahead and cost him. In fact you'd probably be doing me a favor or two in the process. If not, then it makes no real difference. He is taken out or he survives makes no major problems for me." He leaned forward and raised a brow. "If you want a hint, I hear he's lactose intolerant. You could also try his hemorrhoid cream, with all the pains in the ass he deals with if should be a breeze for you." He allowed and extra layer of sarcasm into his voice then relaxed back into his chair.
Shaking his head in discuss, it took all Richards training not to just knock the man out. Mr. Airgead was a cocky one, the question Richard had to answer would be, was the cockiness a cover-up for frazzled nerves or was it just the way the person reacted to danger.
Corbin could not help himself. The air of the room seemed to have gotten more dangerous and yet it made his blood boil in anticipation of a challenge. "And you hate him more than he loves tormenting you. That does beg to question relations, although...." he allowed a brief pause as he smiled viciously at the man, "from my understanding of that family, the genetic trait does indicate a sense of temperamental obsession with an issue that is recurring among the relatives. Sounds almost familiar in a current setting wouldn't you say?"
Richard stood ready to get in between Tarik and Corbin. He wondered if Corbin fully understood the position he was putting himself into. In Tarik’s mind Corbin would have just compared Tarik to his older brother, a comparison which would easily set Tarik off. Tarik was nothing like his brother. From what Richard had learned over the years by working for “that family” Tarik was the true opposite of his older sibling.
"Well, no worries. She can tell you I check out positive, AB positive that is." Corbin allowed his mirth to flow out into his laughing.
”Interesting…” Richard thought to himself, trying not to do a double take. ”Corbin, knows Nat. Or at least he is acquainted with her and has had a conversation.” . At the moment he let the thought go unmentioned.
(Richard) “I think a bit of food and drink can be arranged. I trust Mr. Corbin I can rely on you to mind your manners and sit quietly.”
"Of course, on the condition that if you do plan to pull a Gestapo number on me you're going to have to do it with German accents." Corbin stopped and took a breath. "All venom aside, perhaps the courtesy can be displayed both ways. Cut out the high and mighty 'good cop bad cop' number and I'll be more than happy to be more civil."
Richard looked over at Tarik, and said, “I think that may be arranged, at least on my part.”
…..Tarik thought a moment and then said, “Richard, maybe we need to have a talk with Antonio later?” Then realizing how Darik was always keeping an eye on Tia. He wondered and decided to test his hunch by saying, “Or maybe you could ask Tia if she knows Corbin? I wonder what she would think of his connection to Shadow?”
Knowing Tarik was voicing a rhetorical question, Richard waited to see what effect it had on Corbin before he voiced his opinion. The man was a little shaken and had a questioning look on his face, which soon changed to resolve. All he said was, “I will be seeing Antonio later and then will make a point of asking Tia about her knowledge of Mr. Corbin when we are finished here.”
"Telling the girl may not be the wisest... or safest plan of action for her. Then again the yank might actually prefer that but your choice. If you want my advice, the girl is safest not knowing about me period, but your choice. Ultimately you know who will end up using it to play his game if he hasn't already. I’m sure you're used to taking chances when it comes to her safety."
Corbin had just made the firm connection between himself and Shadow. The man did not like his boss but he would not fight him, which made him an enemy of the group. Corbin also had guts because he had to realize the position he had just put himself in. Richard would be very interested in what Nat had to say about this man.
(Richard) “Remember what you said before Amir, “If you have to play down here, Play Nice and save some for Arianna, Richard as you know my sister hates to be left out.” well I would be really disappointed also, if you took all the fun on yourself.” Richard smiled at Tarik and headed to the kitchen to get the refreshments.
After reminding Tarik about what he had told Richard before when Tarik thought he was leaving the room, Richard headed for the kitchen. Darik should have Nat’s special calming tea already prepared, at least he hoped so because he knew what was supposed to go in it, but had no idea of the proportions of the brew.
While looking around to see if Sara had left any message or clue to what had happened, he prepared a tray of sandwiches and pumpkin juice, with a cup of Tarik’s favorite tea. Picking up the tray he headed back to the dining room. As he reached the door, the small signal bell in the kitchen chimed. Someone had come through the front door. With the locks placed there, the individual or individuals would have had to be strong wizards. Richard put a levitation spell on the tray, so he would not have to be holding it as he entered the room.
Just then the door flew open, and Tarik turned to see Nathalie followed closely by his sister Arianna. Neither woman seemed in a good mood.
At first Richard smiled seeing Nat followed by Ari, but his expression changed quickly when he saw the looks on their faces. Richard hurried to put the tray down and said looking at the two women, “Ladies….” Richard wondered if he handed Nat her tea now, would she throw it at the wall or him. He decided to wait and see
Tarik
"Training you've observed!" Corbin smiled and shook his head in mock shame. "It can't be, to see through me like that; my horrible secret that I am, in fact a nobody. What gave me away? The lack of doing anything or the nothing I've done?"
Richard chuckled, because he was wondering how much of what he could tell, he should give away. “Actually it was what you have and have not done. You carry yourself as a fighter would. You also move in a very relaxed way, but still poised for trouble from any direction. You cannot keep your eyes from flickering to where I have your weapons locked up.”
Looking at Corbin with a knowing smile, Richard continued, “From the expression, or should I say the lack of expression on your face, you have already calculated your chances of getting to the weapons to use, or how you would do in hand to hand combat. I think I would enjoy the hand to hand, Mr. Corbin.”
Richard chuckled, because he was wondering how much of what he could tell, he should give away. “Actually it was what you have and have not done. You carry yourself as a fighter would. You also move in a very relaxed way, but still poised for trouble from any direction. You cannot keep your eyes from flickering to where I have your weapons locked up.”
Looking at Corbin with a knowing smile, Richard continued, “From the expression, or should I say the lack of expression on your face, you have already calculated your chances of getting to the weapons to use, or how you would do in hand to hand combat. I think I would enjoy the hand to hand, Mr. Corbin.”
Tarik frowned as he heard the exchange. The man had been made to feel that since he was better with blades then with a wand, that he was nothing. Tarik knew who had belittled the man. Getting a smile on his face as he said, “What is so horrible about being better at blades then a wand? I happen to prefer a blade to my wand. You will find that not all wizards will look down on you. Those that do mostly have no honor or are lacking in other ways themselves. In those cases, I have found they are not worth my time or energy. It is not your skills that I and Rich are putting into question but your honor and ideals. As a Medjai, I have run across many that have thought they have no choice in what they do for a living. They had blood ties to some very dark wizards. The difference between me calling them a friend even when on opposite sides of battle was that they had honor and I learned that if they gave their word, they honored it.” Tarik smiled as he realized that maybe even Richard would be surprised at his next words, “One of those men was the leader of the Seven, Daniel Marsden.”
Giving Richard a look of we'll talk later. Richard probably knew how Sasha felt about Daniel. One day Tarik would have to tell Sasha and he prayed that he did not lose her when he did.
"Tia?" Corbin's brows furrowed as he murmured to himself. "Going after the girl like this? No, something is off. Some detail missing..." He shook himself out of his thoughts quickly.
Richard looked at Corbin, and then said, “Tia Andreas is a princess and will someday be in charge of the Wizarding World in Egypt. Because of this there are individuals who think if they can control the girl, by any means…and I do mean by any means….then they will control the Wizard community in that part of the world. With this power, they also hope to branch out to other parts of the world. The girl has been in danger since she was two years old and she is protected by students and teachers at the school, and other members outside of the school.”
Richard stopped talking for a moment to see what effect the information had on Corbin. Then continuing he added, “Her well being is the main reason behind a lot of lives. Tarik and I are just wondering how you are added to the mix of protectors and hunters.”
Richard looked at Corbin, and then said, “Tia Andreas is a princess and will someday be in charge of the Wizarding World in Egypt. Because of this there are individuals who think if they can control the girl, by any means…and I do mean by any means….then they will control the Wizard community in that part of the world. With this power, they also hope to branch out to other parts of the world. The girl has been in danger since she was two years old and she is protected by students and teachers at the school, and other members outside of the school.”
Richard stopped talking for a moment to see what effect the information had on Corbin. Then continuing he added, “Her well being is the main reason behind a lot of lives. Tarik and I are just wondering how you are added to the mix of protectors and hunters.”
Tarik listened and then spoke, “Tia is just not any Amira to my people. Her line dates back to Menka. In her blood is the blood of Pharaohs and there are those that want those old ways back. There has not been all out war between Egypt and the wizardry world in over a hundred years. If those that want to control her get their way, there will be again. Those that protect her have our own reasons for doing so. Mine are simple.” Tarik smiled as he realized that his reasons had started out simple as it was his duty. As he had translated the writings for Daniel, Tarik had come to realize just what power Menka had guarded. On that day, Tarik had made a faithful choice. Now that he knew what the Dark Sect was after, what Menka's treasure really was. He became more determined than ever to protect Tia. No one man had the right to wield that much power, especially his insane older brother. Tarik had lied to Daniel telling the man that he had still not finished the translation. He wondered if Shadow had in fact figured out the real purpose behind the medallions. He prayed that he hadn't as it would not be just Egypt at stake but the entire world.
"So if I'm not then that makes me....?" He waved his hand as if to emphasize the question. When Richard spoke the last part Corbin gave a bark of laughter.
"I honestly could care less since I have less then any real liking for the yank myself. But please, do commence with the obvious."
Thinking for a moment Richard ventured a guess, “You imply you are not related to Shadow directly, but he has control over you, a strong control. Since it is a well known fact he uses peoples weaknesses, whether a personal weakness or a weakness for someone else, to control people, I would venture to say it is possibly a personal weakness in your case.”
"I honestly could care less since I have less then any real liking for the yank myself. But please, do commence with the obvious."
Thinking for a moment Richard ventured a guess, “You imply you are not related to Shadow directly, but he has control over you, a strong control. Since it is a well known fact he uses peoples weaknesses, whether a personal weakness or a weakness for someone else, to control people, I would venture to say it is possibly a personal weakness in your case.”
Tarik smiled as he said, “Corbin, Richard is right. Shadow will have control over you as long as you believe is stronger than you. I have known blade masters who have bested a wizard.” Looking to Richard before continuing, “James Spellman was one of those men. He was murdered by the Cutting Curse when Tia was two. He was struck in the back while he was carrying Tia. If his murderer had faced him instead. I believe it would have been the Shadow who would have died that night. Shadow has no honor and deserves none in return.”
He nodded. "You may, but sadly for his sake I will have to keep his name confidential...Or was it a girl? So hard to remember sometimes. Either it was a very efeminate boy or a tomboy of a girl. Kids these days"
Tarik thought on Corbin's words and wondered if it was indeed Tia. Tarik noticed that Corbin was protecting the child's name but not for his sake. No, Corbin was protecting that name for the child's sake. Tarik was finding this man to be intriguing and was seeing why Darik had asked him to wait on judging the man.
"By all means go right on ahead and cost him. In fact you'd probably be doing me a favor or two in the process. If not, then it makes no real difference. He is taken out or he survives makes no major problems for me." He leaned forward and raised a brow. "If you want a hint, I hear he's lactose intolerant. You could also try his hemorrhoid cream, with all the pains in the ass he deals with if should be a breeze for you." He allowed and extra layer of sarcasm into his voice then relaxed back into his chair.
Tarik smiled as he was seeing this man's heart. If things were different, Tarik might have even called this man friend. Still smiling, he said, “Corbin, no man is so powerful that they can't be taken down. Shadow has made a lot of enemies in his pursuit of Tia. Some of those are in his own camp. While others are family of his victims. Some are both. He will go down and hard. The question is though how many are going to go down with him and are you one of them? It is a question that you and only you can answer.” Tarik hoped that the man would not wait until it was too late.
Corbin could not help himself. The air of the room seemed to have gotten more dangerous and yet it made his blood boil in anticipation of a challenge. "And you hate him more than he loves tormenting you. That does beg to question relations, Although...." he allowed a brief pause as he smiled viciously at the man, "from my understanding of that family, the genetic trait does indicate a sense of temperamental obsession with an issue that is recurring among the relatives. Sounds almost familiar in a current setting wouldn't you say?"
Richard stood ready to get in between Tarik and Corbin.
Richard stood ready to get in between Tarik and Corbin.
Tarik was furious at Corbin's words. He realized that Richard must have realized how the Magi would react because the man's stance changed. It was time to set this Corbin straight on a few things. Tarik's face gave his intentions away as he said with venom, “The Shadow does not torment me Corbin! He rather torment children. As for relationship, that is still up for debate. It is not him I'm after as there are enough that are, his take down is assured. No, I am after the Dark Medjai that he has allied himself with. That man's head is mine to take and Take it I shall!”
Tarik wondered about the note and why Shadow acted as if Khalid no longer ran things. Shadow had implied that he and not Tarik's older half-brother now had control of the Onaris family. Tarik shook his head as he wondered whether that had just made things better or worst for his people. Tarik needed to find out. He would then decide how best to handle things. He had been shocked that the Medjai council had before their deaths had given him not only a free hand in regards to the Dark Sect members. They had also accepted the team that Arianna had formed. The Caretakers had the abilities and training of the Medjai Hunters. His sister's team were more than a match for any Dark Medjai that they hunted. Tarik had to admit that he had been glad to hand Khalid's fate to Arianna. Now he could fully focus on protecting the young princess.
"Well, no worries. She can tell you I check out positive, AB positive that is." Corbin allowed his mirth to flow out into his laughing. He didn't care that he was the one who was. "Sorry sorry, poor sense of humor. I am really worried though, it's not that I wonder if his bark is worse than his bite, but if his wife's bite is worse than his bark. hahahahahaha Sorry again, mustn't keep barking up the wrong tree, otherwise I could be deemed batty... well guess I'm in the right place. Oh how things have gone to the dogs..." Corbin almost wished the vampire and werewolf were around.
Tarik frowned as he said, “I pray for your sake that Nathalie never hears you say those words. She might not find the sense of humor that you seem to. Shadow made Gabriel an enemy, the night he killed Tia's mother Tamika. Those two you don't want as enemies and now Shadow has made both his. They look at Sara as a second mother and those who hurt her as...well let's just say that Shadow is in for a world of pain.”
"Of course, on the condition that if you do plan to pull a gestapo number on me you're going to have to do it with German accents." Corbin stopped and took a breath. "All venom aside, perhaps the courtesy can be displayed both ways. Cut out the high and mighty 'good cop bad cop' number and I'll be more than happy to be more civil."
Richard looked over at Tarik, and said, “I think that may be arranged, at least on my part.”
Richard looked over at Tarik, and said, “I think that may be arranged, at least on my part.”
Tarik glared at Corbin as he said, “This is civil for me. I don't take kindly to people who help in kidnapping sweet little old ladies. Are you going to sit there and tell me that you knew nothing of why you were to keep my brother busy? That you had no idea that Shadow was having Darik hurt so that Sara could be taken while Darik was tending his wounds? Corbin, your answers will decided whether I have Richard show that note to Nathalie and Arianna. Believe me when I say, what those women do to you will make mine and Richard's actions a friendly chat.”
Corbin held out his hands in a symbol for "time out".
Knowing Tarik was voicing a rhetorical question, Richard waited to see what effect it had on Corbin before he voiced his opinion. The man was a little shaken and had a questioning look on his face, which soon changed to resolve. All he said was, “I will be seeing Antonio later and then will make a point of asking Tia about her knowledge of Mr. Corbin when we are finished here.”
Knowing Tarik was voicing a rhetorical question, Richard waited to see what effect it had on Corbin before he voiced his opinion. The man was a little shaken and had a questioning look on his face, which soon changed to resolve. All he said was, “I will be seeing Antonio later and then will make a point of asking Tia about her knowledge of Mr. Corbin when we are finished here.”
Tarik nodded as he took in everything. It had been a long time since he had such a mental challenge as this man gave him.
"Telling the girl may not be the wisest... or safest plan of action for her. Then again the yank might actually prefer that but your choice. If you want my advice, the girl is safest not knowing about me period, but your choice. Ultimately you know who will end up using it to play his game if he hasn't already. I'm sure you're used to taking chances when it comes to her safety." Corbin allowed the implication to linger and resigned himself to his fate. He knew his words now made him the enemy where he had been neutral before but for everyone's own good it was for the best.
The Medjai realized that he had his answer. This Corbin, would rather be deemed the enemy that risk Tia finding out the connection. Smiling as he said calmly, “You answered my question with your own words. Answer my next questions truthfully and Tia will know nothing of this talk, agreed? First, does Shadow know about your friendship? And if Shadow ordered you to, would you betray her?”
At first Richard smiled seeing Nat followed by Ari, but his expression changed quickly when he saw the looks on their faces. Richard hurried to put the tray down and said looking at the two women, “Ladies….” Richard wondered if he handed Nat her tea now, would she throw it at the wall or him. He decided to wait and see.
Tarik smiled as he said, “Nathalie, your tea is ready.”
Nathalie's eyes were a very dark ice-blue as she said, “Tarik, you swore that my uncle would not get to Sara!”
Tarik smiled as he handed Nat her tea, saying, “It was not Artemis my dear. Now drink your tea as it won't matter if you do that vampire's work for him. You have not hunted as a vampire in almost thirty years, let's not break that now.”
Tarik smiled as he said, “Arianna, do I need to get Gab's tea ready?”
Just then Nat asked, “If not Artemis, Tarik then who?”
Tarik said calmly, “Shadow”
(OCC: Nathalie and Gabriel are two of my many characters.)
Arianna
(Tarik) Turning to Ari as he said, "Ari, you remember Nat, right? I think we will need her since Sara is missing. Would you do the honors? And Ari, it is best not to tell her what we suspect."
When Arianna had left earlier that day to find Nat, she left under duress. If Richard had not been there, she would have fought her brother’s idea that she should leave. She knew Richard could at least talk to Tarik if he started to harm the stranger.
It had not been too difficult to locate Nat, because she was not scheduled to come in that day, Arianna tried first at her home. Nat had opened the door, with a questioning look on her face. “Hello Nat, may I come in?”
Nat opened the door a little wider to allow Arianna to enter. “You are Arianna correct. Yes, please come in. How may I help you?” Nat did not get many visitors at her house. Some were afraid of her and her husband and others just did not like them. She led Arianna into the living room and motioned for her to have a seat on the couch. Nat then took a seat in one of the arm chairs on the other side of the coffee table. She waited for Arianna to say something.
Arianna looked around the room as she took a seat. It was comfortable and gave a sense of warmth and protectiveness. Sitting a little forward on the couch cushion, she started, “I have been sent here by Tarik to see if you can come into the Tea Shoppe today. It seems Sara has become missing….”
Arianna was not able to go any farther in her explanation. She had been expecting a reaction, but not quite so sudden or violent. Nat was on her feet in an instant, “Let’s go. You can explain when we get there.” Nat’s eyes had suddenly gone icy-blue and although Arianna did not know for sure what that meant she knew it was not a good sign. They were out the door and on the way to the Tea Shoppe at a dead run.
As they reached the corner of the Tea Shoppe building Nat stopped and put out her arm to get Arianna to also stop. Carefully she looked inside through the large picture window which ran along the front of the Tea Shoppe. The view had been blocked by a spell, but apparently Nat knew how to get around the spell. Suddenly Nat headed for the door speaking an opening spell as she went. She did not even wait to see if it worked before she opened the door. With the force she used, Arianna knew the door would have opened no matter what had been blocking it.
(Richard) At first Richard smiled seeing Nat followed by Ari, but his expression changed quickly when he saw the looks on their faces. Richard hurried to put the tray down and said looking at the two women, “Ladies….” Richard wondered if he handed Nat her tea now, would she throw it at the wall or him. He decided to wait and see.
Tarik smiled as he said, “Nathalie, your tea is ready.”
Nathalie's eyes were a very dark ice-blue as she said, “Tarik, you swore that my uncle would not get to Sara!”
Tarik smiled as he handed Nat her tea, saying, “It was not Artemis my dear. Now drink your tea as it won't matter if you do that vampire's work for him. You have not hunted as a vampire in almost thirty years, let's not break that now.”
Nat took the cup from Tarik and as she drank it, she looked over the rim at Corbin, wondering what he was doing there. She had taken two healthy swallows, before putting the cup and saucer on the nearby table. The medicine in the tea was already starting to take effect. She was not sure her eyes had started to change back yet, but she did not want to kill anyone quickly, at the moment.
Looking over at Corbin, she asked, “Corbin what are you doing here? Are you a part of the disappearance of Sara?” She hoped he wasn’t but she would have her answers.
Tarik smiled as he said, “Arianna, do I need to get Gab's tea ready?”
Arianna listened to the exchange. She had positioned herself behind the man known as Corbin. Her wand was out and held only inches from the back of the man’s neck and a spell was more than half way spoken. Her eyes were pinned to any moment the man would make. Without taking her eyes off of the man, she answered Tarik’s question. “I did not call him at the moment, because he is working. If we need him it will be easy to apparate there and bring him back.” Now she needed to wait and see what they were going to do with Corbin.
Just then Nat asked, “If not Artemis, Tarik then who?”
Tarik said calmly, “Shadow”
Tarik said calmly, “Shadow”
Arianna let out a moan. Shadow was really getting on her nerves. She hoped he would make his mistake soon and she could watch him go down. She did not want a quick end to the Dark Wizard, she had plans for his demise and none of the plans include Azkaban.
(OOC: I have Nathalie’s permission to control her actions for this part of the thread)
Corbin
Richard chuckled, because he was wondering how much of what he could tell, he should give away.“Actually it was what you have and have not done. You carry yourself as a fighter would. You also move in a very relaxed way, but still poised for trouble from any direction. You cannot keep your eyes from flickering to where I have your weapons locked up.”
Looking at Corbin with a knowing smile, Richard continued, “From the expression, or should I say the lack of expression on your face, you have already calculated your chances of getting to the weapons to use, or how you would do in hand to hand combat. I think I would enjoy the hand to hand, Mr. Corbin.”
Looking at Corbin with a knowing smile, Richard continued, “From the expression, or should I say the lack of expression on your face, you have already calculated your chances of getting to the weapons to use, or how you would do in hand to hand combat. I think I would enjoy the hand to hand, Mr. Corbin.”
The mercenary treated the man with a cocked brow and a half grin. Only an idiot or a man too full of himself would ever make such a claim as to enjoy hand to hand. He thought to himself. Then again, Corbin often wondered which he was at times, if not both. In truth it was best to let the man continue his train of thought. The fact remained that he didn't require his blades to deal with the situation. If he did, he never would have surrendered them so easily. Of course there was no need to point that little detail out, the more these men derived the wrong impression the better it was for him.
Tarik frowned as he heard the exchange. The man had been made to feel that since he was better with blades then with a wand, that he was nothing. Tarik knew who had belittled the man. Getting a smile on his face as he said, “What is so horrible about being better at blades then a wand? I happen to prefer…”
Corbin tried hard to keep from Rolling his eyes and ignored the man's comment. There was only so much pity talk and motivational speeches he could stomach. Instead, he began letting his thoughts recap his current situation.
So far, he thought, they believe I'm some redeemable victimesque person who is being forced into this life. Granted I give them points for trying but they deal so much in absolutes... then again everyone around this Wizarding world seems too.
He thought for a few more moments while the men continued talking. These false perceptions gave him the room he needed to easily hold them at bay and, if needed, slip out should things go bad; but in order to gain the upper hand he'd need some way to reverse the power play. As of this moment the only power they had was to detain or cause obstacles for his exit. Likewise, he had only the power to nudge aside their prodding and keep them occupied. He'd need to find some way to hold power over them soon.
Richard stopped talking for a moment to see what effect the information had on Corbin. Then continuing he added, “Her well being is the main reason behind a lot of lives. Tarik and I are just wondering how you are added to the mix of protectors and hunters.”
Corbin snapped out of his thoughts. "What’s your guess? Regardless of what I say you already have your thoughts". He had missed most of what had been said, he realized, but if there was one thing he was good at, it was pretending to pay attention.
Thinking for a moment Richard ventured a guess, “You imply you are not related to Shadow directly, but he has control over you, a strong control. Since it is a well known fact he uses peoples weaknesses, whether a personal weakness or a weakness for someone else, to control people, I would venture to say it is possibly a personal weakness in your case.”
Tarik smiled as he said, “Corbin, Richard is right. Shadow will have control over you as long as you believe is stronger than you. I have known blade masters who have bested a wizard.” Looking to Richard before continuing, “James Spellman was one of those men. He was murdered by the Cutting Curse when Tia was two. He was struck in the back while he was carrying Tia. If his murderer had faced him instead. I believe it would have been the Shadow who would have died that night. Shadow has no honor and deserves none in return.”
Tarik smiled as he said, “Corbin, Richard is right. Shadow will have control over you as long as you believe is stronger than you. I have known blade masters who have bested a wizard.” Looking to Richard before continuing, “James Spellman was one of those men. He was murdered by the Cutting Curse when Tia was two. He was struck in the back while he was carrying Tia. If his murderer had faced him instead. I believe it would have been the Shadow who would have died that night. Shadow has no honor and deserves none in return.”
"True... or maybe not true" Corbin shifted in his seat and allowed himself to lean on an elbow. "The question is not power, honor, or motive, but incentive. You have your incentive to keep me here, to question me. The Yank has his incentives, albeit twisted and sadistic at times. I have incentives, but the question you both want answered is what incentive has brought me to the point I'm at now and why a man of my position would willingly place myself into such a situation as dangerous as this, to have to deliver a message or two for a man I may or may not like. Well, how does one solve that riddle?"
“Corbin, no man is so powerful that they can't be taken down. Shadow has made a lot of enemies in his pursuit of Tia. Some of those are in his own camp. While others are family of his victims. Some are both. He will go down and hard. The question is though how many are going to go down with him and are you one of them? It is a question that you and only you can answer.” Tarik hoped that the man would not wait until it was too late.
"Of course, and anyone can kill a raging polar bear with the correct weapon or, in your case, the right 'Bippidy boppidy boo'. It takes a rare and skilled person to kill the same bear with a Q-tip, a ball of wax, and a woman's bra." Corbin chuckled "Sadly MacGyver I am not"
Tarik's face gave his intentions away as he said with venom, “The Shadow does not torment me Corbin! He rather torment children. As for relationship, that is still up for debate. It is not him I'm after as there are enough that are, his take down is assured. No, I am after the Dark Medjai that he has allied himself with. That man's head is mine to take and Take it I shall!”
Dance my little puppet dance! Tarik’s outrage brought joy to the mercenary. Like w well strung marionette, Tarik and Richard were beginning to move as he wanted. If he kept this up he might be able to put on a show. Still it was all Corbin could do to keep from laughing out loud at his small victory. Still he had to press his luck further, if only to see what would happen.
"Me thinks he doth protest too much"
Tarik frowned as he said, “I pray for your sake that Nathalie never hears you say those words. She might not find the sense of humor that you seem to. Shadow made Gabriel an enemy, the night he killed Tia's mother Tamika. Those two you don't want as enemies and now Shadow has made both his. They look at Sara as a second mother and those who hurt her as...well let's just say that Shadow is in for a world of pain.”
"Maybe, but then the question comes up what would happen if she did? That depends on a lot of situational factors deciding that one. But still your concern is noted" Corbin had a few brief encounters with the woman and though they had gotten along he wouldn't say he was much of a friend to her; at least she never made it seem like it. "Then again, I do have a way of rubbing people the wrong way but you wouldn't have guessed from my gentlemanly appearance and charming personality huh?"
Richard looked over at Tarik, and said, “I think that may be arranged, at least on my part.”
Tarik glared at Corbin as he said, “This is civil for me. I don't take kindly to people who help in kidnapping sweet little old ladies. Are you going to sit there and tell me that you knew nothing of why you were to keep my brother busy? That you had no idea that Shadow was having Darik hurt so that Sara could be taken while Darik was tending his wounds? Corbin, your answers will decided whether I have Richard show that note to Nathalie and Arianna. Believe me when I say, what those women do to you will make mine and Richard's actions a friendly chat.”
Tarik glared at Corbin as he said, “This is civil for me. I don't take kindly to people who help in kidnapping sweet little old ladies. Are you going to sit there and tell me that you knew nothing of why you were to keep my brother busy? That you had no idea that Shadow was having Darik hurt so that Sara could be taken while Darik was tending his wounds? Corbin, your answers will decided whether I have Richard show that note to Nathalie and Arianna. Believe me when I say, what those women do to you will make mine and Richard's actions a friendly chat.”
Corbin met the man's gaze levelly. "You know, I bet that was the same thing Julius was thinking when he spoke to those senators... or Cleopatra to Caesar Augusts. Why even Napoleon, Attila, and Hitler thought the same thing... sadly they all shared the same fate."
Corbin leaned in further "Don't feel so invincible, a massive tantrum does not a master make."
Smiling as he said calmly, “ You answered my question with your own words. Answer my next questions truthfully and Tia will know nothing of this talk, agreed? First, does Shadow know about your friendship? And if Shadow ordered you to, would you betray her?”
Laughter poured from Corbin, low at first, then gaining in volume as his victory became more apparent. He finally had his end game.
"You think I'm concerned that the girl knows about me? You presume to think she and I are friends or that I take orders regularly from the Shadow? Tell her and Him. hell tell the rest for all I care." Corbin stood, now was the time to make his puppets dance. " I give you a warning for the sake of the girl and you think that gives you something to hold as a threat. Perhaps I can find the girl after this and tell her who I am and what i do. Save you the trouble of giving her speculation and then the Yank can play his little game without me in his way. Tia is important to YOU, her happiness, health, and well being are your concern. the opposite is Shadow's concern. Mine, none of you are mine"
Corbin Sat back down and rested back against the chair. "The danger you face is the unknown. You know the shadow and what he is. You know what he'll do. you can't say the same for me can you? True you deduce and speculate but what does that give you? What is a Shadow of a Shadow worth? You hold no power over me. If I'm an enemy you'd know what will happen if you cross me. If I'm an unknown ally, and believe me you have no idea of all the different groups out there besides your toe, ministry, and Echelon; but if I'm an unknown ally or a neutral third party, you can't risk making an enemy of me and having my and whatever other support I may have joining your enemies and splitting your resources."
Picking up the tea and sipping at it, Corbin leveled a cold stare at the men. His smile devoid of it's original warmth. "Now that you understand your situation I suggest you both fall back in line and rethink your strategy. I hold all the cards right now. You? a pair of blades locked away and idle threats you can't hope to act on since it will hurt all those you hope to protect. Just the two of you can't hope to beat me at this game..."
Just then the door flew open, and Tarik turned to see Nathalie followed closely by his sister Arianna. Neither woman seemed in a good mood.
But four might pose a problem. Corbin's brow rose as he cursed himself mentally for his arrogance and for dragging the game so long. He still had the advantage, if only very slight given the circumstances, but not enough to make them obey his demands.
Let's see if we can add two more puppets to the show?
Looking over at Corbin, she asked, “Corbin what are you doing here? Are you a part of the disappearance of Sara?” She hoped he wasn’t but she would have her answers.
"Well Baby Blue Eyes, "Corbin Began "to answer your first question I'm being interrogated by a temperamental Egyptian and his Sherlock-wannabe side kick. As to the part of Sara, if you ask them, they’d say yes. Ask me or Sara and you might get a different answer... that is if Sara gets back before the Spanish decide to swing by and join in on the proceedings. And lastly I'm doing very well, thank you for asking. How have you been?"
He had to be patient and watch, hopefully things could work to his advantage again.
Tarik smiled as he said, “Arianna, do I need to get Gab's tea ready?”
She answered Tarik’s question. “I did not call him at the moment, because he is working. If we need him it will be easy to apparate there and bring him back.”
She answered Tarik’s question. “I did not call him at the moment, because he is working. If we need him it will be easy to apparate there and bring him back.”
The Mercenary sighed inwardly at that small bit of good news. No point in getting more people involved. In truth he was relatively safe in this case. The woman behind him he couldn't see but since she had not acted or tried anything he felt no need to be concerned about her.
Just then Nat asked, “If not Artemis, Tarik then who?”
Tarik said calmly, “Shadow”
Tarik said calmly, “Shadow”
"And now for round two." sighed feeling the eyes back on him. He took a moment to review the four people around him. The woman that entered with Nathalie had set Tarik and Richard in worry mode. Nat seemed to have some overlooked to her as well. Richard already showed anxiety towards Tarik and it only increased with these other two; A sure sign the man was concerned the others would lose thier temper. Tarik must have likely felt the same about the other two and Nathalie, though far from a close friend, had shown some reluctance to harming him. In this case, if one were to lose their head, the other three would try to stop the person for their own reasons and/or for fear of what might result of injuring the messenger. He allowed himself a small smirk.
Master of puppets I'm pulling your strings? Obey your Master...
Richard
Tarik smiled as he realized that maybe even Richard would be surprised at his next words, “One of those men was the leader of the Seven, Daniel Marsden.”
Giving Richard a look of we'll talk later.
Giving Richard a look of we'll talk later.
When Richard heard Tarik speak about Daniel Marsden, as if he had respect for the man, he was surprised and by the look Tarik was giving him, there would be more of an explanation coming in the not too distant future which would probably add to the surprising way he was talking about the now deceased confirmed enemy. Richard had known Daniel, from his days at Hogwarts, before he tried to “take over the world” both magical and muggle. Human nature also dictated there was a “soft spot” in everyone, even if they buried it deep and refused to recognize it. Richard wondered what Daniels would have been.
(Richard) “…..I think I would enjoy the hand to hand, Mr. Corbin.”
The mercenary treated the man with a cocked brow and a half grin. Only an idiot or a man too full of himself would ever make such a claim as to enjoy hand to hand.
The mercenary treated the man with a cocked brow and a half grin. Only an idiot or a man too full of himself would ever make such a claim as to enjoy hand to hand.
Richard had used magic mostly in his life, ever since he had been taught the spells and potions when he attended school, but there was something about hand to hand combat which made it worth learning the moves. There was great skill in besting someone else with your own refined technique. Corbin was more at home using the muggle fighting ways and it would be interesting to Richard to see how he may have combined the hand to hand skills of more than one system to refine the mercenaries technique. Richard was not sure he could beat the man, probably not, but if it could be arranged where they were not trying to kill each other, he would like to try.
Corbin tried hard to keep from rolling his eyes and ignored the man's comment. There was only so much pity talk and motivational speeches he could stomach. Instead, he began letting his thoughts recap his current situation.
He thought for a few more moments while the men continued talking.
It was not a difficult thing to notice Corbin had stopped listening to the conversation. He was thinking about something…..but what?
(Tarik) “……Shadow has no honor and deserves none in return”
"True... or maybe not true" Corbin shifted in his seat and allowed himself to lean on an elbow.
"True... or maybe not true" Corbin shifted in his seat and allowed himself to lean on an elbow.
Richard was listening closely to Corbin. He was playing a game of words with Tarik. Corbin’s body language was also giving the fact away, that he was worried about the situation, not scared but worried. He was also planning his next move.
(Corbin) “…..I have incentives, but the question you both want answered is what incentive has brought me to the point I'm at now and why a man of my position would willingly place myself into such a situation as dangerous as this, to have to deliver a message or two for a man I may or may not like. Well, how does one solve that riddle?"
Looking Corbin squarely in the eyes, Richard said, “Incentives are used to get someone into a situation, but that same situation can modify those incentives because of added information. Be careful Corbin to not miss another road which can be traveled.” Richard was trying to get Corbin to keep an open mind. Even mercenaries were known to switch sides because of a better offer. That offer did not have to be money, but maybe just another adventure.
(Tarik)”…..The question is though how many are going to go down with him and are you one of them? It is a question that you and only you can answer.” Tarik hoped that the man would not wait until it was too late.
(Corbin) "Of course, and anyone can kill a raging polar bear with the correct weapon or, in your case, the right 'Bippidy boppidy boo'. It takes a rare and skilled person to kill the same bear with a Q-tip, a ball of wax, and a woman's bra." Corbin chuckled "Sadly MacGyver I am not"
(Corbin) "Of course, and anyone can kill a raging polar bear with the correct weapon or, in your case, the right 'Bippidy boppidy boo'. It takes a rare and skilled person to kill the same bear with a Q-tip, a ball of wax, and a woman's bra." Corbin chuckled "Sadly MacGyver I am not"
Richard listened to Tarik’s attempt to try and get the man to change sides, but in Richards experience it was not going to happen, at least not during their present conversation. Smiling when he heard the name MacGyver, a muggle television character, who could take seemingly unrelated items and using science put them together to save another character. Richard slowly turned and returned to his seat at the table opposite of Corbin. Sitting comfortably in the chair he put his elbows on the arms, inter-twined his fingers and looked at Corbin. The man was a puzzle and every hair on the back of Richards’s neck was prickling.
This man was a true mercenary. Normally he worked for the highest bidder or in the case of Shadow, for the person who held something over him. They would work for the blackmailer until a way could be found to break the hold, then they would be off to find another adventure. Mercenaries not only worked for the money, but for the adventure. They took pleasures where they could find pleasure, and hardly ever left any piece of themselves, either physical or mental behind when they left.
Corbin had accepted the possibility of death, so that did not scare him. Richard needed to find out what the hold Shadow held on Corbin was and also what scared this mercenary. Richard was gaining a lot of respect for this man, and truly hoped someday he would not have to kill him.
(Tarik) “……I am after the Dark Medjai that he has allied himself with. That man's head is mine to take and Take it I shall!”
Tarik’s outrage brought joy to the mercenary…."Me thinks he doth protest too much"
Corbin leaned in further "Don't feel so invincible, a massive tantrum does not a master make."
Tarik’s outrage brought joy to the mercenary…."Me thinks he doth protest too much"
Corbin leaned in further "Don't feel so invincible, a massive tantrum does not a master make."
Richard only untangled his fingers when Corbin leaned toward Tarik. The man had not made an unusual move. He and Tarik were having a war of words at the moment. Tarik was not having as easy of a time as he normally had with reading the man, which was interesting.
"You think I'm concerned that the girl knows about me? You presume to think she and I are friends or that I take orders regularly from the Shadow? ...... Tia is important to YOU, her happiness, health, and well being are your concern. the opposite is Shadow's concern. Mine, none of you are mine"….
Richard wondered if Corbin was trying to convince them or himself about how he personally felt about Tia. The saying Corbin had used earlier “me thinks he doth protest too much” came to Richards mind and he thought of throwing it back at Corbin, but decided against it. Instead he held his comfortable spot in his chair only changing position enough to non-verbally heat up his mug of tea and take a sip. Putting his mug down, he put his finger tips together and rested his chin on them. Looking at Corbin through partially closed eyes, he kept trying to work out who this man really was.
(Corbin) “…..but if I'm an unknown ally or a neutral third party, you can't risk making an enemy of me and having my and whatever other support I may have joining your enemies and splitting your resources."
“…. I hold all the cards right now. You? a pair of blades locked away and idle threats you can't hope to act on since it will hurt all those you hope to protect. Just the two of you can't hope to beat me at this game..."
“…. I hold all the cards right now. You? a pair of blades locked away and idle threats you can't hope to act on since it will hurt all those you hope to protect. Just the two of you can't hope to beat me at this game..."
Corbin had thrown the proverbial ball back in their court, and he was waiting to see what they would do with it. Before any move could be made on their part……
Just then the door flew open, and Tarik turned to see Nathalie followed closely by his sister Arianna. Neither woman seemed in a good mood.
Looking over at Corbin, she asked, “Corbin what are you doing here? Are you a part of the disappearance of Sara?” She hoped he wasn’t but she would have her answers.
Looking over at Corbin, she asked, “Corbin what are you doing here? Are you a part of the disappearance of Sara?” She hoped he wasn’t but she would have her answers.
Richard now sat forward in his chair and rested his forearms on the table. His wand was poised to pop out of his sleeve into his hand at the first sign of trouble. He did not expect what happened next. He had only gotten ready in case he had to keep Corbin alive until questions could be answered.
"Well Baby Blue Eyes, "Corbin Began "to answer your first question I'm being interrogated by a temperamental Egyptian and his Sherlock-wannabe side kick. As to the part of Sara, if you ask them, they’d say yes. Ask me or Sara and you might get a different answer... that is if Sara gets back before the Spanish decide to swing by and join in on the proceedings. And lastly I'm doing very well, thank you for asking. How have you been?"
By the way Corbin addressed Nat he had definitely met with her more than once. Although Nat may not trust him, she did not consider him an immediate danger. Nat talked with very few people. Corbin would have been observant enough to know Nat’s eyes were not normally the icy-blue they were at the present because she was expecting danger, so he had seen them that way before and knew what they meant. Richard realized Corbin was trying to defuse the situation and through cockiness, calm Nat down at least in her present relationship with him.
Richard looked at Nat to try and gauge how she was reacting to the familiarity. He also looked at Tarik to see if he had caught the annotation of Corbin’s answer. Tarik was still upset and had not calmed himself down enough to take in all the solidities being presented. Things were getting more interesting as time passed.
Natalie
Corbin snapped out of his thoughts. "What’s your guess? Regardless of what I say you already have your thoughts".
Tarik gave a sly grin as he said quietly, "Wouldn't you like to know?" It was a non-wizard's phrase that Tarik had decided to use. He hoped that the man realized that Tarik walked in both worlds. He hoped that soon he would know for sure how Corbin fit into this.
"True... or maybe not true" Corbin shifted in his seat and allowed himself to lean on an elbow.
Tarik wondered if Corbin was having as much of a challenge with this mentally battle of wits as he. Though the Medjai had to admit that it was refreshing to have somebody that he could not so easily read. He wondered if that was the real reason Daniel Marsden had fascinated him. The leader of the Seven was a lot of things and to Tarik, the man that was a puzzle that the Egyptian had yet to solve. Tarik grinned as he realized that unlike most wizards, Tarik actually had come to understand Daniel's motives at least some of them.
"The question is not power, honor, or motive, but incentive. You have your incentive to keep me here, to question me. The Yank has his incentives, albeit twisted and sadistic at times. I have incentives, but the question you both want answered is what incentive has brought me to the point I'm at now and why a man of my position would willingly place myself into such a situation as dangerous as this, to have to deliver a message or two for a man I may or may not like. Well, how does one solve that riddle?"
Looking Corbin squarely in the eyes, Richard said, “Incentives are used to get someone into a situation, but that same situation can modify those incentives because of added information. Be careful Corbin to not miss another road which can be traveled.”
Looking Corbin squarely in the eyes, Richard said, “Incentives are used to get someone into a situation, but that same situation can modify those incentives because of added information. Be careful Corbin to not miss another road which can be traveled.”
Tarik listened and thought about the answer to Corbin's riddle. Smiling as he said, "By watching and listening very carefully, Corbin! By the way, I believe you agreed because like me you like challenges. Though I am surprised that you would state that you might have delivered or will be delivering a message to here?" He was curious about this second message from Shadow and to whom it was to.
"Of course, and anyone can kill a raging polar bear with the correct weapon or, in your case, the right 'Bippidy boppidy boo'. It takes a rare and skilled person to kill the same bear with a Q-tip, a ball of wax, and a woman's bra." Corbin chuckled "Sadly MacGyver I am not"
Tarik listened and then finished Corbin's last sentence with, "Or maybe you are just that. Though I have a riddle for you. How do you deal with a raging polar bear when you have nothing with you?" He wondered if even Richard would catch the answer right a way. If Corbin got the answer to that riddle then the man would actually be able to say he understood a true Medjai.
"Me thinks he doth protest too much"
Tarik grinned as he said, "I think you protest to little."
"Maybe, but then the question comes up what would happen if she did? That depends on a lot of situational factors deciding that one. But still your concern is noted" ... "Then again, I do have a way of rubbing people the wrong way but you wouldn't have guessed from my gentlemanly appearance and charming personality huh?"
Tarik gave a sly grin and whispered, "Remember the raging polar bear, well to answer your question... What does everybody fear and yet respect?" Tarik's people compared an enraged Vampire to Egypt's Sand Storms. They both were nearly impossible to stop or survive, yet there were Magi that knew how.
Corbin met the man's gaze levelly. "You know, I bet that was the same thing Julius was thinking when he spoke to those senators... or Cleopatra to Caesar Augusts. Why even Napoleon, Attila, and Hitler thought the same thing... sadly they all shared the same fate."
Corbin leaned in further "Don't feel so invincible, a massive tantrum does not a master make."
Corbin leaned in further "Don't feel so invincible, a massive tantrum does not a master make."
Tarik smiled and then said, "He that would think himself invincible is either insane or a fool. I am neither nor do I consider myself a master. As a Master has no need for his life here and chose to join the Gods." He was inwardly concerned that this man would challenge the gods by daring to think that he was a master of a set of skills. Looking over at Richard, he wondered what his friend thought.
Laughter poured from Corbin, low at first, then gaining in volume as his victory became more apparent.
"You think I'm concerned that the girl knows about me? You presume to think she and I are friends or that I take orders regularly from the Shadow? Tell her and Him. hell tell the rest for all I care." Corbin stood, now was the time to make his puppets dance. " I give you a warning for the sake of the girl and you think that gives you something to hold as a threat. Perhaps I can find the girl after this and tell her who I am and what i do. Save you the trouble of giving her speculation and then the Yank can play his little game without me in his way. Tia is important to YOU, her happiness, health, and well being are your concern. the opposite is Shadow's concern. Mine, none of you are mine"
"You think I'm concerned that the girl knows about me? You presume to think she and I are friends or that I take orders regularly from the Shadow? Tell her and Him. hell tell the rest for all I care." Corbin stood, now was the time to make his puppets dance. " I give you a warning for the sake of the girl and you think that gives you something to hold as a threat. Perhaps I can find the girl after this and tell her who I am and what i do. Save you the trouble of giving her speculation and then the Yank can play his little game without me in his way. Tia is important to YOU, her happiness, health, and well being are your concern. the opposite is Shadow's concern. Mine, none of you are mine"
Tarik wondered if he had miss something as Corbin was laughing. Listening as inwardly he got more alarmed. Had the man actually just threatened Tia. The protector in him wanted to remove the threat to the princess but the Saygar in him wanted to study the man more. Tarik knew that if he was not careful this battle of wits would be lost. He hoped his body language would not show the inward battle that was raging in his mind as he continued to listen.
Corbin sat back down and rested back against the chair. "The danger you face is the unknown. You know the shadow and what he is. You know what he'll do. you can't say the same for me can you? True you deduce and speculate but what does that give you? What is a Shadow of a Shadow worth? You hold no power over me. If I'm an enemy you'd know what will happen if you cross me. If I'm an unknown ally, and believe me you have no idea of all the different groups out there besides your TOE, Ministry, and Echelon; but if I'm an unknown ally or a neutral third party, you can't risk making an enemy of me and having my and whatever other support I may have joining your enemies and splitting your resources."
Tarik realized that this man had read him. He wondered at the man's reference to other groups and the fact that he had unknownly caught Tarik's fear. The Medjai was indeed scared of the unknown. To Tarik's people knowledge was power and this man had knowledge that could either help or destroy Tia. Corbin also had hit the nail on the head about Tarik fearing turning a possible friend into an enemy or worst Corbin being an enemy who was angry enough to make him regret it by hurting the princess.
Tarik feared that this man was possible of anything and that he would not be able to fully read him until it was to late to stop him. Looking at Richard as he wondered if he had already pushed this man to far.
Picking up the tea and sipping at it, Corbin leveled a cold stare at the men. His smile devoid of it's original warmth. "Now that you understand your situation I suggest you both fall back in line and rethink your strategy. I hold all the cards right now. You? a pair of blades locked away and idle threats you can't hope to act on since it will hurt all those you hope to protect. Just the two of you can't hope to beat me at this game..."
Tarik realized that somehow he a Medjai had become almost an open book. This man seemed to know that Tarik would not risk either Tia or Sara. Not even to get his answers. Tarik said to Corbin as he once again tried to understand this man's heart, " Who said anything about beating you? As far as you holding all the cards, I will agree at the moment that seems to be the case. Though Corbin, remember things change from moment to moment." Tarik prayed that the man had no idea the effect his words had on the Medjai. He knew deep down he had to once again find a way to get his answers without upsetting this man to much. Tarik feared that he had already cost his side something, he just prayed that it would not be Tia or Sara.
Nat took the cup from Tarik and as she drank it, she looked over the rim at Corbin, wondering what he was doing there. She had taken two healthy swallows, before putting the cup and saucer on the nearby table. The medicine in the tea was already starting to take effect. She was not sure her eyes had started to change back yet, but she did not want to kill anyone quickly, at the moment.
Looking over at Corbin, she asked, “Corbin what are you doing here? Are you a part of the disappearance of Sara?” She hoped he wasn’t but she would have her answers.
"Well Baby Blue Eyes, "Corbin Began "to answer your first question I'm being interrogated by a temperamental Egyptian and his Sherlock-wannabe side kick. As to the part of Sara, if you ask them, they’d say yes. Ask me or Sara and you might get a different answer... that is if Sara gets back before the Spanish decide to swing by and join in on the proceedings. And lastly I'm doing very well, thank you for asking. How have you been?"
Looking over at Corbin, she asked, “Corbin what are you doing here? Are you a part of the disappearance of Sara?” She hoped he wasn’t but she would have her answers.
"Well Baby Blue Eyes, "Corbin Began "to answer your first question I'm being interrogated by a temperamental Egyptian and his Sherlock-wannabe side kick. As to the part of Sara, if you ask them, they’d say yes. Ask me or Sara and you might get a different answer... that is if Sara gets back before the Spanish decide to swing by and join in on the proceedings. And lastly I'm doing very well, thank you for asking. How have you been?"
Nat smiled as she said, "Tarik is just protective and very interested in knowledge. He is probably testing your heart. Corbin feel honored as most wizards, Tarik finds unworthy of him learning about their way of viewing things."
Just then Nat asked, “If not Artemis, Tarik then who?”
Tarik said calmly, “Shadow”
Tarik said calmly, “Shadow”
Nathalie's eyes went dark ice blue as she said, "What does that maniac want with Sara? Tarik, Gab can't find out as he already want the dark wizard for what is happening with Tia. If he finds out that Shadow has Sara, he will tracker that man down full moon or not."
Watching Tarik, Nathalie wondered what or who had the old Medjai spooked. It was not like Tarik to be so quiet. She looked to Richard and then Corbin. The beautiful vampire wondered if Tarik blamed himself for Sara being missing. if that was the case, Nat would set him straight as something had Tarik doubting himself and his abilities.
Looking Tarik in the eyes, "Tarik, my old friend. Don't worry so, Shadow dares not harm her. If he did, his game and life would be forfeit."
(OCC: Tarik and Gab are two of my many characters.)
Richard
Tarik smiled as he said, “Arianna, do I need to get Gab's tea ready?”
She answered Tarik’s question. “I did not call him at the moment, because he is working. If we need him it will be easy to apparate there and bring him back.”
The Mercenary sighed inwardly at that small bit of good news..
She answered Tarik’s question. “I did not call him at the moment, because he is working. If we need him it will be easy to apparate there and bring him back.”
The Mercenary sighed inwardly at that small bit of good news..
Although Corbin had not moved, from where Richard sat he noticed a very minuscule shift in his eyes, one he may have not consciously made. He was definitely adding up the situation as it stood. He was out numbered, four to one, with Darik expected at any time. Richard was sure everyone in the room knew magic much more than Corbin could use.
"And now for round two." sighed feeling the eyes back on him. He took a moment to review the four people around him. The woman that entered with Nathalie had set Tarik and Richard in worry mode. …. Richard already showed anxiety towards Tarik and it only increased with these other two; A sure sign the man was concerned the others would lose their temper. …... if one were to lose their head, the other three would try to stop the person for their own reasons and/or for fear of what might result of injuring the messenger. He allowed himself a small smirk.
Corbin was looking for a way to take charge of the situation. The small smirk on Corbin’s face gave the fact away and gave Richard the opinion Corbin would try and use one or several of the four of them against the others. Richard sat comfortably back in his chair and took a sip of his tea.
As Richards eyes flickered to each of his companions he thought, “Nat is trying to get a handle on the situation; Arianna is wondering if she should just knock the person out, sitting in front of her, and Tarik, although not confused, is trying to think of his next move. He did not like losing control of the situation, but he was the one who was running this show as far as Richard was concerned. It would be up to Tarik to make the next move.”
Richard was relaxed and ready to move quickly if needed. “Arianna,” Richard calmly said, “Corbin is not going anywhere at the moment. Come join me over here and enjoy some tea and be comfortable.” Smiling he winked at Ari.
Arianna looked from the back of Corbin’s head to Richard, never moving her poised wand from near the back of his neck. “Why don’t I just put him to sleep and then we can all relax until we figure out what to do with him,” she said with mock venom in her voice. She did not want to knock him out, because she wanted some answers to some questions, not all having to do with the present situation. If this man was connected to Shadow, she wanted a long, involved talk with him. She would ask the questions and he would give the answers one way or another.
Instead she removed her wand from the back of Corbin’s neck, blew on it as if it was a loaded gun which had just been fired and placed it in the pocket of her casual slacks. Then she leaned down to whisper in Corbin’s ear, “How about giving me the satisfaction, sweetie of over reacting to something here and let me put you out of my misery.” With this being said she gave a slight chuckle and went to sit next to Richard. Politely thanking him for the tea he set in front of her, she looked at Corbin, winked, then saluted him with the tea cup and took a sip.
Richard only shook his head realizing Ari was out to get answers. He was hoping in the end they would be able to let Corbin go, and not have him held by the group, so they could get their answers. He knew Ari would not torture the poor man, but over the 80 and some odd years she had been in charge of the Caretakers she had learned many ways to get information from those who thought they could hold it to themselves. Looking in Ari’s directing, he whispered, “Ari, calm down. The man has still not done anything, just delivered a message.” Richard at least had a little hope she would take his words to heart.
(OOC: Richard and Arianna are both my characters)