The Keepers
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Post by Azoth on Jul 28, 2016 14:11:59 GMT -7
One way or another, a message had come into Geata’s possession. It was not the first such letter, and indeed was signed by the same person who had asked for his company in the recently failed mission to obtain information from the government. However, it was not, as one might expect, a request for another such mission or that he owed her a debt because the previous operation had been unsuccessful. Rather, it was a simple request: Geata, you have piqued my interest. I would like to learn more about you. Please meet me at 7:00pm two days from now at the listed address for a game and conversion. I will provide dinner and payment for your time.
- Azoth
The given address was an old queen anne styled mansion with bright blue paneling, faded with the storms that rolled in from the nearby sea. The estate was many acres in size but very little of the space was left empty. Most of the grounds were covered in lush with well-cared for victorian gardens, and what wasn’t was left to wild grasses and expensive lawn furniture, set so occupants of the house could have chats outside, weather permitting. The house itself set back on a hill, a ways away from other properties. Compared to the other houses in this part of the city, it was relatively small. Indeed, it only had six bedrooms, including the two small ones and the study on the second floor, and two gathering rooms. Azoth hadn’t wanted too large of a property for the sake of having to clean a house that was used only for meetings such as this. A colorful stone path lead from the driveway up to the front door of the house. The butler Azoth had brought along with her stood below the front deck, waiting for her invited guest. Azoth herself was inside, seated at a finely carved ebony table set for two. Two plates of fine china were set beside her usual chess board; the one made of dark wood and inlaid with gems. Most of the pieces themselves were made of stone, save for the black queen, one white pawn, and now a single black pawn. They were made of a similar wood to the board and inlaid with gems in the same style. A crystal chandelier hung overhead, leaving small rainbows to dance on the old but well-kept wallpaper of the large meeting room. Through a door on the east side, noises of dinner preparations could be heard, and set against the west wall was a lit fireplace that was providing the room’s soft warmth. Azoth prefered to have these discussions outside, and indeed normally did. However, today was overcast and her butler feared a storm. The table and board were set, food was on its way; all she had left to was wait for her guest to arrive. Azoth set her mind to one of the problems she’d been churning through and waited. Geata
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The Keepers
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Post by Geata on Jul 28, 2016 15:01:06 GMT -7
When Geata found the letter, he was less surprised by its arrival and more by the contents. He had been expecting to hear back from Azoth, but he expected it to be about how he could repay the unresolved debt. When it was apparently a request to hang out, more or less, he was surprised. And the offer of payment was even more surprising. If people usually required payment to make conversation, he was disappointed in the state of the world.
When the appointed day came, the only part of his costume that Geata kept with him was his mask. The wording of the letter struck him as at least semi formal, so he was wearing a white short sleeve button up shirt and a pair of dark blue jeans. It wasn't terribly formal, but it was better than what he normally did and was the best he could do. He wasn't exactly highly funded, after all, and he was more than ready to joke about how it must be because he doesn't charge anyone for merely being around to bask in his presence.
Luckily, he had the foresight to look up directions on the internet, so he managed to make it there a few minutes early. Once there, he took a basic, sweeping glance the property. He was very much in the dark on architectural styles, but he knew impressive when he saw it. One look at the house was enough for him be certain that, were it not for his powers, he never even would've been allowed to be within viewing distance of it. It was a strange thought for him, one that somehow made him feel both humble and proud. It left him with a pit of nervousness in place of his stomach, though, as he walked up to the door.
He rang the doorbell and took a deep breath to calm his nerves. Somehow, he was feeling more out of place than when he was a few hundred feet in the air.
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The Keepers
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Post by Azoth on Jul 28, 2016 15:29:20 GMT -7
When the doorbell rang, Azoth’s eyes snapped open and her shoulders jumped. As the chimes echoed a few more times though the house, she corrected her posture and shifted until she was comfortable in her seat. It would be inaccurate to say she hadn’t been expecting him to come just yet; he was perfectly on time. More, time had been lost to her thoughts.
The butler would be the one to answer the door; she made no move to do so herself, even though the corner of the wooden entryway was visible through the open door and last exit of the room in which she resided. The butler gave her guest, still out of view, a polite bow and a “Hello, Master Geata. Azoth is waiting for you through here.” His voice echoed in the narrow halls the same way the doorbell had.
It was likely Geata would be able to find the room himself without trouble - it was the first doorway on the left and had been left open so that the dining room was easily visible from the hall, but the butler walked to the open door and motioned Geata inside all the same.
Azoth would wait until the super was at the threshold of the door before she rose from her chair. Geata, in comparison to her, was not underdressed; she was in nearly the exact same outfit she had been in during their recent heist, of a long coat, baggy pants, boots, and a face scarf. However, the lumps of a gas mask were not present under her scarf, and the thick goggles she’d worn before had been replaced with a pair of shaded spectacles. The hood of her jacket was also down, revealing a mop of thick black hair.
“Geata. Thank you for coming.” She greeted.
His duty done, the butler bowed again and backed up into the hall. He would take a secondary passage around to the kitchen to help with preparations there. Azoth gestured for Geata to take the other chair at the table.
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The Keepers
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Post by Geata on Jul 28, 2016 16:20:45 GMT -7
The entire situation was foreign to Geata. There was no other way to say it. When the butler (realizing Azoth had a butler was something else that made it clear that he was way out of his depth) opened the door, any sense of being calm left the masked super. His steps turned shaky, his hands were fidgety. He was suddenly nothing but nerves, and when Azoth greeted him and gestured to a chair, Geata happily sat down. He took a long look at the room before turning to Azoth.
"I don't mean to be rude," he said quietly, "but just how bleeding rich are you?" It was meant to be a joke, but with how shaky his voice was, he didn't know how obvious that was. Deciding it was better if he simply moved forward, he looked into the fire before speaking up again.
"It's a pleasure to be here, Azoth, but I'm not entirely sure I understand the purpose of this meeting. To be honest, I was expecting the next time I heard from you would be details on how I could repay you for that info." His voice, while still unsteady, wasn't one of accusation. He was merely curious, and he thought it best if he understood what he had gotten himself into.
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The Keepers
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Post by Azoth on Jul 28, 2016 17:47:17 GMT -7
Azoth sat back into her chair once Geata had taken his. “I am as rich as I need to be.” She replied simply as she leaned over the edge of her chair. Grabbing the folder leaned against her chair leg, Azoth straightened. “Speaking of our last mission, here.” She held the small tan folder out to him, above the chess set. The folder was light; it contained only one piece of paper. “This is the information that was obtained by the other Keepers that night at the government building. I’m afraid I cannot consider your debt to me for the previous information I gave you paid, but you should at least have the results of our efforts.”
She returned her hands to her lap and gave him a moment to look it over if he so wished. Not that there was much too look over; Azoth planned on dissecting that paper thoroughly later, but the ultimate amount of content it had was little.
“I’ve called this meeting because, as I stated in my letter, I wish to get to know you better.” She began. This can be done by conversation or being within proximity of someone for a length of time, but I would prefer a quicker method. What I propose is a game of chess and twenty questions.”
This would be the third time she’d explained the rules, and she’d become fairly quick at doing so. “We will play chess as per usual. However, with each of our moves we shall ask a question of the other. You may ask me whatever you would like, and I will do the same of you. We will each get ten questions and two passes. There are only two restrictions on what can be asked: if a question is passed, we cannot ask the same or a rephrased version of the question again, and we cannot ask each other’s secret identities. If you chose to answer a question, you must do so before asking your next question and must do so truthfully. The extent to which you answer the question is up to you, but know that if you give me half answers I will give you half answers in turn. If you do not know the answer to a question, it does not count as a pass as there is little that can be done about that.” Azoth took a breath.
“For payment. I consider the questions I ask of you as equal in cost to those you ask of me, but I will still owe you for your time. I’m afraid I cannot absolve your debt to me as payment as you owe me an information-level favor and this is worth to me one standard favor. However, one standard favor is equivalent to five pounds of any combination of materials you would like, or a small object. I can also pay you in cash if you would prefer.
“If that is acceptable,” she breathlessly motioned to the board between them, “you get the first move.”
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The Keepers
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Post by Geata on Jul 28, 2016 18:31:20 GMT -7
Geata nodded along at the explanation provided as a show that he was paying attention. It was certainly unusual, but that alone made it all the more interesting, on top of being more fitting for people as unusual as them. All in all, he only had a few minor issues that probably didn't need to be shared, such as how long it had been since he had actually played chess. Not that it was a huge problem; he was decent at it, he just hadn't had opportunity in forever. However, there were a couple things he wanted to say.
"Everything said works for me," he said, a smidge of confidence creeping back into his voice as he was coming to terms with the situation, "except for two things that I find myself ever so slightly at odds with. First, if we're going to be doing this, I'd prefer to not wear my mask. You don't have to do the same, it's just a matter of personal preference. Show of faith, I suppose. It'll make it easier on you to read my facial expressions and judge if I'm lying or not, and it'll help you get a clearer picture of how I feel. If you have any qualms about that, please, let me know. I'll give you opportunity to consider it, as I'll remove it when I answer your first question unless otherwise stopped."
He tugged at his collar a little before continuing. "My other issue is this thing about payment. If you're insistent, I'll agree, but otherwise, I'd prefer it if you didn't worry about that. I'm using your time too, after all, and that seems equally fair considering how I'm pretty intrigued about you myself. But, like I said, if you're insistent, I'd prefer to keep said favor to be cashed in on a later date, if ever." He paused a moment to let his request sink in before taking hold of one of the pawns towards the middle.
"As for my question," he said thoughtfully he slid his piece forward a space, "What led you to join the Keepers?" He let go of the pawn as he awaited the response. It was the first time he had asked anyone why they joined their faction of choice, but he never had really had an opportunity that felt natural. He supposed it was as close to a natural opportunity as any.
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The Keepers
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Post by Azoth on Jul 28, 2016 21:18:34 GMT -7
Azoth blinked. Not only did he not want payment, he wanted to reveal to her his identity? She was stunned. The payment was an attempt to keep this arrangement fair, as it had been made on her terms. That Geata did not want to take full advantage of the situation - and indeed wished to give much more than he owed with his face - confounded Azoth. Did he realize what he was doing? She had no reason to use his identity against him, but that didn’t absolve the fact that she could if she wished. There was little better blackmail than one’s secret identity and few worse people to give it to than the Keepers. No one else was around and she wouldn’t tell anyone, but that he took this large of a risk with her so quickly… a show of faith, indeed.
“Geata, you are aware I am offering you five pounds of gold? If you do not wish to receive payment, I will not, of course, force it upon you. Simply be aware that, if you decline now, I will not allow you to change your mind at a later date. I will allow you to alter your decision until the end of the match.
“Nor do I have any reason to keep you from removing your mask. If you wish to reveal your face to me, that is your choice.” Azoth paused, her gaze drifting over to the fireplace. She nodded to herself and straightened her sleeve below her wrist, and then pulled down her face scarf. Her pale complexion had been somewhat visible before, but with her cheeks exposed, she was almost ghastly in the light of the fire. “I was going to remove it when the food arrived.” She said, turning back to Geata. “I hope you don’t mind me keeping on my glasses. While I don’t see any reason for you to spread who I am, my financial standing makes me a larger target than most.”
Picking up one of her knights, Azoth pondered Geata’s question. “It was a decision made more out of convenience than ideals.” She stated. “I know a number of Keepers are there for the sake of group world domination, or for gaining knowledge on how to defeat dragons, or for the pursuit of knowledge. I decided to join because through them because they make achieving my own pursuits easier. Through them I have access to a large amount of information and means of obtaining more. Keepers are more willing to trade favors with their own. Essentially, it is useful for me to be a Keeper, and therefore I have joined them.”
She placed the knight towards the center of the board. “I will return your question to you. Why have you not joined any factions?”
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The Keepers
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Post by Geata on Jul 28, 2016 22:58:15 GMT -7
Geata smirked as he came to understand just how much he had shocked the small Keeper. He supposed it was highly unusual, but it was calculated. As long as he stayed on Azoth's good side, he doubted he would have any issues, and if he made it to where she had potential power over him, the more likely it was that she'd be willing to let him into her good graces. Still, he hadn't been lying before, and it was all in all a show of good faith. Even his smirk, which he managed to get under control before hanging his mask around his neck, wasn't one of ill will or anything. It just made him proud that he was able to surprise a Keeper, a member of the group that was supposed to be prepared for everything.
Of course, he was surprised when Azoth removed her scarf. Not only because it was shocking that she was willing to respond in kind. No, it was also because, in spite of the lighting not quite suiting her, she was surprisingly cute. He didn't know what he had been expecting to be hidden under the scarf, but he was pleasantly surprised. With a slight blush, Geata started to focus intently on the chess board. He picked up the furthermost pawn on the left while pondering his answer.
"The short version is that I don't quite know which faction is the best suited for me and my goals, but that's practically a given answer for that question. Honestly, it's because I don't know much about the factions except by reputation, and that's because I'm so new to the super scene. What I do know of the factions leave me debating. I have the morals of a Bulwark, but I don't see how they could help me and I don't care for being labeled as the sort who would make a bad situation worse. I don't care for the Keepers' goals of world domination or lack of concern for anyone who isn't of potential use, no offense intended, but otherwise they seem to fit me well as far as an interest in information goes, as well as an importance on fair being fair. As for the Pandas, though, nothing really appeals. If I want the freedom to do what I want, I don't have to join with them, and being labeled a villain because of my choice in company doesn't appeal. If I'm going to have that title bestowed upon me, I'm going to earn it." His facial expression didn't change much, a slight frown becoming even more slightly noticeable at times, but it was clear he was being serious. He sighed as he placed the pawn two spaces ahead, eyeing the knight that Azoth had moved forward.
He looked up and smiled slightly, faint blush rising back, though he was unaware of it. Suddenly, though, it turned into a smile of confusion as Geata was lost in thought. "Is it really so surprising that I'm not wanting any form of payment for simply being here? You're already providing me with interesting conversation, a meal that I can only imagine will be exceptional considering how everything else is, and your time. I don't really understand what would warrant you feeling the need for further compensation for something I'm more than happy to do for the sake of it."
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The Keepers
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Post by Azoth on Jul 29, 2016 1:47:23 GMT -7
Geata was new to the super scene? That helped explain why he was willing to remove his mask so readily. He seemed to have a good grasp of the factions, but Azoth wondered how many individuals from each that he knew. She wondered, without a faction, how many allies he had. Even apart of the Keepers, Azoth could count a few as people she could safely work with, and fewer she could do so without needing favors.
“It is strange.” Azoth started but she stopped to reconsider. Tilting her head to the side, she began again slowly. “Or, perhaps not for the average person.” Azoth cleared her throat. “For supers, Keepers, and those willing to work with supers, yes. Most of us are out to gain or accomplish something. By offering favors, I am of use to people. If I am of use to people, they will be inclined to continue working with me, and when I need it, for me. It is odd to me that you do not take full advantage of my offer, and indeed, weigh this meeting in my favor.” She picked up a pawn. “Normally it is me tilting the deal in the favor of the other person. I find it unlikely you would be this trusting of someone you have worked with on a singular occasion. Are you attempting to outdo my hospitality?” A small smile twitched the edge of her lip, but as quickly as it came, her face returned to its expressionless neutral. She placed the pawn so that it protected her knight. “That is rhetorical. It is not my question.”
She watched him closely. As he had said, without his mask she could read more of what he was thinking. His blush did not go unnoticed, but she blamed it and his distant expression on the unusuality of the gathering and perhaps on removing his mask.
“Why have you become a super rather than attempting to hide your powers and remain a civilian?”
Azoth paused, her gaze drifting from the direct eye contact she had held during her question back to the fire. “I appreciate the sentiment that my conversation is interesting and worth your time.” She nodded to herself and returned her hands to her lap.
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The Keepers
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Post by Geata on Jul 29, 2016 6:55:04 GMT -7
Geata didn't know what surprised him more: the joke, or the tiniest bit of a smile that he saw. Either way, though, the display of emotion shocked him. He smirked slightly as he pondered his next move.
"While I'm not entirely comfortable discussing the exact reasons," he said warmly, "I imagine that it won't be a topic that will be off limits forever. For now, though, I think it would be best to say that I felt compelled to use the opportunity provided. Besides, it wouldn't be any easier to keep my true nature hidden either way. I'm not exactly a social butterfly, you see, so it's not as if there's really anyone to notice that I have a secret night life. Better to use my potential than to squander it." He wondered if Azoth would consider the answer a "half answer", as she put it, and debated on whether or not he should've just used a pass. Either way, he was aware that it was too late to change his mind.
He moved a knight forward as he considered his next question. He had a few, but some of them seemed stupid to waste such an opportunity on, and others he couldn't decide on. The one he finally settled on was simple enough, as far as he was concerned. "Why are you willing to kill unpowered people, Azoth?" He stopped and considered his wording before speaking again. "Just to be clear, I'm not meaning that in a judgmental way. It's just something I'm curious about."
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The Keepers
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Post by Azoth on Jul 29, 2016 11:57:42 GMT -7
His answer hadn’t really been an answer; besides him essentially outright saying so, most of what he said was left vague or only hinted at. His smirk had Azoth wondering how much of his own game he was playing with his answer; if there was intent behind what he did and did not tell her. She neither knew enough about Geata yet to know if he was able or willing to pull such a maneuver, nor enough of his mannerisms to read of he had on his face.
There was some length at which she could talk about that subject, but as promised, she answered his question in turn. “Bluntly, unpowereds do not matter. Generally they can be ignored; most of them have little to do with us, and many can be helpful.” She guested to the door that led to the kitchen, where the sounds of food preparation could dully be heard. “However, if one becomes an obstacle to us, supers; gets in my, our, way, I see little reason to not take the simplest course of action and remove them.” Her face remained emotionless and her tone flat; speaking of unpowered’s deaths by her hand was little different than discussing the drinks she consumed.
She picked up and placed a bishop to counter his knight. “What are your present goals, as a super? If you feel that question is too broad, you can give me just one.” This was perhaps one of the most important questions she could ask him. She hoped, with the caveat at the end, he would give her at least some of an answer.
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The Keepers
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Post by Geata on Jul 29, 2016 12:55:27 GMT -7
Geata considered Azoth's answer. It made sense; a dark, twisted sort of sense. Of course, it wasn't unexpected. It wasn't too hard for him to see himself following that kind of logic, either. He sighed, the hint of a smile appearing in his face, before speaking quietly. "Remind me to make sure I never get in your way."
As he chose his piece, he thought over his answer. His brow furrowed slightly as he debated on whether or not he actually had any goals. "Well, there's the obvious one of survival," he joked, although his eyes were distant. "Other than that, I've been thrust into a world where I don't really know how anything about anything. I suppose the most pressing goal would be learning the dynamic of everything and how it all works in depth, and then going from there. I'm also putting thought into joining a faction, if any, and I'm really intent on being prepared for dragons."
He moved his knight out of the way of the bishop before looking up and smiling at Azoth. "What about you? What is it that makes you tick, Azoth?"
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The Keepers
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Post by Azoth on Jul 29, 2016 13:50:42 GMT -7
Azoth nodded to his answer, placing a hand on her chin. Survival was indeed obvious; anyone not trying to keep alive didn’t for very long. “Let me know if there is anything I can do to aid you in finding the information you’re looking for. It is my specialty, and, I apologize for again being blunt, but I would not mind if you were somewhat indebted to me. I will be needing help in the future and the more people I can draw upon, the higher my chances of success.” She considered the chess board and his move. Her eyes again rose to his, and her hand returned to her lap. “If you tell me what sorts of information you are looking for, I can keep my eye out for it and contact you if I locate anything.”
She had invited this question with her own, of course, but it was just as important for him to know her motivations as it was for her his. “I wish for power. The exact type is not of particular concern for me; power in my abilities, or in knowledge, or in sway over the system around me. I want to increase my capacity in all of those areas. I am, however, aware that I am more skilled and suited for gaining power in certain ways, and so I focus on those.” She said, picking up another pawn. “For instance, my position in the Keepers, wealth, and ability to gather and store large amounts of information makes me well suited for creating a network of supers. Thus why I am building one and why I would like to consider you an ally.”
Again she paused, her pawn hovering over the board. Her brow was lowered in contemplation. Not about her move - where she would place the pawn was already decided - but if she wanted to inform Geata of her plan already. She placed her pawn to back up her bishop. “Indeed, there is one such thing I would like to discuss with you after this match. I will be needing all of the help I can get for it.”
But for now, that could wait. “I have heard that you have a distaste for Pandaemonium. Why is that?”
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The Keepers
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Post by Geata on Jul 29, 2016 14:46:11 GMT -7
Geata grinned at Azoth. "Don't worry about me being indebted to you. So far, I don't have any reason to deny you my help, and besides. You're pretty cool, Azoth, and this has been fun. Heck, even our failed attempt get this info here," he said as lifted up the folder, "was admittedly enjoyable. It felt good working with others towards a common goal, even if we didn't quite reach that goal." He set the folder back down before continuing. "That being said, as much as I appreciate the offer, I'm going to have to decline for now. Should I ever find myself truly in need of your assistance, you can be sure I'll ask, but until then I feel like it's something I've got to do myself. A sort of trial to make sure I'm improving my knowledge." He offered a small smile before considering his response to her question.
"Before I get into this, I'd like to make clear that it's not a personal grudge against its members or anything. I've met three members, one of which was the guy who worked with us, and so far it's not like they've went out of their way to attack me." He looked over the board, taking note of possible moves, before looking back up at Azoth and shrugging. "I just don't like the group itself. Like I said before, I don't really understand the purpose of it actually being a group. It certainly doesn't act like one in practice, there's no real organization to it, and the closest thing they have to a leader is just whoever happened to have murdered the last guy to call themselves that. Of the factions, they're easily the most short-sighted. At least the Bulwarks have goals, even if they aren't all that good at accomplishing them. It's stupid and pointless, in my opinion." He sighed as he moved his own bishop out onto the board.
Geata looked up at Azoth, blush rising up again as he gave a slight smile. "Would you suggest that I join the Keepers, knowing what you do of both the faction and myself?"
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The Keepers
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Post by Azoth on Jul 30, 2016 1:59:00 GMT -7
… Cool? Her fingertips had pressed together in her lap when he said the word in reference to her. Her eyes dropped immediately from his to the silverware to her side and her cheeks grew red. Geata considered her cool. She couldn’t keep the smile from coming to her lips and she had to force herself not to raise a hand to cover it. That was… the first such compliment she’d gotten from anyone she wasn’t paying, or who was attempting to get onto her good graces with honey. Azoth took a deep breath and swallowed.
She coughed once in an attempt to clear her throat and return her mind to the matter at hand. Geata’s assessment of Pandaemonium was quite correct; she had little to add or disagree with. Though the hostility towards it was only about that of one who was not interested in joining it. Perhaps the small bits she’d heard of his reputation were wrong.
Her mind was back to the earlier part of his statement. He could’ve been using kind words there, she had to remember. She locked her fingers together. Her face was still warm and though she’d met his eyes to listen to the answer to her question, her gaze was back on her hands again. She almost didn’t hear his question to her.
“W-well,” She stuttered. She stopped herself there and again coughed into her fist. “I know that the faction has many uses beyond what is immediately apparent. Further, everyone there has differing goals. This is useful in that one’s goals are not expected to align with the whole’s, but it can and has lead to… less of an allyship with one’s faction members, and more of a title and pool of resources. As you saw in our last mission, just because you are a Keeper does not mean other Keepers won’t stand against you. If you are looking for a strong, automatic partnership with your faction members, you should look elsewhere. However, joining the Keepers grants you access to everything the Keepers share, most notably information, resources, and favors. If that is valuable to you, the faction may be worth your time.”
She straightened her sleeve. Question; it was her turn to ask. Absentmindedly, she moved her knight to take one of Geata’s horsemen. She felt like she had had a question planned, but what it had been escaped her. Instead, she spoke her mind. “W-why are you being so benevolent? You did not accept my payment, you removed your mask, you speak kindly; what is your motive?”
She regretted her question as soon as she said it. There was no tact in her words and she wasn’t supposed to let someone know when she suspected them. That’s how they grew to cover their tracks better. What was she thinking?
The door to the kitchen couldn’t have opened at a better time. The butler who had welcomed Geata into the house entered the dining room, a tray balanced in his hand. When he neared, he removed the lid and placed the contents on each of their plates, the guest’s first, of course, with a pair of tongs. Tonight her chef had recommended crab as apparently a good catch had come in. She had little reason to deny. A whole crab was placed on each of their plates, shells already somewhat cracked, along with small glass cups of various dips and a large piece of seasoned and baked baguette bread. Lastly, he placed a glass of sparkling cider beside Azoth’s plate - her standard request. She allowed herself a small sigh of relief and nodded to the butler that all was well.
Turning to Geata, she asked, “Can I get you anything to drink? We have most beverages in stock.”
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