The Duke's Bride

[Judge Harrod Blacquin]

"Most of that is nothing objectionable," she is informed, his tone thoughtful. "I do not know your people's traditions enough to be sure no issues will arise there however. As for being able to see my soul, I assure you that I am not so foolish or weak to have sold such a thing." He hums softly, then sighs. "But alas, your lying is something of a concern." She can practically hear his smile, cold and sharp. "Come now, witch, did you think that I would not employ a truth glyph to watch over a conversation as delicate as this one?"

[Tova koshack]

"I had wondered if you would. I don't like fools. I like you even less. But I am no mear witch that can be broken or bent if you want me then you get me lies secrates and all. Yell me what do you know of the yadvashem?" I ask gently

[NPCs]

"The basics for sure, as well as more details than most. A faithful people. Pious and arrogant in a humble, self-effacing way. Very private. They claim no land nor nation as their own. Was there a particular aspect of relevance?"

[Tova koshack]

"Lies are sacred to us. It is a small way to keep a connection with the demonic. Still there is a bond be tween employer and practicer away of knowing I can lie to you with out intending harm. A way for me to keep my secrates and you to keep your life puppet master"

[Judge Harrod Blacquin]

"Threats, Miss Koshack?" He sounds decidedly unimpressed. "That is a poor choice, given your circumstances." Three fingers rest lightly on her chest so that they surround the spot above her heart. A rush of warmth floods her, relaxing her muscles and dulling her pain. Even the aching emptiness in her stomach fills and eases. "I am very willing to reward proper, loyal behavior. I am equally willing to punish less desirable actions, however."

[Tova koshack]

I smile he took the bait. I feel his magic his power his essence. There is an intoxicating power to it. Something I haven't felt since my husband Poval went mad. His power would be useful as an ally a Barton could be made... for now.... he still is a dangerous mand that needs to be watched closely but what better way to watch him than from his side?

"It's not me you should be worried about Harriod. We both know that your life is not fully in your hands so long as I am here. My queen wants me back and she will grind your bones to powder to do it. I am past due home. You are a smart man you can be my savior or my tormentor. And only one will be reworded." I pur slightly. There is no lie here and he knows it. I am a tracked to power and he knows it. He also knows that anyone who I would defer to is stronger the both of us. Be smart harod take the offer. Don't make me kill you while you can be useful. Play the long game clever man

[Judge Harrod Blacquin]

"On the contrary, Miss Koshack," Harrod disagrees softly. His magic feels strange; cold and remote. Not like death or the grave, nor like ice or winter, but instead like... isolation. It's impersonal, almost sterile. The healing itself is also a touch strange, the warmth sinking into her but lingering faintly before she can't feel it anymore. It certainly doesn't feel like any healing spell she knows or has felt. "Your would-be-queen is coming here, to my Seat of Power. She is coming with scant preparation, no reconnoitering worth the name and with her head blinded by her heart. Oh, I have no illusion that in a straight fight I would be anything but a particularly irritating bug to be squished. But even the dragons of legend could be killed by mundane men, if they prepared and planned just right. And if there is anything I know myself to be peerless in, it is planning ahead."

[Tova koshack]

"Suit yourself." I say coldly "still, I thought your kind still remembered sodium and gamora." I say "maybe humans won't forget Albany"

[Judge Harrod Blacquin]

"My kind?" he asks, amused. "You consider yourself to be other than human then?"

[Tova koshack]

"I was referring to Christians. But as most of them see Jews as sun human it's really up to your interpretation of if I am or am not human enough for you."

[Judge Harrod Blacquin]

"Ah," he replies, understanding in his voice. "I see. But yet again you are mistaken; I am not Christian, Miss Koshack. I have read the Bible-- the original version, not the latin rewrite the Church has fobbed off on the masses-- and I found myself unimpressed. And, alas, He has yet to take up my invitation to make his case to me directly."

[Tova koshack]

"Perhaps you just don't know how to listen" a say with a smile. "You certainly don't know how to talk to people." I flex slightly my joints cracking as I do. "We are a far way from the point tho. You want my skills so make your offer, and if the on,y thing you've brought to bargon with is my life then go away. Life isn't worth much when you're in chains." I grin

[Judge Harrod Blacquin]

"There are many that disagree with that sentiment, but that is neither here nor there. You wish to bargain? Very well. Little value or not, your life is the base of my offer. In addition, you will be given healing and comforts. Given that our introduction to each other was you kidnapping two of my wards, much in the way of freedoms and privileges that are standard for my retainers will have to be granted slowly, as trust is earned and loyalty is proven." 

[Tova koshack]

"So you're the one who's tortured those girls." The growl is low animalistic and fierce. "Children are precious jewls, not trinkets to be broken. If that is how you heart children I think we're done here. I'll work with demons but those who molest children are a step to far."

[Judge Harrod Blacquin]

"Molest children?" His tone isn't offended, but rather... baffled? "Miss Kolvach, I do not care for such pursuits with grown adults, I cannot fathom myself being interested in children. In truth, I try to interact with children as little as possible; they are... incomplete, their minds unstructured and empty and utterly devoid of self-control or discipline. Youths such as the twins are... better, granted, but still irritating. Aside from their politics lesson each day, their care is given over to the servants. And Gamlen, I suppose, but as their fiancé, it is reasonable enough to ensure he has time to prepare them for the role of wife."