Reaching an Accord

[Lord Richard Peveril]

Messages came from the west, alerting him to the forthcoming arrival of a person with unique skills suited to furthering his agenda. Pleased to learn of it - his hands were currently occupied with a number of irons in the proverbial fire - he hoped to reach an accord with this individual to lend those skills to his needs. Such an accord would not come cheaply, he knew. Professionals merited a commeasurate level of compensation, but the advantage rested in knowing the task would be completed promptly, efficiently and to order. 

Richard Peveril had an appreciation for professionals; they allowed him to preserve his appearance of innocence when disaster arose while accomplishing the carefully delineated plan put into motion. He had had to rely on an amateur the night of the feast, one he had already delivered final payment to and concealed within the woods for carrion-eaters to enjoy their own feast. He opted to leave nothing to chance. 

Awaiting the professional in the indicated location, he stood calmly and easily, a tall man in a dark doublet and alert eyes. Hands in gloves were clasped loosely before him, appearing deceptively relaxed but fully cognisant of what transpired around him. Patience was a thoroughly-cultivated virtue engaged in the moment until the professional opted to make his or her arrival. Some matters were worth the wait. 


Ishino Haru

[Ishino Haru]

Ishino had barely stepped into the country and already someone requested her services. Her father was both pleased and worried with this unexpected development, so of course they needed to prepare for a trap just in case. With weapons strapped to her legs and a vial of poison here and there, they decided that she was ready to meet this individual

Her father reminded her to be polite and stay her temper, as he always did, and she rolled her eyes at him before leaving to meet at the intended location. She neared the figure with silent footsteps and analyzed his stance to the best of her ability. She could not see his face yet; her eyesight was too weak.

She stood in front of him, studying his face for a few moments without saying a word, and bowed briefly in greeting. Her pale skin faded against the grey of the hood about her face. His breath was slightly rapid. This has to be him.

Lord Richard Peveril

[Lord Richard Peveril]

He had no intent on a trap. A professional such as she was not to be abused or possessed; rather, she was a tool to be used in the furthering of his agenda. As a tool, he held respect for her skills and abilities, intending his negotiations be clean, straightforward and honourable. As honourable as treating with an assassin could be, that is.

When she stood before him, as pale as many of her countrymen were dark of haire and eye, he examined her in detachment, seeing not a woman but a killer of high skill and the reiver of lives for appropriate compensation. A polite bow acknowledged her presence, granting her the courtesy due out of respect. "Thank you for coming. I trust your journey was without incident?" Pleasantries and courtesies were to be observed, as if there were no pressing matter hovering in the air like a storm-cloud.

Ishino Haru