Little Pitchers, Big Trouble

[Lady Vivianne Trevelyan]

Lord Rupert de Vere

Nighttime was Vivianne's favorite time. It brought out those with plenty of secrets to hide and guilt to bury, revealed the hidden truths about others and for still more, it was a time to conspire against their liege lords. For an enterprising young spy-in-training, it was the most natural time of day to test her skills. Tonight would be no exception; in fact, she slipped out when the prowling was best in order to see what tonight would reveal to her. 

Each morning, she dutifully noted down her observations and reported her findings to Lord Rupert. What he did with them, Vivianne was not precisely certain, nor was it her place to ask. When he wanted more obtained, he let her know. Little did either the spymaster or his apprentice know what she was about to uncover or how deep it went. 

Slipping out, Vivianne took note of a cloaked figure weaving a path through the trees towards the heart of the woods. Intrigued, the small, dark-clad form made to follow that figure, amused by the amateurish attire. A real conspirator didn't skulk around after dark, wearing a swirling cloak and sneaking about. That was the fastest way to gain attention and consequently, discovery. Nonetheless, she had a feeling it was just a secret lovers' tryst or some such, but her interest was piqued enough to give silent chase. 

As she drew closer, the sound of voices prompted her to slow her pace and plant her steps with care to avoid detection by those whom she hoped to approach. Her dark hair was left loose to conceal what little of her skin was exposed as she drew closer, ears attuned to what was said. 

Is all in readiness?  The words were not loudly spoken, but the voice belonged to a man with an accent she couldn't initially place. Frowning, Vivianne inched closer to listen more. 

Yes. Now that the Prince has disappeared, he will make a fine scapegoat. Where do you want the body left?

Her eyes widened, frowning as the suggestion of murder reached her ears. Dropping down to further avoid detection, she crawled a little more near, flattening on the pile of fragrant pine needles. 

I want the girl alive. She is useless to us dead. Bring her to me, and then return so you may levy your accusations. This alliance cannot go forwards.

Neither carried a lantern and the darkness in the forest was thick, scarcely penetrated by the moonlight filtering through the leaf-coated branches. Vivianne was unable to see faces, but the second voice held a familiar note to it, one she struggled to place. 

Her murder would cause a war, but your point is taken. I will deliver Emmaline to you in three days' time.

Shocked to her core, Vivianne nearly reared up to confront them but remembered the counsel given to her by the Lord of Shadows - A dead spy could not relay information. She had no doubt both forms would not hesitate to kill her in order to ensure her silence. She had a responsibility - nay, an obligation - to remain alive so she could protect the Princess. Turning her attention back in time to hear the parting comment, her frown deepened into a scowl. Demeria was rife with treason, it seemed. 

See that you do, and that she is unharmed. Once we are safely away, you will receive the next installment as promised. Go, before you are missed, and remember what was said.

Pressing herself flat against the forest floor, she held her breath as the figures parted, one plunging into the impenetrable darkness of the forest itself while the other made his way back towards the camp. She continued to lie there for some time, surrounded by the call of night birds, the chirp of crickets and the pungent scent of pine until she felt it was safe to gain her feet. 

Only then did she sprint back to camp, immediately seeking out the pavilion of the Master of Shadows. She had a tale to tell, and a plot to foil, if she could. No one would ever accuse Vivianne Trevelyan of anything less than utter devotion to Crown and Country. 

[Lord Rupert de Vere]

Rupert had been entertaining a guest of sorts in his pavilion. Who it was would be impossible for Vivianne to tell, but then, it was really none of her business, anyway. Rupert may have been the Master of Intelligence, but he was still allowed his personal life. Besides, it had been sometime since he enjoyed the company of another that didn't require the pressures of being a member of the council.

When Vivianne made good her approach, a cloaked figure was seen leaving the pavilion, but the individual did not appear to be in any kind of hurry. The cloak made it difficult to tell even the sex of the individual. Within, Rupert was in his typical black attire and enjoying a particularly fine brandy. The beverage had a particularly delightful flavor and burn to the throat. However, he was about to finish his glass and consider getting some sleep.

Unless, of course, someone else decided to add spice to his evening.

[Lady Vivianne Trevelyan]

The cloaked figure slinking out of the pavilion occupied by Lord de Vere earned itself a smirk as Vivianne approached to provide a second, equally entertaining visitor for the Lord of Shadows, but one with a far different method of entertainment on her mind. A small hand smoothed the leaves and brush from her hair, swiftly drawing it back into a plait to reveal her face. There was no need to conceal her identity, not when it was known that she had business (and only business) with the man. That, and the guards on duty were less likely to shoo her away if she wasn't hiding anything.

Marching boldly up to them, she spoke in a low voice, requesting they inform Lord Rupert that she sought a few minutes' of his indulgence on a matter of some solemnity. She apologized for disturbing him, of course, and no, it could not wait until morning, thankyouverymuch. The dark eyes boring into the men's without blinking or yielding an inch after several long, intensely silent minutes finally made an impression as one nudged the other. A pert little smile was given to them both as she added, "He's put his toys away for the evening, you needn't fret about walking in on something intimate."

The other shrugged after a bland, unamused stare at the girl, then eased himself into the pavilion to have a word with Lord de Vere about certain smart-mouthed, overly clever little girls who ought to be in bed, not disturbing important lords in the dead of night.

[Lord Rupert de Vere]

It seemed spice was the order of the evening. The Lord was already in a good mood thanks to his previous visitor and thus he was in the mood to entertain another. He knew exactly whom the guard was describing, an amused smile forming. "She may come in." The guard slipped back out to give Vivianne a grunt in answer and held open the flap for her. Once she was inside, Rupert gave her an assessing look before issuing a statement he could not resist.

"Ah, does this mean I'll actually get to see more leg than last time?" The question was an entirely teasing one, but Rupert was obviously in a playful mood for once. A sweeping gesture indicated for her to make herself comfortable. "What manner of mischief have you found yourself in for the evening?" A questioning nod was cast toward the brandy. She could help herself if she wished.

[Lady Vivianne Trevelyan]

She wrinkled her nose at the guard and pattered in, bobbing a curtsy to him. "No, but I might have something else that will seize your attention, my lord." Leg, indeed. Vivianne sniffed indignantly at the idea. He was her instructor, there were precisely two chances of anything more occurring between them - slim and none. Her few coins were on none right now. Vivianne took the business of espionage seriously and did not mix business and pleasure so far. That might change, but not for the foreseeable future.

"The sort that uncovers a plot against the royal family," she replied lightly, a shake of head refusing the brandy. Spirits dulled the wits, and right now, she wagered he'd want her wits well honed. "It seems that someone has hired a Demerian noble to truss the Princess Emmaline up like a prize sow and deliver her to him in three days' time. And before you ask, no, I didn't see who it was on either part. One of the voices was foreign, though. I'd think it came from the Empire."

[Lord Rupert de Vere]

All she got in answer to the lack of desire to show him leg was the tsk of his teeth. Ah, well. Another chance at another time. Besides, there were plenty of women from which to choose here in Demeria. The relationship between himself and Vivianne did not need to be ... mm, muddied due to some carnal needs. She could at least take some comfort he found her attractive, though! Still, it amused him to keep her on her toes and see the indignity flash across her face.

When she mentioned a plot against the royal family, however, his expression grew most grave. Leaning forward, he drank in the information she provided and ran it through his mind. The Empire? The Empire wanted Emma? He could only think of one reason why. "It seems the Dragon was correct; the Empire has been too quiet for its own good. We'll have to move the Princess to a safer location." He thought on it coldly, "and it won't arouse suspicion to do so. Based on what's been going on, the Princess would prefer some solitude."

[Lady Vivianne Trevelyan]

He could be so terribly annoying sometimes. In her unsolicited opinion, men were merely bigger boys with more expensive toys. They didn't change simply because they took on their father's power and title. Rolling her eyes at his tsk, she opted not to comment but let what she'd heard be known. Rewarded with an abrupt change in his demeanor, Vivianne nodded to herself. At least in this, he took her seriously.

"Her absence will be noticed, Lord Rupert," she pointed out calmly, though the objection wouldn't be welcomed. Still, rational thought and logic trumped insubordination in this case. "She's set to open the archery tournament in a few days' time, and regardless of what has been going on, the absence from that as well as the final feast and ball will be commented on, noticed. She is already suffering enough at the hands of the gossips. If she does not appear," Vivianne met his eyes bleakly, "the damage done will be great."

[Lord Rupert de Vere]

And yet women continued to be attracted to men regardless, continued to bond and love them through the ages despite their many faults. Thus, there clearly was some benefit to their behavior. "And thus, you suggest that she not be spirited away from Triadon." The brandy was drained as he continued to think. Some thought alcohol dulled the senses, but the right amount could open the mind.

"The security around the pavilions is already tight due to their unusual circumstances. I am very curious to see how they plan on being successful. She will be safe as long she stays here. The guard is trained against kidnapping. Unless-" He paused, "Those guards you were suspicious of. Are they here?"

[Lady Vivianne Trevelyan]

"I suggest," she stood her ground calmly in the face of his odd mood, "that it would look odd if we did, yes. That doesn't mean we don't take some extra precautions, not the least of which is putting a decoy in place but if we can capture these conspirators with a minimum of danger to Princess Emmaline, it would send a potential warning to those who would try it." Vivianne listened to him, frowning as she thought over the guard rotation in the royal encampment. "I can't be one hundred percent sure, but if they are here, they're not on the King this time. Sir Darton and several others have his guard covered."

Thinking more, she shook her head. "They may be here, and probably are, but I wasn't looking for them. Give me a night or so to prowl around and I will try to discover if they're here. In the meantime, we may want to have Princess Emmaline sleep elsewhere for the next few nights. I'll put myself in her pavilion in case they try for it." She was better prepared for them, if nothing else.

[Lord Rupert de Vere]

"Mm," he toned thoughtfully at her advice on the matter and then let out a breath. "I want you to track down those suspicious guards. If anyone can slip through the crack, a guard in disguise or a guard that has been bought off can." Odd mood or not, Rupert was still thinking for the safety of the Princess. He wanted to get her out of the pavilions as quickly as possible, but Vivianne was right: it would arouse too much suspicion.

The suggestion that she disguise herself as the Princess for a few nights was an interesting one. "Hmm. That is something I had not considered. Have you ever defended yourself before?" He was not necessarily doubting her, but he did want to make certain that she would be able to handle herself against any potential dangers. Rupert did have a sort of protective instinct for her. Whether it was because he considered her as kin or lover didn't really matter.

[Lady Vivianne Trevelyan]

The assignment given was acknowledged with a bow of her head, aware that they needed to catch the perpetrators more than anything. "I'll see what I can do to find out. Chances are they're on the Princess's detail, so I can trail along after them. Maybe find out more. A word with Sir Darton might be in order too." She frowned, not liking the entire situation. Something was dreadfully amiss around here, and it was unraveling faster than they could keep up. "Just... don't tell Emmaline. She's not that good an actor to pull off ignorance."

Disrespectful, probably. Impertinent, definitely, but likely true. Prepared for the dressing down he was likely to give, she studied his face and gave a quiet sniff. "I have, and I've been training under Don Alejandro and Lord Thomas de Lac. My father's lands aren't exactly a haven of peace and prosperity, my lord. We have plenty who'd like to steal our horses."

[Lord Rupert de Vere]

The thought of Emmaline being an actress in any way seemed to quietly amuse him, but he didn't let it last very long on his normally austere expression. Emma had a good and pure heart, more or less. Deception was not one of her traits. It was both a strength and weakness, a double-edged sword. However, given the recent events with the foreign prince, he wondered if that was going to change now. He hoped not. "That and her ladies are too clever for their own good, especially Natalie and Rosalie. Be cautious, they may figure out what is going on."

A small nod followed her explanation of her abilities. "I'm glad to hear that. I had forgotten your little swordplay lessons with the foreign duke. Those are going well, I trust?"

[Lady Vivianne Trevelyan]

Vivianne stood her ground, literally and metaphorically, before the Master of Shadows. True, the idea of the Princess being an adept actress was rather funny, but respect and fealty kept her mouth from turning upwards as her eyes lingered on his face. If one knew what to look for, then one could read a great deal, and she was an avid student. "If they haven't already, you mean. Getting anything past Rosalie St. Claire lately is proving difficult. She's insatiably nosy and forever poking herself into what doesn't concern her." Her eyes rolled in mild annoyance with the thought yet hadn't she started much the same? Details.

A light smirk formed before she answered his question. "The lessons go very well, thank you. The Duke is a very much neck-or-nothing fighter, and doesn't rely on honor to win." Thank heavens!

[Lord Rupert de Vere]

Rupert seemed amused at her assessment regarding Lady Rosalie. He remembered the conversation in which he told her to scope her out as a possible resource. "Forgive me, if you will, but isn't generally the job of a spy?" He raised a hand, "Then again, a spy will poke their nose into what they feel concerns them. Especially, if they are naturally curious. How do you feel about her otherwise?"

As for the Lintenese Duke, "I have a feeling that you are learning a great deal from this man. Anything interesting about him you can share with me?"

[Lady Vivianne Trevelyan]

"I think she's too impulsive right now. Curiosity rules over common sense and reason." Vivianne was simply being honest. She liked Lady Rosalie, but mere curiosity that was not tempered by a little forethought and sensibility was a good way to get killed and she wasn't willing to be a party to that. "I think she also likes the idea of being a spy, but I'm not sure she's prepared for the other half of the equation. It isn't all sneaking about and eavesdropping." She shrugged a little, but stood calmly enough.

A faint smile tugged at her mouth. "He's got both eyes firmly on Lady Julia. She distracts him and he's trying to impress her in all sorts of ways."