The Damned [Started, PM for joining.]

[Tiger Sora]

Volke had slipped away from the prison unnoticed by any guards or the newly released inmates thanks to the swollen rain. Very few people were out in the streets due to the rain, though it had subsides somewhat. All befitting a man who didn't want to be seen. Volke had clear intentions to where he'd be staying for the night. He'd one good connection in Prague, a well off merchant who Volke sold information to on occasion. So for at least one night he'd be able to take refuge. Some thought could be put to wether or not he'd attend this meeting at the church undercroft too.

 

[willofbob]

"My humble lodgings!" Said Mezido with a grin. The house was small for his standards, but he didn't expect it to be needed for long. The house was five rooms plus a privy out back and a kitchen. He he only used one room, leaving the rest open for guests. It had a one point been a rather nice house, owned by his family for use during business ventures and vacations.

Unfortunately, the Vari family's prosperity had been in sharp decline ever since Mezido had been accused of witchcraft, and his steward no longer had the resources to tend to it.
The large garden was overgrown and full of weeds, the paint all over the house had become chipped, leaving glimpses of the weathered stone visible. The once-grand front door had become warped and mouldy, the knocker having fallen off entirely.

Yet, it was still a damn sight better than any of the ludicrously unfriendly inns this town offered, said L'Esecutore, hidden in his coat.

Spoiler: OOC

anyone who's taken up my offer, this is where you'll be sleeping tonight.
My big house is in Venice, remember?

 

[Voidrunner]

"Indeed, most humble," Erland eyed the overgrown gardens, "the local vegetation at least seems to have certainly made itself at home." Erland strode up to the front door, taking in the missing knocker and the chipped paint on the walls around it. Despite being a bit run down, Erland knew it would be a lot more friendly than any inn he could find around the town.

"This is a nice enough place, thank you kindly for inviting me here, I could use a good rest before whatever nonsense I'll have to deal with in the morning."

 

[JokerboyJordan]

Virgil looked at the man's house, he could see the echoes of former grandeur.
He made a mental note of this place and all its entrances, should he need to seek shelter in Prague again, this would serve as a fine abode.

"Once again, thank you for your hospitality Sir...? "

 

[That Annoying Guy]

Soaking wet, tired, and cold, the merchant finally had come across an open Inn. Though with no coins, he had to barter for what he could. By the time he had managed to negotiate with the inn keeper, Bartholomew had already traded two ornate brass vases and a bowl of soup made of what could be taken from the Inn's cellar; none the less, a spare room was awaiting him. He hung his damp clothing over some chairs and soon after, fell asleep.

 

[willofbob]

"Vari. Mezido Vari, and it's a pleasure to meet you all. Amazing that we didn't speak more in prison, isn't it?" Vari was pleased, not only had he taken a step towards making a few allies in this town, but he also had the opportunity to observe them, and take in exactly who these people were.

Spoiler: OOC

sorry about the short post, I'm doing this on my iPod, and I'm not used to the keyboard. I'll make it up later with a proper post

 

[JokerboyJordan]

"Mezido Vari..."
Once again Virgil was keen to remember all that he could about this man, as well as everyone else involved in this endeavour.

"I am Virgil Negrescu, a humble mercenario you might say"

He extended a gloved hand.

"Pleasure to have your acquaintanceship"

Spoiler: OoC

Don't worry about it, I had the same trouble all weekend, and this RP needs time due to all the different Time Zones

 

[Voidrunner]

Noticing introductions were being thrown around, Erland decided he'd best abandon his attempts to spot occult symbols in the chipped paint and act in a civilised manner.

"They called me Erland back where they found me and that's the only name I've been given. I don't care enough to take another, it's a rare occurence that I have to introduce myself to anyone these days. As for speaking in prison? The people in the cells near mine mostly just cried or shouted, I'm not sure whether that was due to my company or the fact they were facing impending death by execution. Not to mention most guards don't like prisoners speaking, especially not prisoners accused of witchcraft."

 

[willofbob]

Mezido pulled a key of tarnished silver from his pocket and unlocked the door. There was a wet sound, and the door refused to budge. A few minutes and a good, solid kick later, Vari was directing the group around the house. After removing a few spiderwebs and starting a fire in a fireplace that a group of birds had apparently manufactured a nest in, he took a seat on a large chair on the edge of a faded rug, strategically placed to hide a pentagram.
"I'm sorry I can't offer you much in the way of refreshments, but the brandy might still be good, As well as the salted biscuits, so if anyone else is up for a sailors dinner, I'd be happy to fetch some."
The fire crackled, and there was a clunk as a stone fell from the chimney.

 

[Voidrunner]

Salted biscuits didn't much appeal to Erland but he wouldn't say no to some brandy after the day he was having. "I'll pass on the biscuits but if it's not too much hassle I wouldn't mind some brandy, being accused of witchcraft and left standing around in the rain tends to make a drink sound very appealing." Erland nodded politely and moved to stand closer to the fire, his staff thudding loudly on the floor as he moved. "You wouldn't happen to have a rodent problem in this house would you?" An odd hunger burned in Erland's amber eyes for a moment and he shuddered for a minute before appearing to return to normal. "Don't want them scuttling over me while I sleep."

 

[willofbob]

"Quite possibly, Erland, This house hasn't been tended in at least a year. Are you sure you don't want any biscuits? You looked rather... hungry when you said that." A hint, sutle enough, to let the old man know he was acting rather suspicious. Vari would keep am eye on him tonight, if the mirrors in the bedrooms weren't to broken or scrying. Put me on! It would be so much easier to just [i/]ask[/i] him, and you don't have the guts to do it! Cried the voice in his coat. 'No. Not now. This is not the time.' He thought back.
"Now what about you Mr. Nebrescu, do you drink... brandy?"

 

[JokerboyJordan]

"Please, call me Virgil."

He gave a smile, before remembering to stop halfway to avoid showing his fangs.

Best not to tell them yet, I can't trust them, who knows how they'd react

"Get me drunk and I'll drink anything, so that's a yes"

 

[ThreeWords]

An offer of hospitality was made, and William accepted silently, following his host and listening as his fellow guests introduced them. They were ushered inside, to a dilapidated, but serviceable house, and refreshments were offered.

His stomach growled, and William finally broke his silence.

"I would welcome biscuits, and some water, but I do not drink alcohol."

If they were to drink tonight, he would likely stay up to keep an eye out; no sense in sleeping in the presence of drunken criminals. If it were not for the shared appointment, he would have sought out other lodging, but this would have to suffice...

 

[JokerboyJordan]

Virgil had hardly noticed the preacher-man shadowing the group up until now, this was unusual for him, as it was usually his senses which kept him alive.

He could feel the dullness coming on, the feeling of being incomplete. It had been a while since he had last fed, the most recent meal in memory being that of a prison-rat for sustenance.

"I feel that you are abusing our host's hospitality, by not expressing the common courtesy of introducing one's self"

He gave the preacher a cold glare.

"And another thing, Mezido? Is there a balcony or window ledge that I could keep watch on? I do not sleep you see. The night keeps me company"

 

[ThreeWords]

The pale man in black turned on William, his manner contemptuous, "I feel that you are abusing our host's hospitality, by not expressing the common courtesy of introducing one's self"

In response, William smiled thinly, and forced himself to be polite, "My apologies, Mr Negrescu. My name is William Arnup, and it is my pleasure to share your company tonight." he couldn't quite keep a hint of sarcasm out of his voice, but at least he wouldn't be getting in any fights tonight.

To his host, "My apologies, Mr Vari, for not introducing myself sooner. I am grateful for your generosity this night."

 

[Tiger Sora]

Volke slammed down the cast iron door knocker three times. A minute passed before someone came to see him. It was the house butler "It's very late, you've better have a good reason for this uninvited, unwanted visit stranger"? The butler looked down upon him, an expressionless face awaiting his returning gaze.

Volke spoke in Latain just above the rains patter. "Grandinem in opacare", hail the dusk.

"Very well I shall inform my master of your arrival. Please step in". The butler waited for Volke to enter before bolting the door behind him and departing to find his master.

Volke took a seat by the door fighting off shakes. He didn't have to wait long before the merchant came to greet his company. His name was Bastion and calling him inquisitive was almost an insult to his character. "Ahh Volke I haven't seen you in a great deal of time. I trust the roads were nice and muddy and the rain as cold as the Alps winds"?

"Prison. Dry at least".

"An odd place for you to be". Bastion stroked his chin hairs. "Ahh where are my manors your soaking and I shant have you keeling over in my front hall. Come I've a fire going in my study. Felix prepare a room and meal for our guest". The butler obliged and the two went upstairs.
Volke pulled off as much of his clothes as he was comfortable with and hung or laid them by the fire.

"So why are you hear, did you find a juicy piece of information you just had to tell me"? Bastion took a seat behind his desk.

"No. I just needed a warm place to stay".

"Perplexing, a hundred other places you could find around here for the same, yet you came here. And surely my company wasn't the reason".

"More cause you have edible food, and I've a question". Volke sat down and took his boots off, again placing it with his other equipment by the fire. Bastion didn't say anything, trying to force even one more word Volke would have to add on. "If a man you've never met, paid for your release and several other prisoners of questionable resolve, and asking all to meet him. Would you go to see him for whatever he's to say, simply to hear him"?

"Doesn't everyone want to see the man behind the mask"?

No answer could of been more perfectly fitting for the situation. Bastion grinned and bid him goodnight. Leaving Volke to dry by the fire.
"What a bastard" Volke grinned as well.

 

[Voidrunner]

"You'll have to forgive me, perhaps I should take up your offer of biscuits if my hunger is so apparent. I was hoping there would be food at whatever meeting we attend tomorrow, wouldn't do to die of starvation before we served our purpose would it?" Erland let out a rasping chuckle before leaning against a nearby wall to take the weight off his feet. He prefered not eat in public in case his strange eating habits manifested but he had to at least appear normal. His power was a clear indication that he had worshipped Loki at one point or another and he was used to hiding this from people who would kill for less.

 

[willofbob]

The Venetian witch stood up then, and bowed to his guests, "Very well, then. Excuse me for a moment so I may fetch your provisions." He left them by the fire, walking into the food storage. Just as the old man had feared, there were rats. And, said intoned the mask, helpfully, a very reflective puddle on the floor. Vari smiled, walked over to the puddle and performed the neccesary incantations. The reflection in the water changed, showing the group in the boardroom from the point of view of a small mirror above the fireplace. It would do to keep an eye on them. He listened closely to the conversations as he searched for the food and drink he required.

 

[ThreeWords]

William settled himself in one of the chairs; it creaked uneasily but held. From his repose, he surveyed his fellow guests, trying to discern why they had been imprisoned, and why they were to be of interest to this mysterious summons.

"Anyone have a connection to the Church? he asked, gruffly, "Or any idea what our mutual friend wants?"

 

[JokerboyJordan]

"The Church and I don't see eye-to-eye, their constant attempts to kill me on site result in a rather strenuous relationship"
Virgil gave a shrug and made a small motion with his hand, that seemed to mean "That's that"

"What about you Mr Arnup? I can sense you have an affinity towards the Church. Enlighten us."