Just a job they said! (Ariadne Pentaghast)

[torin]

Torin had done high profile work before. The coin he charged for his services rendered him an impossible options for the standard merchant looking to protect their wares from bandits. His time doing that was long over. Fortunately he was worth his price and word of mouth spread that information. He had been contacted by a broker in Fereldon, one seeking him in particular. They offered his price plus expenses to meet with a potential "long-term" client in Nevarra City. He wouldn't refuse.

It was only when he was in Nevarra itself that Torin was informed his "client" was the Grand Duchess of Nevarra. Ariadne Pentaghast. Tales of her beauty traveled to Fereldon. It soon became apparent Torin was not the only warrior being sought from far and wide. The Grand Duchess needed a Bodyguard and Champion. Agents of the Realm traveled to find the best and the Grand Duchess could take her pick of the lot.

The Mercenary of Highever was provided lodgings in the city and told when to arrive at the palace, there was a very specific list of requirements. He should not wear his armour (he assumed should he make an attempt on her life, they'd want to be able to fill his body with arrows as quickly as possible) but could bring his swords, so in the event the Grand Duchess found him to her liking he could swear upon his blade as was proper.

When he arrived at the palace (adorned in his finest clothes, a red silk tunic and matching leather breaches with light ornamentation of white gold) he was greeted by whom he could only assume was the Grand Duchess's Equerry. He certainly knew who Torin was.

The Equerry proceeded to give Torin an extensive list of rules while in the presence of the Grand Duchess, all the while guiding him through the palace in the company of two very well armed guards.
"One should not be within a dozen steps of the Grand Duchess without her request."
"One should refer to the Grand Duchess as such, unless there is request for otherwise."
"One should make no effort to touch the Grand Duchess."

It went on and on and on and on only to end with:

"Should you find yourself in violation of any of these guidings, your life will be forfeit."

Pleasant. Regardless the whole speech brought them to a splendid set of high doors. The ornamentation and design was like nothing he had ever seen. Two more guards stood at attention at the doors, moving swiftly despite their plate armour to open the way for the Equerry, Torin and the Guards in toe.

No sooner was the Equerry in the room that the proceeds appeared to begin.
"Presenting Torin of Highever, noted Master Warrior of Fereldon for the pleasure of Grand Duchess Ariadne Pentaghast."

The Mercenary took no time in making his way to the center of the room before dropping to one knee as he had been instructed, head facing the ground and one extending down to press a fist to the floor.

[ari]

Today was the day they would all arrive. Stephan had Jenna, and now she needed someone. Thanks to her own selfish desires, she had sent out her searchers with a few things in mind. He must be under forty, lethal with a weapon, and handsome. Stephan had been with Jenna before, and frankly Ariadne found it disturbing. He was married, wasn’t there any honor left? She on the other hand wasn’t even betrothed and if she wanted a tumble with her champion she would get it. She had also said that he must have no one to claim. Family was fine but no wife. She wanted a guardian, but she wanted something nice to look at while he protected her.

She had positioned herself in her brother’s chair, since it was the largest. Her pale yellow gown suiting her skin tone and coloration well, her hair was pulled back slightly, the rest falling as ringlets down her shoulders. She knew that as she waited her Equerry was giving the small group a mass of instructions. One by one the men trickled in and knelt. She asked some questions, or made them do something silly. It was petty but she needed the amusement. None of them were what she had wanted. They were either too stiff, or not handsome enough. She was a picky girl and she knew exactly what it was that she wanted.

The names were called, and then she dismissed them within a short time. Ariadne was growing tired of this to be truthful, she wanted someone particular and she had not seen it yet. "Presenting Torin of Highever, noted Master Warrior of Ferelden for the pleasure of Grand Duchess Ariadne Pentaghast." Ariadne quickly erased the bored expression as the man walked in taking a knee. Now she had some amusement. His walk had been impressive, one that showed he thought of himself as strong, and he had obviously paid attention to her silly rules because he was looking at the ground.

Silver blue eyes looked him over, noting the muscles under the crimson tunic. While his eyes weren’t on her she smirked in appreciation before standing. The others hadn’t given her cause to but this one did. Her dress brushed against the ground as she walked in a circle around him, noting every muscle. He was a man that knew how to hone his skills and keep his body in proper working order. Maybe Fereldens weren’t as bad as she had been told. She made her way back towards his head, before her lips parted to speak.

”You may stand.” Her voice was a mixture of tones; the easiest to pick out was the command and her position. She spoke like a woman in charge, but the amusement she was feeling was in her voice as well, making her sound like someone who was able to have fun. She waited until he had stood up before she spoke again. ”So Warrior, tell me. What sort of feats have you accomplished? Anything worthy of my knowledge?” Her tone had taken a lighter note, as her silver blue eyes sparkled. She was actually having a little fun now, and wasn’t about to give that up.

[torin]

Grand Duchess Ariadne Pentaghast was just as beautiful as the rumours said, even if Torin only got a brief look before dropping down so she could have her inspection. He kept his position as she wondered around. This was nothing new, at least the general idea. Lots of people wanted to have a look at the person they were hiring. Usually he was standing, but the royal folk liked to have that initial show of submission or something. Royal folk were interesting like that. Still, he held position like a statue. Easy enough to be like a statue with his rock hard pecs.

When the Grand Duchess gave the word, Torin rose up. He towered above her, but that was no surprise. He was a tall and powerfully built while she was a petite beauty. His arms took place at his back, one hand holding the other balled into a fist at his lower spine. She asked if he done anything that was worth. There was only answer that came to mind. "I attracted the attention of someone seeking the best warrior in the land, from two countries away," Okay so it was a slightly clever answer in a cheeky way but it was a good point. Fereldon to Nevarra was no short journey and there was more mercenaries then miles to be found in between. To stand out at such distance was an impressive feat, right?

He kept his face stoic however, staring into the distance when not speaking so the Grand Duchess could continue to get a look of him as she saw fit.

[ari]

His stance was that of a warrior, perfect attention with his hands clasped behind his back. She kept her gaze impassive but it really brought out his muscles. She guessed him in his thirties, which was a deal older than herself, but he wasn’t grey yet so she was content. Sadly a man her age would never be a warrior good enough to protect her and she was wise enough to know that. "I attracted the attention of someone seeking the best warrior in the land, from two countries away,"

Ari hid her smirk; he was a man with a little spirit. He had been a bit cheeky, but it hadn’t been to the point of disrespectful. She admired that greatly, but didn’t show it in her face. He was taller than she had expected but then again at her height many were taller. She was often compared to a pixie, tiny in frame. She was delicate, but her mind was sharp. She knew that if one wanted her she would be the catch to have. Thankfully her brother hadn’t bothered her with marriage yet, for she wanted nothing to do with it at this time.

”You may be correct Torin of Highever, but you must have done something to catch their notice from so far away. Either way it matters not, I shall decide on other things then.” She noted that his gaze was focused on the distance and not at her. He was such a good boy, and to her that deserved a reward. She knew she was a beauty, and she did have a slight air of vanity but it wasn’t something she often showed. She tried to keep herself humble, and pleasant. One couldn’t rule a country being a narcissistic wench.

Her slender fingers took Torin’s chin gently, pulling his face down slightly so she could meet his eyes. A wicked smile danced behind her eyes but only showed as the slightest smirk upon her lips. ”So if you are to protect me tell me of yourself. Have you a wife, children? What weapon is your weapon of choice?” Ariadne knew that his having a family would have nothing to do with protecting her, but she needed to make sure her specifications were followed. Besides if she chose him, he would need to stay here in Nevarra.

[torin]

He continued standing still, like an unmovable sentry gazing out over eternity. He felt her fingers upon his chin, guiding him down to look at her. It was such a strange thing. He could pick her up and snap her spine over his knee and see her dead in moments. But if she wanted his head on a pike she could have this room filled by a small army at the flick of her fingers. He was keenly aware of who was more powerful. (It wasn't him).

"No Grand Duchess, I am without wife or child." As far as he knew. Would be his luck for Mariana to pull into port someday and drop a wee baba in his arms. Was his own fault for his constant man-whoring. But as far as he knew there was nothing strictly keeping him in Fereldon but his love of the land. "My weapons of choice are a pair of longswords. Twins from the same forge. White steel and finely enchanted." They were hanging from his thick leather belt, one from each hip in their sheaths. They had never failed him. Not many men could handle being sliced by lightning itself. Other warriors could keep their other enchantments. Torin wielded lightning and nothing less. It would be a dis-service to himself and his foe for him not to bring out the finest.

[ari]

Ariadne held back a mild pout, he looked so stoic. The man needed to relax a little, it wouldn’t kill him. As her eyes met his she noticed that they were a lovely shade of green. She released him easily, but she had held her fingertips against his face a little longer than was necessary. "No Grand Duchess, I am without wife or child." Ari nodded, glad to hear the news but not showing her pleasure on her face, she shivered slightly but kept her composure.

"My weapons of choice are a pair of long swords. Twins from the same forge. White steel and finely enchanted." Her eyes roamed over him again, taking in the swords at his side. They were lovely and of fine make. She was glad she wouldn’t need to get him proper weapons. His looked clean and lethal, something a man protecting the Grand Duchess should carry. She wondered absently about his armor, but unless something big was going on he wouldn’t need it. When the time came she would get him a proper suit if it was necessary.

”Well without a wife to keep you, it would be easy to keep you here with me if I chose to do so.” Ariadne added a slight seductive note to her voice, she was going to play a game, now to see if he would play as well. ”I have only one problem though, I don’t know what you can do. You’ve done enough to get noticed, but can you truly protect me? Are you the man I’ve been searching for?” Ariadne was well aware that her words could be taken as professional and proper but the tone she was sure Torin was picking up on was far from proper. She was curious to see how he would handle it.

[torin]

She pointed out that without a wife it would be easy for him to stay. That would be convenient alright, he'd be an an impressive man indeed if he could protect her from Fereldon but until the day he was granted the power of every Mage in Tevinter he'd settle with walking at her side and dispatching any would be assassins the traditional way. It was good enough for him anyway.

When she continued speaking Torin could make out a distinct sound in her tone and he knew precisely what it meant. It meant trouble. Ariadne Pentaghast was the sort of "client" that could get Torin into a lot of trouble. A young woman used to power and getting what she wanted, filled with youthful vigour and now quite obviously passions. Everyone knew the tales of the Princess who wished to lie with her bodyguard, only for the two to be discovered resulting in the swift execution of the bodyguard to protect the family modesty. True Royal Modesty was a sham, everyone knew Royals were knee deep in as much debauchery as they could handle.

Of course Torin didn't get to where he was by staying out of trouble, he got to where it was by being more troublesome then the trouble the other guy was paying for. "I am Grand Duchess, take me as your Champion and you shall have a tireless and committed servant." He could only hope any Guards within ear shot were either thick stupid or smart enough to stay quiet because if Torin could pick up the sound of a little minx in her voice anyone else could.

[ari]

His eyes gave him away, he knew what she was hinting at. Now she would find out if he could handle it or not. For now she was mostly pure, but a tryst here and there had sufficed as amusement. Her darling brother would be happy to know that she still held her maidenhood, but as far as she was concerned she was the boss of that. Her brother could choose her a husband but no noble man would take broken goods unless he stood to gain much. Thankfully for Ariadne Nevarra didn’t have enough to offer for someone to take a broken princess. Should the time come, she would ruin all prospects of marriage to defy her brother.

"I am Grand Duchess, take me as your Champion and you shall have a tireless and committed servant." Ariadne smirked; the man knew how to play well enough. She was glad that most of the men here in the castle were smart enough to remain silent or they were too damn stupid. Most days Ariadne assumed it was the latter. Her brother and Jenna had hired all the poor sods and neither of them were the brightest as far as Ari was concerned. Her hand reached up so she could absently twirl a dark curl around her slender finger. She wanted to chat a little more privately.

Ariadne turned her head, her eyes meeting the gaze of the Capitan in the room. With a flick of her wrist she sent them away, their boots hitting the ground in a bit of frustration. They hated leaving her alone, but they couldn’t possibly argue. She smirked with defiance as she turned her gaze back to the man before her. ”Tell me Torin of Highever, why here? Nevarra is far from your home, and I assume you have no one here. Why leave everything to come here?” A playful look danced in her eyes as she continued. ”And please spare me the nonsense answer you would normally give a woman of nobility, if I ask and we are alone I expect the truth, nothing more and nothing less.”

Sure it was a bold move for her to make, but she was dying to know. He had a home, and surely he had friends. This wasn’t a short journey, and she wanted to know what brought him here. The answer of money would be a lie, since it looked like plenty was spent on his swords, which meant plenty had to be constantly going into his pockets.

[torin]

The Grand Duchess wasn't giving any obvious signs of approval but there was a few little tell tale signs. Attention to detail was another trait he could bring to her service. When she sent the other occupants out of the room he gave a discreet sigh of relief. A roll of his shoulders perhaps more evidence that he was allowing himself some slight sense of being relaxed.

"I have done the work of a sellsword for a long time, it has been profitable but it is not reliable work nor is it always glorious. To be a Champion and Bodyguard however, there is honour and prestige in that. The respect and admiration of the people." He may not have had a wife or kids now but someday that was likely to change. Champion to the Grand Duchess was a much more respectable title then "wondering sellsword." It was a job for life so long as he did it right.

But he had to wonder why else she wanted him alone. Either to speak plainly at length or perhaps the young seductress had more in mind. He honestly didn't know but knew very well it would all be revealed soon. He was in her domain, literally and figuratively. Whatever she had planned was going to happen regardless.

[ari]

Once the men were gone Torin rolled his shoulders, so she had been right and he was being a little uptight. How peculiar, a man of his stature uncomfortable around guards. She was sure that he could have taken them, maybe not without a fight, but they were weak where as she could see his strength in those lovely muscles. "I have done the work of a sell sword for a long time, it has been profitable but it is not reliable work nor is it always glorious. To be a Champion and Bodyguard however, there is honour and prestige in that. The respect and admiration of the people."

It really wasn’t the answer she had been hoping to hear but it was truth so she couldn’t fault him. She was surprised that he didn’t get more respect doing the work he normally did. Ariadne would figure that being able to kill without a problem would be a great thing to demand respect. She surely respected it. Now he was alone with her, she was grateful for the peace. She had to keep her composure but it was nice to speak plainly. Although she loved her station, she did enjoy being treated like a woman, and nothing more. Honor and glory hmmm? I suppose that is a noble enough reason. Tell me this though why choose to work for me? I am sure there are plenty of nobles in Ferelden searching for a champion.”

She thought for a moment, her silvery blue eyes going bright. ”And if you speak truth again, I will allow you to call me Ariadne, and drop the title whilst we are alone.” Ari winked mischievously as she settled her skirts. A flash of her ankle was seen as well as her pretty embroidered slipper, the flash of skin looked accidental, but she knew what she was doing. She was smart enough however to keep that knowledge off of her face as she waited for him to answer.

[torin]

Torin obviously noticed the flash of ankle. She had meant for him to see it. It was more cute then seductive however. Nobles were such a silly lot. But he couldn't fault her for it. Exposing any kind of skin beyond her face and hands was probably almost a wild act to one raised to be prim and proper. He hid the smile of amusement at her cute little gesture and instead maintained a face that still held interest, just of a different kind. He couldn't deny that she was beautiful. Young and slender in form, she was small but had the shape of a woman. She as desirable indeed. Of course such a desire could see Torin's member cut off so he wasn't going to be stupid about that.

"I have great love for my homeland, but its nobility is not among the reasons. There are few who do them credit and many who are content to sit back and use coin to make coin, profiting on the efforts of men blessed with talent but not station. The Pentaghast Family are not like the nobles of Fereldon. There is honour and merit to the name, and that has value to me." He'd much be a Champion to a family that can produce Champion's then be the Champion to a man who could simply afford to have him as a champion. There was little worth in that.

Torin had coin. It was glory he sought. To kill a dragon. That would be a tale for his children.

[ari]

Ariadne kept her eyes on Torin’s face, though she saw no movement that he had noticed the skin. If she was going to show something it would need to be bolder and saved for a better time. Most girls in her station would have thought her little action the most scandalous thing ever, but this girl had done far worse. Like kissing the stable boy, or whispering to a random man things only a bar wench should know of. She knew how to be proper, her mother had seen to that, but her selfish nature led her to do improper things. If she wanted fun she would have it, and nothing would stop her. Absently she wondered if it was her age that bothered him. He had to be in his thirties, and she was eighteen. Still considered a youth, but she was old enough to marry. Did those of a lower rank consider such things? Ariadne had a mind to ask, but thought better of it. She could always ask later if she felt like it.

"I have great love for my homeland, but its nobility is not among the reasons. There are few who do them credit and many who are content to sit back and use coin to make coin, profiting on the efforts of men blessed with talent but not station. The Pentaghast Family are not like the nobles of Ferelden. There is honour and merit to the name, and that has value to me." Ariadne laughed the sound reminiscent of tinkling bells. She had been told before her laugh was a pure one, and that it was lovely. She wasn’t sure what Torin thought of it, but at this moment she didn’t care, it just felt good to laugh. ”I don’t believe that those in Ferelden would be very happy to hear that. I think you ust want to learn how to slay a dragon.”

She smirked knowingly at him, for many had asked to be her champion just for that reason and she had denied them. There had been a few young men that had caught her eye, but learning something like that required a man who had been around a bit, and they would never be able to handle it. Torin on the other hand could learn this pretty trick, and keep her virtue or he could have it if he played his card right.

[torin]

"No, I don't imagine they would like to hear it. But if you don't like hearing the truth about yourself it should be your duty to fix that." Torin was just telling it like it was. If you get to the top by stabbing people in the back you'll get to be known as a backstabber. Those were just the breaks of it. Lots of people had rather offensive words for a mercenary and they were entitled to them. Of course if Torin got out of the sellsword business and into the Champion business he wouldn't need to tolerate their backhanded comments any longer.

"With respect my Lady, there is nothing I cannot kill, dragons included. That's why I'm here." Okay so he had never killed a *really* big dragon, but he had taken down dozens of drakes and the like throughout his jobs that involved plundering cave networks. He had felt their claws upon his chest and fires heating up his armour. He had also watched the life drain from their eyes as his swords tore open their throats and spilled their entrails across the room.

That's how one became a Champion. You never lose. Not against bandits, not against rage demons, not against Dwarven constructs, not against Darkspawn, not against the undead and not against dragons. Not against anything. Torin's skill in life was violence. He's rather be a good artist being commissioned by the Grand Duchess...and by the seems of it she'd be hiring him to detail her form as she posed without garb but that wasn't the case. He was a killer of men and legends. It was his craft and he accepted that.

[ari]

"No, I don't imagine they would like to hear it. But if you don't like hearing the truth about yourself it should be your duty to fix that." His blunt comment caused Ariadne to quirk a brow, it was uncommon people spoke so plainly around her and frankly she was shocked. Luckily for him she had sent the guards away for this exactly purpose. If he was going to protect her she needed to know him better. She needed to make sure he would be suitable as her Champion.

"With respect my Lady, there is nothing I cannot kill, dragons included. That's why I'm here." Her amusement showed on her face easily. He was trying to prove his worth to her. It was rather endearing if she was honest with herself and it caused a slight flush to come to her cheeks. ”You know that if I hire you we won’t be able to be so open around others. I’m sure you know but it does me well to say it anyway.” Her hands reached up and moved her tresses behind her. They had been over her shoulders hiding the skin her dress exposed but it was warm in the throne room, and she knew that with her curls falling down her back she would be more comfortable.

”I think you may be exactly what I need Torin of Highever.” The sultry yet playful tone was back again, as she met his green eyes with her own silvery blue ones. Without a thought she went back to the throne, settling herself upon it comfortably and fixing her skirts. There were other chairs on the dais for company and the like. She gestured towards him to take a seat. Of course he couldn’t sit at one of the thrones but if it suited him he could move a smaller chair to her side or sit a little farther away. She was curious to see how close he would sit to her.

[torin]

She made a point that he wouldn't be able to be so open around others. If he was to be her bodyguard there would be a certain level of class he'd have to maintain. He could do dignified. He was fine for that. Until it was time to gut someone who put an unwanted hand on the Grand Duchess, that was the time you didn't want your bodyguard to be dignified, you wanted him to be lethal. All a matter of context. "I have no great experience in courts, but I'm aware of the general conduct expected." It included kneeling while a Grand Duchess tried to see through your breaches by staring very hard.

Having flashed some sordid ankle Ariadne now saw fit to expose some shoulder. Scandalous behaviour to be sure. Whatever she would do next was anyone's guess. Regardless, she gestured for him to sit with her, he stepped forward until he was at the base of the steps leading up to the throne before tilting towards the seats, taking the nearest that was appropriate for an individual who wasn't nobility. One didn't want to sit so far away the Grand Duchess needed to raise her voice. He couldn't recall but that may have been one of the rules.