#interaction:excalitress

[rigelprinceofdespair]

Berkut smirks, but doesn't take the chance to deny her words. In truth, he is actually enjoying this as well. Perhaps it's the danger they're in, or being with someone from his homeland. Still he raises an eyebrow.

"Royal rib you say? I think I would be a better dish then that. Something more expensive, suited to a noble such as I." Despite himself, he returns the teasing tone. However as they finally get to the smashed door he quiets down.

Glancing inside, the first thing he does is wince at the stench. There had been a handful of mutts in here, and it sure smelt like it. Still the place appeared mostly empty. No decorations, no items of any sort. Of course it was only natural a place that housed such beasts wouldn't have anything that could be torn apart.

The only thing worthy of note, is a rather large and metal reinforced trapdoor, that is simply positioned right in the centre of the floor. Turning to Sonya, he guides her to a wall to rest on. "Wait here a moment."

Turning to the trapdoor, Berkut crouches down and attempts to lift the large latch. Much to his own surprise, it is open. Lifting it up reveals little more then a set of stone stairs, a wide corridor downwards. Glancing at it, memories of the castle fill his mind, and he forces those away. Instead he turns back to Sonya.

"If we go in, we can close this after us. At least it will prevent the beasts from getting at us from behind. Of course, I doubt we won't find more surprises down there. Unless of course you're too winded to keep going." There is a small challenge to his tone, but he doubts it's needed.

They've both come this far for their own reasons. There was no chance either of them would back out now.

Maybe the angry dogs are better companions

[rigelprinceofdespair]

[ LAST DANCE - RIGELIAN? ]

At a ball, you are meant to dance. At least, that’s what the poor girl has heard from her sources.

With the state Sonya arrives at the ball, she’s surprised to hear the music continue to blare and see some following its call. This dancing tradition must be realllly important if people are still willing to waltz over the sound of stormy weather.

Now, does Sonya know any fancy moves beyond faint, dreadful memories of footwork back at the priory? No. But in this case, the woman is willing to attempt trouncing experience with instinct. How hard could it truly be to obey the instruments’ song?

Especially when the current tune calls for a somber, straight march. When Sonya pauses to listen further, it nearly takes her back to a time she’s long forgotten.

So she chooses not to listen. Not that deeply, at least. Dancers appear to be performing in pairs, so Sonya slips past them to find her own partner before daring to blend in.

And who better of a partner than a tall, stern-looking young man? Well, perhaps there were others, but he so clearly stands alone on the wayside of the makeshift dance floor. It was worth at least one shot.

“You. Tall one,” Sonya announces her presence before gliding forward, straightening her hair. “I need to get at least one dance at this damned ball to feel like I’ve accomplished something. Join me. I can throw in one of those tiny charms too, if that’s worth your while.”

Berkut should have left as soon as he heard the music. He has no clue where they could have possibly heard a tune like this, but it is so close to memories of home. Of nights spent practicing, working until it his steps were perfect, because how could he let himself be any less then that when it came to her?

Perhaps it was thanks to such faint memories he stood there, listening to it, and did not notice the woman approach. At the aound of her voice his gaze shifted, and he froze.

There was something about this woman. Perhaps it was in her dress, those robes that reminded him so much of the crestions of Jedah. Perhaps it was her tone, reminiscent of none other than Nuibaba herself. Despite knowing it was couldn't be true, his mind instantly thought of the Duma Faithful, if they had found him.

No, that was foolish. Judging by the charm bracelet, she had been invited here and must be some member of the monestary. Still, there was a cold edge to his smile as he nodded. "It would be my honour miss. This tune sounds like one from my homeland, so I hope you do not mind if I take the lead."

With that, he carefully took position and guided them out to the dance floor. Every step of his was perfect, and he knew there would be eyes on them. The sombre music was a perfect backdrop to mask conversation as he locked eyes with her. His voice dropped to a low tone.

"I believe we can exchange charms after enjoying a dance. You may call me Berkut. May I know your name, my lady?" The question was deliberate. He watched closely, trying to see any hint of recognition in her at the mention of his name.

[rigelprinceofdespair]

Each bit of information she gives reveals more and more. Berkut would rarely admit this, but to think his first guess could be so right yet so wrong. Not a member of the faithful, but one against it, and collecting information. Hearing the disdain in her voice at the mere mention of the cult brings the smallest smirk to his face.

However when she leans in, Berkut feels like he can't escape. A sense of foreboding at her presence, a sudden pressure as if he got caught. The words she whispers in his ear freeze him in place.

'Prince Berkut.' Two words, is all it takes to trigger the cascade of memories. A title he once gripped to with every fibre of his being. Only to have been a lie his entire life. Thoughts of Rigel, of Rudolf, Massena and the rest. A title that carried a promise they never intended to follow through on.

Berkut is vaguely aware of the music winding down, a few of the dancers leaving already. With careful slowness, he guides them through the last few steps. As the dance finishes, he separates from her and gives her a quick formal bow.

"My thanks for this dance, Lady Sonya. Meeting you has been... quite informative." The words are quiet, a sudden hollowness to them. He reaches for her hand, and presses the pearl charm into her palm. "Perhaps we will meet again."

Berkut turns, heading straight for the exit. Memories haunting him, of a temple, a betrayal. His hands clenched, as if trying to ground himself. The only sign of his turbulent thoughts the slightest tremor in his hands.

a scion's dance from purgatory

toaball2025 | cont from x

[rigelprinceofdespair]

Berkut glances at his arm, a small frown on his face. Not that he wasn't grateful the wound was closed, but any magic on him always felt... tainted. Giving her a halfhearted scowl as he was shoved into the space of the hedge, though he didn't give any resistance as he waited. When she moved back at first he thought to join her, but reluctantly stayed still.

His eyes widened as she blasted open the door. Quickly he raised his hands, though as she ducked back in and the hounds raced ahead, he stared in shock as they simply... went down the wrong direction. It was only his own control that he managed to not let his jaw drop at the sight.

Glancing towards the mage, he could see the effort it took out of her. Berkut nodded, glancing towards the now destroyed door. As much as he wanted to head inside instantly, he paused, looking her over. "That was quite effective... come on. You've been casting quite a bit, I know that can take a lot out of a person, especially from our home."

With some reluctance, Berkut offered his arm. "If you need you can lean on me, let's get inside and perhaps we can find a spot to rest properly. Away from the hounds and whatever else may be in store for us down there."

Still, he smirked at her. "And perhaps you can also explain what just happened. I think I have an idea, but I'm sure you'd love a chance to go into detail about how great you are."

Maybe the angry dogs are better companions

[rigelprinceofdespair]

Berkut let out a sigh of relief as he finally managed to drop the forced smile he had been wearing for the better part of two hours. He would never say that Madame Adelia Duval was a charming hostess. Having managed to enter as a noble, he had been set upon by all manner of tedium. It was only partly due to luck he had managed to make his way out into the hedge maze that took up a large portion of her estate.

When the academy had first assigned such a task, Berkut had thought to perhaps avoid such work. Wasting his time on some dreary task like this would only get in the way of his goals. However then he had heard the rumours.

The memories dredged up at the idea of human experimentation. It sounded eerily similar to what had occurred back home with the Faithful. While he took no joy in helping the church of this land, getting a chance to investigate such a thing was too tempting to resist.

Hearing the sounds of dogs in the distance, Berkut moved a bit quicker. Had he been found out, or was there something else going on? Either way he needed to move. However as he turned a corner a shiver went through him. A cold feeling settled over him, as if in warning to something about to happen. It felt like magic.

There was nothing in sight as he looked around, hands at the ready. The chill persisted as he looked up... and something, wait, someone dropped right on top of him.

@excalitress

Maybe the angry dogs are better companions

[rigelprinceofdespair]

Berkut rolled his eyes at her joke, but his lip did give a half smile of amusement. Following her, he waited to see what she would do. Seeing her intense gaze on the door, he waited, wondering what she had planned.

The grunt as she turned caught him off guard, and despite himself his eyes widened, just shocked as she simply through the knife down a path in the maze. He blinked, turning to look at where she had thrown the knife then back at her.

"I... will reserve any judgment I have until I see what exactly you have planned. At least I hope there is more to it then simply tossing a knife." With a sigh he moved to follow her, then stopped as she did. A bit caught off guard at the mention of the injury, he thought for a moment. Touching his cheek, the spot where the spell had grazed him seemed fine. It had been a more shallow cut.

However he still felt a sting in his arms, and looked down towards where the beasts claws hand managed to slash into it. Lifting the arm towards her he nodded. "The hounds claws cut a bit deeper then I thought. If we are taking a moment, I wouldn't mind bandaging it up. Unless you have a bit of magic you can use. Unfortunately we don't have time to clean the wound, I hate to think what might have been on those claws."

Maybe the angry dogs are better companions

[rigelprinceofdespair]

Berkut couldn't help the small feeling of surprise that filled him at her words. No mocking insults, no comments towards him. It was an unfamiliar exchange to someone like him. Still, perhaps the time simply didn't allow such a thing.

As she went around the building, Berkut waited near the entrance to the clearing. Carefully listening for any sign of the dogs that had been in pursuit. Perhaps that body had distracted them enough, the scent of blood throwing them off the trail. It didn't sound like the barks were getting closer.

At the sound of the snap Berkut turned around, only to see her approaching again. His own curiosity at what idea she had rose a bit, though he scowled at having to give up the only weapon he had for defence against the hounds. However he had already said he would follow her lead... at least for the moment.

"Fine." Reluctantly he turned the blade and handed it to her, setting the handle in her palm. "I hope whatever you have planned works out. As amusing as the idea may be I would rather not try to test myself unarmed against one of those beasts."

Of course he moved to follow her, wanting to see just what she had in mind with his dagger. Of course the first imagine in his mind was some sort of blood magic. As long as he wasn't required to be a sacrifice he was curious to see what was in store.

Maybe the angry dogs are better companions

[rigelprinceofdespair]

Berkut looked over the structure as Sonya went to check the entrance. There was nothing outstanding about it, but in a place like this, that alone was almost a give away. The Madame had tastes that were a tantamount to excess that could have been seen in Zofian nobles, so to have such a plain building hidden away... well it had to be for a reason.

At the jump, Berkut turned back to Sonya dagger at the ready, though relaxed when there was no obvious danger. Despite himself, he couldn't stop the small smirk at her reaction, though he nodded to the words.

"I see." Glancing at the building, it didn't seem like there was much else they could do from the outside. Though a mission like this didn't exactly draw on a skill set he was familiar with. With a small sigh he looked back at Sonya.

"Then I will admit, we are out of my place of expertise. If I had a proper weapon perhaps we could fare better, but with only this..." He brought up the dagger and grimaced. Reluctantly he forced himself to swallow down some pride.

"No doubt you are more adapt at this sort of thing thing then I. If straight combat isn't an option, is there a distraction we can use? I will... do what you need to make sure this isn't a waste of time." Practically having to force the words out, but the offer was there. Berkut grit his teeth, preparing himself for whatever mocking came his way from lowering himself to needing guidance.

Maybe the angry dogs are better companions

[rigelprinceofdespair]

Berkut had not expected much of a response from her. When it seemed she had answered, at first her rolled his eyes, mouth open and ready to mock at how forthcoming she had been. However before he could, she continued, and he silenced his retort.

Victims of the experiments... of course he was familiar with them. Witches. A particularly loathsome, if potent asset to the field of battle. Every interaction with one had made him wary. Of course he knew what the Faithful had preached, that they had all chosen willingly to give themselves to Duma, to spread his glory.

However his position had afforded him a better look at what happened behind the scene's. How not every woman given to Duma had been so willing. How those at the top like Nuibaba and Jedah had used and discarded them like simple tools, only searching for more and more power for themselves.

His fist tightened, wrapped around the dagger. Knuckles turning white as shame and hate rose in him. Directely solely toward himself. After all, in the end, he was no better. He had commanded Faithful arcanists in battle, had given in to use the mirror, had-.

"It seems they are indeed aligned." He spoke, staring ahead. Making his way further into the maze, dagger still hacking away at any offensive branches that stuck out. "Let's hope our trip together here isn't a waste of both our efforts."

Glancing around a corner, Berkut finally spotted it. The structure he had seen from on high. At first glance, it appeared nothing more then a simple one story building. Plain compared to the rest of the estate, one most may ignore offhand. "That's what I saw. The only structure in this garden."

Maybe the angry dogs are better companions

[rigelprinceofdespair]

The 'sir' makes his eyes roll. The dismissive nature of it makes him want to scoff, but considering the current circumstances, there was no need to waste time or draw attention to themselves. Perhaps once they get out of this there would be enough time.

The ringing of barks behind them is clear to him as well, but while he can't be sure, he believes they are growing fainter. Her words about the magic make him consider as he leads them even deeper into this maze.

"Well I'm sure the church here would like nothing more than to have all of it be destroyed." Berkut sneers, spitting the reference to the Church of Seiros with almost as much venom as he would to the Faithful back home. Considering for a moment from what he could gather to in regards to Sonya from their brief encounters, he continues.

"However, there could be vital knowledge. If these are similar to experiments done back home..."

A screaming rings in his mind. Sobbing, wailing, fire everywhere. A deep voice in his head that demands submission.

"It could be a waste to throw it away. There might be research that could be useful, if only to prevent such use in the future." Berkut does his best to keep a hollow note out of his voice. "What are your plans, should we stumble across such things?"

Maybe the angry dogs are better companions

[rigelprinceofdespair]

Berkut nodded, not resisting her pulling him back up, letting out nothing more then a slight sigh before looking down at the wound. Her words about the mutt have his mind turning, but he had always tried to ignore the experiments the Faithful had done in the wilds of Rigel. Not his concern, and even his Uncle couldn't curtail the worst aspects of them.

Looking down at the injuries, he gives a quick shake of his head. "The scent of this dead hound may distract them long enough for us to find what we're searching for. I should be fine for now, the cuts are shallow. Luckily this beast didn't have any venom in it's claws."

As much as he clings to his pride even now, Berkut has been in enough battles to know what his body is capable of. "I will need to wrap them soon, but better to find some place where more hounds won't interrupt such a process."

Bringing down his dagger, he wipes the trace amounts of blood on it onto the beasts fur. Then still gripping it he gestures down the path the beast came from. "If this one is alone, it's likely this was a guard, not one of the ones chasing us. That must mean we're getting close. Let's get going."

Berkut once again steps forward to take the lead, this time keeping his dagger out and at the ready. As he moves forward, he makes sure to cut away any thorns that were jutting out too close. The last thing he needs is for himself or Sonya to get caught in them while trying to avoid any more of the beasts.

Maybe the angry dogs are better companions

[rigelprinceofdespair]

Berkut forces himself to remain between Sonya and the hound, the dog having leapt back after another cut to it's side. Keeping the dagger at the ready, Berkut barely managed to bring up his other arm, as the beast came at him again. This close, he barely managed to kick it away, and already it prowled close again.

In the tight confines of the maze, it is hard to try and find the space to duck. Even less when one is currently fending off an angry, growling beast, that seems more then capable of tearing apart a regular person.

Still perhaps it was thanks to years of exhausting training in his duties. Berkut could feel the wind stirring behind him, that tingle in the air that feels like someone calling magic. It's the same every time, an instinct that has been honed from years of having to deal with the Faithful and see their efforts. The hint of power being summoned, the same power he had once-

As the dog pounced on him right as Sonya unleashed her magic, Berkut barely managed to move just in time. There was a flash, a burning sensation across his face, yet far more satisfying was watching the blade of wind utterly decapitate the hound in front of him. Mercifully falling silent, the corpse slumped to the ground.

Wincing, Berkut brought a hand to his face. It seemed that he had while he had avoided the worst of the damage, the tight confines had stopped him from completely avoided it. There was a small slash across his cheek, right where the edge had brushed it. With a smirk, ignoring the claw marks on his arm, he turned back to his companion.

"A bit closer then I'd prefer, but good work. Seems partnering with you was the correct choice after all." No thanks for dealing with the beast of course, but it was the closest to a compliment the former prince had given. Leaning down, he looked over the beast. It's scarlet colouring and unnatural size giving him pause.

"It almost reminds me of the terrors. I'm no expert, but perhaps some dark magic was involved."

Maybe the angry dogs are better companions

[rigelprinceofdespair]

Berkut scoffs at the idea of finding beauty around him at the moment. Eyeing the same dark bushes, the thorns covering them even as he walks forward. The way 'my lord' drops from her lips, the sheer tone makes him bristle. Travelling with an unwanted companion is aggravating enough, even more so when it's this woman who knows entirely too much about his past.

Seeing the dagger she pulls out does bring a smirk to his face. No matter her own distaste for their homeland, it appears some things may have stuck. Berkut begins to tune out her annoyance, trying to focus on where the dogs may have gone. The barking still rang, but it had faded for a moment.

At her sudden stop however, Berkut scowls. "What, has another patch of thorns driven my lady to hide?" Bringing out his own dagger he moves past, the disdain in his voice clear. It is only after he turns the corner and locks eyes with the beast in front of him that he realizes perhaps he should have paid more attention to what Sonya was doing, and followed her lead.

Bringing up his dagger as the beast starts to growl, Berkut barely has time to be ready before it leaps at him. Trying to end this quickly he can't quite bring his dagger around in time, causing nothing more then a minor scratch. While he managed to avoid the extremely sharp teeth, he felt claws rake down his arm. A hiss of pain escapes him as he tries to focus. Caught in this tight maze, there wasn't much room to manuever. Still he attempts to put himself between the beast and Sonya as best he can. "If you see an opening take it."

The order comes out without thinking. Berkut knows she must have some training in magic, probably more skilled then the Faithful if she's been hunting them down. As much as he hates to think it, the most he can offer against the hound is taking up it's attention to give her time to strike.

Maybe the angry dogs are better companions

[rigelprinceofdespair]

The mention of the dance they shared brings a smile to his face. Not one of joy, a smirk that just reeks of arrogance. "Of course it was exceptional. I was part of it. I shall make sure after this that your expectations of me shall only rise." Though the smile didn't reach his eyes, and he forced himself to focus on the task at hand.

When she pushed forward, Berkut barely held back from demanding to know what she was thinking. Doing so however may only bring even more attention to them from the hounds chasing them. As her hand began to shove his shoulder, every single instinct that had been drilled into him since he was a child shouted at him to stand firm. To deny this woman for daring to try to guide him. Recalling what he had seen from the glimpse he had taken, he was sure the left path would lead closer to the structure he had witnessed.

Yet something about her tone stopped him. It wasn't like others who had tried to use him. To make him serve their own ends. Who had lied to him. Reluctantly he nodded, heading into the darker path at her suggestion. Ignoring the thorns as he brushed past them, such minor pricks would not stop him.

"I think the barking is getting louder." He muttered as they headed down the way Sonya had chosen. His hand kept a firm grip on his knife. He fell back a step, gesturing for her to take the lead. If the dogs did catch up to them, he would have a better chance at fending them off so close.

Maybe the angry dogs are better companions

[rigelprinceofdespair]

Her answers are just as evasive as his own. It almost brings a smile to his face, this game between them. Her response to the question only further confirms his own thoughts. If he was right, indeed their home had changed a lot.

As they return to the traditional dance, her question brings back the cold smile from before. A small, bitter laugh escapes his throat. Leaving it to those who could keep it intact? Oh please. What would a farm boy know of leadership? Had Alm even been raised with the knowledge of ruling, of governing a land and it's people?

"I have my own doubts. Though that hardly matters." The music entered a slight lull, a bit of peace before picking back up again. He shifted, moving carefully against her in the dance to match the steps as he pondered for a moment.

"I would not exactly be welcomed if I were to return." The words are careful, controlled. Giving a bit more information, and hoping for more in return. "Then again that is rather expected of the losing side."

Before she could respond, Berkut slightly breaks them apart. Holding one hand, he carefully guides her in a twirl before bringing her back. He wasn't finished after all. Nor had he ever one to suffer such a game of subtlety for too long. "Though, perhaps those of a more faithful bend don't need to concern themselves with such a thing."

There it is. The slight accusation. Gazing for any hint of reaction. Positive or negative to such a word. If she was a member of the Duma Faithful, or former member, surely there would be some acknowledgement.

a scion's dance from purgatory

toaball2025 | cont from x

[rigelprinceofdespair]

Berkut can still hear the dogs barking. Perhaps the only benefit to this maze is the twist and turns that would slow the beasts down. Still, unless they can find a way out, or the secret they are looking for, the mutts will be able to trace them the whole time.

Feeling her touch his hand, Berkut released his grip. Naturally with zero apology for grabbing her so suddenly or pulling her along. Berkut nodded at her words, that ever-present scowl still on his face. "Need is a strong word. However you are... correct."

It chaffed at his pride to agree to work with anyone, or admit that he could be out of his depth. "Let's keep moving. I got a glance at the maze from the house earlier, I believe I know the direction to head in. There was some sort of structure that I only saw the roof of near the centre."

It hadn't taken too much effort to charm the Madam into a small tour, and the windows in the halls had given a somewhat good view. With the ringing of barks that only seemed to grow louder he began to lead the way further into the maze. One hand grasping the hilt of the knife at his waist just in case.

Maybe the angry dogs are better companions