[ P ] devil in her eyes

This land was as foreign as those who traversed it, everything so different than what he’d come to know in an old home and yet with it came the shock of familiarity. A name of all things uttered and rearing its ugly crown within the depths of the royal city. One carried upon accented tongues - at least to his ears - though it was they he turned to for assistance in a ploy for knowledge. Feigning vulnerability of the lost. The unusual scents still painting his pelt selling the act as well as earning curious stares - judgment - yet a title offered seemed to turn ears.

Whispers of wine. Such a beverage always could get lyrics flowing though even without it loose lips were all too willing to divulge their tales. Give way to the information he sought and ever more that had been unasked for. It brought features to turn, a grin flashed as sharpened gaze lingered over a man so helpful. Leaning in the vampiric offered his thanks, “Merci Monsieur, do stop by the vineyard some time. I would adore the company.” The chance to gain a connection to this realm, to lure into the fold. However, for now, Noctis had gotten what he came for.

Enlightenment.

Creatures of coin, those once gleaned in passing now held a large presence in the army of all things. Well, paths truly had diverged from one another hadn’t they? Yet that spelled little reason to abandon all chances for attachment. Still he wished to see how the rich grew richer still and if all were to go to plan none would discover the truth beneath his own operation. This game one he was all too willing to play time and time again. Such thoughts clung to as a message lay woven though the clacking beak of a raven.

A bird borrowed from the aviary for a fee. One given instruction, direction, reward; all that he’d been told it needed to complete its duty. After that all one could do was wait and see if a message was heard. Await a response or for another to heed his word. Nothing more than a simple request, an invitation to tour the vineyard and sample the wines crafted under his guidance. It was there he would be waiting for them. Attending to business as usual.

In truth, he held little faith in the feathered creature but those of this land swore by it. If this did not work his own paws would stray and he would hunt these strangers himself. For now it was up to a chattering beast.

"Speak"

Ryker Verlice

The grasp of the well oiled machine that was the Imperial Army never quite left those who wandered from it. It was much like a noose, though it's lead was much longer, allowing you to wander so far until you could begin to feel the threat of slipping beneath you. Should you dare stray far enough, it would begin to crush you, threaten your very existence. Atleast, that's how it was for those so relentless and endlessly devoted to the dangerous contraption that everyone was always trying to manipulate to make it function the way they wanted it to. But she, her, this woman of iron clad was held in Noone and nothings grasp. She was tied to herself and herself alone, and although she remained loyal to the beast that her family had so easily clung to, she would hold no shame in abandoning it: no matter if she were gone a day, or forever. Outside of its confines, she was unstoppable, because she was free of the chains that held her in her place. There was no rank out here, no superior to feign decency to, she couldnt be chided for a lack of care towards her soldiers-soldiers, that weren't even hers, but they were certainly pawns of the army.

Outside the borders of the army, she was also free of any and all of her problems- all of which seemed to be nestled right into the heart of the territory. Her father and his demands for her to be tied to someone, to ensure her safety and wellbeing in the future. She had done that already, and she continued to do so. Perhaps her next step would be to retire from the very thing that put her future at any risk at all. Fighting in a war, putting her life at risk was no way to ensure she even lived to see a future any longer. Perhaps that was the new perspective she was going to hand her father, her mind set on changing his even after their first heated discussion that he laid a heavy foot down on.

The path to her father's door step was the furthest she made it to doing such a thing. She had intercepted a small, obsidian feathered nuisance that had a message for-she could imagine- her father to hear. But she took it upon herself to hear it for herself. Her first assumption was that it was from Illaria, and she would prevent said bird from delivering the message to her father, not wanting to let her words distract her father when it was time to discuss herself with him. In the bird's pieced together squaks, she would pay attention what context she could, but nothing of that she heard pointed to Illaria for being the sender.

An invitation: Lévesque Winery extends an invitation to the Verlice family-- and that was all she remembered, the rest was garbled nonsense. Mainly due in part to swiping at the bird, and shortly after making sure it was no longer able to send back a correspondence. Winery piqued her interest, the Lévesque name a hazey familiarity- atleast from two or three years ago. But even that she didn't hold much interest- she was being invited to their Winery,and what a delight it would be.

When she arrived, she found herself in the commotion of workers perhaps leaving for the day, or just arriving. The skies had yet to bleed its golden hue and thenstars were still far from ready to dance. There was a freshness that lingered in the air-amongst the fermented berries and just ripening ones on their vines and bushes- and she would find herself appreciating the air that didn't reek of sweat and dust. She wanted to spend what little time she likely had before operations closed for the day, and so she was hasty in her steps, asking around-or atleast trying to- for the sender of the feathered pest. She was getting frustrated moreso than she was getting answers. Wandering she would find herself, tempted by the scents that she could pick up the further into theninner workings of the Winery she went.


speaking

Gentle murmurs laced the air and beckoned the man’s ear to turn. Whispers of gossips, worriers that traversed the halls of their employment with tongues weaving tales of an unknown woman traipsing through the vineyard distracting others from their duties. It brought a frown to crease his visage, eyes narrowing upon approach, “Be quick on your paws next time, I should always be informed immediately should any come here.” Whether it be for mere visitations or otherwise but with a fairly recent invitation issued there was a likelihood that the law itself sniffed about.

Though only one? How curious… but no matter, he would be the epitome of a perfect host whether it were one or fifty he guided the steps of. Upon a brief discussion with those cornered his path would be set. Long strides carrying him down the winery’s crackled paths until sights may set upon the known stranger. The darkened pelt worn a familiarity of his past though a scent had long since changed, developed into something new with age just as he was certain his own had. Paces halted a short distance from where she wandered his property unsupervised.

Dark lips spread into a warm grin before a light yet short spark of laughter fled his lungs to tangle with speech, “Did none think to welcome you Madam Verlice?” Or at least steer her toward where they knew him to be, keep her from stumbling upon what she held no business in seeing, “An esteemed guest should not be left on her own, it is shameful behavior on our part.” Lyrics dipped as they dripped like honey from tongue, “I do hope we can make it up to you.” The vibrancy of a seafoam stare looked her over, so much like her father - at least what one could remember of him. A man acknowledged more so by his own sire than one who was merely a pup at the time.

Now such a creature wasn’t here, choosing to keep the hold held back in their homelands and leaving his spawn to delve into whatever was desired outside of that constant watch. Though even without his own blood present he would question hers, “What of the rest of your kin?” But in times such as these perhaps it should have been expected, a steadied sigh escaped him, a crown shaking lightly to brush the matter aside. “Absence is not surprising, however, that doesn’t mean you and I can’t have a chat. Catch up on lost years, drink some wine?” Rounding to her side he stopped short of a shoulder pressing to her own to steer her toward the winery itself, “Your pick. The flavors are plentiful,” some even brought from home, “And nothing compared to the vinegar they serve at the bars around here.”

"Speak"

Ryker Verlice

A sneer held its place on her lips, now making her own path to the way out, not wanting to be bothered with the hassle of searching the swarm of beings that inhabited the establishment. Her paws carried her swiftly, not stopping for any in her way. A voice, however, one that was clearly directed towards her over the hustling lot around her, would stop her short.

“Did none think to welcome you Madam Verlice? smokey frame would halt, her ears adjusting to the location of his voice as she pivoted around. A subtle pinch of familiarity would pick at her brain, though only partial from the appearance. The voice was surely different. Back home, her father hosted many a gatherings, and held some patriarchs in his highest regards. This man that called to her was the son of one of those few. This man also had a name, but she couldn't quite dig deep enough to find it. Stone plume ticked softly behind her, an inhale of the vineyard air would reset her sour mood. On the exhale, she offered an unusally welcoming smile to the host that greeted her. After all, she was the guest and he the gracious host- it was the least she could do. Such a busy operation shouldn't be bothered by a wandering observer. she attempted to cover up any signs of irritation she had with the lack of guidance she was given upon arrival.

“An esteemed guest should not be left on her own, it is shameful behavior on our part. I do hope we can make it up to you." how flattering. She couldnt help but to begin to latch on to such... decency being sprinkled over her by the man. His words weren't followed by a "Yes Ma'am" or a tone of superiority that would wash a habitual response from her towards any of the higher ups that flaunted about back home. I am sure there will be no issues in doing so, Monsieur Lévesque the tongue she'd practiced and spent hours perfecting back in college twisted the accent a touch differently than she expected, though for coming from a dry tongue, it wasn't too bad, atleast not to her ears.

He would inquire the numbers that lacked in the party of Verlice before him. A brow slightly peaked as she have a brief thought back to the bird that she only let tell her of the invitation. Quick to swim away from that, she would shrug her shoulders as a small chuckle trickled from her muzzle. The Verlice men are all too cooped up in their homes, likely letting themselves believe that they've only so little time left with their.. significant others before they're called back to battle. that wasn't all a lie. Surely Father had that wretched wench of a medic cozied up in his home away from home, and Kenzo was more than likely tied up with that wife of his that seemingly had no off switch on that mouth of hers.

Their figures would fall into synch as he guided her with his, the gesture of catching up, and most importantly-wine sipping- would consume her attention. The choice was hers, and he left an insult in the air aimed towards the concoctions that were spread across this country. I do crave so badly the taste of home. I've yet to be served anything to rival it here. She would muse. Much like a child wandering through a toy or sweet treat shop, she took in the sight of the winery he was leading her to. All too giddy to get to sipping, there was a small skip in her steps. A Humm would vibrate up from her chest. When her lips parted, she would slow down to match the pace of his footfalls. Something sweet, that's a must. Perhaps, somewhere in there, you've Saunternes? something far ahead of the times of these lands itnwould seem- their exptertise here falling on ales and whatever berries they can pluck. The Saunternes itself was a flash back to before she arrived in Rionnach. Most times, father would only break it out for the parties he hosted, but when she was younger she would sneak in to the cold storage and snag what she could, running off to enjoy it on her own.

Lips would part once more, but sealed themselves shut as she gave thought to her next words. Amethysts dove for his hues of seafoam. Monsieur Lévesque, I, Ryker Verlice, am ever grateful for such an invitation. her way of skirting around the fact that he may not know her name and her his name. Her purple hues would dance across his features for a moment, before falling back to the winery ahead that they were heading to.

speaking

Twisted sneer decorated that smokey visage, a dead giveaway to all which brewed just beneath the surface. No matter how distaste began to falter it had already made itself so clear in the subtle tick of an ear. Oh how it reflected within the amethyst hues peering back at him, how it lay harbored in her very presentation of self. Only for it all to fade away upon gentled breath. Annoyance, the teasing onset of aggression, replaced in an instant by the inviting smile of a siren. Lyrics sparking another huff of laughter to roll from his chest, “And yet you are no wandering observer.” Rather she was a guest, one welcomed into the fold though still the staff felt the need to ignore her.

All would need reprimand, reminders they’d soon not forget when it came to matters of duty. Each knew the orders carried. The utmost importance behind security and monitoring faces unrecognized as one of the trusted few. However, all of that would have to wait once he’d dismissed himself from Madam Verlice’s company. Nothing more than a harshened glare - a warning - cast to those who scurried past and yet his venom would never flicker toward the shadowed woman. Eyes softening before they sought to capture the gaze of another, all while a grin tugged at the corner of his lips.

“You flatter me to hold such faith,” and Noctis did not intend to let her down. Whatever expectations were held in visiting a winery, a flourishing vineyard, they would all be met. After all he was a man of his word and providing delights of home was a thrill all its own. Bring back memories to some, fuel desire in those that had never known it, an excuse to indulge in the very product crafted… even if it were with just one. Her lyrics trilled against his ears, stunted bone twitching in place of the steadying sway of an absent tail.

“Such a shame, I would’ve loved to have them,” to catch a glimpse into the lives of those a sire once held in such high regard, “Perhaps once they are through worrying over their lives, hmm? The air out here might do them some good.” Give them all - what to he sounded of - a much needed moment of relaxation, even if it only lasted for a little while. “One should never be wound so tightly at all hours,” something she could perhaps agree with him on for this Madam Verlice had been the sole soul who’d bothered to make the journey.

One so willing to fall into step at his side and all he would do at first was listen, take in the sounds of her voice and each word spoken. Talk of home bringing a thoughtful hum to this throat yet he would issue no interruption - at least until she spoke of her fancy. Sweet Saunternes. A request bringing the flash of fang as delight plagued him and turned his phrase, “My my, expensive tastes, no?” A tease upon his tongue for the damned cared not over the exuberance of her request. There would be none better in this wretched realm to share it with. One who would cherish the taste of familiarity, “But for my guest? Anything. A taste of home I, Noctis Lévesque, am all too willing to provide.”

Though he would not delve immediately into liquid finery as paws lead her up the manor’s step, the privacy of a home sheltered from the bustling workers that flitted in and out of the vineyard and inner workings of the winery itself. Another section of the building to allow for peace of mind, however, those who served were far from absent as lyrics called out to an aging figure, “Monsieur Fontaine, fetch the Saunternes for our guest - Madam Verlice has come a long way.” There came no reply but the curt nod of acknowledgment, he would return shortly with all a request entailed.

Wine to share, snacks that paired well in accompaniment, he knew Fontaine would not let him down. So without missing a beat Noctis clung to a plan of action. Guiding his guest to perch upon plush throws with the gesture of a limb, allow her to take pride of place and await the butler’s retrieval though until she chose to settle he would remain standing alongside her. A question and - more importantly - a name falling like honey from his lips, “Lady Ryker, are there any particulars you wish to know of the winery or its craft? Or, when we are through with conversation, would you allow me the pleasure of a guided tour?” One which promised more than Saunternes to be tasted… in lesser quantity.

"Speak"

Ryker Verlice

Perhaps it was the surrounding of spirits in every direction she looked that boosted her own: some loved tending to gardens, some loved clashing in a spar, some loved the books and politics- Ryker loved the breath of fresh air and the scent of wines being crafted in every stage. There were no politics here, no bloody battles, no commander in chief to fall in line for. Not to mention, Noctis was a much different change of pace in regards to socializing. Often she was tense, irriated, and easily set off. This man blended into her atmosphere easily, perfect almost. And she felt zero need to fight his pleasantries.

He would speak of her brothers and father, wishing he has the same opportunity with them as he did with herself. She would shrug lightly before stone kissers peeled from one another. I'll be sure to praise your hospitality and impressionable views the second I return to them. Perhaps that will better persuade them for a next time. “One should never be wound so tightly at all hours” she would agree with a slight huff that would escape after an exhale. And such an environment would encourage just about anyone to let themselves come loose if only for a few moments.

He would tease-or atleast, it seemed like a tease to- her when she spoke of her request. Only when it comes to such delicacies. she pointed out. She liked the finer things, and that just so happened to be the sweetness that was the saunternes that she always chose over anything when she was home.

She passed clear over the remark as he continued, his name finally being revealed in his promise to her. Noctis her mind pulled the name from the very depths of her mind, not hearing it in years. That too would easily be brushed past as Noctis now guided her to a lavish, more private area. She was gestured toward throws and cushion to rest upon as they awaited the help to fulfill the man's request. A brow would perk as she first hesitated to lay a paw on such a luxurious spot to wait. Adeline would love it here, surely, as she took a second to recount her observations of the new home that Kenzo shared with his wife. Ryker wouldn't love it with Adeline here, however, so such an idea was shook from her head. Faster than it appeared. Any and all reluctance from her would dissipate as a limb moved to place a first paw on the throws beneath her, an ache that she didn't realize was present in her limbs faded the second she felt footing on a softer ground compared to the dirt or concrete she was used to. It was tempting, almost, to let herself slowly collapse to her stomach. Noctis's voice would tear her from such a temptation as he addressed her once more. Lady Ryker. Such a formality shouldn't take her by surprise, but since joining the Imperial army she had yet to be addressed by anything close to it.

Her brow subtly creased, her interest mainly peaked at his suggestion of a tour. You are the gracious Host, Monsieur Lévesque, I eagerly await whatever it is you may have in mind- so long as a tour is the first thing we do. so, perhaps it was more her choice no matter how it was viewed, but if he took such pride in his business, surely it was something to show off.





speaking