Ilithyia had not really wanted to go to the Viverti estate herself. In fact, her desires ran in the exact opposite direction. However, the note was to be kept in mind. Maybe a letter could do the trick, or a chance meeting… but no, Alstair wanted her to go herself and talk face to face. She had put it off for as long as she could; the fourteenth and fifteenth had been work days, and she had patrolled with older officers. Yesterday had been a personal day and damned if Alstair was going to stop her from spending at least a little time on herself.

So, she was heading to the Viverti estate now, riding on a Chrove of gargantuan size. The city flashed by in ungainly, racing strides and the Chrove made it’s way through the streets, passing storefronts and stands alike, attempting to keep the huge animal from knocking into anything in particular. However, soon she didn’t have to worry, for she was in the beautiful farmland outside Vienda.

It was a nerve-wracking ride, and by the time she reached the Viverti’s front gate, Ilithyia thanked Alioe that she had decided to wear her uniform and not civvies; she looked smart and reasonable in the greens, where as her normally half stained attire looked shabby and old, like it was. Picking up the heavy knocker, she let it thud a few times.

“I am Ilithyia Lutgardis, here to speak with Scuro Viverti on private matters.”

A butler opened the door. His wrinkled eyes taking her in with a glance, and assessing her to be a legitimate acquaintance of the Misses, allowed her in. "The Miss Scuro is not yet returned from her shift, but should be expected shortly," he turned and began walking, "This way, please, and I will show you to the parlor."

When they arrived he turned as smartly as a Seventen salute,"It is nearly teatime, Miss Lutgartos, would you care for black, green, or chamomile?"

She followed the butler inside, looking about at the lavish interior of the manse. Her first though was Eh, my brother's homes are better by a long shot. However, she quickly chastised herself for being shallow and stepped into the parlor and waitied the butler's next command.


"Thank you kindly, sir. I'll take black tea." She stood comfortably next to one chair, leaning on it a little for support.

Scuro had a set schedule; dammit, I should have sent a query letter first. That would have been more polite. She sighed exasperatedly, realising none of this mattered anyway, she was here and not really in charge. Alstair, you had best we waiting to congradulate me on a job well done after this, or Alioe help me I'm done with the entire thing.

The butler clicked his heels together in a smart bow. He proceeded down the hall to the kitchen. It was a good fifteen minutes before anything happened, and when it did, Ilithyia knew Scuro was home.

There was an echoing slam from down the hall, followed by the distinct tingle of magic, and then the equally distinct shattering tinkle of glass. There was a half-heated exchange, as Scuro's yells were morphed by the echoes into indecipherable noise and the butler's brisk but calm tone floated down. There was the sharp sound of a slap, and then footsteps that clacked louder down the marble hall.

Scuro stormed into the room, and despite her rage still looked sharp- her sleek haircut and uniform maintained the image for her- and she addressed Ilithyia, "Well, what do you want?"

Ilithyia heard the commotion, and had taken the precuation of standing in a respectful, if not totally subordinate pose. The glass must have been the tea... oh well, not such a loss. This way we might drink together. And words flow quickly when things are comfortable. As the raging flury that was Scuro entered, and yelled at her like she was some common street-thing, Ilithyia bowed low, as if to an inspector. Polite to the utmost, Ilithyia didn't even allow the insult to register. Time to act like the cold calculating thing Alstair wants me to be...

"I have come to discuss certain... ideas with you, some that from our earlier conversation I thought you might be interested in. But please, sit down and have the butler fetch the tea." It was all spoken in a pleasant tone, but one that nigh said 'You'll like what I have to say.' However, Ilithyia made certain that the formality was there.

Despite her rage, Scuro could hear the offer in her tone. Not yet devoid of rage, she merely cocked an eyebrow in interest. She called over her shoulder to the butler, "Jonas! Chamomile! And whatever she was having! Look sharp, man!"

A feeble voice called down the hall, "Yes, ma'am."

Scuro half indicated at one of the parlor chairs before plunking herself down in the vast armchair across from it. "I hope you don't mind if we wait for tea," she said, thinly veiled anger apparent in her voice, "I've been made a fool, and I need to 'calm down.' My sister thinks chamomile will help me, and insists I have a cup a day." It was obvious that Scuro was skeptical of the calming effects of tea, but there was a mild note of affection at the mention of her sister, if one cared to hear it.

Ilithyia nodded, pose mannerly and head erect. She wanted to look like a messenger, not the general. She was here to convey information and win this woman over to Alstair's side.

"I have no objection, Miss Viverti. And I very much doubt any foolishness on your part." She really did; Scuro might be the riled up, wild kind of woman, but she was far more intelligent than to let herself be scoffed at. Besides, anyone who could get her this peaked was likely shivering in their boots at this moment.

Scuro sat in silence until tea was brought in. A young girl of a maid carried a tray with two small glass teapots and two glasses,as well as honey, milk, and sugar. She bore the tray with shaking hands, and Scuro looked at her with threats in her eyes, but the girl didn't spill a drop. She left the tray and left the room as quickly as was acceptable. Scuro took the small glass pot of chamomile and poured herself a cup, stirring in honey. She indicated for Ilithyia to do the same.

She took a sip of the brew, and seemed to relax, though she was still tense. Her voice slightly on edge, she asked, "So, what ideas have you come to discuss?"

Ilithyia poured herself some tea, and quietly sipped it, brimming with reasons and pleading cries why Scuro should sign onto treason. Instead, she looked about the parlor, and with a hand flicked in the direction of the servant girl.

"You expressed desires for bettered control of humans and the like. I have come today with an offer than can get you inside a powerful new entity. On that can help in that regard." She smoothed her tunic, and knew that while she was speaking disgusting lies, all she had to do was imagine Alstair and suddenly lies flew from her like Alioe's own truth.

Scuro listened in interest. Her eyes flicked after the maid, and she nodded her understanding. She took a few sips of tea, biding her time, and set the cup down. Sitting a little straighter, crossing her legs, and placing her hands in her lap she said to Ilithyia,"You have piqued my interest. Tell me more."

She glanced down the hall again,"Don't worry about the help. They avoid me unless I ring," she indicated a small gong over the fireplace, "I can't imagine why," she finished with a twisted half-smile and a hint of sarcasm.

"Well controlled servants are a mark of a good household." her mother had said it often enough that Ilithyia could say it by memory. She took another drink of her tea, the black hot liquid steeling her for the diatribe that she hoped would win over this woman.

"I am a careful person by nature, Miss Scuro. I dispise situations that leave me in harms way." She looked the shorter woman in the eye, intensity burning deep. "However, I have found myself in a position where caution is not a viable option. So, I speak freely. What I am about to tell you is not exactly... within legal limits, if you see where I am going. Then again, true power rarely is."

"Hm," Scuro muttered noncommittally. She picked up her cup again and watched Ilithyia over the rim.



There was some passion in the younger woman's eye that caught Scuro's undivided attention. She was sorely committed to something, and if her words were true, to something less than legal, and more of power.

"True power. Indeed," she responded in thought. She took another sip, drawing the seconds Ilithyia waited into seeming minutes. "If I understand, you have a proposition. Obviously one that might present certain legal limitations, but, it would seem by your demeanor, one that presents an opportunity too good to miss... I'm sure you know me well enough to know that I am all ears."

Ilithyia leaned forward, realizing as she did so that there really was no turning back. Alstair, please oh Alioe please don't betray my feelings for you. So, with a delicate smile and internal steel, she plowed forward.

"I'm here on the behalf of an... organization, if you will, that promises a better future for Anaxas. One where control and reason with be exerscized, where archaic laws will be disregarded." She paused, fingers perched on her knee, tapping away. "What I speak of is... well." With that she pulled a bit of carcoal from her pocket, and pulling forward a napkin, she wrote in soft, easily understood handwriting.

Treason

"...However, I think that currently, we have few options. This is a govenment so decided in it's ways that no matter if we did go the proper route we would fail. I believe this is a neccesary development." She sat back, wanting to see what Scuro did. I could die because of this conversation.

Scuro's eyes lit slightly at the word. She looked up at Ilithyia in interest before tossing the napkin into the hearth. The cotton lit quickly and was thoroughly consumed. Scuro rose and went to the door, closing it and setting the latch. She turned and indicated that Ilithyia continue.



"Hmm. Yes," she paused in thought.

"How many are there in this organization? What plan of action is to be taken?" She paced as she began her query,"All out rebellion? Subterfuge? What means are at the disposal of this 'organization,' as you term it? And who, may I ask, is the ringleader?"

Ilithyia looked up at Scuro, watching each movement. So, she was interested after all, at least a little. The taught wire she'd been keeping in case she needed to fight or flee loosened.


"That’s a lot of questions, and sadly I only know the answers to a few. It's inevitable that in cases like these, not everyone can know everything. Too many in the secret inner circle and then it's no longer quite so secret." She frowned at that, realizing that for one who was supposedly Alstair's partner she herself knew very, very little. Why am I always left the clocking fool?

"To begin with, there are a few in this organization that I know of, and more that I do not. In trust, you now know I am within it, though I will give you one more name." Sorry Alstair, I want to win her. "...Dom Leon." She let it drop; she had come across his name on a few of the more stellar moments of the Seventen's legacy over the last decades. He was well respected. "Our current plan of action is to gather support. That's why I am here to see you. You are a powerful woman, Miss Viverti, and it was made very clear to me that we should talk." Oh her words made it sound like the little meetings between her and Alstair were so much more important than they had been. She pressed forward. "At first, should things work to our advantage, subterfuge and well-placed information would be our course. However, in the long run, should we be unable to accomplish our ends with peaceful take over, total coup d’état could be necessary.

"And as to what and who, I'm afraid that I cannot answer. I know that recent... events have occurred because of us. Perhaps look into the Red Crow. In addition, the head of this entire plot wishes to, at this moment, remain unknown. I am expendable. Leaders are not." She lowered her head, an admission to her lowliness. "However, you were deemed too important to merely rest unaware." Alioe I hope that was enough of an ego pet becuase while I could pull more of it out I'd really rather not.

Scuro listened in silence, her face unreadable. She started at the mention of Dom Leon, and went to the window to think. Ilithyia continued speaking, and she listened. Her mouth twitched to a half-smile now and again in response to the flattery, though she knew it to be just that- flattery. True flattery, but that didn't hide the intent behind it...



The riot? Interesting. She had known of it, but to think it was this organization behind it gave her shivers of respect. It wasn't necessarily a difficult thing to do, cause tension between the Red Crow and Yellow Eye, but it was just the type of thing that an organization like this would begin with if she were in charge...



Once again, flattery, but thus far the organization seemed intent on gaining her support. If they were that intent, however, she would be doing herself no favors by jumping in too quickly...

She turned back to Ilithyia,"Miss Ilithyia, you have given me a great deal to consider. I feel I should take my time in consideration, and perhaps consult-" she hesitated. She hadn't said anything about Chiaro... "Tell me, how does the Organization feel about my sister?"

Oh, good! She'd brought Chiaro into the conversation herself. That was one hurdle out of the way.

"The both of you are invited, however I haven't had the chance to speak with your sister in many years, so I was unsure how she would react if a total stranger tried to pull her into treason." Isn't that what Alstair did to me? Then again, I'm not a rougeishly handsome former soldier, and Chiaro is not a volatile keg of emotions, either. Smiling lightly, Ilithyia sipped her tea again, demeanor totally reflecting a mere personal discussion. Her intensity however, to Alstair if not the cause, burned like greek fire; unstoppable, intense... and deadly.

"Hm," Scuro replied, satisfied. "Well, then, I shall take my time and consider the 'invitation' in tandem with my sister. You have, as I said, given me a great deal to consider. I shall share the opportunity with my sister, and we will contact you with our response."

As she spoke she walked over to the door, where she now waited with her hand resting on the handle, "If there's nothing else...?"

Ilithyia stood, understanding such a blunt dissmissal when she saw one. Sweeping a courteous bow, she took one last sip of the tea before replacing the cup on the saucer. Ah, when was the last time I had tea that I didn't prepare myself...? It was almost worth the visit in itself. Collecting herself, she strode over to Scuro and smiled.

"Good. I am currently taking residence in the barracks, so I should be easy to find. When you come to a decision, send a note and I will reserve us a table where most of these illicit conversations will take place. However, until I have your complete assent, I'd rather not spill all the secrets." With a respectful nod, Ilithyia left the room and hightailed it back to the yard. If I ever have to talk like that again I will shoot myself, and leave the firing squad out of it. Treason might be worth death, but Alioe not that.