dutyroulette | Sidurgu & Aymeric

[The ferocity behind his gaze did well to respect the tales of the Dark Knights, how they were believed to be demons in the forms of men, that they dabbled in arts outside of Her Grace.

He did not look away from Aymeric, stared him down as if he were the one at his mercy, not the other way around. He was silent, easily giving the impression he would not speak—probably because it was not a mere impression. He remained silent as the grave, unwilling to share words with the Lord Commander, maybe out of stubbornness, or perhaps he was trying to calculate a way out of this.

Maybe if he crushed the fancy lord against his desk with his heavy armor... the thought was quickly dismissed, knowing full well if he attacked Aymeric, ill would befall Rielle, and that was not something he could risk right now. So, instead, he remained on his knees, locking eyes with Aymeric, and never once blinking—as if the act itself would betray his watchful glare.]

Edited 2017-03-26 21:20 (UTC)

[Pretty intimidating guy. Wouldn't want to meet him in a dark alley, that's for sure. Aymeric looked into his eyes, letting out a breath.]

I know you don't trust me, but I need you to speak to me.

[He eyes the slab of a sword against his wall.]

Are you truly a dark knight?

Aye.

[The answer is quick and gruff. He has no shame in what he is, and it's apparent in his answer.]

They are not wrong to fear me, but fear will be only the beginning if they lay a hand on Rielle.

[Even in his precarious situation, he clearly feels he's go the ground to lay threats.]

We won't hurt her. I promise. I prefer not to hurt you either. I just wish to speak with you.

[He sits back against his desk. He had to get this guy to let his guard down. There was so much he could learn here. So much more that was more valuable than just killing him. He smells his lunch, remembering it.]

Are you hungry? Do you think Rielle would be?

[Sidurgu lets out a scoff, and he seems more angry at the friendly inquiry than the situation he's in. With a snarl, his eyes seem to flash with something dangerous, or maybe Aymeric may be imagining things, who knows!]

You insult me to think I would fall for this farce. Do not try to show me mercy, Lord Commander, I know well what mercy your ilk capable of.

[But Rielle is probably too scared to eat, he thinks to himself. They tried so hard to stay out of the Temple Knight's clutches, and for what..?]

[He folds his hands and looks somewhat disappointed. He doesn't betray the startled feeling in his heart- but the intensity of his eyes gives him an idea of the terror he put in the hearts of temple knights he had likely killed.]

You haven't much in the way of choices right now. You can speak to me, or you can speak to an inquisitor. I would prefer to not get them involved. I think Rielle would prefer that, too.

It all ends the same, so why bother? Why drag this out when I know all you bloody temple knights want is my beheading?

[He pauses a moment, before letting out a slow breath through his nose.]

Or do you wish to pry from me information about fellow Dark Knights? Save your breath, Ishgardian, naught of the sort will leave me.

You have the attention of the man in control of the order you hate so much, and yet you have nothing to say to him? What is your goal, then? Do you simply wish death on us all?

[he takes up his glass of wine, sipping it]

Let us come to an understanding.

Edited 2017-03-26 22:21 (UTC)

[Sidurgu snarls as Aymeric seems to feign ignorance to why someone like him would hate the Temple Knights, that he wouldn't understand his goal. Sure, he got it in a guess, but it's clearly not because he actually knows or understands.

Him being so damn casual only boils his blood further.]

In a sense, you are correct. If I could bring the downfall of every last one of you dirty Temple Knights, know you that I would. Your order of knights are reviled men who prey upon the weak and you are at the helm of it all.

If not for the iron that binds me, I would run you through with my sword without a second thought or a moment's delay.

[And he puts the glass back down.]

We protect this city. That is our very purpose. My knights lay their lives on the line for the men, women, and children of Ishgard.

For what would you claim my life?

[He knew that he wasn't terribly popular depending on the groups asked... But that was all tied up in the war.]

Were you- [a heretic] a Dravanian sympathizer before the conclusion of the war?

Then I don't suppose you consider the Brume dwellers not part of your society? The actions of your men and your negligence to heel them would suggest as such.

[At the question, he somehow looks more offended.]

I follow Halone just as you and your men claim to, but I promise you it will not be you and yours who walk her halls, Commander.

I certainly do. I speak with the House of Commons daily.

[But this was worrying. Were there things that he didn't know? Important truths still unrevealed?]

Pray explain what you mean by my negligence?

[His demeanor shifts away from the cool and casual. This is a matter of serious concern. He decides not to argue who's going to heaven and who's not. Not here, like this.]

Feigning ignorance?

[He lets his resolve soften slightly as he watches Aymeric's expression. It seems genuine, and despite himself and his thoughts towards the temple knights, he has heard good word of Aymeric from others. He has seen the way he's swiftly changed Ishgard for presumably the better.

But his hatred is still there, and it still burns within.]

Do you honestly believe all men below you are good and pure? That they would not use their station to attack and take from those whom have no means to fight back? Those whom none will listen or believe?

If you are so ignorant, mayhap you are ill placed as Lord Commander.

[He places a hand on his chest as he squeezes his eyes shut. Could it be true? For all the reform he wanted in Ishgard, had he missed that which was most easily under his control? He reopens them and levels his expression at Sidurgu.]

Please, if you speak true, then continue to speak with me. We have no documents about the incidents with the Dark Knights. If what you say is true, then I need to investigate further. I will rip the corruption from my ranks.

I will speak to my counterpart in the House of Commons anon.

I will give you a choice. [His tone implies apology that it is a poor choice.] We can keep you with Rielle in hobbles and shackles, or in a cell with fewer restraints.

Edited 2017-03-26 23:00 (UTC)

[Sidurgu falls silent as he watches Aymeric, unsure whether he believes him or not. Is this some sort of sarcastic display? Is he trying to play him as a fool? He isn't sure, and so it takes him a moment to answer the question.]

Talking has never done any good when it comes to the temple knights, but very well, 'tis not as if I have much of a choice.

Lock me in a cell, but mark my words, Commander, if there is even a single scratch upon her, I will hold you personally responsible.

You have my word, though meaningless to you, I take it very seriously.

[he calls his guards and instructs them carefully. He makes them repeat his words before he departs, his lunch left cold on his desk.

Sidurgu is placed in a spartan cell. It is by no means luxurious, but it is clean enough. There aren't a terrible number of rats running to and fro, there is a blanket, and the chamber pot is empty. He is brought warm meals, though they are humble. Mainly porridges or eggs and bread. His breakfast comes with a couple sausages.

By lunchtime, there is clamoring in the jail halls. There is talk of bringing Sidurgu back to Aymeric. The guards are surprised when Aymeric comes down himself, out of breath as if he ran.

He comes to Sidurgu's cell, looking excited, but confused. He clutches letters in his hands.]

The House of Commons corroborates your words. Additionally, I have received a petition for your release by none other than the Warrior of Light.

[Sidurgu did well to go along with all of this as he was able. Not without giving threatening looks and grumbling replies to the knights that addressed. He ate his food with suspicion, and very modestly at all. His appetite was not exactly present at a time like this.

When a clamoring sounds, he is stirred from his seat, and his expression blank as Aymeric speaks, before a slight smirk curls at the corner of his mouth.]

Right, then. Are you going to listen to your vaulted champion, or deny his request?

[He looks troubled]

I want terribly to comply with him. He has not led me astray even once. [he presses a hand to his temple, a headache blooming.] However, you have presented me with a very difficult decision by threatening my life.

Of course I have. But if you are truly innocent of any abominable acts, then you needn't worry for your life.

[The fact the Warrior of Light felt he could request his release speaks of their relationship enough, and while Sidurgu thinks Aymeric is at fault for not controlling his men better, he isn't about to attack an ally of the Warrior of Light's.]

So what will it be?

I want to release you as soon as possible, but I will be unable to guarantee your safety as it is. I need to complete my investigation, and that will take some time. The Warrior of Light tells me of your immeasurable value to Ishgard. Your reach is where mine is not.

[he folds the letters back and paces for a moment.]

I need you to trust me and I need to trust you. I want to learn everything you have to tell me. I know that you would prefer to be released to the streets immediately, yet that too would be negligent. Pray compromise with me, I have an idea.

[Sidurgu watches him as he paces, silent as he talks and it could raise the question on whether or not he's actually listening with how impatient he looks.

But towards the end of it, he tilts his head, curious. A slight narrow of his eyes as his mouth pulls thin. Trust Aymeric? Not likely. But...]

I'm listening.

Edited 2017-03-26 23:54 (UTC)

Let me keep you at my home for the duration of my inquiries. You and Rielle will live in comfort. We will be allowed the time and privacy to speak. I cannot keep you here, and it will require many hours of paperwork to clear your name.

[he lets out a breath and bites his lip.]

I would never be able to look the Warrior of Light in the eyes if you died in your cell or at the hands of my men in the streets.

Were you not worried about your life I threatened?

[It all seems so sudden! He does see his point, however. Staying here unprotected and at the mercy of his men would likely end in his death far before his investigation even lifted off the ground.

Still, an interesting predicament to put himself in for the sake of his investigation. Were Sidurgu the vile sort, it'd be a fatal folly.]

Seems odd you would go to such lengths for a man you scarce know, let alone the situation we're currently in.

You said that I have nothing to fear if I conduct myself well. The Warrior of Light names you a mentor and a friend. You invoke Halone's will with confidence. I place my fate in the hands of the Fury's will and my friend's ironclad judgement.

[He lowers his head as he speaks, humility in his expression and voice.]

This much is worth the risk if there is to be peace in Ishgard. How will the commonfolk ever trust me if I cannot hear their pleas? What good are the Temple Knights if they are a menace? I must take responsibility.

Tell me your thoughts.

[There's a long silence once again, and he turns away from Aymeric. It would seem he has no intention on answering him for a few long moments, before he lets out a sound that's somewhere between a scoff and a laugh.

What a situation to be in...]

Very well, if this is your will, so be it. But--

[He turns, focusing his sharp green gaze on Aymeric once more.]

This is only the beginning of your repentance.

[Ominous. He could feel that stare in his soul.]

I accept. I will do all that I can. I won't fail you; I won't fail Ishgard.

[Aymeric pulls out the jailer's key, opening his cell. He seems tense as he pulls the door open with a deafening creak.]

We will visit my office ere we leave for my home. I ordered a change of clothes to be prepared.

I don't need it. Only mine armor.

[Which is a stubbornness Aymeric is likely familiar with from a certain dragoon that's gone missing. With the door open, however, Sidurgu walks out, and his full size is probably a lot more obvious as they stand side by side.]

Will I remain restrained?

[His mouth dries somewhat. The moment of truth, he supposes. He looks Sidurgu in the eyes as he speaks- quietly enough so that the guards down the hall won't hear. ]

Nay, but pray do not make me regret it.

[He steps behind the the towering man. He was big enough as it was on his knees. Fury...

Aymeric's bowmen draw their arrows nervously. The shackles come undone into Aymeric's hands.]

Clear the hall; put away your weapons. We are with the Warrior of Light's company. [He places the shackles into the still full hands of one of his men]

[Had this been well before everything with Rielle, he certainly would have made Aymeric regret it. Would have killed him here and now, and would then fight his way out of this dungeon, killing every single Temple Knight in his path—or at least attempt. Instead, as the shackles come off, he complies, doing no more than giving the other knights around him cold, soul stealing stares that could make a man's heart stop.

He follows Aymeric, wordlessly, staying in line and obedient. He tells himself it's just for now, that his obedience is for Rielle's sake and benefit, and that keeps any temptation to steal a sword, or crush a knight under control.]

[They make their way out of the dungeon, Aymeric continually giving him backward glances. ]

We will be going to Rielle. I assure you that she is unharmed.

[They take the elevator up to a set of rooms near the top- They seems to be receiving areas of sorts. They are well decorated to the taste of the nobles that use them. Within is Rielle, seated on a couch with two temple knights. They appear to be trying to have tea and crumpets with her, but she simply looks forlorn.]

I will see for myself.

[Once they're in the room, to which the decor is far from Sidurgu's taste, he walks past Aymeric towards the scene before them. Rielle's expression lightens up when she see Sidurgu, and for a moment, Sidurgu is comforted. The Temple Knights look uneasy in his presence, but clearly are following Aymeric's orders and they do not raise their blades as he approaches.]

I see he did not lie, and that you are unharmed.

[Rielle nods, and tells him about how despite her worry for Sidurgu, her time within their hold was more pleasant than not. Sidurgu, satisfied, looks to Aymeric.]

We are to be under house arrest—his house, to be exact.

[Rielle looks confused, but does not state any questions that may be springing to mind.]

We will comply. For now.

[The last part said in a hushed whisper, that only Rielle could truly hear. She nods, looking to Aymeric with uncertainty and distrust.]

Edited 2017-04-03 17:45 (UTC)

I know that this is an unusual turn of events, but I promise that it is for your own safety. There is an uproar even now as we conduct our investigations. My men will escort us to my home. I have learned well now how to avoid assassinations after unpopular policies.

[He walks into the back room, bringing back Sidurgu's slab of a sword. While his own is rather large, it's nothing like this. He steadies the blade with his other hand, holding it to Sidurgu. He looks Sidurgu in the eye with one of pained trust.]

Your weapon is yours to take.

[And with that, they do. They receive many strange looks as they pass through, though Aymeric takes a road less walked for this reason. His door is already guarded as they approach, and his temple knights usher his party within. After a brief chat, Aymeric joins them in the foyer.]

[Sidurgu glances to the knights around them before taking his sword. There's a thought, a devilish little temptation to cut Aymeric down where he stands—but the tug Rielle gives his armor brings him back from his bloodlust fantasies. The pause is telling of some sort of internal debate, but ultimately he hoists his sword on his back.

Without a word, he follows Aymeric, ignoring the stares and hushed fearful whispers that surround their journey. His expression stone-like and unchanging, eyes kept forward as Rielle walked besides him, holding is gauntlet-clad hand. Once inside the estate, he didn't feel much better, looking to the pompously decorated manor with nothing short of disgust. He didn't want to know how anyone could live like this, when there were people still starving in the streets.]

You certainly live in a home befitting your station, Commander.

[The words are said as if they tasted foul leaving him.]

[He bites his lip. He's aware that the flagrant display of wealth is offensive to the Brume dwellers. That much he has learned worthing in the House of Lords and Commons. But there is little to do about it now. He feels the need to appease him- as an extension of the Warrior of Light, to make him feel at home.]

By thin luck alone, I'm afraid. I'm oft surprised that I was not tossed into the Brume upon my birth, born a bastard as I was.

[He looks up at Sidurgu's face and a frown tugs at his lips. His manservant approaches, and he sends him to get Sidurgu a potion. He returns soon after with the potion in a goblet.]

I hope you will find it comfortable.

Luck is it? And how you seem to milk it for all it's worth.

[He watches as the man servant returns, offering him the potion in a goblet, as if his aim were to mock Sidurgu with such a gesture.]

I need not your hand outs. Rielle is quite skilled, and should I turn to any for assistance in these scratches, it will be her. Pray, take us to our chambers, I grow tired of staring at your ostentatious decor.

[Aymeric sucks in a breath and bites off his words. He would win them over, yet. He knew he could. He would save it for later.]

As you wish. Come this way, and I shall show you the baths as well.

[As he shows them through the first floor, an upset gurgling meow comes from the shoulder of a suit of armor. Perched there is an enormous white cat, looking fierce and pale as Sidurgu.]

Lord Byron, come down from there! [He reaches up, only to be batted with claws. With the accustomed determination of any cat owner, he pulls him down in spite of the scratches. He hisses at Sidurgu and perches upon Aymeric's shoulder armor.]

[Rielle looks absolutely delighted by the cat, despite how it clearly displayed aggression to even it's own owner. She remains by Sidurgu's side, even if her eyes are bright with excitement, and a smile pressing firmly across her face.

Sidurgu's expression, however, remains unchanged.]

...Right, then. Shall we?

[Someone matches the cat in grumpiness, that's for sure.

Right...

[The cat jumps down from Aymeric's shoulder and immediately rubs up against Rielle's leg with a purr]

...Traitor.

[Aymeric laughs as he continues on until they come to large double doors. He pushes them open, revealing a resplendent white marble room, warmed by a two large hearths. Within are showers and baths, offering a view of a courtyard in the back. When Ishgard was warm, it seemed as though it was routinely opened up.]

Pray forgive its opulence. It functions well all the same. If you will come this way, I can show each of you to your rooms.

[Sidurgu watches the cat like a hawk as it approaches Rielle, glad that it merely rubs against her, and does little to retaliate against the hand the reaches down to pet its soft fur.]

You certainly know how to spend your wealth.

[Is all Sidurgu has to say on the matter of the room, otherwise following him—till it dawns on him.]

Rielle and I will stay in the same room.

I merely inherited this home from my late parents. In their advanced age and retirement, they wished to make the home as comfortable as possible.

[he looks to Sidurgu curiously, then to Rielle.]

Are you certain? It's no bother to give you separate beds. I haven't any family.

Mm.

[Yet Aymeric chooses to keep it for himself alone. Yeah, he's judging you a little, Aymeric.]

Aye, we are quite accustom to sharing rooms. I would rather Rielle within my sight at all times.

[Rielle shyly nods as she pets Byron who seems keen to follow her.]

[Aymeric tenses a bit. He was doing a terrible job of winning him over and he could taste it. He takes them to the bedroom, decorated in the usual blue hues. The canopied bed is more than big enough for the two of them.]

I will fetch some clean clothing for the both of you. Please make yourselves at home.

[He leaves the room, quickly ascending the staircase to his own room. He digs out loose-fitting shirts and pants that might fit Sidurgu. For children's clothing, all he can find are his own from his boyhood. He returns with this armful of his finds.]

Pray accept these to wear after your bath. We will wash your clothes while you take your baths. My apologies, Rielle, but this is all I had in your size.

Edited 2017-04-03 20:05 (UTC)

Thank you...

[She says politely, with a bow of her head. It's clear she's a girl from a better upbringing than one would assume to find in the brume. A little too telling for Sidurgu's tastes.]

Very well, leave us.

[He doesn't even take the clothing offered, leaving Aymeric to place it down wherever might be best.]

I wager the bathing rooms are nearby?

You're very welcome, Rielle. If there is anything you want, simply ring for the manservant and he will bring it to you. I must return to work, but I will come home for supper.

[He tells himself that he can easily suffer Sidurgu for Rielle.]

Yes, just back the way we came, and through the doors. You can't miss the white marble.

[He gives Sidurgu a warm smile, knowing that it will more than likely be returned with a scowl.]

Sidurgu & Aymeric

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