When will the plot thicken? (Open)

[Hanzi Ambarando]

Renault did not know what to think of Dimitri's suggestion.
"See Artimus?" He mumbled to himself. "I dunno m'lord, perhaps it's best if we beat him to the punch and..." Renault leaned close to his new best friend. "...get him first, ya know?"

The source of the footsteps and the light came into focus. Two more members of the guard approached. They were both human, one tall, one short, and neither were under Dimitri's influence.

However, comrade in arms they were not. Both men puffed their chests and assumed that Dimitri and friends were there for the same reason they were there- to recieve a payoff from the drug house.

"Oy! Uglies!" The tall one yelled at the party in general. "This is our turf, got it? Get bent!"

[Dimitri Wladisyaw]

Fate always seemed to throw events together at once, here Dimitri stood wanting a moment to assess the situation, in truth he would have sent he young D'Rinshad packing, he respect their house not, but for now he rested a hand on the young man's shoulder and smiled, "We shall speak in a moment if you will afford me a moment."

With that he stepped forward to speak to the two guards, the orcs puffed out their chests as Dimitri brandished his rigt hand bearing his dual rings of the church and his family sigil, "I suggest you leave me to my business now, I know your commanded rather well, and I dont take kindly to being threatened, do you wish to see how far you can push me?" Dimitri took a step backwards, clearly he meant to ue his guards to settle any encounter, though he himself was an opportunist, Renault and the dark elf would add some guts to the ordeal.

With a moment to spare he turned to Renault and smiled, "Dont be so vulgar Renault, assasins are a blind mans tool, words and a fist are more effective, as you shall see now I imagine."

[Kalenel D'Rinishad]

Smirking as he walked toward the main group, away from the stupid orc, Kalenel noted the greediness in Renault's words. Indeed, Vortex was a harsh city, and many shared in Renault's thinking. Better to 'get' your opponent before they 'get you. To Kalenel surprise, he to thought in that sense when he stated it so plainly.

"Dimitri, I have buisness with this man also. What do you suppose to do about his debt?" Kalenel said quickly and sternly, saying the Duke's name with respect. It began to look as if Kalenel would need an ally soon, and there was few better than the Duke and his resources.

Letting his hands rest close to his dagger, Kalenel sorely wished he had brought his swords with him tonight. Things were looking sorely as another group arrived in the picture. Staying cautious about things in front and behind him, Kalenel kept his hands on the eyes of all present.

[Hanzi Ambarando]

The guards remained angry, yet they were clearly outnumbered and not stupid enough to fight a fight they could not win. They thought long and hard for a second. The shorter one studied Dimitri with a critical eye and replied.

"Oh sorry sir." Maybe Lord Dimitri was just passing through and not trying to get in on their hustle. "Forgive us. We'll take our leave if you don't mind." Better to wait and see. They fell back to the bar patio area and immediately fell into a hushed conversation with a bunch of local bullies that had gathered from inside the bar.

"Assassin!" Renault hissed at the appearance of Kalenel. "This man is bold, this agent of Artimus'. His men are bold in your city Lord Dimitri! I declare it so!" Renault offered helpfully. "This Artimus isn't even from Vortex, but a refugee from Paxia!"

A door shut in the distance. A trio of figures had exited the house in question. They stalked towards Dimitri, Kalenel, Renault, and the two orcs stood. The elf in front was handsome, hair long and cascading in waves off his shoulders. He had fat muttonchop sideburns and furious eyes. He wore an expensive purple silk shirt unbuttoned, his scarred chest spoke of his demeanor. Twin daggers hung on his belt. Behind were two orcs of his own, bought clubs who were spoiling for a fight.

The elf's steel gaze was fixated on Renault. Right before he stopped his face changed and a mask of pleasantry came over him.

"Renault!" The elf hailed. "My good friend is that you? I daresay I have something I want to talk to you about."

"Well met good sirs," The elf greeted Dimtri, Kalenel and company. "May I borrow Renault for a bit?" He asked breezily.

Renault looked leery, suspicion across his face. Dang! It was a tough spot for him.

[Dimitri Wladisyaw]

Dimitri watched the guard go and fall in with some local toughs, the odds were sbtly turning against him in this place, two orcish guards were rapidly looking less than enough to be perfectly safe. And this little D'Rinshad was loitering about and needed attention, he turned to the dark elf and smiled, "If you are a D'Rinshad, you operate below yourself in dealing with men such as Renault, you will stand by my side for a time, we shall elevate you if you wish it." Another peice added to the great game that was Vortex, a counter against Faust D'Rinshad and his first house, another tangled web in this great cacoffany.

"I have half a mind to pay your debt to Artimus Renault, if only to meet this man. Paxians are always interesting young men, they seek a place in the world now their own city is gone. I suggest we visit him and I can decide your future." Then another interruption, Dimitri eyed this elf up confident his careflly trained orcs would handly the rivals, the presence of the small guard contingent and the bullies behind him made his situation difficult however.

Dimitri stepped forward brandishing a wide smile, "That depends, why dont you tell me what you wish to speak to Relault about? He is my retained after all, I dont want him in trouble." He paused and spoke again in a low tone, "I wont have trouble in my city."

[Kalenel D'Rinishad]

ooc: What happened to this thread...

IC:

Listening to the Duke, Kalenel quickly agreed to his words. He was above this sort of dealing very much so, and would now take his leave. With a bow toward the Duke, Kalenel walked off into the night.

ooc: I'm done here