Lisieux Family/An Innocent Murdered
Esme lurked beneath the sign of an inn in Upasael. She was dressed as a man - her hair was tucked up and hidden beneath a cap of sorts. She wore pants, and riding boots. She wore loose clothing around her top to hide her feminine figure. It wasn't that she was up to no good - at least not yet - but rather she wanted to avoid all notice. Indeed, she was succeeding. No one had approached her. Her purpose in the town was simply to watch and observe. There was more than a fair bit of mayhem, considering the region was under a brutal takeover.
As she watched calmly, she saw a familiar figure. She wasn't completely sure it was him, though. She watched for a little while, observing the way he moved, and any glimpse of his facial features or hair that she could get. Under the hood and cape he wore, it was most difficult. Finally she got a look at his hair - silvery gray. Esme smiled as her suspicion was confirmed. Kayne.
As she watched, Kayne stopped to talk to a woman. She flushed and followed him... 'Wait, where is that?' It seemed to be an alleyway. Kayne and the woman disappeared, and Esme waited for them to reappear. Kayne did - a fair while later. The woman was no where to be found. Esme quietly walked toward the alleyway, and as she did so, Kayne disappeared from her sight. The lady slipped into the alleyway unnoticed, and found it was not a dead end. She followed it, and saw it lead to a sort of rejected backyard to someone's home. It was obviously unkempt. There were broken cobblestones and grass growing in every crack. The woman that she had spotted before was lying there - her clothing was torn and hung from her loosely. Blood was splattered over her body - her throat was slit.
It was obvious Kayne had done this, but why? Surely he wouldn't completely disobey the most recent orders. "Why, Kayne?" She asked the corpse. It remained silent, and grew cold.
Esme Lisieux (Dame of Akanos)
Kayne II swung around back into the alleyway, and the person standing before him confirmed his suspicions... He had been followed. He hefted the great sword over his head and growled at the figure "Who are you?"
Sir Kayne II Himoura (Knight of Akanos)
((ooc: didn't establish this.. but Esme was kneeling on the ground))
Esme gasped and rolled over so she was looking up at Kayne. Yes, yes that was Kayne. Before he could jump the gun and slice his sharpened sword through her like pie, she rolled to the side and jumped up. She was not equipped with anything more than a small knife tucked into her boot and a dagger tucked into her belt. She was relieved as she realized that her hood had fallen as she rose - meaning he could at least properly see her face. She held up her hands, trying to pacify his paranoia.
"Kayne! It's just me, Esme. Esme Lisieux. Remember?" She gathered more information of her surroundings through her peripheral vision. If he decided to truly attack her, she didn't stand a chance. There was no way to get around him safely and make it out into the open. ...Oops.
Esme Lisieux (Dame of Akanos)
Kayne II lowered his sword, and grinned suggestively.
"How could I forget? What are you doing here?"
He said, his face dropping down into a scowl.
Sir Kayne II Himoura (Knight of Akanos)
The corner of her mouth twitched as he grinned. She knew what he was remembering. And frankly, it hadn't been that bad. She suppressed the grin that threatened to spread over her face. But then it was obvious that his suspicion had returned. Just because he knew her and had slept with her didn't mean she was innocent. Esme remained slightly crouched, trying to stay flexible and versatile. She answered his question with a hint of anger and irritation. "I'm an innocent bystander. What are YOU doing? Why are you deliberately disobeying plain orders?" She wasn't quite as afraid of Kayne now that he had lowered his sword.
Esme Lisieux (Dame of Akanos)
Kayne shakes his head.
"Didn't get the orders until just now. Damn Arcaeans take the fun out of everything you know. She was an appeasement to Raziel."
Kayne II sheathed his blade and walked up to her, the suggestive grin returning. He wrapped his arms around her waist.
"You and I both know you're far from innocent."
Sir Kayne II Himoura (Knight of Akanos)
She straightened as he approached and wrapped his arms about her waist. The physical contact made her stiffen, perhaps unexpectedly. After all, he had just murdered this poor woman. For what? For that damned Cult of the Insane. Esme tilted her chin up in defiance of his insanity. She'd sworn herself to him and his religion, but she was no true believer. Some parts of it she could sympathize with, sometimes. But really - an innocent, random woman had to die for this Raziel? And she resented his comment about Arcaeans. "Careful, m'lord. I am a native born Arcaean," Esme spoke icily. But her body was responding differently. A heat spread over her again, and the blush from before returned. "I am much more innocent than you m'lord. Am I really to be forever yours whenever you desire?" She gave him a warning look. Esme hissed at him: "I am no bitch; I will not come at your beck and call. Never make that mistake." Her attitude was unexpected, and made little sense. There was an element of pride and dignity that she still held on to regarding her sexuality. She knew he was slowly stripping her of that, and she was still fighting it. Esme would not give up.
Esme Lisieux (Dame of Akanos)
Kayne II held his grip and spoke softly.
"I of course did not mean you, when referring to Arcaeans, you seem to know how to have fun my lady. You are no bitch... But I know what you want, just as much as you know what I want. Let go of your inhibitions, let go of what you've been taught... Freedom from that, is the first gift I can give you."
Sir Kayne II Himoura (Knight of Akanos)
Her anger melted steadily and quietly as he calmed her. She knew he was manipulating her. It scared her, quite frankly. Her stance relaxed enough that the stiffness left her limbs. It was true enough - she at least mostly knew what he wanted of her. Esme knew where she was placed in his life. She wasn't sure how comfortable she was with it, but it seemed her other option was death. And this, this freedom? It was tempting. Her inhibitions were something she regulated. Forget teachings? It was beyond unorthodox, it was blasphemy! And yet, breaking the rules and letting herself go sounded increasingly good. The sane part of her struggled to break free from the bonds that tightened and thickened. "Your skill in manipulation seems to have won me over." Esme spoke faintly, her sanity quickly losing strength and fortitude.
Esme Lisieux (Dame of Akanos)
"It always does my sweet."
Kayne II started guiding her out of the alley in the direction of his tent, across the carnage he had wrought, the burned village, and the remains of the battle. It did not take long for them to arrive at Kayne's camp.
Sir Kayne II Himoura (Knight of Akanos)
She resented his statement, but knew it to be true. But what was a poor girl to do? She was never left much choice, and it was obvious that manipulating people, especially women, we a talent he was born with, and a skill he was finely tuning. She let him lead her blindly across the field of death, and before she had regained her proper senses, Esme found herself at his camp. She looked at him slightly confused. Kayne had thrown her senses for a loop back in the town, and she wasn't quite able to process what it was he wanted this time. Besides - why his camp?
"Why are we here?"
She asked him, looking around. Men walking by looked at her, did a double-take once they realized she was a woman, and winked or whistled at her. Esme blushed, and wanted to hide behind Kayne. She remained stock still and avoided eye contact. She had no desire to show a weakness to the man next to her, nor did she wish to make herself once more vulnerable to him.
Esme Lisieux (Dame of Akanos)
Kayne escorted Esme into his tent, stuck his head out and barked orders at his men, and withdrew his head.
"Take a seat, and I will teach you of the Requiem. It appears you have much to learn. But first, what questions do you have of me?"
Sir Kayne II Himoura (Knight of Akanos)
She entered the tent. As she walked over to a chair, she felt her senses returning with each step. The realization comforted her, and as she turned and seated herself she looked up at him with confidence. Truth be told, Esme really didn't have many questions. Other than wondering what was going on. She crossed her arms over her chest and stared.
"Who are these people you seem to worship? What is the mission of this cult - and don't tell me there isn't one because I'm sure there is. Why do you feel the need to kill completely innocent people? And what on earth is with your creepy dungeon place?"
Esme made a face at the last statement. It had obviously disturbed her the day she'd seen what was down there.
Esme Lisieux (Dame of Akanos)
Kayne II chuckled.
"You lack understanding my dear. Innocent people? The woman was a peasant, cattle to the slaughter. No different than any other living thing. Raziel, once a man... My uncle actually. Killed in battle by those he thought were friends... Denied a peaceful death by those he had fought to defend... All that remained was his love for battle and his eternal hatred for those who had condemned him. His hate, and his strength caused his rebirth in the Netherworld and a powerful Daimon. He is the Lord of Carnage. Each life cut short in terror and battle pleases him..."
Kayne II pulled up a chair and he himself sat down.
"My lab, not a dungeon as you put it, must remain hidden. My altar to the Grandfather, an ancient Daimon, who controls Death and Pestilence, isn't something most people would be so accepting of. My experiments down there involve resurrecting the dead..... And cult you say? We are no cult... We are the keepers, of an ancient secret, protectors of the ancient ways, and bringers of a new era."
Sir Kayne II Himoura (Knight of Akanos)
Esme stared at him. Well he was definitely a little nuts in the head. She attempted to subtly shift away from him. She felt like his prey. Someone he could take advantage of but also control. A puppet. Her pride rose again at the idea. Surely she could resist him more than that. Esme lifted her chin and straightened her back.
"Why do you want me involved? Why would I be interested in this? How do you know I won't rat you out?" Esme was pretty sure that she knew what his response would be to the last question, but she thought it a good idea to test her boundaries. Indeed, she suspected she'd be pushing a lot of boundaries in the near future.
Esme Lisieux (Dame of Akanos)
"Because if you try and rat me out, you'll end up like poor Lanfrank in my lab. Its a shame my experiment failed. Maybe I'll bring you back afterwords, maybe not. Its a new science."
Kayne II eyed her.
"I want you for this because I thought you were capable of being freed from the mindset we're all raised in... The one that ultimately damns us to a life as slaves to society. You're a strong woman, I can see that. You refuse to be controlled... I don't see why you wish to continue to be enslaved by the bonds put on us. We're of higher blood, we deserve so much more."
Sir Kayne II Himoura (Knight of Akanos)
If only she was stronger, though. Then perhaps she could ignore his death threats. Her fists balled into fists and she resisted the temptation to launch herself at him. She spat at him. "Tell me, m'lord. How does society enslave me? How does it use me for its own purposes?" The sudden rage that overtook her was too much to handle. Esme launched from her seat and before Kayne could bat an eyelash she had a dagger at his throat. She growled at him, "I deserve more? Then give me what I deserve." She put a bit more pressure on the weapon, enough to make a common man break a sweat. She brought her face close to his. "We both know that my freedom will just be taken away as I become your personal slave. You pull my strings whether I like it or not. I can do whatever I want - do not make the mistake of thinking I dutifully abide by all of the rules." Her anger inspired her and gave her the strength to challenge a man that she feared.
Esme Lisieux (Dame of Akanos)
Kayne looked at her with a sense of boredom.
"What rules have I put on you? Besides not telling my secrets, which I cannot allow to see the light of day for the sake of a greater purpose. Sit down, silly girl, it would be a shame to have to harm that wonderful body of yours."
Sir Kayne II Himoura (Knight of Akanos)
Scowling, she swiftly put the dagger away.
"Your rule is that I must join this madness or die. If I felt a need to kill someone I would. Why do I need a following to tell me that I can?"
Esme was no longer sure how to react, and she took her seat again, intensely frustrated. She ignored his comment about her body. She already knew how he felt about that. The facade that she maintained displayed anger, but behind that she felt defeat. She looked up at him.
"What do you expect me to do? Go and rape who I may and then offer him or up as a sacrifice to some dead ancestor?"
Esme Lisieux (Dame of Akanos)
Kayne II smirked.
"Not at all. Those who follow the Requiem do so how they wish, in a manner that they enjoy. I'm offering you power, in exchange for support. You can not join if you wish, as it is not my place to enslave the will of nobility that is suitable for recruitment. But if you threaten our secrets... I will silence you. The Chaos Requiem is a path to unimaginable power. Nobdy Himoura, twice slain, still living. Raziel, ascended into Daimonhood... And my distant cousin Rathan, now on Dwilight has contacted me with interesting information... I can show you amazing things, if you're willing to give yourself to the Requiem. Stop your foolishness and give yourself over. True freedom awaits. True power awaits. It is all for the taking. Come."
Sir Kayne II Himoura (Knight of Akanos)
Esme laughed quietly. Her foolishness? She laughed a little louder. He was the insane one. But at the same time, she could partly understand where he was coming from. She inwardly shrugged. Desi and Gerard were around to save the world. Why couldn't she be around to destroy it? Hey, the guy screwed her well enough - why not? She smirked. She stalked toward him, circling him with a hand dragging across his shoulders. Esme made the decision then and there to embrace what he was giving her. The change in attitude might surprise him, but she really didn't think that mattered. "True freedom? True power?" She swung herself around, straddling him, her arms soon wrapped around his neck. "I give myself wholeheartedly. Now it is your turn to deliver, Sir." She would give him a hard time in other ways. As it was, there was clearly less room than she surmised in which to have her own way. Ah well, there was no rush.
Esme Lisieux (Dame of Akanos)
