Ruby – Part Four : SS.

Ruby was just getting used to Valmont’s company at the Embassy, but found the newer arrivals; the Ambassador’s staff – a bit much to handle.

Scene setting – The Embassy of Hell.

Co-written with Tsu, Zu and Kiri.

 

Tsu:  It was rather quiet for a moment, of course he knew why. Only two of them could speak right now and the other couldn’t, he wondered how life would be not being able to speak. It’ll surely be a burden or something tedious, though he already had something like that. He could probably somehow related and she didn’t know at least, hearing his words a small blush would come to his cheeks, only for a moment, vanishing shortly after. ” You’re right, I’ll make sure we get a board for her, it’ll be very convenient for the most part.” Nicholas watched Valmont go to the girl and kneel down to look at her, something forming in his stomach. Oh how he hated that feeling and ignored it, his eyes observing and also realizing the weapon she carried. Maybe she was a swordsman? or a warrior? You’d never know about somehow just by their looks and how they acted.

” Aa, I’ll go on ahead then, to prepare the stuff. I’ll make sure that everything is ready, if you both come.” With that said, he turned on his heels and walked away, a little quicker then he wanted too. Hopefully it would go unnoticed but, not a lot got passed Valmont. Walking back inside he shut the door with a click and let out a little sigh, this was rather annoying. Looking down at the ground he cursed himself and his genetics, maybe it could somehow be altered but, he didn’t know. Many thoughts swept through his mind on whether he wanted to actually be a full male or switch and be completely a female. Nicholas shook his head a bit and composed himself, standing up and walking he went on his marry way to do the preparations.

 

Zu:  Ruby was so amazing by something so simple as the cloth and what was on it. This was a once in a lifetime kind of thing, and she was playing with it to it’s fullest potential. Ruby heard someone near her, and turned to see it was Valmont, who was doing something odd; kneeling. She just looked at him for a bit then took his hand, getting off her chair and looking up at him with the most innocent look on her face. The kind of face that was lost in a dark place but was still optimistic about her surroundings. Ruby would do anything for this man, the one who paid attention to her and gave her a place to stay. Wherever they would go, Ruby get she’d enjoy it. That thought that passed her by earlier, it began to nag her again but she didn’t pay it any mind.

 

Razorbackwriter:  ~The House of Thrones~

For some strange reason, the Ambassador had a way of getting through to Ruby. Looks could be deceiving but actions spoke louder than words ever could and Valmont was genuinely pleased that she accepted the offer to go inside the grand estate. The building itself was a monument to those that had served Hell and its seven Kingdoms since the dawn of time. All those that had been elected to act as the Devil’s advocate held that position with the knowledge that though they did not weld power like those of the Seven Princes of Sin, they were able to pass through each kingdom on the simple fact of the neutrality. Never siding with one Kingdom over the other. It was not his job to. When disagreements and wars broke out as they so commonly did, Valmont and his entourage would go from Kingdom to Kingdom and help seek to restore order and the status quo.

Two elegantly dressed footmen opened the grand doors to the entrance, where the pair would find themselves entering the foyer of the Embassy. Adorned on the walls, were the seven shields of sin. Each one representing the main Kingdoms. The Princes knew that they were welcomed as equals and that if there was a dispute, or a crime had been committed, Valmont would allow refuge to those that may be sought for execution, until such time that all legal processes were exhausted and the guilty was handed over for punishment. This meant that there were often many that came to the Embassy. Hat in hand and with a tale to tell. It never ended. For you see, each sin had its weakness. Just as they were powerful. Some were corrupt and could only think about bringing down others, or trying to bolster their own kingdoms with a take over.

In a special chamber off to the right of the foyer was the Thrones of the Seven. The meeting place of all the Princes, should they be so bold to actually stand being in the same room as the other. It was no secret there was no love lost between a few of them. Not to mention the fact that the last Prince of Envy was murdered, and the Prince of Greed….well, we all know what happened to him. That room was guarded by two fierce looking warriors that stood over seven feet in height and both wore armor that was to a specific guild with an unknown name.

To Ruby this may all look ostentatious and over the top. To outsiders they may well think the same, but the purpose of the Embassy was mainly to the Royals and their subjects. Essentially, the UN of Hell.

Knowing Nicholas had gone on ahead to fetch the string tied chalkboard for Ruby to use, to start her lessons in communication, this gave Valmont more time with the girl. It was not going to be easy to teach her speech, that was something the Ambassador was well aware of.

One servant girl, that had come from the Kingdom of Lust originally, stepped out of the shadows and simpered over to the Ambassador, flaunting her ample bosom practically in his face. The scent of her skin that had been bathed in exotic oils and it was indeed pleasant to the senses. For a moment Valmont forgot himself and closed his eyes just to savor the sweet smell.

“Is there anything you see that pleases you, Ambassador?” she asked with a wicked gleam in her eyes. The girl was indeed tempting to Valmont’s dark urges. He coughed as he brought out a hankerchief and fought back hard to maintain some dignity in front of Ruby.

“No…no, thank you. I err…am waiting on the secretary.” Who Valmont hoped would be soon. What would the hooded Ruby think of this. Hopefully she wouldn’t think that all women in the Embassy were so forward.

“Nicholas?!” Valmont sung out.

~RB~

 

Kiri:  

Zachary gave out a sigh, actually beginning to get aggravated by the paperwork that was swamping him. As the Chief Adviser of the “House of Thrones” he always had something he needed to do. It hadn’t been long ago that he’d felt a change in the more immediate levels of energy around the Embassy, in fact it seemed to him that Valmont had returned. Valmont was one of the few people who knew just what Zachary was, and also one of the few who was able to call him Zach. Zachary’s katana was lain against the wall behind him, mainly so that it wouldn’t be in the way while he was working and so that it wouldn’t be too far if he needed. Though the later was indeed unlikely. It was honestly the usual lately, complaints about land-disputes, lawsuits of all kinds. It was like the people expected this Embassy to do their jobs for them. It was exhausting. With an exasperated groan Zachary pushed his chair away from the desk and stood, picking up the katana and its case as he slung it over his shoulder. The case was more as a way to help control the feeling of intimidation caring around a sword all the time could cause. Zachary needed a break, and going outside was just the way to do it. The male got outside fairly quickly anyway, and made his decision to go up to Valmont himself. However, Zachary’s right eye twitched as he began to get close, noticing a servant being extremely . . . forward based on what Zachary could tell. In front of a guest no less. From what Zachary could recall, the young girl had come from the Kingdom of Lust. Why does this not surprise him. Though Valmont had called for Nicholas, Zachary was instead the one to answer, starting with the serving girl in a . . . less forward manner.

Zachary approached behind the girl, standing there silently a moment before speaking just loud enough that all three parties would hear, for it seemed that Valmont had a special guest. The serving girl jumped, noticeably so, from the sound of Zachary and spun as he did so. In his sweetest voice no less.

“My dear, Would you be so kind as to move along? If I can recall correctly, your work is not entirely finished.”

Of course, the young girl didn’t seem very flustered, but Zachary could sense the changes in a person’s energy, and that was enough for him to be able to tell he had embarrassed her. Good, perhaps it would teach her to have better control over herself. From here, Zachary looked down to Valmont and gave a bow of his head, both to the Ambassador and his Guest.

“Good evening, Lord Valmont, Lady..?”

Zachary had seen the stitches earlier, and therefore he tried to avoid being rude and asked Valmont the question instead. However there was a chance . . . that not even Valmont knew. Based on the energies he’d seen from the young girl, she definitely wasn’t normal – but then again he couldn’t say he was either. She found a lot of things to be new, at least from what he could see and feel. Whatever the case was, Zachary was interested in learning about this girl. And his eyes showed it.

 

Tsu:  Silently he moved around in his office, trying to find the items necessary. It’d be rather hard to teach, if he hadn’t found the board and stuff. It would of been easier if his body hadn’t been bothering him, slowly he stopped and set both his hands on his desk. Looking down at the floor, he let out a small sigh and breathed in and out. ” Stupid hormones, stupid body, hopefully it’ll settle down.” He said and knew that he was the only one in his office or around the area, he had nothing to worry about someone hearing. After a couple of minutes he came across the chalk board and chalk, lovely he thought. Picking it up and holding it, he composed himself once more and walked out of the room. A minute later he had bumped into a chef, as he smiled a bit. ” Please make sure lunch is started shortly, we have roughly.. 3, no.. 4 people including me here now.” He had said as the guy went on his way nodding, it would be good to relax and eat shortly after.

Nicholas?! Echoed through the halls as he knew it was Valmont, he had forgot about time. Rather quickly, he walked and it was faster then a human walk. Nicholas was of like a snake, fast on his feet and hearing, it really helped at times. Coming to a slow walk he realized that the presence he felt was Zachary, he had probably come back. Hearing him talk, he came up on the side and walked over to Valmont, handing the items. ” Sorry about the wait, I had to prepare some things in advance but, I bring the bored and chalk.” His eyes scanning over to Zachary. ” Hello Zachary. “ Nicholas said and let his eyes return to Ruby and Valmont, he made sure not to stare so long at some people, it’d make him paranoid that they somehow found out about him or were going to.

Zu:  It was amazing to Ruby of all the stuff that was owned exclusively by Valmont, it was nothing she’d ever think to see and be around at the same time. She’d take it all in, like a child going to the museum for the first time. Suddenly, a woman came to them and Ruby, while scared at the sudden interruption, according to her, she didn’t reach for her weapon. It seemed Ruby was getting slightly, yet slowly, more comfortable with her surroundings. She listened to the woman and turned to Valmont, who was acting wierd around her. Ruby didn’t realize what it was, but it might have been that Valmont smelled her, and thought it was a horrible smell: Ruby liked it.

It wasn’t until Zachary came so instantly that Ruby almost pulled out her scythe, he just came out of nowhere. She quickly turned her head to see, and seeing as he was friendly, just looked at him in the most innocent way possible. This whole time, she forgot to put her hood up and surprisingly enough, wasn’t thinking about it. So everyone would be able to see her faults. That didn’t last long though, as Nicholas came back too. So many people, all of whom worked for Valmont. Was Valmont trying to get Ruby to meet with everyone at once? It was all a bit much. She tugged on her sleeve, and looked at him with those eyes that said I wanna get outta here.

 

Razorbackwriter:  Valmont was indeed lucky at the quick thinking of his most trusted, Zachary. Noble and astute he arrived in the nick of time as the servant from the Lust Kingdom was trying it on, as only a creature from that domain would. Valmont’s face showed he was now more at ease, when the girl was given directives and more or less told to go on her way. If it was one thing that Valmont often had the urge to conquer it was women. Considering his current charge and the attentions she required, having a pretty distraction just wouldn’t do. With the maiden now off to complete her tasks, Zachary was able to do a more formal introduction.

“Good evening, Lord Valmont, Lady..?”

“Ah…Zachary, and a Good evening to you. This is Lady Ruby. We don’t know her true name but suffice to say, that the name Ruby seems fitting, and she doesn’t mind.”

It was then that Nicholas showed up, and with the requested items – the chalk board with string and the chalk. Both of which were to be very handy to help with the girl’s lessons in communication. Something she was not really able to do. Taking the board and chalk from Nicholas, Valmont thanked him with a warm smile. “Perfect timing, and no harm in the wait.”

Valmont was about to offer them to Ruby, when he felt the slight tug on his sleeve. Looking down to only see a slightly distressed look on Ruby’s face. Had something upset her, or was she intimidated by all the sudden attention. He did recall that she looked so lost and alone at the Isolated cliff face, and it took a bit to get her trust. Now, he gathered that this was all too much at once for the girl to handle.

Offering Nicholas and Zachary a firm nod each, he then made a suggestion that might calm the situation.

“I’m going to take Lady Ruby for a small tour of the training room. May I suggest gentlemen that you work on a list for an upcoming meeting of the Heads of the Kingdoms. I dare say that there is going to be some dramas after all that has gone on after the Greed ball. Official notices to all Princes…and er…Princesses to attend. Say…a Saturday.”

Having given instructions, Valmont offered his arm to Ruby to take her on a walk to the training room – that was equipped with the very best and latest in sword fighting equipment and armor.

~RB~

 

Kiri: Zachary nodded at Valmont with a smile, he could understand that Ruby was overwhelmed. Based on her energy signature at the moment, that was pretty obvious for the male. Instead of offering to help in a different way, he instead went with Valmont’s suggestion. It wasn’t a bad idea anyway, hopefully they could avoid another war. Though he highly doubted that much at all. The ball hadn’t gone very well from what he heard, and that meant things could go badly in terms of connections between all the princes and princesses. In all honesty, Zachary preferred that the peace stayed sound, no matter how tense. But, you couldn’t always have your way. That was the sad truth of the world.

“Of course Lord Valmont. Lady Ruby, I do hope you do enjoy your stay. Good morning Nicholas. Shall we?”

Zachary turned around on his heel, walking back towards the embassy once more, hopefully with Nicholas on his heels. The young serpent seemed to have something troubling him, and though Nicholas didn’t know it, Zachary could tell because of his ability to see and sense different kinds of energy. Zachary kept his race hidden from most, and one of the few exceptions was Valmont. Nicholas was not one of those however. Not yet anyway. That could change. Zachary didn’t waste time to go back to his study, mainly to begin drawing up the paperwork to start sending off the letters. This was going to take time, and he’d need the help of Nicholas.

“Since this will take some time, Nicholas. Would you mind helping me?”

They were close to Zachary’s study now, so it was up to Nicholas if he would help or not. Not that it’d be of any harmful consequence should he not.

Tsu:  Nicholas had gave a smile back as he took the bored. He could easily see distress from Ruby and knew why. Of course he too would be overwhelmed if he started meeting a bunch of new people all at the same time. Hearing Valmont talk about going to the training the training room, he smiled a bit. ” Aa, everything is set in their by the way.” He called after as Valmont and Ruby left him and Zachary. He was still nervous, their were things he didn’t know about people and something seemed slightly off about him but, he wouldn’t push. ” Good morning to you too Zachary.”

Seeing him walk, he followed after him staring at his back. What was he? That pondered if mind a bit but, shrugged the thought off. Nicholas wasn’t exactly close with all the staff members but, he knew all of them since he did live here and we’ll, part of his job was to know them. A small sigh slipped from his lips as he heard Zachary talking to him and looked at him. ” Of course, I’d love to help. Plus, Valmont asked us both so.. I’ll help regardless. “ He said with a smile and relaxed himself a bit, he needed to calm down, nothing was going to be found out and with that thought he relaxed completely.