Blind Dates: Ivone and Vanyusha

[Ivone]

"Yes. I can only imagine how other mothers would feel if their children were taken away from them in such a horrific manner." Ivone didn't move from near the fire. Caliavannas' attempt to use Ivone's experience incensed her. Through her clenched teeth she said,

"It is exactly the loss of my innocence that makes me hesitant to destroy it in those who are not guilty of killing my husband and child." Caliavannas' words cut and cut deep. Was she really putting her own conscience and morality before her vengeance? Really?
Ivone shifted away from the fire, to the side. Her hands clenced, nails cutting into her palm. She didn't ask him to coddle her and he wasn't.

"There's a place in Marn, called the Asylum. It is said that when Marn was originally established several alchemical and magic-based experiments were conducted there. Rumors in certain society say those experiments involved the recreation of human bodies. The physician who conducted the experiments died over sixty years ago and the floors she used were blocked off from the public." Ivone looked thoughtful.

For the past year, she'd immersed herself in books, trying to figure out a way to accomplish her goal. She had no magical abilities, she'd discovered that after various failed attempts. But, she'd read things that might apply and heard a few accounts that might fit the need.

"I have ideas, but I will need time to collect information. In exchange for usable information, you kill the battlemage."

[Vanyusha]

Caliavannas brought a hand to his chest as the artifact began to glow. He breathed out deeply as he relished in its power, sounding almost aroused. Using Vanyusha to harvest emotions was more efficient, but experiencing the process firsthand was far more satisfying. His artifact responded best to suffering, but Ivone's anger was potent enough to give him a brief taste of life. Before long the glow faded, and the pleasant sensation gave way to the usual numbness. Such a sad situation: he could only savor the power while conscious, but he needed to remain dormant to reserve it.

But perhaps Ivone could change that.

"My intent wasn't to anger you -- for that I apologize. Perhaps I spoke too harshly, but it allowed you a glimpse at how my artifact operates. Consider that your fury only gave me a few seconds worth of power. Now imagine how much anger and suffering I'll need to ensure my resurrection."

He dwelled on what she said about Marn's little laboratory -- the Aslyum, as she called it. His knowledge of Marn's history was passable at best, so he only had Ivone's word to depend on. Moreover, she admitted her information was little more than heresay. Was he really willing to take time away from preparing his resurrection to pursue what could be a false lead?

After a short pause, he spoke: "I emphasize 'useful' -- if you waste my time, then I will not be obligated to uphold my end of the bargain. But let it not be said I am a dishonest man. If you can indeed provide me with a body, or even the means to obtain one, I will kill your battlemage."

He raised a finger. "But we do have one slight complication: thanks to Vanyusha's meddling, this body is cursed -- it cannot harm anyone without having the pain returned exponentially. This leaves us with three options. Firstly, we can wait until I have a new body to take your revenge on the battlemage. Secondly, I can have Vanyusha use his little helpers to fight instead -- they bypass the curse, but I doubt they'd be able to take on a battlemage without help. And finally... we involve a third party, if you're willing."

[Ivone]

Ivone felt the handle of fire poker brush against her knuckles. She wanted to wrench the thing from its holder and use it to beat Caliavannas, not that it'd do much good. When the artifact began to glow, the anger turned to the sharp spike of adrenaline. Would she have to lash out to save herself? Didn't Vanyusha and Caliavannas both say they couldn't harm someone directly? Ivone watched uncomfortably as Calivannas relished the awakening of the relic. His comment indicated he'd felt her anger and drawn on it. And, he'd liked the way it made him feel.

Ivone nodded in acknowledgement to his apology. Ivone wondered if the relic really would facilitate a resurrection or if there was a catch somewhere down the line. When Caliavannas continued, the wave of relief that rushed over her almost made her knees buckle. To compensate, she moved to the nearest piece of furniture and sat. Ivone smoothed her hands over the skirt of her nightgown, ostensibly removing any wrinkles, to allow herself another moment to compose herself.

"If the third-party is trustworthy, I am willing. Regarding the body and information, you might be the best judge of whether or not what is there is useful. Or, would your third-party have sufficient knowledge of magics and the like to determine the viability?"

[Vanyusha]

“Yes, I am capable of judging the research's usefulness. But remember my time is a limited resource; even now I expend much of my strength simply by speaking with you. To properly assess whatever we find in that laboratory would require an excessive amount of energy – far more than I am willing to spare for potentially useless information. Our third party lacks the expertise to do so in my stead, but we will certainly be able to find a solution.

Caliavannas paused thoughtfully. “Speaking of our third party, he is trustworthy enough. I should clarify that he is Vanyusha's associate, not mine. His agenda furthers my own, so I allow Vanyusha to serve him. His behavior is often childish, but I am sure you can handle him.”

Despite his reassuring words, he wasn't certain whether involving the Remathia boy would be wise. There was no doubt Eltana would cooperate with Ivone, but connecting his most valuable ally and an ally of convenience seemed risky. He knew Ivone for less than an hour, so it was difficult to say whether she was capable of pulling a stunt that would cost him Eltana's assistance. Even worse, he wouldn't be conscious to observe her behavior, and Vanyusha wasn't astute enough to tell if she started posing a threat.

Not to mention the more obvious difficulty...

“There's also a small problem: when I say our third party is Vanyusha's associate, that also means he is unaware of my existence. As far as he knows he is Vanyusha's only master, so mentioning me would complicate the situation. I am offering his services as a courtesy, so I expect you will not ruin it for me. Understood?

“As for arranging the meeting, I can alter Vanyusha's mind so that he will want to introduce you to him as a potential ally. This individual has many resources in his disposal, as well as a few useful contacts within Marn. He will be a great asset to your cause, provided he can be enticed to join us.”

[Ivone]

Ivone kept quiet, a new thought forming in her mind as Caliavannas spoke. The thought would bear more consideration. When Caliavannas turned the conversation to introductions of another into the mix. Well, she'd asked. Ivone kept her expression neutral as she listened. Childish? Joy.

Ivone nodded. "I understand." Resources? Good. Then, that would reduce Ivone's investment and still accomplish her goals. "So other than being childish, what else could you tell me about him? Is there anything I should know that would help me work better with him?"

[Vanyusha]

Soon after he finished speaking Caliavannas felt a strong drowsiness come over him. He had been speaking with Ivone for far too long; expending valuable energy meant for his resurrection. As much as he savored controlling a body, doing so beyond a few minutes meant a considerable price – one he wasn't willing to pay.

It was time to wrap up this little meeting.

“My strength fades, so I'll be brief. Your contact's name is Lord Eltana Remathia. He is the head of the largest fashion house in Belleza, but he's also known for some shady dealings. He's currently visiting Marn for business; Vanyusha will lead you to him.”

He raised a finger. “But a word of caution: perhaps 'childish' was an understatement on my part. Lord Remathia's moods are highly erratic, and it's easy to find one's self on his bad side. He will not harm you, but expect violent tantrums. Be on your guard: if he senses a weakness in you, he will tear into it and exploit it as best he can.”

Caliavannas reclined, and his eyes began to dim. “Unless you have any other concerns, I will return control to Vanyusha – my Vanyusha, not the one you spoke to before me. I will alter his mind to act according to what we've planned. Anything else?”

[Ivone]

"No."

Caliavannas didn't wait for the one syllable word to finish before the glow faded and the body slumped. Ivone waited and watched as Vanyusha returned, refreshed and renewed. She wondered how long the reset would last.

"Yes, I will arrange for a carriage to return us to Marn."

And that was how she found herself sitting across from such a strange creature. At some point, Vanyusha exited the carriage, preferring to remain anonymous. A fact, of which, Ivone was greatful. It would not do to be seen with such an obviously magical creature.

When she arrived in Marn, the first thing she did was collapse in her bed in exhaustion. When she awoke, it was night once more. How long had she slept? As one foot slipped to the floor, a shadow detached itself from the other shadows. Adrenaline fueled her reaction, surprisingly into one of fight over fright. Eyes wide, she snatched up a candlestick and held it like a club. Voice trembling, chin up, she said,

"Who's there?!"

[Vanyusha]

Vanyusha stepped forward, his glowing eyes peering at her from the shadows. He tilted his head to the side. “Since the note I left on your doorstep is unopened, I assume you have not read it. Have you been sleeping this entire time?”

He was wise to check in on Ivone, otherwise his master wouldn't be pleased. The night of his arrival he went to his master's mansion and informed him of the recent developments concerning Ivone. Though he was skeptical, fortunately he agreed to meet with Ivone – but stressed it was a favor in return for Vanyusha's service. If the meeting didn't unfold to his master's exact specifications, it would reflect badly on both Ivone and himself.

Reaching into his robe, he pulled out a fancy envelope wrapped in violet ribbon and sealed with wax. “My master invited you to dinner to discuss his potential assistance. We are short on time so I will summarize his message: he looks forward to meeting you, and also asks that you be punctual and dress for a formal meal.”

His eyes drifted to a nearby clock. “When I arrived you had one hour to prepare. You did not respond when I knocked on your door, so I spent some time removing it from its hinges.” He looked back at Ivone. “You now have approximately twenty minutes. I should also inform you I believe two small animals entered your house after I removed the door.”

[Ivone]

Vanyusha? Door? Hinges? Removed? Twenty...

"Twenty minutes?!" Ivone took the envelope and noted the address and the time, eyes straying to the clock on the mantle. Thank Teodinus, it wasn't far. "Oh, Go get rid of those animals and.. and... put the door back on its hinges! Really, who does such things?! I... " Adrenaline rushed through her making her tremble and shake. She felt hot and clammy all at once. Hopefully, he lived close enough that she could get there in time and dress appropriately. Ivone's gaze slipped to the clock again. Tick tock, tick tock... damn it all!

Ivone tossed the candlestick on the bed and rushed past Vanyusha discarding nightclothes in the process. She was certain he wouldn't find any interest in her figure and the ridiculousness of the situation just...

"OH!" Frustration rushed through her as she pulled on slip. She could put on her stockings, gloves, and shoes in the cab. The dress she chose was feminine and a Remathia. The dress was in a wrap around style with ties instead of buttons. Aurelio had purchased it for her, so she felt it would work. The color and cut was perfect for her size and coloring. She'd expect nothing less of Aurelio. Next she rushed into the bathroom, hairpins and brush were swept into her reticule. She brushed her teeth and applied toiletries. She fumed.

From the bathroom, she swept up stockings, shoes, and her stole from the bed. Ten minutes had passed. She was going to be late. She just knew it. Ivone rushed down the stairs and through the open doorway.

"Fix that!" She called over her shoulder to Vanyusha. Damn him. Damn him. Damn him!

"Taxi!"

A horse and carriage pulled up. The good thing about the neighborhood was the need for taxi's on a regular basis ensured they'd be available. Ivone gave the man the address from the invitation and paid him extra to rush.

Once in the cab, Ivone focused on her hair. A quick up-do with a few strands artfully waved around her face would have to do.

"Nearly there, ma'am"

"Thank you, fast as you can, please!"

Next, stockings... Tick tock, tick tock. Ivone was just pulling on her left glove when the door to the taxi opened.

"Your destination, ma'am."

"Thank you for your speedy delivery. Here's a little extra for your effort."

"Ma'am." The cabbie gave her a broad smile.

Across the square the clock struck the time for the appointment just as the knocker fell against Eltana Remathia's door. A thought crossed her mind. If Vanyusha and Remathia didn't know about Caliavannas, how was this even going to work? What did Caliavannas say again? Subconsiously, she smoothed her hands over her hair and dress. Her hand fell to the bare skin of her decolletage. She'd forgotten jewelry! Oh well. She had to hope her natural beauty would work in her favor. Normally, it did, unless of course the man in question disliked women. This really was too soon. She'd expected at least a week...

Ivone looked at the invitation. Yes, the date and time were correct.

[Vanyusha]

Such frustration was expected, of course, but Ivone could only blame herself. Vanyusha had followed the proper etiquette to the letter: he arrived early so Ivone would have ample time to prepare, and even knocked on her door twice as a courtesy – just in case she didn't hear the first.

Since his two attempts at knocking failed, was it not reasonable to take more direct measures?

Vanyusha stood against the wall, quietly observing as Ivone tossed her nightclothes aside and rushed to the bathroom. He was tempted to justify his behavior since he was clearly not at fault, but with Ivone in such a fluttered state, he decided against it. There would be time for him to voice his objections when he joined Ivone and his Master after dinner.

He followed her downstairs, and tilted his head when she ordered him to fix the door. “I do not know how to repair – “ he started, but cut himself off as Ivone jumped into the taxi and sped off.

His eyes drifted down to the door. As he examined it, he heard a squirrel chittering in the kitchen.

This would be simple enough.

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Back when Eltana first met Vanyusha, all those years ago, he saw him as a completely alien being – an entity whose thoughts and desires were so beyond mortal understanding that trying to comprehend them would be a waste of time. But as Eltana got to know him, it became obvious that Vanyusha was a simple creature at heart. His entire existence revolved around those silly “experiments” of his. No friends, no hobbies, no life outside of his singular purpose. As long as he could torture people, for “science” or whatever, he was happy to follow orders.

So when Vanyusha approached him, saying he had a friend with business proposition who wanted to meet him...

Days later, he still had no clue what to make of it.

Eltana was lounging on his couch, tracing a finger along the rim of his wine glass. He glanced up at the clock. Vanyusha's friend – Ivone Malatrast, was it? – was certainly cutting it close on time. Tardiness was one of his admittedly many pet peeves, but if this Malatrast woman ended up being late, he would overlook it, if only because of his curiosity.

“Miss Malatrast should be here momentarily,” Narain said from the doorway. “...I still cannot believe Vanyusha has a friend.”

“I know, right? I know he winds up with assistants every now and then, like that weird cannibal boy, but this woman doesn't seem to fall in that category,” Eltana said, sitting up. “Vanyusha says she lives in Marn, which raises some questions about why he's been interacting with citizens...”

“You didn't look into her? That's unlike you.”

“If I used my Marn connections to research this girl, don't you think they would wonder why? Depending on what this is all about, I might want to keep this meeting hush-hush. And sending you to spy on some common woman seems a little excessive.”

A knock at the door interrupted their conversation.

“Ah, that must be her – and right on time! Follows instructions right to the letter. I can see why Vanyusha took a liking to her,” Eltana said, chuckling. “Go ahead and see her in.”

Narain went to the front door and opened it, greeting Ivone with a reserved smile. “Welcome to Lord Remathia's home, Miss Malatrast. Please come in, Lord Remathia is waiting for you in the lounge.”

[Ivone]

Ivone had turned to look out over the neighborhood. This was part of the Residential district, just as her home was, but it was part of the newer homes section. When the door opened, she looked up at Narain, surprised to find an almost too-attractive younger man greeted her. Friend, partner, or...?, she wondered, even as a polite smile graced her face.

"Thank you. Lady Ivone Malatrast at your service." Ivone moved in the direction of the lounge, allowing the young man to precede her. As Narain introduced her, Ivone had to admit that Eltana Remathia was not what she expected. Ivone gave a curtsied bow before moving to extend her hand toward Eltana.

"A pleasure, my Lord." Ivone offered Eltana a smile. The biggest contrast between the pair would be height. Ivone made even Eltana look tall. She was a petite woman with deep, violet-blue eyes and blonde hair. The Remathia dress she wore highlighted the color of her eyes and her figure. With her small frame and build, one might expect a squeaky, girl's voice, but Ivone's voice was more of a dusky alto.

"I hope this evening finds you well."