regency au } { of new manors and clandestine plans

[theloophole]

Hope: [Originally the plan was for the London tournament, but complications arose and Hope was unable to attend. Her great-grandmother passed, and she was taking some much needed time with her family. As such, she pivots and convinces her family to hold a tournament of her own, in honor of her birthday and her coming of age. Orleans tournaments are few and far between, as the city isn't as heavily trafficked as Paris, but it does have people with pull. So when Marcel Gerard throws a tournament at the behest of his favorite Mikaelson, people flock to the city, allowing them to have room to move undetected. It helps that the local coven is willing to help obscure their movements, and the pack and local vamps have learned how to fly under the radar. This should provide all the cover they need to get this done, to bind Jason and Landon together, and hopefully be able to move forward with Claudia's plan to fake Jason's death. And, it's also a chance for her to host the Hales for a change, opening the doors of the Mikaelson manor that her father had lovingly titled the Abattoir.

The large gothic structure seems to have something of a brighter air to it, and doesn't quite seemed lived in beyond the presence of her aunt, Freya. If it weren't for the tournament, Hope might be welcoming them to her mother's home in the bayou instead, but given that she is expected to play the part of a local noble and represent her house as well as being the guest of honor, it's better to stay in the manor for this particular adventure. Also, if they're caught sneaking off to the bayou, that might be seen as more suspicious to anyone who might be watching them. As such, when people begin to arrive, Hope and Freya are waiting out front, ready to greet their guests.]

Ben: [the Stilinski family arrives first, wanting to allow Freya to meet Hope's future in-laws before the rest of the Hales converged on Orleans. When they approach the manor, Ben leans his head out to marvel at its beauty before sticking his head back in] You know, she's told me about how grand her father's manor is, but I never imagined it looking like this.

Claudia: [leans out to look as well before raising an eyebrow] Given how long they've had to design it, it makes sense. It is a lovely property though.

Ben: I'm going to get lost in there. I may need to ask Uncle Derek to help me make a map.

Cora: I'm sure he'll be happy to. But I'm also sure you'll learn your way around quickly enough. It's mostly that large because her father had so many siblings. Some of them likely still have their own spaces.

Ben: I hope so, since I'm pretty sure the reason Hope is good a locator spells is because she's always trying to find me.

Cora: [laughs as the carriage comes to a stop in front of the house, and Hope flashes them all a smile]

Hope: Welcome to my home. Please come in. We have servants who will attend to your luggage.

Stiles: [coming out as the servant opens the carriage door] Thank you for hosting us during the tournament. [and he will hold a hand to help Cora and then Claudia out]

Ben: [coming out last, all smiles] Hi.

Hope: [smiles in return when she sees him] Hi. [then a blink and back into hostess mode] We'll set most of you up in the guest wing. [Freya will lead the way for the parents, and Claudia to move ahead of them, but she will turn to Ben] But I was thinking that if you wanted to pick a permanent room for yourself here, now would be a good time? Not that you have to move in anytime soon but that when you come visit you can have a place that's yours.

Ben: [moving beside Hope] Well, hopefully it would only be a temporary room. [smiles and holds his arm out for Hope to take]

Hope: [blushes as she takes his arm] Well, it would be in my wing, but it would still be your space, even after we're married. Yours to do what you want with.

Ben: Oh. [he could probably turn it into something after because why, after they are married, would he want a separate bed?]

Hope: [she doesn't know what his expectations were, or what he may want. She knows their arrangement is unusual in that he is coming to her rather than her coming to him] I just want this to feel like your home too, though I know that will take time.

Ben: It will. And the place is amazing.

Hope: My father and his family built it from the ground up. Even with all the traveling they did, this was always the place where they could come home and be a family.

Ben: A safe space... it's a good thing to have.

Hope: It is. And I am the only one in my generation but I hope this will continue to be a safe space for my pack and my coven and my family. Our family, one day.

Ben: [laughs] yes, and my family is known for having big families. Not that we need to, of course.

Hope: [she grins] Mine is too. My father was one of seven. But ... I don't think we should have quite that many.

Ben: No, of course not. I've heard stories that my Uncle Derek knows a way to keep that from happening.

Hope: We'll see when the time comes. We have plenty of time to figure that out. [while Freya takes most of the Hales off to the side to settle into their rooms, Hope turns him in the opposite direction] I can show you my wing now, though, and we can start with a room?

Ben: [blinks] Okay... sure your aunt won't get upset?

Hope: [she shakes her head] We discussed the possibility when we were preparing your arrival. She's going to get your parents and your sister settled, and serve lunch and we can join them when we're finished.

Ben: Ah, well then, lead away m'lady.

Hope: [and they will head off towards one of the back wings of the manor. Hope's rooms were flanked by Freya and her father's, a space that Ben might be able to expand if needed, but Hope's space is enough that there's plenty of room for him to fit. She places a hand on each door as they pass] This is my bedroom. [the one door that remains closed. she then turns to one to the left, that sits on the corner of the house and is flanked by windows] This room I'm currently using to paint, but if you like the light, I can move it all back to my room. [and then of the two remaining, she points to the one on the end, that is also closed] Freya and I share that one as a magic workspace, but this last one is empty currently, but it doesn't have as much light.

Ben: Depending on the room, it might be perfect. Let's see.

Hope: [nods as she leads the way in. The room is spacious like most rooms in the Abattoir, but there's only a window on the far end of the room, leading to the back half of the room near to door to be a bit shaded. But the window in that room does have a nice window seat that's good for reading] The servants are prepared to move things into whatever room you decide.

Ben: [he's going to walk into the room to get the feel of it. He's not a magical creature, but he's been around Hope enough, along with hearing his father's stories of how sometimes you can get a feeling about whether something is right or not. It would be a good room to hide in, especially when dealing with his negative emotions. And he loves a good reading window seat.] It's nice.

Hope: Do you want to see the other room? Make an informed decision?

Ben: Yeah.

Hope: [she nods and takes him over to the room that's currently serving as her studio, and there's an immediate difference, in that windows line the wall, drenching the room in sunlight. There's not much in terms of furniture - a stool, a table and an easel, all covered in Hope's art supplies, while some of her recent paintings are resting against the far wall]

Ben: [and he actually winces a bit at the amount of sunlight, turning away from the windows to look at the art a moment while his eyes adjusted] I think this will be too bright for me.

Hope: Alright. There are some other rooms in my father's wing, if the other isn't quite right.

Ben: I actually like the other room. I like things being dark when I sleep, and I don't think I'll get that in this one. And it's not like I can't come in here to watch you paint while I read if I want sunlight.

Hope: [smiles] Okay. We can set the bed closer to the door. Would you like a desk or any other furniture other than the usual?

Ben: A desk for sure. I've been trying my hand at writing a story so it would be helpful. Maybe also we could hang a piece or two of your art up?

Hope: [and that makes her smile wider] Feel free to go into the studio and pick the ones you like. We can have them framed.

Ben: [he nods and steps inside. He loves her art both visually and by scent. The paint captures her chemosignals when it dries, so the ones that make her happy or calm help him relax. He'll point at two that are trees in a forest, and one that looks like the courtyard of Hale manor. He'll tilt his head, then look over at Hope curiously] Is this Hale manor?

Hope: [nods] I spent a lot of time there. There were some parts I wanted to bring home with me. [there's another one in there too, of Ben in profile at one of their spots that they liked to sit together]

Ben: [and he'll see that and smiles] When did you make this one?

Hope: [head ducks] One Christmas while I was home. I missed you.

Ben: I think you drew me better than I look in person. [chuckles]

Hope: [smiles as she comes closer] I just paint what I see.

Ben: [and he'll close the gap, a hand brushing along her cheek] I miss you too, when you're gone. But my painting talent is horrendous.

Hope: Maybe you'll find other ways to commemorate me.

Ben: I have a few ideas.

Hope: Good. And one day we won't have to be apart at all.

Ben: I'm looking forward to that day. [he wants to lean down and kiss her, but they are in her home and he doesn't want to do something disrespectful.]

Hope: [she would insist, in fact, that he kiss her in what will one day be their house, so when he's close enough she closes the distance and kisses him gently] Me too.

Ben: [grins and kisses her back.] How long do you think you can keep showing me around?

Hope: Mmmm, as long as I like. I am the mistress of the manor, after all.

Ben: Good. Because I spent a few days in that carriage with my family and could use a better view.

Hope: Would you like to see the rest of the grounds?

Ben: That would be perfect. [and he holds out his arm for her]

Hope: [and she will take it and they will go for a nice stroll around the grounds. The gardens are lovely, nurtured by Freya and Hope's witchcraft as well as some of the local witches in Hope's growing coven. There's also some sculptures around the grounds that are quite unique] These were made by a friend of mine, Cleo Sowande. She's a muse. You'll likely meet her while you're here.

Ben: Remind me what a muse is again? I know they are connected to the arts...

Hope: They are a rather rare circumstance of witch. Seventh daughter of a seventh daughter, and they have the power to inspire - not just art but plans, strategy, innovation.

Ben: I'll try and remember that.

Hope: Many of my friends are excited to finally meet you.

Ben: I hope they'll like me.

Hope: I know they will. But they are ... protective so don't hold them to their first impressions.

Ben: As long as no one puts a spell on me or bites me.

Hope: [there's a period of silence as she determines whether or not she can promise that] The vampires won't bite?

Ben: [sighs] Just as long as my aunt Laura isn't around.

Hope: My friends are rough around the edges. But they're good people. They just ... can go a bit overboard.

Landon: [from around the corner of one of the bushes, amused] You really know how to sell us, Hope.

Ben: [sometimes he's really glad he has wolf senses that it's hard to sneak up on him] I'm also a pessimist at times so it doesn't help

Landon: I'm sure. [a young man about their age steps out from behind the brush and extends his hand] Sir Landon Kirby. [and he smells like phoenix]

Ben: Pleasure to meet you, Sir Landon. Hope has spoke of you often.

Landon: You as well.

Hope: I wasn't expecting you until tomorrow.

Landon: Yes, well, I was across the way at the Parkers and Josie noticed the carriages coming in bearing the Hale colors. I volunteered to come investigate so that Lizzie wouldn't.

Hope: [smirks] And this is why you're my second favorite. [the first being Ben, obviously]

Landon: [grins] And here I thought it was because I was letting you exploit my inability to die to curry favor with your future sister-in-law.

Hope: There are many reasons.

Ben: It would be weirder for her to ask my uncle Jordan to do this. [small smile]

Landon: I'm looking forward to meeting your uncle, actually. Our kind is so rare I've never met someone else like me before.

Ben: From the stories we've heard growing up, he didn't know what he was.

Landon: I passed as human for a while. My mother is human and my father is best not spoken about but he wasn't one either.

Ben: Understood.

Hope: I'm sure there's a lot Landon could learn from your uncle.

Landon: It's true. I'm still getting a handle on flight.

Ben: [blinks] You can fly?!

Landon: [frowns] Yes? There are wings. [he makes a gesture with his hands to indicate as much]

Ben: I don't think my uncle knows about that...

Landon: Oh. That is good to know in advance. [he wouldn't want to embarrass a lord by being a more advanced phoenix]

Ben: My cousin Liam... he told me that when he met my uncle, it was at a scientist's laboratory. I'm pretty sure they were experimented on, but he didn't tell me what happened, only that my uncle helped him escape.

Landon: I see. It seems as though our ability to suffer may be our one common denominator. [there's a reason he doesn't like talking about his father. Or his brother] Perhaps it's a subject best left unexplored when he arrives.

Ben: Probably. I'm sure he'd still love to meet you and know he's not alone.

Landon: [nods and will quickly change the subject to something more pleasant] Will you be competing in the tournament?

Ben: Yes. My dad taught me archery, and my uncle taught me sword fighting. I'm debating on which I want to do.

Landon: Archery tends to be my event as well. Least chance of dying and bursting into flames. If you choose to go for blades you'll be in the ring with Rafael, which can get quite ... theatrical.

Hope: Is he insisting on claiming to be the lost Pendragon?

Landon: He can't prove he is, but you also can't prove he's not.

Hope: Until Nimue herself appears brandishing Excalibur itself and he pulls the sword from the stone, I will err on the side of not. [a beat] But it does make an interesting tactic.

Ben: I probably shouldn't challenge the man helping my little sister in a competition, so tell me what I need to know about Rafael's form.

Landon: You will have to ask your lady that. Though I endure to make a good impression on her beloved, Rafael is my brother in bond if not by blood. My loyalty to him comes first.

Ben: Loyalty like that is admirable.

Landon: He has earned it. And Hope, as his liege, has earned his. I will say that you will have to do the same and should you enter he will begin to test you in the ring.

Ben: [slides closer to Hope] Then I guess I'll need to confer with my intended to see how I can compete without causing disruption in her ranks

Landon: [nods] I should get back before Lizzie gets impatient. But I shall see you tomorrow at the feast.

Hope: [nods and lets him go, before giving Ben's hand a squeeze] You won't cause disruption if you compete. What Landon means to say is trust is earned especially with wolves who spent most of their lives as omegas, as Rafael did before he came and found a pack and protection here. He will defer to you as my mate and act accordingly, but if you wish for true friendship, you must earn it.

Ben: Yes, I look forward to it. [and when he's gone] I'll talk with my father about how long I can stay. I can't start earning loyalty if I leave.

Hope: [nods] You can start in the ring though. Rafael is quite skilled, and finds that most nobles are annoyed when he doesn't give them what they feel is the due deference of their station by dampening his skills on what is supposed to be an even playing field. Treat him Iike an equal in the ring and it will go a long way.

Ben: I don't think anyone in my family has ever done that... though great uncle Peter might have. He acts the type.

Hope: [nods] I didn't think that either. For the record, they won't all be this hard to win over. Josie and Milton are quite welcoming. Kaleb and Cleo are more like Landon - cautious but warm. And Lizzie ... she will tell you brashly and boldly exactly what she thinks of you, and will respect you more if you dish it back. But the wolves - Jed, Rafael and Finch - they will take more time.

Ben: Well, I'm willing to do the work. Not like I don't have the time.

Hope: I know you will earn it well, just as you have earned mine.

Ben: So, have any of the English knights arrived for the tournament?

Hope: [shakes her head] Not yet. But I'm sure they'll arrive tomorrow.

Ben: We're supposed to be cautious if we meet one named Gregor. That's the one that Jason fears will kill him if he gets a whiff of treason against the Queen.

Hope: Do we know what he looks like? I can have my people look out for him.

Ben: Tall, broad shoulders with muscular chest and arms, black hair and a short but full beard. He's the Captain of the Queen's personal enforcers.

Hope: [nods] I'll give his likeness to Milton and Kaleb. They should be able to keep tabs on him. We can go find them now if you like?

Ben: No, we can wait until later. Jason's last letter to Claudia mentioned that he was going to arrive ahead of the guards with a friend who is in the same situation. They've cared for each other when dealing with the negative effects of their positions.

Hope: [head tips] I can't bond two people to Landon - the spell will only work for one.

Ben: I think it's more that she knows he's in danger and refuses to stay behind in case she could help protect him.

Hope: Ah. Then I hope she is prepared to keep herself safe.

Ben: We may need to clue her in, enough so she doesn't try and murder the knight you've chosen to kill Jason.

Hope: We hadn't gotten that far. Honestly, Gregor might be a good choice - only after we've done the bonding spell.

Ben: [deep breath] He won't be gentle, and it may not be something Claudia should witness.

Hope: I don't think that was part of the plan. Ideally we'd like it to happen as far away from your family as possible.

Ben: If we leave it up to Gregor, though, we can't control the when or the how, or even if it will happen during this event.

Hope: We'll discuss it with Jason when he arrives. Right now, this is all theorizing.

Ben: I just hope we're doing the right thing. [takes her hands] I also don't want to put you or my family in the crosshairs of the Queen.

Hope: Trying to give Jason a chance to be free is always going to be the right thing. And I don't think the loss of one spy will be enough for the Queen to be able to do anything. You are subjects of another nation.

Jason: [who is walking over to them in the garden, pushing back a grey hood from his cloak] Land borders don't matter to the Queen when she is angered. That's why my job exists.

Hope: Are you saying you would like to reneg on our arrangement? Because I'm sure Landon would appreciate it.

Ben: [just looks at Jason, because how did he not scent the man approaching]

Jason: I'm saying that I never want my situation to bring harm or either you pack or the Stilinski family. [especially Claudia] But if you wish to proceed, you need to know that living here or in Norway isn't making you automatically safe. There is always a risk.

Hope: My entire existence is risk. [Hope is the miracle child of one of the world's greatest monsters, she knows what it is to protect herself] We can take care of ourselves here, just as the Hales can take care of themselves. And I doubt the Queen wants to start a war with both France and Norway as it's not only Orleans that she will anger. The Argents have long been allies of the Hales and also have long held the ear of the King.

Jason: [nods] Good. [ his shoulders relax a bit and he takes a deep breath] The Queen sent me ahead to spy on you before the others arrive. I came to find you to see how you'd prefer I craft a response. [a hint of a smirk]

Hope: [laughs] And what does she wish to know? I haven't exactly been making power plays as of yet. [though she could, given what she is] Does she think I'm some kind of supernatural abomination too?

Jason: It's more an evaluation if you'd be easy to ally with and be able to manipulate if England ever goes to war with France. Accessing threats, which yes, also means to see if I observe any supernatural happenings or signs of your father's influence on your idea of ruling your land.

Hope: [she can't really promise one way or the other how she will handle the mantle of her father's legacy, but she's not a vampire yet. She's still not in her full power, and she hopes not to be for some time] Then I would advise you to be truthful. I have no bonds to the crown, but I will not allow myself to be someone else's pawn either. If that would make me a threat in her eyes, then so be it, but she will have a hard road if she tries to remove me from the board.

Jason: If that's what you wish. I figured I would leave this to you and see if you wanted me to weave in any narratives where she would underestimate you in as well.

Hope: [she shakes her head] I would rather be clear about where I stand. I have no interest in dealing with the Queen, or in getting involved in court politics of any kind on a national level. I won't interfere in her business if she doesn't interfere in mine.

Jason: I can do that.

Ben: [having stayed quiet the whole time so far] Are you prepared for this? You realize it won't be easy or painless.

Jason: That's a easy cost to pay. I'm always in pain. [he's wearing a high collar with his cape, but the edges or a bruise around his neck could be spotted as he talks]

Hope: [she does see that] My aunt might have a salve for those bruises, if you want to hide them before your lady sees.

Jason: [his hand raises to cover them, trying not to wince as he touches them] That would be nice, thank you.

Hope: [nods] It's inside. Let me go get it.

Ben: We could accompany you if you'd like. [why does he always have to stay alone with Jason?]

Hope: [raises an eyebrow] Claudia is inside. That rolls the dice on her catching on before we can hide it. [she's not arguing, she just is gauging the risk] Unless you wish to distract her.

Jason: [he shakes his head and goes to put his hood back up] I can't let he know I'm here yet. It'll distract us both. I'll just take a walk in the gardens until you return.

Hope: [nods and gestures for Ben to follow her back into the house if he doesn't want to stay with Jason]

Ben: [nope, going to follow Hope] I'll distract my sister while you go back outside to him.

Hope: [nods] I shouldn't be long. I'll send you a message once we're done.

Ben: Be careful. Just in case he's also being watched.

Hope: I will. [she smiles and heads off to her and Freya's room. she'll send a magical message to one of her vampires to hang out in the area of the gardens, keeping an eye out for intruders, before grabbing the salve and returning to Jason]

Jason: [and he's just looking at the flowers, running a hand gently along a rose blossom when she finds him]

Hope: [smiles softly] Enjoying my aunt's garden?

Jason: I am. It's very different than the ones at the palace. I don't believe I've seen this variation of rose before.

Hope: Aunt Freya nurtures this garden herself with her magic. She and the rest of my father's family grew up in the colder areas of Norway, so a lot of her favorite flowers fair better in colder climes than France has to offer.

Jason: I'll admit, I'm not a big fan of the climate in Norway.

Hope: [raises an eyebrow] You're in love with a Norwegian.

Jason: I am. If we're able to live there, I'll get used to it. I'm still not sure where we'll go after all this.

Hope: I'm fairly certain Claudia is more than happy to write off court entirely, and given that she is neither the heir nor the spare, as far as the rest of the world is concerned, she may get what she wants. But I think Lord and Lady Stilinski will have the final say on that in the end. [holds up the salve and gestures for him to remove his cloak so she can see]

Jason: They've mentioned Austria as a place to send us. [he hesitates, then does so. He also needs to unbutton his travel jacket and remove it, then unlace his undershirt a bit. She'll notice that the bruising extends to his shoulder on the left, and the tip of a bandage on the other, which extends behind him down to his mid-back. Some blood has seeped from the bandage onto the shirt, but not the jacket.]

Hope: [frowns because that might require more than the salve, but she sits him down on a nearby bench and begins to go to work] Yes, from what Ben says even though Lord Stilinski deferred to his cousin's son, he still has property there.

Jason: Yes, plus my grandfather has a home there we can move into away from the main city. It's a small farm, but it would be nice. But it would be far from her family. I don't know if she asked, but I had suggested that she ask you if there could be a place in your lands. That way she would have her brother and people who she could befriend that would know our secret.

Hope: There's always room in the bayou for wolves who want to contribute, but that's an inquiry more for my mother than it is for me. She's technically still the alpha of the Crescent wolves.

Jason: I see. Will she be attending the festivities?

Hope: Oh, yes. It's also entirely possible that if we move forward here, the bayou may be ideal for concealment, so there will be plenty of time to speak with her then.

Jason: Good. [hisses as she hits a sensitive spot]

Hope: Sorry. Freya is a traditionalist. It'll sting, but it will work. [he likely has noticed some of the soreness from the bruises alleviating already]

Jason: I may ask to purchase some from her for my friend.

Hope: I'll be sure to let her know. [a beat] Would you like me to look at that wound as well?

Jason: [takes a deep breath, looking at his hands a moment] Anastacia bandaged it as best she could before I left for here. The bandage probably needs changing.

Hope: [nods and begins to remove the bandages to get a better look] What caused it?

Jason: [closes his eyes] A lord with a slave fetish.

Hope: He whipped you?

Jason: [nods silently, his body still as she undressed it]

Hope: [her jaw tenses, but now isn't the place for her anger, nor does it help. she examines the wound, before nodding] Your friend did a good job cleaning it, but the salve will sting more in an open wound.

Jason: I understand. [she'll notice more marks on his back, old whip marks, knife slices, things all easily concealed with clothing]

Hope: [and they call them monsters. At least when a werewolf or witch kills you, they don't make a habit of humiliating you in the process] She delicately begins to apply the salve to the fresh wound, and it hurts, a lot, but once she's finished, she wraps it in a clean cloth to keep the treatment in place] It hurts now, but it will scar less later.

Jason: [tenses at the pain, gritting his teeth. When he can breathe again, he sags his shoulders] I can only hope it's the last... or next to last at least.

Hope: Me too. [she helps him lift his clothes back into place then nods] All done.

Jason: [and he'll stand up to lace and button them up] Thank you, Lady Mikaelson. For everything.

Hope: Of course. Soon this will be over.

Jason: I hope so. I'm ready to just be able to rest.

Hope: Good. You will return tomorrow for the binding? With Gregor present, I know it will be difficult but we will not want to waste time.

Jason: Of course. I'm good at slipping away, and after that, the worse he can do is kill me.

Hope: Let's just hope he doesn't kill you before. I'll make sure to have extra look outs on hand.

Jason: Just... I just hope Claudia doesn't have to witness this part.

Hope: That I cannot promise you.

Jason: I know. Neither can I, really.

Hope: Are you sure you don't want to see her tonight?

Jason: [thinks] I want to see her more than anything. But I'm afraid if I do, I won't leave her side and we'll get discovered.

Hope: It's your choice. But it might be good to steal some time before we do the spell. Just to be sure that, just in case, nothing will be left unsaid. [it's not that the spell itself is dangerous, but more the unpredictability of the world once the binding is done. Landon will only be able to save him from death once.]

Jason: Good point. Thank you.

Hope: Of course. [she gives his arm a light squeeze] I should go back in, or my aunt may wonder where I am. But tomorrow.

Jason: Tomorrow. [and he'll bow and let her leave first before putting his hood back up and going to find Claudia]

Claudia: [and she is currently alone in her quarters, having ditched her brother, knowing when she's being distracted. She doesn't know what she's being distracted from, exactly, but she's willing to bet it has something to do with Jason if Hope is nowhere to be found]

Jason: [well, she will get a visitor at her actual door, knocking softly and saying nothing]

Claudia: [looks up and when she sees him, she smiles] You're here.

Jason: [stepping in] I was told to arrive early to inform the Queen about Lady Mikaelson and her manor. I didn't say no.

Claudia: Does Hope know you're here?

Jason: Yes. I asked her how she would like the report to read. [smiles]

Claudia: What did she say?

Jason: To tell the truth.

Claudia: How do you think that will go over?

Jason: It'll make her majesty know there's no weakness here to exploit.

Claudia: Good. Hope will be rather unkillable one day, but for Ben's sake I hope it doesn't happen anytime soon.

Jason: Same.

Claudia: How long can you stay?

Jason: The rest of the Queen's representatives arrive tomorrow.

Claudia: [nods. it's not a lot of time, but if all goes to plan, they'll have forever] And you don't have any other errands to attend to before they arrive?

Jason: I mean, I could spend the rest of the day spying on Hope if you don't want my company...

Claudia: I didn't say that. [she steps closer, taking his hand] I just wasn't sure how much of your free time I was allowed to have.

Jason: Until they arrive, you have me.

Claudia: Good. [and she takes another step closer, before leaning in to kiss him]

Jason: [smiles and kisses her back]

Claudia: [and she will do that for a few minutes before pulling back] I missed you.

Jason: I missed you too. [he squeezes her hands, not letting go] I'll be glad when I never have to leave you again.

Claudia: Agreed. I'm sure we will both worry far less.

Jason: Though we won't need any more of these clandestine meetings.

Claudia: No, because wherever we go, I will have you all to myself. I do hope you won't grow sick of me.

Jason: I don't believe that is possible.

Claudia: I suppose we will have to see. [and she will pull him to sit with her on one of the decorative couches] Do you think our plan is still on solid ground?

Jason: Hope has reminded me to slip away tomorrow for her spell. Your brother and her were discussing on how and who kill me when I walked up upon them.

Claudia: What a charming topic of conversation.

Jason: You should know, Gregor is coming with the group.

Claudia: [ fights the urge to snarl] We thought he might.

Jason: It was suggested that if he did it, then he'd go back to confirm my death which the Queen would believe.

Claudia: It would be efficient. [which is a very neutral answer, because they are correct, but she also doesn't trust that it would be simple and clean]

Jason: There is a risk though. [deep breath, not looking at her] The Queen, when we kill for her, we bring her back the heart of her target. She has a room of them. It's why she's called the Queen of Hearts in some circles.

Claudia: Phoenixes go to ash when they regenerate.

Jason: But what if they are missing a piece of themselves?

Claudia: [she shakes her head] It brings them back intact. But I worry that the heart will burn and ash as well, and they would know something is afoot.

Jason: I'll bring it up to Landon tomorrow before the spell. Just to be sure.

Claudia: [she nods] Is it possible you can goad him into killing you in a way that destroys the heart? [she makes a face] Which is a question I don't like asking, for the record.

Jason: If we use him, it won't be pretty. [meaning he'll torture and humiliate before killing him]

Claudia: We don't have to use him. We just need him to witness it.

Jason: [nods, his thumbs playing along her knuckles] I just don't want you to witness it.

Claudia: Oh. [that's understandable but also makes her nervous]

Jason: I don't want the image trapped in your head.

Claudia: I understand. We just may not get a choice.

Jason: I know.

Claudia: I can handle it, as long as you wake up in the end.

Jason: Only the devil himself could hold me back, and even then, I have a few tricks up my sleeve.

Claudia: Good. [she reaches up and brushes her hand against his cheek] This crucible will end. We just have to see this part through.

Jason: [leans into her hand] We will, and then we can just find some peace.

Claudia: At least for a little while. I hate to break it to you but in my family's experience, peace only lasts so long.

Jason: Anything is better than what I've had.

Claudia: Well, at least it will never be boring.

Jason: That is true. [and he will lean in to kiss her again]

Claudia: [sighs softly into the kiss before leaning in closer, wanting to enjoy the proximity to him while she has it, as once Gregor arrives she doesn't think they'll have much]

Jason: [no, they won't. And it might even be a while after they go through this before he'll be comfortable being touched, but he'll get back there for her. So he will enjoy it until she touches a bruised spot on his neck and he hisses and unconsciously pulls back]

Claudia: [frowns as her eye is drawn to the spot] Are you alright?

Jason: I'm fine. Just sore.

Claudia: I could help... [she starts to reach for his arm]

Jason: [and he pulls back, looking down at the ground] No, I'm fine. [swallows] I probably should go before your parents find me in here.

Claudia: [momentarily disappointed but she nods] Of course. I'll see you tomorrow?

Jason: [nods. He's shared the shame he has for the things he's done, but he's still ashamed of this side of his job, more so now that he's fallen in love with Claudia] If it's not safe for me to see you, I'll send a message through Anastacia. You remember me telling you about her, right?

Claudia: [nods] Yes, I remember.

Jason: She insisted on coming to help in any way she can. I do hope you two get along.

Claudia: I am capable of making friends. And Patience has spoken highly of her.

Jason: I didn't say you weren't. She's just... we were all we had when we were kids being put into this training program. Except for you, she's one of the most important people in my life.

Claudia: I understand, Jason. [she can control her jealousy, and she trusts his intentions]

Jason: Thank you. [he pauses, because he wants to kiss her goodbye, just in case, but that means going back into touching distance and risking her wanting to see his injuries] Please be safe during this, my love.

Claudia: I will be fine. I worry about you more than me.

Jason: Hopefully soon you won't have to worry that much anymore. [and he's pulling his hood back up] Until tomorrow. [pauses] I love you, Claudia.

Claudia: [smiles] I love you. Be safe.

Jason: [nods, and he'll slip away, disappearing into the shadows once more]