The Sanguine Hand - Recruitment - RPLOG
Participants
Date
4/2/478
Log
A soft rumble leaves Katrina's muzzle, the feline moving between the flowerbeds with little discernable purpose. Even so, the self-assured way she carries herself suggests that right now, this is simply THE place where she's supposed to be, like a gear in a clockwork machine, doing exactly what she's supposed to be doing.
Her tail continues swaying lightly behind her, and the well-dressed cat takes a seat upon one of the benches, keeping an eye on everything going on everywhere... The guards moving in the distance, the beings whose pockets she only recently picked dragging them off into the direction of the market-square, leaving her alone in the gardens.
Serana hums softly, making her way to the bench tail flicking behind her. 'That is either her, or a standin.' the girl muses to herself taking a quick deep breath before approaching. "Miss Katrina?" he asks his voice low, much like a young irish lad. Aside from the name, he disclosed nothing, the male having found a seat closeby and sprawling, relaxed as sailors are wont to be on land.
Katrina smiles softly, before flicking her tail. "You are not the client I was intending to meet here... Carl sent a new hire?" the she-cat rumbles with a raise of her brow, hidden behind her mask, even as she leans back in her seat, smiling faintly as she watches the shark with a curious gaze.
Serana hums "Carl?" he asks, giving a soft flick of his tail. "No, I was sent by a Mr. Bray." he offers "Though, how can I be sure you are the one I was told about, and not someone else in your stead?" he brings his arms to cross over his chest his attention focused on the being across from him.
A smile adorns Katrina's muzzle, a flick of her tail. "I am aware, miss... -ter Thache... I'm quite well-aware," the she-cat rumbles with a smile on her lips, lingering just a little too long on the 'miss', her tail flicking the whole time. "Do feel free to join and ask any questions," she continues, watching the crossdressing shark with a smile on her lips.
Serana narrows her eyes slightly, but shifts slightly before reaching within her coat and removing the letter "This, is for you." she gives, handing it to Katrina, her voice unchanged. "I will ask my question when I am confirmed."
A smile, and Kat pulls out a small knife from her sleeve, almost effortlessly, before cutting the letter open. "Ah. Donovan sent you," she mumbles, flicking her tail lightly behind her. "You have a ship?" the cat asks with a raise of her brow. "Size? Number of guns? Top speed?" the cat continues with a raise of her brow. "If we do take you into our organization, you can and will be shadowed for an indeterminate amount of time. Until we are sure you are trustworthy. And if you have any questions, I would recommend asking them right now. Should you not like what you hear, you may still walk away."
Serana nods "Frigate, two gundecks, 60 guns total." the shark replies "She's as fast as any military vessel, guarunteed to outrun merchants and some of the smaller ships used." the Shark hums, looking about "I've been shadowed multiple times before. It is nothing new. Though, my concern is to my crew. What would I be bringing them into when the Destiny is out ofndrydock?"
A smile, a flick of Katrina's tail. "Chartering people and goods, mostly," the she-cat continues, nonchalantly. "We do not, in general, partake in piracy... There is... Far too much danger in doing such," the she-cat notes with a smile on her lips. "Regardless, there may be times where the organization has a... Vested interest in making sure certain ships do not reach the harbour."
"Your vessel... Is she air-capable?"
Serana says, "I imiagine, then, those ships you need"
Serana shakes her head "She's married to the sea, not that I mind. Airships always made me uneasy. Though, I imagine, then, those ships you need sunk, we would get to keep the cargo?"
"That depends upon the cargo itself. The organization gets first pick, anything remaining afterwards is yours to divide amongst the crew... Do not expect a lot of such missions," the cat continues with a smile, a flick of her tail. "Most of the time, you will be chartering goods or people. I will of course want to view your ship personally as well," the cat continues with a smile, a flick of her tail.
Serana nods "Fine by me. Crew is used to chartering goods and people anyway. Although, they're military trained, they know how to use the guns." she nods lightly
"however if your looking to see the Destiny, unless your interested in seaing a wreck that's not even seaworthy, then I'd wait a couple months, when she's been repaired a decent amount." the shark finishes, humming a bit "Though, that brings my next question. What of the tasks I would have to do that involve only myself, and not my crew?"
"We expect full discretion. Questions are a priviledge, not a right, and you'll have to earn it. Answers are not guaranteed," the cat continues, her tail swaying lightly, before she pulls out a bag filled with a full month's salary worth of crown. "Your first paycheck. Expect one per assignment. This one is to ensure secrecy... As is that," the cat rumbles, before gesturing one of the bushes. "One wrong move, and the Destiny will need a new captain. Any further questions?"
Serana chuckles "None." the shark replies. flicking her tail "I'll be expecting my shadow." she chuckles humming as she ponders what exactly she would be required to do when not with her ship. Something for later she assumed. "Shall I leave you to your wait, then?" the shark asks, shifting as if to prepare to leave. "Or would you prefer y company a bit longer for whatever reason."
Donovan drops lightly from a tree, of all places, landing a few feet away from the two conversing beings. "Please, Katrina," he purrs, "Why would I be in the bushes? They are scratchy and uncomfortable and wreak havoc on my clothes!" The Ass brushes a bit of imagined dust from his jumpsuit. "Besides," he says, "I am sure Mister Serin will perform admirably. I recommended him, after all."
"No. Donovan should be arriving momentarily. We do... Require a blood-oath of sorts," the she-cat rumbles, her tail swaying. "Talk about the devil," the she-cat rumbles with a grin on her maw, before watching the bushes. "You two. Walk with me," the she-cat rumbles. "The wares have been secured?" Katrina rumbles softly, watching Donovan, before watching Serana intently. "You've got a final test to complete before you are in."
Serana shrugs "Fine with me." the shark offers, standing and making her way after the cat "Mr. Bray." she gives a curt nod, showing her acknowledgement of his arrival.(to him she wouldn't be any different) However her mindset was buisiness, and she was showing as much. She could be serious when the time called for it. However... "I would enjoy visiting our Mutual friend, Mr. Blackback, once our errand is complete, Would you care to join me afterwards?" he asks of the Ass
Donovan saunters along after Katrina. "You are so dramatic, Katrina," the Ass rolls his eyes, "Everything is taken care of." He produces a little wrapped parcel and tosses it toward the black feline. "A token of esteem from my client," he says, "They were most adamant that you have it. I would have given it to you days ago if you had bothered to attend the rendevouz you set." The donkey grins at Serana. "I am tempted, Sailor boy," he says, "But it will depend on if my benefactor and her dramatic mouthpiece here have work for me. These clothes don't pay for themselves, you know."
"Those clothes have already been paid for, as you realize... Unless you're advertizing for someone, nowadays," the she-cat rumbles with a smile on her lips, her paws carrying her through the streets. By now, those guards from before are slowly returning to their posts, and the feline is smiling faintly. "We are on our way to the market-district... We'll be visiting... An old friend."
Serana hums softly following after with a soft chuckle "Sounds like an enjoyable fellow." she offers, brining her tailfin up to inspect it before picking out a splinter or two she didn't notice. Another thing she picked up was th e guards. Returning to their posts, now after they were leaving? It could have just been coincidences, but you don't make a living as a sailor believing in coincidences. Regardless, she stored that information away to later digest it.
Donovan snorts and makes a rude gesture at Katrina. "Really, you are insufferable, Katrina!" he says, "You just don't appreciate the finer things. You have not even noticed my new ear studs! Frankly I am offended!" He looks quizzically at Serena. "Who?" he asks before understanding dawns, "Oh! The client? Yes, I am told that he was well liked and often the center of attention. I fear that I did not know him well before my brief transaction with him."
A smile adorns Katrina's lips, a flick of her tail. "Honestly, I do. But business comes first," the she-cat rumbles with a smile, a flick of her tail. "And that's why we're going his way now, hmm? He'll be the center of attention this afternoon," the she-cat rumbles, tail swaying behind her. "Just this way," the she-cat rumbles with a smile on her muzle.
Serana nods softly following after the cat "brief transaction hmm?" the shark offers it does make her curious, however. There was much she didn't know, and she figured it wasn't all going to be revealed to her. Probably never would. However there was alot she didn't know, so she never really cared as much. Her sight was keeping her crew safe and healthy to continue doing their jobs. Hard work as a first mate, and now even harder as a captain, as it wasn't just keeping track of the cre that was her responsibility now.
Donovan follows after the shady feline. "The building is empty, as per instructions," he says lazily, "And the client is waiting for you." He frowns for a moment. "I had not expected you to graduate Serin to working with clients so soon," he says, "I had rather expected to keep him on as a courier for a time before inducting him into the organization. Why the rush?"
"A test of loyalty is required. He may never have to directly deal with a client again, but as you may require, we require a blood-oath with one of our clients. Everyone does at least one job, and you know it," the she-cat rumbles softly. "Did mine at the age of sixteen," she adds with... That's almost a smile, isn't it?
Serana nods, understanding "It's like being part of a crew. First timers had to run through the gauntlet on the Destiny before they were considered part of the ship, and even further trials before they were part of the crew." she rolls her shoulders "I remember when I did my trial, to get onto the Destiny. As I was a shark, they couldn't just toss me over the side and have me attempt to keep up with the ship with a rope tied to my neck, so instead they brought me up the rigging with my hands tied behind my back and left me in the nest, if I was able to get down without hanging myself, then I would be considered amongst the group. The test t be part of the family was much, much harsher, however."
Donovan looks vaguely bored as they continue walking. "What did you have to do?" he asks, "Kill someone?" The Ass nods at a small mercantile warehouse. "There it is," he says, "Client is inside. I don't really remember what my initiation was. Nothing especially interesting, I think. Just a bit of routine, like paperwork, really." He pauses for a moment, remembering something. "Your initiation, though, Katrina," he says, "THAT I remember. It was messy and unprofessional if I remember right."
"This job's just another day of work for you nowadays, is it? As for me... I'm not sure you're thinking 'bout the right being, dear. My initiation happened out in Shralesta. No-one there but my father and my client," the cat notes, before nudging the door open with a paw, gesturing for Serana to enter.
Serana walks inside giving a cursory glance about the place, trying to note everything that was visible to her "Yeah, myself." she gives "though, you might ask how I could kill myself and still be here?" she asks, flicking her tail stepping further into the building a hand on one of the many weapons for a bit of reassurance. "There was a shadow who would jockey on people who became part of the ship. He rode me enough to copy everything that I was, then I had to defeat and kill myself, a shadow me, who knew me just as good as I knew myself. It was... unnerving, watching the life drain from my eyes..."
Donovan follows after the others and quietly locks the door behind them. The warehouse is like most any you might find in the nicer parts of the city. Crates and barrels are stacked neatly around the place with clean, meticulously maintained walk ways between them and sunlight from outside streams in through high windows. "Client is just over there," Donovan says, "I made sure that he would be ready for your meeting." The Ass leads the way around a row of crates to an open area where a lone being sits tied to a chair. He is apparently male, from the sound of the groans coming from under the bag-like hood over his head. "Ah!" Donovan says nodding, "Just on time." He looks at Katrina. "Your show now, Katrina," he says, stepping back and folding his arms.
"Good. As said, this is your first client," she rumbles. "Ferdinand... Also known as The Bull," the cat growls, before pulling the jute bag off of the eagle's head. "A rather unassuming guard, in most cases. He's got a caring wife, three kids. And he keeps interfering with our work... Caught Marie last week, got her into a lot of trouble. And made us go through the trouble of getting her out of it again."
"And YOU are going to take care of things for us," she rumbles, pulling out a gold-decorated gun. "Your first contract is fulfilled with a weapon owned by your contact within the Family," she rumbles, gesturing at the eagle whose eyes are currently pleading for mercy. "Any questions?"
Serana chuckles softly, eyes glinting a bit "None at all." the shark gives, a wide grin on her face. She really did have to supress that psycho side of her better. "Actually... I do have one..." she asks, glancing back "Can I take my time?" the shark asks, wondering exactly how many hots she had.
Donovan snorts at Serana's enthusiasm. "See," he says, "Just like you Katrina. I knew she would meet your approval." He frowns at the pistol and shakes his head. "No elegance in it," he says, "But you are free to take care of the client in whatever way you see fit." The Ass leans against a nearby wall of crates and watches.
A smile adorns Katrina's lips. "I /figured/ our companion would want to get things over quickly... It appears I am wrong," the she-cat rumbles, pulling out her letter-opener slash dagger from her sleeve again and putting it on the table. "You've got, say, about an hour or so before we should leave... Guard shouldn't be arriving anytime soon, but eventually, someone will notice," the she-cat rumbles with a faint smile, watching the other two.
The eagle, meanwhile, is looking less and less comfortable with the situation, moaning against the gag in his beak, knowing his days are numbered.
Serana smiles toothily taking the dagger from the table and walking over "You hear that, boyo?" she asks, giving him a light puch on the arm "You and I have about an hour of fun." she smirks, running the blade gently across his chest before finding a nice place in his side and slashing it open "If you're a good little birdy, and endure everything without fainting, I'll just end it quickly afterwards." the shark chuckles, gripping his shoulder and raising the bloodied dagger to his shoulder "Now, there is an artery just about... here." she pokes the eagle with the dagger, digging it into his flesh and pressing against the red blood tube. I really shouldn't mess with that, but how about the stuff around it?" she twists the blade enough to make a large vertical slice down his arm. before removing it and holding the blade in the light, admiring the crimson on it. "Now you look uneven, we should fix that." she began moving towards the other side, blade poised to slice his other arm open.
Donovan frowns in distate, turning to Katrina. "You have this well in hand, I imagine?" he asks nodding back to the shark at play, seeming a little bored with the scene, "If you don't need me, I am sure that my skills could be better used elsewhere. You said you had an assignment for me?"
"That's a certain sense of showmanship. We will require discretion and tact for any later assignments, of course," the she-cat rumbles, before pulling out a letter and a pouch of crowns. "Your next target. Discretion is a complete requirement, considering his location," she continues, before watching Serana with piqued curiousity.
"And Donovan... Make sure to not get caught."
Serana meanwhile, had cut open not only the eagles arms, but his legs too, letting the eagle's blood drain out of him and onto the floor "Aww..." she chuckles patting the burdie on the cheek "Is he still awake? Did he fall asleep?" she asks, lifting his head to look into his eyes, all the while licking her lips like a little psycho "Does he still breathe?" she giggles, pushing him to the floor to get some form of reaction.
Donovan rolls his eyes at Katrina. "I am never caught," he says, "And I am the very picture of discretion." The Ass opens the letter and reads its contents before calmly crumpling the sheet and tossing it into his mouth, chewing thoughtfully. "I will never understand what the Lady sees in you, Katrina," he says after swallowing his instructions, "I'm sure you will know when I return, so I won't even bother setting a drop." He gives one more frown back at Serana and her grizzly entertainment. "Ugh," he says, "Reminds me of that buffalo fellow last month. Ghastly." The donkey turns and leaves the warehouse.
The feline shakes her head, before flicking her ears. "The thickest blood runs in the family, Donovan," the she-cat rumbles with a flick of her tail, a twitch of her ears and a glance twoards Serana. "Now then... Do please leave something of our companion here... And be careful with his hand. We require that part of him," she rumbles, flicking her tail.
Serana giggles softly "Does that mean shoot him?" she asks, a break in her composure for a second, before she resteels it, her voice returning to the pitch she started with. The blade dripping crimson on the feathers "That's no fu at all, but... if I must..." she levels the weapon on the eagle, finger on the trigger as she listened for any instruction as to yes she should shoot him, or no she shouldnt.
"Best to finish things quickly. We have different tools at our disposal, but those take longer to work properly... Not suggested for your first job," the she-cat rumbles, before gesturing for one of her associates, who pulls up a cleaver. "There are two things to be done yet afterwards, of course."
Serana sighs with a soft nod "Alright..." she offer, drilling a shot into the bird's neck "If he wasn't dead he will be in a few seconds." the shark offers, setting the dagger back on the table "There, task complete. Anything else must I do?"
Katrina simply gestures for the other feline, whom promptly cleaves off the victim's right hand. "You know what to do with that," the feline rumbles, watching the feline as she practically covers it in the poor hawk's blood. "This is... A special thing we do for certain high-profile targets. Their hand delivered to their next of kin, direct superior or direct inferior."
Soon, the second feline moves his arm to guide serena's palm under the still-bleeding end, covering the shark's skin. "Welcome to the Sanguine Hand. You will recieve your assignments from the Lady, I will deliver them, and you will destroy them after reading. Any further questions?" she rumbles, while a third feline moves in, carrying a feline mask much like the one Katrina wears, if a lot less ornamental.
Serana shakes nher head "None at all" the shark offers with a small smile "enjoying the scent of blood and iron a bit too much "Now, is there a place I can clean up before heading back to my room?" she asks indicating the mess she made of her boots and lower coat "I doubt it would be wise to wander the city like this."
"You can give anything that truly needs cleaning to Marie, you will have it back in the morning. Your hand... We've got the glove for that. Marie can also escort you safely past the guards, for that matter," the she-cat notes, before shaking her head, taking her dagger back and heading off. "You will hear from us."
