Board Thread:Roleplay/@comment-27550231-20170522170711/@comment-26288702-20170816001819

"Uhhhhh, ok." Layoka seems a bit unsure about Praetor's request but ultimately agrees to it. She leads Praetor back through the expansive castle at a brisk pace. Along the way they pass by many Vampires going about their business, each wearing clothing and jewelry that highlights their status amongst the guards and maids that work diligently.

Praetor notices right away that Layoka keeps her eyes to the floor while passing them and the Vampires give Layoka a quick glance, their expressions at seeing her are unpleasant. Finally they reach the bedroom corridor and Layoka points to Praetor's door.

"There you go sir. I'll be back once I've spoken to my lord." Layoka then leaves and makes haste to the throne room, she makes it just in time to see a captain of the guard and 2 of her soldiers standing before Armata. The Vampire lord sits in his throne, tapping his finger on the arm rest of his throne impatiently.

"My lord, with all due respect he is neither Vampire or loyal to the covenant! He is a former Order champion who has deep ties within the organization! How can you be sure that he will not return to the Order after he's learned enough about the inner workings of the Covenant? He could bring about the ruin of our great-" Captain becomes silent the moment Armata raises his hand.

"I appreciate your concern and devotion to the Covenant's safeguard, but my decision on this matter is final. If you trust my judgement at all, you will trust that I have the situation under control and have taken these possibilities into account." Armata' eyes shift to Layoka who patiently stands in the corner. "Leave us."

The guards walk past Layoka and each stare at her on the way out, Layoka looking away with an annoyed expression. As the doors to the throne room close Armata signals Layoka to approach. "Stand before me, Layoka."

The tiny Dhampir approaches the throne and stands before Armata. "You wanted to see me my lord?"

"I want you to keep me informed on everything with Praetor. Anything unusual at all, you inform me right away." Armata leans back in his seat. "Praetor's mind and soul are in a state of upheaval, he is conflicted. So keep a keen eye on him and let me know what he does."

Layoka begins to giggle but stops as soon she looks at Armata's unamused expression. "What is so funny?" He asks flatly.

"It's just, Sir Praetor asked me before I came here, to do the same for you. He wants me to keep him informed of everything you say to me." She fidgets nervously.

"Smart bastard, no matter. Do as he asked. Now go." Armata dismisses Layoka. As she turns around he notices something he hadn't earlier. "Stop. Face me." As Layoka turns back, he sees an area of her cheek that is starting to turn blue, a bruise. "That mark, where did you get it?"

Layoka looks away hesitantly but answers in a shaky voice. "The master blacksmith's son, Branford, he and I fought. He called me a stray and told me that I don't belong here... I charged him and his father grabbed me before I could get to Branford. The master blacksmith then... hit me."

"Did he now." Armata's face is hard for Layoka to read, he seems almost uncaring. "Why did you not tell me sooner?"

Layoka' eyes begin to tear up and she can no longer hold back her feelings. "Because everyone here hates me! If I try to shout they speak over me, I try to run for help they trip me and when I try to find you they block my path! I'm a stray Dhampir in a Vampiric covenant! I don't belong her, they say." She drops her head into her hands and breaks down before her lord.