Work Text:
The chattering and music became more muffled as he stood in the garden of the Jannath estate. This was his domain, gliding through the crowd with a charming smile and telling the nobles what they wanted to hear. Making comments on the art that was present, the supposed reason why everybody was there. But it wasn't just the art that was on display, it was the crowd as well. Eyes locked on each other, whispers in the corners, it was like his own playground. Almost a strategic war cloaked in silk, alliances being made while standing in front of paintings. It was what he did best, had clawed his way up there with it. You had to know the right people, had to know what they desired and give it to them. And that was just what he had done, right to a spot on the Parliament of Peers and being a Duke.
How naive they were, mingling over wine and art while outside there would be an unholy alliance made. The cool evening air on his skin, the moon and stars in the sky would be witness. He only needed to a bit more patient, they would show up. The leader from the Church of Bhaal that he had been communicating with. He had been apprehensive to reach out, knowing the penchant of the Bhaalists for wanton bloodlust. But he knew that his plan was ambitious and he required the help of the Bhaalists for it.
It had been a surprise that he had received level-headed communication back. The writer was intelligent, bouncing back on the idea of joining power. Not trusting yet, circling each other in writing. Which is why he proposed a meeting. A meeting in his terrain, he wasn't going to be a fool to meet a Bhaalist in their strength.
"What a beautiful night." The soft voice of the Selunite cleric that he had been introduced to. Invited by Lady Jannath, just arrived to Baldur's Gate and one of the things on display. A beautiful woman with black hair that flowed down her back and wrapped in a silver silk dress. The red eyes had thrown him off but he couldn't figure out why.
"It is a beautiful night," he replied. He was getting annoyed, the Bhaalist wouldn't come to him if the Selunite was there. He looked down at her, a smile on her face. Delicate features, like the Moonmaiden had sculpted her herself. Maybe the Bhaalist would enjoy a cleric of her as a present.
"What a delicious irony that the Moonmaiden is here herself to see to this unholy alliance." His eyes snapped to hers, a spark of mischief in her eyes. The smile turned into a grin as he felt the dagger to his back. A flicker of danger reflected in her gaze, he had underestimated her. An error that he wouldn't repeat.
"A Bhaalist posing as a Selunite? Wouldn't that be heresy?" She scowled at that, the dagger moving just a bit deeper, not breaking skin yet but a warning.
"Banite, you don't have the position to question my loyalty. I'm made by my Father's flesh and blood. His weapon in this world." A Bhaalspawn, now that was interesting. The legends and the stories about them were plentiful, driven by an intense bloodlust. Although few had overcome it, some to relapse back into it. It matched with the intensity she was looking at him, utterly devoted to Bhaal.
"Maybe we started out on the wrong foot, let's start over shall we?" The dagger stayed at his back, a clear warning still there. But the scowl on her face was not as intense anymore.
"Lord Enver Gortash, advisor to nobility and arm's dealer. Leader of the Banite Church in Baldur's Gate." He extended his hand towards her.
"Achlys, High Primistress and daughter of Bhaal." She hesitated for a bit before she grabbed his hand. Her hands were almost too soft to be clutching daggers, although he knew that was the case. Red eyes peering into his, searching for dishonesty.
"You mentioned some interesting ideas that you had?" She was curious, saw it in her face. That was good, that was something he could work with. The dagger was removed from his back, being tucked away in a split in her dress. Murder incarnate in the body that could have been a courtesan. Bloodlust packaged as lust, there was an irony in there. She was danger, from the red eyes to the red nails that she wore. Veiled with colours of a Goddess that she didn't even worship but was easier to work with in public. Smart and deadly, he knew that much. It was inviting.
"I do Achlys, you know about the House of Wonders." A sharp inhale, ofcourse she knew about the House of Wonders. He had her attention now.
It was the beginning, the first time he had laid eyes on her. From her black hair to her red eyes, she had been a warning. It was how she carried herself. Closed off, nobody would be able to break through the shell that she had built for herself. It made him want to tear it apart even more, every push away met with a try to pull her closer. Her deceit was a wonder, words that dripped like honey and crafted for each person. He had seen the sides to her, the manipulative charmer, the High Primistress, the assassin, the bright mind and the devoted daughter. But he preferred when she was just Achlys, he would remember the moment she had shown that side to him. It was after the heist on the House of Wonders, that had been the deciding factor that they could trust each other. She had climbed through his window, like she had done before. Ready for the list of people that he wanted to get rid of, a little sacrifice to her father.
Candlelight had reflected in her face as she sat opposite his desk. He was still making his list, a ploy to keep her around longer. She looked tired, dark shadows underneath her eyes. A yawn escaping from her, even though she had tried to fight it. Until her eye had fallen on one of his mechanics.
"What's this, tyrant?" A prototype of a machine that was inspired on the infernal war machines that he had seen in Avernus. More like giant walking armor that could be used in combat. One day he would figure out how to make them.
"A prototype, to be made one day."
"Ambitious future plans," she said with a grin on her face. She almost looked relaxed, leaning back into the chair and inspecting the prototype in more detail.
"I have no doubts we will make those plans a reality." She looked up at him, those big red eyes looking into his souls.
"Really?"
"Really. I believe that we both can accomplish anything that we put our minds to, Achlys." A soft smile appeared on her face, it had been the first time that he had said her name. Maybe it had been the first time that someone had used that name in a long time.
"That's nice, I think. Yeah, you're right." He knew he would do anything to see that smile again.