Private A City of Lights

[Pyeth Raffinki]

Talay - Tregill Lake

​

Fauvel Astier
Abel Denko


It was sunset, a time when the shadows of the valley turned jade grass to concrete grey, their individual blades are thrown into a wave by the southerly wind. Gazing above, Pyeth watched the beautiful filter of purple hues, catching the silver and gold of the glistening spires, the nests of folk whose wealth far outstripped anything he could have imagined. What had once been a village was now a resort, occupied territory that reminded him of the home he left behind and yet so profoundly bizarre. The air swirled with activity energies that had always been prevalent but rarely noticed, tonight would be different. He thought of a promotion which he could not hope to understand or decipher.


"Look mother what is that over there!" Pyeth turned back, examining further along the pier, a human child pointing its clawless hand towards him. The woman's face turned pale, she must have thought him some native beast. "Forgive me, madam, I was just returning to my duties." He replied in a soft alien voice. It was not his own but one that he hoped conveyed diplomacy. Her complexion paled to stone, he knew what would follow later if he stayed and hastily retreated to deliver his final package.


Strolling the open streets he began making his way back towards the spire, he'd been performing deliveries throughout the day mostly to the nobility that made their nests here. He had taken the job purely in hopes of gathering intelligence on the families residing here. Perhaps one would be his fabled 'Jedi' either through connection or rumour after he heard such gifted people dwelt in the glistening spires, in truth he was beginning to think he misunderstood what that actually meant, but instead, all he learned was the corruption that ran rampant here.


A muffled cry broke his train of thought and Pyeth turned to witness a young urchin cuddled against the crumpled body of a human male, bruised. He glanced down at the pouch of medicine and shook his head, no it will only get me into trouble. The drugs he carried were local medicine processed primarily for pain relief but taken in sufficient quantities and the drugs had a more 'recreational purpose'. He tried to move, now feeling a tug at his leg, he closed his eyes.


"Please, Sir. You're a doctor." The boy said catching not only his attention but that of nearby guards or hired thugs meant to keep the streets clean. He gazed down, flinching, struck by familiar desperation. He was back home, the night his mother had been taken ill. The Jedi that saved her. Don't do it Pyeth he cautioned himself but the nostalgia was too heavy. Pyeth sighed heavily, gently removing the child's grip and pushing him into the alley. Hoping. Praying no one would take notice, "Here give these, make the pain go away and one of these heal bruising."


The boy nodded hastily, wiping the tears and dampened grime from his face-hugging and embracing Pyeth, "You're welcome," Pyeth sighed contentedly. A moment later he was back in the street giving a cautious glance to the guards who glared at him with predatory eyes. They weren't paid to be sluggish, only ignorant. He could get away with failing to make the delivery, thefts were common enough, but he would have to get that far first, and he barely made it down the street before he saw two guards approaching, he did his best to avoid them, but conflict seemed inevitable.


One bumped into him causing Pyeth to lose his balance and stumble forward, digging his talons into the earth beneath him, he managed to regain his balance and turned to face the pair now, only to find four of them including the two from earlier. The leader of the group, a large burly tomato faced human, held his baton drawn in an offensive posture towards him, "You're under arrest." He declared


"Under what charges?" Pyeth countered ready to defend himself if necessary. "For the trading of contraband and aiding and abetting of criminals."


"I fail to understand how I committed such crimes, they are your flock. You should be helping them."


"The trash doesn't pay the bills." Pyeth felt his blood surge into his pinions, ruffling his feathers almost to the point he was twice his size. They didn't wait for his response with the goon swinging at him. Pyeth dived under the baton, the others stand watching bemused. Using his rear he knocked the guard off balance while catching his ankle in the grip of his talon, not enough to draw blood - although he sorely felt the need. The others, seeing the ringleader tumble across the street, rush in.


The next one tried to punch him, but Pyeth twisted past, allowing his wing to envelope and blind him for a moment, the guard stumbled, tripping over himself with a clack of armour. Pyeth chuckles, but his moment of victory is short-lived. Arms wrap around his torso, and he is tackled to the ground, "ACK!" He squawks hitting the ground. He struggles, but for what he has in agility he lacks in strength a blow is struck against his neck. It doesn't carry much power, but the pain is real. "Get off me you corrupt-" He is interrupted by another blow.

OOC Note: Let me know if you need/want anything changing. . . Also they won't all be this long I promise.

 

[Fauvel Astier]

Location: Talay, Tregill Lake.
Wearing: XxX.
Tagging: Abel Denko ~ Pyeth Raffinki

Talay.

Fauvel had much to see of the galaxy still, but this planet in particular had been one of her most favored ones thus far. Oceans as far as the eye could see, it was a nice contrast to the endless woods and meadows that characterized her homeland. It became even more beautiful when nighttime fell, and the clear skies turned a deep shade of purple instead of the usual black or deep blue. So far, the Young Lady had been enjoying the trip - even if there was that familiar feeling she could not quite shake that there was yet something awaiting to reveal itself to them, but she was unable to place her finger on what.

There were two things that had moved Abel, and thus Fauvel, to visit the planet. On the first hand, the Illyrian lady had taken a liking to visiting new planets, of course beginning by those that belonged to the Confederacy. On the other, Abel's duty as a Knight Obsidian had brought him here and she, as his apprentice, had followed. Balancing the administration and rule of her province with these trips was not easy, it was certainly a blessing that the young Magnate had such a talent for scheduling and organization. Every day accounted for down to the last minute.

Although the natural landscape of Talay was beautiful, the same could not be said of its streets and certain urban centers. Insecurity, corruption, need - the tune sung was too familiar, it made the stake that was forever lodged in her heart ever since the falling into disgrace of her house squeeze deeper into its proverbial wound. The need she felt to see those traits rectified in Blood Reign seemed to extend to this place too - the serious expression she almost never carried when in the presence of Abel being a testament to it.

"If they are not spineless liars then they are lousy administrators, the lot of them." The Knight and Squire had been sent to look into reports of corruption and ill-managed administration. In the meetings, these politicians and executives had claimed it was the result of a shortage in resources, a drawback in economy, pointed fingers at figures above and below them. To Fauvel, it was crystal clear that they all had their hands in the city's pockets, stealing what credit they found like rabid vultures.

It was then that a ripple in the Force alerted her of something, she looked at her Master first, awaiting confirmation from him before beginning to move down a side street towards the origin of the disturbance. Soon, the familiar sound of a brawl reached her ears, a slight frown settling on her pale brow. She saw the scene before her, what seemed to look like an avian sentient surrounded by policemen - outnumbered and being beat down while on the ground.

It was not the scene in itself that inspired her anger, but the pleased expressions that decorated the face of the officers. The darkness around her flared, no longer just a placid, invisible shadow but a chilling presence. The wrongness in it seemed to be enough for the guards to stop and attempt to look behind them even before Fauvel spoke. "You will stop this at once." The authoritative tone that overtook her harmonious voice was nothing if not absolute and slightly fear-inducing. She bit back the threat that would have usually followed - Abel's influence shining through.

 

[Abel Denko]

O B S I D I A N​

Tag: Fauvel Astier , Pyeth Raffinki

The Lord of House Denko was learning.

Whether Jedi or Sith, the expectation which came with the mantle of Apprentice was one of learning. Conversely, holding the mantle of Master denoted a responsibility for education. It was often presumed that the student would be like a sponge, soaking up everything the teacher had to offer. Yet, in the case of Abel and his apprentice, a mutual system of growth was beginning to take form. As a native of Nar Shaddaa, Abel's education in the ways of nobility was next to none. Yet, he found himself the liege of a growing noble family on Naboo. The cosmic joke was enough that, as he witnessed Fauvel Astier organizing her daily life, he began to take notes.

She was a woman born into the embrace of nobility. Though the politics of Ilyria were the furthest thing from gilded. Blood and Darkness were her allies and her native tongues, versus his own bias for the Light. Yet, despite how vastly different their origins, Abel was both immensely fond of and learning from his Apprentice. In the same manner, the Knight faithfully fulfilled his obligations to the young woman. With each day, he imparted knowledge to her - be it of the Force, of Combat, or how to handle situations in the Obsidian way. Their duty was to uphold the law of the Confederacy.

That duty had taken them to Talay.

In the wake of assaults on the world's sovereignty, Talay had been quick to return to normal. Some would assume that this was due to the relatively small population size compared to its peers. Others, like Abel, assumed that this was due to the black roots underneath the surface. The Knighthood had dispatched the pair to investigate claims of corruption - and in Abel's opinion, only the corrupt could bounce back so quickly from invasion. As they roamed the streets, half taking in the sights and half investigating, Fauvel made an astute observation. If they are not spineless liars, then they are lousy administrators. The lot of them. Abel couldn't agree more.

"They're much akin to the Cartels from back home." he remarked, shedding a rare light on his origins. "Exploit. Murder. And make it all seem squeaky clean with the big man comes knocking." Despicable.

What was even more despicable was the sight that awaited them as they continued on their journey. Uniformed officers were suppressing a target. But upon closer inspection, there was no lawful detention. There were no cuffs or restraints. There was only violence...and they were enjoying it. Abel saw a lot of himself in those officers. It was a view that he hated, but a truth nonetheless. All those years ago, as he worked under the Black Suns, he had done the very same. Stomped. Punched. Enforced. He had been scum once. But no more. Fauvel had addressed the men with ferocity in her voice. And Abel could feel the Darkness brewing under her skin. Yet, she showed restraint. She hearkened to the Obsidian path he was teaching.

They did not stop. Rather, they waved her off and sneered. "We warned them." came his sole remark, coupled with the cracking of his knuckles. Abel led the charge, stepping into the fray immediately. His dominant hands wrapped around the waist of one of the officers and flung him away from the avian victim. He did not have time to rest on his laurels, for his arms rose to deflect a sloppy haymaker from another. "We got you." he said through gritted teeth. "We got you."​

 

[Pyeth Raffinki]

Today was different. He never expected to catch the ire of the guard, let alone be waylaid by the brutes. The only consolidation would be if they left him, the bruises and damage would give credence to his alibi for the failed delivery but knowing fate he wouldn't be so lucky.

Since losing the crew of the Farragut his life had been one misadventure after another, perhaps the Elders had been right. The Galaxy, it was no place for the Rishii.

"You will stop this at once!"

A raised commanding voice pierced beating, too focused on his own defence the Rishii neglected to listen, instead finding his opening to slip a wing free and raise defensively. The next blow broke his defences, it was a desperate effort and closed his eyes tightly fearing what the next blow might bring. A blow that never came.

There was feint thud from his left, followed by a frustrated grunt.

"We got you." A repeated phrase.

The accent was unfamiliar, a frustrated tone. Certainly not local and Pyeth instinctively scrambled back trying to find his footing against golden flagstone. Narrowed pupils focused on the man standing only a few feet in front of him, and the footfalls of the angered behind him.

The Thugs at least appeared now in disarray, they hadn't foreseen any sort of interruption and now stumbled about trying to recover and make sense of the situation they faced. To Pyeth's relief, the ringleader perhaps noticing something the others did not or simply thinking the risk was too great hastily retreated shouting back a simple but all too common threat.

"You will come to regret this transgression."

Pyeth sighed with relief, for now at least this was over. Using a nearby bench for leverage he dragged himself back onto his feet wincing slightly as pain radiated from his left flank.

He looked at the strangers for a moment uncertain if to thank, or warn them. ". . . Thank you both." He said sincerely glancing between the two, "But they will only go and report to their superiors. Cause greater trouble." He said grinding his beak in frustration while his hand combed his body for serious injury.

Fauvel Astier
Abel Denko

 

[Fauvel Astier]

Location: Talay, Tregill Lake.
Wearing: XxX.
Tagging: Abel Denko ~ Pyeth Raffinki

If there was one thing Fauvel was not used to was having her jurisdiction questioned - but she was starting to grow less surprised by it whenever she found herself outside of her domain. Restraint and measure were two traits that were serving her well, she had Abel to thank for them. Had this same situation taken place in her streets, the officers would have probably suffered a worse fate. Of course, discipline kept this from happening. As Abel moved in to remove one of the guards from the victim, Fauvel kept her eyes on the rest of them waiting for them to make a mistake she expected them to commit.

And they did.

Two of the guards prepared to turn their attack on her Master. The Illyrian lady's rose eyes flashed in a bright red, and she moved with a speed that was unnatural. Her own hand clenched around the wrist of a fist that had been aimed at Abel, swiftly turning the man's arm around behind his back, straining his shoulder before kicking him away. A dark-side sorcerer, Fauvel felt the need to turn her powers onto this impromptu enemies - but it was not needed. The second guard a blow at her, but he could do nothing but stare at her in disbelief as his baton passed through her intangible shape as though there was nothing but air before him. She had phased as a form of defense that did not require her to move away or block.

Horror shone in the guard's eyes as they met the flaming red ones, and he soon scurried away with the rest of them - perhaps convinced he was before a spectre. The perks of her ghost-like blood. Surely, to any onlookers that were not privy to her heritage, the scene would have looked just as striking. Now, with the immediate threat removed, Fauvel recalled the darkness around her back into its placid state, bidding the dark emotions that fueled it to be silenced. Usually, this would have been something she struggled with, but she was getting better at handling her dark calling.

Her attention was then turned to the avian young man they had just helped, he was definitely battered but he would live. Now, upon closer inspection, she could feel the Force's strong connection to him. How curious. Her gaze, once again pink, reached Abel - searching to see if he had felt it too. However, there was a more pressing matter at hand.

"Let them. They will be handed a rude awakening soon enough. We were sent to take care of it." Things would not continue to operate on Talay in the way they had, it was their duty to stop it. It was a Knight Obsidian's responsibility to look after the well being of confederate citizens and the laws that protected them.

"I am Fauvel Astier. This is my Master and friend, Abel Denko." She introduced, foregoing either of their noble titles. Indeed, if Fauvel was making Abel a better noble then Abel was teaching her how to conduct herself in an environment were disregard for propriety would not cost her greatly. Informality, while foreign, was welcomed. "May I ask your name?"

 

[Abel Denko]

P R O T E C T​

Tag: Fauvel Astier , Pyeth Raffinki

You will come to regret this transgression.

As the crooked "officers of the law" departed with their tails between their legs, Abel rendered a tasteful salute from Nar Shaddaa. He said nothing aloud in response to their threat, but rather raised his middle finger as they scurried away. The universal sign for get bent as it were. Almost immediately he returned to being on the clock and turned, hearkening to the words spoken to the victim. The avian braced himself upon the nearby bench and used it to stand, wincing. The Knight took a step forward as the man then busied himself checking for injuries.

He was grateful, but expressed a valid concern. That they will report the encounter their superiors - and thus a consequence would be paid. Abel shook his head as his Apprentice, Fauvel, spoke up. Let them, she said. [/i]They will be handed a rude awakening soon enough. We were sent to take care of it.[/i] As she paused, Abel chimed in, adding valuable context to who had sent them. "We are Knights Obsidian, sent to investigate claims of corruption on Talay...It seems the concerns are founded." Fauvel then led the way in introducing herself...the friend part was a surprising touch that lit the man's face up.

He made sure not to grin too vividly, but motioned towards the man with his dominant hand. "Are you injured?" he inquired, before motioning with his chin towards an adjacent building. There was a bakery/cafe of sorts nearby - a valuable means of getting off the street. Though Abel was certain he and his apprentice could weather any sort of response, the best play in these situations was laying low for a few minutes. They, at the very least, had to get the man out of the situation and gather intelligence. "If you can, let's head inside that bakery. We'll talk there."

313

 

[Pyeth Raffinki]

Observing events unfold Pyeth produced a peculiar gesture, cocking his head to one side at the display of power the girl showed. An instinctual urge to flee began worming into his head as if facing a predator. The baton missed, how? Were his eyes playing tricks, no that wasn't true, the guard looked just as confused and perplexed. If that wasn't enough to unnerve him, the display of speed and strength made it all too obvious any attempt of escape would conclude quickly; even if he was to fly. It silenced any argument he had, whoever she was he doubted the guard (at least the ordinary ones) stood much of a chance.

Her companion meanwhile expressed frustration using a hand sign he had witnessed once before on the moon of Nar Shaddaa. Its context and purpose were lost on Pyeth, however, glancing to the guard down the pavement and his crumpled face expressed enough disdain, pressing the derogatory context.

"We are Knights Obsidian, sent to investigate claims of corruption on Talay... It seems the concerns are founded." Pyeth flicked back, listening to the pair address him. Knights Obsidian? Was that like a nest or perhaps an order of. . .

"I am Fauvel Astier. This is my Master and friend, Abel Denko."

"Master?" Pyeth gawked, turning to Abel Denko in awe at the implication he was entirely, if not, more powerful than Fauvel Astier . "Mmy name... yess my name." He stammered. Exhaling his feathers folded back as he relaxed, a tinge of now numbing pain radiating from his bruised rib. "My name is Pyeth, formerly of the Raffinki tribe," Pyeth said more clearly, flinching slightly at the word formerly.

The Rishi were social peaceful creatures, it was for that reason banishment remained their greatest punishment. It was hard for a pre-space faring people to integrate with the wider galactic society. He still loved his people, he wanted to help them, but how could he help them when none would listen. Not even his closest friends.

"I just need to catch my breath, thank you both." He replied mournfully to Abel and Fauvel, adverting his gaze as if to hide his emotions, trying to conceal by following Abel's direction to the bakery. He struggled onto his own two feet, "Yes let's, perhaps I can repay you in pastries." He said, feigning a chuckle and beginning to plod his way to their destination.

He went silent, trying to make sense of everything he had seen and what they had said, they had come from an organisation known as the Obsidian Knights, who had some authority or reason to be here. No doubt they planned to interrogate him, but if that meant genuinely helping the population here he could stand to be asked questions.

"That speed and those powers." He asked cautiously, "Are you Jedi?"

 

[Fauvel Astier]

Location: Talay, Tregill Lake.
Wearing: XxX.
Tagging: Abel Denko ~ Pyeth Raffinki

Fauvel couldn't suppress the small, amused smile that stretched her lips at Abel's gesture. Such displays was not something she was used to, for people on Illyria kept to a much stricter code of conduct - specially when the likes of her, lord and ladies, were around. It was both entertaining and refreshing to be around people to whom her nobility did not equate a required distance and caution. Perhaps that feeling was the benefit to outweigh experiences like the one that had just transpired minutes ago, when the authority she was used to seeing go unchallenged fell on deaf ears.

Then Abel elaborated on their reason for being on Talay, and the Illyrian Lady could see confusion cloud the Rishii's eyes. Not so long ago, before the subjugation of her planet, Fauvel had also been unaware of most of the goings-on of the galaxy, their orders included. The Silmä and the Ashen Church were all that Fauvel had known, besides texts and artifacts that ahd found their way onto the warring Illyria about orders such as the Sith and the Jedi. Perhaps Pyeth, formerly of Clan Raffinki, had a similar background.

After all, perhaps Abel could be perceived by many as a Jedi but only one who was not at all familiar with the lightside order could ever mistake her for one.

Fauvel offered a nod when Abel proposed entering the cafe, walking towards the place completely unbothered as though she hadn't just been involved in a scuffle with the local authorities. Fauvel, more often than not, did not have it in her to sympathize with others, but in this one occasion she did keep an eye on the rishii. His previous choice of words was still being carefully evaluated and processed in her mind. He was proving to be a very interesting individual - at the very least, certainly one that would help Abel and her see their purpose on Talay to its end.

They were seated in a booth next to a wall, conveniently, the place chosen for them granted them more privacy than a regular table in a different part of the establishment would have. A waiter droid approached them, taking their order to return some minutes later with it. They were here to lay low, might as well enjoy the food and drink the bakery had to offer while at it.

"A pleasure, Pyeth." Manners always came first, they were such a habit to her that Fauvel disregarding them either meant she held an absolute trust in whoever stood beside her or was ignoring them as a purposeful way of conveying her dislike. Pyeth did not yet fit neither of the two categories, and so the courteous upbringing of the Yound Lady would remain on full display. His next question was one that Fauvel had not expected, but it made a surprise and pleased expression shine on her features.

"Well, there is a complex answer to that question." Abel had been a Jedi, while she was a thing entirely of her own. Most would classify her as something akin to a dark side sorceress, a witch, perhaps such a term was fitting for someone of her abilities. That was her calling, one which was slowly beginning to be influenced by the one destiny had chosen as her mentor - even if her very nature remained unchanged, her approach and understanding of her powers and those she was less familiar with were beginning to shape her into something greater.

"The Knights Obsidian are an Order in itself. Some hold to the Jedi teachings, some do not, and some have their very own perspective of the Force," The diversity and the organization of the Knights Obsidian was what made them so formidable. Even in light of recent events that had cut their numbers crippingly short. "What we all hold in common is our duty. We protect the people of the Confederacy, our people."

 

[Abel Denko]

R E C O V E R​

Tag: Pyeth Raffinki , Fauvel Astier

The Master and Apprentice were attuned to different realities.

Whilst Fauvel was adept at navigating the social realm, Abel was adept in the underground. Years spent as a weapon of the dregs had informed him of many things. Namely, how to tell when someone was fit to fight. Though the avian was able to get to his feet and to follow them across the road to the cafe - the ambush had certainly taken its toll. He needed to be off his feet for a few and allowed to lick his wounds, that was for sure. But, Abel's instincts did not scream hospitalization. The avian was bruised, not broken. He could respect that.

"Good to meet you Pyeth." came Abel's response. As they began to move, his words became brief. Not out of a lack of decorum, but out of necessity. The Knight's eyes scanned their surroundings as they headed for the privacy of the cafe - searching for any immediate backlash to the scuffle that had just transpired. He had to be alert, for a blaster bolt could certainly complicate things if placed just right. Fortunately enough, the trio made their way inside the cafe with no incident.

They were seated in the back, in a private booth far from prying eyes and listening ears. The atmosphere was relaxing. Abel scooted into the seat next to his Apprentice and kept his eyes on the entrace. Though his shoulders eased ever so slightly, he remained on alert. The question of the hour, it seemed, was Are you Jedi? And Fauvel's response had been impaccable. Despite the urgency of the situation, Abel's lips curved into a smile. Pride in someone else. He only added onto the tail end of her explanation of the Knighthood.

"The Knights Obsidian uphold the Law and Keep the Peace." he began, rendering a nod as the attending droid returned with their confections. Abel's puffcake, a reminder of home, and caf were set before him. "Due to this mission, religion doesn't matter. If you're Light, Dark, Sith, Jedi - it's irrelavant. Our duty to the people is what matters." He paused, indulging in a sip of his caf. Black. Bitter. Delicious.

"What of you, Pyeth?" he inquired. "What happened?"

The elephant in the room - just what had transpired that caused the ambush to occur.

388

 

[Pyeth Raffinki]

Out of respect of his wallet, the Rishii only purchased a small meat filo pastry. He had it before and the thin layers meant it wouldn't do much to upset his gizzard, he was still getting used to the varieties of food the galactic market had to offer and was a little spoiled for choice. After being given a glass of water, he promptly requested a small bowl, the droid seemed most confused when he began pouring it into the bowl and drank deeply from it. Drinking from a glass, with a beak was awkward and he oftentimes wondered how the beakless managed it.

"Sounds look a good flock." He commented wistfully in response to Fauvel and Abel both recalling his isolation, Rishii were social creatures and his exile still hurt him to this day. He felt envious of the Master and his Apprentice but remaining thankful and holding every intent on covering their expenses. "You mean there is more in the Galaxy than Jedi?" He asked thoughtfully, an idea that was both intriguing and confusing.

"I arrived nearly two full moons ago, aboard a passenger ship in hopes of finding the Jedi and new employment." He began figuring it remained in his best interests to be compliant, they had not yet given him a reason to doubt they didn't have the local populations best interests in mind.

"I found employment working at the local apothecary, helping collect raw materials and make deliveries where my flight was most useful. Everyone I met was happy but none appeared the sort to stay here long I never really noticed why until a couple of weeks back when a fire engulfed a villa owned by one of the few locals. I thought someone might be hurt, so I went to try and help the fire wardens who had arrived on the scene earlier except there was little to no effort being made to fight the flames.

Instead, they were offering to purchase the property from the family that lived there. I uh... asked if I could help but they mostly ignored me. Eventually, the family caved and sold the property at what I assume was a heavy discount, only then did the service make a move to fight the flames. I found that family a few days later, homeless. They had been given accommodation but forced to pay tribute... rent... I think?" He sighed looking down at the bowl of water he couldn't understand why or how one would damage their flock for mere profit.

"It gave me a new perspective..." He sighed frustrated, "I asked my employer questions, histories and learned that this was not an isolated incident. There was no homeless before... It has been going on for many moons, and that the local population has been gradually pushed from their homes, those smart or rich enough to go off-world left everyone else. The mayor had some business in turning the place into something he said was a resort, and that the homeless were bad for business?

A couple of weeks ago I found some injured, helping them using some of the drugs we deliver. It eases pain after that the local guards have been more stubborn and keeping a close watch on me. I suspect the recipient might have noticed and made them suspicious. Today I suppose my actions confirmed it."

Fauvel Astier Abel Denko