A Sentinel Meets with Provocation

I m retiring from my retreat, bygone its rigid forcer against the farce of the world. As I held to my chalice and my composure invaded, it was with madness I revolted. Certain in my wineglass I was dedicated; squandering my ambitions and marveling in my high hopes. Thus high I was too swollen in my keep, caged without its beast ravished in its uncomely desires.

New contorted, faceless about my many minstrels I swam in a foreign land. Once conceded now I concede to those mercies thence ignored. I looked about, and found the mirror hind seduced me in my pride. It glimmered along the edges invitingly and I turned in admiration. Such elegant beauty etched with passions allure, and an experienced depth mingling with a playful dignity. Not much had changed but my luster diminished.

I dressed carefully in garnished robes then began to wonder; what did robes portray of innocence? Well aware of my vulnerability I changed and founded most casually I appeared as common; and such that I was young in my ignorance I expected sympathy.

Estranged but confident, I attracted a gentleman. His coach revived in me my old romance and we were both charmed by appearances. Once I mounted yon chariot discussion flourished. His dark skin shadowed my own complexion, and his hazel eyes drank me in where I could see through them. Knowing it was an act began our foundation, though lost to the others knowledge rimmed our awareness. For the other life I bled indubitably but accepted, and now invested I brimmed with curiosity.

>Rare the modern gentleman would indulge such a sweet temperament bordering on deception, this one adapted to his unwary prey.<

Continuing with their mirthful display and unanswered wonder, it was high past midnight when the coach stopped. My host flagged his concern and spoke forward. (Coachman, hail this disruption and flog our delay!) There was a mumbled response and then something that sounded odd. My senses peaked and my hackles rose. I knew of none other that bore that scent, but one. Much to my misfortune, I would not be able to complete my disguise and thus wasted no more time. Upon exiting and ordaining my hosts protest I regaled sympathy for his troubles and bow gallantly in the old way. My intention seemed to work as the gentleman quirked his brow at the unconventional gesture.

Closing my crimson shawl around my shoulders I kicked to a walk when I spotted my quarry. His demeanor was withdrawn as he sensed me and his shoulders seemed to fold in on themselves. I commanded, (No disappearing acts now, I assure you I am twice as fast.) The sentinel glowered at me, showing me such contempt when his eyes flashed. A low growl echoed off the stone walls of the corridor. His voice carried a hypnotic tune, (There is no where in this city I do not know and every shadow I command. What does your premature highness think of me to stall me so?) His approach was fluid and barely touched the ground. (Can I offer you a compromise to your death?) He was upon her then, and from inches away continued his thought, (I am sentinel Jeru Salaam, and you are obviously a tourist.) He looked her over, (a Provocateur, if I m not mistaken?)
I shook my head in defiance, (do *not* assume to understand my role or that I am compliant to your power. I am a force unto myself and provided I discover the whereabouts of my chatelaine I will also find my House. It is none of your concern. I suggest sir) He interrupted, (*Jeru Salaam*) I glared, (whatever your name is, is no concern of mine. This trivial disruption has cost me valuable time. Please remove yourself at once, as you are in my path directly!)

His amusement was plain. >Who was this woman to order him around?< She was obviously far from this *House* of hers. He tried a different tact; her mystery was not nearly great enough to change his plans for her retribution. Jeru Salaam cocked his brow, (still you dazzle yourself with some unknown authority. Are you sure you awoke as this person you so claim to be? Could this time belong to someone else as well as your identity?) He leaned in closer staring straight at her, (do you happen to know what year this is?) That last was a random question, or somewhat. He held a suspicion that suddenly held him riveted. He found himself anticipating her answer. A story he had heard from his past seemed to rise from the depths of his memory.

The sentinel s question had caught her off guard. >What was he talking about? Why would he presume to ask her such a thing?< Suddenly she felt vulnerable in truth and it made her angry. Snapping in her dismay she was pleased to see him draw back, (You *will* desist in your interrogation at once! My purpose or destination is none of your business as I am not responsible for your curiosity. Move on and I will forgive this blatant attack on my character.) I was seething and felt my face afire and yet the sentinel did nothing. His eyes softened after a minute, surprising me.

Jeru Salaam turned only to look over his shoulder. His hand clawed behind his back grabbing his cloak in a fist. In a sweeping motion he pulled it around his shoulders and bent in acquiescence. The result was the ceremonial pose of the Provocateurs.

My astonishment was plain. He made me drop my guard with one feral sweep. Openly baffled I pointed and furrowed my brow, (*where did you learn that?*No one has ever dared to pose so openly in centuries! Do you know what you could have done! You have endangered me and now you must remain, as my guardian. (Contemptuous) (I m sure I need not explain to you the old code, as you seem to know your history quite well.)