Mission Lich/ RP help

[agnes]

Agnes was attempting to step outside her box of securities. After all there was positively no reason to come to a completely new plane if one wasn't going to do just that. The young lady dressed herself carefully as she glanced into the mirror and sighed softly. The green dress whispered with her as she set off out the door. The dark curls were pinned up and set away from her face as she made her way out.

The information upon the ad didn't really give much in the way of details as she had assumed this would be rather unusual. After Lich wanted help in her personal relations department. Though she wasn't entirely sure the dire need of the situation until of course she arrived at the abode.

Her hands lifted and lightly wrung together as she looked around the exterior.. "Oh.. oh my.. " She winced and glanced at the rather decaying plantlife and rotting stench that filled the air. "Well, this is going to be .. interesting. "She stated softly as she looked up at the house itself. She could feel her stomach twisting into a lovely knot.. worse then the time she spent with her Mother and Aunts at the Corniation ball.. that she hadn't wanted to go to.

The deep breath was taken in and her shoulders squared as she approached the door and lightly knocked upon it. The errie manner in which it creaked open and the voice that seemed to haunt the darkness within. Oh.. my.... echoed again within Agnes's head as she peeked inside.

" Hello? My name is Agnes Clayborn.. I am here to answer the ad? "She offered softly as she saw the sudden warming of lights within, though it certainly did not help matters much as she looked around the interior. Dear Gods and little Fishies.. this was going to be an interesting mission indeed.

"Come in.. " the hissed voice spoke up as Agnes gave a small nod and stepped inside. She turned and gently closed the door before turning back toward the lich that rested within a chair. The burning eyes within the skull was not helping matters much.. however Agnes was if nothing else a Clayborn.. and a noblewoman.. so she'd fall back on that bit of determination to perform the job at hand.

" Good day to you M'lady. "She inclined her head and dipped into a small curtsy.

" You have come to .. answer the ad, you are young... " the voice spoke up from the skeletal remains of the woman as Agnes lifted a brow and smiled gently.

" Yes My lady I am at that. However my family is one of the Twenty Seven houses within Kerberian..which is no where near here but suffice it to say I have been very well educated within the means of diplomacy. "She spoke up softly as she looked around a moment. "Perhaps we would discuss what it is exactly that you are wishing to do here. "She spoke up as the lich stared at her.

The Lich stared at her a long moment before the movement that would have been a sigh had the aged and rotting form actually breathed once more. " World domination.. " the words came out before the graveled chuckle came with it. " I survived the centuries due to a spell that I worked in my younger years. While I have wrapped myself entirely within the arts .. I find.. that I am curious of the world beyond again. It is not so unusual girl.. to want to see the changes that have come to pass. " She stated as she waved Agnes to have a seat in a chair before her. The young lady did so, her hands folding before her.

" Very well, and of course due to your appearance and nature people instantly assume.. " she spoke up as the Lich stared at her. For a moment Agnes have wondered if she had gone to far.

" You are a very.. abrupt young woman. " The Lich stated plainly. Agnes lifted a brow and gave a small nod.

" In some forms, yes My Lady I am at that. However you did not hire me to molly coddle you and act as your own personal henchman. You wish to become a member of society again. By speaking anything other then absolute truths to you.. it will not happen. "She explained softly. The Lich stared at her and indeed Agnes shifted her position just a little before the graveled cackle again lifted and the lich nodded.

" Very well.. the name in which you may address me is Lady Esther Montehue, it was my given name when .... I was living. " The Lich stated as Agnes gave a small incline of her head.

" It is a pleasure M'lady Montehue. "

" So you say.... However due to the nature of many of.. the darkened kin rising up within the realms.. I am unable to establish ... anything more then people wanting my death.. and to steal all that I have collected. " the lich spoke quietly.

" Well there are of course the more visible cues that cause people to fear, there are a few changes that may bring this "She gestured around her. " away from a place of fear.. The darkness in which you are surrounding yourself in is well.. feeding the ignorant mind. "She stated plainly. " While I am not ignorant.. it scares the bejeezus out of me. "she admited with a small smile. The Lich looked at her and taunt stretched skin slowly rose a bit with the brow.

" why would I care if my abode.. frightens you.. " She demanded. Agnes only watched her and canted her head.

" Because , while we would all prefer that it was not so.. appearances of not only our person but that of our surroundings has a great deal to do with how others treat us. You wish to become once more apart of society , My lady , there are things that are going to have to .. change. Dark creepy places are not often thought of as the nice woman down the lane.. it is ..forgive the term.. but the monster that lurks in the darkness. "She pointed out.

For a moment she was fairly certain that the Lich would strike her down immediately. Though the small nod slowly accompanied her thoughts . " Indeed... and I have sought your help... very well, what are your suggestions... "

[agnes]

Agnes offered a more confident smile as she looked around. " First.. a good cleaning. "She stated as she looked around her. " Then perhaps a bit of brightening up, perhaps lighter drapes, they may keep out the direct sunlight however it will bring more light inside. There is also the gardens outside, they are in deplorable state. "She pointed just passed her to the door. The Lich was not at all happy about al this as she grunted.

" You think changing a garden and cleaning.... will make people think differently of me? "the graveled voice demanded. Agnes gave a small nod.

" It is but a start, of course there are things such as charitable deeds, as well inviting people to get to know you. "She offered as the scowl made her amend her words. " Not many.. maybe one.. or two.. until you get the hang of it. "She admitted and smiled.

" I am feeling less thrilled by the prospect. " the Lich absently began to tap her fingers upon the arm of her chair.

" I am also not one for social gatherings, I will be the first to admit such. My person views aside, it does work however. People, I am often reminded, are social creatures , they are curious by nature.. I'm sure you have found that to be something of a problem already? "She asked with an arched brow.

"If you mean thieving little urchins.. yes."

" So instead of hiding all these wonderful things, dust them off.. show them off! I'm sure you have fascinating stories as to how you managed to attain each and every one of them. People would be excited to hear how you came to possess these things.. the adventures you must have been upon for each of them. "She pointed out with a small smile.

" You mean entertain them with stories.... " The grinding tone came out when the lich rested back in her chair and the burning eyes glared at Agnes for a moment. "Interesting.. "

[agnes]

Agnes had to admit the lich was scaring the crap out of her, however deep breath in and she kept that light smile. "If you wish I can sit down and write up a list of things we can do, just to .. help lift the doom and gloom appearance of the place. If you wish to go forward with the dinner party or otherwise..we can go from there? "She offered with a small smile.

The lich continued to watch her then settled back into the chair she used more like a throne then a simple chair. The two looked at each other. " I suppose I shall have to hire... .people .. to help with this? "

Agnes gave a small nod. " Yes Ma'am.. I can do the planning and if you like I know a woman that is positively fabulous with landscaping. I'm fairly certain that I can speak with her and she can come up with a few ideas that will brighten up the exterior.. as well as give you the privacy that you so enjoy. "She explained.

" Very well.. since you see so confident this will work. Tomorrow morning I will expect your plans and lists. You may go. " The lich stated with a lift of her hand as Agnes started to protest.. tomorrow morning! But well.. she only gave a small nod of her head and turned to depart.

" Until tomorrow morning my lady. " She spoke with a deep curtsy before departing the dreary place. Agnes departed with a sigh of relief, however now came the rather interesting question of how exactly she was going to get the list as well as speak with Lark about going over the landscaping. Even IF the woman would help, how much she would charge.. the glance up to the sky was given. " Well.. no one said that ever task would be easy. "She stated and set off at a brisk walk. <d

[agnes]

Agnes had departed from the home of the lich,though it meant traveling to Lark's home. She wasn't a particular fan of the woman.. she was far to bold and honestly spoke with a tongue that should be harnessed for tis crude commentary. However she was an excellent gardener.

When she arrived she found the woman working in her greenhouse. The small smile was offered before Lark stepped outside. " If it isn't the Library Ghost.. whatcha need darlin? " The lazy tone rolled from the woman's mouth.

" I wish to hire your services, there is a yard that needs to be cleaned up and landscaped.. you are the only one I can think to hire for such a take and still manage to do it with some taste. "She spoke softly, well an additional compliment couldn't be that bad.. could it?

" eh.. alright.. I'm not up to anything, when do you need the first set of plans? "She asked with a roll of the slender shoulders as she stretched a bit. A day of workin in the greenhouse had left her hot and sweaty.. and not even in a good way!

" That is the unfortunate part of this.. I need for you to come with me, look at the yard and have something prepared by tomorrow morning. "Agnes explained with a small frown. She had a feeling this was likely to blow up in her face with that simple deadline.

Lark lifted a brow and gave a slow nod. " That so? Whuts the rush? "She asked with a small cant of her head and the hands resting into the back pockets of her britches.

" The customer would like this done quickly and efficently. "

" And the customer being? "

" For you? Me.. I am the one that will hire you.. and we shall go from there. At the moment the client wishes some .. privacy. "She stated softly, she wasn't at all certain how Lark would feel about working for a lich, and again..why cause trouble if none was needed.

Lark lifted a brow but shrugged.. a paying job was just that.. a paying job. " Alright.. can you give me the nature of the client that way I can at least ensure that the plants that I pick are at least enjoyed if not useable? "

Agnes gave a small nod. " She.. is a magic user.. much like myself. Eldery.. and would likely appreciate the more.. refined plants. Things that bloomed at night would be more prefered I think. "

Lark's eyes narrowed a bit. " I will only ask you this once bookworm.. and don't lie to me.. people would be real pissed if I killed you. It isn't a vampire is it? " She asked bluntly. Everyone had their prejudices.

Agnes shook her head. " No. That I can answer with a certainty, while she is of a darker form.. she is not a vampire. "

Lark stared at her and gave a small nod. " Good enough.. come by first light.. I'll have something drawn up for you. "she stated softly. Magic user.. and night blooming plants.. probably one of the necro - weirdos.. Either case.. wasn't her business. Lark just didn't like working for vampires.

Agnes offered a relieved smile " Thank you Lark. " She offered a curtsy to the woman before heading off herself.. she had a list to create not to mention hireing a few dozen people to help her clean the interior of the place up..t hose that wouldn't run at the sight of the lich.

[agnes]

Agnes had returned the following morning as agreed, beneath her arm was the roll of parchment and several other sketch ideas she had worked on through the night. The neighbors all looked at the young lady with an odd expression. She was willingly going back?

The quiet sigh passed her lips as she tipped her head to their gawking stares with a pleasant smile and greeting them with happy toned "Good morning.. " and "Lovely day isn't it?" It was all about presentation. Agnes had to admit that the day before she had been a bit.. intimidated by the lich. No.. by Esther. She had to keep in mind that she had a name. It was high time it was used again to help promote that feeling of normacy.

She paused to speak with the nearest neighbor for a moment , complimenting the garden that the woman had as she chatted for several moments and made a light hearted comment of helping Esther out a little with this and that. With now the neighbors curosity peaked, Agnes walked on to the dreary lane and home. She again knocked as the door creaked open slowly.

" You are early.. " the raspy voice spoke up. Agnes smiled and gave a small nod.

" So I am..there is alot to get accomplished today, M'lady. "She stated as she walked in. "I've got the plans for your garden as well as some other ideas to work on. "She explained , doing her best not to jump when the door closed behind her shutting out the morning sunlight.

Over the next several hours the young lady laid out the plans for the gardens, highlighting that most of the plants would indeed by night bloomers so that the Lady could enjoy them as well as the heavy aroma given off by said plants would aid in covering the scent of death that surrounded the home. From there she launched straight into the cleaning and redecorating of the interior. The Lich listened with a mild amusement as the young lady spoke of new drapes and of course getting rid of the broken furniture or having some of it simply redone. Nothing a bit of sanding and new fabric couldn't fix.

It was nearing midday when Agnes looked at the Lady Esther with a small frown. " Lastly My Lady, we should address your own appearance. "She stated quietly her hands folded before her. And as she had predicted the narrowing of the burning eyes upon her person. " While I can understand the attire you wear is what you are commonly used to.. lets just say that the clothing is a bit.. frightening. Something more flowing would suit you far better. "She explained.

Again the lich was amused that even as frightened as the young lady was of her presence she had held up to her word. " I assume you brought sketches of this too? "She asked while the skeletal fingers tapped on the arm of her throne like chair. Agnes smiled and gave a small nod.

" Indeed I have. "She stated as she drew out the last of her sketches. " These are simply sketches, however it is entirely up to you M'lady as to how you wish to be fitted in your garb. Though I am not at all insinulating that you done white robes , but something less.. drab would serve you better in fitting into the world again. "She stated as she set the sketches out and stepped back again while the Lich looked over them.

" I see.. you have done well, young one. "She stated as she looked over the sketches and pushed one forward that didn't seem offensive. Agnes gave a small smile and nod.

" I appreciate your compliments. Now with your premission I will speak with the guildsman and get people here by tomorrow to begin the transformation as well as the repairs that are needed. "She chimed up as the Lich gave a small nod.

" Very well. The coffers are there, the gold has done me little good in sitting there. "She stated as Agnes smiled and dipped her head.

" I will take only what is needed to provide the services required. "She promised.


The rest of the day was spent simply chatting and explaining again the realm and world beyond the seclusion the Lady Esther had wrapped herself in. Agnes spoke of her homeland as well as her reason for coming here.. and Esther spoke of why she had come to the determination to become a lich. If nothing else it had turned into a rather enjoyable visit.

As the young lady departed for the evening she walked out feeling somewhat better, a pouch of coin buried into her pack as she waved to the very same people she had spoken to that morning. Perhaps Alester had been correct those months ago when they argued over the presence of liches. Then again not all of them were going to be so compliant to return to the world in a neutral fashion.

[agnes]

The days passed , each morning Agnes met up with the workers as they arrived to begin the process of transforming the house in which Lady Esther lived. There were carpenters that came to help with the disrepair of the house as well as the gardeners that were hired to impliment Lark's designs.

The small lady moved around from watching over them to the inside where she supervised the maids as they took to cleaning the interior. There were items of concern however Agnes often stepped in to sooth the rattled nerves of the lass that had come across several jars with pickled body parts. It was at that point she encouraged the Lady to set aside a place in which they could be stored.

All the while Agnes moved about and too care of the changes, she was being fitted with clothing that seemed, far more suitable then the torn and tattered garments. While there was nothing she could do about the general over all appearance of the lich. There were small things that could make it more.. acceptable.

At the end of the week, Agnes stood within the remodeled house and looked to the Lady awaiting her opinion. It was difficult to read the facial expressions of the lich, as the Lady turned to look at Agnes.

" I suppose you feel impressed with yourself? "She inquired with that raspy voice. Agnes lifted a brow and looked around at the place before looking back to her.

" In all honesty My Lady, I believe that the maids and others have done a fair job with the reconstruction. However my opinion is for naught if you are unhappy with the results. "She pointed out as the Lich looked over it all.

" It does remind me of other times in my lifetime. "She spoke quietly as she let the burning gaze return to the tiny mage. " So a dinner party? " She inquired as Agnes gave a small nod.

" A small one, just a few people to get you more accustomed to dealing with people once more. " She pointed out quietly as the Lich gave a small nod.

" Will you be present? "She inquired.

" For the first one, however I do believe you will do just fine upon your own. I doubt a woman as interesting as yourself truly needs someone to stand at your side and guide you through it. "She pointed out. " just remember, you wish to return to the realm of people, extending a hand in curtesy is always the best foot to put forward. "She canted her head slightly.

" A thought M'lady.. there are items you have stated you no longer wish to keep.. have you thought of an auction. Placing these items for sale.. then perhaps donating the money to a poor family or even an orphanage. It would look well upon you and point out that you are willing to give back to a community. "She stated softly.

The Lady Esther contemplated this as she moved back to her throne like chair, one of the few pieces that she wouldn't allow anyone do anything more then clean. " Perhaps that is a good idea. After the dinner.. then we shall see if people can look past a loathsome exterior or if I am merely fooling myself. "She stated quietly. Agnes gave a small nod.
" You may go, I expect you back tomorrow evening at five. "She told Agnes as the young lady curtsied.

" Yes M'lady. "

[agnes]

Agnes had made sure that the invitations were sent to a very select few. Two were merchants that seemed of a higher class, two were sent to a pair of neighbors. She deliberately mixed up the guest list a bit to ensure that well if nothing else word of mouth would do far better then really anything Agnes herself could do alone.

Not to mention that of the workers that had done such a marvelious job at transforming the home and garden into something not only acceptable but beautiful as well. All in all Agnes was rather proud of herself. She had asked one of the maids to aid her in getting ready. Well there was something positively soothing to having another do her hair.

The typical knot and dull garments wouldn't do for the evening. Instead she unpacked one of the dresses she typically wore at home. The soft pale pink dress was snug along the torso as the skirts flowed from the hips to the floor. She wore no jewerly except the medallion that her aunt had given her. The small sigh was given as the clock struck four.

She called for a carriage as well , no she wouldn't be arriving by foot, that didn't sent the proper tone. She stepped up into it after the direction was given and away she went to stand at Lady Esther's side when the guests began to arrive.


Agnes was rather pleased to see as the sun had begun its decent the flowers that Lark had directed to be planted were beginning to open as the soft floral fragrance filled the air. Excellent as she told the footman thank you and made her way up to the door. She knocked softly as one of the maids hired for the evening answered. At least she didn't still wear that panicked look and appeared nice and calm. Agnes smiled at her and gave a small nod as she swept inside.

Lady Esther looked rather regal in the new robes of deep blue with the threading of silver here and there as she smiled and dipped into a curtsey. " Good evening M'lady."She spoke softly as the Lich inclined her head.

" You look rather pleasing , Agnes. " She stated with that rasped voice as Agnes smiled up at her and stood tall once more.

" As do you, the robes fit you very well. "She was pleased that the lich had gone with her idea of loosing the crowned hat and found something more.. genteel. The veils also managed to soften the skeletal appearance of her face. " Now a few last minute little things. When dinner is served, you must eat as well. " She spoke as the Lich lifted a brow.

" I do not require food. "She stated as Agnes gave a small nod.

" I realize that however this is to give the appearance of humanity . " She realized the wrong word used there as the rasped dried gravel voice chuckled.

" Meaning it doesn't look as if I am poisoning them. " She pointed out as Agnes smiled a little sheepishly.

" Well, it would seem a little alarming to be invited to a dinner that the hostess did not also eat. "She pointed out. The Lady Esther gave a little nod to that as she ran a hand down along the velvet robes. It was a small gesture that Agnes had to grin about, she could image that even in her years of living that such gestures were common. That nervousness.

" Keep to small talk, less on experiments.. and magic unless asked of course. "She added as the two conversed back and forth over the agenda for the evening. Promptly at five o'clock her guests began to arrive. Some looked frightfully nervous, the merchants however felt they were walking into an idle situation.. the neighbors curious of the creature that had lived down the street from them. They all gathered here and there, Agnes stood beside Esther and now and again offered her little helpful hints as to conversation topics.. as well as supplying names.

It was nearing Six-thirty when the call to dinner came, at least it hadn't been nearly as ackward as Agnes had feared. She sat at Esther's right hand as she again prompted her to eat a bit. However Esther had held up her hands as the maids brought out the food gathering their attention.

" I would like to begin this meal with a prayer. "She stated quietly, that had even gained Agnes's attention. Wait..this wasn't apart of the agreed upon agenda. However it was of course not her party.. so she'd have to roll with it. Everyone quieted down as Esther began to speak.

The prayer itself sounded old, very old.. as it thanked each of the gods upon this plane. Once it was concluded one of the merchants smiled warmly to Esther. " My lady I have not heard that prayer.. since.. I was very small. My Grandfather insisted it be spoken before reach meal. " He stated as Esther chuckled in that rasped tone.

" It is for many of us that lived in a more.. traditional astmosphere. "She concluded as she gestured for them all to eat and enjoy the meal. Agnes at little , though she made quiet the show of her dinner. That way no one suspected any foul play. As the coarses were brought in and swept away, the conversations boiled and churned, some laughed while others seemed more hestiant. Lady Esther attempted to engage everyone which was something else that Agnes pointed out was a sign of a good hostess.

Once dessert was cleared away she invited them to walk with her through the house. Now and again someone would ask her about certain pieces as she paused to explain where she had gotten it. A few times the stories were a bit.. dark, however she managed to pull through them with a small joke or something toward the end of the tale.

Coffee and drinks were offered out on the patio as Agnes and the other maids stood to the side merely watching it all as Agnes sipped at a cup of tea. As the night wore on, guests began to filtered back out as Agnes stifled a yawn herself. She waited until the last had departed and smiled at Lady Esther.

" That was an excellent party, M'lady. " She complimented as the Lich stood quiet for sometime.

" Honestly, it reminds me of my youth.. when my body was of flesh and not dust. "She stated softly and looked at the girl as the skeletal hand lifted to lightly brush against Agnes's cheek. " You child.. helped with that. Thank you. "

Agnes didn't hide the little shiver as the icy touch of the lich brought goosebumps to her arms. " It is what you hired me for M'lady. However it seems as if my task is at an end " She admitted.

" Ah.. so it is. Though I do expect that you will come to visit from time to time? "She asked quietly. Agnes smiled and gave a small curtsy.

" Of course I will..besides.. there are a dozen or so questions I've still to ask. "She teased lightly as the two shared the laughter of the jest. They spoke for a while longer before Agnes begged her forgiveness and left for the evening. The small smile remained on her lips as she headed back to the Keep. Yes.. this evening had gone splendidly. Not to mention she had completed the job.. but she had also earned an amazing friend.