Deep within the shadows of the fallen mausoleum, Vorgulremik cleans his claws on a chunk of marble while he waits for a certain young noble to arrive.

The gate to the old graveyard creeks open slowly. A figure walks slowly through the old gate, commenting to himself, "Why must I meet him here… Why a graveyard?"

As Arkold closes the gate slowly and begins walking down the old path among the graves, he can't help but think, o O ( Why must we meet here? As if he isn't tormenting me enough, he has to bring me here, among graves… No doubt he knows it reminds me of her… )

Arkold walks on, nearing the mausoleum. His thoughts just get worse, o O ( Her… It's been a while now since she died. I don't want to remember… Maybe if I just focus on what I'm to do here I won't. )

Arkold reaches the steps of the mausoleum, muttering, "This must be it… " As he walks up the steps a memory he would rather not recall comes to mind, "Just like her's… "

"Just like her's?" rumbles a voice from the shadows. "Who are you referring to, Arkold?"

Arkold reaches the door, noting the odd graffiti on the walls looks very familiar… much like a certain insane artist's work. He notices the reply to his comment, which was not meant to be spoken aloud, and answers, "Someone long gone."

Vorgulremik says, "Someone of taste, I am sure, to have a fine mausoleum."

Arkold pushes the door open slowly, saying softly, "Yes… she always did have taste." He gazes inside.

The light of the Procession does little to illuminate the interior, but a metallic-sounding rustle and shifting of shadows show where the dragon is curled up in one corner.

Arkold closes the door just enough to allow what little light comes from above to enter, but not so much that the open door might be noticed. He whispers, "If I may ask, why did we have to meet here?"

Vorgulremik says, "I like this place. It is secluded, and convenient to my hunting grounds. And Achimed would not come here if Dagh himself were chasing him."

Arkold nods slowly, saying, "What do you need of me, to bring me to such a place?"

The dragon smiles in the darkness. "The first phase of our little plan has produced the desired results. It is now time for the next step, which only you are properly capable of performing:I'd like you to plant a rumor among the nobles and smaller traders that Ashdod-sponsored pirates are responsible for the spice shortages… and that smaller, less noticible shippers are more likely to get their shipments through."

Arkold nods again. It is clear from how he has muttered and acted that this place is uncomfortable for him.

Vorgulremik says, "I know that you are currently out of favor with S'Lezan… but such favor is beneath you anyway. If you know a particular trading company that you trust, you may let them know that the next major spice shipment is unlikely to make it through the pirates."

Arkold hmms, "I have someone in mind, yes… And it is true that S'Lezan is not pleased with me."

Vorgulremik says, "Don't concern yourself with the Darksiders, you'd do well to distance yourself from them. There is one other request I have, of a more personal nature… "

Vorgulremik lowers his voice now, and says, "I have heard of another dragon, this one operating openly in the Bazaar. What can you tell me of her or her intentions?"

Arkold kneels down to a more comfortable position, the light falling on his face somehow making him look distant. "I forget her name, however she seem to be merely interested in her artwork."

Vorgulremik hmms, tapping a claw on the stone floor. "If you learn anything more of her, please let me know. Would you care to suggest an alternate location for our next meeting?"

Arkold nods. "I am… uncomfortable with graveyards. They bring back old memories I'd rather not recall. Perhaps near the airship docks at night, or the burned sections of Darkside?" he says quietly.

Vorgulremik says, "Those are agreeable areas. I'll let you know which to come to when the time draws near. Now… is there anything that I can do for YOU?"

The dragon shifts his bulk slightly, causing a minor clattering that in this atmosphere might suggest the rattle of falling bones.

Arkold raises an eyebrow. The thought had occured to him that this dragon may indeed be of great use, but he never expected him to offer such service. He asks, "Why do you stay with that shopkeep? Would I not be a better choice?"

Vorgulremik grins, "A noble always draws more attention than a mere merchant. And for now, I need some of Achimed's contacts."

Arkold ahhs, "A wise choice. I see that if you wish to join with me… you will tell me so." He looks about, "Also… I am sure you have heard about Blossom, yes?"

Vorgulremik hmms… "The disgraced Templar? I have heard of the incident in the Three Thieves Inn."

Arkold nods and continues, "She is the cause of my disagreement with S'Lezan. He was bent on the destruction of Eve's brother, Jynx. I'd like to make sure she does not harm either of them again. If you hear annything about her, please let me know." He looks over at something he thinks are remains, "A small favor, if you will."

Arkold says, "I just do not wish to see either of them hurt, I feel somewhat responsible and I will not let their deaths be on my head."

Vorgulremik says, "I see. Can you name their enemies for me?"

Arkold says, "Only one that I know of: Blossom. I believe she is still in the service of the Temple. I do not think she will return to harm them, but if she does… "

Vorgulremik waves a claw, "Don't worry about it. I will see if there is still a threat from S'Lezan's people, and let you know if there is any sign of this Blossom… "

Arkold nods, "I thank you." He shifts and slips, falling backwards with a thud.

Vorgulremik chuckles… "Watch your step, there are a few damp patches here."

Arkold grummbles, "All the more reason to dislike this place." He gets up, patting his chest, and looks stunned for a moment.Then he begins to look around frantically. "Where is it??" he asks.

Vorgulremik says, "Where is what?"

Arkold looks down, "My locket! Where is it? I must have dropped it… " There is a clinking noise, and then, "Ahh, there it is." Putting it away, Arkold comments, "Must not lose that… Where were we?"

Vorgulremik says, "I think we had concluded our business for the night. I will keep an eye out for news of the Templar, and you will listen for news of this new dragon."

Arkold nods and stands up. "Then I shall be going," he says.

Vorgulremik taps the tips of his foreclaws together, and bids, "Good luck, Arkold."

Arkold nods, "The same to you… If you need me, you know how to find me." And with that he slips out the door, walking silently amongst the graves towards the gate.

Vorgulremik thinks to himself, o O { And don't worry, I will guard your weaknesses well. I wouldn't want those keys in the hands of any but myself… }

Vorgulremik curls up in the center of the dank ruin, to rest a bit before hunting again tonight.