Snippet #2407054

Jennifer Live

Jennifer’s clone stumbled sideways from the force of his push, managing to stagger just far enough to avoid the indomitable black cage prepared for them. The impact cracked the ground with a calamitous wham, scattering broken chips of marble across the floor. “Talon!” she screamed, picking herself off the deck. In her moment of panic, she lost the concentration to keep her illusion tangible and the doppelganger that’d been besides Talon all this time faded away like a dream.

In fact, so too did the one who’d so casually claimed one of the vacant seats above. Jennifer released a low growl as she appeared alongside another banister, her right arm outstretched towards the doorway. Her expression was furious as she passed a deadly glance over the flustered council members. To her surprise, they seemed as genuinely shocked by the sudden events as she was. Something was definitely wrong, but she was far more irritated at the fact that she’d missed such an obvious trap. The cage looked like it was made of obsidian, a substance renowned for its magic resistance. It was so effective that at the peak of its prosperity Laowlee used to be entirely constructed of obsidian, having formerly been inhabited by the non-magical races of Lastra. Unfortunately it wasn’t dragon proof.

The High Nine had showed their hand, and it was time to show theirs. "Jennifer, kill her."

Glad to see her lover unscathed, a grin curled over her red lips, seemingly emphasized by her pale complexion as Talon gave the signal. That was twice in one day that he’d given her permission to cause destruction, not that she needed it in situations like these. “Gladly, world fracture!”

Wooden planks and nails materialized over the central space before hammering into the doorway, barring any chance to escape. She’d deal with the woman first, trusting Talon to handle the cage. Their trickster had vanished with a click of her fingers, implying that magic had been employed somewhere along the line. So much for restricting magic. Jennifer was persistent however. If illusions were used then their assailant would still be close. Jennifer eyes combed over the interior, searching for any signs of movement. Gently, she began weaving illusions of her own, replacing herself with another doppelganger to step away from the railings.

It figured that the woman would show up the moment her assassin lover was in danger. No matter, she would make her way out of there with time to spare. Or rather... would have if that mage woman hadn't barred the door. Grinding her teeth, the High Nine whirled around, using the shadows. There really wasn't too far she could go. The only other places being beneath the tower and the rooms behind the one that she had held the audience in.

The tunnels beneath seemed far more inviting than being found in a room though. Another light snap of her fingers and she vanished from her spot near the door, reappearing in the dim gloom of the underground tunnels. They led into the city, the farthest corners. No one knew about them, only a few of the High Nine did.

She stormed down the hall at a brisk pace, intent on getting as far away as possible. A confrontation with the mage Jennifer was the last thing she wanted. Especially since her lover had just let her off her leash. Not that the woman ever had a tight leash to begin with. Even so, the woman only ever listed to that man and it was dreadfully troublesome. Damn... she should have killed the both of them when she had a chance. Now she had to deal with an enraged assassin and his pet.

Fortunately Jennifer couldn’t read minds, nor was she omnipotent; otherwise the tower would’ve likely ceased to exist from her careless comment. She was a fraction too late to react to the woman as the high nine’s fingers clicked and she vanished into thin air, disappearing to Reev knows where. Clearly the woman had planned numerous escape routes in advance, leading Jennifer to ponder what else they’d arranged.

“How meticulous,” she sniffed, tearing her deadly gaze back to the council. There was a tinge of annoyance as the mage readdressed the members still anxiously seated. “Eeny meeny miny mo.”

Singling out the man who’d been so promptly cut off by his colleague earlier, Jennifer leapt over the balcony to journey mid-air to his position, bringing with her what could only be described as a palpable air of dread. She floated effortlessly, naturally even, taking easy strides as though walking on an invisible bridge before sliding her legs over the barrier directly in front of him. Preceding her entry was a grid of iron bars which snapped into place behind the shrouded individual, essentially trapping him. Jennifer lifted one leg over the other as she seated herself over the rim.

“Oh my mister, that was such an impressive magic trick,” she ventured with false innocence, casually leaning back with both arms braced upon the edge, “You’ll show me how you did it, won't you?”