He who creates a poison [Asher]

[Rozalina Antonina Nightshade]

March 17, 2026
asher rowan burke

Rose  frequented the Ivory Room quite often when she was in the UK for a number of reasons. Gambling was always entertaining, the illegal duels could hold her attention, she always could make some good money healing up the duelers, and the owner happened to have quite a few connections if she needed anything difficult to procure. Money and needing things smuggled wasn't something you'd think a Nightshade might need, but Rose preferred to make her own way in life instead of relying on here family's name. Only a few at the club even knew her real name. Around here she was simply "Rose North", the back alley healer who wouldn't ask any questions if you needed to be stitched up. The owner though, Asher Burke, knew her real identity. They'd done business, along with the pureblood family connections. 

Today, though it was an especially good day to make money healing (being St. Patrick's day, there were quite a few illegal duels lined up), Rose was here on business. She needed information from the Burke gentleman. A servant from back home had sent her a sample of one of her family member's newest poison concoctions and she needed to figure out an antidote. Call her paranoid but in this family you didn't survive if you weren't. So, that meant she knew something like this might be used against her one day, and she'd rather prepare in advance. Unfortunately this particular poison required an exceptionally rare ingredient to create a proper antidote. That's where Burke came into play. 

So, she sat in one of his offices that had a one way mirror. It looked over the duels. She stood near the glass, gaze focusing coldly on the current fight. In one hand she lazily held an empty martini glass, having already finished the drink as she waited for the employee to bring Asher Burke. The door opened and her gaze flickered to the door. It wasn't Burke. She scowled. The employee paused for a moment, before continuing in, a tray in hand and offering her a fresh martini. Well, at least they weren't totally incompetent. She turned away from the fight to set the empty glass on the tray and take the fresh one. The employee left and she brought the glass to her lips. She'd only gotten a small sip when the door opened again and this time the man she was actually looking for entered.  She didn't offer a smile, though she rarely smiled. "Quite the popular night," she spoke first, not offering a proper greeting as she turned her head back to the fight and took a longer sip from the martini glass.

[asher rowan burke]

but i can't promise

you'll enjoy the noise

March 17, 2026
Rozalina Antonina Nightshade

Asher fixed the cuff of his shirt aggressively as he slipped his suit jacket back on. A man cowered on the floor. If you could call him that. On paper, he was such, but all Asher saw when he turned back around as he fastened the buttons was merely a boy who had flown too close to the sun. He had no idea how lucky he was. The boy’s father was a friend of Asher’s father in the tight-knit community of Purebloods. Anyone else would be on the floor but their bodies still and unmoving, not even a list twitch of life left in their limbs. ”Anyone else in your shoes would not get this chance.” Asher spoke, his words short as his annoyance continued to remain clear as he slipped a large ring with his family crest back onto his finger.

Nobody got an extra day to give him the gold he was owed. But he didn’t need Caradoc breathing down his neck for not giving another Pureblood the courtesy of a warning. The boy was a fool, up to his ears in debt betting on a duelist who would easily throw a duel to make an extra galleon and leave gamblers in the dust. Someone hurried into the room and approached Asher, one of his employees, who apologized for the intrusion. Only certain employees worked the floor, the rest worked on the other side of the door, and some even worked both. But Asher had proven his point with his staff long ago, and he didn’t even watch as his bouncers dragged the boy out of his sight.

’Mr. Burke—Ms. North is waiting for you in your office. Shall I tell her you’re unavailable?’ Asher made sure his cufflinks were rotated in the right direction before looking at him to respond. ”No, I’m done here. Thank you Andre.” The man nodded and walked away. Any guests who had the privilege of access to his private offices would be seen by his staff, but that list was short, and Asher didn’t let just anyone in. As he walked around the corner, he could hear the noise from excited gamblers winning a few hands, not realizing their luck was about to run out, and he walked upstairs to open the door to his office. He saw Rose standing with a fresh drink in her hand upon entering. Asher’s blue eyes, icy as ever, connected with her dark ones.

”I imagine it’s a busy one for you.”. Asher approached head held high with his rigid posture and air of confidence of a pureblood son. His eyes watched the duel, one of the more fierce and popular duelists. Skilled enough to compete in a professional league, but all the endorsements in the world couldn’t compare to the galleons one could win here despite the risk of injury--which is where Rose came into the picture. The drunken crowd around them, inebriated and confident on St. Patrick’s day, but at least through this glass, the noise wasn’t as loud. ”Were you waiting long?” Asher was hardly known for being warm and welcoming, but he was raised to be polite, especially to other Purebloods and others who earned it. Somehow that lesson skipped Hazel, but thankfully he was the face of their family for now.

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[Rozalina Antonina Nightshade]

March 17, 2026
asher rowan burke

Asher Burke always had an air of arrogance and confidence about him. Rose admired it of the older pureblood. His confidence wasn't baseless either. He had a sharp mind and wit, with the decisiveness to act when necessary, in whatever way was necessary. He never hesitated. Neither did Rose. It was why she much preferred to conduct business with Asher then any of the other fools in the UK. In her mind he was one of the only reliable connections she had. Though she'd never say she trusted him. Though, was there anyone she truly trusted? No, not with her upbringing. But he was reliable enough that she knew he wouldn't betray her easily. It was mutually beneficial. That, and there was that pureblood connection. As the pureblood families dwindled those remaining clung even more so to each other.

"No doubt it will be much busier later," she answered. Once the duels ended and someone had to piece back together the fools that had entered the ring. Those that knew her skills knew she wasn't a healer to be scoffed at. Though they also knew that her methods were... morally unethical and inhumane at time. But you didn't go to Rose to have a pleasant experience. You came to Rose when you needed one of the best that would keep silent. But that wasn't why she was here today. She took another sip from her glass before setting it down on a table, turning to face the older man. She wasn't always polite, but when asking for favors Rose didn't hesitate to turn on the flattery and manners ingrained into her. "No, but even if I was, I was the one who came unannounced," she started to answer. Usually she would have notified him ahead of time. But somethings just couldn't wait. "I appreciate you taking the time to meet me." She finished.

Rose reached into the front of her low cut dress, pulling out a small rolled up piece of parchment from the space between her breasts and held it out to him. "I've need of a few ingredients. With absolute discretion of course." She moved away from him and the glass to take a seat, crossing a leg over the other as her gaze never wavered from his own. Nothing on that list she'd just given him was easy to get, which was why she was coming to him.

[asher rowan burke]

but i can't promise

you'll enjoy the noise

March 17, 2026
Rozalina Antonina Nightshade

It wasn’t uncommon for Rose or others to be in this room. His staff was aware of who was allowed and who was allowed, and they didn’t take kindly to imposters throwing Asher’s name around like they were childhood friends. There was even occasion for a Pureblood to be excluded, much like the boy he’d just thrown out for his debts—if he just let anyone in here, it would lose its exclusivity. The Nightshades were a different type of Pureblood family. Ruthless, as they all were, and self-serving, but Asher couldn’t fathom the idea of having to step over his sisters as a means to an end. But privately, he disapproved all he wanted. Publicly he kept his opinion to himself since he needed the connections.

Rose kept the duelists on their feet and ready to fight again, plus she was useful when issues occurred during a side job, and he didn’t need Aurors or Interpol poking around St. Mungo’s when one of his own ended up in there. Reliability was far more valuable than trust in this game and on this side of the law, to which Asher held himself to the highest standard. Much like he could respect Rose’s healing abilities, she wasn’t your run-of-the-mill Mediwitch at St. Mungo’s. Rose thanked him for his time, and Asher nodded simply, he was a busy man but luckily for Rose North nights like this, he preferred to keep his attention free if any situations arose. While his bouncers could handle most things, there was the occasion that Asher stepped out of his offices and down to the floor where his presence itself sometimes calmed things, not that he hesitated to act if required.

She faced him, and without hesitation, she reached into her low-cut dress, Asher’s eyes locked onto the parchment. To stare was the action of someone unrefined and unpolished, but Asher was a man after all, and even he could admit that Rose was prettier than most of her half-sisters and extended family. Or at least his mother liked to mention as she rattled on about eligible Pureblood women. Asher moved one hand from behind his back and then the other to unroll the parchment, scanning it. ”I see.” A handful of ingredients, all of which Asher was familiar with as an individual ingredient, not that he cared to ask what it was for. But as she mentioned discretion, his eyes glanced up. ”You wouldn’t come to me if all my dealings weren’t confidential.” Asher reminded her. Many liked to follow up their requests with the same type of statement, but if it was all aboveboard, it wouldn’t be as profitable.

”The Runespoor Venom will take some time.” Asher added, placing the rolled-up parchment in his inside breast pocket. ”And is costly to transport.” Not to mention dangerous to collect. His job in the Ministry allowed him access to connections to such categories of creatures, but there were other obstacles. ”I don’t anticipate any issues with the rest of the items you’ve requested. “ Asher spoke simply and confidently. He prided himself on being able to follow through, especially when most of his connections were for getting items for Hazel’s work. He resumed his previous posture, glancing at the ongoing duel and then back to where Rose was sitting, but he walked over and took a seat himself. ”Venom of the right head of a Runespoor is very specific. Even for you.” Asher spoke candidly, but his curious gaze landed on her again. An employee walked into the room, a glass of scotch for Asher.

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[Rozalina Antonina Nightshade]

March 17, 2026
asher rowan burke

Rose wasn't one interested in the sins of the flesh, but that didn't mean she was above using it to her advantage. She'd survived her family because of her wit and cunningness, after all. That meant using anything she had to, including her own looks and body as necessary. Not that that sort of action had ever been necessary between her and Asher. It did mean though that she wasn't shy, that and the dress hadn't really had pockets. "Force of habit," she answered casually. "Not everyone is nearly as discrete as you are. They have loose tongues if you name the right price." While useful to herself, it was awfully frustrating when her own secrets got sold. It was why she went by a different name in the UK, preferring to keep her Nightshade name hidden.

Rose reached for her martini glass, bringing it to her lips and taking a sip. She still hadn't looked away from Asher, rarely blinking. She was a creature of absolute attention, after all. A hyper focus that you'd only really see in predatory creatures. She lowered the glass and nodded as he spoke. "Price isn't an issue." Not only was her money good but her healing skills was always beneficial. Being a Nightshade though, and coming from a family that spent money as if it was nothing, she didn't even attempt to negotiate the price down. "If you have anyone you need disposing of, I'd also be happy to take them off your hands." She added. She did, after all, need to test out the antidote. She wasn't going to test it on herself. If he didn't have anyone thing she was easily capable of picking up a few low lifes no one would miss or notice gone. She took another sip before setting her glass back down. Only then did her gaze flicker, moving to the door as it opened. Though he'd just spoken, Rose didn't answer until the employe left the room before. She had a finger across the top of her glass, her unwavering attention having finally seemed to relax. At least she wasn't staring at him so unnervingly. "Fenrir is experimenting with a Runespoor," she answered slowly. It wasn't a secret she felt like keeping from Asher. He knew the Nightshade family business. Experimental magical creature breeding. Then there was Fenrir, her psychotic half-brother who loved murder more than breathing. With his own hands, or with poisons. Her gaze slowly traveled back to Asher. "I'd rather be prepared if he decided to test his new abomination on me instead of one of our other siblings." Rose knew that the Burkes were a very different Pureblood family then the Nightshades. Most pureblood families were all about preserving the bloodlines. While hers was as well they also considered all members of the family as expendable. It was survival of the fittest in the most extreme.

[asher rowan burke]

but i can't promise

you'll enjoy the noise

March 17, 2026
Rozalina Antonina Nightshade

Rose was correct. Unfortunately, not everyone held the same standards in this business as the Burkes did. His sister even knew better with her loud disposition, but thankfully, Ivy was far more graceful when it came to such things. He still remembered the sense of pride he’d felt when Ivy had introduced him to the idea of the Purifiers and their cause. Asher knew that it would bring good things for the Burke family, and he was patient enough to know it took time. In the meantime, it was business as usual. Using the Department of Mysteries for his own research and ends while keeping his control of this corner of the black market. In the pureblood world, there was more glory in the shadows sometimes.

”I’ve never given you a reason to doubt me, and I don’t intend to start now.” It was hardly an accusation, but Asher never hesitated to remind his clients and connections of his standards. Those that accused him of anything more hardly remained seated so comfortably in their chairs for very long. Asher’s pride would never allow such slander, and those who walked through the secret doors knew that if they didn’t…well, they’d learn soon enough. Rose offered her services in ‘dealing’ with anyone that needed to be dealt with, and Asher nodded. ”I’ll keep that in mind.” Favors were worth as much as gold at times, though Asher didn’t mind handing out extra gold to know something would be done correctly. So far, Rose North had not failed him.

As he sat, he took a sip from his glass. Savoring the taste of his drink before placing his glass back down. Asher didn’t drink scotch or whiskey as he watched some of his patrons do. Drinking so fast that they didn’t even taste what they’d put in their mouth. Plus, the good stuff cost too much to be drank like that. Rose explained that it was due to Fenrir, another member of the Nightshade family who Asher had dealt with for separate business dealings. But he was not surprised. ”I’m not surprised.” Asher didn’t deal much with magical animals, let alone breeding them, but he had contacts in the Ministry regarding them. In his mind, he preferred his smuggled goods inanimate, and that didn’t have a feeding schedule. ”The venom is difficult to find, let alone a Runespoor that hasn’t mutilated itself.” Three heads but always two versus one. Much like any family with at least three children, there was always the minority and the odd one out. ”Smugglers for them tend to have rather…unscrupulous methods.” Many would happily sing like a canary for the right amount of gold, another reason Asher never ventured into the world of the illegal animal trade.

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[Rozalina Antonina Nightshade]

March 17, 2026
asher rowan burke

Rose knew that a great many be willing to buy her secrets, given the opportunity. A great many believed that Nightshades, while known for killing each other, still considered each other first. That Rose's secrets could be weaponized against her family. Unfortunately for them she didn't keep much ties to her family or the family business away from home. Her "secrets" were her own, not her family's.

THough, Asher's words rang true. He'd never betrayed her, or given her a reason to doubt him. In fact, quite the opposite. She wouldn't say she ever trusted him though, if only because trust wasn't something Rose felt she could ever feel for anyone. She'd been taught that there was absolutely no one, no one, she could ever trust. "No, you haven't. Quite the opposite." He always came through when she needed it.

Asher seemed to understand the predicament of Fenrir experimenting with Runespoors posed. Fenrir could be a schemer, when he wanted. But he could also just be a wrecking ball that swung wildly, with no direction to wreak as much havoc as possible. When he was involved you could always predict his unpredictability. It meant that she had to literally prepare for any scenario. At least he didn't make a comment about the status of her family. She was fully aware of how insane her family was to outsiders. "If it was easy to procure, I wouldn't have to ask for your assistance," Definitely not soemthing you'd find in your typical black market. It was difficult to find in general but, as he explained, it was even harder when you had to get as particular as the right head. The one that was most often removed. She knew that, should she use her Nightshade name the hunt might be easier. But that would tip off Fenrir.

Rose reached for her glass, taking a very slow sip as her gaze traveled to the glass once more. The duel had ended and they were preparing to start the next. "Considering it's rarity, no doubt a great many smugglers will try to pass off a similar venom for it, or even water it down to line their pockets even more." She'd already run into the issue with the first three contacts she'd approached.

[asher rowan burke]

but i can't promise

you'll enjoy the noise

March 17, 2026
Rozalina Antonina Nightshade

Secrecy and consistency were the game. Pureblood circles ran small, hence the pressure from Asher’s mother to marry and produce heirs with the Burke name and pressure for Hazel to do the same but to further some other name. But the common upbringing was not unlike his current life dealing with black market products. Who did one trust? Who could follow through with a task, and who were one’s allies. Rose had not let him down…yet, though he had more faith in her than Fenrir. The instability in the other Nightshade kept him wary, though Asher kept a neutral presence, so he did not become a target either.

Rose confirmed that Asher was consistent. Selling names or information was not lucrative. At least it didn’t last long enough to be, plus one didn’t build an operation like his without being able to maintain control and a poker face. He prided himself on that feeling of control where knowing that glare of his piercing blue eyes was enough to make someone pause and question what they were doing. Was it worth crossing the Burke family? And at least he didn’t have the reputation of some who let their bloodlust control their motives. Impulsive actions meant mistakes, and Asher preferred to play it all like a game of chess.

”Indeed.” Asher personally had no interest in the market of illegal animals but avoiding those connections cost him galleons when it came to materials from those animals. Venom, feathers, scales, nails, and all that. Contraband that only served to fill his pockets, what people did with those animals was not his business. The only blood on his hands was from those who crossed him or perhaps could not stand in the dueling ring anymore. They both watched through the charmed glass. While Asher was not fueled by bloodlust or bloodsport, he enjoyed a good duel. It made him money, and these types of dueling rings were far more lucrative than the professional ones with all their rules. ”Yes, recently a merchant was attempting to sell ‘Acromantual venom’.” Asher remembered the man, very confident he could pass off whatever green sludge he had in that vial as authentic. Needless to say, Asher had handled that situation swiftly.

Asher thought back to her offer of ‘taking care of someone’, and a few names popped into his head. He swirled the remaining liquid in his glass as his eyes stared and watched a new duelest step up to the plate. Asher didn’t recognize him. "Do you ever ‘take care’ of Aurors?" It wasn’t an entirely serious question, but a convenient favor to have if he should need it.

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[Rozalina Antonina Nightshade]

March 17, 2026
asher rowan burke

Rose knew that Asher's family was quite different then her own. His was the classic Pureblood family. Hers... was not. How she wished it was though. She knew that the Nightshades were monsters to those looking in. And the worst part? They all knew it. Rose only survived as long as she had because of her full siblings' support, but they were all gone now. In order to survive she'd become the exact monster everyone knew Nightshades to be. But when you were raised in chaos, what else could you become? Rose, lost in the melancholy for a moment, finally returned to reality and turned her gaze back to Asher. For a moment that icy cold stare of hers had softened. "I envy you, Asher. For not having to worry about being stabbed in the middle of the night by those you share blood with," she mused. Alas, that wasn't the life she led. Unlike Asher, she'd always be looking over her shoulder to keep an eye on those that should be supposedly closest to her. It was hard to trust anyone when you grew up in an environment that trust got you killed.

Using reputable contacts, such as Asher, would at least prevent any less then desirable samples to get to Rose. He could filter out the cheats and scammers for her. It was why, while feeling as if she was on a time crunch, she wasn't putting a deadline on Asher. Getting the right ingredients and waiting longer as much better then getting something of lesser quality quickly. Because a lesser quality could be the difference. As she thought she knew she'd have to find a back up plan, in case Fenrir completed his abomination of a poison before she could acquire the ingredients necessary to counteract it. A second assurance that she wouldn't be targeted.

At the mention of Acromantula venom, Rose smirked just a touch. She rarely smiled, but she did sometimes smirk. Acromantulas were a creature she was very familiar with, as there were quite a few nests in the woods that surrounded the Nightshade mansion. Intentionally so. The family liked having the spidery guard dogs to "protect" their land. It also meant that the Nightshades were a supplier of the venom. Letting them reproduce and grow, killing them off for their venom for quantity control. The venom was just an added bonus. "No doubt you ensured his goods were taken off the market," she answered. She didn't have time for scammers, and didn't appreciate people wasting the time she did give them. It was probably the only time where her sometimes endless patience ran short. Rose didn't tolerate people trying to mess wit her, even in a minor way.

Asher's next question was.... surprising. She'd been looking at the duel that was jsut beginning when she heard his question. Aurors. She slowly turned her head back to look at him. She could see he wasn't joking, but at the same time... he didn't look like he had someone in mind specifically. It seemed more like a generic question. THough a dangerous one. Rose didn't consider herself to be a "criminal" in the same sense as most people, but she didn't consider herself to be law abiding either. She did what she had to, regardless of if it was lawful or not. Killing someone for her antidote potion was definitely not law abiding, but it was a means to an end. Rose was silent for several long moments, staring intensely into Asher's icy blue gaze, her own just as frigid. Finally though her lips parted to speak. "If it means I get what I want in the end," was the beginning of her frosty and emotionless answer. "Yes." She finished. There was no hesitation in her voice.

[asher rowan burke]

but i can't promise

you'll enjoy the noise

March 17, 2026
Rozalina Antonina Nightshade

When Asher had begun working in the Department of Mysteries, a part of him had actually been interested in the work. The discovery and research and without the limitations and boundaries that the rest of the Ministry had to abide by. And a heavy emphasis had been placed on secrets. Not a soul outside of the Unspeakables allowed through those doors were allowed to know what occurred there, and not even all his coworkers knew what the other was working on. It was too easy. All the experiments in the world could be performed there, and nobody would even know, not even the Minister of Magic. Not that Krum was acutely aware of anything that happened without someone explaining it to him in small words.

His eyes went back to his guest when she spoke. Envy, not a feeling most purebloods would share in an honest conversation. His father would say that expression such an emotion showed weakness, though the Nightshades were a special and unique case. In any case, so were the Burkes in a sense. Ivy had been adopted very young, but Asher didn’t think any less of her for it. She was his sister. ”Trust is as valuable a commodity as Runespoor Venom.” Asher spoke flatly. He had no interest in commenting on her…unique family situation. For one thing, he wouldn’t know where to start. Asher had met Rose’s older siblings before their deaths—pureblood circles were always mingling regardless of origins. It was a shame to think Rose was the only one left.

”And the vendor.” Asher added. The upstart had the audacity to act offended when Asher had him dragged to the backroom to speak to him. It didn’t take long for that to disappear, and instead, he was on his knees begging for forgiveness and a second chance. But Asher was not known for second chances. Only the ruthless survived after all. The duel began, and Asher finished the contents of his glass. One duelist kept the hood of his cloak up and sported a mask. It looked like a broken version of the old Death Eater masks. Not all who participated wished to be seen, though Asher could peek into their mind regardless. He launched a quick disarming spell, which the other duelist blocked, but he appeared to be biding his time. As Asher placed his glass on the side table, one of his employees walked by to replace it.

Rose didn’t answer immediately. Asher might have doubted her if she had. It was a serious request to consider that kind of target. The attention that came with it would not be ideal. But then she did answer, and Asher gave a slight nod. It was something to keep in his deck of cards if needed. A few targets came to mind, though only if necessary. The new duelist finally cast a spell, which missed by a few feet and the one with his hood up launched another spell into his chest, but they kept going. ”The masked one has an impressive record. You might want to stick around.” Asher picked up his fresh glass, he’d watched him duel before, and he was one of the more ruthless ones.

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[Rozalina Antonina Nightshade]

March 17, 2026
asher rowan burke

Trust. It truly was a valuable commodity. She let out a soft but haughty chuckle. Rose leaned back in her chair, crossing a leg over the other and her hands clasped on her knee. "And far rarer," she answered. No doubt he was aware that her trust in even him was lacking, though not completely zero. At least she "trusted" Asher more then the average person. But that didn't actually mean she fully trusted him. Rose didn't trust anyone. At least not fully. She could feel less distrust towards an individual, but it was never true trust. Se wasn't even sure she had the capability to fully trust someone anymore. It shouldn't be taken as an insult however, because she didn't need to trust you to work with you.

Good. He'd taken care of the dealer. While Rose rarely dealt with shady dealers such as that she'd rather never have them potentially hinder her work. The chances of that happening were rare, but were never zero. The more illegal or regulated the substance you were after, the more important it was to have reputable dealers. Tampered product might be a bother in most instances but when it came to what Rose was working on? It could mean the difference between life and death. She'd never tolerate a fraud trying to sell her lesser goods. "If you're ever in need of the actual venom please let me know. I'm sure I can get you a better deal then if you tried to go to my family." That, and she preferred her contacts doing business with her than directly with her family. It was hard to find reputable people and her family tended to have a habit of killing those that worked with them when you looked at them the wrong way.

As the newest duel began, and Asher accepted her answer in silence Rose got to her feet. She crossed to the glass, folding her arms lazily across her chest as she watched the duel with a scrutinizing gaze. Dueling, while something she was very familiar with and trained in, wasn't her strength. Her family and assisting the duelists here though had given her a wealth of knowledge though. Asher mentioned the masked duelist in particular. She watched as the spells were exchanged, the masked duelist landing a spell squire in his opponents chest. The other man didn't go down though. "He seems quite experienced," she answered. "I don't think I've seen him before. Is he newer to your ring?"

[asher rowan burke]

but i can't promise

you'll enjoy the noise

March 17, 2026
Rozalina Antonina Nightshade

Asher nodded at the offer. Rose had not given him a reason to suspect her intentions. Like anyone else, she was kept carefully at arm’s length, though perhaps not as far as others. Nobody would ever make it close to him, and certainly not any closer than his sisters. But having a direct Nightshade connection would streamline the process to a point. She had certain family members that were…undesirable to deal with, though often necessary. There was a certain point where even a man like Asher Burke thought a certain level of violence was unnecessary and barbaric. It wasn’t a good look for the Purebloods to behave like heathens.

But those opinions he kept to himself. Much like he wouldn’t tolerate anyone speaking ill of his sisters even in their misguided steps, he supposed the Nightshades might be the same. The duel commenced, and they watched behind glass the spectators could not see, and in the event of some misdirected curse, they were still safe. ”Fairly new.” Asher responded, sipping from the glass still in his hand. The duelist sidestepped a simple hex and wordlessly launched a barrage of spells, they all hit their mark, and the larger opponent suddenly fell flat on his face as he’d failed to block a simple binding spell around his legs. But rather than finish the job, the masked duelist stopped. ”Curious…” Asher was intrigued. A show of mercy was not common in his ring. As they stood there, it gave him a chance to look at them as they stood still.

”A duelist that shows mercy.” Asher mused aloud. He’d keep an eye on this one. They were dangerous, but it wasn’t the only thing he noted about them. Or her as he suspected. Not many men stepped in his ring that were just above five feet tall. Not that it mattered, all were welcome to duel though many men didn’t take kindly to being beaten by a woman. ”Tell me—have you ever seen someone use mercy as a tactic?” Asher finished his drink, only walking back to place it on the table behind them as he awaited a new one. The fallen opponent freed himself—his face red with rage as he tried to destroy the masked duelist.

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