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Post by The Mammoth on Dec 11, 2008 1:02:21 GMT -5
Horacius grinned, able to at least agree that the comment was comical.
"If you must... But I trust you keep your hands in sight, unless we have a... misunderstanding." Horacius warned.
Once the man was inside the room, Horacius sat down, looked up at him, and awaited what the man had to say...
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Post by knightc3 on Dec 11, 2008 1:47:43 GMT -5
Caleb simply nodded as a reply to the warning. He was careful but still comfortable in his company. He smiled for a moment as Horacius sat down and looked about the room. He had done so already just as he entered but then he was looking for an ambush and not the chair. He waved his hand in its direction and the chair dragged on the wooden floor over to him.
The show of his power was not unnecessary but needed here. It was a sign of trust. Horacius now knew who he was facing and could not be surprised as easily anymore. "My name is Caleb Storm. What are your thoughts about Cryph's rule?"
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Post by The Mammoth on Dec 11, 2008 3:10:28 GMT -5
Horacius glared at the assassin.
"Are you trying to impress me with your telekinesis, assassin?" Horacius sighed, kicking his chair backwards and standing up, "You already know who I am. So I'll skip the introduction. As far as Cryph, I have only heard his name mentioned, but never charitably."
Horacius continued standing, facing Caleb, his hand on his blade hilt.
"I've seen the people in this village suffer and starve while your guild flourishes. As far as I'm concerned, You are no better than he..."
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Post by Da Pwny on Dec 11, 2008 18:13:25 GMT -5
The halls wound around and around, past many rooms and several storage areas of which Miriam got only a peek of. What little she saw was amazing; precious metals and stones abounded, either laying about freely or set into jewelry, but what interested her more were the weapons which lined the floors and walls, many obviously decorative but nonetheless beautiful and deadly enough to fight with, if only for a few minutes before they degraded. The sheer amount of items made her wonder why so much was needed, and why they were so greedy for more. Human nature her gut screamed, but she automatically suspected something more sinister, being skeptical that even half of that was necessary...
When she entered the hall itself at long last, all the simple farm girl could do was gape. Fine silk, possibly centuries old but kept up with incredible repair, lined the ceiling in a draping fashion, streamers of gold dangling from the pin-up points; shields, armors, and weapons of gold and silver inlay lined the walls, which was cherry painted a rich red color; the carpet runner was red as well on a black marble floor with gold-colored patterns of dragons and other mythic creatures of long-lost lore; green marble pillars set into the walls towered on both sides, offset on both sides of each one by a foot-thick beam of rich mahogany wood. At the very center of where it all collaborated together sat seven chairs, with four figures of varying ages, races, and genders currently taking up seats in them.
The young elf tried not to stare, but couldn’t help it. What she saw was above and beyond her expectations, nearly to the point of intimidation. When the assassin insisted upon her movement, however, Miriam snapped from her trance and began following once more, although her eyes tended to wander as they took in all of what she saw before her. Truthfully, it was as magnificent, if not forever more so, than the stories she had been told for so long…
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Post by knightc3 on Dec 24, 2008 18:47:40 GMT -5
((I guess, I will step over Grimm then. ))
Caleb interrupted him. "I wasn't trying to impress you. I was just making clear that keeping my hands in sight won't be a reason to trust me. And it is obvious that you do not know as much about Cryph or you won't be comparing the Guild with a ruler like him. I would suggest you ask around a bit about what the people think and decide on that basis."
He got up from the chair abruptly and walked towards the door. "I came here to offer you a chance to be part of a solution to the plague that is Cryph. If you get interested, you know where to find me. Ask for me and you will be let in... armed."
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She wouldn't be able to tell which of the four figures spoke. Their faces or any specific distinguishing marks were hidden in a large shadow. Where she was told to stand was light, bright but certainly not blinding. The hall was built in a way that the voice echoed and reached the receiver the same despite who spoke.
The messenger excused himself without a word, leaving the elf where she stood. She obviously wouldn't be able to tell but a simple movement of a hand and she would be killed in an instant, without warning... i.e. if she made a violent move towards the council.
"Speak."
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Post by Da Pwny on Dec 24, 2008 21:46:07 GMT -5
Her heart suddenly wrenched at the single word, the voice like a whisper of the soul but amplified a thousand times over. She took several slow, cautious steps forward, stopping just at the edge of the darkness that enveloped part of the room, then knelt to a single knee, head bowed in respect, and started reciting the lines she had been memorizing for weeks on end as best she could. "Elder counsel of the Guild of Midvale, we of the Ale'eno tribe have come unto peril. Without foreseeable reason, our village was attacked- not once, but twice now, within three fortnights of each other- and many of our kinsmen have been slain. I, Miriam Swiftsoul, have come as an envoy to request a contract with the Guild. Our request; that our kinsmen and kinswomen be avenged by the permanent removal of the self-proclaimed Archduke Cryph before we are wiped out. Our payment: three-hundred and fifty pounds of purified mithril that we have hidden from our oppressors, among other things. We ask that the counsel consider our plea, as we are desperate, and all other methods of defense we have contrived have been met with utter failure."
Her palms were sweating, her breath exasperated. Why was she so nervous? Was it because of the stories she'd heard concerning them? Or was it something deeper than such, perhaps that she would learn something that she wasn't supposed to? Still, whatever the ends may be, Miriam awaited an answer, unsure as to what she should expect...
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Post by knightc3 on Dec 25, 2008 5:36:49 GMT -5
At that price she had actually earned more than just the acceptance of the Guild Elders to send the best assassins on the mission that had already been discussed about and agreed upon. But there was one Elder that had spoken with some knowledge about the elves. There was a chance that they may want one of their own to exact revenge through this act.
At the price that was quoted to them in the letter, the Elders had agreed to allow the messenger to have a say in certain matters. "Would the elves like to involve themselves directly in the assassination?" There was a short pause before more was said, "Do you in fact wish to request that one of your own be allowed to accompany... if we choose to accept?"
If she said yes, there was only one elf that would be allowed to go, and that would be her... after sufficient tests to prove that she was worthy and won't just become a liability.
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Post by Da Pwny on Dec 25, 2008 20:17:48 GMT -5
Her face shot up, eyes widening slightly. She never thought that question would be brought up, and for a moment Miriam had to pause; her Elder had never asked for such a thing, but could she pass this up and never regret it? Surely she would be sent anyways, and that would take more months, upon which another strike could occur, destroying what little was left. But what if it was found that she'd acted out of accord...
"If the Guild will have it, I will volunteer" she let slip before catching herself a moment too late. Now she was in it whether she really wanted to be or not; not that she would complain, but... no, there was no more time to think on it. That had passed along with her father and siblings; now, there was only room for action. "If... needbe, I will pass whatever trials you would require me to follow through. Just allow me to be of some assistance, and I will be long grateful." Miriam tried hard to hide the feelings she was getting, but it was more difficult than she'd though it to be...
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Post by knightc3 on Dec 26, 2008 2:44:43 GMT -5
There was silence for a while. Then a voice spoke, this one seemed just a bit different from the ones that had spoken so far. "We will kill Archduke Cryph on the terms offered by the Archduke Cryph. We will accept two-hundred pounds pounds of purified mithril as well as the rest of the things sent." The voice changed again. "If you can survive till sunrise, you can accompany Caleb Storm on this kill. If you don't, then he will live. There will be no assassination and no doubt, your tribe will perish soon at his hands."
She would have to believe that everything hung in the balance, even the offer she was sent to make because of her decision. There was no way for her to know if the Elders were telling the truth but she would assume they were.
There was silence again before someone spoke again. "Leave. Your trial begins now."
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Post by The Mammoth on Dec 26, 2008 5:54:22 GMT -5
Horacius watched as Caleb left the room, the arrogant assassin, simply assuming that his guild was greater that this Cryph.
Shaking his head, Horacius walked out of the inn and looked around at the city, he headed into a nearby pub, what better place to get an idea of people's opinions of the guild without fear of their execution. As hours had passed, Horacius did find out much about the guild. While this Cryph seemed to be the greater evil in most minds, most blamed the guild for their current woes, as it horded the wealth of the city to itself, leaving them destitute, just as Horacius thought. Cryph, however, was an immediate threat of slavery and death, and when his name was mentioned, it was never a good reaction.
It seemed that there were those fleeing him from him conquering and pillaging. Horacius didn't like it, but he had to find out more, and it would require walking into the belly of the beast. Leaving the pub, he headed toward the giant gilded doors of the Assassin's guild.
Once he knocked on the door, a voice rang out from behind,
"What do you want?"
"Caleb has asked me here. Open the door."
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Post by Da Pwny on Dec 28, 2008 20:50:48 GMT -5
*might wanna do a grammar check on that last post O.o" *
Oh gods, what had she gotten herself into? Miriam wanted to rebuttal herself, but it was too late; no doubt she wouldn't get any sleep at all. How could they do this to her?! She had just gotten here earlier today, weary and tired from her journey, and was almost immediately tossed away into prison, then taken out and allowed to bathe and rest, and now this?? Well, at least she'd gotten some rest earlier. Now there would be none until at least sunrise... Not that there would be time for drifting off.
All she could do was accept what was to come as she bowed slightly, then rose and turned to walk back to her room, eyes darting all around at every shadow, every corner of the hallway. Her problems were compounded by the fact that her head was starting to hurt a little. Was it something they'd released into the air, or was it just stress from a long day? Miriam couldn't quite tell, but it was really getting to her now as she rounded the corner to enter the main hall again...
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Post by knightc3 on Dec 29, 2008 11:41:22 GMT -5
There was already word out to the assassins within the guild. One of the two horns would be blown within the building. One meant that she was not to be hunted, the other that she was open game. The only catch was that she was not supposed to die. Injuries would be overlooked but she was not to die. The Guild wanted to earn that mithril.
Caleb heard the horn soon after he entered the halls. He sighed. So he would have one more for company besides the paladin. On the off chance that the paladin refused, all the jobs and work in the Guild would be paused and every assassin in the guild would have one target, Horacious. They couldn't trust Horacious with the information of an assassination attempt on Cryph and then let him go. Of course, he didn't have to know that. Heck, even the assassins didn't know that yet.
He saw four assassins running quietly towards the main hall from where Miriam would definitely pass. Another group was heading towards her room, another to a different hallway in the building. He would be extremely impressed if she made it to the sunrise without more than a few minor injuries. Even he wasn't so sure about this but he assumed, the Elders were also measuring the levels of the elves as a race out of curiosity. These 'duels' of sorts would test what an Ale'eno elf was made of.
The group heading towards the main hall took its positions behind the large pillars, in the shadows. The two female archers swiftly made their way up the pillars towards the other end of the hall and took up positions on the top, waiting silently. Caleb had followed them even though he was not supposed to be involved in this 'test' as an attacker. He just wanted to watch and also make sure the assassin didn't get carried away.
If she was smart, she would try to barricade herself somewhere till sunrise. Her room, however, was not the best place to do that now.
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Post by Da Pwny on Dec 30, 2008 0:27:53 GMT -5
Miriam turned to ask her escort a question when she heard a horn being blown from somewhere. Instantly she was on guard as lights dimmed all around. "Oh, come on!" she cried out, irritated beyond probability as to how quickly everything was happening. She hadn't even had any training of this sort, let alone exposure to fighting with stealth. At least she'd brought her short sword and daggers. Reaching for them, however, Miriam found them to be missing. Her heart beat about twice as fast, her eyes darting around as she heard noises from all around, obviously meant to up the difficulty of what already seemed to be a somewhat impossible task.
A hand brushed past her, causing the young elf to throw a turning punch right behind her. The hand that blocked it immediately twisted her wrists, not enough to break it, but enough to cause quite a bit of pain. Another reached out, but this one stroked her hair, and a soothing voice hushed her. Miriam started turning to face this new one, but her wrist was twisted slightly more; she got the hint, and the pain was relaxed as a feminine voice cooed oh so quietly into her ear "Fear not, child. I have not come form your life. Instead, I have come with both a promise, and a warning."
Turning her head slightly to the side, the elf could only reply "You... the Elders... those voices..."
"Yes..." it stated back softly with a slight chuckle, the sharp scent of oriental perfume wharfing past her nose. "Your kin's reputed hearing precedes you. But as I stated, I have come with a double-edged sword. Your life is not forfeit in the coming trial, and it will not be taken this night, though I'm sure you would understand what would become of you and your kin should you fail... Still, do not allow yourself to think they will be soft upon you simply because you are to be taken alive. Your guard must remain, or else you will fail, and your kind will surely cease. There is... something about you, child, something I cannot pinpoint, but it exists. Find that which you really are, Miriam, or risk failure."
Perplexed, the elven woman simply nodded, then requested "M...may I ask the name of the one whom speaks to me?" A pause there was, and then the reply "My name... you may call me Shai'rel. It is not this one's true identity- I'm sure you understand why- but state it and any of the guards will know of whom you wish to speak. Now, I must leave before I become suspect of foul play in this delicate affair. Fair well child, for your people, and perhaps we will meet again."
Miriam turned, wanting to say something that she thought to be important, but by the time she faced where the woman had been, the female was no longer there. Closing her hands in slight frustration, she felt something in one of them... opening her right hand, the one she'd flailed back so poorly, in it Miriam found a small, curved knife, about twice the width of her palm and gleaming with the shine of some unknown metal, neither steel nor mithril. Clutching the small hilt, the elf figured it was better than nothing, and advanced with caution, every nerve she had tense as she prepared for whatever was to come...
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Post by knightc3 on Dec 30, 2008 7:29:05 GMT -5
The door was opened for Horacius and immediately a few crossbows were trained at his face and neck. They never moved. So he was allowed in with his weapons but that didn't mean he would not be guarded at all times. "Caleb has requested you stay for the night here. He is a bit busy at the moment. He will meet with you tomorrow. These... guards will escort you to your room." He would be led to the staircase, on a level different from what was right now a hunting ground for Miriam.
Caleb was following Miriam when something he stopped made him stop in his tracks. What the hell? he thought to himself. Caleb could swear he had only blinked once as the lady holding Miriam in her grasp disappeared from you. She had to have been an Elder to be that good. Just as he had thought this, he felt something sharp dig into his spine behind him. d**n, that was freaky. "Not a word..." He nodded and the sharp edge was gone. He didn't look back knowing she wouldn't be there.
He would just follow Miriam for now.
((I assumed she was an NPC of sorts, if not, let me know, I will change it.))
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Post by Da Pwny on Dec 31, 2008 2:09:08 GMT -5
*that works nicely ^-^ and yeah, that's sorta what i worked her to be; i'd like to play her at certain parts, but you're welcome to jump in if necessary for your character, as long as she isn't, say, at two places at the same time... actually... nah, nvm. and: *view, now you XD *
With the warning at the back of her mind, Miriam proceeded forward with no other choice. She would fight to the death if necessary, but if she hadn't been lied to then the elven woman knew she wouldn't need to. Still...
And just like that, she was out of time; a hand reached with lightning speed matching her own, and just like that Miriam reacted. Ducking and sweeping her arm out to catch the attacker off-guard, her own arm was stopped just short of its goal- she could feel cloth tearing- and the weapon was twisted out of her grip. In a heartbeat, she panicked, unsure of what to do as the other hand closed in... and then, possibly because of the adrenaline spike, or maybe just her own panic, something inside the girl snapped...
Her body twisted with her arm, away from the hand until her free hand touched the ground. In the meantime, her legs were brought around, until they connected with the back of the assassin's skull. One looped around the front, the other stayed behind, and within a split second they snapped his head back the other way as another came behind Miriam, aiming to contain her. Instead, she curled up and threw her attacker sideways, freeing her hand in the process as both went down quickly.
All of this happened in a blur, so quick that even Miriam didn't have a second to think; in all, it took maybe ten seconds, if even that. As she stood again, all she could do was gape, even as her internal alarms went off again. Had she really done that?! Everything was sort of a haze right now, even as she lashed out backwards, elbowing the assassin behind her squarely in the throat, crushing his larynx. It was... it was as if her body was fighting for her, and she was watching it from the inside. Strange, to say the least; frightening, even moreso...
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