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Post by Da Pwny on Mar 8, 2009 9:52:17 GMT -5
It was easy to obtain knowledge from one who did not guard their tongue well and boasted, whether in threat or simply to gain shock and awe. It was also easy to fake it around such people as well, since they were generally oblivious to the ignorance of others, if the cards were played right. She had heard the passing rumors, yes, but nothing as definitive or concrete as what Horacius had stated. Kiir was outwardly unimpressed with the claims made, though well hidden was the slight nagging worry that always accompanied such boasts.
'Typical' she grumbled under her breath for effect before continuing "Interesting. I never contemplated attempting to outline what righteousness is. But quite frankly, I have come to the conclusion that the whole business is bunk; attempts to constitute and uphold so-called ‘righteousness’ end in bloodshed more often than not. More wars have been started and more lives snuffed out because of one man or another's belief that they are doing the will of one god or another than all the territory battles, money scrimmages, and fights over obedience combined. However, my worldviews are not on trial here, nor are other tidbits distracting from the objective at hand. Say what you will… you wouldn’t be the first who has attempted to be the reigning factor of our demise.”
The first signs of dawn broke the momentary silence that had fallen, birds chirping gaily outside the window as the old woman stood, her cane creaking under the strain as she headed towards the door. “Well, this has been one long night, and it seems to be ending all too soon. However,” turning to face Horacius, her eyes lit up with a fire that hadn’t been there before, almost as if she commanded it to be, “I should warn you, as I meant to, that undercurrents are already in motion, and not by my hand, nor any of the others allied with this place. As if this mission weren’t dangerous enough, other factors have already caught wind of it. At the risk of sounding as foolish as I probably am, watch your back. The child is special, whether you see it in her or even wish to accept it; however, her greatest enemy may just be her own self. If she fails or falters for any reason when the critical moment comes, there is no regaining what will be lost.”
Opening the door quietly, she turned her face away, stating in a dead-pan tone that could chill an Arctic fox to the bone “Don’t let that happen.”
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Post by The Mammoth on Mar 9, 2009 11:59:22 GMT -5
Horacius laughed, "I thought I told you to save your "Truth of righteousness" speech, but that would be too hard, huh? You must justify your evil, I suppose." Horacius shook his head, "The immoral never learn do they..." Horacius mumbled.
Nonetheless, he turned an ear when the woman spoke next, her words carried an uncanny weight, as if they came not from just her, but as if they were weighted with the world in them. This elf was to be important, and as most things, Horacius had probably been introduced to her for a reason. If again, he was to be an integral part in stopping a coming storm, so be it. He ended the Death Knight. He ended a Red Dragon. He would end Cryph.
Without a word, Horacius let the woman leave, not even offering so much as a nod. He didn't intend to let the elf die, but he was not here to be her caretaker. He would look out for her, but he hoped she could handle herself, as he would not be able to defend her forever, especially without reason for such conviction.
Nonetheless, the old woman left, and Horacius instantly felt the desire to rid himself of this place. He hated the feeling of being in the enemy's stronghold, while also loving it. The blood quickened, the senses tightened, the finely honed skills became more controlled. But with the heightened strengths came the minds tricks. Horacius sat back down, awaiting the elf to awake, and the assassins to begin this journey. He figured their help would be useful, even if he had to travel in the company of assassins. Horacius reminded himself of the corruption that tormented his past, and restated his convictions in his mind. He would not falter. He never had. He never will...
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Post by knightc3 on Mar 9, 2009 12:45:21 GMT -5
((Lets pretend my character is NOT stuck, shall we? ))
It almost seemed timed and rehearsed the way Caleb made his entrance into the room as soon as the old woman had left the chambers. In fact, he had been outside for a few minutes now, waiting for her to finish what she had to do here. It irked him off a bit that an elder was paying so much attention to Miriam. She had been good during the trial, too good to require such care as the woman asked for the elf.
He was also a bit surprised that she knew of the slight complications in their mission almost as soon as or even before Caleb had been told. But then again, it might make sense that the elders were told first. He watched quietly as the woman slipped out of the room. Caleb entered almost immediately and smiled at Horacius even though the news he had to give them wasn't exactly pleasant.
"Ah, you are still here. Good. It seems somehow Cryph got wind of our little attempt at staging a coup and has put the guards and the towns on alert for any suspicious figures. He obviously means to deal with us quickly. Anyway, I expect an ambush waiting at a rather treacherous pass through the Flimgor valley. So I think it would be wise to leave now and catch our enemies by surprise when we reach there a few hours before we are supposed to.
He figured that leaving so early, they should come across the narrow road leading through the pass which probably once had a river flowing through it. It was the only way to avoid a couple of heavily fortified towns on their way to Cryph's city and palace. He would know that and so an ambush was almost certain.
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Post by Da Pwny on Mar 10, 2009 16:43:41 GMT -5
If Horacius had known val Kiir had been an accomplished paladin hunter in her prime - on contract, not preference, of course - he might have either listened a bit more closely or shoved his sword down her throat, although she guessed the latter would have been more likely. He could have his laughs now, but if he even did try to make good on what currently were empty threats, he'd find himself in a heap of trouble. There was a good reason there weren't as many clergymen or white knights around Midvale as there once had been, and although her skills with a blade were dull, there were other methods available if the need arose.
She gave only a moment's glare to Caleb as she passed, the hood already concealing her face. val Kiir's physical frailty was not a ruse, but she was still healthy enough to walk a good distance. Another assistant opened her chamber doors for her, asking as she passed by, "M'lady, is it wise to entrust such a high order upon one who considers us enemies? What happens when she... y'know, awakens, like they all do?" val Kiir sat, her eyes reflecting the light of a nearby candle much like a cats' as she mused the thought. "Gambles must be taken," was her reply, "and risks made if rewards are to be reaped. None of us can predict the future, we can but only hope that he holds off such rash means until the job is completed. After that... well, there's no telling what will happen. For now, focus upon what we can do, as such threats are not to be taken idly."
It had been a short sleep, but the disturbance earlier had stirred Miriam to a semi-conscious state. She had heard the short talk between the Elder and Horacius, but had only caught parts of it. It was only when she heard that they needed to go that her brain finally started waking up fully. Stretch, yawn, repeat first step twice, then second step once more. She didn't want to really wake up, but enough sleepless nights outside had left her with somewhat of an ability to wake up whenever she needed to or felt like it. Turning over, she pulled the covers closer to her body, grumbling in a muffled tone even though she knew the most likely answer "Do we really have to?"
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Post by Crow on Mar 10, 2009 20:02:47 GMT -5
"It appears so, elf daughter" Came the whisper from the room's corner. From the shadows a strange cloaked figure wearing a white mask simply walked into existence from a shadow that couldn't possibly have hid anyone, giving most in the room an unnatural chill. The thing glided through the room towards Caleb, giving the ex-paladin a wide amount of space. "I am Creperum." It said to the others in the room, turning back to Caleb as it said "I've been assigned to help you on this mission."
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Post by The Mammoth on Mar 11, 2009 0:19:36 GMT -5
Horacius nodded his head as Caleb spoke his piece.
"This must be your first time. Evil always knows more than you expect. Never expect them to not be prepared for you. You, of all people, should understand that, assassin."
Horacius pulled his helm over his head as they prepared to move out.
"Don't expect them to think we won't be early. Expect heavy resistance."
As he began to move, the elf, Miriam, began to stir from her slumber. As she rolled over and pulled her covers with her, she spoke like a child, perhaps jokingly, but Horacius just shook his head. He turned toward her and smiled, albeit slightly forced.
"There is no time to waste. I know you must be tired, but we need to go." Horacius said as calmly and kindly as he could in an angry and stressed situation. Before she could respond, an assassin popped out of the shadows, as Horacius expected. He wasted no time pulling his blade, the Blade of the Red Dragon lighting aflame. He was tempted to make a move toward the assassin, but knew that such action would likely cause more of them to break from the woodwork. So, he gritted his teeth and sheathed his blade.
"You'll do well not to do that again assassin, lest you find your head rolling along the floor."
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Post by Crow on Mar 11, 2009 1:15:45 GMT -5
"If only I still had such a head." It muttered, removing the mask to reveal the emptyness of the cloak. "It was a mistake I made in my youth. As you can see, it took it's toll. But I'm sure you don't care about my mistakes Horacius." It replaced the mask and glided towards the door. "I'm just another murderer."
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Post by Da Pwny on Mar 11, 2009 18:00:10 GMT -5
The unnatural whisper startled Miriam, but before she could react a mean-looking sword flashed uncomfortably near her face - that meant anywhere within five feet of her - which soon burst into flames. For the first time since she was so abruptly tested last night, she appeared thoroughly and completely off-guard, eyes wide as she felt the shearing heat flay on her face before it disappeared back into its sheath. Still laying there, her eyes darted one way then the other several times before Miriam even dared sit up, obviously fully awake by now. Even then, her movements were slowed to about half, making it look as if she were moving sluggishly compared to how she moved before, pulling the dirk from beneath her pillow. It was the only comfort she had right now besides her sword, and the only thing that could be concealed easily.
Her eyes didn't even meet the newcomer's - had he any to begin with - as she sat at the edge of the bed, stretching one last time before getting up, walking over to her blade which rested on a reading desk, the handle glowing slightly in reaction as she grasped it. That was new, but the group was on a schedule, and she didn't have the time to gawk at new things. Anyhow, it was probably just the mithril reacting to her touch, something not uncommon among what was left of her kin. Quickly strapping it to her side, it was only then that she noticed a new belt, among other things, sitting there.
Several daggers were sheathed in it including the one she had been given the night before. It was sized large enough to fit around both her calves, but she soon noticed that it was two tied together. The leather was thin and black, but felt like suede, and fit a bit tight to her legs when she'd strapped them on over her other clothes. Next to that was the neatest-folded stack of clothes Miriam had ever seen, colored so black that she swore light was being sucked into them. They were killing clothes, tight-fitting but created so as not to restrict movement or access. They were also tailored to her exact size, somehow; how these people had figured out her numbers by sight alone was nothing short of a miracle. However, she did notice that they weren't of the best materials - silk, yes, but a lowered quality that was strong enough but inexpensive. They were apprentice clothes, she surmised.
At that moment, doubts started sinking into her head. It was the first time since she came here that there had been any, but Miriam wondered if this was really what she wanted. What kind of idea is that?! her mind screamed, but her eyes turned to Horacius for a brief second, her mind replaying what little she had caught from last night's visit. If this was what she wanted, then he would be her enemy when this was all over. A true assassin fears nothing her mind told her, but she knew it wasn't true. A true assassin feared everything, would jump at every shadow, she realized, if it didn't matter. But it did; a true assassin feared all, but ignored such fears in order to pursue their assigned goal. Fear wasn't the factor; how much you feared was.
Again she looked at the cloths, then stated to the others without looking to them "May I have a moment alone, please?" She needed to change, although she would keep parts of her former outfit. Still, if she was to learn, she would need every advantage possible. Mythrin cloth would have been more suitable, but far too expensive to waste on someone whom wasn't immediately important nor guaranteed to live through this; she perfectly understood and accepted that. Besides, she was still an apprentice, so it was perfectly, if not a bit sarcastically, appropriate for her to have below-grade articles.
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Post by knightc3 on Mar 18, 2009 17:39:23 GMT -5
Caleb watched as Creperum appeared in the room and then glided on towards him. He just listened as Creperum offered his services for the mission. Caleb just nodded in response. Caleb also went on to ignore what Mammoth had to say. Of course they would go expecting heavy resistance. Also, it seemed Horacius didn't know the way of an assassin. Caleb was afraid, instead of avoiding confrontation, he would frequently draw the group out into a face to face battle.
But Horacius was an asset to the group, nonetheless. When Miriam asked for privacy, Caleb smiled and nodded at her slightly and walked out of the room, wishing others would follow.
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Post by The Mammoth on Mar 21, 2009 0:13:37 GMT -5
Horacius scowled at the "undead" man that had appeared.
"I can show you things far worse than death, assassin. Do not tempt me."
With that, he left the room allowing for Miriam to get dressed, and then followed Caleb. Caleb knew the lands better than he did, so he would listen to whatever insight he had to offer. Horacius knew that to be successful here he would have to set aside his hatred of evil for a moment to handle the greater evil.
Make a mental note of everything you see, old man... All of this can be used against them at the end of this...
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Post by Da Pwny on Mar 27, 2009 7:42:01 GMT -5
She didn't know how, but the hooded garment fit Miriam's form perfectly. Almost too perfectly, in fact; they would be considered scandalous back home, with the skirt cut high and on the sides to allow for better movement, and the neckline nearly showing every bit of cleavage she had - which was, albeit not much, more than enough to make her uncomfortable. What truly bothered her, though was the lack of sleeves, as among the elves, women showing their arms bare was nearly the equivalent of a human female exposing her breasts.
Thankfully, though, whomever had created these articles were conscientious of such customs, as a second layer folded inside the first covered most of what was left exposed, wrapping her form in a dark, silk-like material that she swore felt like well-groomed rabbit fir to the touch, but was thinner than paper, darkly opaque, and lighter than the silk she had presumed it to be. Someone must've dug up a lot of money to produce such clothing; perhaps the lower layer was even woven with magic, as to her touch it felt like electricity ran through her fingertips.
Strapping her sword and dagger to their proper sides, she secured the knives to her right calf even though she didn't really know much about throwing them - the more the merrier, she figured - and when she was just about finished she saw two sealed envelopes laying atop each other, one with her name on it. Quickly opening the note, she scanned it quickly, the sunrise just peeking over the horizon as she read:
"Dear Miriam,
We know you have traveled far to come here, and although publicly we accepted part of your offer of 200 pounds worth of mithril, after convening amongst ourselves the Elderhood has decided to reject this payment. The job will still be taken, but in return for our services, we ask for something else; there is a certain artifact that was taken from us by one of Cryph's foolish bloodline many years ago, and we wish for it back. Not only will you be recovering what was lost to us, but its removal will also weaken the target, giving you an advantage that will be of great service... while you hold it.
We do ask, however, that upon your return you relinquish the artifact, or there will be repercussions. Enclosed is a diagram of what the artifact may possibly look like, and where it should most likely be found; if it is not in the designated location, several others are listed. Above all, do not tell the others of this assignment, as this will void our contract and possibly require immediate termination.
The other letter being sent to you along with this is a reply letter to your elder, explaining our acceptance of this contract and other mission-critical details mentioned to you in this letter. Please deliver this as soon as possible. Failure to comply will result in disciplinary action and possible termination.
~Madame val Kiir"
So that was the catch she'd been fearing, and why she'd gotten better clothes than she'd expected; they'd changed the contract. Miriam should have gotten it down on paper, but it was too late now. She had suspicions, but had ignored them before. Besides, why would they be sending one of their own - the best they had, apparently, if she had heard correctly - if they planned to off her at their convenience? That didn't make much sense... unless they actually feared her that much. That only sparked her curiosity; why would an entire guild of assassins be afraid of a single farmer's daughter? She had passed the trial last night fairly well, but did that really mean anything? Too many questions in her mind, and never enough answers....
Leaving those thoughts be, Miriam grabbed up everything she hadn't already, stuffing both letters in a 'safe' spot, and straightened everything remaining out as best as she could. It'd taken her maybe fifteen minutes in all to complete it all, and she knew the others were probably getting impatient. Finally, she stuck her head out the door, saying to the group "Sorry for keeping everyone waiting, but I'm ready now."
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Post by knightc3 on Mar 27, 2009 8:32:36 GMT -5
Caleb was leaning next to the door, and looked to be ignoring the confrontation between the assassin and Horacius for the time being. The fact was that he was now regretting inviting this vestige of a paladin. He was the worse kind really, he apparently held his principles without any change in his thinking about them yet had forgone the restrain paladins usually practiced in dealing with things they didn't like. Oh well.
As soon as the door opened, he pushed himself off the wall and started walking towards the main door. "About time, people were beginning to talk to each other." He hadn't originally thought of it but now he was sure that the only one he would consider to look after was the elf. The others could go to hell. It was possible that the loudmouths might actually start an argument in the middle of the mission somewhere again. Of course, he was the composed one so he didn't voice anything out loud or show an expression that let his thoughts leak out. Once they were all out of the door Caleb turned, and took the group into an alley.
There sealed away with a grate was the entrance to the storm drainage system that came out near the river. That was their exit. "Horacius, will you do the honors?", he spoke to the paladin waving a hand at the grate.
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Post by The Mammoth on Mar 28, 2009 22:59:11 GMT -5
Horacius pulled his sword and stepped forward toward the sewer grate. It was in place so as to not be moved very easily. Horacius stuck his blade in the crack between the stone and the grate and pried the grate off, tossing it aside after it was removed. Sheathing his blade and kicking the slightly charred stone clean so as to cover their tracks at least slightly. He waved his hand toward the assassins.
"After you." He said, not giving the assassins his back for very long, just in case they felt his services were no longer needed.
These assassins had no honor, no rules. They simply set out for their goal and killed or pillaged all that got in the way. It filled Horacius with rage, but he knew that he could not act on that rage, he had not personally witnessed this group do anything wrong, only the guild they served. He did not trust them, and he made threats, but he would not strike at them until given reason. As far as he was concerned, they were his allies... for now. But an ally is always the quickest to forsake you... Horacius kept that in mind as he looked to the group.
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Post by Da Pwny on Mar 30, 2009 0:32:02 GMT -5
*sorry if i use the terms 'dirk' and 'dagger' interchangeably... just that the more I think on it the less practical a dagger is for close-combat fighting, and I've already used my shape-shifting weapon ticket for Roads even though that would be impractical anyhow, so yeah...*
That stench caught her nose even before it washed over the group. Miriam had been forced to crawl through a sewer and a few bogs in the last three months, and upon no occasion had they been the least bit pleasant. At least that necromancer hadn't shown his face again; a wise choice, after what he'd pulled on her, as she wouldn't be a bit happy.
Walking to the edge while murmuring something about a paranoid old man, the elven woman instinctively put her hand upon the dirk, but pulled away immediately when she felt warmth on the weapon. Stealing a glance to the item in question, Miriam noticed a small glow coming from it; when she unsheathed it, the edge was glowing a dull grayish color. For a moment, she wished it would go away - and was startled when it did. The thoughts took her a moment, but she caught on quickly, and before long she could control how intense the glow was merely on though. 'A very special weapon indeed,' she muttered to herself before bending down over the edge.
Stabbing into the darkness, she willed the edge to glow with as much intensity as she dared; it was dark down there, but the drop to the water was no more than six feet by what she saw. Still, how far she would actually fall would depend upon how deep the water ran. Gods, that smell was really getting to her now.
Well, it wasn't getting any better. Without a word, Miriam put one hand on the ground for stability while the other held the dirk, her stomach fighting desperately to keep her rising bile down, then pushed herself over the edge, hopping slightly but not gripping the side. Her feet landed squarely on the tiny ledge by the side of the crap creek, albeit unsteadily; it took her a minute or so to gain full balance, and even then she moved cautiously so as to not slip. Stepping forward a few strides, Miriam turned back and waved the glowing dirk slowly, signaling to the others and showing them where they could jump if they didn't want to bathe in the town's fecal matter.
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