The Edge of Shadow || Original RP || IC Thread

[Hack Thornias]

Current Location: Port of Overlord Slade.
Speaking With: Tristan

Overlord Slade was snapped out his languid mood by a sharp call from his personal Prophetess, Tristan: My Lord! That was unnecessary… You didn’t have to kill him.”

If it wasn’t for Tristan’s power and for her captivating looks the young woman probably wpuld have joined the General in death. But, even Overlord Slade knew when to calm down and think rationally about the situation. He considered the general’s death and while it probably wasn’t the smartest idea to kill a tactitican, it would instill fear in his army and discourage failure of treason from his subjects.

“Tristan, my lovely Prophet, how good of you to speak up.” He grinned wickedly at her but with a hint of warmth for the girl, he would not be Slade if he couldn’t appreciate the young girl’s looks and courage to actually declare him wrong.

“You are correct however, I didn’t have to kill him but it will send a message to the generals that failure will not be tolerated. Regardless my pet, have you any input on my little invasion hmmm? Will Victory be Mine?”

He himself unfortunately could not see the future which made Tristan all the more valuable to him, his father and grandfather had not had Prophets, and now he had one that he was grooming to be only loyal to him, to help him conquer all of Drathia.

He sat on his throne and waited for the girl’s response while he considered the whether or not he should request Tristan to dine with him tonight.

[Sirius Business]

ѠȈȽȈȺ ☽☾ ϢȈȽɖӬɌ
Current location: Dorian
Speaking with:Victor Thornias

The meeting did not last as long as Gilia had initially expected. The information, however, was acquired. Overlord Slade was about to attack and push Drathia into a war. During the meeting, all Gilia had to say was, "My Lord, I believe Master Thornias' father is right. The Families of Power should confront this problem together to avoid clashing with another families plans, which could result in unnecessary loss of men and waste of time." Lord Dorian did not look at her suspiciously or question her advice, neither did Victor for that matter.

Having obtained the information, Gilia decided that leaving Dorian and heading to Kamelion Quarters as soon as possible was the best plan. As the three men prepared to depart, Victor turned to Gilia and said, “Would you please show me where the baths and the dining room are located?” Her breath hitched. Trying to remain in character, she bowed her head and replied, "Of course, sire." What was she to do now? Gilia should have inspected the building, memorizing the rooms, but she had been too rash. As the two of them entered the hallway, Gilia scanned all around for another servant who could save her from having to lead Victor Thornias to who knows where.

Victor muttered something under his breath, which caused Gilia to shift her gaze to him. Her eyes lingered on him longer than she would like to admit, but she did not have to explain herself for he said, “I’m sorry, the way here has been long and I am very tired from the travel, my head got away from me. Shall we?” As soon as Gilia opened her mouth to speak, a female servant, a maid by the looks of her, came up the stairs and into the hall. A sense of relief washed over her as she spoke, "Excuse me, would you please show our esteemed guest the way to the baths and dinning hall?" The faster she could get away from Victor the better.

If everything is going right, you must be overlooking something. The maid turned to the two men, bowing her head, and responded, "Of course, this way, please." At that moment, Gilia found that she was unable to breath at all. The maid in question was an older lady than she by at least twenty years, shorter in stature, and small gray streaks colored her hair. The woman's face was all too familiar and all too forgotten at the same time. "Mom?" Gilia whispered under her breath, completely forgetting her disguise, her mission, and Victor for a brief second. A feeling of panic hit her suddenly, sending signals to her brain to flee.

Gilia walked past the noble and maid as quickly as her legs would carry her, but she only made it to the first step when Orion, Lord Dorian's black dog, came bounding up the stairs, barking madly. "Ugh, I hate dogs." Gilia tried to stand aside for the dog to return to its master, but the black animal stopped in front of her, continually barking. Orion's bark was not as friendly as it had been when he was with his master. No, this was a fierce bark, the bark he used when he had found and intruder.

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[Hack Thornias]

Current Location: Dorian
Speaking With: Gilia in disguise

“Mom?”

Victor was certain he heard Arthur say that phrase but wondered if the man was day dreaming or if he was simply seeing someone. He dismissed the notion and began to follow the maid when suddenly Orion, Lord Dorian’s companion dog began to cause a ruckus.
The dog was barking extremely aggressively at Arthur which concerned Victor, the dog was known to the Families as a excellent judge of character, for a dog that is. Why would he be barking at a loyal Advisor who served the Lord for years? Unless…

Victor never had a chance to complete the thought when a maid cried out that they had found Advisor Arthur in the closet, unconscious. Victor sprang into action he shouted at the guards, “IMPOSTER!! GET TO THE LORD!!! I’LL HANDLE HIM!”

The false Arthur was still on the first step when Victor cast his spell of Illusion. It was probably his most complex Illusion to date, it was a illusion of battalions of guards hurrying up the stairs and coming from doors to surround the false Advisor. The strain to maintain the illusion was staggering but he had to hope he fell for it, there was no telling who or what he worked for.

[thequeen-- barbie]

xx

Exhausted, both travelers finally reached the Port of Overlord Slade. Alistair seemed to inspect his sister as they were led into the castle, grabbing the arm of a servant. "Quickly I'll give you a good amount if you can find someone to whip up something pretty for her." The servant nodded and took Andraste's hand, dragging her upstairs into a small suite. Andraste's eyes bore like daggers as she passed her brother. 

She had to admit, the tailor had been exceptionally fast in their situation. Andraste swore all the past thirty minutes had been were blurry hands and magic. Someone had braided her hair elegantly while two others had frantically worked on perfecting a new dress. They all seemed so frightened of her, never making eye contact and keeping their voices hushed. She supposed she would be timid as well if she worked for one of the most brutal men history had ever seen.

Alistair took her arm once they were ready, complimenting her. "Stunning, Andraste. You always look so beautiful." She swatted his arm and told him to continue on to the throne room. They were quiet, as the stress was beginning to mount and the butterflies began to swirl. Unanswered questions began to pop up and Andraste brushed them aside in effort to calm her own nerves. 

They entered the throne room and Andraste thought she would burst. Alistair patted her arm to try and soothe her. She looked up and straight into the eyes of the Overlord and an almost devious half smile formed on her lips. Suddenly she wasn't scared anymore, not so much as she was empowered. This would be an interesting visit.

"Your Majesty," They were introduced. "Alistair Trelane and his sister, Andraste." They kneeled respectively but Andraste still had not yet dared break eye contact. Her voice was just as mischievous as her smirk.

"Your Grace," Was all he got before Alistair started gibbering about politics, obviously going unheard. Andraste looked around her at last, examining the face of another young lady and the scattered politicians and officials about the room. She could feel their eyes, on every inch of her, inspecting and scrutinizing.

But that's just what politicians did. They seemed to approve, nudging one another or nodding. She felt much more confident, standing there in a light blue dress that was cut low down her back, more provocative and daring than the usual. 

She exhaled, looking back up at Overlord Slade.




{ location } • Port of Overlord Slade
{ speaking to } • Alistair Trelane

[Sirius Business]

ѠȈȽȈȺ ☽☾ ϢȈȽɖӬɌ
Current location: Dorian
Speaking with:No one

Before Gilia could escape from the dog that was barking madly at her feet, Victor shouted, “IMPOSTER!! GET TO THE LORD!!! I’LL HANDLE HIM!” Oh, no. The Sensor must have seen through her! All of the sudden a battalion of soldiers came running up the stairs. Still in Arthur's shape, Gilia scanned all means for an exit and decided she had to risk it. The girl disguised as Arthur jumped over the bannister of the stairs, hoping to land mere inches behind the last solider. Her jump was a success! However, Gilia had never done anything like that before now and the result was her twisting her ankle and falling down the rest of the stairs.

Everything around her felt like it was whirling inside of a wind storm, nothing was clear. A part of her brain was screaming at her to run as fast as she could, but that message never reached her legs. Gilia laid on the foot of the stairs, only a few feet away from the closet where the real Arthur had been discovered. Before Victor could reach her, she used her powers of the Faceless to transform into the same disguise she had used to enter the city, a wealthy, blonde merchant woman.

As Gilia managed to get on her feet, the soldiers surrounded her. The room still felt off balance, so she stayed still. Her eyes, however, were darting above the soldiers' heads, looking for a door. The only door she could see was that of the dinning hall. Could she? Gilia had only teleported once, focusing her time on her shapeshifting, which was her natural magical ability. I can't be captured. Not yet. Desperate, she fixed her eyes past the door of the dinning hall and teleported. Having no real training in this form of magic, Gilia found herself not outside like she had hoped but in the doorway of the dinning hall.

A wave of absolute exhaustion consumed her entire body, causing her to sway back and forth and finally fall to the ground. What would they do to her? Kill her? Torture her for information? Cygnas... I'm sorry

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[Hack Thornias]

Current Location: Dorian
Speaking With: No one

The false Arthur leaped over the banister of the stairs and then through some injury he sustained, collapsed and fell down the rest of the staircase. Victor was moving now towards the false man and his illusions were following as well, but it was getting confused because the real guards were finally starting to show up.

As he rounded the staircase and prepared to confront the man where he lay, he saw a blonde woman in his place. “Shapeshifter!” He called to the guards, “Seal the Mansion! Who knows how many more there are!”

He hated taking charge like this, especially in Lord Dorian’s home, but the Lord had to be kept safe and someone had to take charge of the situation. The Shapeshifter managed to get to her feet but thankfully the REAL guards surrounded her, allowing Victor to drop the illusion he had been holding. The energy toll had been staggering, he was exhausted and the edges of his vision were beginning to fade to black, not a good sign.

Unfortunately, the Shapeshifter was also a teleporter when she vanished from her location and materialized at the door to the dining hall. But, luck was on their side when she collapsed and fell to the ground. Victor managed to walk over to where she was. Directing his attention the captain of the House Guard he said, “Take her to the prison or wherever you keep dangerous individuals. I’d wrap her in chains and multiple handcuffs, she or he can change their shape so a single set won’t work. And put at Magical Manipulator in the room with her. A Magic Dampening field should stop those teleporting abilities. Search the rest of the mansion and I’d even say search the city if you can. Don't hurt her though, we will need information from them and it will be easier if they are unharmed.”

The House Guard took the woman and led her away, allowing Victor to finally release his self control and slump onto the floor. The maid finally was able to gather herself together and escorted him to the guest bedroom, thankfully dinner was waiting and he tucked in everything laid in front of him. He was more than glad that the kitchens hadn’t been disrupted by the intrusion.

After the meal he was going to go see if there was a bath but another wave of exhaustion struck him and he barely made it to the bed before blackness took him.

[Sirius Business]

ѠȈȽȈȺ ☽☾ ϢȈȽɖӬɌ
Current location: Dorian
Speaking with:No one

When Gilia opened her eyes, she found herself sitting in the middle of a snowy field. She was wearing a crimson colored dress with her hair drawn into a ponytail. Even though the snow was falling rapidly to the ground, she did not feel the slightest bit cold. A hushed voice began to call her name repeatedly. Gilia turned her head left and right, up and down, trying to find the source of the voice or any indication that would tell her where she was. Three shadows began to emerge in the distance, swiftly approaching. As they approached, the voice that had been calling her name grew louder. When the shadows were only five feet in front of her, she shouted, "Who are you!?"

One of the shadows stepped forward, close enough for Gilia to identify it. The shadow was that of a young man with short, brown hair. His eyes were green, and he was wearing all black. In his hand, he held a hammer. Gilia took a moment to realize that the shadow had been her brother, Randolf. A smile spread across her face at this realization, but Randolf spoke, "What are you doing here, Gilia? You were supposed to stay away." Gilia's smile instantly faded at hearing this. What did he mean she was supposed to stay away? The second shadow stepped forward as well. This time the shadow revealed an older looking man with a bit of a pot belly, holding a sword that was glowing orange. "You shouldn't be here. You need to go back." The man was her father, who was murdered before she and Cygnas left for Kamelion Quarters.

Speaking of Cygnas, he was the last shadow to step forward and speak. "Gilia... this was not supposed to happen." Gilia finally found the courage to speak and replied, "I know. I shouldn't have gotten caught... I was stu--""No!" Her brother interrupted, startling her. "You weren't supposed to return to Dorian. This town is not safe for you, even as a Faceless" "I don't understand. Does this have to do with what happened to Dad?" The shadows then began to disappear one by one. Before Cygnas vanished, he whispered. "Run."

Gilia awoke, still feeling the after effects of using her magic. The last thing she remember before the dream was teleporting to the dinning hall. Had she escaped? From her inability to move her hands of legs, she guessed the answer was a no. Gilia's eyes took a moment to adjust to the darkness of her prison. Only a few candles were lit on the walls, providing little light. She tried to struggle against her bonds, but the guards had been too cautious and placed several handcuffs on her. Gilia muttered a curse under her breath. Could she shift her hands small enough to escape all of her bonds? Before she could try, she heard a sharp sound that echoed in her cell. Was someone there?

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[Hack Thornias]

Current Location: Dorian
Speaking With: Gilia

Victor slept rather well considering the situation he had found himself in. He awoke rested and mentally sharp as he considered the day ahead. He planned on meeting their Shapeshifter and getting a few answers out of her. Unfortunately for him, he didn’t have Varys’ ability of intimidation, especially the way he was dressed as he clothed himself back in robes and his now clean violet cloak.

Lord Dorian left instructions with the servants to serve Victor and then to have the guard escort him to the prison. Fed and finally clean from the hot bath he was ready to face their infiltrator and hopefully get some answers.

Once at the prison he was led to the chamber where he, she, or even it was being kept. A guard highly proificient in Magical Manipulation to keep the teleporting ability out of play was stationed outside the door. He was creating a magical dampening field to make accssing magic much harder than it should be, and to make teleporting almost impossible.

He entered the cell quietly and then sat in a chair in the corner and awaited for the woman to wake up. He kicked the back of the chair against the wall and propped against the wall while he waited. About an hour later she finally did stir and as she looked around he brought the front legs down onto the floor, producing a sharp crack. It was time to speak.

“You are a Guild Member. A Faceless I believe is the term, seeing how you shifted without touching magic. I would have known if you did. So why don’t you drop the act and show me who you really are?”

[Sirius Business]

ѠȈȽȈȺ ☽☾ ϢȈȽɖӬɌ
Current location: Dorian
Speaking with:Victor Thornias

Indeed, someone was there. The guest in her prison cell was none other than Victor Thornias, the noble who had spotted her as an intruder. Well, technically, Lord Dorian's dog was the one who saw through her magic. All the same, he was the one who got her arrested. The silence did not last long. Victor broke the silence with, “You are a Guild Member. A Faceless I believe is the term, seeing how you shifted without touching magic. I would have known if you did. So why don’t you drop the act and show me who you really are?” Should Gilia be impressed that he deduced all of that? Probably not. Then again, Gilia herself was not familiar with all of the different guilds, so the fact that he was able to guess her exact guild affiliation was impressive and unnerving to her.

Still disguised as the blonde merchant, she chuckled, staring at the floor, "How do you know I'm not wearing my true face right now? If I am a part of the so-called Faceless Guild like you claim, I could be anyone. I could be a man, a woman, a child, but you would not know because your sensing abilities cannot see through my kind of magic, can they? Otherwise, you would have noticed me the very second I walked into that study." When she raised her eyes, she connect with Victor's gaze, which sent a chill down her spine. A year had passed since her older brother's death; in that short of time, she should not have forgotten all of the details of his appearance. The two faces, Victor and Cygnas, were blending together. Gilia had to mentally slap herself and remind herself of her current situation.

"Fine." She spatted bitterly. The look Victor was giving her was one she had seen on her brother several times before. That look that read "I'm not kidding around." The one Cygnas would give her if she hid his sword from him, and he could not find it before he was supposed to report to the guild. Immature of her, yes, but things were different before he was murdered. She was different. Before she shifted, she looked at Victor and asked, "What does it matter if I shift back to normal or not, hm? Either way, if I shift or not, I'll be killed, right?" The more time she was given to wake up, the more she realized what danger she was in. Run is what Cygnas has told her in her dream. But, how? How was she supposed to escape from this?

Tears started to well in her eyes. Had this been a training sessions, Gilia's narcissistic side would have been feeding her compliments, egging her on. However, this was not a training session in the Hall of Mirrors. This was real. She could really die. No, she would die. The enemy had captured, and unless, she thought of a clever way to escape, they would kill her. "If I give you the information you want, you'll still kill me for being a guild member. If I give you the information you want and am released, I'll be killed for being a traitor. Either way... I failed him..." At this realization, the tears began to slip from Gilia's eyes. I'll never be able to avenge Cygnas... I'll never become strong enough to even try...

Convinced this was the end of her, Gilia shifted into her real face. Her eyes were green, and her hair was long and black again. The next question was how would they kill her? Torture her to death? Hang her? Stab her? The more she thought about it, the less it bothered her. The fact that she had failed was the worst pain. If she were to see Cygnas in the afterlife, if there was one, what would he say to her? Would he hate her? Be disappointed in her? Gilia could not bear to think of the look on his face if he saw her. Head down, Gilia wept quietly in her bonds, wishing more than anything that Cygnas was still alive to save her.

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[Hack Thornias]

Current Location: Dorian
Speaking With: Gilia

Victor remained silent for most of her comments, but the final statement bothered him. If I give you the information you want, you'll still kill me for being a guild member. If I give you the information you want and am released, I'll be killed for being a traitor. Either way... I failed him..."

Unfortunately she was correct in most aspects, she most likely would be killed since she was a Guild Member. But still, she was strikingly beautiful, if that really was her true face… He couldn’t be sure but he was inclined to trust her about this being true, and the tears certainly weren’t helping steeling his resolve.

The crying was pitiful and unfortunately, caused his own grief to well up. He coughed and cleared his throat then tried to final settle down. “Alright settle down. Technically you haven’t killed anyone under the laws of Drathia so you have that going for you. But can you tell me your name and what exactly you were sent to do?”

It was strange to hear these words coming from his mouth, maybe Varys had had more of a impact than he had thought. He cast a illusion that only she could see, it was of Victor and it talked, “I can help you but I will need more information, answer my questions and I will see what I can do.”

[Sirius Business]

ѠȈȽȈȺ ☽☾ ϢȈȽɖӬɌ
Current location: Dorian
Speaking with:Victor Thornias

“Alright settle down. Technically you haven’t killed anyone under the laws of Drathia so you have that going for you. But can you tell me your name and what exactly you were sent to do?” What? Was this noble actually trying to cheer her up with thoughts of hope? How was that even possible? True, she had not killed anyone, under orders that is, but she was still a member of a guild, which was a death penalty. Just to be sure, Gilia weighed her options again. Teleporting was a no, seeing as they had some sort of Magical Manipulator close by her. Furthermore, shapeshifting into anyone, say Lord Dorian, was utterly useless. What other choice did she have? She was going to die one way or another. Besides, every time she looked at Victor, all she could see was Cygnas, and that was the one person on all of Drathia she could not lie to.

"My name is Gilia Wilder. I was sent here to gather information, that's all." Vague but an answer. What happened next felt like an illusion that Gilia had conjured in desperation. “I can help you but I will need more information, answer my questions and I will see what I can do.” Was he really going to help her? Did "I will see what I can do" mean he would ask for her freedom and happily accept a no? For all she knew, Victor was lying to her to get what he wanted, playing on her feelings of helplessness to strip the information from her. Be that as it may, what other choice did Gilia have? Dying with a secret as stupid as this? No. If giving Victor the answers he wanted meant her freedom, she could train her magic another way and still avenge her brother. Yes, that was what she would do.

"I was told to come to Dorian to spy on you and Lord Dorian and relay all of the information you gave to Lord Dorian to my Guild Master. He knew the message would be of great importance since you were coming yourself and did not simply send a raven. That was all. I was not allowed to kill anyone, and I didn't. I was finished with my job and ready to return home before that mangy mutt sniffed me out." Gilia had stopped crying now, feeling a bit of hope rise in her heart. By now, her eyes had adjusted to the blackness, and she could see others outside her cell. Therefore, she did not dare ask Victor how he was going to help her. That and in case of the small chance she might have dreamed him saying that. "What else do you want?"

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[Kelevra Black]

Current Location: City of Azoth
Speaking With: Guild Master Kestus

"I want my promotion!" Ezra yelled at the Guild Master. "I've been serving The Shade faithfully for years now. I've killed more people for you than most anyone, and I've done so flawlessly. I've never had a witness. I've never killed an innocent. I've earned it!"

"... No." Guildmaster Kestus replied. The single word answer was enough to piss off Ezra even further.

"Then when? I was the most skilled Assassin in my entire homeland, and I've proved myself here as well. Why do you still treat me like a child?"

"Because you continue to act like one. You've completed your contracts with near perfection. You've showed cleverness and creativity, skill and agility. But look at you now. I say no and you throw a tantrum."

"What can I do? I need access to more poisons. I'm don't feel like a proper assassin without them."

"Complete one more contract and you'll have your promotion..." The Guild Master stated. Sitting down and removing a scrolls from his desk. He unrolled it and allowed Ezra to read.

Mission Form

-Objective: Kill Lord Dorian's Daughter.

-Details: We have reason to believe that Lord Dorian's daughter, whom was previously betrothed to one Kelevra LeCarde, is now betrothed to a double agent for Overlord Slade. Should her marriage become official, she may become leverage to be used against Lord Dorian. Kill her to prevent this from happening.

-Important Information: Victor Thornias was riding for Dorian to meet with the Lord there. It is likely that he arrived. He is a sensor, so tread carefully.

-Maximum Allowed Casualties: None.

-Preferred Method: Kill her brutally. Make it look as though it was the work of an assassin working for Overlord Slade.

-Posting Deadline: None. Return when the mission is completed.

"I accept." Ezra said, then stepped out of the office.

[Kelevra Black]

Current Location: Caprice
Speaking With: None

"What'ya like, lad?" The barkeep asked. Kelevra had been sitting at the bar for well over half an hour and hadn't said a word. The man behind the bar would frequently ask Kelevra this question.

"Nothing, sir. I'm not thirsty." Kelevra replied. Just as he had been replying the last several times he was asked. Being in Caprice, one of the sister cities, would usually have been something Kelevra looked forward to. But his current conflict with the choices he was considering making were eating away at him.

"... 'ave it your way, then." The barkeep went back to serving other customers.

Kelevra sat at the far edge of the bar, eyes down, looking at his arms, which were folded on the bar. You have no reason to hold a title anymore, Kelevra. You've lost your lover and childhood friend to another man. You're title isn't high enough to attract the marriage of anyone else. You're alone now. I could head to Dorian and pledge my loyalty, serve as a guard, an advisor... Hell, even a steward doesn't sound half bad right now. Or I can continue traveling... But I'm running out of money. s**t...

Kelevra left the bar, much to the annoyance of the barkeep, and headed toward the stables. His horse was drinking from a trough of water and eying the mares. "Not this time, my friend. We're leaving."

The horse grunted as Kelevra unhitched him and climbed on his back. He rode out of the city at a full gallop, and headed in the direction of Dorian.

[Hack Thornias]

Current Location: Dorian
Speaking With: Gilia

"I was told to come to Dorian to spy on you and Lord Dorian and relay all of the information you gave to Lord Dorian to my Guild Master. He knew the message would be of great importance since you were coming yourself and did not simply send a raven. That was all. I was not allowed to kill anyone, and I didn't. I was finished with my job and ready to return home before that mangy mutt sniffed me out. What else do you want?”


Victor was rather surprised that she was giving this information willingly and from what he could tell, honestly. He was still very hesitant to believe her entirely but a little voice was whispering that perhaps he should save her. She could be a important key in the war to come.

His decision to either let her go on trial and face immediate conviction was troubling him. On one hand he would secretly be betraying the Families of Power, and on the other... letting a woman whose only mission was to gain information to stop Slade suffer and die. It didn't take him long to reach a decision.

Using his illusion construct that only Gilia could hear he spoke, “I am going to let you go now. I suggest you make the most of it. The chains you are bound in are weak in the third link, expanding your muscles and bones should cause it to crack and break the chains. Once you are free I want you to knock me out. Escape the city and return to your Guild Master, tell him that he owes me a favor and that it would be nice to have his help in the coming war. Do not return to this city.”

He thought to himself, "Damn that Varys."

[Kelevra Black]

Current Location: Dorian
Speaking With: None

It had been a few days since receiving his contract. He'd made it to Dorian in good time. He'd traded horses along the way when they grew tired, allowing him to make a straight journey through without resting. Now, he sat perched on a tower high above the gardens of Lord Dorian's estate. Down below his daughter was sitting with her new fiance.

The girl was pretty, young, and energetic. She was one of those stop-and-smell-the-roses types of girl. Her fiance, on the other hand, a hulking man dressed in fine clothing, seemed bored with the whole idea of a picnic in the garden. At a glance it was easy to see the two were not in love. This was all about money, titles, and alliances. This marriage was based on protection and armies.

Have to hand it to them, though... They're trying. Ezra though. He was using his Physical Manipulation ability to bend the light around himself, rendering himself invisible. It was a complicated use of magic, but did not require much energy to maintain.

It wasn't long until the man gave his future wife a kiss on the cheek and stood. The girl looked relieved as he began walking away. But she wouldn't have been so glad if she knew what was waiting for her.

Ezra watched as the man left, and saw him remove a roll of paper, which he read as he walked. The man looked up and made a sharp turn to the Raven Aviary.

The Shade has reason to believe he's a double agent for Slade... But no proof. Ezra saw this as his chance to both gather proof, possibly some important information, and complete his mission. Rather than dropping down and stabbing the girl, he moved along the rooftops, following the man as he walked toward the Aviary. Maintaining invisibility while moving, however, was difficult, so he opted to manipulate the sounds of his footsteps, silencing them completely.

When the man made it to the Aviary, Ezra was ready and waiting. He watched as the man jotted down a note, then made his move. He stuck him with a poisoned needle and laughed at how hard he had hit the floor. Ouch... he thought, looking at the man's bleeding nose.

He wasn't dead, but he was unconscious. After all, he wasn't the target.

Ezra picked up the note.

Overlord Slade,

All seems to be going as planned. Though the girl does not love me, she understand this marriage as an act of duty, and is willing. The wedding is set for the week after next. I will bring her to you immediately after our wedding night.

Your faithfu

The note cut off, probably because Ezra hadn't given him time to finish it.

Ezra looked down at the man, and then looked across the manse toward the garden, where Lord Dorian's daughter was continuing to smell the roses.... Then he looked back to the man.

[******** it." He pocketed the note, removed his knife and cut the man's throat.