|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 Posted: Tue Sep 13, 2016 8:57 pm
Solo
Dreamscapes and Nightmares: Aqio's Day Dream
He always wanted to see his brother smile. Never cry, never bleed. Smiling. Happy. Safe. Things that he grew up knowing were not in their fates. As he sat on the deck watching his brother in the rain the small water child sighed. He knew better than to try and wake his brother from his day dream daze. Last time he was pushed and watched his elder go into hysterics. It was only later when Abie came out of it did Aqio realize that he had bled. The emotionless child merely sighed as he comforted his twin before being tended to by their Caretaker. He really had little to no use for the adults around them. All adults were the same, all they wanted was to use them for another purpose. Another failed attempt at a vile dream.
His eyes narrowed as he looked at his hands, the rope scars around his wrists a reminder of the dream that their former Master had for them. He pulled his small sleeves down further, hiding the ugly marks from view. He wasn’t exactly innocent...however vile their former Master was. Neither he nor his brother had been violated on a physical level. That wasn’t just luck. Aqio knew of their former Master’s, Mistress’ disdain for her husband’s….methods. The child leaned back as he thought of the graceful Oban Woman.
She had been a soft caramel color, pretty when compared to her dark crystals. Her eyes were a bright russet color, her hair matching them in beauty. Aqio nearly missed her for those rare moments she rescued the twins from their Master’s whims. Nearly. The female made no secret of her disdain of servants...let alone those considered mere slaves. She met a fairly untimely end while out with her only child. A youth a little older than the twins, with less love for living things than his love for his parents.
That child scared Aqio on more than one level. Though after seeing his Mother run over by a steed while someone had pushed her into the busy street. He seemed less...normal. Aqio shook his small head as he snapped himself from his own day dream. Remembering those monsters was not how he wanted to spend his mornings. He blinked as he looked up when he felt a large hand stroke his hair.
Laofay. Aqio didn’t know what to make of this male. When the twins were spotted by Laqet that one time in the small nobel gathering. Aqio had just scratched at his wrist out of nerves. The beast smelled his blood and was instantly curled around the two children. A whole hour long talk later, a talk that Aqio barely could recall or really cared to at least. All he really cared to remember was that something on parchment was handed to Laofay and the male quickly scooped up both twins muttering to them.
“Its alright now, boys. Father has you.”
Aqio didn’t want to be snarky with the fool. Though he came to later understand that the male turly did think of them that way. He had them taught, mostly by his own mind. Looked after like they weren’t slaves. Aqio wasn’t trusting at first, but then saw his brother open up to the male. After seeing his brother smile at Laofay, Aqio figured he could give the male a chance.
So here he was, watching Laofay comfort his brother as the elder male usually did in his own way. Not a smile nor even the hint of one crossed his impassive features as he watched. Stroking the large beasts around him as he decided that for now...he could be content with his brother’s current dream. No...not just Abie’s. His as well. This was their Dream. Together.
Finally.Word Count: 633
|
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Tue Sep 13, 2016 9:15 pm
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Tue Sep 13, 2016 9:16 pm
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Tue Sep 13, 2016 9:18 pm
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Tue Sep 13, 2016 9:19 pm
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Tue Sep 13, 2016 9:30 pm
Class Solo
The Price We Pay Aqio sat in the suspended rope chair that was set up in his personal corner of the library. The youth was reading his favorite story ‘The Tale of Murder’, it was a mystery sort of story where the main character was to solve a murder. As the story progressed, the body count grew till the main character came to the horrible realization that the murderer was someone they thought they could trust. Instead of turning them over to the knights for punishment, the main character actually protects them and allows them to live peacefully. It was also a love story as the main character was in love with the killer the whole time.
Aqio huffed, most likely the killer knew this and used it to their advantage. He didn’t know who wrote this, he glanced at the author’s name only to see the simple word of: Friend. The name was striking as most of the more obscure books in the library were all by this author...Aqio wondered if they were someone he knew therefore the need of secrecy. Either way. The youth sat there, a slight swing to his form as he let his leg sway. Therefore rocking his chair. He stopped reading as he laid the book on his stomach. His mind wandering to the past as it always did when he started to read…
He thought of the day that he first found out his Caretaker, his beloved Orroi...his foster ‘Mother’, was an assassin. He and Abie had been in the estate for a little over a month. Abie had yet to regain his smile as Aqio had yet to regain his trust or general like of adults. Their new Master, who claimed he was their Father now...different title, same old song. He was an odd fellow. Unusual in his actions as well as words. While Aqio expected harsh words when Abie broke something without thinking, he instead heard concern for Abie...not the item that had been broken. Always at their new Master’s side was a odd looking being. When Aqio first saw him the child thought at first that it was their new Mistress. Instead he was shocked to find that it was instead a male, one who came and went as it pleased them.
While Abie and Aqio were out in the courtyard on afternoon. Aqio had heard a rather loud voice coming their way. Out of remembered fear and instinct the twins fled where they had been playing and hid. The male that burst into the courtyard seemed upset that their new Master, Laofay. Had gone against Lord Parthlio in front of so many of their society circle. Abie was huddled down, arms covering his head as he tried not to cry too loudly. Aqio was at the edge of the bush, watching the male rant and rave on. He saw the odd being walk slowly out as the poor servant tried to calm down the other male. Aqio flinched as the male struck the frail female, she didn’t hit the ground as the odd being...Orroi, had quickly shot out to catch her. Aqio recalled the name now with clarity as the male’s mismatched eyes gleamed when they looked up. He dismissed the servant with a calm smile and told her to fetch Lord Laofay.
What Aqio saw next had the child in pure awe. Once the female servant had left, the male started to call Orroi a ‘worthless example of a nobel’. As he finished his insult Orroi had gracefully moved and Aqio blinked as the male fell. The child to this day couldn’t recall such grace while killing. He jumped sharply when Abie let out a loud sob. Turning to comfort his sibling he saw the shadow of an adult. Looking up he saw Orroi’s concern gaze on them. Laofay came swiftly after that, seeing the twins being comforted by Orroi, as the male had quickly gathered both to his chest. Aqio would never forget the words their Master...no...foster Father said in that moment.
“If he touched my twins, so help him. I swear to Nerad I’ll feed his soul to my blackest Snapptrotter.”
Aqio knew then that Laofay was dead serious about being their Father. Orroi chuckled as he explained that he dealt with the disturbance. Aqio was impressed as neither adult allowed either of the twins to see the body. Laofay quickly called for a pair of servants, they seemed oddly used to the sight of a dead body. As they quickly moved it without leaving much in the way of a trace of blood left. Aqio was held by Orroi as Abie was held by Laofay. The oban male was muttering softly to Abie, Aqio was rather touched as he looked on.
“You two. Are precious to him. I could tell the moment Laqet had guarded you they way he did. Laofay needed you both.” Orroi said to the child.
Aqio looked up. His childish voice came out softly. “That man...didn’t want us here. Why do you two?”
Orroi looked down at him with a gentle smile. “Why not?”
The child was confused by that, still is now that he thought about it. Though now that he was older he understood it a bit more. Laofay had always wanted kids, though due to his preference and faithfulness, he couldn’t have any by natural means. Aqio after that had always wanted to see Orroi kill again, the male had such grace. He never had a issue with watching others die, he thought for the longest time that something was wrong with him. After a while he just came to the conculsion that he was just fine and there was something wrong with everyone else.
After all, death was a natural part of the cycle. Whether it was by natural selection or another’s hand..well...that was a different matter. So, what made him come to the choice that he wanted to become a killer as well? That was simple.
Parthlio.
Aqio could never recall the exact moment that the mere thought of that name sent a fire of loathing through his veins. The moment it did he remembered finding Orroi. It was nearly a year that the twins had been there. By that point, they had fallen into a comfort and ease with those in the estate. The child had woken from a startling nightmare one that set him in a rare panic. The hybrid male had been writing something in the common study. Aqio hadn’t recalled how many rooms he searched through for the male. He stood there panting as near tears he said the one phrase he knew he’d never be able to take back.
“Teach me how to kill him.”
The talks that followed, the days that Aqio spent on thinking...they all were worth it to the youth. He was told to think about his choice. Going down the path of a killer was not an easy task, he would have to value life...as well as death. He would have to deal with people that would degrade him daily and not slit their throat for the insults. He could learn patience, tolerance...build up his will. His final word was a resounding: Yes.
Aqio came back to himself as he heard a soft chuckle. Looking up to his Caretaker, Orroi he tilted his head. “What?”
“Nothing. I was remembering you as a child for a moment...while Laofay and I weren’t there for your early years...you boys more than made up for it.” the elder said as he came to sit on the lounge recliner near Aqio. The youth huffed.
“You’re a sap…” he tapped his fingers along the spine of the book. “Do you regret letting me pick the path of an assassin?”
Orroi blinked. Then shook his head. “I became one to be closer to my mother’s blood...turns out I didn’t need to, but I like the skill set.” he smiled at the youth. “You choosing to become one...I accepted due to your upbringing. Parthlio is a monster...what better way to end him than with someone he broke? Its poetic justice in a sense.” the male said smoothly as he crossed his legs.
Aqio smiled as he picked up the book again. Seeing Orroi blink in silent shock he quirked an eyebrow. “What?”
Orroi smiled softly. “Your reading one of Laofay’s books. He wrote that when he thought I was in love with another. I didn’t mean to read it one day while we were over...but I did. I realized who wrote it...and decided I would make him mine.”
Aqio blinked. “But...it says: Friend…”
Orroi got up, took a piece of parchement and a stick of coal. Wrote out the characters for Laofay’s name. Put them backwards and Aqio read: Friend. The youth’s jaw dropped as his Caretaker chuckled…Word Count: 1490
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Tue Sep 13, 2016 9:32 pm
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Tue Sep 13, 2016 9:34 pm
A Surprising VisitWhile the keldarii's hissed about a plan awry, the prezi preened itself for its skills with ice.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Tue Sep 13, 2016 9:40 pm
The Iron PriceMeeting another with fangs so kin, the keldarii spares a grin.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Sat Sep 24, 2016 11:20 pm
Growth Solo
Right Where You Want 'Em
Meditation was a mere flow of the mind with one’s environment. It was a way to release anger. Release all the stress and pent up tension throughout the day. All it took was one to simple still their body, steady their breathing and just...let everything go. Just let it all go. Let it--
“AQIO!!!! How did your latest training session go with High Stealth Master: Makrov?” Palla asked as the lanky Oban leaned over the smaller Matorian. Aqio opened one eye slowly.
“You are so lucky that I consider you a valuable link in my future network.” the smaller male intoned flatly as he unwound himself from his meditation position. Standing the youth rolled his eyes. “The session went as well as it usually does. Master Makrov likes the fact I want to wear ankle bells to keep in line of the whole dancer cover.” A cover that Aqio was nearly finished in crafting. All he had to do was prove himself in a few street performances. Those would be interesting. There was a female assassin who was a professional dancer that Aqio was taking lessons from. She had said that while Aqio was a tad...off balance.
Which he knew to be a nice way to say ‘klutzy’, he was figuring out how to use that falling movement to his advantage. She did remark that a few of her regular patrons had noticed him during a lesson or two, as her high payers were allowed to watch her teach. They weren’t allowed to touch, just watch. Aqio figured that meant things would play in his favor as he got better at his trade. Though the youth had tuned out Palla. The warrior had long since stopped talking as he noticed his friend had mentally drifted.
“Parthlio, was seen favoring his arm a few days ago. Seems his run in with Abie has left a crippling opening on him.” Palla remarked. Aqio’s attention was on the other. “Yeah, I heard about it. Its all through the shadow blades...Abie called off Borqet before the whelp could rip out Parthlio’s throat. In a way...I’m glad. The way I see Abie is he’s your light. Why ruin a good balance like that with the blood of a worthless curr?”
Palla would always admit that when Aqio smiled just a certain way. The Matorian was...truly terrifying. Aqio naturally had a impassive expression to the shock of him showing any real emotion was something many couldn’t really wrap their minds around till they finally saw it. Which what exactly what he felt when he saw the slow, dark...near twisted smile that slipped over Aqio’s face.
“Correct, Palla. Abie is my light, my twin. We are two halves of the same whole. If you’ll excuse me...I have to practice a dance.” he said smoothly as slipped a veil around his elbows. Palla shivered when the Matorian’s back was to him. Aqio walked gracefully into the mirror room. It was setup to allow one to watch their foot placement. Personally Aqio liked the second level which allowed one to leap up into the sturdy rafters to train their grip and climbing. Though the rafters had a thick steady net under them for the occasional slip. Aqio wasn’t a stranger to the net’s bounce which allowed you to spring back if you timed it right.
He took in a small breath as he set the small set of pouches on the nearby bench. Slipping out of the heavier outer layers which hid the view of his veiled outfit. He looked at himself in the mirror. His sleeves were sheer, off his shoulders as they tucked into the sides of his silken top. The top itself hugged tight to his upper body, the hem just following the base of his rib cage. While he still had his facial and body paint the youth was thinking about removing them to allow for perhaps a more lighter alluring appearance. Around his waist was several veils of various colors, while a ombre veil fell around his legs, it was split up either side to allow for more leg movement. He wore a pair of tight shorts that ended at his mid-thigh. Smirking he knew the dark coloration at the top of his skirt hid a few things. Such as the small thing blades along his inner thighs. He knew once he got his true blades as all assassins in the Guild had them, he would have to do away with overuse of the veils. For now though. He just liked to show off.
He had fixed the string of bells around either ankle, fixing matching strings around his wrists. He learned how his movements could create music from the bells. Flicking a wrist he started a small tempo. The youth went through a simple dance, one that he learned was a native Matorian dance for festivals. As he flowed through the steps a few times he felt his foot slid a wrong way and he covered the fall as best he could. He watched the way his body moved, stopping after a few hours time of practicing. The youth let his body relax with a happy little chuckle. He looked up as a kinfa’s whistle reached his ears. He saw one of the other trainee’s a war orphan of shifter and alk blood.
Aqio always found this one rather fascinating as the male rarely used words, but whistles instead. For the most part Aqio and the other trainee’s learned that kinfa calls were his most common method of ‘talking’. Then it was just learning how to tell which one was which. Aqio was still learning, though generally he had hand signals to support the whistles. He watched at the youth motioned towards one of their many slitted windows at the top of the rafters. Aqio decided he might as well see what the other was wanting to show him. The youth scaling the ladder leading up to the second floor easily. Then leaping into the rafters he quickly scaled and climbed to the hybrid. The youth’s solid silver eyes were unnerving if you looked too long.
Aqio looked out the window, then spotted him. Parthlio. The youth felt his blood boil. Parthlio was in a perfect situation. Alone. Swinging quickly down he called up to the other. “Keep me posted on if he moves.” Missing the hybrids look of utter ‘how do you expect me to do that?!?’
Aqio was in his outer layers, his drape and pouches in a matter of seconds. Slipping out the back door he went through the alley’s. He heard a soft whistle, his brain connecting it to the ‘stay put’ signal that the hybrid used in a recent stealth kill game they had. He slowed to look around the corner. There he was.
The fool was utterly open.
Aqio felt his hand instantly fly to a thin blade. It was flimsy, made entirely to leave his victim suffering if they managed to get away from him. The metal would break easily inside a body and stay there. He glanced down to it then back up to Parthlio’s back.
Easitest.
Kill.
Ever.
So, why was he hesitating? He was told that if they ever felt they could take a kill, their Guild Master encouraged them to get used to that weight. He was allowed this. Their Guild Master told all of the former slaves that if they ever had reason or motive to kill their former Masters...they could. Aqio leaned against the wall. Why in the path of the spirits was he hesitating? He wanted this monster’s blood…
Then he thought about it. He recalled Abie’s face when the other had returned home. The pain. He took a deep breath. Then looked again. A scare….Parthlio was wounded, this wouldn’t be a proper kill. He slipped out and then near silently...as he forgot he had bells on. Parthlio didn’t turn around. Aqio paused. Was it possible that the male knew he was there? Was---
“You should work on your composure a little more.” the male’s cold voice made Aqio jump a little. The water youth growled before he swept the other’s legs out from under him. Spinning Parthlio over his shoulder, the youth pinned him to the ground. “That’s a bit more like it!” the male laughed harshly as the air left him.
Aqio shook his head. “Your twisted.” he slammed the blade into the ground. Grazing the Oban’s ear, cheek and neck. “You're not worth Death.” he hissed before getting off the male. Making sure to grind his heel into the injured arm, a dark smirk as he heard the other actually yelp in pain. Aqio didn’t turn his back to the other.
“You should've killed me…” Parthlio muttered as he watched Aqio.
Aqio paused. “I will. In my time. Rest assured, monster. I will end you.” after that he walked entirely away. Slipping back into the alley to return to the mirror tower. He slipped to lean against the wall, suddenly out of breath. “Why….why did I let him live? I had him! I could of---”
He looked up to the rafters where the hybrid reclined. Those solid silver eyes seemed to hold the knowledge that Aqio was lacking. Whatever the reason. Aqio knew that Parthlio would come to an end. Perhaps he just wasn’t ready to take his revenge?
Word Count: 1574
Lesson Learned Aqio, learned that revenge might be better left for another time. While he has every intention of ending this male, he feels he's not ready to hold the value of a life in his hands. Not yet. He has more to learn.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Fri Dec 30, 2016 11:49 am
Solo
Starting Out The estate was quiet, peaceful, serene...the large Janarim pair lounged on the deck with every intention of relaxing were both nearly asleep. Until the rather loud, rather sudden yell of. “WHAT DID YOU JUST SAY?!?” Startling both awake. Their reactions comedic as one bolted under the deck while the other fell off the estates deck. Orrio sighed as in a room on the other half of the estate he stood there in front of a highly agitated...irate and flat out ticked off Aqio. The slender matorian was coming along far in his training. Orrio was told rather late in the game that another Guild member got a request to lure a, once upon a time, arm toy for a high ranking noble lady. After he left her services and started to strike out on his own. A few other nobles took notice...a rather annoying one took keen interest when it was made known that said former arm candy was seen with a rather pretty dancer. The request was put in and the one Mentor Orrio was hoping would NEVER get the request...got it. The female was known for her impersonation skills...it was made worse in the fact that she actually was the one who taught Aqio a few dances. Rubbing his temples the hybrid watched as Aqio paced. “Its as I said...Shesha has been put under the Guild’s care. As of right now. No one has any idea where he is.” Aqio paced in front of him, much like the irate Keldari he was most of the time. The youth looked at his caretaker...foster parent and advisor. He sighed. “Can I go find out details for myself or are you going to hand it over to me willingly?” he inquired. Orrio blinked as he took a deep slow breath. “Rumors spoke of your former master being on edge after someone botched an attempt on his life.” Aqio flinched. “While, I’m equal parts disappointed and proud that he lives...its caused a little problem. You were spotted being...a bit close to a mage, so I did a little digging.” as he spoke the elder walked over to his bag. Taking out a scroll he handed it to Aqio. “I am giving you this information because I know you won’t be a fool.” Aqio blinked as he took the scroll. He walked away slowly, unfurling it. As he did so he stopped by his room. Sighing. Seems that everything was coming to a point. Was he wrong to spare his old master? No. Maybe...he took a deep breath. The first thing he needed to do was find that female who impersonated him. Rolling his shoulders the youth slipped into a different sort of outfit. A sleek mid-drift shirt wrapped around his upper torso. Long sleeves ended just at his second knuckles. Low slung shorts wrapped around his pelvic area held there by his usual belt of pouches. His swords were strapped to his lower back, criss crossing behind him. Knee high sleek boots laced up the back, were used to hide a few extra daggers. He tied up his hair with a intricate ponytail clasp, it looked sorta like a small tiara. It was a gift from his foster father, extremely durable as it was able to hold all of his hair up. The finishing touches was the accents of rope cord around his neck, wrists...ankles and sash. The youth looked at himself in the mirror, no viel’s...nothing fancy. He was going to find this female...and get answers. He took a breath then walked out of his room. Going to his Guild to figure out where to start... Word Count: 618
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Reply
