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Lunar Mirage Vice Captain
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 Posted: Fri Sep 14, 2012 11:19 pm
Nick was a man who was frustrated in many ways, mostly due to the pain that had been caused by the Six upon his best friend who, now sat upon the throne as little more than an empty shell most days, to his ‘cousin’ who spent least half her time huddled in a stall near her other azrien, and to the others that he was close to here in the castle who had suffered their own losses as well. Truly, as ragtag of a group as they could be some days, they were who he considered his family.
He wanted nothing more than to fight for them, wet his blades with his enemy’s blood in vengeance for his family anguish. His fist slammed into the wall as he stalked through the castle’s halls, sending jarring pain up through his hand, wrist and lower arm in a welcoming wave that cleared his head. He hung his head and stood there a moment, letting it devour his thoughts for a moment, the anger dripping away like the droplets of precious blood that dripped from the split skin of his knuckles. The fight with the Six would come in time, he had but to wait just a bit longer.
He had slept little the last few weeks since the Fallen had been slaughtered. He could find no solace, spending his time spread between those he cared about most or up on the castle roof somewhere like a vigilante crime fighter as he watched in the darkest hours of the night. The few hours he did get were filled with memories of a past he could never forget, memories that used to haunt him for years as a child, sights and sounds he thought he’d forgotten or grew out of.
Maybe…he should give in tonight and do as he’d be taught by his aunt. She had taught him of different herbs that could help with sleep when he was a child plagued by them every night. He would do Reth no good unless he could get some at least one good night’s rest soon. Lifting his hand to finally inspect the damage, wincing as he flexed his fingers, he smiled a little at the scolding Mira would of given him for such a stupid act. He would give anything to have her do that once more....and that was enough to finalize his decision.
Making his way out of the castle, taking only a moment to wash the blood off his hand and to wrap it in a clean bandage, he left out a side entrance and slipped towards the shadows. The sun had already set, the sky was in the last dying bits of twilight. This meant that the more reputable places that sold herbs would have closed by now, though there was a doctor he could talk to. He had no intention of visiting him tonight, though, it would be too easy. He wanted some….fun. A challenge to work off some of the tenseness that chafed him is what called to him, so he began making his way towards the Red Circle. Always bound to be some fun there, and maybe some information too.
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Posted: Sat Sep 15, 2012 12:27 am
In the heart of the Red Circle, the Tipsy Crow Tavern was completely packed. Every seat was taken, customers were lining the walls and the small space that passed for a dance floor in the place. However, these weren't just any customers. These were all of Avandere's Black Serpents; the notorious assassin's guild infamous for its timely jobs and one-hundred percent success rate. The Serpents went above and beyond the parameters of the jobs; they created such detailed, elaborate scenes that even the Guards of the Isle called them works of art. They always left a single diamond cut into the shape of a scale on their Mark's right eye. By some, the diamond was considered blood money. By others, it was the Guild flashing their wealth and cockiness. And to more still, it was the Guild's way of saying that they'll do any Mark for a price. And yet, to the majority of the population, it was simply an enigma.
The men were surprisingly well-controlled; no fights have happened this night since the tavern opened at sunset, no one has been thrown out on their a**, and better yet, the liquor and money were both flowing freely, and everything had been going perfect. That was, of course, because the Serpents had a reputation to uphold. Cool, calm, collected, and controlled; that, more than anything, was something the Serpents prided themselves on. In fact, none of the Serpents were ever seen with their feathers ruffled. Of course, that was largely in part because the Hatchlings -- the new recruits -- were holed up in the various Viper's Dens across the Isle, and were generally kept from seeing the outside world until they were fully trained and matured. However, two Hatchlings had been allowed out of Avandere's resident Den this night, and they were on their best behavior.
Tonight was their night to break out of their shells, to prove to the Serpents that they were ready for their Initiation. However, the two lads were exceptionally nervous this night, and for good reason. The ruthless, infamous, and slightly insane Guildmaster himself was present at the gathering in the Crow tonight. Altais sat with his elbows on the scarred bar top, his long-nailed, delicate-looking hands propping up his chin. And though the bar was fit to burst from the crowd, no one sat within a five-foot diameter of the man. However, a single young lad of about fifteen sat on the stool next to him, looking quite pale and a bit starstruck as the assassin spoke to him quietly. His words were lilting, melodic, and the boy hung onto his every word, as if thirsting, ravenous for more.
"When you've cut your Mark's throat, and blood is coating the floor all around you and the dustman, what do you do, Heathcliff?" The man's blindfold was hanging loosely on his face, a very rare occurrence, and very, very dangerous. If even a single eye is exposed, and the boy meets his gaze, the child will become insane. It was part of their assessment, really; if they could remain calm during the test, with the threat of something worse than death hanging over their heads, then Altais deemed them fit to work -- at least for the logic portion of their Initiation.
"You survey the surrounding walls and ceiling, Master. If there are any protrusions or hanging, sturdy surfaces, utilize them and make your way out of the blood so you do not leave traces. And be sure to wear gloves if you choose to take the High Road in the dustman's place."
The assassin paused for a moment before nodding. "Good. And if there are no such obvious ways out, and the puddle were too great a span for one to jump?"
"Then you woul-"
All the voices in the Tipsy Crown quieted and died down as Altais held up his hand for silence, the door of the tavern opening slowly. A single man walked in, and the assassin's eyebrows rose. Intriguing. This was one of the King's men, one of his closest friends, actually. And all of his men knew it. He flashed a quick hand-sign to the room, commanding all of them to stand down and resume what they were doing previously. The man glanced around and casually made his way to the bar, though to Altais, it seemed as if he were itching for some sort of action. The assassin turned back to the Hatchling and spoke quietly. "Please return to your Adder. He'll tell you your remaining duties for the night. Your initiation is on hold for the time being, and will resume at a later time. Good work this night. Keep learning and observing, and never stop evaluating." The boy nodded and did as he was told without complaint, returning to his commander.
Altais turned on his stool and offered the man a smile, gesturing to the stool on his left. "Fancy a drink, friend? There's a truce in the Crow, and for three miles outside it as well this night."
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Lunar Mirage Vice Captain
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Posted: Sat Sep 15, 2012 8:03 pm
Nick's bright blue eyes swept the crowd before him as he pushed the door slowly open, the eyes of the crowd staring at him in return like predators after prey. He swore he could hear little more than his breathing - and a cricket who'd taken station just outside the tavern - in the space of the few heartbeats it took before conversations resumed.
Eyes roamed as he made his way towards the bar in a casual manner, knowing he was walking like mouse into a pit of snakes. There were many rumors floating about of the crowd that had taken up residence here this night - the tattoos were not lost on him on who they were and what they meant. It was no secret his friendship to the King as well, he was in a dangerous spot and this night did not mind it so much.
Twisting his lean form through the crowd, eyes constantly on the move evaluating those around him, he stepped back to let a young man through before finding himself face to face with the leader of the gang...Altais. Little was known of this man, other than he was blind and amazingly fast on his feet - along with a few other tidbits that simply made him raise an eyebrow at for being completely outlandish to be true.
Still, even with such little information, Nick knew enough just by looking at him to know he was no true match for the man. Whether or not an actual truce existed, as he said, he had no clue - all he was for sure of that he was the single thing that kept these men at bay this exact moment. He hesitated for only a moment before graciously accepting the offer. "A drink for parched lips would be indeed welcomed this night, and might I buy one for you as well?"
Moving towards the stool on the left, Nick did not sit down. Instead, put one foot up on a rung as he leaned back onto the bar, calling for some pumpkin beer towards the barkeep - keeping the seat between them. Instinct told him the best way to deal with a snake was with some distance between you and it's fangs.
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Posted: Sat Sep 15, 2012 8:58 pm
A smile curved the Demon's full lips, impressed that the man was so cautious. Yes, it was best to keep distance between him and Altais, yet the man didn't know that all the assassin had to do was allow his blindfold to droop just a bit more. He had caught the Guildmaster on a dangerous night, that was for sure. However, the Demon wasn't looking for a fight or to feed, so without ceremony he tightened the knot holding his blindfold in place. "Please, yes, a drink would be welcome this night." His voice was almost hypnotic, so calm and flowing were his syllables. "And how does our good King fare, friend? I hope he's recovering from his loss of Valdien. Though I had heard that His Majesty had Bonded with another; one of multi-hued wings and antlers -- a stunning sight, so I've been told." For once, Altais' words were actually sincere. He held no animosity towards the King whatsoever -- in fact, he had met the boy on several occasions. Once when Azreth had been a boy of ten, and another when he had first come to the Isle six years ago,
"When you next see him, please tell him that Altais sends his regards, and that he shall be sending along a gift for the cause against the Six. I'm sure he'll appreciate its use." The assassin rested his elbows on the bar, wrapping slender, almost delicate hands around his mug. He briefly studied the man leaning against the bartop, running his tongue over a fang idly. "You seem on edge tonight, Sir Nick. Is all well at home?" None ever knew the Demon's intentions or train of thoughts, so illogical was his way of thinking. Even his own men were wary of the man, his rivals and enemies doubly so.
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Lunar Mirage Vice Captain
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Posted: Sun Sep 16, 2012 12:54 am
"Give the man what he wants, my friend," Nick announced to the barkeeper, flipping him a gold coin from a hidden pocket, giving him a jovial wink, "and keep the change. For me, I heard tell there was pumpkin beer here. I think that would hit the spot nicely..."
He grinned, reminded of going out 'shopping' with Reth, mostly to see the reactions of people who'd been given something they rarely saw in their lifetime. It was a bit dangerous to do down here, but he HAD heard some fairly good rumors about how well the drink was here compared to most within this section of the city. The coin would guarantee either the really good stuff, or something that wasn't as watered down as the normal crowd got.
Upon the arrival of his drink, Nick grabbed the mug, turned back around to raise his glass to his new 'friend', and took a sip. He made a bit of a face as it burned going down - he rarely drunk anything alcoholic - and shook himself a little before giving the barkeep a thumbs up. It wasn't quite as good as the rumors - after all, whatever usually was? - but it wasn't anywhere near as bad as it could of been. It was decent, and worked to help take a bit of his anxiety off.
Sipping some more, he turned his attention back to the blind man before him, his left leg still cocked on the lower rung of the stool, left elbow resting on the bar behind. He smiled easily, but had the look of a cat on edge - not nervous so much as stalking his prey. In fact that's sorta what he envisioned they were doing, continuously circling though no blows would be exchanged this night. He wasn't looking for THAT much excitement.
"Aaah, I but seen him myself once is all. Grand creature indeed, with wings like the sky in twilight. As for the King, he's doing as well as can be expected, giving the circumstances, as are everyone else at the castle. As for this gift, I will let him know....though...I think there are other worries than just the Six upon his mind. There are rumors that the bandits have been a little more active than usual outside of Avandere as well...Seems excitement is brewing no matter where one looks nowadays."
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Posted: Sun Sep 16, 2012 1:06 am
"Ah. Bandits, you say? How odd; I haven't heard a thing." Those were no mere bandits. In fact, they were Cairne's army, but this man needn't know a thing. And the lies of a Demon were flawless; it was the one, single thing the creatures had perfect over aeons of time, and thankfully Altais had inherited that useful trait. "But, as they say, excitement is always good for business, especially in the one I'm in." He tipped a wink at Nick before realizing he couldn't see it because of the blindfold. Instead, he opted for a grin and a slight nod. "Everywhere I turn, someone wants someone else offed, and they want their best friend's nan out of the picture. Makes me wonder what's happened to people's humanity over the years, eh?"
A laugh fell from the Demon's lips. Truly, he couldn't have picked a better profession. Of course, Alston had trained him since day to excel at work in the dark, but ultimately it had been his choice. Assassin or Air Pirate, either way was a riot for a Demon, as there was always blood to be spilled. However, when he took the Sky Adder out and pirated merchant vessels, he didn't kill or critically harm a single victim. No, there were enough idiots marauding around like proudcocks. He just pirated for the fun of it and nothing more. His guild was where the real work -- and the real joy -- lay. "Bandits or the Six, times are quite tense right now. You guys are doing a right good job. Haven't heard or seen any riots brewing, and that takes some talent there."
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Lunar Mirage Vice Captain
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Posted: Sun Sep 16, 2012 1:31 am
The fingers of Nick's left hand danced idly as he took another sip of the bitter concoction. So, the man didn't know anything. Blue eyes glanced over at the blind man studying him before passing back towards the crowd. He believed him, but at the same time hadn't expected any answer other than that as it was. Thieves rarely gave any information out for free, and what they did wasn't worth the price. Life in this section was steeped in a brew of lies, the truth a commodity bought and sold like a spice to make the lies seem all that much more filling.
"These are dark times, indeed, humanity is a but a leaf before a gale storm. The King works hard to keep order and to keep us safe, and he has good, loyal, well-trained men beneath him. I will pass on your compliments to him as well, but you do make me wonder one thing. - one could reason perhaps you are to thank instead. With business being so brisk you might be taking care of the rioters for us. You, Master Altais, and your men ARE the best at what you do, after all, least it's what I've heard."
His gaze falling back to Altais, the sideways c**k of his head making him seem like a little boy once more with the way his long hair fall from his face. "And wouldn't that be silly irony? Peace and war leave you out of business - true peace leaves souls happy with life...war leaves your customers dead. Excitement like this and business is good, and yet still an uneasy truce remains, and life for the most part seems to still trudge on."
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Posted: Sun Sep 16, 2012 1:43 am
Altais laughed, slapping the counter of the bar with an open palm. The Serpents fell silent, staring at their leader wide-eyed; they all knew that laugh. That jolting, lilting, maniacal sound never boded well, but in this case it was from a benign amusement. "Indeed, Nick. We are keeping the rioters at bay, but also consider this: if there are riots in the streets, all the business we own don't make a profit, and all those we protect are stolen from, as if every other shop in the damned city. Without having people to collect our tax of safety from, and without being able to deliver on that safety, then we'd be out of the biggest part of our business." The Demon shrugged elegantly.
"Being Cutters and making Dustmen is only a part of our job. The rest is maintaining order in the underworld and keeping those in the Red Circle in check so your type isn't bothered by them. If you guys are happy, you have no reason to come down to the Red to see why the Merchants' Quarter occasionally loses a bolt or three of fabric, or why one of the airships made off with a man wanted for swindling. It's all balance in everyone's best interest, see?"
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Posted: Wed Apr 24, 2013 4:20 pm
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