Commonlands Brawl

[Mistress]

To all newcomers of the world of Norrath:

Everquest II


Rules:

* Player Killing is not allowed.

* Read up on your character, if you need help with spells and the like and don't know anything about the game itself, please don't hesitate to PM me. I'll give you a nice list of abbilities and spells of your chosen class.

* This is based in Freeport, the evil side of Norrath. Please be aware that yes, you can have any race, but certain classes only.

* Describe things. Don't say them.

* If I add on addtional rules, deal with it or take off.


My next post will be the description to base off of.

[Mistress]

Outside the gates of Freeport two warring guilds stand, officers defending eachothers honor. One Tier'Dal woman with wild purple hair spits profanity towards the large Ogre who raised his club, aiming to squish the smaller woman. The two continued to yell, others beginning to throw in random curses as well.

Before the guilds started to stage an all out blood bath, the militia stepped in accusing a small band of adventurers as well. Many other onlookers stood far away from the scene, though their curiosity couldn't seem to wane, the militia continued to round up anyone nearby for jailing.

[Zeshin]

My, my, what have we here? The shadow's ponderences were for his mind alone as he slipped his way on through the gathered masses. For him it was no great effort- he was trained to move without being seen, to go in subtelty where whole armies could not march. Bodies, bodies, endless bodies, swaying to and fro- men whose lights had yet to be snuffed out, arrogantly clinging to their tiny little flames. What a horribly disgusting sight for the youth- Ogres, Trolls, Humans, all gathered together in their mockery of life. Despicable.

A fight? Was there to be a fight here? The boy pressed passed another peasent, peering out at the scene that had entranced so many. Fighters, ready to stab and hack and slash at any moment- oh what a sight for weary eyes! Yet no, no, the booted feet were coming. The boy knew well enough what that meant. His eyes shifted, lazily, to greet the looming guards, as the crowds began to scatter. Militiamen, pawns of Lucan, marching down upon the scene. A sad and gloomy sight indeed, for the chances of a fight would now grow slim. Few would dare to mess with the militia, for fear of retribution- hell, for fear of even getting in a fight right there and then!

How sad, why can't the marionettes dance for just a little while? Oh horrid fate- Relos, where are you!? The Dark Elf's blue eyes darted back into the scattering crowd, searching for a familiar face. Then a chittering caught his calculative attentions, drawing them to the form of a rather large-sized spider- covered in a body of fur- scittering towards him. Relos! He thought, happily, as the spider circled around him. It then crawled right up his legs and onto his back, wrapping its legs warmly around him, allowing him to where it like one might where a backpack. A disturbing scene, to be sure...

[Mistress]

Viena smirked at the sight. She did enjoy sensless bloodshed, so long as none of the blood made it on her robes. She glanced down at her robe then, the beautiful purple, a shade darker than her skin. A few pieces of commonlands grass clinged to the ends and she bent over and dusted it off with a look of disgust.

The young Necromancer stood up straight and ran a hand through her short white hair before turning to walk past the militiamen. She had a few things to sell to the local merchants and the brutes weren't going to stop her. A coy smile on her face and she walked the walk, down the path, past many of the armor clad men and women trying to inflict "justice" upon the adventurers.

The woman sheathed her long staff upon her back and stuffed her book into her well tailored backpack and made no attempt to slow. She did not fear the militia, and they knew it. One decided he didn't like her cocky attitude and intervened.

Another Tier'Dal. The man stood in front of her and barred her path.

"I'm afraid you must come with me. You're being arrested for being involved with these guilds who are warring in city lines."

She gave the man no notice and walked past him. He placed a gauntlet upon her shoulder, barring her movement.

"Excuse me this is new!" she whined and pulled away from his dirty hand. "I will not come with you as I was not a part of this fight. No noble of Freeport must comply with the militia unless the Overlord permits it."

[Zeshin]

Oh dear, a rebel 'midst the masses- naughty, naughty, girl. He smirked, inwardly, without the slightest sense of emotion darting out to mar his cold black face. Out across the low green grass he moved, feet carrying him quite swiftly to the scene in mind. Two Dark Elves, arguing and bickering, 'bout the tiniest of things. How quaint and stupid- acting like the Humans and Ogres, making their own lives worthless with such petty words.

Fingers trailed down the militia man's back, who turned right quick out of instinct. Yet the little instigator was now several feet away, crouching slightly, with his black hands hidden 'way beneath his rustling cloak. Cold eyes met beneath the blazing sun, studying one another without even drawing swords. Yet perhaps luck had a place here- for the militia man at any rate- for he was graced with the knowledge of knowing this young boy. He'd seen him in Lucan's own courts, and knew he was of an ilk best left untouched. He would leave him well enough alone- Ziekros knew that as the sweat trickled down the weak man's temples.

"Back to playing the role as parents- beat the naughty children. Go, go, leave the girl to her own devices, leave her to the shadows. Leaving now, yes?" Perhaps it might seem the rantings of a mad man to some onlookers, but in truth they were quite grim and home-hitting threats. The militia man would nod and walk away- he would not whine however, good enough a Tier'dal to know that was beneath him.

So there the shadow stood, crouched low to the dusty earth, watching now the woman he'd just 'saved'. Curious eyes, that one. His spider shifted slightly on his back, one leg twitching- a sight that might catch one's eye just enought to show that this memento on his back was not just some child's plushy- but a real, deadly thing.

[HellSpawn]

Obak was standing next to a purpled hair Tier'dal, The crazy looking Knight was the personal bodyguard of Rehna The officer of a very strong guild in the commonlands. The two guild were cursing at eachothers and all what Obak would do is laugh until a large group of militiaman rushed over them. Rehna had lost her patience and oredered Obak to kill the ogre. Obak noded as his arm started to rot and an insane grin appeared on his face. He rushed to ogre and in a second He had touched the ogre's arm with his rot arm. The ogre started rot and was in heavy pain as Obak drew his sword wich was taller then him and slashed through the body of the ogre kiling him easily. As the militia was trying to arrest everyone the fight between the guild had finally started. Obak rushed a troll wich was standing right behind the guild's officer and headbutted him hard enough to send him flying and knocking down his friends as the young knight jumped in the middle of the group. Holding his sword with his two hands on his side and looking around with his insane look, the knight's sword started to glow red as the ogres, trolls and iksars that was surrounding him rushed forward. Obak spinned around with his sword knocking the ennemies back as one ogre blocked him with his sword and tackled him sending Obak flying.

The young knight violently crashed between a dark looking Tier'Dal and a snoby looking female. Obak looked around a little confused. "What the hell?" he was standing there with a sword bigger then himself with blood dripping on the floor. His armor was completly covered of blood.

[Mistress]

Viena looked down at the bloody mess at her feet, taking her viciously seductive eyes away from the disgusting spider on the other mans back. Her nose wrinkled with pure disgust and bore the violet orbs into Obaks skull. Pulling her robe up she aimed to shove her boot in his face, but noticing the blood smeared across his lips and matting his hair, she decided against it.

"You're a lucky one tonight, bastard! Could've gotten this staind!" She shrieked. "And you!" she pointed an accusing finger towards the crazy assassin. "I have never been so embarrassed in my life!"

Just then, two guards came up and grabbed Obak's shoulders, beggining to drag off the poor armor clad man who starred at his bloodstained fingers like they were a delicacy.

"Good riddens!" She turned, cheeks gaining more of a blush as the anger shoved blood into her face. Stalking away she made it to the city gates swiftly. Hoping soon she could sell her wares to the stupid pickle merchant and get a nice hot meal in the new fancy restaraunt by the harbor, overlooking the sea.

[Zeshin]

Lost within the darkness, one has no where to flee. The shadow's cape swept out across the dusty ground, still covering the whole of his form, keeping its true shape from anyone's guessings. Pressing up with booted feet, he was carried swiftly o'er the grassy plain, darting between persons here or there, as he caught up to the woman. In a blink he'd found himself before her once again, crouching, hands concealed, curious eyes watching her every move. Trapped within the spider's web, the poor little fly cannot simply soar away.

"Embarassed? No, no, no, poor little child, you've no reason to be embarassed- but you've no chance of running 'way yet. The parents may have let you go, but being at the scene of crime most foul, you've some questions to answer for the most wonderful and glorious..." he smiled cruelly, popping up onto his feet, arms going up as his cape flipped wide, "Lord Lucan!" He glanced around, noticing the peasents staring, and his face grew cold again.

"Dim little flames, I do not claim to be him, but a servant- nothing more." He turned his head back to the woman at hand, shrugging his shoulders so cloak would fall about him once again. "Now then, my dear, you weren't one of those naughty little participants there were you?"

[HellSpawn]

Obak starred at his gauntlets and started to lick the blood off.

"I am tired of you guys ..." The knight wiggled so violently that the two militiaman lost their grip on Obak. the young Tier'Dal stood up and started to run as fast as he could entering Freeport. Obak quickly looked behind and yelled "Let's see if you can catch me now".

Within seconds Obak was in the city, stil looking at the militiaman following him. Suprisingly there was no guards at the entrance of the city, probably busy arresting the others in the commonlands.

Obak turned around and threw a dagger to the militimen and drew his 6' long sword "Catch this!!!".

[Mistress]

She stopped suddanly and yawned at the mans annoying babble. Putting her face close to his, with a sly smirk on her dark painted lips, she breathed on him gently before speaking.

"I do not need to answer to you ... nor would I want to ... "

Pulling away she sneered at the spider on his back, annoyed that the disgusting creature was clicking its mandibles at her. Backing up slightly, she bumpped into something. Angered once more she turned around and faced the much taller, bloodstained Shadow Knight.

Her eyes went wide as she saw the blood on a corner of her robes, unknowing of the rest upon her back. Letting out a growl she shoved the Knight forward and turned around, pushing the other man out of her way and stalking towards her home.

"Stupid men! Now they know why I only bed down with nobles!" She glared at a few of the peasents who stared at her. Embarrassed she started to mumble out a spell. Her body shimmered and she dissappeard. Running towards the alleyway, she gave up her spell, glad to be rid of the disgusting Knight and the annoying spider keeper.

Sighing heavily she pulled her robes around to look at the mess. She would have to buy new robes, but that was okay, she enjoyed taking a look at the fine clothes the merchants had to offer in Freeport. Some of the adventurers came back with wonderous magick imbued goods as well, wich in turn fectch a nice profit for the local brokers.

She unsheathed her staff and put it down with her backpack then pulled off the nice robes, revealing a lovely white sleevless tunic and black pantaloons. Dusting off her boots with her already ruined robe, she stuffed it into her bag and started to walk off again, thinking herself unfollowed.

[Zeshin]

Impatient, snobbish, and foolish, how fun such ways can endure an apocalypse and more! The asssassin smirked and turned his eyes to the Shadow Knight, raising an eyebrow as several of the militiamen rushed him. Seemed like a persistent little bugger that just wouldn't die- alas, Zeikros was not paid to waste time on someone like him though. Of course, he wasn't paid to waste time on someone like Viena either, but she did seem a far more interesting person to waste his time on. After all, it seemed that, like most nobles, you could get under her skin with just the slightest prick- always amusing for the boy.

Besides, who said I wasn't noble, oh she lives within the past? He laughed within his own mind and turned to followed suit, pressing through the city gates and into the confines of his city. There she was, muttering and mumbling and ranting to herself- oh no, vanished in a burst of shimmering light. The fun was gone, what on earth would he do now?

A clicking on his back drew his attention, and with a wry smile he tapped his pet twice on the leg. The beast hopped down to the cobbled street, drawing more than a few screams from some nearby peasants. Of course, there were those children squealing and demanding of their parents to pet the thing as well.

Crouching down and petting the creature on the head, the shadow knew now what to do. He whispered, "Find that woman!", and let the spider go. The creature knew what to do, and scampered off into the masses, heading for the alleyways to get around quicker. Relos was such a wondrous pet- for an assassin anyways. Rising to his feet that assassin turned, looking to the crowd with the cold glare he usually greeted them with, and started off into their midst.

[Mistress]

"Oh the Gods be damned!" She sneered and pulled her staff out ready to smack the spider with her large bone carved beat-stick. "Shoo! Get away!" She shrieked at it. The little beast clicked it's mandibles at her and she growled, baring her white teeth in return.

The blasted thing had crawled into her bedroom window. Viena had just finished changing into a new dress, though hoping the arachnid had not watched her undress, she had no intentions of going out to the resturaunt without being properly dressed.

She made a stab at it with the base of her staff, missing and shoving it into the wooden floor she growled again in rage. Nothing was going her way this evening and she wasn't about ready to let some stupid bug ruin her. Finally giving in, she aimed to kick the thing with her silk slippers.

[Zeshin]

Dodging to and fro on its eight long legs, trying desperately to dodge the angry woman's assaults, the spider finally began to give up. With a sort of squeak, it turned and darted away for the window, scurrying up her wall and dropping to the street below. It then darted off into the bustling crowds, steadily making its way back to its master.

Relos, why art thou so slow tonight? The shadow's thoughts echoed pleasently in his mind, accompanied by a humming. It was a lullaby the boy was humming, and, sickening as it was, he was doing so as he was burying a dagger deep into a man's stomach. The Human, already battered and bloodied, tried desperately to scream, but found a gloved hand clasped tight over his chapped lips. Two other bodies lay nearby, in addition to several crates bearing the markings of the Overlord himself. Given how...mangey... these men looked, and the back alleys they kept to, however, it was very doubtful that Lucan earned any allegiance from them.

"Shh now, don't let loose a tear. Your time is come, oh yes yes it's true, so please die with some dignity? Oh that is not dignity, come now, this is the day that you were fated to die, why can't you give me a smile? No? Poor unruly children, now you know why your parents have to beat you so." A sickening crack, and the last man slumped to the ground, his head twisted at a rather nasty-looking angle.

Suddenly, there came the familiar pitter-patter of hairy feet behind the assassin and, spinning 'round, he found that he could smile at his pet once more. He laughed and picked the spider up, spinning around a moment before stopping and staring down the alley. The militia would be here soon enough. Glancing back to Relos he queried, "My pet, where is the snob? Oh where has she fled, deserted me in light of day?"

The spider squirmed, and dropped to the ground, clicking as it scurried away down the alley, leading its master back towards Viena's home. Relos was truly such an effective pet...

[HellSpawn]

Obak raised his sword aiming at the militiamen following him as someone bumped into him and made him loose his balance. The knight turned around seeing that it was that snoby Tier'Dal again, shruging at her getting pissed he turned to face to two militiamen once more. A little surprised of how close to got so fast Obak closed his eyes as a portal to the underworld opened and a unholy steed came out of it. The young knight quickly mounted the horse and oredered him to quickly bring him away from his followers.

After a couple minutes Obak had finally lost the two militiamen and was heading back to his inn room in shadow alley, the blood on his armor started to smell sickly sweet and it was driving him nuts. As soon as Obak got back to his room the first thing he did is take off his armor and threw it in the bath to wash it. The bath was alrdy full of water as he took a brush and started to scrub the blood off making his armor shine again. While cleaning his armor Obak quickly found out that his legplates were ruined probly from crashy violently on the floor earlier, he needed new ones.

After had dressed up in his priceless robe, Obak decided to head out to the broker to get some new legplates for his gear. Shortly after had left his room The young knight saw a spider, It was the spider that was on the back of that Tier'Dal that he saw with the snob but Obak just didn't care and walked his way to the broker.

When he got there, shiny leg plates caught his eye. Asking the broker the price he readily handed over the platinum and walked away, grinning wildly. Stepping outside the large building, he aimed for a nearby bench and eaisily slipped on the magick imbued items. His grin grew even more as the magick flowed through him and he started to walk off again, back to his Inn room.

[Mistress]

She had finally finished dressing and painting herself up to the point she could've been a piece of artwork. Smiling to herself in the mirror, Viena stepped outside of her lovely manor and walked down the cobblestreet towards the restaraunt she so desperatly wanted to attend to, especially on its opening night. She was, afterall, well known to the other nobles, especially the fellow Tier'Dal. Nose in the air, she proudly made her way into the place. Hair done up in a tight bun, she pulled on her intricate collar to loosen it slightly then found herself a table with a few "friends."

Suddanly a slight movement caught her eye in the shadows of the darkened building. The candle light flickered against the walls, but in the corners it was black. She saw it then, the same hairy spider from before. Her smile turned into a frown as she saw the little beast. Her hands started to move intricately and she began to mumble a spell.

Once and for all you little disgusting stalker ...

Shadows fled from her fingertips towards the arachnid and aimed to choke the little beast till its death. She watched it seep into him and smiled with herself for finally taking care of the problem.

[Zeshin]

"Ah-ah, hush now with the naughty spells, unruly child, and lift the pains from my sweet pet." The boy's whispered slid up the woman's spine from behind, as a dagger drew near to her throat. Another pressed against her side, intended to pop up and under her ribs if she were to make a wrong move. All in all, for Viena, this was a not a very desirable situation. Several people in the crowd had turned to watch now, always lured in by the promise of a fight in Freeport's streets. There were no screams or calls for the guard of course, because, in this city, such brazen acts of bloodshed were quite commonplace.

[HellSpawn]

Back to his room, Obak didn't waste his time and started to put his armor back on. After had slid his helmet on a strange shinyness appeared in his black eyes and he grinned under his helmet. Magick was flowing s trongly in his body. The young knight was now shining and good looking but stil had that psycho attitude and insane look in his eyes.

After a couple minutes Obak grabed his great sword and walked out of his room heading to the docks when his stomach started to growl of hunger. Obak looked in his belt pouch to see if he stil had anything to eat but all he could find is a few gold and silvers so he decided to head to the closest restaurant wich was probly the most expensive in whole Freeport.

Once inside all what the young shadow knkight could see is a bunch of people looking at something. Obak pushed thriough the crowd aisde to see what was hapenning, it was that snob again, she was being attacked by the spider freak.

"I want to fight too" As the young knight spoke, he raised he sword aiming for the man's throat, the sword was so long that the tip of it was just over the man's shoulder.

[Mistress]

The smile faded into a scowl. Releasing the spell she crossed her arms and waited impatiently for the man to release his daggers. She was no fighter and could not escape from the blades, but she could spare his disgusting pet if he would spare her dress and embarrasment of bleeding in such a fine place.

Of course the Shadow Knight had to find her as well. Irony was not in her vocabulary and she labeled both the males as stalkers. When the attention of the assassin was upon the large Tier'Dal brute, she wiggled free of the daggers and stood up, aiming to walk out of this mess before further embarassment from her "friends" would be recieved.

Flustered, hungry and on the verge of tears she just about threw a tantrum. Indeed her blood was of the pure Tier'Dal nobles and she was raised the old ways, with women getting what they want when they want, like children.

Her teachings were from private tutors and her father spoiled her rotten, though she was about to call the name of her "daddy" here and now, she decided against it and spoke her own mind.

"If neither of you men can keep your dicks in your pants and are so desiring of me that you must stalk me wherever I go ... both of you should watch yourself ... the dead are tricky ones and unforgiving ... "

Again she turned, hoping to walk away.

[Zeshin]

Oh what is this? A gallant hero come to rescue sweet damsel in distress? Oh how doubtful such a thing could come to pass- especially in such an age. Another fool now comes to die, by drawing the ire of the shadows. The assassin could have giggled in that moment, if he would'nt have thought some respect would be lost. Of course, that prospect should have meant little to one as seemingly insane as he. Yet he was content to merely spin aside from the female, and find himself staring eye to eye with the rather aggressive knight. He smiled as he crouched, cracking his wrists as he showed off his pair of curved daggers.

"Naughty boy, waving torches in the dark. Should've let the shadows claim the soul, and walk along your own path. No, no, heroic fool loving in the wrong age- the Lord looks not kindly on such!" He was nearly giddy as he slipped along dusy cobbled street, eying his opponent and the mighty sword he wielded. He scoffed, and leapt clear back up onto his feet, standing straight. He jeered, "Oh mighty wielder of the sword, think you'll strike me dead? Five blows, five strikes, in time between your second, and bloody body will fall unto the earth. Want that fate? Ancestors won't be happy, no, no, bad Tier'dal you are..."

The boy didn't even cast a second glance in Viena's direction. She could wander, she could run for all he cared, and he would simply track her down later. Assassin wasn't just a title- he had truly earned that name, and following a noble like her would be far easier than some of his previous catches. Yet, he did feel the need to correct her on one matter.

"Now little girl, don't run away! Dicks are little threat," he paused, smirking at his opponent, "especially yours, when faced with the dagger! Nobility and wealth, such frivolous things- know you not how quickly they will fade? I doubt they mean much to the dead..." He kept his ground, waiting for Obak to attack.

[Mistress]

"You're right about one thing... dicks are little threat ... "

She summoned a lovely adherant to her servitude. His back was turned and probably wouldn't be able to sense the magick within it, but she hoped to use her pet as an escape. Pointing to the two men she demanded mentally that the skeletal minion attack. Pulling up its club she turned on her heel and swiftly walked out of the restaraunt. Slipping into the dark alleyway she sighed heavily.

"I can't get away from them! Gods dammned me ... wherever they are ... "

[HellSpawn]

Obak sighed heavily. "The money is out of the fight so i am out too, pointless to fight if the only thing you can get is ... rusty daggers and a useless cloak. Snobs .. all the same.. boring... boring cowards. I am tired of fighting those damn thugs ... they are as poor as bums, and when i finally find a fight worthy of being fought ... the money runs away!"

The young knight cursed at the female Tier'Dal and slowly lowered his sword. Hero ... yea right ... Obak walked out of the restaurant ignoring the assassin and insted of grabing food from the fancy restaurant like he was planning too, he just went to a provisioner and bought some bread and water to last a couple days.

Damn nobles ... all hiding behind the militia, cant kill them for their money anymore. Maybe i should go to the guild house and see if Rehna got out of there fast enough.

[Zeshin]

(I hope you've no problem with me killing something so minor as that skeleton swiftly, Z. If so I can change my post at any time!)

"Oh dear, oh me, oh my, when heroes flee the play, don't you know the plot doth falter so? Oh dearest damsel, where do you run? The villain is still here to play!" The assassin was a crackpot, there was little doubt of that to any passer by. Quite unexpectedly as well, he let the warrior merely turn and walk away. Instead, he spun about and raised an eyebrow at the skeleton, giggling a little beneath his breath. What a wonderful distraction, and a marvelous specimen! As dead as any in this room- but with the flesh now peeled 'way, that all the others might be made aware. Its life was as hollow, as shallow as all those people here, both commoner and noble alike. Yet, perhaps it was better than most? After all, it was nothing more than bones, no worries of wealth and meaningless titles to wear it down...

A swing, a miss, and swirling counter- dagger split the summons' skull. Customers fled at the sight of all these horried twists and turns in the night's events, for many were those who could not take all this while attempting to dine. So as the undead crumbled into naught but broken bits of bone and dust, the young assassin found his path was blocked. Slipping his daggers back down into his belt, he started for the door.

Two differently pitched whistles pierced the dry air as he walked. His dear spider, still lurking in the shadows, scuttled swiftly over to him at his call, and climbed right up his back, wrapping its arms around him as it had done before. Rejoined with Relos, he stepped outside, and started to lazilly glance around, searching for his prey.

[Mistress]

It being thirty minutes since she had last heard of the men, she made her way back to her home, pulling her hair down and shaking the white locks. Viena made her way into the drawing room and relaxed in a big comfy chair. With a flick of her finger she started the fire with a small spell and relaxed back into the chair even more.

Pulling her collar off and tossing it to the ground she sighed heavily. The embarassment she suffered in the resteraunt and before the militia was too much. She shouldn't be seen in public for quite a while.

She started to drift off to sleep, watching the fire, furious with the men.

[Zeshin]

Footsteps, echoing through the dim little room. Sweat, dripping down the black old skin. The sound of swords unsheathed, and the clash that followed, ending inevitably with that deafening silence...and then the footsteps came again. The wooden door creaked open, and a booted foot stepped in. Eyes closed tight, hoping to blot out the figure, hoping against hope that the old moniker "see no evil" was going to spare his wrinkly hide. He hoped until the end, when that leather glove wrapped tightly 'round his fragile throat. He gasped hopelessly as he was hoisted up into the air, the tightening fingers cutting off his breaths. He clawed at the hand, but found no reprieve. When he looked down, he found only the cold, dead blue eyes of a killer. He knew his end had come, even before the speech began- even before his neck snapped with a sickening crunch.

"Oh miserable wretch, shadow of our race's glory, here my ending monologue. You cower in your home, garbed in finest silk and graced with devilish word, trying to change this place without a lift of your own finger- a place reserved for Human nobles of the days long past. You dare to work against our "great and mighty Lord" and you think you will be safe? Disgusting creature- breathing fading- you are an insult to our race, no wonder Humans rule us!" The crack resounded in the shadowed halls, and aged body slipped to the floor with a silent thud. The assassin shook his head and turned away, walking to the boarded window. Dim streaks of light poured in, striking at his eyes. He recoiled, and headed for the door- this place was for Lucan's crews now, he had other business.

***

Knock, knock, knock...rappings on the door. Shadow stood before the noble woman's home, hands crossed behind his back as he waited for a servant to greet him. Perhaps this woman would turn out to be a far better person than the last he had to deal with- after all, he'd had to do *something* after she'd run off...

(Several hours have passed, obviously, between the dinner fiasco and him showing up at your door)

[Mistress]

A servant indeed greeted him at the door. An older Ratonga female graced his presence. Her nose twitched indefinetly, sniffing out the man even before she opened the door. Adjusting her spectacles she glanced up at the man and smiled, showing her two sharp incisors. Brushing off her wiskers with a small paw she tilted her head gently and flicked her ears.

"May ... I help you?"

She waited paitently for the man to speak, eyeing the spider clicking on his back. Polite was the Ratonga woman, but trusting she was not. The old girl was also an assassin, her loyalties bought by her Dark Elf master, but aware of the abbilities of this one before her.

"Speak your name and your business or begone."

[Zeshin]

"Greetings from the Overlord I bring, and word of an inspection. Might I come in, yes yes? Don't mind me, don't mind the spider- strange I am, but strange are the servants of his lordship." He smiled, almost seductively in its dark manner. He was leaned against the side of the doorway, arms crossed, watching the Rotonga intently. He wondered, deep down, how many servants of this sort she might bear- how wealth a noble this Tier'dal woman might be. One could only get so much from a person's clothes and eyes, after all.

What a housecall. This was the sort of man that sent nobles screaming up their stairs, and hiding beneath their beds when he came a-calling. Of course, he was also the sort of man to keep his business as his own, and his identity as well. It was the duty of his guild afterall, as told him by both master and Lord. "Royal Inspectors and Spycatchers"- that was the official title, cover-ups for murderers and...well, more specialized murderers. Funny how even in this place, the rulers tried to pretty up the names of things.

[Mistress]

The Ratonga woman knew of his business, the word 'inspection' gave him away easily enough. Bowing gently, she backed up so that the taller Tier'Dal may enter through the doorway. Nose twitching again she sqeeked out a few words in her native tongue and out stepped another Ratonga, this one a male and happened to be her husband as well. The taller male dusted off his stained covered apron and looked the Tier'Dal up and down.

A few more squeeks from the male, and untrusting eyes ran up and down the Tier'Dal. He stepped back into the kitchen area where he came and began to prepare appetizers and drinks for the two to converse in comfort.

The manor wasn't large, just cozy. It was warm, candle light flickered gently, but only in specific places so that the light was extreamly dim. Perfect for the sensitive eyes of the Ratonga and Tier'Dal races. The woman pulled on her frames once more, adjusting them so she got the perfcect view.

"Mistress Viena has fallen asleep in the drawing room, I shall announce you. Only then may you enter."

She knew she couldn't boss around the Inspector, but she made herself clear and hoped that he too understood her roots. Entering the drawing room she closed the door gently behind her, leaving the Tier'Dal to wait. Viena woke up and looked at her friend.

"Sial, what is the matter?" Knowing that only her smallish servant would wake her if something has happened.

"You have a guest. An Inspector."

"An Inspector?" She remembered hearing about them from her father and questioned why she should have a visit from one this evening. Glancing over at the old Gnome time keeper in the corner she assumed it was two in the morning. "at this hour? Must be about daddy ... " She sighed heavily and sat up straight, adjusting her hair and pressing her dress so she seemed more appropriate. Standing up she watched Sial open the door and let him enter.

[Zeshin]

Waiting, waiting, time a-ticking, undoubted that they knew of what he was. Inspection was a common term amidst his kind, and it wasn't exactly subtle. Those with any contact with the 'underworld' whatsoever seemed to get quite jumpy at its utterance. Then there were people like that Rotanga. She knew what he was, he'd little doubt of that. Her body chemistry masked it, as well as her voice, but her eyes betrayed her- she was trained to hold back her tells, yes. Amusing, to find an old rat with such abilities...from his experience most of her kind didn't seem to make it to a very old age.

Waiting, waiting, time a-ticking, door finally clicking open. The shadow wheeled around, torches flickering as his cloak billowed around him. He smirked, knowing that the Tier'dal woman would recognize him in a heartbeat- one didn't generally forget stalkers so easily, after all. Clapping his hands together, he stepped lightly into the room, eyes sliding coolly around to take it all in. This certainly wasn't one of the wealthiest homes he'd every tracked his stench into.

"Greetings fellow lady of the shadowed race, fine good day to you. Famished, are we? You look so paled- nap didn't keep you from your dinner did it?" Inside, the cruel man was laughing, while outside his smile had devolved into his usual look of disintest. He who went without emotion, was he who went far in his profession. Continuing, he added, "Please, please, don't stand on my account. Sit, sit, this should not be long if fate is kind this day. The Lord does like these things to be brief, oh my yes. Lovely home though..." Nonsensical babble, pieced together as always, it would seem.

[Mistress]

Her heart literally stopped beating for a few moments when the shadowy stalker indeed stepped foot in her drawing room. Catching herself before her mouth was too far open she made her way forward and right in his face intending to threaten him. Though she was angered, indeed far beyond what she's ever been, her threatening look turned pleasant enough and she backed off and turned on her heel, dress kicked out behind her.

"Sit and be comfortable, Inspector ... ?" She let her sentance draw out, hoping to get a name. Just then a little rap at the door was heard and she pursed her lips together. "Come in."

"Garrett, come in." The Ratonga male indeed entered and placed a tray of bitter cookies and Tier'Dal blood wine. He poured two crystal goblets half full of the wine and left.

She sat down upon the comfy chair and waited paitently for him to do the same. Munching on a cookie she rolled her eyes and paid the guest the attention he deserved.

"To what do we owe this visit, Inspector?"

[Zeshin]

"Yes, yes, that I will." Nodding more to himself then anything, the 'Inspector' proceeded further into the room, flopping down casually into one of the many chairs there. He slid into a rather relaxed position, and lazilly watched the woman receive the male rat's offerings, before he was handed the second goblet. He swirled the drink around, brought it to his nose and sniffed it lightly, before setting it at a stand beside him. He hadn't decided whether or not he'd drink it yet- generally, it was quite taboo for him to do so. Most people had this nasty little habit of wanting to get rid of him, and poison was probably the quickest way to do so. For now, he could just sit and enjoy the sight this woman provided: loathing his presence, and yet forced to act like he was some bloody King come to visit.

...Well, maybe it wasn't that hardy of a welcome. In fact, he'd almost wished she'd have slapped him when she'd drawn near but, alas, things did not always go his way. Nevertheless, he had a job to do. So to begin, he stated, "His lordship sends me 'calling, of course. From the shadows to the 'brightest lights' of Freeport, that he might now how they are doing. Troublemakers have been rousing in the children's spirits after all, and the wrinkly old father doesn't seem to like it. But who would?"

THere was a pause, and then the boy's lips formed into an "Oh!" sort of gesture. He reached up, and dropped his hood, shaking the bits of static out of his hair as it came into view. Short and white with black-dyed tips- an oddity to see amidst their kind- and given his black skin, he was one of her kind. Blue eyes watched her coyly, as the rest of his body disappeared beneath the blackness of his cloak. His spider, having leapt off as he took a seat, sat obediently at the side of his chair, relaxing as he was. Yet perhaps the greatest oddity of the boy was a peculiar tattoo upon his very forehead- a bloody eye. Definitely odd company Viena would be hosting tonight.

"Now might I inquire dear girl- are you the head of this house, or do you have a father here to care for things?"

[Mistress]

"Indeed this is my house, daddy lives in a bigger house in East Freeport. If you'd like to pay him a visit by all means ... but I do not appreciate the way you've treated me in public. I do not take embarassment lightly. Currently because of you I cannot step into a room with another noble for months!"

She clearly got angered and had overstepped her bounds. He seemed to taunt her, everything he said, in his random babbles made quite a lot of sense, though most of it made her want to choke the life from him with her shadows. Or disease him, that could be an idea.

She sipped at the wine, and set it down on the table then grabbed another cookie and shoved it into her mouth, hoping to keep herself from any further outbursts. Eyes roamed over the disgusting litte spider multiple times, but she managed to let him be. One of her Thexian black cats might have fun with it, though they probably slept on her bed upstairs.

Swallowing the cookie she looked to him again, awaiting his response.

[Zeshin]

"There it is, that lovely anger, visions of an agelong past. Harness that and harness life, essence of the black-skinned. My oh my the power he would wield, if he'd only more of us, who could still wield that dark gift." The boy chuckled, softly, almost under his breath. Wrapped in his black cloak his eyes continued to study the woman, emotion still not daring to flicker across his face- even for the brieftest of seconds- as she rambled off her rage at him. Poor woman, how he had offended her, and how much fun it had been! Oh, nobles, they were such fickle things. Warping into their human counter-parts with the exposure- born of hate, but raised on weakness. It was a horrid sickness his race had been stricken with, indeed.

He cooed softly in continuation, "Anger deserved, and anger appreciated, is however unbefitting. You're a noble, after all- need to be prim and proper all the time. Like the humans, oh my yes, can't be different, no...sickening, yes? But apology is not forthcoming, oh my, no, no. The question is, with embarassments as such, will fading rose still stand up in the wind? Or will she turn her loyalties, and be blown away on winds of change? Many fellows have- know a Lord Ji'kantor my dear lady? One of our kind he was, yes yes..." Normally, he didn't refer to dead men in his conversations, but he had to make a point. More then a few nobles had turned up dead following Lucan's latest back of 'investigations'. They had not been loyal, nor team players...and it had turned out badly for them.

"You know, stories I have always heard, that our women were supposed to dress so much more revealingly...perhaps I was born into the wrong time, oh yes. What a loss for me..." He sighed, mumbling those words beneath his breath.

[Mistress]

Her anger flared again when he first spoke, and he only fueled it to the point she couldn't keep it in anymore. And indeed, the violence and hatred of their race flew out of her mouth and out of her hand. She had caught herself in a spell, one of lightning and rot. She forced it at him, not really knowing what was happening. Though before she knew it she was on her feet and flying at him with the poisioned dagger she kept in her corset.

"Die!" She screamed at him. Rage flowing through her violet eyes.

Sial entered then, Garrett not far behind. They squeaked their protests and claimed that their Mistress was drunk, hoping the man would not kill her.

[Zeshin]

Amusement turned to pain- the chair flipped backwards, the boy rolled from his seat. Back onto his feet he rolled, standing firm with daggers out, watching as the woman leapt harmlessly onto the empty chair. I guess she has a problem with her furniture- given how furiously she stabs it! Inwardly, he laughed like a hyena at that joke, but outside, his cold features remained. The rats were protesting, trying to help their mistress with their words, but it would help her little. The words of servants, much less ratty ones, meant precious little to the boy, and to his masters.

Pain though...what the hell was that? His eyes shifted slightly, glancing to his shoulder- the spell had caught him there, just barely. Amusing, more than agonizing, though. His attentions returned to the woman, and he sheathed one of his daggers. She swung wildly at him again- a miss. He aimed to knock the dagger from her hands, and pull her up by the hair. Maybe then they could have a little heart to heart.

[Mistress]

Missing with the dagger she aimed for him again, this time Sial had pulled out her own weapon. If indeed the man had killed her Mistress, she would fight to the death as well. Though she had managed to hit the man's shoulder with her spell, it wasn't enough to immobilize them.

She screamed. The dagger was knocked from her hand and he had wrenched onto her hair. Pulling her up, almost off her feet she slapped him hard across the face, hoping he'd let go.

[Zeshin]

Though his face turned with the force of the slap, when his eyes turned back to Viena, the boy showed little signs of pain. Rather, he calmly said, "Will the naughty little girl be calm? Or does she need a spanking from the teacher? Such hate, such passion though- ah what a thing it is to see! When a Necromancer's anger is roused, so many hurts can be so painfully wrought." He almost...giggled...slightly, before loosing the woman's hair, and shoving her back into another seat. He swiftly caught its sides, however, to keep her from doubling over backwards, and back onto the floor again.

"Calm, calm, I'll take it you did know that poor old lord. A shame for him indeed, stirring up revolt within the streets- lucky he was put down so easy! Or perhaps, you were mad about the connection I made, between you and human nobles? Oh my, my, so touchy then aren't we?" His hands slipped from the sides of the chair as he crouched before her, like a cat before it pounced. His dagger went from hand to hand every now and then, an annoying sort of habit. Meanwhile, his spider had turned to watch both Ratonga's with intensity. When his eyes flickered briefly over to it once, he took note of that, and called out to it.

"Oh Relos! If those naughty little rats draw near, then feast upon their flesh, yes yes? Don't draw near you naughty little rapscalions you...he's very smart. He'll eat your flesh, and make your bones into a handy little necklace for a loved one! Yes, yes, that he will, but you-!" He turned suddenly, re-directing his attention to Viena. "Simple questions from your lord, almost a game, you might say! Number one, yes- you attacked a servant of his glorious Lord Lucan, would you still call yourself a faithful servant too? Don't answer wrong! There are naughty, naughty penalties for such things!"

[Mistress]

Both the Ratonga hissed at the spider, Sial knew she was more than a match for the little beast, but she did not dare incite the wrath of its master unintentionaly. Viena, in turn, just sat there with a confused look.

"So you think I am a part of a rebellion?" She almost laughed, but then then realized that he thought her more Human than Tier'Dal. Closing her mouth she crossed her legs and wished desperately she could kick him in the face. Though the slow sizzle of electrified disease that spread further upon his shoulder made her smirk.

"I have no part in any rebellion, and I serve the Overlord, just as you do. I am not, however, amused by your actions this night. Our business is done. Go speak to daddy ... seven Freedom Road, he might know what you speak of ... and if you do end up killing him I'll buy you dinner ... by then I'll have enough anyway."

[Zeshin]

"Rebellion? Never said such things, no...just wary of your loyalties is all dear girl, oh my yes. Thrusting a dagger and launching a spell at someone can do that, you know. Tricksy little Necromancer you are, noble incarnate- thinking there's no consequences. Oh me, oh my, what happens when one lives in the luxury of men for far too long." He shook his head slightly, clicking his tongue as he shifted his weight onto his right leg. The diseased shoulder hardly bothered him- it would end soon enough, and then he could just treat himself with a potion of something. He'd endured far worse things than the minor spells of some apprentice Necromancer.

"Now, now though, I'll have you know, another shadow's already gone to see your father. Yes, yes, same time as me- I wonder the result? But nonetheless, it means so little, for we've other matters to attend. The alpha once to know the little wolf's relation to certain naughty malcontents within his pack- men who've been plotting in the dark, and who've been seen here once or twice before. Before I drawl my questions on, have you any words to say, little noble?" He shrugged his shoulders, letting his cloak fall back over him to conceal just about everything below his neck once more. Something of a security blanket for the assassin- he didn't like people being able to see what he was doing.

[Mistress]

She mused over his words, choosing her interpertations wisely. The man did not accuse her, thats correct, just asked her about it. She did act badly towards the words, but her fury wasn't going to be quelled with new meanings amending his previous statements.

She stood up and faced him, eyes keenly upon his.

"Do not underestimate me. I am true to the Overlord and I am true to my blood. I can prove it in anyway you see fit."

The little disease spell sparked a bit more, but continued to grow. The disease fed of the little spark curse and did not bay. If she indeed had captured him with a full front spell, she would've killed him easily, slowly and easily. The sparks would eventually paralyze him and the disease rot his flesh away.

"The men that come to my home are only for pleasure. I do not consort with them in other ways. If they have done something wrong, then punish them, I care about them not."

[Zeshin]

"Good, good- though I hope you're not a whore. Very unbecoming of a noble, yes indeed. But then most humans seem fond of inter-breeding, so who am I to judge?" He hopped up suddenly to his feet, seeming content with the woman's answers. Relos, the spider, continued to hiss at her servants, but other than that aggression seemed to be at a minimal. The boy finally paid his wound some heed, as well, reaching into a pouch on his belt, and quickly producing a pair of long, thin vials. He shook them around before his eyes and then, content, dropped one back into the pouch, popped the top of the other, and drank it all down in a matter of seconds. The spell halted, though the damage remained for now. He would have to drink some form of healing potion later to correct that damage.

Two different pitched whistles, and the spider came scurrying back to its master, climbing up his back and latching on as it had before. He stretched slightly, and slid his remaining dagger back into its respective sheath. Blandly, he stated, "You are invited to a banquet tonight, then, at the lordship's keep." The insanity and babbling of his prior statements seemed to have faded, his voice taken on a more normal- if not boring- texture. "Many a noble there will be, yes indeed. Half of a half of all those in Freeport- all those that have survived the inspection of this day, at any rate. A gift for the lucky few!" He spun and watched the woman with a bit of insane glee, before drawing his cloak back up over his youthful face. Then, his cloak fell about him once more, and hid his body from sight.

"Wear something fancy, and something revealing, or the eyes of importance you shall not draw. Bring no lover, bring no slaves- the lordship wishes no attachments. Many of our own fine race will be there, including..." He seemed to wobble, slightly, eyes gazing off as he thought of the woman, ever at his master's side. "Well, you'll have to see." He laughed, slightly, and turned to go...though he expected a dagger in the back.

[Mistress]

She did nothing but watch the male being escorted out of the drawing room with the Ratonga's in lead. Sighing heavily she sat back down on the chair and stared into the fireplace. She had no idea what she had gotten herself into, but she knew that her actions were wrong in high class society. Though it was true, she was of the Dark Elven race, a race fueld and protected by Chaos. She did not fit in with the rest of the Human nobles, only the few Tier'Dal she seemed to connect with and even then, they were disgusting, no professions or hobbies to speak of, just money and status.

Hours passed and the sun finally rose, too tired to think of anything else, she made her way up the stairs and into her chambers. Sial slowly followed, helping her to turn down the beds and playfully chasing away the large black cats so that Mistress Viena might lay down. The down mattress comforted her as she slipped into a deep sleep.

Too soon for comfort, Sial woke her. Grumpy, to say the least, the woman swatted away a large cat that had found the space in between her legs to be a comfortable bed. Another one jumpped on the bed and purred at her hand, she scratched under his chin then slipped out from under the comforter. The same cat turned and hissed as Sial brought in a garment and laid it on the bed.

"I knew you only had the fashions the nobles wear these days, large dresses with little comfort. I went shopping and got this for you, as a gift."

Viena smiled at her friend and pulled up the garment examining it closely. It was a close fitting gown. With two long slits down the legs and one revealing neckline, that didn't seem to end until her pelivs. The dark black material was exquisit indeed, she didn't recognize it, though extreamly soft to the touch, it was completly unlike silk.

Slipping it on and adding a few accessories, she left her hair down and donned her jewelry before stepping downstairs to discuss things with her servants.

"If I don't make it back, you know what to do."

Both the Ratonga grinned, flashing their sharp incisors. Viena made her way off, wondering why she had no escort to lead her to the banquet.

[Zeshin]

"Oh me, oh my, what fun we've here tonight! Banquet in the moonlight, nobles gathered after fright! Dinner tastes so sweet, when mortal fear abounds." The assassin laughed and spun around, wide open in the city streets, as the looming image of the keep drew ever-closer. The peasent flocks were growing thinner now, for, dangerous as the city was in the daylight, it was eternally moreso at night. Yet, those that remained, mixed with militia guards all watched the boy with dumbfounded amazement, wondering just what was wrong with him. As he drew nearer to the keep, however, the guards grew more and more expectant of his kind, and more knowledgeable of just what he was. 'Inspectors', after all, struck fear into more than just the nobility.

***

Finally the time was at hand. From shadowed corner the boy watched in silence, as nobles began to move out into the room. A quarter of all the nobles in Freeport would be here, and a quarter tomorrow, and the day after that, until Lucan had seen them all. Of course, each night it was only those that survived the day's inspections who would be attending. The other lucky candidates were having their houses raided and cleaned up after their untimely demises. After all, the great Overlord of Freeport couldn't just let their valuables sit and collect dust...and if they'd any loved ones, they could always collect it later. The bits he didn't want himself, anyways.

Finery lined the tables, and hung from the walls and ceilings as the upper society entered, as sharp contrast to the normal doom and gloom of the mighty fortress. Zeiken and Relos kept unseen for now, as did several other shadows in the dimly-lit room. Their job was to watch and wait, and make sure nothing would go wrong. If anything happened, well, suffice to say the ruler of Freeport didn't wish to depend on Militiamen alone. He had this thing about garauntees...

[Mistress]

As she arrived, she primpped herself up a bit and looked around at the rest of the noblility who had survived the night. She looked nothing like them. She was not a whore, only taking to bed a couple of lovers and they stayed the same for months or years, though now she did look like one.

Waiting around she was wary of the others, even her own kind stared with whispers attached to their looks. Viena knew what they were talking about, yesterday and her current attire. It disturbed her that even her "friends" looked down on her dissaprovingly. Again blood rushed her cheeks and embarrasement kicked in. She did not know what she was doing here.

One thing she did notice, when everyone was present, daddy wasn't there. She smirked to herself, knowing that her father was probably decesed. He hated her for being a girl, and she hated him for treating her like an object.

Eyes continued to roam the room, but she kept herself to the shadows as not to draw the attention of the other nobility. They continued to mingle, waiting until the dinner began. She wondered if there was to be more partying afterwords, dancing or possibly lucid drinking.

[Zeshin]

Once all had gathered in that place, the dinner was truly set to begin. From some far off place, footsteps could be heard, light and well-placed. Nobles stiffened, straining to hear, and the shadows settled into their places, knowing who was first approaching. Suddenly the doors slid open once again, and a graceful form emerged. Black skin, long white hair, a form that left the women in desire, and all the men with wagging tongues...the right hand of Lord Lucan himself. She raised an eyebrow at the crowd, watching them with a sort of bemused sneer, as the mass of nobles started to make their bows. Freeport was a cruel place, which oddly made the need for formality all the greater...after all, if you disobeyed here, the pains you received as a result would be quite hideous.

Zeiken's eyes followed her every well-placed step, as she moved gracefully to the seat at the immediate right of the long table's head. Once her buttocks rested on her satin-lined chair the other nobles began to take their places, pleased to find the table already set. Yet, slowly they began to take notice of the fact that Lucan had yet to arrive. The great Overlord had gone to all this trouble of 'inviting' them, and yet, he would not even grace them with his presence. Ill tidings this bore.

Piercing eyes looked right his way. The shadow shivered, and lowered his gaze, one of only two people he would ever acknowledge in such a way. Lucan's lieutenant, her gaze unfaltering, lingered upon the boy for a short time, before passing to his fellows in the darkness. She never missed a thing, and it was she that had placed them there, after all. Likely she wanted to make sure they had done their job, lest she have to punish them later. Her wrath was one thing this boy never wished to incur. In all this room, hell perhaps in all this town, she was one of the few people that he could honestly say he respected...perhaps more. Yet that might simply be the foolish feelings of a youth.

[Mistress]

Viena made her way to the table and sat down upon the cushioned chair. Her eyes ran across all the people around her, but she averted her gaze from the beautiful right hand of Lord Lucan. Viena's own beauty matched the womans, possibly even surpassing, the woman carried a few battle scars, two being apparant on her face, though hidden with her long snow white hair. She was not, however, more powerful than the necromancer, but maybe some day she could be.

She continued to look down, embarrassed about her attire. The dress was rather quite lovely, but she didn't think it proper a lady to wear such things. Eyes glanced around the shadows, she felt like she was being watched. The guards that hugged the darkness made her uneasy, thoughts drifted to the male who stalked her earlier. Anger flared and cheeks turned red, but she waited just like the others.

[Zeshin]

Good things come to those who wait. That sentiment always had seemed quite idiotic to the young assassin, but he supposed it was that same thought that kept most these nobles going. He figured most clung to some silly idea that their 'benevolent Overlord' would give them something for the troubles of their day, rewarding them for the harsh inspections. All the more proof of how stupid the world seemed to make the vast majority. Money, class, wealth...all it served to do, was breed a race of weaklings. Once, that glorious honor had been reserved for the Humans, but now with the great intermingling of races, even the mighty Tier'dal walked the same path. Sickening.

With a mighty heave, the doors drew open once again. Lucan's right hand arose, bowing slightly, with lips ever-pursed into her cruel smile. Hatred and true power lurked beneath that figure, and Zeiken loved every second he got to gaze upon her. Yet, back to the doors.

Lucan himself marched beneath the doorway, looking over the crowd with his one good eye. He was the only present noble allowed to keep his weapon at his side, and rightly so- he never parted with that old sword of his. Probably served as a security blanket of some sort, but who could really blame him? In a city filled with all the vermin of the earth, you had to be prepared for anything. He hadn't survived this long, after all, without being a little cautious. The nobles rose in unison, bowing low, following his lieutenant's good example.

Only when he at last took his seat, did the others clamber back down as well. He seemed a bit annoyed- likely because his advice to most the women had gone unheeded. What Zeiken had said to Viena, after all, was not his opinion, but that of the aged Overlord. The old creature did still bear working parts, and he generally liked to see his subordinates' best features...accentuated. At the door, four guards now stood watch. Ah, more militiamen- they served as the 'visual' presence here, but the shadows were the Overlord's real guardians.

Lucan began to speak, of one thing or another. Politics, loyalty, saluting those who'd survived...something like that. The young assassin in the shadows, however, honestly did not care. All these things meant little to him- he was a killer, and that was what he did. Manipulation, rumors, stabbing...all of it was just a means to the end, different notes in the same grim song. No, his attention was focused on Lucan's leiutenant, though his eyes wandered from time to time to the other Tier'dal women present. He only looked away when the black-skinned woman looked right back at him, having felt his snare. For a moment, he'd almost thought she smiled...

[Mistress]

The banquet turned rather boring for the woman. All she did was the exact same thing the others did. Eat when she was supposed to, drink lightly, and keep her eyes averted from the powerful Lord Lucan. Her eyes then noticed the male Tier'Dal from before, the one who had tricked her into wearing this piece of cloth some called a dress.

He had been eyeing the right hand of Lucan. He had his gogoly eyes undressing her as he salivated over her presence. Just like all men. She laughed slightly, entertained by the fact that indeed, the girl held the most power in the world.

Continuing to eat, she patiently waited for the banquet to finish. Hoping for some dancing to follow, she glanced around at the men who had graced the Lord's presence. Nothing worth anything she so saw.

[Vieago]

The noble meeting was going as planned while the streets still reaked of filth. The recent conspiracy of the Qeynosian invasion had kept Lucan on his toes and when Lucan was concerned about anything, so was Naldir. The Teir'Dal Shadow Knight was legendary in his past feats and battles, fighting even at the side of Lucan himself. His cruelty when faced with an enemy had gained Naldir a position as the commander of the Freeport armies. Not the militia, but the actual Freeport army itself. A force unknown by most as they worked in the shadows as spies, assassins and fighters against Qeynos.

The knight rode up the road that the "festival" was being held with the nobles and Lucan. The moonlight hit his armor and refracted in all directions a red glow that illuminated the walls of the building. The unholy horse the knight rode on whinnied and pierced the air with its condeming shreik. All froze that were moving through the streets except 1. A man on a white horse slowly made his way towrds the hulking horror that stood in front of the gathering place of his lord.

"HALT!", Naldir spoke as the man continued on his path towards the entrance of the building. Reaching to his side, the man pulls a sword and holds it in front of his face. The gleaming blade sat inches away from the solid white metal that encased the approaching man. His glove slid tight against the hilt of his sword, showing the enblem of his queen on the outisde of the gauntlet.

"A Paladin. I am going to enjoy this," Naldir thought to himself. Every crevice of the knights armor moved in sequence as he reached around and unsheathed his sword. Slowly pulling the blade free of its cage, the spikes on the knights armor, which covered his sholders and protruded from his elbows, began to glow a deep maroon and the armor itself seemed to breath with him. The sword, finally free of it prision, shot out an aura that consumed all of the light around it, making the blade look as dark as the midnight sky.

Twisting his head around, Naldir looked at one of the guards through the eye sockets of his helmet, which reminded them of a mans skull with horns protruding from both sides of the helmet that rose almost half a foot from the knights head, "Get a clean up crew out here immediatly. We do not want our Lord to see this mess after he dines." The guards nodded and ran with great haste inside the doors of the buiding.

The knight now takes his attention back to the approaching horseman. He can tell that this knight of Qeynos is now feeling what many of his bretheren had before their death, absolute terror. The approaching knight called out, "I am here for revenge Naldir. Revenge for what you have done to my father and brother!! Prepare to meet your end!!!" The pally not stepped the speed of his horse from a trot to a full run towards the grimising figure. Naldir snickers as a brilliant red flame begins to surround his hand, shimmering like electricity around the hand and forarm of the dark elfs hand, he raises his hand and speaks a few words in thexian as a bolt shots forth into the chest of the paladian. Wracked with pain, the holy crusader is knocked from his horse onto his back. The clammering of his armor is heard throughout the city streets.

"Take this message to your brethren. Pain is only the begining of your end. See you in the afterllife." Naldir spoke these words as the charged the now prone man, allowing his horse to trample over his body with its flaming hooves. After the dark knight makes his first pass he jumps off of his horse with his greatsword now flaming along with the hand it's held in. Hovering over the prone crusader, Naldir lets out a deep laugh and thrusts the sword through the head of his now defeated foe. The scream was horrifying to those that chose to stay and watch. The noise peirced the air and lingered like the foul stench of the orc infeasted burial grounds from battles past.

Naldir slowly removed his flaming sword from the skull of the man before his feet. "Get this scum off of the streets and make haste. I require an audience with Lucan, if this man could make it through our guards then treason is at hand." Naldir said as he sheathed his sword and made his way towards the door. The guards did not stand in his way as he passed into the building and made his way to the dinning hall. Removing his helmet to show his glimmering white hair and light blue eyes, the Teir'Dal opens the door to the dinning area. . . . . . .

[Vieago]

The doors presented an array of ppl form freeport with one thing in common, they were all nobles. The few scattered guards were more for show than true protection. Lucan had his true army and they were all hidden in the shadows, where he liked them. Naldir took a deep breath and then began to walk towards Lord Lucan himself, ignoring all of his guests as if they were the mere scum on the streets like the one he had just delt with. Noble ment nothing to him. It was a title of prestiege earned by birthright and money alone, not by force of will nor death.

Naldir made his way to the side of Lucan's chair, paying attention to the solice and shadows of his servants as they moved through the dinning hall in curosity. Naldir wasn't one to make a "guest appearence", especially at a dinner with nobles. Once at the foot of Lucan's chair, Naldir knelt and bowed his head to his lord. "My lord, there is something that I must speak with you about."

Lucan looked at his faithful servant and spoke, "Speak Naldir."

"In private my lord, it is a matter of grave importance."

Lucan nodded to his faithful servant and arose. "Dinner is over, there will be dancing in the ballroom. I will join you all soon."

The unholy avenger and the Lord of Freeport walked off to a secluded room away from all of the nobility, but not from the ears the shadows hold.

[Zeshin]

Ill tidings do surprises bring... The shadow shifted, eyes flitting to the figure in the doorway. Nobles followed suit- shocked, and albeit a bit disgusted to be intruded on. Nobles liked to have control of a situation, a sort of power trip that all men suffered from, and when denied that rite, they hated far greater the horror of a surprise. Surprises stripped men of their advantage, stripped them of assurity, stripped them of peace. Who could relax, after all, when such things loomed on the horizon, or in every slinking alleyway? No, the nobles were not pleased about the newcomers arrival...

...but there was nothing they could do about it. Lucan's voice chilled them, pierced them, drew them to their feet. Shallow bows and scowling brows- the elite departed for the ballroom. His lordship's guards quick followed suit, knowing their place as symbols. They would guide the nobles to their place, let them see the Overlord still ruled these events.

The shadows, however, were not so swift in their departure. Looming, crouching, watching, they hovered in the great hall, waiting for the call. The right hand- that beauty of a Tier'dal- watched her Lord's dark general enter. She watched, but kept her silence. When he turned, gave to her the nod of leave, she scowled, and marched from his presence, headed to join the others in the ballroom. A beauty of a waltz began to play, spilling out into the castle's halls. The shadows flitted, and faded.

Yet, Lucan and the general were not without their watchers. Two shadows stayed behind, as previously decreed. Three others- Zeiken amongst them- departed with the woman, stalking her 'til she'd reached her fuming nobles. The shadows hung back then, melded with the darkness the flickering torchlight provided. They melted away, and watched events unfold, not a smile on their faces as the elite began to dance. Up above in blackened sky, the moon broke through the clouds. It was red as crimson- a harvest moon...a blood moon.