Fantasy Dragon's Revenge

[BloodThunder27]

During this exploration, the Cave that Drake had chosen turned out to be a bit boring. He was yet to encounter a foe and there was no loot around. No chests, nothing. Just rocks and a few lit torches from the previous occupants or adventurers. As he was confident in the fact that he was safe in the cave for now, he sheathed his blade. He continued to go in deeper and deeper into the cave. as he got hungry, he decided to eat one of the Apples he had brought along for the trip.

 

[Kain]

"Why?" He heard her high pitched voice from behind him, questioning him. For what, he did not know, perhaps on everything that is happening right now, or what had already happened. In a far back corner of his mind, he wondered if the smell of blood still clung to his skin.


"Why?" Darius repeated, the word feeling light and strange at his throat. "Why?". The word by itself seemed so vague, and could be pressed on different matters all together."There's many answers to that, Lady Svana. Many answers." He picked up a bottle of mead and shrugged, sliding back in its cupboard. The princess couldn't ingest alcohol, though this drink could relieve of many things. "I'm afraid that I can't provide you with some tea, as I am in a bit of a hurry.." He permitted himself to take a quick glance behind him, "As should you. We are both in trouble here. Major trouble."


Far away, he heard some people screaming. Rubbing his chin with his knuckle, he grunted, taking out the dagger from his belt, with the leather sheath and everything. He threw it at her, clattering on the low rise table in front of the noble. "Knife. For protection."


He threw the rest of his necessities in his bag before throwing a cloak on his back. Darius didn't want to leave this place. It could get ransacked by thieves, rotted by the years, burnt from the fire of the soldiers.....There were too many possibilities for him not to leave it.

 

[Flabbysaurus]

Stanas Birillius


Location: Gilfaryl, Cultist hideout

​

​

Stanas was quiet throughout the journey and followed Slifer's instructions. She was the eldest so Stanas put his trust in her. Stanas nodded when asked if he would take out the others. He wasn't one for stealth but he was confident that he would come up with something soon. He just hoped he could do say without killing any of them but if he had to he wouldn't be very sympathetic.


Stanas walked down the steps. He kept himself hidden by copying Slifer and staying behind the rocky formation and peeking out on the odd occasion to see how many there were. Okay three of them. All together? This will be difficult. I can't judge how long it'll take for them to separate either...damn! Stanas thought to himself as he tried to create a plan in his head. So far he was struggling. Stanas decided he would take a risk so he picked up a stone and threw it at wall so it would ricochet into a corner. Making it hard to tell where it came from and who done it. The cultists looked at one another and only one of the three went to investigate. Stanas cursed in his head and decided to take the opportunity he had. He crouched down and walked towards the two who weren't looking at the source of the noise, both of their backs were facing Stanas.


When he reached the two cultists Stanas slowly stood up, grabbed their hoods and smacked one another's heads into each other. Neither had the time to say anything before being knocked out from the force of their skulls bashing against each other. Stanas quickened his pace towards the last cultists who was just turning around. His eyes widened at the sight of Stanas running towards him.


"HE-" The cultist shouted before being cut off by Stanas's fist connecting with his jaw. The cultist held his mouth in pain, dazed from the powerful punch. Stanas punched the cultist in the gut, only making more noise as he groaned in pain. Stanas uppercutted the cultist while he was hunched over from being winded, finally knocking him out but causing more noise than Stanas would've liked. Stanas dragged the two cultists who hadn't saw him into the darker areas of the room and hid them in or behind whatever he could find. However, Stanas picked up the man who saw him before he was knocked out. He ran back to Slifer.


"Lead the way. And do so quickly!" Stanas whispered. Although the urgency in his voice was clear.

 

[roboblu]

His words chilled her. And so should you. Though she had been confused, Svana had never forgotten her goal: to get out of this city. Later she would send word to Nazkohr of the revolution, and of her father's ... Her father's ... The little lady shuddered, clutching the furs more tightly about her shoulders. A thought struck her then: what if Darius had known someone on that platform, too? She began to watch him intently, noting his slightly panicked movements. How selfish I've been! Svana thought, frowning. If one of Darius's friends had been killed that evening, then it meant she was not alone in her suffering. And he killed men today, too ... Mara have mercy ...





A dagger clattered to the table, making Svana jump. Nervously she reached forward and grasped it, sliding off of the bench and out of the furs. The hilt felt strange in her hand, alien; she had never wielded such a weapon before. Without a word the noblewoman slipped the blade into her bag, and sent a silent prayer up to Mara that she would never have to use it.


"You knew someone on that platform, didn't you?" she finally asked, anxiously tucking a piece of silver hair back into her cap. Having a motive wouldn't erase Darius's crimes, but with a reason she would at least better understand. "My father was up there too, on the ... the receiving end as well." Her voice was quiet, resigned, and very tired. Svana stared up at the blonde man, questions in her eyes. "Where are you going to go?" she asked.


"Please, take me with you."

 

[Kain]

His breath caught up and he hushed out. "Yes." He responded, throwing a cloak onto his back. His voice was soft and low, so that she could barely hear him over the crackle of the fire. "Sir Ceallach. That was his name." Darius continued his movements, taking out a smaller coat, which would still look oversized on her small stature. "Here." Laying it over the table, he sniffed.


"I am sorry for your loss, Lady Svana." Polite smile. It was all he could do to soothe her. Darius was not a people's person, he knew that. Any inconsiderate word from him could enrich her suffering. "I do not know. For all that may happen, I may have go to Luthrad..." His tone died down, and he shook his head "Momentarily." Seeking refuge in a place that is targeted by the Revolutionaries wasn't an ideal thought, but he had to warn his family. He glanced over to the lady. So does she..... After a moment of ponder, he nodded. "Alright." Darius uttered at last, choking the fire in the fireplace.


He hoped he made the right choice.

 

[Kyero]

Slifer nodded to Stanas, acknowledging Altus as well as they had what they came for.


With Slifer's hostage in hand and Altus' coin in his pockets, they were ready to leave. Together they made for the exit, taking great care not to alert any nearby patrolling zealots as they made their way to the outside. Traveling as a group, with Slifer pretending to support her hostage as if he were injured, they made their way back to the city and to a place called the Lion's Head Inn where Slifer propped her guest up on a chair and waited for him to awaken.


During this time, she asked Stanas to patrol the immediate area and make sure the rebellion had been calmed for the time being. Altus was free to do with his coin as he pleased, but Slifer's place was with her hostage.

 

[Flabbysaurus]

Stanas Birillius


Location: Gilfaryl capital, New Mead Inn

​

​

Stanas obeyed Slifer and was now walking the streets of the city. It was still night so the streets were quiet and the only people outside were people leaving to their homes, guards on patrol or drunkards. It was really hard to tell there was a rebellion happening so far at this time of the day. Everyone was either inside sleeping, drinking or, those who were a part of the rebellion were also inside somewhere plotting.


Hardly looks like there is a rebellion going on right now. Probably best if I just go to an inn and get some sleep. Stanas thought to himself. He decided to go to an inn nearby. He knew which one Slifer was in so he could find her in the morning. Stanas found a reasonable looking inn, the New Mead Inn. Stanas sat down at a table in the corner and ordered himself a few drinks, costing him 5 Fil which he payed. The inn was quite busy so Stanas listened in on the nearby conversations, trying to find out if there was any word in the rebellion.

 

[ANONASAI]

Altus watched Slifer trick the guards and let them pass. It was a smart move and even a thief had to admit it. He tried to be as calm and innocent as he could be. He knew those guards were still looking for him. And his pounds of coin was not yet enough to pay his bounty off.


Altus raised his hood back up and obeyed Slifer's orders. He didn't stroll around the market to waste his Fil. He headed towards the hidden inn and did not expect trouble until he reached inside the inn. The lazy and useless guards finally tracked down the thieves. The guards drew their swords and pinned the thieves down. Except for Altus who had a crossbow poking a guard's neck and a dagger on his left hand. "What is this?" He shouted with an angry tone. "Drop the weapons and we'll talk!" The captain of the guard replied. He recognized the tone of the captain's voice as master of speech. An honest and reasonable tone. He slowly bent down and popped his hands as the crossbow and dagger collapsed on the wooden floor. "You expect me to believe that those are the only weapons you have?" The captain said calmly with a small chuckle that turned into a smile. The captain had a sense of humor, this could go out well and smooth. All that Altus could do is laugh back and do as commanded. He took all four of his throwing knives and threw it straight to the floor using both hands and did so to his quiver. "I'm empty..." he reported. The captain agreed and conversed with him in a room alone.


"I know you are aware of the revolution that is happening. The leader of this rebellion is giving false doctrines about the nations. And they are counting on Gilfaryl to dispose of this war. If we lose, I'm certain that the rebels will spread across the other nations and conquer them too. We need to know what they're planning and your thieves are just for the right job. We need spies and our guards were not meant to go sneaky..." the captain explained. "Any reward...? Altus quickly asked. "If we can win this with your help, I'm sure you will be peaceful." The captain offered. And without hesitation he did accept the deal.

 

[roboblu]

Sir Ceallach. The name was foreign to her tongue, without the sultry 'z's and 's's of Nazkohr, but Svana still said a silent prayer for the man who had died beside her father. She then nodded in response to Darius's condolences, but felt disgusted; manners didn't matter here. Manners wouldn't bring back her father. "Just 'Svana,' please," she muttered, brows furrowed as she looked away.


When Darius consented, the lady felt a funny feeling in the pit of her stomach, a mix of fear and relief. She would be traveling with a murderer, but maybe that would be a good thing- after all, knights and warriors were also murderers, just trained ones. "Thank you," she said quietly, exhaling slowly as she watched Darius smother the fire. Somehow she would have to make herself useful to him ... Svana knew she was more of a liability than anything else, but she could not afford to be abandoned.


Quickly she shrugged the coat on and immediately disappeared inside of it. It was dark and smelled like smoke, though very comfortable- so unlike the stiff, embroidered cloaks she was used to wearing. After adjusting her little bag, the white-haired lady stood ready for whatever was to come, staring at her protector in nervous anticipation. She looked rather silly standing there, her dress and legs dirty, wrapped in an old coat with a ragged cap on. Beneath it all, however, the lady shone with a genuine gratitude and earnestness so different from the confusion she had entered Darius's shop with.

 

[Kyero]

Slifer waited patiently for her subject to waken, and once she saw his eyes twitch she leaned forward. Her elbows rested on her thighs with her hands clasped in between her knees. Her face was only about a foot away from his, and when his eyes opened all the way he jerked his head back seeing Slifer so close.


"Wh-Who are you? Where am I?" He demanded.


Slifer tilted her head ever so slightly. Her gaze was empty and cold.


"You, my friend, are in what some of you mortals refer to as the seventh circle of Hell. In other words, you just descended into a world of violence." She said, her voice much lower and more raspy than it normally is.


"Wh-What are you going to do with me?" He asked.


Slifer's eyes began to glow slightly. The bioluminescent shine was a residual trait from her Dragon form which also managed to stay despite the lacking of ability to transform.


"I am only going to do... things to you if you don't answer my questions. Yes, very violent things befitting the seventh circle of Hell." She said in almost a whisper towards the end.


She withdrew a knife she'd hidden behind her back and began to roll it between her fingers very, very slowly. The man's eyes remained glued on the knife as they opened a bit wider.


"What do you want?" He asked.


"I want information, obviously. You really don't pay attention very well do you?" She asked, more forcefully this time.


She leaned in and placed the blade in between his legs, pushing forward until the edge touched his pants.


"Now, I'll ask. You answer. Understand?"


He nodded fervently.


"Good. Then here's the first question: Why worship Maglissos?" She asked.


He took a moment to swallow a lump in his throat before speaking.


"It was Maglissos who first taught our ancestors the truth about this world. How it was once ruled by Dragons and how it has become corrupted by the presence of man. Our Father, Maglissos, would see that stain removed from this world so that Dragons may rule again."


Slifer's eyes glowed brighter.


"That makes no sense!" She yelled, pushing forward on the dagger and cutting through the clothing before stopping in front of his flesh.


The man squealed.


"What do you mean?!" He yelled back.


"If Maglissos wishes to restore Dragons to their original place in the food chain here in the Mortal Plane, why is it that the Dragons have lost their power to transform?" She asked.


The man looked confused, blinking but not answering. It was in that moment that Slifer realized she'd made a serious mistake. These cultists didn't know anything more about the Dragon's dilemma than the Dragons themselves. But if that were true, then from what source did they truly lose their power? If Maglissos, an ancient and evil Dragon who was manipulating these cultists wasn't responsible, then who could muster the kind of power needed to block the Dragons as a whole from transforming?


The blade was pushed forward a little farther, cutting through his first layer of skin.


"Now you answer me this: What do you truly know about Maglissos?"


The man gulped.


"He is our Father and our Savior. He will set us free upon his resurrection from the void beyond and rid this planet of the filth that contaminates it. Once he's finished, the he and the other Dragons will rule this world once again with us, his loyal children, by his side."


Slifer's eyes narrowed, but the glow began to evaporate.


"One more question: When will he be resurrected?"


"Our Father, Maglissos, is currently being resurrected as we speak. We have been traveling far and wide in search of the power needed to bring him back, and we are almost finished. His chambers are filled with energy and magic, and his body is slowly being revitalized. Bit by bit, his flesh, blood, bones and muscles return to him. It will not be long now before he graces this undeserving world with his presence once more and begins the cleansing."


Slifer glared at him, the glow in her eyes returning as her pupils shifted into reptilian slits.


"You have chosen the wrong Dragon to worship and follow, and for that, I am sorry for what I must do."


He tried to speak, but Slifer lashed out and slit his throat clean through to his spinal chord. The blood sprayed out onto Slifer's face and chest. She blinked it out of her eyes and gently wept it off of her face before she let him suffocate on his own blood. She walked through her room to the bathing room and removed her clothing. She didn't need his blood covering her body now. Since the others were still out and about, she had time to finish a bath before they returned. However, she wasn't sure how they'd react to this change. With a fresh body on the floor and a revolution brewing, their time here was almost up.


They'd have to figure this out quickly if they were to stop the revolution and still have time to stop Maglissos from being resurrected.

 

[Kain]

He could smell her fear. A person smelled much more of a certain something- of sweat, of a sharp acidic scent underlying its tone- when they were scared. It was that easy. And she was of him, right down this moment. It was the only logical explanation. Darius grimaced, but he couldn't blame her for that.


"Svana." He tested the word. Strange. How strange. Never he did use a noble's name outloud without honorifics. "Then, if it pleases this one," He acquiesced, cocking his head on the side. "You can call me Darius."


Grabbing his pack, he swung it upon his shoulders. He knew of the implications of being with a noble, with their tendencies to be picky of absolutely everything (What he learned when his sister visited, who commented on how his forge was "Dirty and cramped" and "Not fit for human habitation"). On a second thought, he had to salvage what was left of her family and return her to her kingdom, if she desired. He needn't not of any political strains now.


"Do you everything you need?" He asked, fitting a cape on his back. Looking down to her, he gazed for a moment and almost reprieved himself of a smile. Instead, he obliged with a light hearted twitch of the mouth. "Come on, La-" Darius paused. "Svana. We do not have any time to waste."


-


Dashing through the town with large steps, he kept a steady pace, taking a few glances here and there in the shadows. The overcast of the night might make his presence unnoticed... he hoped. Darius skidded to a stop. "Shit." His blood ran cold and he turned back, dashing with more urgency the other way. He had seen the flames of torches flicker close to the dark walls, some screaming heard breaking the silence....not a good sign.


Wrapping his cloak more closely to his body, he tried to think of any solution that could've spawned inside his mind. "The inn." Darius muttered, tapping his upper lip with his finger. He had formed a friendship with the inn owner. Perhaps he could be sheltered for the night before he could escape out of town... "Let's go to the inn."

 

[ANONASAI]

For better or worse, the decision of associating with a greatest enemy of thieves was made. That simple handshake was the largest step of the whole Guild. The guards and the other people involved are already in progress of clearing their bounty and be made clean. Altus hovered his head as the captain of the guard stood up and took his helmet. "I will assure you, we will protect you as if our own." The captain said with a smile. Altus observed the captain for a moment, light brown eyes, dirty brown hair, plucks of hair under his chin. He seemed to be young for a captain. Then he observed his words, "I will assure you, we will protect you as if our own." Altus did not know what to feel at this moment. He may feel insulted, thieves were always better than guards. Or he could feel more safe around this city.


Altus pushed his legs and slid his hands from his thighs, equaling the captain's posture. "Thank you, Ser...?" Altus paused because of a couple of reasons. First, he didn't exactly know the captain's name. Second, what was he thinking? Why is he thanking a man that he could have just killed if this deal hadn't happen. Third, he is actually respecting him. The captain tried to complete Altus' sayings, "You can just call me Nylin. I wouldn't want to break any thief traditions, I know thieves don't respect and honor guards." Altus was wrong about guards. It looks like the guards have been studying them. "Okay, Nylin..." Altus said as he stopped the conversation. The guards kindly exited the inn, the thieves were waiting for Altus to come out in the open, expecting a speech.


Altus opened the doors to the room's balcony inside the inn and leaned forward. "My speech may not be fancy like the others, but I'm sure it's the most honest speech you'll ever hear. I have made a truce with our greatest opposition. That if we help them in this fight, we will be peaceful. Yet I don't know what they mean about 'being peaceful'. At least we get the point. I know many of you doubt this truce is just a simple trick for the guards and that it might ruin our lives...our Guild. But I vow to all of you that if those sods think they can just use us in this fight and make us feel we are doing right, I will be the one to blame. We have a greater problem above us. A revolution is starting. If we lose, they will not have mercy taking away our home. So let's do this..." Altus walked away from the balcony. It was silence and mutter. Eventually, they all clapped their hands slowly and began raising mugs and ale. Cheering.


Altus now headed for the inn where Slifer was waiting. He felt his free time was done. It was a dark night

 

[roboblu]

Svana had to trot in order to keep up with Darius's long strides, but she was determined not to fall behind. While they hurried through the backalleys and sidestreets, the lady noted how well her new companion seemed to know the city. He must have been living here for a long time, she thought, taking a quick glance at his troubled face. Why had he left nobility? Earlier she had guessed that he was the last son of a lord, and therefore would not stand to inherit an estate, but she could not be certain. His life here in Gilfaryl seemed to suit him so well (before the murders, that is) that she found it hard to remember that he, like her, had noble blood at all.


Distracted by her thoughts, Svana did not immediately notice Darius skid to a halt and smacked into his cloak. "My apolo-" she started instinctively, but was cut off when she saw the flicker of torchlight on the side of a building up ahead. Somewhere, a woman screamed. The little lady's blood ran cold. She was relieved when Darius turned and started off in the opposite direction, and even though his pace was ridiculous she managed to catch up and keep up.


They came to an inn that had music, laughter, and amber light radiating from within, quite contrary to its old and dirty exterior. As Darius entered Svana followed, taking in all that was around her with a keen silver eye. The patrons were mostly male, many of which were off-duty guardsmen. They leered at her as she passed, and despite the fact that Darius's old coat covered most of her body, Svana felt as if she were wearing nothing at all. She stuck close to Darius and continued to observe her surroundings. Someone was playing a lute, and it smelled like beer and ... vaguely vomit. Some serving maids were bustling about with great platters of ale and greasy food, smiling and flirting with the customers. Why had they come here, she wondered? To spend a night before the city gates cleared out?

 

[Kyero]

Slifer cleaned herself up and sat on the edge of her bed, contemplating what to do next.


She had a dead body which she had caused due to lack of restraint. Her hatred for these people and what they were doing had overruled her judgement and caused her to lash out at someone who didn't deserve to die like that. But there he was. Dead and bleeding on the floor.


"Great..." she whispered.


She walked over to the body and picked it up, taking it to the tub and dropping it in so the blood could leak down the drain instead of through the wood on the floor. She cleaned the floors and sat at the dining table when she was finished. She had changed into her nightgown. It was not exactly ideal, as it was semi transparent, but she was too tired and mentally exhausted to care anymore.


All she could do now was wait for Stanas to come back with his report.

 

[ANONASAI]

Altus came into the inn. As usual, hearing and seeing crowds of drunk men. Some guards looked at Altus with random faces he could not understand. "They better know I'm a friend of theirs or this could be a large mess." he whispered to himself. Thankfully, when a guard was about the draw his sword, another guard who seemed to know Altus was now clear grabbed the guard's hand and whispered something. The guard then placed his sword back, "Sorry for the misunderstanding..." he said. Altus raised a finger on his lips, gesturing to be quiet. There could be enemy spies in this inn. It was very obvious. But he had to focus on Slifer.


Altus spent about 20 Fil for a small cup of ale and 10 Fil for a delicious steak. He treated himself as he sat on a table alone and far away from the crowd. While eating in a dark area, he always loved to test his own stealthy skills. Whether it was scanning the crowd and counting their heads for a small period of time, or spotting things almost invisible to the eye in the dark. Right now it was spotting things invisible to the eye in the dark. He grabbed his steak and chewed it slowly while turning his head left and right.


And there it was, his head passed along a dark area that was dripping blood from the ceiling. He finished his steak and rushed towards it. Dark red and black were very similar in contrast. Nothing a thief could handle. The ceiling seemed to have a room atop it and that was where it came from. It was very lucky for Altus because that droplet of blood was the last one. The floor was already cleaned. He slowly walked passed the crowd and into the room. He twisted the doorknob but it refused. Locked. He took a shiv and a lock pick, purging it recklessly inside the doorknob. This kind of doorknob was all too familiar for thieves.


And slowly,quietly he opened the door that barely shrieked. He closed the door in both shock and confusion as he saw Slifer on a semi transparent nightgown. This was very embarrassing for both Slifer and Altus. Her body was slim and beautiful, Altus refused to see such a thing. Distraction was there again. He cleared his mind and thought of only going back. "Oh,uhmm...sorry..." Altus apologized but still did not leave. He tilted his head to his shoulder clearing the sight of the pretty lady.

 

[Kyero]

Slifer looked at Altus and smirked.


"Oh please. You aren't seriously embarrassed to see a semi-transparent nightgown on a woman are you?" She asked, looking out the window at the moon.


"I'm not embarrassed, and neither should you be. Just worry about the body I have stashed in the tub. We need to find out how to get rid of it."

 

[ANONASAI]

Altus stopped pretending to be some innocent man that rejects these kind of images. He faced Slifer smiling and chuckled slightly. "Alright, I think I should stop pretending now..." he said as he confirmed to himself that there was something wrong.


Altus was correct. He wasn't dreaming or being paranoid. Slifer killed the man they kidnapped. Why? It was none of his business. His job was to get rid of the body. Finally, his true skills were paying off. But it was not easy. The body was still fresh making it still spill blood. On the bright side, it didn't smell and attract any flies. Altus had never hid a body before. But he had to do it.


He took a towel and threw it to Slifer. "Slifer, you clean the blood. I carry it." he said, carrying the body on his shoulder. He opened the window and spotted a ledge to hang unto on the roof of the next building. He jumped with the body and grabbed hold of the ledge with one hand and carried the body with the other. He pushed himself up to the roof with the weight of the body.


The walls were on sight. And with all the energy, he threw the body over the wall without being spotted and dropped down the building. He passed through the guards without any attention at all and moved towards the place he threw the body. He then hid it near a river where there was a small hole and left it to rot. "There, all done." he said in both excitement and exhaustion. He smiled at Slifer on the nightgown she was wearing. "I'm sure the guards noticed you and your...umm...beauty." he laughed quietly.

 

[Kyero]

Slifer wasn't crazy about the idea of hoisting a body out the window, but if it worked...


She grabbed the towel and wiped the blood where it trailed along their route. As they jumped down from the rooftop, her nightgown fluttered upwards fully revealing her undergarments to the world before she landed. However, since Slifer had no modesty, this was not an issue. She was not human, so there was no reason to be embarrassed about the human figure which she now occupied. Even if Altus and the whole world saw her naked, she wouldn't care.


As they reached the river and Altus left the body in a hold, Slifer knew that if they just left it uncovered like this it would be discovered.


"We should bury it," she said.


Slifer walked towards the body, standing about four feet from the hole as she pulled her right leg back and swept at the ground. Her foot dug into the earth and forced a large mound of dirt over the body to cover it, leaving a decently even path of loose soil. It wasn't pretty, but it would go largely unnoticed by passersby. She gave a subtle nod of approval as she patted it down with her foot.


"Alright, now that the body is taken care of, we should get back. I need to get some sleep. I've had a long day."

 

[Killigrew]

It didn't take long to find the inn; the light was all the starker under the veil of night. Fleur found her way inside, palmed the required fil over the counter (managing a 12% discount with a wink and a smile), and made for the tabled lobby, her stomach a-rumble and her mouth all a-water. Round oaken tables were arrayed in close proximity throughout the softly lit room, assorted children, parents, and smelly mercs stinking and occupying them.


Food was carried out; an average serving size; a fistful of mushy meat, a dollop of potatoes, and a cupful of mead. She dug in with gusto, tearing into the sloppy, gravy-laden meat and scooping up the potatoes with the spoon she kept inlayed under her shirt. As her stomach filled, Fleur slowed the pace of her devouring, and her plateful of goodies waned to crumbs, liquid, and a whole lot of burps.


Throughout the course of a particularly potent belch, Fleur became aware of a group of cheering gents in the far corner table. They were fat and greasy, but there was a woman among them. She was the object of lusty sneers and shocked gapes. A crowd of interested patrons were hovering over her and her shaking, cupped hands.


It was a game of dice, Fleur realized, a slow grin spreading lopsided across her face. She thumbed a coin on the table's surface and pushed off, sauntering over to the crowded corner.


Her hankering for some gambling was itching her all over.


The woman let loose from her hand the trapped dice and Fleur watched the madness unfold.

 

[ANONASAI]

Altus agreed to Slifer and followed her back to the inn.


Altus stayed at the inn and relaxed. He laughed with the drunk guards and talked non sense. After all the escapes from the guards, it just came to this. He wasn't fully trusting the captain but sometimes it's best to stay away from dangerous lives at the moment. He again began to think what was this 'peace' the captain was promising. Altus' desire is only to both help people and get rich. It was a pointless life. He wanted his fellow thieves to have their desire too.


One of the guards offered Altus ale but he refused. He needed to stay active.


Sometimes, he would think about what his client really is. Many thieves have been killed and put to prison because they were blinded by gold and tricked by their clients. Altus could not let this happen to him. He wanted to know what Slifer is really doing. He wanted to know what Slifer really is.





It was time to get some answers. He left the table of the guards and headed for Slifer's room. As always, if the door was locked or unlocked, he could open it. He slowly twisted the doorknob and opened it slightly to scan the area. He sat at the diner table and waited for Slifer...

 

[Kain]

He remembered the day he first visited this inn. It was a surprising experience, to say the least. He would never forget the bitter flavour that stung his nose and the harsh after taste in his throat. It took a long time to get used to. For him, anyways.


Darius looked around, trying to find his friend. His eyes glanced back and forth, pushing people back lightly with his arm to keep looking. Her familiar built was nowhere to be found, even after searching for a few minutes. She usually was here, waitressing.... but probably not tonight. He threw back his cloak that was obscuring his vision and glimpsed around, eyeing the bar in the far back of the inn, not easily spotted since drunk people were obscuring his view. He hadn't found her, but he found someone else. He took large steps towards the bar.


"Felim." He said, permitting himself to use common words with him, as he did. "Hello."


"DARIUSSSS!!!" The bulky man yelled out, embracing Darius in his steel grip. He could feel his bones cracking under Felim's sturdy constitution. "It's bee' too long!"


The bartender had a darker shade of blond than he had, with a scraggly beard, though it was now closely shaved. His chin was nicked, a white line tracing down his lip. Those friendly green eyes sparkled with happiness, a contrast from his own cold eyes. He was a good man, and a giant at that, being a foot taller than the noble.


"So wat're you're here for?"


"Hmmh..." Darius released himself from the back breaking hug that the bartender gave him and rubbed his arm lightly. "I'm here to get a room for the night."


"A room?" Felim cocked his eyebrow. Darius gave him a steady stare and he shrugged, making Felim nod and lean backwards. "We have one in the back...goes unnoticed most've the time."


"Thank you, I appreciate it." He slipped some coins on the table, with a genuine smile.


Felim smirked and gruffly shuffled Darius's hair, putting a set of keys in his hand. "Be carefu', kay'?" He smacked the young man square in the back, generating a wince at the impact.


Darius stumbled sideways, groaning. The man chuckled and pushed Darius in the direction of the room, noticing from the corner of his eye the small girl behind him. He didn't say anything, but waved at her.

 

[roboblu]

Svana flinched as one corner of the room erupted in loud shouts and cheers; she turned her head and saw a pretty blonde-haired girl in the center of the commotion, wearing a startlingly confident face. This inn certainly hosts a diverse crowd, the lady thought with a fleeting half-smile. As she hurried to catch up with Darius, the noblewoman caught a glimpse of another, more familiar face: it was the madman from earlier, who had been beaten by the guards and had taken her handkerchief. Svana's blood ran cold for the second time that day. He knows your name, a tiny, fearful voice in her mind whispered. The silver lady turned her head sharply away and tugged her cap down over her hair, hoping she hadn't been seen. The man hadn't seemed threatening before, and had even offered to help her, but Svana did not want to take any chances with a man who had been so fervently pursued by the city watch. Maybe earlier she would have ventured to say hello, but after the events of the day she did not want to be recognized.


Darius walked over to the bar and offered a greeting to the most enormous man Svana had ever seen; Felim towered above Svana's measly height by a good two feet, and was at least three times her slender girth. She looked up at him with fascination, noting his friendly green eyes and scruffy beard; this was a man people could trust. The noblewoman hesitated as Darius stalked off to his room, still in awe of the bartending giant, but when he noticed her and waved she realized she had been staring. Embarrassed, Svana returned his gesture with a quick wave of her own before running off to catch up with her new traveling companion.


Just before she entered the long corridor, a dark stain in the corner of the lobby drew the young woman's attention. Again she hesitated. Was that ...? A thick, crimson drop slid down the wall. In a trance, Svana slipped around the corner and put her finger to the droplet; when she examined her hand a moment later, it was blood red. The lady made a mask of her face and walked casually away as if nothing had happened- years in the courts had taught her how to lie well. Quickly she caught up to Darius, and, with a face like marble, she quietly extended her hand toward him. "Darius," she said, voice low. "From the ceiling. Are you sure it's .... safe, here?"

 

[ANONASAI]

Altus figured that maybe it wasn't right to just ask what was happening with Slifer. He has been hesitating whether he was going to aggressively ask Slifer about these dragon conspiracy. He needed to get out without being spotted as if nothing happened.


He went downstairs and spotted Lady Svana and the blacksmith. But he didn't mind. He continued walking to the bar and just sat there doing nothing. He glanced at Lady Svana a few times until he suspected she was looking at the blood dripping from the ceiling. He thought Slifer had already cleaned that or if she didn't see it. "Damn it, Slifer..." he whispered to himself. Now he worries about her. All this could go down to the guards since Lady Svana was a noble. He had what he had to do.


Altus rushed towards Lady Svana but didn't showed himself yet. He wanted to surprise her. She was too focused on the blood to notice Altus was there. "You know, a noble shouldn't be doing that." he surprisingly said. Surprise could always startle someone and cause her to panic or such. He walked slowly to Lady Svana and pulled her up without respect. Altus cleaned her hands crystal clear and stared at Lady Svana. "Now you tell nobody about this mess and forget that this ever happened...okay?"Altus wanted himself to be clear that this is nothing. "Can you do that for me...?" he asked again. He made this conversation easy. But if ever Lady Svana shows a lying face or such, he will have to take persuasion to the next level.

 

[Kain]

"Yes...?" He uttered, a bit confused. The time he had here was short (In his standards) and there were no big commotion here, as Felim kept an iron fist in the bar, literally throwing anyone out if they were too reckless. Darius frowned. He knew the people around here seemed dangerous but.... Lady Svana kept eyeing something from the corner of her eyes. Curious, the lord looked in the same direction. A sliver of blood, sliding from between the floorboards. Immediately, his heart froze, and he began to scour around him, like a beast on alarm.


Calmly analysing the people's faces, he opted to observe the ones he hadn't seen before, while keeping an eye out for Svana. Blonde girl, small, with a long body; she was getting along well with the sailors it seemed. He flicked back and forth, until he spotted the thief. That particuliar thief that Svana had helped out. The one who just began to pull her aside. If Darius was just a little bit more careless, she would be out of his sight in moments, considering the drunk crowd and the cacophony that ensued with that sort of assembly. And the smell. Oh, the smell.


He kept his gaze fixated on the thief for a moment and began stepping towards them, closing in the gap in mere steps. "What are you doing?"

 

[roboblu]

Something in Darius seemed to change as he noticed the blood; like a predatory animal, his stance became more wary, and he meandered away as if looking for something, someone. Svana watched him analyze the crowd with some apprehension on her face, but her attention soon returned to the red stain on her hands. She tried to convince herself that it was something else ... Some sort of beverage, maybe, that someone had spilled on the upper floor. But Svana could not fool herself so easily; few beverages congealed into red-black slime, as the substance on her fingers was in the process of doing. The lady made a move to wipe it away on her coat, but suddenly a hand clamped down on her wrist.


Svana's entire body became like ice in an instant. She looked up and found herself staring into the crude, unsmiling face of the thief; in one swift motion he yanked her up and closer to him until she could she her own pale reflection in his deep brown eyes. Wordlessly he wiped her hands clean, then looked back at her and spoke a warning that she distinctly heard as a threat. The young woman nodded carefully, though her mind raced beneath that silly old cap.


At first she had been afraid, but the longer Svana stared into that cold brown face, the more indignant she became. This man was no better than the noblemen of Nazkohr, who often hired bodyguards of impressive stature to intimidate their rivals. Well, men of all kinds had been towering over Svana for her entire life, both in terms of height and social status- this was no different. She would not bend.


"You said you'd help me," she said quietly, an idea formulating in her head as she gave him a challenging look. Before the lady could continue, however, Darius came sauntering over with an air of ferocity about him. Despite her sudden courage, Svana was relieved to see the blacksmith there. She turned back to the thief and noticed for the first time the scars and scabs on his face from the fiasco with the guards earlier that day. Whoever healed him has done a fine job, she thought distractedly as she waited for his reply to Darius's question.