Kirithis
Novice
Shinma Hukumetsu
Posts: 62
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Post by Kirithis on Jul 4, 2007 14:04:13 GMT -5
The marketplace was a place of great activity even during nightfall, and Kirithis appreciated it greatly. It was always easier to blend in with a crowd during the night than it was during the day, especially with red hair like hers. During the night, it appeared more of a brownish, though torces illuminated it with orange and copper hues.
Keen crimson eyes watched the faces of the merchants as they spoke on about how fine their silks were, how fragrant their imported perfumes, etc;. Kirithis pretended to listen, smiling and nodding at just the right times to appear as if she were a potential buyer. And indeed she was, she just wasn't interested in the merchandise they were selling. Not yet.
The long red hair was pulled back in a french braid, easily concealing her ears as always. People identified you by race, and she preferred to remain unidentifiable. Her face was fair, very pretty and delicate, though her eyes told a different story. They were as stone; cold, emotionless.. Yet her expressions seemed enough to fool people from those eyes.
She was younger than most here, at least in appearance. Looking only in her early- to mid-twenties, her form was fully developed, supple, yet truly a vision of womanhood, even beneath the armor and the masculine clothing beneath, curves in all the right places, not too thin, nor necessarilly chubby.. Beauty.
Kirithis moved with a practiced grace, as if she had been a dancer back home, yet her posture and form told of years of self discipline either learned or taught. All in all, if it weren't for her clothing, she could have been a noble.
"Miss, I hope you aren't walking through town alone at this time of the night," a man said. He was much older than she was, but with that glitter in his eyes, he looked suspicious enough, really. All the more reason for Kirithis to begin walking away, which she did.
"I'm not alone," she said. A lie, yes, but if one counted the multitude of weapons she carried on her, then she was telling the truth. The man caught her arm with his hand, and she turned to face him, eyes a pool of ice. How could such a fiery color be so cold? "Let. Go."
"Miss, how about we come to an agreement," the man said, low in her ear. "You give me every valuable you have on you and all of your money, and I wont take you home with me."
Kirithis stood her ground, eyes sharp and dangerous as they narrowed. "Don't make me repeat myself."
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Post by Aeryn on Jul 4, 2007 21:35:05 GMT -5
"She said she wasn't alone. Maybe next time you'll listen. If I'm feeling generous enough to give you a next time, that is." The gentle voice cut the tension like a heated blade, and the approach of the owner was certainly unheralded. Either the two were too distracted to notice the footsteps that carried him here, or they'd been of the silent variety, which was bad news for the man he was currently pressing a dagger into the back to. In all honesty, he didn't care much for the things, and much preferred to use his hands; this wretch's blood wasn't worth anything to him, however. No. He wanted her.
"The lady hates repeating herself, and I'm not terribly fond of it either. If you've got anything rolling around in that lopsided head of yours, you'll count yourself lucky and step." There was physical emphasis to go with that word as well, applying just a bit more pressure. He didn't expect much resistance. Only the most foolish - or desperate - of thieves were willing to risk their lives for a mark that they didn't even know the value of.
Aeryn, however, was well aware of the worth of his own target. Why else would he be out here this late when he could be chatting away with people he saw entirely too little of, when he could be spoiling Alicia with some of that really thick milk that you could only get on certain days in the market? Why else would he dare to take on a job so close to where he made his home under a different name, a different life? She was worth it, and just as gorgeous as he'd imagined from all the intel he had. The youth, mostly hidden from the girl by the shape of her accoster, cleared his throat casually and threatened the dagger once again, hoping he'd bug out before he actually had to put some effort into it and snap his damn neck.
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Kirithis
Novice
Shinma Hukumetsu
Posts: 62
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Post by Kirithis on Jul 4, 2007 23:11:11 GMT -5
The man stiffened, eyes wide with surprise. Kirithis almost snorted with a sick sense of amusement. Almost. She had better control than that, though, and her stern expression refused to even so much as crack. A mask, and a good one, at that. Crimson eyes watched as the man released her, watched as he stepped away, sheet white, and then as he ran into the crowd and away from them as quickly as possible. Her eyes followed him until he disappeared. She wouldn't be seeing him ever again.
"You have my thanks," she said, returning her gaze to the young man in front of her. "But I regret that I have no time to sit idle and chat. I bid you a good night."
The youth's handsome appearance did not go unnoticed by her, but the assassin had other matters to attend to, and the first involved a necromancer, a ritual, and her brother's death. It was very important, and she had no intention of missing her 'appointment' over a cute guy that just happened to help her.
Little did she know who or what he was. If she had, she might have killed him. Maybe. It was hard to say. Would she have brushed him aside as easily as she was trying to? Probably not. It was a fool's mistake, but he looked harmless. Another mistake. She was not perfect, and she was only so skilled at spotting others like her, but he didn't look like any assassin she'd ever seen.
So, she continued walking, offering him a small bow of the head before passing by him.
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Post by Aeryn on Jul 5, 2007 1:54:01 GMT -5
Well, she was certainly alluring, but was also far from the first good-looking woman that he'd taken down in his short yet productive career. It was more the way she spoke to him that set her apart from the rest; there was a no-nonsense quality to her words that, coupled with her being a small bit older than him, struck him as quite sexy. There'd never really been a girl like this in his life, and he was already starting to regret having to kill her. That suited Aeryn fine. Mourn the ones that were worth it before they were gone, and you were already over it when the moment came. Good strategy, that.
How quickly she dismissed him lead the youth to believe that she had important plans, ones that she probably couldn't be deterred from. The smart killer in his mind knew that tomorrow would be a better day, even if it meant tracking her down again, but the other side of him - the one that loved gardening, kittens, and spinning tales for hours with friends he didn't get to see very often - wanted to know her better. It was usually the only fun he ever got to have before putting his marks in the grave... or into the hands of his employer, as was the case sometimes. It was typically only ever requested with pretty ones like this, but as he wasn't given that order, he could only imagine that she was just as deadly as the others of her order.
"Hey, wait up a second!" He stumbled after her cutely, tripping over his own feet and damn near toppling over before he straightened at her side. "I'm going your way anyhow, and honestly, I can't even use this thing." He sheathed the blade at his hip, tugging down his cloak to cover it. "Just for looks. Seemed like it worked that time, right?" He blushed a bit and ran his fingers through his hair, which tumbled back into his face. Aeryn sighed. "Besides, you're less likely to get bothered with someone at your side. Same goes for me. I've gotten my share of nasty looks this time of night as well."
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Kirithis
Novice
Shinma Hukumetsu
Posts: 62
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Post by Kirithis on Jul 5, 2007 14:10:29 GMT -5
Most people would have been threatened already for even thinking about following her when such important matters were at hand. As it was, Kirithis thought this man almost too soft.. Yet, there was something about him that made her instinctually flinch away from his presence. It was not a physical manifestation of a mental flinch, of course, but she was wary regardless.
"What's your name?" she asked, voice just as stern as it had been before. She continued walking, not looking at Aeryn, but watching him from her peripheral vision. Whatever it was she was doing, it was obvious she was dead set on it, weaving a way expertly through the crowd, covertly searching for someone. Or something. Both would be correct assumptions, of course, but who would really know that?
She did, and in this job, she was the only one who really needed to.
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Post by Aeryn on Jul 5, 2007 17:14:42 GMT -5
"Aeryn." There was no harm in saying such. He'd operated under so many aliases in the last few years that none remained in the world that knew his real name, save his parents. A "real name" was over-rated, anyway. The one he'd given her was a favorite of his, and although it could sometimes be fairly confusing to keep them all in order, he'd never tripped over a name badly enough to get him killed. "I guess it's only fair that you give me yours now?" There was humor in his voice, and he did really appear as any other seemingly harmless citizen. He just happened to be around at the right time. Aeryn had a habit of doing that.
He wondered what could be so important that she couldn't even spare him a glance, lest it slow her down. A Scorpion could be involved in any number of high-profile operations, but he'd been in town for weeks now and probably would've heard something about it. If it's serious, you'll let go. You'll try tomorrow. You've played with fire enough times to know what will only singe, and what will burn. She'll burn. His lips formed a tight line for just a moment before his expression loosened again. Couldn't go around looking like that, could he? She might think he was up to something.
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Kirithis
Novice
Shinma Hukumetsu
Posts: 62
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Post by Kirithis on Jul 5, 2007 18:57:22 GMT -5
Kirithis always thought everyone was up to something. It helped her to an extent. For the first time since 'walking away' from him, Kirithis allowed herself to look at Aeryn, taking in his appearance like a sponge does water. Those crimson eyes felt less cold, more curious despite whatever was so important to her being ahead.
"Kiri," she said. It was her standard alias, but she rarely had to use it. As her eyes returned foreward, they hardened, catching sight of what appeared to be a horse-drawn carriage. It was not a normal carriage, but then again, why would it be? The man driving didn't appear normal, either. He wore all black, hood covering his face, though what was visible of his chin was a sickly color, almost bluish, and definitely not normal in the slightest. It was this man Kirithis eyed for a moment, watching as the carriage moved slowly through the crowd.
"Wait here," she said, before moving foreward so quickly that it was almost impossible to see where she'd disappeared to in the crowd. This was her mark. This man would die tonight.
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Post by Aeryn on Jul 5, 2007 21:24:08 GMT -5
Well, what could he possibly due but wait? Her speed was impressive, and considering her determination, following her could be very bad for his health. Aeryn also had no desire to get himself killed in the presence of a necromancer - when he went cold, he wanted to stay down, thanks. They were a dangerous folk, even without getting in the way of a Scorpion. He took Kiri's advice and folded his arms, late-night patrons and vagrants shuffling about him. At least a couple of them had already tried to pick pocket the youth, which is exactly why he dressed light tonight. Having nothing of value meant that fewer "innocents" had to die.
If she really was going after the guy in black, he hoped that she had the means to handle herself. Not only would she be a lot less attractive with grey skin and empty eyes, but his job was out the window if she went down like that. A low rumble of frustration rolled up into his throat and he folded his arms. What he'd been offered for this job could buy a lot of cat toys, and he intended to collect on it.
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Kirithis
Novice
Shinma Hukumetsu
Posts: 62
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Post by Kirithis on Jul 5, 2007 21:56:02 GMT -5
Where she went was hard to tell, because after just long enough, she had blended in perfectly. The carriage kept moving, the horse trotting at an easy pace. The horse was a normal one, not some undead plaything of the necromancer's. Kirithis was thankful for this, because it made her job easier. The necromancer, while specializing in death, did not seem to see Death sneaking up on him. Ironic, really. Yet, this necromancer was not so skilled as most, another little blessing.
The carriage stopped, appearing gradual. If someone weren't paying attention, and few people were, it would simply look as if the carriage driver had stepped off for a rest. What had really happened was that a blade had found itself in the back of the necromancer's head, in the precise spot that severed the spinal cord and shattered the vertebrae entirely, beheading the necromancer without actually beheading him. At the same time as his body fell, Kirithis eased the horse to stop before shoving the corpse into the back of an empty stall, where it was hidden by cloths and the like.
It all happened quickly, within the span of just a few seconds. Soundless, discreet, simple. Kirithis mounted the horse, leading the carriage that way by preference. Why steer when she could ride? The carriage continued on through the crowd at it's previous slow pace, though off course from the original track it had been on. No, now it pulled up beside Aeryn. Why? She needed a coachman. It would look strange with her just on the horse. Worst case-scenario, she could kill him later. But.. as far as she could tell, he was an innocent. She would behave herself until he gave her a reason to kill him.
"Get on."
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Post by Aeryn on Jul 5, 2007 23:32:47 GMT -5
Wow, she really was something else. He almost felt sorry for the stiff, being blindsided like that, except that on the list of people that should really get what they deserve, necromancers were near the top. Anyone that played puppet master with dead bodies should wind up the same. Those were siblings and children at one point - someone loved them. In his mind, what they did was far, far worse than his own line of work. All in all, he was glad to know that there was one less in the world, and rather impressed with how quickly she did it all. Now she was offering him a ride? Luck was on his side, it seemed.
"Erm... you sure?" He acted apprehensively at first, but that was just a part of the act. Aeryn could pretend all he want that he didn't know she just offed some guy, could pretend that he actually didn't want to get into a carriage with some mysterious, beautiful woman he just met. That didn't change the fact that she was exposing herself to someone with ill intentions. The youth carefully pulled himself into the driver's seat, blinking. "I don't... really know how to do this. I've always been a passenger in these things. What should I do?"
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Kirithis
Novice
Shinma Hukumetsu
Posts: 62
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Post by Kirithis on Jul 6, 2007 13:46:47 GMT -5
"Just pretend that you're steering this thing," Kirithis replied. She knew better than to expose her back to others she didn't trust, and she didn't trust anyone. Perhaps there was a method to her madness? One would have to wait to find out, really. Why would a Scorpion make such a mistake, after all. "I'll do the work."
In many ways, this was advantageous to her. Some of those ways, she wasn't even aware of, thanks to not knowing who she was currently 'travelling' with. For one, people wouldn't bother her if there was a male with her. That was a plus. For another, there was that old saying, 'keep your friends close, keep your enemies closer,' and while she didn't know he was an enemy, she was adhering to those words on a deeper level than she was aware of. Point for her.
She directed the horse easily, hands gentle in the beast's mane, her affinity for the creature showing through. She'd always been drawn to horses, but that was not of importance now. It only explained why she preferred to ride one instead of driving the carriage at the moment.
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Post by Aeryn on Jul 6, 2007 14:08:17 GMT -5
Alright, he could do that. Where did she intend on taking him, then? This was a rather risky move for Aeryn, actually... he wasn't sure how most Scorpions handled this kind of situation, so for all he knew, she was just taking him somewhere to cut his head off. He just had to keep his wits about him, was all. If she tried, and he didn't let himself get caught off guard, then it wouldn't be all that different than trying to apprehend her directly. Ideally, she'd leave herself a bit more vulnerable, but after seeing how callous she could be, he wasn't holding his breath. Resigned to stay as "innocent" as possible, he took the reins in his hands with a somewhat confused expression and tried to look like he was actually doing something.
"So, um... did you really... you know, to that guy?" That wasn't much more than testing the waters. How she responded to that could say a lot about her intentions for him, but when dealing with someone like Kiri, every path could wind up at the same location... probably some un-marked grave out in the plains. The only difference was that some trails were uphill and others were down. If he was going to wind up dead for his troubles, he wanted things to be easy.
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Kirithis
Novice
Shinma Hukumetsu
Posts: 62
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Post by Kirithis on Jul 6, 2007 14:19:39 GMT -5
Kirithis was silent for a very long few moments. Aeryn was asking a dangerous question in most situations, but thankfully enough for him, this one was a personal matter rather than a business one. She could tell him and not have to kill him. Yay.
"Yes," she said, voice just low enough that only he would hear her as she continued to direct the horse, not looking back at the other as she said it. Her appearance was casual, though that sense of professionalism and nobility still with her, as it always had been and always would be. "My reasons are my own, but I suppose you'll learn them soon enough."
That could be taken however Aeryn wanted to take it, but it was meant without ill intent, for the most part. Of course, tides change easily in the night, as can intentions.. The moons were full, and anything was possible.
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Post by Aeryn on Jul 6, 2007 14:28:09 GMT -5
"Oh." Your average kid wouldn't have much more to say on the subject, so that's where he stopped. The overly dramatic could've called for guards or something stupid like that, but he didn't intend on going down like that. This city was the only place where he could get away from his own misdeeds, and he wouldn't risk dirtying it. He shivered a bit in the night, though he did a good job of making it unclear whether it was the cold or the realization of Kiri's actions that caused it. Not that she was even looking. It was more of a reflex than anything.
This was a dangerous game that he happened to be playing, since he had to expose himself in hopes that she'd do the same. If there were any miscues that she'd already picked up on, then he'd probably be dead as soon as they were out of public view. The only solace he took was that he technically had the higher ground if he needed to run, though he had a feeling she could probably get off that horse and be after him in record time. "Would it be out of line for me to ask where we're going, then?"
Despite the risk, there was definitely something enjoyable about pretending to be someone else. Aeryn felt most alive while he worked, because your mortality was always on the line; you were always running the danger of being found out. All part of the fun, at least until it went bad.
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Kirithis
Novice
Shinma Hukumetsu
Posts: 62
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Post by Kirithis on Jul 6, 2007 14:34:14 GMT -5
Again, Kirithis was quiet for a moment, though this answer came a little faster than the previous. Had she really thought this plan through? But of course she had. Every step, from location of the carriage to going home had been planned out strategically, methodically, carefully. Of course, she wasn't sure where Aeryn fit in, but apparently, he did now.
"The cemetary," she said, looking back at him as if curiously inquiring if he had more questions. She had no problem with answering questions, but there were many ways her answers could be taken. She didn't say why, nor for how long, or to what purpose Aeryn served during and/or after the little visit they were making. Would she tell him? Hard to say.. It was almost fun messing with the poor kid.
Well, okay, he wasn't a kid, by the looks of him, but he was younger than she was, and that made him, in her eyes, a kid, albeit a very handsome and goofy one.
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