Cascade (Wolfen)

Rain.

It seemed as if there was just a giant cloud hanging over the village, not planning to move anytime soon. Or even ever, maybe. The puddles around the middle-sized town were deep, filled with muck and grime. Irritated salesmen stomped right through them angrily, Trying to not let the unfortunate weather interfere with their work.

Kariette toe-heeled through the sinking ground slowly, bearing in her surroundings. The pouring rain dripped off the hem of her dress slowly crawling onto her pale legs, making her skin itch. The cloak she had borrowed from he teacher was intended to keep her dry and warm, but it was greatly failing. It only covered the back half of her body, and the big hood just made the water splash into her eyes. Though she couldn’t have cared less. She found the rain… Soothing. Like it could wash away all the sorrow that was lingering in her mind.''

'I’m… Not sad…' Kariette seethed at herself. She sighed. She didn’t even know what sadness was.

If anything, she was vaguely annoyed. She’d been searching for missions for at least a week now, but nothing had popped up. She’d been from town to town, forest to forest, she even had talked to some of Teacher’s assassin friends, but none of them had any mission that needed to be done. Her and Teacher were getting low on money. If she didn’t find a job soon, she’d have to go back to her father’s home and steal from him… She didn’t want to do that.

“Oh! Excuse me, ma’am,” A young girl squeaked as she ran into Kariette. “I’m so sorry-”

Kariette stared at her small frame which wore only a soaking wet cotton blue dress, no cloak, and her petite shaky hands holding a basket of eggs.

“Are those for food?” Kariette asked her, ignoring the apology.

“No, not for sale, either. So-”

“Get them somewhere warm right now. Or they’ll die.”

The girl frowned at Kariette, worried. “Yes. Thank you.” She pushed her left barefoot back in an area of seeping mud, before turning and running off quickly.

'Children shouldn’t be doing work. They’ll mess up. They always-'

There was a crackle of laughter. It was deep and almost taunting, filled with pride, coming from a nearby alley.

Kariette smirked. 'Finally,' she thought as she ran into the dark area. 'Finally, finally, finally…'

The laughter was enough proof. It sounded like killer.

Kariette turned her heel to face the alleyway, and saw two men. One who had tanned skin and was holding a knife in his hand. The other was kneeling over on the ground, blood pouring out from a wound he had just very recently gotten. After a few moments the blood-covered man slumped over, no longer breathing.

The still-standing man smirked, crossing his arms at his ‘victory’. His eyes tilted toward Kariette, before narrowing. “Who are you?” He uncrossed his arms and held out the knife, ready to strike Kari at anytime.

“Keep pointing that blade at me and I’ll kill you with my own two,” she said tonelessly, stepping forward and drawing her swords.

The man grumbled and put the knife into his shirt pocket. “What do you want?”

“Are you an assassin?”

“Possibly. What is it to you?”

“Let me speak to your master. Immediately.”

“I’m my own master! Now what do you want, girl?”

“Are there any missions you don’t want to do? I’ll do them, if you pay me.”

“No!” he barked. “I’m not going to give a mission to some woman.”

Kariette walked forward quickly, shoving the tip of her right sword against his chest. “Insult women again and I’ll kill you. And if you aren’t going to give me a mission, then point me to the nearest tavern.”

“Five buildings down on the left,” he hissed, pushing the sword away from him. “Now leave me alone.”

“Thanks.” Kariette placed her swords back in their sheaths, and turned around. “See you around, maybe,” she said before walking back into the street and to the tavern he directed her to.

'Relaxing away from the rain for a bit will be nice.' Her mind claimed as she walked to the front of the tavern and pushed the door open.

OoC: Your turn, Wolfen. =D

“So you’ll do it?”

Taen nodded slightly. His yellowish-gold eyes lost within a gaze right in front of him. He wasn’t actually looking at anything. His eyes were just there, for a moment. He still saw the small room tinted with just a small amount of light from six candles. There were still the brown wood desks, the dust swirling around everywhere, lying to rest on the floors and tables. And the door pushed to the back of the room, metallic black and locked. There was no escape, unless his captors allowed it.

He saw everything, but he didn’t take it in. The man still stood in front of him, tall and broad, dark hair and a menacing broadsword on is side. Two guards were to his sides, heeding him with swords sticking out a few inches from him. You’d think he’d be shaking, terrified out of his mind. But he wasn’t. He just stood there, indifferent to it.

Taen never thought he’d ever get trapped within this kind of mess, and nevertheless, to accept a task that they ask of you. The task: a bounty. He was to kill a high and powerful leader. A king.

Taen was no assassin, so the job would not be easy. He’d only met one assassin in his entire life. She was an excellent fighter. Swift and deadly.

The two guards let down their swords. The man smiled. One of the guards took out a blindfold from the desk; the other unlocked the door, taking a key from his pocket. The white cloth was wrapped around his eyes, turning his world dark. He heard the man start of in front of him and the door creak open. The guard pushed him forward. Or more so shoved.

Taen stumbled at first, but then regained footing. The man began to speak of the mission set out for him.

“There is no way to get into the castle unless you are a noble or member of the royal family. Every entrance is guarded, even underground ones.

“But there is a way for you. Tonight, the castle will be holding a gala. We managed to get you two invitations so you can get in.”

Taen dared not ask questions. They turned a corner and went down a set of stairs. He was forced to walk slowly as to not fall.

“This will be a two person job. The man or woman you choose will be up to you.”

Taen fought the urge to say anything. There was more he needed to know. But he waited patiently.

“There’s a tavern here. I’d suggest going there. But again, your choice.”

The blindfold was removed. The man was gone. Both the guards were gone.
Silence; both eerie yet calming.

Night had already come, inviting a few clouds along the way. The air became cool and pleasant. Taen shook his head, swinging his hair around, droplets of water flying from it. He didn’t even notice he had been sweating earlier.

He looked down and found his swords, leaning against a wall, as if they had been waiting for him. His knees bent as he knelt down and reached for it.

The red and black clothes at the end were there. The bent handle, the way the blade almost had a musical tone as it slid from its sheath. These were definitely his blades.

Those two swords, given to him by the Elemental Dragons, tools used for summoning their powers. The elf shook his head. This would be the last time he would lose something so precious.

He resheathed his blades and tied them to his back, the weight of the swords very light compared to the weight of his mission.

Taen turned around. Ancient spirits gathered in his mind, whispering to him. He shushed them quiet, reassuring the dragons that he was fine.

He knew what he had to do. The summoner breathed in and walked towards the tavern.
~~~~~~
Hours passed. A light rain began to drop from the sky, Landing on the roofs and dripping down off the sides. Taen was wet and cold. His face was coated with the mist, and his hair darkened from being lightly soaked.

He found the tavern. He walked fast through the doors, hunger biting his stomach horridly. The doors swung open and his eyes met the front counter. He stuck to the side as to not draw attention to himself from bumping into someone. He sat down and asked for a drink. He looked at the menu scrawled on the back wall. He sipped some of his drink when it came to him.

He felt strange. There was a strange pulsing sensation within his mind. He eyed one girl who went through a door out behind the tavern. There was a strong urge to follow her, as if he was instructed to.

He got up and followed.

The door opened with ease. Taen shut it behind him.

He walked right beside the girl, whom was leaning against a wall, her head tilted towards the clouds. Rain caressed her cheeks when she let her hood down. Her hair, pulled behind her shoulder, was long and almost white. He could see her eyes, vibrant and blue. Her face held no expression.

Taen looked up. The rain felt nice today. Light enough to wash away your thoughts. The droplets looked like mist as the moonlight struck through the droplets of water.

He closed his eyes and breathed in.

Kariette felt her spine tense slowly, like a snake getting ready to strike. Though she didn’t know why, considering she wasn’t planning on striking anything anytime soon. But alas, that was the only way for her body to protect itself without any weapons. She always felt this way when someone was near her, even if it was just for a moment. Kariette preferred not to be near people. It was… comfier.

A man, around Kariette’s own age, had walked up to her without hesitation and stood right next to her. She bowed her head slightly and glared at the ground. He could have stood or sat anywhere in the area, but he had to stand next to her, and invade her personal space.

‘Breathe…’ Kariette thought to herself silently.

And that she did. She inhaled and exhaled gently, having a death grip on her cloak. Lifting her head up slowly, she glanced at her invader.

The man looked completely calm,-- and oblivious to Kariette’s anxiety-- as if he were about to go to sleep. He didn’t look tired nor stressed though. Just… Relaxed. Like he didn’t have a bother in the world. Nothing was wrong in his life. He was perfect.

His hair was a pure gold color, softly hanging into his eyes in a soothing manner. His head was pressed against the wall, using the wood to support his body.

Kariette had never seen someone so relaxed in a tavern in her life. What goes on in them is always… Unpredictable. You have to be on guard the whole time you’re in one. But this man… He wasn’t on guard at all. He would be killed if someone suddenly attacked him.

‘He should be more careful…’

Should she warn him? ‘Don’t fall asleep, someone might kill you’ didn’t seem like the greatest thing to say. It was best if she just kept her mouth shut. But… He had a weapon.

His appearance and attire made him seem like a traveler. But the grand sword by his side proved otherwise. Travelers Kariette has come across had either a regular sword or a small knife to protect his or her self. His choice of protection was more… For defending and attacking.

‘He’s a killer…’

If the white haired girl was the least bit fortunate, he was from around the area. If she was even more fortunate then he'd be able to point her to another tavern or pub. After all, if he was a killer, then he'd know exactly where business takes place. As soon as she stepped into the dirty bar and looked at everyone's profile, she realized there'd be no job for her here.

'Just start off the conversation... Then ask him where some assassins are... It'll be easy...'

Kariette shuffled her feet softly, before opening her mouth to speak. Her voice was faint, but clear. "So what brings you here?" she had asked.

He opened his eyes and glanced at her, smiling slightly.

OoC: This post is way, way overdue and I don't even know if you will reply, but... here.

BiC:
Kariette’s voice had broken through Taen’s gentle reverie. He turned his head, and looked at her, almost as if he knew her. He pushed himself away from the wall and stood to where he could half-face her, and look her in the eye. It was not merely an act of common courtesy or some need to “read her emotions” by examining her facial expressions, although that was part of it. He wanted to look straight into her eyes, like one looks in a mirror. The eyes are the windows to the soul, they say, and at the moment, Taen was quite interested in her soul.

There was the temptation to reply to her “Oh nothing, just looking for someone to help me kill the king.” But he didn’t. He paused a moment, and dropped his smile into a less animated expression.

Taen responded gently, not like a killer at all. “I’m… looking for someone. Someone to accompany me,” He reached into his pocket, and pulled out two ticket stubs he had been given, “to this.”

He finished his sentence, and then reached his hand out, holding them out, hoping that she would at least look at them. She shot him a bemused stare, and Taen stood there, wondering if he had embarrassed himself with such a random request.

She finally reached forward, two long seconds later, and took the ticket stub into her light fingers. She read over it only once, and sighed.

“I’m sorry; I don’t have time for this.” She shook her head, forced the tickets back into Taen’s hands, and walked off.

He refused to let her leave. Without a thought, Taen’s hand reached out for her arm, stopping her dead. Her body tensed up, and her other hand reached for the hilt of her blade.

His hand shot back, heart pumping faster then normal. He felt like apologizing, not intending to scare her into thinking he was going to hurt her. But he spoke once more, calm and collected.

His mind was back on the ticket stubs, and his random invitation. “There is a catch though.”

Kariette’s brow went up, her hand still on her blade handle, but not so tightly as it was before. She cocked her head and furrowed her brows, not in a way that her entire forehead wrinkled up, but more subtly, as if she was asking a question.

“There is supposed to be an attempt on the king’s life. And I was wondering….”

He opened his facial expression and turned almost a quarter of the way to the side. “Would you be interested… in helping me with it?”

OoC: Wolfie asked me, so here I am

BiC:

Everyone was talking about it. This expensive, royal ‘Gala’ that the king was holding in the evening. It was supposed to be grand--lots of other royalties were attending from all over. It was also invitation-only; meaning almost no bums on the streets could just waltz in. There were even rumors that the guards were to stand watch outside of the palace, while ‘special’ bodyguards were allowed inside.

Of course, there was only one way to pluck these ‘specialists’ from the normal people.

The dark-clad man stood in the square as the wind made his black hair brush over his gold eyes, which stared intently at a group of people under a tent. Three of them were royal guards, dressed in their usual, knightly clothing with the king’s emblem sticking out with a magnificent red colour. The other people were lining up at the table, signing their names on a long sheet of paper. They all looked incredibly strong, but the strongest looking person stood on a cleared area at the side of the tent. He was a dark, large, robust person with jet-black hair and a thin vest, which barely seemed to cover any part of his extremely muscular body. In his hands, he held an extremely large sword, as big as his body, but with no hilt or handguard.

The gold eyes shifted towards a young man who was pushed into the cleared area--the ‘arena’--to face this giant. There was a loud ‘thud!’ as the giant slammed his sword against the ground, readying for battle.

The rules were simple: survive for thirty seconds and you’ll become just an ordinary royal guard. Survive for a minute and you get the royal guard status, plus a shiny silver sword and shield, not just the usual iron ones. Floor the giant and you get the royal bodyguard status; fit enough to meet and defend the king and his guests. Get killed--there was a loud squishing sound and a humongous splatter of blood--and well…you die. The giant grinned as he pulled the sword from the bloody mass, splitting apart the body in the process. Most of the group grimaced and turned away, some even letting out their lunch or running away from the signups. A small cleanup crew rushed onto the scene, clearing away the strewn body-parts and washing away the blood with buckets of water.

The man turned away from the spectacle, gently pushing his hands in his pockets as his boots crushing the sand and gravel beneath them as he made his way forward.

There was a sudden outburst up ahead.

A man shot out of a doorway straight unto the streets, hugging a bag of noisy coins close to his chest. An older man chased behind him, but he was slow and the younger thief had already gotten far. People in the crowded streets had moved out of his way as he ran past them blindly, not even taking the time to notice that one person did not clear the way, but calmly walked by as he dashed passed, going in the opposite direction. The person calmly pulled his hand out of his pocket.

The thief stopped in his tracks and looked down, squeezing his fingers, holding…nothing. He turned around to the sound of a bag of clinking coins, dropped from a height to the ground, right in front of the old man who stood bewildered, wondering how the stolen bag of money suddenly appeared in front of him.

The dark-clad man smiled slightly as he continued onward, putting his hand back into his pocket.

“Hey…what the hell?!” the thief kept looking at his hands and at the bag, then at the stranger who seemingly took no notice of the events going on. Could that man have done that? The thief was not sure, but he was ignorant. He rushed forward, not caring for the bag of money anymore, but craving revenge; a little red that should suffice. His small sword scraped against a leather sheath as he ran up behind the stranger. There was a swift sidestep and a loud “Oof!” as the thief took a hard kick in his stomach. Rain looked around at the guards who were running to the scene.

“What happened here?!” one of them shouted, glaring at the gold-eyed man. But before Rain himself could answer, the old man butted in.

“He’s fast!” he yelled, pushing his way through the crowd that had gathered around, “the man in black! He took the money from the guy without the man realizing it! And then he disabled the thief with one blow that no one saw!”

“Well, well,” the guard grinned at Rain, “the other guys could handle an unconscious man…but I’d like you to come with me. Now.”

Rain grinned back, waving his hand at the guard carelessly.

“Look, I don’t want any trouble,” he chuckled, “I just helped the old ma--”

The guard cut him off by grabbing his arm and tugging him towards the signup tent. Rain, not wanting to cause another outburst, went calmly as they pushed through the now miniature group of strong people under the signup tent. The Grim Angel chuckled, apparently nervous in the presence of such large…and wide people.

“I want this guy in the arena with Daryan. If he’s as fast as the people say he is, he’ll survive.”

Their were loud grunts of disapproval from the small crowd behind them, but some of them murmured small statements of approval, probably wanting to extend their life by a few seconds more.

Without hesitation, Rain was shoved into the cleared area. The mixed smell of stale and fresh blood irritated his nose as his opponent turned to face him.

“You’re a little…small, aren’t you?” Daryan whispered as he looked down at the puny gold-eyed person looking up at him.

Rain smiled at the man, he didn’t seem like much of an uneducated brute as he seemed, “You needn’t worry about that.”

“Sorry, kid.” Daryan continued, lifting his large sword from the ground, “You’re in the arena…and it’s my job, you know?”

“No worries here,” Rain continued to smile, “do your best.”

The giant held the handle of the sword with both hands over his head, preparing to smash his miniature opponent with it. He brought it down, swift and strong. It shattered the cobblestones on the street, sending dust and debris flying everywhere. But after that stroke, there would be no time for him to react. The giant heard the soft clanking of swift footsteps running…running up…his own sword!? That was it; that was all. There was another large ‘thud!’ as the giant himself made contact with the ground.

Silence. The whole group stood in awe as the giant sat up, rubbing his head.

“Ohh…kid. What the hell? I can’t tell if you hit me from the front…or the back…”

The Grim Angel turned to the group of guards under the tent and grinned.

“There!” he said excitedly, “It’s over! May I be on my way now?”

“H…” the guard that had brought him here began to speak, “Hell no, boy! I think you’ve just been selected as one of the king’s bodyguards for this evening!”

Rain put his hand to his forehead, brushing back his hair.

Oh man, bodyguard? I’m not exactly muscle-for-hire…

I suppose…I have nothing better to do. I’m sure the event might be rather boring.

It was a funny thing, wasn’t it? That not only had Taen asked the first person he saw to help him, but also, that she had said… yes. On the way to a hotel, she showed no signs of anger or resentment, especially after the fact that Taen had so rudely grabbed her arm, and so bluntly asked her to kill the king. She could have been with the royal guard, and turned him in. She could have simply laughed, and wrote him off as crazy. However, for some strange reason, she didn’t.

She was a strange girl. Not strange as in bad, but more like… different. Her stiletto heels and black velvet gloves, along with her black and pink dress, did not seem to fit the persona of an assassin. She was too young. Her face was that of a young girl, not even 13 years old. And yet she swore she was at least 20. Her light frame, her smooth, pale skin. The lightness in her voice that was calm and quieted. How could someone so innocent be something so deadly?

Half an hour. That was how much time they had left. Taen had already finished getting ready, and Kariette was fixing her hair to make it look neater, rather than strewn all over the place. She was already wearing a dress, which she just cleaned up a bit, seeing as it had gotten dirty from the rain. They both wore black trench-coat like garments, in order to hide their weapons from unwanted eyes. Taen would enter the Gala unarmed while Kariette held both pairs of swords. Then Taen would sneak out the back, grab the blades from Kariette, and then she would go in unarmed.

A simple plan, right?

The two left the building very subtly, walking out the side door where they would be unnoticed, yet not suspicious. They walked onwards to the castle, following the six spears of the great tower that was so visible, even in the night sky. The moon rested right above these towers, with a veil of clouds giving it a hazy glow. A light snow feel from the cool sky.

Taen and Kariette approached the line that stood right outside the castle’s entrance. Right above the doorway was a great arch, almost like a cathedral. It’s wavy design and mystical art made it seem as if it were some sort of great temple of the gods.

Taen sighed. ‘There’s honoring a king, and there is worshipping them. These people just crossed that line.’

The elf looked over at Kariette. Her face was still blank and expressionless. Her silver eyes told no emotion. She was like a doll.

The girl looked up at the summoner. “Are you ready?”

It was time; tonight was now. The stars dimmed, outshined by the sheer brilliance of the king’s guests. They all wore their most magnificent apparel, with glittering gold and silver, some even had platinum and diamonds on their cuffs alone. The inner palace itself was bright, with smooth marble walls and floors, embraced by royal blue rugs and hangings all trimmed with shimmering gold threads.

Rain stood upon a flight of stairs, watching the king mingle in perfectly with his extravagant guests. He fit right in, wearing his royal robes and glittering crown which melded with the shine of the clothes of any other guest. ‘A gala in the sun’, the dark clad man took a few steps down. In all this brightness he seemed to stick out like a sore thumb.

He glanced at the king again.

The other bodyguards were all mixing and mingling with the guests; even Daryan had put on his best suit, with his own jewelry. That was all they had to do, really; keep an eye on the king without looking suspicious. That way, anyone who tried to take the gala by surprise, would be surprised themselves. However, Rain seemed like more of an assassin rather than a guest, much less, a bodyguard.

With a few steps unto the floor, he heard a giggle from some girls he had seemingly glided past. As a response, he turned to them and offered a small smile, making them turn away, giggling even more.

“Hey, little guy!” Daryan called over to him, raising his glass of grape wine, signaling him over. Rain raised an eyebrow and strolled over to him and his group, having to dodge a few rushing waiters on the way.

“Hey, big guy.” Rain responded as he got close, bowing slightly to his company.

“This is the guy I was telling you about,” the large man turned to his company, which mostly consisted of young girls in their glittering dresses, “this is the little one that’s stronger than me.”

One of the ladies turned to him and bowed in her own fashion, holding her dress and bending on knee slightly.

“Well now,” she winked, grinning, “you must be quite the athlete to beat this hunk of muscle. Allow me to introduce myself. I am Duchess Mira Vidna, at your service.”

“Ah, my lady,” Rain smiled, bowing again, “it is I, who is at your service.”

The Duchess giggled in a reformed fashion, covering her lips with a gloved hand and turning away. Daryan laughed, patting Rain hard on the back with a large hand, “Haha, strong with the ladies as well, I admire you, my friend.”

“If you’re lucky,” the giant continued, laughing heartily, his cheeks red, drunk with the wine, “the night may last long for you, Rainy-boy.”

‘So this is it. Not what I’d expected for a party.’

The “couple” walked together into the main hall, taking off their main cloaks and hanging them on the coat rack. Their garments stood quietly next to many others there, the variety almost creating a rainbow. Taen turned around, and looked at Kariette.

Her dress had become a thing of great beauty, it’s black silk radiant, along with her pure white hair and pale glowing skin. She looked over at everyone else, neither hateful or envious, or anything. In the past hour, she had shown little regard for anything. She acknowledged it, but she didn’t respond to it. She only accepted it.

Kariette caught Taen staring at her, admiring her attire and look, which contradicted the white and lime green everyone else was wearing. “Is it fine?” she asked.

Taen looked over at her, wondering if she was embarrassed by his awkward gawking at her. He cleared his throat. “It’s nothing. You’re perfect.”

She didn’t respond. Or if she did, Taen didn’t notice. She looked across the ballroom, surveying the tables and people wandering around. Everything was so… sophisticated. The food was of the highest quality, the floors made of marble with expensive carpeting laying across the floor. Colorful banners lined the walls, interspersed by the long windows that were decorated and painted. The people wore the most expensive and the most fanciest dresses and gowns. Surely these people weren’t so shallow that they had to show off their wealth?

Then again, you could only guess. Some girls paid no mind to Taen, and some guys didn’t even glance at Kari. Others, however, looked upon them with envy. Some asking “How did she end up with him?” or “What could he see in her?” The two paid no mind to them, however, even when one man went up to Kariette and asked for a dance, or one girl walked over to Taen, sliding her shoulders against his, and smiling ever so devilishly.

Kariette whispered into Taen’s ear “Do you see where the king is?”

Taen looked around, his eyes widened as they found an elderly man in very bright and fancy clothing. His gold crown gave away his identity. Bad idea for an assassination target.

“The old man with the crown?”

She nodded. “His name is Uriel Septim. He is one of the most well known rulers across the land. Whoever ordered you to kill him, must have a strong hatred for him. His death could cause the collapse of the country.”

Taen looked away for a moment, looking across at someone whom had spilled their drink. ‘The fate of a whole country, rests in my hands. Lovely.’

Kariette brought her lips closer to his ears, her breath tickling the elf’s neck. “We can’t go after him now, it would draw too much attention.”

Taen’s eyes went back over to the king, now speaking to man in black whom was presumably his bodyguard. Perhaps he should talk to him, found out where the king would go after the party.

“Maybe I could talk to that man in black over there? See if I can get some sort of info on the king.”

She nodded. “You do that, I’ll look for some sort of entrance to the inner parts of the castle.”

She turned around and walked away, her hand slipping down Taen’s arm. ‘She put her hand through my arm?’ Taen pondered this. Was she trying to make a move on him?

The king walked away from his bodyguard for a moment, possibly to go “entertain” the women around. Taen walked faster towards the black haze sitting against the wall. Two women stood over by him, as well as a man of enormous size. His eyes never left his target, as he slipped past different patrons.

Taen walked on over, and eyed one girl. She looked at him with an impressed look on her face, and stuck her hand out at him. Taen took her gloved hand in his, and bowed, his lips meeting the back of her hand as he kissed it and smiled.

“My name is Taen Rashida. And who might you be, my lady?”

She smiled again, her lips spreading so wide her pearly white teeth shown through. “My name is Duchess Mira Vidna. And this over here” she gestured over to the black garbed one “Is Rain Seraph. He was able to defeat Daryan over here earlier.”

The summoner glanced over at the giant, the one whom was named Daryan. “That’s quite a feat. You must be pretty strong to overcome this brute.”

Daryan laughed, and Rain smiled. “It’s all about speed my friend.”

Taen looked over Rain, his thin frame seemed to be perfect for the persona of someone with speed, and agility. Their eyes met. ‘Gold eyes’ Taen mused. His jet black hair and handsome face made for quite the charmer.

Taen shuffled over to where Rain was standing, and watched as Vidna walked away. “Some party.”

Rain nodded. Taen looked over and at a raised platform. A band stood up on the platform at the front, readying their instruments for music. They’re instruments appeared to be for the use of classical music, although Taen could have sworn he saw some kind of electric guitar sitting in the back. The band stood together on their platforms, and closed their eyes as the opening verses of the Lacrimosa began.

Out of the corner of his eyes, he saw another gold-eyed man coming. The Duchess Vidna introduced herself in a most charming way, bowing slightly and offering a hand for him to kiss. The young man took it up quickly and introduced himself in a gentlemanly manner, pecking the back of her hand with his lips.

The woman looked over to Rain and introduced him as “the person who was able to beat Daryan”.

“That’s quite a feat. You must be pretty strong to overcome this brute.” Taen responded, looking up at the giant, who just laughed noisily, continuously patting Rain on the back so hard that each time he did, Rain’s body seemed to jerk. In response to Taen’s statement, Rain chuckled softly as the Duchess swirled the wine in her champagne glass before taking a sip, smiling mischievously, looking at the elf out of the corner of her eye.

“It’s all about speed, my friend.” Rain looked over at the Duchess, pretending not to notice Taen’s gold eyes, which were seemingly scanning him from head to toe, from toe to head. The Duchess was not looking at Rain, but at the newcomer, seemingly taking an interest in him.

She took a small sip of her purple wine as Taen slid to Rain’s side. The Duchess watched the two for a second before slipping away, mingling and no doubt, flirting with the other guests.

“Some party.” Taen muttered.

“Mm…” Rain nodded as the band began playing a new song, “It’s too much glitter for my taste.”

The elf only chuckled.

“You don’t seem very glittery,” Rain continued with a slight smile on his face, “what’s your title?”

Taen faltered for a swift second, he opened his lips to speak, but Rain spoke out faster.

“It doesn’t matter. I should look for the king. He expects everyone to keep up with him.”

With that, Rain slipped away, disappearing in the crowd of mingling gems and charms, searching for the king’s crown; the only way to identify him.


OoC: I know Evaline wanted to post, so I just kept Taen and Rain there on the main floor.

OoC: The wait is over, this post is suckage, but I don't care.

Also, this post is my 5889th post on ZU, which is the same as Duke' had, so I dedicate it to him.

BiC:

He didn’t seem very social.

Taen took a small glass of wine that was handed to him by a waiter. The gold liquid sparkled in his hands, bubbly and, more than likely, expensive. He took a sip, it tasting sweet almost against his tongue. His mouth left the edge of the glass as he closed his eyes and set the drink down against a table.

A little alcohol might make an assassination more interesting.

Gold eyes scurried about the room. Rain had went after the king, and had seemed to have found His Highness floating about the room like a balloon, and Seraph being the young child trying to keep it from flying off towards the sky. The summoner’s eyes watched for silver hair and a black dress. After rotating his head like a watchtower twice, Taen’s face dropped in disappointment.

Where had she gone? Did she grow tired of him, and decide to do the mission herself? Was it possible he scared her off? Taen tried to chase these doubts away from his mind, but they persisted. He was about to go and look for her when suddenly, the room darkened.

The lights in the room had dimmed themselves in respect for the even greater light that lowered itself from the ceiling. It was blue and glowing, like a star. It was a chandelier, carved into the shape of a star, with a middle orb of light that burned and shone with magnificence. The men and women in the orchestra stopped, and Taen knelt his chin down.

This place begins to remind me more and more of the City.

-----

Kariette leaned against the stone wall, trying to keep her balance. She was in the ceiling rafters, attempting to find a path to the throne room. From there, she’d have to find a way out. She did not have a map of the castle on her, and she couldn’t go wandering about without raising the guards’ suspicion. She eased her way above the vents, the air moving across the ground like a river. On her hands and knees, she crawled forward, pulling herself using the bolts along the sides. It was a tight fit, but she made it. Reaching for a gap in the wall above, she breathed in. She gathered all her strength and heaved herself to the top. Below her, she could see the party guests staring at something above them.

A bright star loomed over them, showering them in it’s blue-white glow. The assassin covered her eyes from the offending glare. Her eyes moved across the floor and over to where a bunch of bolts clanked behind a wall. She sauntered over, and drew her hand across the stone. She moved along it until she came to a long chain that shot up to the ceiling. From there it wound around an object that looked like a pulley, and dangled to where the chandelier dwelt. Seven hooks were attached to its side, with chains pointing from across the room, keeping it steady. The big chain seemed to be welded to it, and was a lot thicker than the others.

Gliding over to the chain, she drew her blade. A wicked smile crept up along her lips, and her wrist swung across the air.

-----

The summoner shifted his feet impatiently. The king stood on a balcony; or at least, something that looked like a balcony. It stood ten feet above the ground, with stairs to the side that curved along the walls. Rain stood right behind His Highness, leaned back on his heel, looking off to the side with a blank expression on his face. Korale, the Dragon Spirit of Water, stirred in his mind.

He’s not human… she mused. She brushed gently across the elf’s consciousness, letting him see Rain through her eyes for a moment.

Taen glanced away for a second, his attention drawn to something that dropped against the floor. His thoughts were brought back to Seraph. He doesn’t seem to be an elf or any other variety either. His eyes moved back to Rain, whom was raising his hand above his head as the other covered his mouth, which looked to be yawning. He doesn’t seem to be dangerous. It’s probably nothing to be worried about.

The other lights shut off completely, as to not distract from the great light above. The chandelier lit up even brighter than before, basking the entire room in its “magnificence.” Taen looked closer at it, and saw that it was actually a giant crystal, the light in it seeming to be not of a flame or an electric light, but of something more “spiritual.” The king started to speak, his words mumbled together into one big “blah” that Taen gave no mind to. He rested his head against the wall and rolled his eyes in his head. He could just kill the king now and be done with. Why did they need to wait?

He downed the rest of his wine, and set the glass on the table. He turned to the left to see a figure standing in front of him.

Even in the dark, he recognized her silver eyes. “Where did you-?” Taen was about to ask, but Kariette gave him a look that told him that he would find out eventually. The room went silent, and it became apparent that the king’s speech was over. The dance, however, was not. In fact, it seemed to have just begun, as people gathered to the middle, two-by-two. The summoner slipped his hands between the assassin’s fingers, and stood in front of her, offering his same gentle smile.

“Would you care to dance?"