9. Episode The Peacock and the Crow
The physician simply inclined his head towards Crow in the briefest of nods. He comprehended the orders and returned to his desk to continue filing paperwork. The only questions that seemed to remain nascent in his brain was what going to be done with the Pani panther the moment she awakened… that is, if she survived this ordeal. The sedative performed the necessary alleviation as it had intended and she slept fitfully for what may be the first time in ages. There were no visions of her mother, Lord Nishida, her estranged son, or the series of owners who had created her and remade her in their images, only to tire of her and sell her off at a whim. The lover that Crow thought of seemed to invade her dreams. She remembered his impetuousness, optimism, tenderness, and honesty… everything she ever desired in a man. But, what he had lacked was strength and courage… the strength to keep her close and the courage to fight for her when instead she seemed to doing that all on her own for him. Everything she did was always for him… the call for help when Snow, one of Crow’s counterpart was cut down in front of her. Her clever mind unveiled the possibilities of exactly how much closer she can get to her lover in saving that assassin’s life. Instead, it became a precedent for a perilous and foolish journey which altered both of their lives. Snow had enslaved her and she managed to escape him, only to find herself in the clutches of the slaver who was the crux of her nightmares and his name was Dane. If there was any other slaver aside from the man who owned herself and her mother who elicited pure, unadulterated fear, resentment, and hatred – it was him. Dane, who bathed her after her initial loss of innocence in which a hired hand of the Pasha she had served publically stripped and raped her. If there was an answer to all of the bitterness she seemed to harbor towards the institution of slavery and men’s whims, it was that initial betrayal by the Pasha who had delivered her into the mouths of larls. He saw her as a pawn and when she had taxed out her usefulness, he ousted her. He took responsibility for her: bathing, training, and caring for her while her belly burgeoned with the reminder of how she had lost her freedom and peace of mind. But, in her madness and desperation, she frantically clung to him and the promises he made about her child – how she could raise it and one day it would be freed. He had bought her mind and heart with lies and in the tradition of Earth-bound Stockholm Syndrome, she began to sympathize and even care for him. He murdered her fantasy during the moments of labor and had taken her child from her only moments after she had given birth. It was through rumors and pleading with sympathetic slave girls who worked with the physician that she learned she had a baby boy. She had a son and despite how he was conceived, she loved and yearned for him. She did not even have the opportunity to nurse him as his crying was the final thing she heard despite her pleading with the slavers and physicians surrounding that she wanted to see him. But, her pitiful requests were rebuffed and she gradually agonized to the point of suicide… but was deterred by a fellow slave girl who had observed her disposition and felt pity for her. It was then that she began to notice the strange omens of the black birds that seemed to arrive at the most inopportune moments for herself – particularly when she intended to end her own life which was more than once. She had met her lover – Dante in Salernum after subsequently being released and attempted to begin anew. She purposely neglected to inform him about that sordid detail of her past as she didn’t intend to destroy her current state of peace and contentment. No man she ever became involved ever became aware of what had happened to her. She was afraid it would blemish what she had and thus it was the reason why she now adopted different names and disguises in order to fool anyone she might encounter from her past. Dante’s enthusiasm declined to a somber, detached disposition as his training resumed with Crow. He still proclaimed love and affection, but she could see that things were rapidly changing: he made no efforts to seek her out as she had to go to him. She risked both their lives to have a final night with him before the former Ubar of Telnus claimed her for his own. Perhaps it was a blessing in disguise as the action seemed to deter her desire to continue her relationship with Dante. She weighed the options with a heavy heart and decided to do what was best for everyone – leaving him. It was for the best as he began to comport himself in a way she could barely recognize. She no longer blamed Crow for Dante’s mistakes… it was Dante who had killed himself. —— Several years ago…
Ayasha Catteneo steps up quietly and glances over with a wary eye before bowing her head “greetings Master
Ayasha Catteneo: greetings Mistress
Dante Juriya looks to the girl with a serious expression, “Tal, Lass.”
Ayasha Catteneo: can I help you with anything Master?
Suyuan Quan diverts her attention from her man and viewed the slave girl with quizzicalness as she attempted to bad her rise.
Dante Juriya nods, assuming she wasa village slave, “I need to speak wiv one of the caste of black.” He nods, hoping she could fetch him one an speed up the prcess a little.
Ayasha Catteneo tips her head a little and tho her eyes betray a bit of fire, she still murmurs softly “why would there be one of the black here in a fishing village Master?”
Dante Juriya chuckles and rests a hand on the woman’s shoulder, “This woman has lead me here. She knows of their where abouts.” He lowers his voice slightly, “I wish to pledge, Lass.”
Ayasha Catteneo glances at the Mistress as if checking her out, her shoulders giving a small shrug before she turns back to the Master “you wish to pledge something to a black?”
Suyuan Quan tilted her head to one side as she peered over towards her man, a bit of nerbousness crossing her delicate features as she exhaled a bit of frost and reflexively shifted closer to him, whether for safety or for warmth.
Dante Juriya chuckles nodding, “I wish to pledge me life.” He wanted to be a man of the shadows. One who studied silently, undetected for that one target, waiting for the one perfect moment to strike. He wished to throw down the binding chains of honor and all of the other worries of a free, and disappear as if he never existed.
Suyuan Quan gestured over towards the horizon as she watched the two black figures enter the building, “There, my darling! They went in there!”
Ayasha Catteneo gives a faint nod “perhaps one could be found… but would it not be better to wait inside where it is warmer?”
Dante Juriya nodded, now, motioning the slave on, “Lead the way, Lass.”
Ayasha Catteneo bows her head, glancing at the Mistress before turning to lead the way inside.
Fang: yes Killer, it was.
Ayasha Catteneo steps in to curl down and bow her head “greetings Masters
Ayasha Catteneo: greetings Mistress
Ayasha Catteneo glances back to the two following her before murmuring “the Master here wishes to speak to one of the black..”
DarkSyns Magic: ” Sir I would ask that you please not touch the scrolls, they are owned by others and are of a sensitive nature. I am sure you would not like any interfering with yor own tasks.” Her words were said in a low soft voice, eyes smiling warmly however there was a slight edge.
Crow nods to the slave while he keeps his focus on the scrolls that were underneath his gloved hands “Excuse me ?” he said dryly “owned by others … and yet here you are in a crowded tavern … working on them ?” he narrows his eyes reading some more. “and about interfering my own tasks … I will deal with what comes.” he adds with the same lifeless voice.
Fang hearing the womens words he turns his head and regards her. his ice blue eyes raking her over, his face stony showign no emotion as he looks at her
Serpent ‘then he has found two.. ‘ he says tonelessly then turns his attention back to the one called fang ‘Seems you did well, there is another here that favours the axe.. It would be an interesting wager.. ‘
Fang: i dont favor it Killer, it is just.. nice to have Options is all.
Suyuan Quan’s boots picked up with quite a bit of celerity as she hurried after Dante and she paused just few inches behind him. She was correct. This was where she had heard of the killers frequenting as she remembered from her prior visit. Somehow, she seemed a bit more fased to be in a room surrounded by the assassins and she would seek out the expressions in their eyes, the tones of their voices and her heart pounded just a bit faster as she imagined her man being like one of them… could he be just as devoid of emotion as they?
Ayasha Catteneo bows her head slightly before moving to one side, going silent to let the visitors speak with the dark Masters.
DarkSyns Magic: ” They are not of a sensitive matter but I do not like my work being perused through. I am sure you can understand.,” cants her head. ” They are the slave papers from one of your own, I am sorting the, If you feel the desire to read them I am sure the KIller would share them with you.” golden greenish brown eyes gazed up at him nonplussed.
Crow looks at her while he keeps his pose rather impassive “a sensitive matter and yet they are simple slave papers ?” he replied. He arches a brow and leaves it with that. He turns to the ‘happy couple’ of before “Hmmm followed ?” he says to them leaving the pleasentries of a greeting.
Serpent ‘well favour or not, you wear it, that in itself tells me much.. ‘
Fang: yes Killer
Serpent Eyes flick to the slave for an Ihn.. ‘Blackwine. ‘ he says as he takes his usual seat.
Ayasha Catteneo peeks over at the command, bowing her head with a shy smile “right away Master..”
DarkSyns Magic: ” All my work is of a sensitive matter to someone Sir, quite like yours,” offers him a small sardonic smile.Impassively she picks up the writing stick and looks up at him,” Busy place this tavern seems to be, haunted and all”
Crow had kept his hand on the scroll and simply nods, “Indeed one could wonder about their …. sensitivity.” he says to her but than leaving the table and stepping closer to the two he met before in Salernum.
Fang: at times, when people have shorter fast swords, the axe my be used to string from a greater range, and if a man is fast and nible of foot, once can strike with swords takign away the range of the axe and its slowness becomes a hinderance
Fang: and .. its slightly .. imposing
Serpent ‘Indeed it is often said if you get to the elbow of an axe warrior he is as good as dead, meet the steel of it and you will betraveling to the city of dust’
Dante Juriya shakes his head, changing his outlook from what he had seen earlier. “I remember ye from earlier. What ye saw there was an act. This woman and I are strictly business. ” He had an expression of all seriousness covering his face, and his heart pounded excitedly before the assassins. “I wish to pledge me life to this caste. To caste off the chins of the free and take up the burdan of the shadows.”
Ayasha Catteneo steps back out to the Master’s side, both small hands wrapped around a large black cup. She curls down carefully and briefly presses it against her belly, offering it up afterwards and bowing her head low “your black wine Master.. fresh and hot”
Crow narrows his eyes seeing an other person enter, but than staring to the man before him “I see.” he said without much enthousiasm “And you think I will believe you on your … what is it … your colour eyes ?” he asks while regarding the woman also seeing if there was anything that would betray the lie or truth.
Suyuan Quan appeared a bit confused for a moment as she gesticulated to herself, “Are you asking me about my eyes, sir?”
Fang watchs the fellow and hears his words as he stands there speaking of pledging his life. then he note’s another fellow enter the building and watchs both people closly. his arms relaxing and his heartbeat slowly stilling.
Dante Juriya chuckles and proceeds to speak of their agreement, “Our agreement was to enter in Free Companionship to make the tading of Kanda for coin easier. It is a business relationship, I assure you.” He nodded, rubbing his chin as he thinks, “Ye can believe that the feelings she may or may not have for me are not mutual.”
Serpent motions Chaos to join him fith a flick of his fingers then takes the blackwine from the girl ‘serve others’ he instructs to her.
Crow shakes his head “No I doubt they matter.” he replied dryly while his cold stare returned to the man “pledge to a caste of killers … hmmm…” he muses while he regards him more closely “We do demand that they take away any attachment perhaps you can start with this business partner … show us your talent ?” he tells him
Ayasha Catteneo bows her head glancing around before moving to the canidate standing nearby.
DarkSyns Magic taking a deep breath she continues with her work. It was a good thing she chose this place for solitude and peace for there was nary an interruption. Her own humor causes the woman to almost chuckle aloud but she knew better. Perusing the two seperate scrolls she would compile one complete one for the Assassin.
Ayasha Catteneo curls down beside him and bows her head, her voice a soft murmur “may I serve you Master?”
Serpent ‘Take a seat lad’ he says lifting the bitter brew to his lips. his eyes watching the fellow as he steps closer.
Chaos Narstrom: move to him and then nods…”Tal”
Fang watchs at the slave nears him and he shakes his head no to silenly comunicate to her his deside to pay attn to the others * serve the others girl * he says with his dry slighy horse voice
Chaos Narstrom: his eyes briefly flicker to those gathered and then back to the one before him.
Ayasha Catteneo peeks up to murmur “as you wish Master..” her eyes glancing around the room before she moves to another.
Suyuan Quan chewed on her bottom lip as she heard the voluble spoken by Dante and the back of her throat burned but she would permit her face to betray that emotion would could harm his chances into entering the caste. As poised, she offered the precise stoic expression that had served her faithfully as she stated with a serrated edge, “Oh, it is over as this conversation occurs.”
Ayasha Catteneo curls down beside the dark Master, her voice soft so as to not interrupt him too much “may I serve you Master?”
Dante Juriya pushes the bangs of his right cheek to the side, revealing the brand which made him a theif to the common public, “I do not know what ye mean, but if it be along these lines, the caste of red has only caught me once.” He chuckles dropping his hand to his side.
Severus Koskinen: taps the table ‘Sit lad’ he says to Chaos..
Crow looks down to the girl and waves her away “The usual.” he said to her before turning his sharp attention back to the man “You know the penealty for not telling the truth ?” he said in a low tone, his pose so calm people that knew him would shiver … he was most dangerous when he reached this stage.
Fang watchs as the fellows hand drops to his side and readys himself should there be any action here not desired by the Killer. and waits silently
Chaos Narstrom: “How does this day find you?”
Ayasha Catteneo peeks up and bites at her lip before moving back towards the kitchen, her small form indeed shivering at the tone in his voice “right away Master..”
Serpent ‘Well Lad, you think you are ready now?’
Dante Juriya nodded, “I assume it to be death.” The words rolled off his tongue confidently for he had nothing to hide. He had not gained any attachment to Su, only fondness in a friendly manner. Familiarity.
Chaos Narstrom: “think?? I am ready.”
Ayasha Catteneo returns and curls back down, the dark wood of the bowl she holds showing only sparkling clear water inside. She presses it against her belly, then offers it up with a low bow of her head “your water Master…”
Crow nods slowly while he spies the girl return within his timelimit. “Indeed as any failure will lead to it ….” he replied in the same toneless voice. “Tell me … if you wish to join a caste that is known for their secrets, their unique ways … their edge of life and death … you think bringing a woman would serve you well ?”
Chaos Narstrom: his eyes focuses forward….what was going on behind him was of no concern….he knew they were there..how many but his concentration was focused.
Serpent ‘our last conversation I sent you away to sever ties and settle your business.. ‘ he reminds the youngster as he drinks, his eyes flicking to the unusual couple as they conversed with Crow.
Crow looks down to the slave “kiss the bowl.” he demanded … he was at times rather supersticious.
Chaos Narstrom: “I have done so….the ties that remained are no more.”
Chaos Narstrom: “I am ready as you instructed.”
Dante Juriya shook his head, “She was my map to this vilage for she spoke of being treated quite kindly by the killer here.” He scratched the back of his neck as he waited to be drilled by the next question.
Fang hears the words the man spoke then waitinf for the killer to let him kill this fellow and perhaps even the lady, as the fellow it seemed did not quite understand
Chaos Narstrom: his eyes studied the one in front of him…he had not been called lad for many years and in his younger days it would have brought a harsh..perhaps even violent retort…but the words slide off hardened hide…for they were that…words.
Crow arches a brow “I doubt that to be true, the woman was rather annoyed when we met her in Salernum.” he responded. He took a step closer, knowing that when he would draw his blade one swing would eliminate them both … if they were foolish enough to step closer to him. “Again … if you wish to join … we demand that you eliminate every attachment you might have … a real good killer doesn’t need a woman to help him in any degree.” that was of course partly true a good fuck of a slave was an easy release of some needs or when they did their chores as polishing boots was quite easy to have around.
Serpent stands up (rl) Speak with crow when he has time for you.. till then.. have a drink.. it may be your last’
Ayasha Catteneo glances up before tilting her head, pressing her soft lips against the lower side of the bowl before offering it up once more to him, her arms visibly trembling in her effort to keep from spilling a drop of the clear liquid.
Crow reaches for the bowl and takes it to his lips while his cold eyes never break eye contact with the man before him.
DarkSyns Magic nibbling on the end of the writing stick she concentrates at the task at hand wondering how the Killer ever kept things organized. Clicking her tongue she furrows her brow and pours over the work.
Chaos Narstrom: sits down and now his attention is focused on the men before him and the women….his eyes breifly move over her….seeing her and laughing softly…the women obvioulsy was more fit as a slave then as a free.
Dante Juriya nods, but reverses the statement back on him, “Then I shall return when these ties are severed. But by eliminate, do you mean kill?”
Chaos Narstrom: then casting a quick glace at the lady writing…….all the while listening..
Crow arches a brow “That is on you to deside … however we do test it during training. We aren’t known to trust on just a word.” he replied after taking a sip “Perhaps you should think why we ask this of any candidate ?”
Suyuan Quan swallowed a mouthful of saliva as Crow stepped towards them and she huddled behind Dante. She knew what they were capable of and for a moment she was brought back to a memory of when she begged a scarlet for her life when she was slave. She peered over at Dante briefly before she spoke dryly towards Crow, “Our Free Companionship has dissolved. It is over. If he wishes to pledge; he’ll never see me again.”
Chaos Narstrom: glancing down..”kalana slave”
Ayasha Catteneo glances up, then nods as she steps back and turns to head for the kitchen “right away Master..”
Dante Juriya nods rubbing his chin while he thought once more, “One whome treads in the shadows should not be recognized by anyone.” He nodded, content with his answer, but decided to add on to it, “In times of kill, this would compromise the whole operation.”
Fang watchs as the women, clearly in edge as she sould be, as her life at this moment was to be taken from her by the fellows own hand, still he stands and waits. uncaring, and ready to end then 2 of them should be be tlod to by the killer.
Crow steps closer with the swiftness of a killer, his hand shoot to her neck trying to get grip and grabbing her close to his own body. His other hand trying to catch her wrists. “His past can’t be resolved by an end of a contract … lady.” he said to her in this edged voice.
Chaos Narstrom: mutters to himself….”nice to see he has her permission.”
Ayasha Catteneo curls back down with the grace of a dancer trained, a goblet of the deep red wine held in both small hands. She glances up as she presses it to her belly, offering it up to him and bowing her head low “your kalana Master…”
DarkSyns Magic hearing the man across from her she bit down on her bottom lip to stop a guffaw that threatened to spill. Clearing her throat she works on the scrolls but is no half listening to the group behind her
Chaos Narstrom: reaches down and takes the goblet from her and then lifts it to his nose and inhales the bouquet of the wine…then sits the goblet on the table in front of him. “well served girl…you may continue on.”
Ayasha Catteneo peeks up as her hands lower back to her thighs, watching him then murmuring softly “thank you Master..”
Ayasha Catteneo moves finally to the Mistress, kneeling beside her chair before peeking up “may I serve you Mistress?”
Suyuan Quan grunted as his hand wrapped about her throat and compressed slightly and she flailed with surprise as his other discovered her wrists and pinioned them. She ceased struggling as her petite body was pressed against his and she gurgled a soft, yet strained reply as she began to shudder, “Is it… it only about his past?”
DarkSyns Magic looks down at the slave remembering her from two eves ago. Hazel eyes flicker a moment,” Some tea would be lovely girl” smiles down at her
Ayasha Catteneo gives the Mistress a shy smile “right away Mistress..”
Crow kept her in this strong grip “past can tell lots about someones character …lady.” he said to her while brushing his lips against her ear while keeping a close observation to the man.
Ayasha Catteneo returns with a cup full of the steaming amber tea, her small hands cradling it as she offers it up “your tea Mistress.. lightly sweetened as you had it before..”
Dante Juriya let him do his dealings with her. He knew better then to mess with an assassin. He simply tuned out the noise to show that he had no attachment to the woman, when really, he regarded her as a fried whome he didn’t want to see harmed.
DarkSyns Magic looking down at the pretty slave with the creamy alabaster skin she imagines she didnt get out much. Gloved hands carefully take the cup from the girl. Setting it far away from her scrolls as no accidents could happen she looks back at her.” Well served thank you, please continue”
Ayasha Catteneo bows her head, blushing faintly before backing away “thank you Mistress..”
Crow kept her strongly against him “he trailed with his left hand that released her neck along the curve of her cheek to her shoulder, perhaps a way he would when holding a slave to soften her up to him. He had his way with women he was told. Still he kept his eyes upon the man, surely if there was an attachment he would feel anger for holding the woman this close to him. His touch was gentle even tender eventhough within the blink of an eye he could slit her throat the push on the wristblade would do it instantly.
Dante Juriya only cleared his throat as the man touch Su tenderly. He had never done anything more then a friendly hug shared between them. He had avoided becoming attached to any soul for reasons of reserving himself until his interest was sparked.
Suyuan Quan’s thickened lashes brushes against her cheeks and he released her, the flimsy fabric of the rep-cloth peasant veil descended revealing the overall comeliness of her features. She was conflicted and her first instinct was to turn away but he still held her wrists taut. Her honey-brown eyes glazed as her busom simply elevated with a frustrated sigh.
Fang feels the hilt of the overly large Dagger he had found sticking in his thigh a while aback, the one the Kur had been Kind enough to sheight there, and feels its coolness as his fingers bruch it absentmindly as his blue eyes coldly watched the fellow. its nearness to his hand intended as he listend, watched and waited
Crow narrows his eyes when the man cleared his throat something was up, eventhough he would have to guess what it was. He released her after pressing a kiss against the curve of her neck … he grins while he regards the man “I think there is a little moment of …. perhaps considering your options ?” he asks although it was far more than a question perhaps more a suggestion.
DarkSyns Magic picking up the cup of tea with one hand she sets the writing stick down. The other carefully moves the veils to the side as she takes a small sip. The tea was hot and sweet yet it did nothing to warm her. She could only imagine the woman’s feelings behind her.
Alana Quicksand slips up quietly…falling to her knees looking about, listening, finally softly whispers, “greetings Masters, Mistress….kajira” in a voice so soft it is barely above a whisper
Dante Juriya shakes his head “The cold seems to mess with me lungs at times.” He chuckled, returning the grin and showing no signs of fear, anger, or sadness showing at any part in his tone, in his eyes, or on his face.
Suyuan Quan retreated from Crow reflexively just after he released her, not even bothering to gather up the discarded veil and she situated herself back by Dante’s side. She glowered the killer and she cast another glare to her so-called ‘friend’ as she folded her arms about her torso, “Please just hurry up so I can have an escort back to Salernum. After that, we’ll don’t have to speak again.”
Crow kept his looks lifeless while he slowly turned to the woman “hmmm ” he muses when he licked his lips as if he wanted to memorize the taste of her flesh on them. “When you wish to pledge to my caste be sure that you come alone, ready for something more cruel than you have ever witnessed.” he said to him “Perhaps we meet in Salernum … I will be watching you …” he promises.
Suyuan Quan grimaces towards Crow, nearly as if she could sense what he was thinking and she shook her head vigorously, “No.” Was all she replied.
Crow flicks his eyes back to her “No?” he replied almost mockingly “Don’t challange me … woman.” he adds while he again licks his lips “You see … this isn’t your home … and I doubt this man will come to you rescue even if I so much would try to get you down on your knees.” he grins viciously “You might even enjoy it ..” he said showing some sort of black sense of humor …
Alana Quicksand crawls to the Master’s heel, just behind incase he has any needs, but out of the way should he need room, though it appearred the situation was well in hand…hearing the Master’s mocking tone, she remains silent so as not to incur his wrath…he woujld know she is eager to serve, no need to interupt just to say it…she takes the time to study the features of those visitors that dared to make their way to the Inn
Toinette Levee stomps the snow off her boots at the door. Giving her hair and cloak a little shake, to get rid of the falling snow, she steps in to the warmth of the tavern. Shivering a bit, even in the new warmth, she steps in, hoping for a kal-da…
Dante Juriya looks to Su and then nods to the killer, “When ye watch in view, ye might drop a Tal.” He chuckled and turned towards the door, “I ‘ave a lot of ties to sever, then.” He nodded to the group as a whole this time, “Might we be headingout now?”
Chaos Narstrom: looking back over his shoulder…..”girl….a goblet of cool water….”
Crow arches a brow seeing the woman enter, he gives her a quick nod before turning to Dante “Before you go … tell me your name.” he demanded
Toinette Levee nods and offers a soft “Tal” to all those that are gathered around. Normally quite chatty, she get’s a bit quiet when she is faced with so many at once. Making her way quietly across the room to the fire, she thinks to just warm herself.
Fang watchs as a lady enters the building and nods to her as she stomps the snow from her bots and again watchs the man who thinks the Killer would be a.. social travler willing to just make words for no reason
Ayasha Catteneo peeks over as she hears the Master, bowing her head then turning for the kitchen to fetch his water.
Dante Juriya shrugs, “Me mother named me Dante. Ye may call me what you will.” He nodded, for he knew they would likely find many ways to demean him, to break him if he were to make it into the first week.
Ayasha Catteneo returns with a large goblet, the water inside it sparkling clear. She presses the goblet against her belly, offering it up to the Master with her head bowed “your water Master..”
Suyuan Quan again shook her head at Crow as she cast a furtive glance towards Dante, “Already I am beginning to wish I didn’t know you.” She stated coldly.
Chaos Narstrom: reaches down for the water and takes if from her….reaches out with his other hand and then runs his fingers through her hair…”thank you girl”
Chaos Narstrom: the full goblet of kalan in front of him still…he lifts the goblet of water to his lips and drinks deeply.
Ayasha Catteneo starts to lower her hands then shivers as his touch sends a chill along her spine, a blush rising in her cheeks “you are most welcome Master..”
Crow nods “Dante … ” he echo’s memorizing the name and the mans features. “I am Crow.” he gave his given name one that perhaps showed what kind of killer he was. After all the name was often a small reference to character. “I wish you both well.” he said knowing they were about to leave. The wish hardly fitted the voice he used. It was perhaps a first test to see if the man really was up to it … scaring them was after all a first border they needed to cross.
An Assassin looks at the fellows face closly, remembering it, noring the brand of the theif on his cheak and still stands ready as he watchs the man and the soon to be dead women.
Toinette Levee pulls her cloak off, and leaves it by the chair at the fire, to dry a bit, the snow having melted some in the fur. Walking quietly to near by chair, she sinks in with a moan of pleasure, a little tired from the travels. Her eyes on all in the room, she takes in the atmosphere… seeing things a bit tense, she leaves off the looking for a hot kal-da for the time being.
Dante Juriya chuckled, having weaved in and out of death in his life. Fear was not an obstacle for him until he faced death, no other time. “And ye be well, Crow.” He nodded to the rest of the killers and turned to leave.
Suyuan Quan rolled her eyes as she simply followed him suit.
Crow nods while he moves silently to the table snapping his fingers while he discarded his cloak and handing it to the fastest slave. “Tal.” he said to the lad and the seeker “Still dressed I see.” he said to
Chaos … giving a slight smirk while regarding some slaves.
Alana Quicksand flicks her glance up to the man quietly from under thick lashes wiggling on her heels…running to catch the cloak as it floats inher direction
Chaos Narstrom: “I am for the moment I imagine.”
Alana Quicksand gathers up the fold of the cloak, brushing the snow from the fabric as she quietly offers, “May i find something for you Master?”
Chaos Narstrom: sets the goblet of wateron the table as he stands….his eyes now locked on Crow as he approached him.
DarkSyns Magic perfectly arched eyebrow lifts hearing that, she forces her eyes to remain on the scrolls
Crow nods while his eyes take the mans shape in consideration “Indeed … not the best season for applying but I heard your conversation with the killer … hmmm the Master Assassin even.” he said giving a grin.
Suyuan Quan hissed sharply at him as they departed the inn, “Well, I helped you. I don’t need you getting back to Salernum.”
Suyuan Quan shook her head sadly, “And to think… to think that I assumed you were different…”
…They return to Salernum…
Suyuan Quan shook her head at him as they departed the ship and she ambled past him in a hurried fashion, fuming as she reached the cobbles, “Remember what he said, no more attachments. Well, finish up what you have here and we can part ways.”
Dante Juriya sighs as she fumes hurrying to catch up with her, “Ye take things too seriously!” He grins and puts a hand on her shoulder, ” We need to be more aware of things. I don’t want to lose ya.” He whispered these words into her ear, eyes scanning every which direction to catch a glimpse of the eyes which could be watching him.
Suyuan Quan again she felt her throat burn as that hand halted her and she spun about, discarding his hand. Her amber-like eyes offered the glimpse of the tears that would soon be steadily flowing down her cheeks, “You only used me to get to them. I should have known. Good job. I got felt up and threatened by a Black Caste after saving your ass.” She attempted to push him away as she lowered her voice, sotto voce in a similar whisper, “You should have thought of that before you pledged.”
Dante Juriya sighs, gripping her tighter, and pulling her into his body so that he could whisper into her ear easier, “I had to the assassin what he wanted to hear.” He sighed and pulled back, looking her in the eyes. As a tear fled from her eye he placed his index finger just below it and caught the salty discharge on his skin. He looked at her for longer, just letting the silence build between them, then he spoke, “I’m sorry….”
Suyuan Quan attempted to resist his advances but it was being Gor, he proved to be too strong for her and she simply stood there as he held her fiercely in his embrace. She flinched as he extracted the tear from her cheek and she performed the same shaking head gesture towards him; her voice still ushering in lowered tones, “I was an idiot to begin caring for you… perhaps even begin to love you a little. What if he killed me? What if he enslaved me? Bah, it doesn’t matter now. Let me go, Dante.”
——
Present Day The night passed as expected while the physician watched over her. Despite his earlier intentions of possibly euthanizing her had dispelled that idea and he worked diligently to make her better. Some nightmares were persistent while others seemed to subside into an emptiness that was similar to the Cities of Dust.
By the end of the hand, she regained consciousness and a clarity that was tangible. But, her thoughts, now absent of the delirium remained focused on the sole person she had sought out at the beginning of her illness. “Crow…”
Crows Murder 
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