This is the last episode of the killer known as Crow …
Crow tortured by the feelings that had washed over him the past weeks, had left Ayr without telling anyone about his departure. It wouldn’t be forever, he had justified himself. The sale of his slave sparrow, the feelings that the lady Eve in Ayr had stirred him in great length and all seemed to indicate something within him was changing. Had he grown soft ? Started he to show signs of weakness ?
The haunting voices inside his head had made him step upon the ship and departing to Tyros, but even there they never silenced. Crow was to much killer to know the consequences if he would drop to his desires for love and companionship. Yet there was something in his mind; if he was able to find a safe haven for them to grow old together, he might finally let those voices rest. Perhaps he had grown to old to be the Master Assassin that many held him for.
He had, perhaps to keep busy and his mind occupied traveled to all kind of places and finally had found a little cottage in the Northernwoods far from any city that would perhaps discover his true name and caste. He could perhaps stay here … grow old as the voices as demons were telling him. When he had returned to Ayr, he had searched for Eve. Told her about his plans and without any time to consider it all she had accepted and would prepare for this journey that would make him vanish of the face of the planet, or make it seem that way.
While she was starting to prepare Crow had to keep busy, perhaps excited by the prospect of leaving … or perhaps guilty for failing his caste he took the task to explore a camp near Laura. His spies had told him there was seen a fire burning and Crow wanted to know who occupied this seemingly deserted camp.
[23:43] Crow stepped up, of course he had seen him from the distance his eyes narrowed “Like a true coward … hiding ?” he said growling low.
[23:43] Malikai Alecto’s eyes lift calmly to the other man, giving a nod toward tanye. ‘Hiding? In a known camp, in the open… if you all such a thing, hiding.’
[23:44] Alana Quicksand gasps as the familiar voice perces the darkness, the firelight wamrs her, though her body trembles, shivering in the firelight
[23:45] Crow nods “Many have believed this was a deserted camp … why would one think an known killer would venture here … if it weren’t for my spies that seemed to have spotted movement it might have been overlooked.” he said glancing to Tanya “I am sure your Master isn’t aware of your questionable loyality ?” he snarls.
[23:46] Malikai Alecto lifts his shoulder in a shrug. ‘Deserted… it is far better than a city, to my opinion and my desires at the moment. Your spies should do a better job. I have had the fire lit for weeks.’
[23:48] Alana Quicksand kneels close to the snowy Master, as lips part, eyes darting back and forth between the two men…”My Master, I have not seen him…I have been kept here, with …him, for so long, I-I do not know how ling it has been.” a soft whimper as she rubs the bruises from her frequent use…her eyes seeking the Master she had known in the village for so long, wondering if he caught her meaning
[23:49] Crow waved his hand dismissively “Don’t flatter yourself Snow … your not that important nor is a movement in a camp.” he remarks dryly. His own plans for moving out of Ayr with Eve were crossed because of this … as he had hoped to spend atleast two days here in hiding before heading off more deeper into the woods. He turns to Tanye his demeanor showed something was different about the man he now had become … tormented by demons of his own cold heart … “I see …”he merely offers as to dismiss the fact of her presence here.
[23:52] Malikai Alecto snorts. ‘You are the one prone to self-flattery, Crow, you always were. Come, sit… unless you are too powerful now for the hospitality of mere Killer, who is no longer Master Assassin of anywhere. Ah, and to make it a violation of codes, all around…’ One hand dips to his belt, drawing forth a small pebble, flicking it toward Crow as he speaks, his voice dripping with sarcasm. ‘I have taken a homestone. You may have it, if you like.’ His usual good humor is nowhere to be found. ‘So, shall we set aside these stupid differences, Brother, or shall we go on as we have for so long, to first blood or all the way to last this time?’
[23:55] Alana Quicksand drops her gaze to Snow’s boot, her own worth as a slave had ended she knew when Snow had kept her…her Master would think that she had run off she was sure. Looking up to Snow she begs softly, “May I offer service to the Master?” looking at the full cup of blackwine Snow had she was sure that he needed nothing at this time.
[23:56] Crow shook his head “In your mind I might be that one your bescribing … but I never underestimated anyone … not even you … you should know by now.” he stepped aside when the pebble was trown, eventhough Crow had been facing the darkest of times … he still had some humor when he finaly grins “I am not here to vengence or to continue afairs I feel have already been addressed.” he took a seat “But it isn’t hard to guess why you have taken up residence here … rumors go rapidly … – brother -. ” as if he wanted to give some hint to his knowledge.
[23:59] Malikai Alecto flicks his finger toward Tanye, head jerking toward Crow in silent command. Icey violet eyes lift to Crow’s form as he speaks, his tone as patient as ever. ‘Rumors of my death, I am sure, if things I arranged have gone to plan. However, if there are other rumors as to why I would be in Laura… I would truly enjoy hearing them. So please, do enlighten me as to the supposed cowardice smeared upon my name now.’
[23:59] Alana Quicksand remains within a hare’s breath of his boot, as she had been since the moment he had taken her from her trip to Laura. Snow had not allowed her a moment out of his sight since that time, keeping her chained when he slept, so she could not return to Sarus with his location. As she lifs to sweep over toward Crow she realizes that this is the first time she has been farther than a sword’s length from Snow as she rushes to Crow’s side
[0:00] Alana Quicksand softly breaths, “we have fresh milk, Master”
[0:02] Crow had rested his eyes on Tanye a slave that had shown the understanding of the deepness of slavery. A slave that had become a true asset to his caste brother of that he was sure. He turns to her his eyes just seem to soften for a brief moment when he nodded to her offer. She had remembered and he hadn’t expected anything less. “That it will be than.” he replied turning to Snow slowly “Your death … ah yes … for those fools that call them selves keepers of the safety of a city … little is needed to convince them of that kind of fact … however … I am sure you and I are to long on this planet to let us be fooled that easy.” he tipped his head in the direction of Laura “You know I am a man of facts … so … why Laura ?” he asks …
[0:05] Alana Quicksand listens to the voices she had known for so long and so well, serving them in the small village..her voice like the winde through the trees that surround them sighs, “yes Master’ as she rushes to find his bidding. her face turns once more to look back and forth between the two before beginning her task.
[0:05] Malikai Alecto’s gaze flicks to Tanye’s form, the bruises that decorated her a testament to the depth of his frustration, exorcised upon her slender form at his merest whim. His lips curved into a smile that could only be described as brutal as his gaze lifts to Crow once more. ‘Tell me, how is Rose? Still free?’ He does not directly answer the question, though his words might give some answer indirectly, never one to speak bluntly when his need to protect something precious to him was involved, a rare thing indeed.
[0:10] Crow arches a brow while he pulled down his mask, to regard Snow. Knowing him this long had it’s advantages as he knew how the man’s brain worked. But he wasn’t a fool … he suspected that Snow had the same advantage to him if it was needed. With the mentioning of his daughter …. his heart twisted in his chest … the haunting spirits of what he had thought to be a cold heart had made him understand it was far from the truth. Crow … the merciless killer had a heart and it had beaten strong for his daughter, his slave sparrow and with the love for Eve it had broken down on him “She is well from what I gather from my informants.” he tried to respond casually “Is that woman … Ceri in Laura … ?” he asks when he narrows his eyes as to read the facial expression of Snow.
[0:11] Alana Quicksand slides back to the Master’s side, suppressing the slight groan as as she folds her battered body into the graceful serving slave that she tried so hard to be, even now as she watches the Master’s closely, wondering if by some chance she can slip away while they are conversing on some pretext…lifting the vessal high above her head she softly intones,”your milk Master, it is my sincerest wish that it brings you health, as much as this one is thrilled to see you again, she is hoping that she has please you and in so doing has honored her Master”
[0:13] Crow turns to the lovely slave and reached for the vessel, his eyes roam her while he notices every bruise upon her. He regarded her with no shame … as a true master that assesses a slave on it’s beauty and attitude. She hadn’t yet dissapointed him much and while he took it his fingers brushed hers softly. A sign he used to show she had done well. “Is this your doing?” he asks snow while he indicated the slave and her signs of beatings.
[0:15] Malikai Alecto shrugs once more, lifting the paga bowl filled with blackwine to his lips, taking a long pull from it. ‘I enslaved Ceri, after she betrayed me. I left her collared and unattended in Salernum.’ He lifted a hand to indicate the city behind them. ‘My reasons for being here… are of another kind. There is a slavegirl, belonging to the administrator, her training amuses me to see.’ He spoke the words calmly, his own scarf now left to dangle around his neck, having dropped it down to drink. ‘Aye, it is my doing. Though it is doubtless not what you assume. It is not from beating her…it is from using her. I do not have to beat women, and believe you me, Crow… she dares not complain. She squirms well for me.’
[0:19] Alana Quicksand moans softly at his familiar touch …his fingers brushing over hers as familliar as her own skin. Hearing Snow’s words, the color rushes to her cheeks, painting her as the slut she is known by both of them, a toss of her long fine hair and her eyes seek Snow’s now uncovered features …for a change nt loaming over hers in the throws of…well as much passion as any Assassin will show. she remains at Crows boot, wondering if she will be dismissed, if she will have her chance…not knowing if her Masgter woujld kill her when she returned, but still, the need to be there..beyond anything she could have thought possible. And so, in silence, she waits.
[0:20] Crow frowns “I heard rumors about a young lady that was left in guard of the admin. “he ponders while he digged into his memory “Marcos … I believe he is called … a man long in his seat … quite remarkable for that station.”he muses … and it was true … for sure these two killers knew how easy a life would be taken of a ubar or admin due to the jealousy of others and the coin paid to serve their intentions. “I ve heard of this slave … “he replies … while suddenly something seemed to make contact in Crows brain … “She reminded me ….” he faces Snow … his eyes show his question … Crow wasn’t one for guessing games … but the thought he was having was rather odd. He nods to his answer of Tanye “She is a hot and needy a slave … I am sure she hasn’t failed to please you … as she never has done me.” with the last he glances to the slave … he did remember that night in Cardonicus well … even if his high numbers of fucks with slaves perhaps made her believe otherwise.
[0:26] Malikai Alecto’s eyes lift from the fire to Crow, acknowledgment of Crow’s question given with a simple nod, an answer as well before he speaks softly. ‘Her mother called her Luci. She has my good looks and Brooke’s natural charm. She is so charming in fact that she threw a goblet at the head of a free man, and later, from what I hear, a book at the head Markos himself. Doubtless it is a good match. He is as stubborn as she is.’ His eyes lower to Tanye, giving a nod. ‘My only complaint is that she is prone to screaming too loudly in her yielding. I often have to gag her to make sure she does not arouse suspicions. She sounds like a kur is eating her. But once stifled, she performs well enough.’
[0:31] Crow nods when his guess is turned in actual fact, rumors about the stubborness of the admin had reached his ears … Crow wasn’t judgmental when it came to men that took positions in cities, he only studied them as pottential marks … as often those were eventually paid for. He grins darkly at the mentioning of Tanye … remembering her screams for more when he took her for his use on the table of the tavern in Cardonicus. The mere thought stirred things inside of him, besides a killer he was still a man with natural needs. It had been long but soon he would have his again. “Childeren can be quite a challange Snow … I as no other know of this … “he replied …. his voice showing perhaps something Crow had become …
[0:34] Alana Quicksand’s thoughts drift to a time in Cardonicus, before the rivers had taken it from Gor…of the time wen the Master had taken her, a sinple village girl, with his own salve and used them both in the tavern while the free women left in a huff! The smiles that skittered over her lips at the memory of the Master and his lovely girl. Her brow lifts in query at the very thought, grumbling in her head about Master’s that never seem to know what they want, noise, no noise ow can a girl keep track when he rmind and body are elsewhere? Kur indeed. Her placid features do not betray her thoughts, though the color that deepens over her skin from head to toe betrays the fact that she is aware of the Master’s words, At the mention of Brooke, she offers a soft assent to his assessment of her personality. “The Mistress is always so soft spoken and kind, Master, until she percieves that she is provoked.’ Feeling Corws eyes upon her , her body responds so naturally it is without thought that the silken thighs spread even wide, back arches moer gracefully, she presents herself to him as the slut she is and the slut her Master has encouraged her to be. Serving the caste as if her life depends upon it, as surely ..it does.
[0:35] Malikai Alecto’s eyes narrow at the change in tone, his own growing icey in the next instant. ‘Do not think for a moment that the girl is not expendable. She, as much as anyone in this world, can be gone with only one stroke of my dagger, and it will be so if it comes to that.’ His eyes narrow a bit, his shoulders squaring. ‘You have grown weak, Crow… youlet your emotions creep into your tone. Best to watch yourself or it will be your throat that is next cut. I would regret having to see that happen.’ His eyes drop to Tanye. ‘Return to my boot, beast. You have been gone from it long enough.’
[0:39] Crow seemed to echo the expression of snow when his own eyes narrow “You sound like me … Snow … you might be able to hide in a camp as deserted as this … tell me words of childeren we can take with our own daggers as if we don’t care and yet you are here … seeing to her … are you not ?!” he replied coldly “What I am is without a doubt a killer that has served his caste for a long time … never have I gone missing … never have I faultered the tasks set to me.” his voice grew louder as if he was perhaps justifying himself along the way “I have trained many candidates … seen to it that they would be true assets to the caste that has given me fortune and taken any chance of peace …. ” he lifted his chin as if in to make a point “Don’t pretend it never tires you the same as it does me.”
[0:40] Alana Quicksand’s lips tighten for a moment as her eyes close to keep him from seeing her rolling them, her chance obviously gone. Floating to her feet drifting over to Snow’s side, she slips as close to him as possible without interfering with the possibility of his swift movement if it was needed, just as she had been trained..the warmth of his leg eminates through the cloth of his pantsleg to her cheek as she presses her lips to his thigh as he had taught her to do, breathing “yes Master”
[0:45] Malikai Alecto chukles dryly. ‘Of course it tires me, Crow. Why else would I fake my own death and walk away with nothing but my steel and enough coin to get me by? Of course I grow weary, I was exhausted. Don’t fool yourself into thinking I am here for the girl. She is a pleasurable diversion of my attention when I am not engaged in my trainee’s sessions. But it does not matter so much to be whether she lives or dies, no more than it matters to me whether Tanye here lives or dies.’ His voice holds a note of honesty, as though his innate compassion had finally died, seemingly having switched perspectives with Crow by some natural progression of events. ‘Aye, it tires me, but their lives mean very little. If you think that it is not so, then you delude yourself. None of them…’ He jerks his head toward the city as his hand moves to rest in Tanye’s hair. ‘Are worth more than a handful of gold.’
[0:49] Crow frowns hearing the words of his partner in crime during training, the irony of them being together in a city they had visited during it. The time had been pleasent and without much knowledge about the heartships that would follow after their acceptance within the caste. Both had worked hard, gained ranks quickly. He knew there had been voices about their reputation and the gold they both owned was more than enough sign that many feared to be their next target. “What I believe … or guess is of little importance … I am a man of facts and they seem rather plain.” he shrugs as if to dismiss the topic at hand, afterall if Crow would be honest it was his own torment at this given time. “So your training … he must have some talent … as I know our standards have gone high.”
[0:51] Alana Quicksand lifts to press against his fingers, head lolling to his hand so naturally as her whimper that escapes her parted lips floats over the crackling fire to Crow…eyes now closed in passion that were only moments before hiding her thoughts from him…all thought now driven from her in her slave’s need. Turning within the curve of his hand to press full lips to his palm. Teeth scrapping lightly over his skin. her mind drifts to the trainee she had seen and teased with the sounds that came from Snow’s tent each night, wondering what torments the young Master had suffered in hearing them.
[0:54] Malikai Alecto rises from the log, fingers drifting to Tanye’s hair, gripping it tightly as he drags her with him, reaching for the too-heavy chain used to secure her, clipping it to her collar. ‘The lad shows promise. Though he is prone to great cruelty, even by our standards. That is something however, he will learn to use to his advantage.’ He gripped Tanye by the hair tightly for a moment before tossing her toward Crow’s feet. ‘You may have her for the night, take my tent. I will sleep in Adlai’s.’
(to be continued)
Crows Murder 