[4:05] Crow steps upon the dock of Salernum, a city had been visiting more than once due to all kind of events, many clients and even some marks he had taken down here. It would have been a place he would have liked to grow old, but with the weakening of his coldness he would not only bring himself down but those he cared for. His eyes narrow to see who was about, surely this time of day not many … he had shozen his time as always calculated for its purposes.
[4:06] Crow stopped just a small moment for the office of one of his clients, his face turns grimly remembering their agreement. “You will be looking out for yourself merchant.” he mutters under his breath … knowing Vylixen was more than capable if needed.
** Crow meets Torrid, the slave of one of his others clients. A slave that had served him often as a trustworthy spy and messenger. He hadn’t seen her since the last time he had returned her to Victor. He remembered her death wish he hadn’t granted. **
[4:09] Torrid Streeter sits on the second floor steps observing traffic of the city. Her perch wasn’t too far from a panther sitting in her tree observing the woods. Turning her head she saw Him. There was no mistaking that imposing stature…..Crow! She hadn’t seem Him for so long she was sure something had happened to Him. Feet dangling down she kicks the sign of the kalda den, making it sway creaking lightly. She knew she was probably spotted but if He was on a mission He wouldn’t acknowledge her
[4:09] Naryn Nayar glanced at the man in black. She was startled to see a killer here, almost certain he was even though they had never met. Her life in Ayr was filled with killers or those who wished to be but to run into one here made her somewhat nervous. She nodded at him and lowered her voice as she said “Tal killer” she had made it even more low then his greeting to stay discrete
[4:12] Crow nods slowly while slowly turning to see the most beautiful curved legs dangling down “Spying again … slave.” he said perhaps with the glint of mockery … or his black sense of humor. With a small snap of his finger he signals to her … knowing that she would understand it was an ‘invite’ to heel. He turns towards the lady “These hours are dangerous for a lady … I don’t see an escort … I hope your not alone.” for those that knew Crow would have grinned … he wasn’t that concerned about freewomen in general.
[4:13] Naryn Nayar had done wonderful business here and with a smile she wanted to pass. As she made the first intentions to pass the man she pondered.. She stopped walking and glanced at him, but then again thought a man as busy as himself would surely not have time for a silly tavernmistress. “I am indeed alone Sir, though I was told, this city was pretty safe for a lady such as myself” she then showed him a piece of parchment Kumori gave here “This was given to me, travel papers” she glanced once at him before putting the scroll back
[4:14] Torrid Streeter a great big smile curls her full lips as he infamous “snap” was given. SHe could approach Him. Inching her rounded pears to the edge of the stoop she hops down landing not as quietly as she hoped. It was difficult to retain the same amount of grace with her extra bulk and now shackled hands. ” Tal Master, Lady” Quickly she kneels to His side
[4:16] Crow had focussed on her fully, even though he had spied an other chapter of his life story just a few stones from them. His eyes had roamed her without shame as if to see if there was more to her words than she let to believe. Somehow she reminded him of someone … but perhaps his age prevented him to make any solid connection. He takes the paper and only one brow arched. “Since when do you think he has any say ?” he grins darkly “He …” he pointed to the signature … ” … needs to report to me.” he regarded her perhaps in hope to see some nerves twitching … when the copper would fall in her brain.
[4:20] Naryn Nayar glanced upon the man and swallowed “He… Kumori has…. ” she doesnt finish her sentence. She felt nervous around the man, as if she had done soemthing wrong, though could not think of her mistake. She lowered her head and stared at the piece of paper “He perhaps reports to you killer, but most fear him and would perhaps leave me alone,w hen on travels. I need to travel for the tavern or our villagers have nothing to eat and drink” her eyes gazed back upon him, hoping he would accept her explanation
[4:23] Torrid Streeter curiously watches Crow, fingers playing with the flowers strung about her waist. She imagined there was probably a huge empty space where her hands were shackled because thats all she did recently was pick at the damn petals. Listening to the woman she picked up some information, it would be stored as most of her information was. Glancing up at Crow she remembered a time when His hair was snow white and glistened. SHe still had difficulty seeing Him with the raven locks, but what did her opinion matter?
[4:24] Crow would have laughed if he wasn’t still the killer he tried to be at this given time. “Most fear him ..” he echo’s ” As they should … he was a pupil of mine … ” he muses as if that made it perfectly clear that Crow was rather confident in how things would stand if it ever would come between them. He had more than enough moments that Kumori had been before his blade. He than nods to the woman “Safe paths … ” he tells her … only than showing that he had no intention to stop her or harm her … but had been toying with what he and Severus liked most … freewomen. The terror the women felt towards them … had amused them more than once and the coins he had won in wagers … more than he could remember … his losses of course forgotten just the same.
[4:26] Naryn Nayar had understood who he was, or had at least a general idea. To have Kumori report to him had told her enough about this mans status. She swallowed again, in this fright she had forgotten to greet the slace who was now lodged behind his dark clothing. Her eyes were gazing at the man as she nodded “and safe paths to you, killer” she said with a trembling voice. Perhaps if she wasn’t so new to gor, so new to ayr, she could have gotten some respect, but the woman was unsure of herself, her role, her path. She smiled at him, but it was a fake smile.. Nervously she passed him, wondering if she would one day perhaps see him in Ayr
[4:28] Crow regarded her while she passed him “Hmmm… Kumori has been busy … during my last task.” he muses before looking down and giving Torrid something that came close to a true smile. “So .. .pretty one … it has been a while.” he tells her while his hand reach to her blond locks … perhaps regretting their colour.
[4:28] Suyuan Quan yawned softly as she brushed her fingertips through her messy raven locks and sauntered towards her Owner’s home with an awkward gait. She paused in her destination as she noticed the trio on the bridge – Crow, Torrid, and the woman who made the order from the Temwood and according to the Tavern Master, requested for her. She swallowed the final remnants of chocolate that the woman had given to her and mentally noted how she reminded her quite of the Chocolatier who once owned her ages ago. Now the Killer and the kajira simply stood in her path. She could simply pass by, but when it regarded the BC, nothing was simple.
[4:29] Torrid Streeter murmurs softly,” Friendly as always I see Master.” a wry grin upon her face. ” How have you been? I am glad to see you have yet to take office in the City of Dust.” Cerulean eyes twinkled with mischief as she gazed up at Crow with much warmth reserved for a very few
[4:31] Crow lips twitch a little at her comment “I doubt they will have me there … to many there that might give me a welcome I rather decline.” he retorts after all the countless kills and souls he had shown their way to the city were there. He let the locks play between his fingers when he looked down upon her “Good to see that your owner hasn’t yet finished … what you so much wished for … last time we spoke.” his voice hadn’t been harsh or judgmental … perhaps a small sign of the broken man he had become. After all care was something, surely for a slave would be frowned upon in his trade.
[4:33] Crow spied the other slave still in the corner of his eyes, his voice instantly sharp and filled with the coldness he once so treasured. “Scared slut ?” he asks her while his eyes narrow … perhaps the contrast of the man he could be showed ?
[4:35] Torrid Streeter cants her head and exhales slowly, feathered wispy bangs lift into the air.” One might lose a coin on that bet.” Gazes through Him seeing san lurking around the bridge. Noting the change in the tone of His voice she quickly silences
[4:38] Suyuan Quan’s eyes blazed for a moment as she gravitated towards the sea’s ledge but it resigned to a stoicism that she had learned over the years. As opposed to coldness, she had practiced something that had helped her through the years, “Simply apathetic, Master.”
[4:39] Crow grins darkly towards Torrid “Fair enough.” he tells her while he keeps his focus on the
slave he could have killed already for number of reasons but had spared just as often. Crow didn’t believe in senseless killings, surely when there would be no gain … Only a copper would perhaps be enough … although those that knew Crow would for sure even doubt that. His hand rested on he head of Torrid, while his fingers tangle in her locks. Perhaps the mere touch gave him comfort or a pose … standing in a city he only visited for a final goodbye. “I see you have learned to address me correctly … your improving … When you have no business or reason … go and be on your way … I despise idle sluts.”
[4:45] Torrid Streeter feels comfort as His hand rested upon her blonde shortened locks. Oddly enough she felt comfort, although she knew what His hands were capable of, even though He denied her of that request once luckily He was not as emotional as she was that day. Shivers a moment hearing Him dismiss san. She remembered her visits to Ayr when Victor and her had “vacationed” there a long time ago when the bank was being “renovated”. It seemed many en’vars ago. Clearing her throat a moment she asked softly,” Is Master thirsty this day?”
[4:48] Crow looks down on Torrid, somehow the thought of finding his daughter perhaps would be idle and this slave had been one he believed trustworthy enough for the quest if himself would fail. “Heel.”he tells her softly … not in need of drink or food … The time he had been here he had not seen any movement near the Inn … and as he was hardly looking forward to his conversation with Rose … he cowardly would use the slave for it. He gave a last glance to Suy … perhaps more final than he thought at this given moment.
[4:48] Suyuan Quan strided closer towards the killer with all the suspicions that she contained. The slave that sought after her Owner and disappeared immediately after. The Builder Free Woman who had suggested that Black Caste were seeking him. Especially with the Assassins who were amounting near her owner’s home after the girl’s query and how defensive she was by lingering by his residence. If there was one thing a Killer asked, it would not be if a girl feared him and she sensed something was amiss, “I actually don’t mean to idle… I have a question.”
[4:50] Crow turns “A question ?” he replied when making a first step “And you feel I would be tempted to answer ?” he asks. But Crow in truth didn’t mind if slaves used their head, showed their intelligence or showed eagerness to learn “Ask but be quick … I have more important matters than to satisfy your needs.”
[4:52] Torrid Streeter quickly rose, then hearing san she remained still, head bowed down not wanting to interrupt. Fidgeting nervously she dipped her toes in a small puddlt staring down at her reflection as she tried to remain invisible
[4:57] Suyuan Quan met his eyes, this time intently and the revenge that originally would have harbored against him for separating her and Dante faded long ago. Now that target or so what she deemed to be the new one, her Owner made her as predatory as a she-larl. True she was a kajira, but she was protective of her own, “I ask you… Knowing that you do and might attempt to ruin others’ lives give -you- satisfaction, Master?” It was a simple enough question that was dripping with bitterness.
[5:00] Crow regarded her while she seemed to search for words, only guessing even though many at times feared his skill in reading their mind. “Satisfaction ?” he muses as if he had to ponder on the word for a few “We have meaning and purpose … slave … even though it is just at what angle you look at each deed.”he turns slightly towards Torrid and back “There is no satisfaction in ending a life … only in the gold that is paid.” with that he nodded towards Torrid and walked on … in hope she would follow … and seemingly unbothered by the question or the answer he had given.
[5:01] Torrid Streeter quickly glances at Crow, knowing a bit about His temper. Glancing back at san she nodded a good bye and followed Crow, surprised by today’s tone of the discussions
[5:03] Crow walked into the little park, his eyes scanning to see if there were others while he indicated the slave to rest beside him. His eyes upon her showed a different glow than she might have seen before, even though he was sure that she might be one of the few that had seen the weakness of his heart. “Slave …”he started giving a silent sigh … “I have a very important quest for you .. perhaps to get even … when I spared your life ?”
[5:07] Torrid Streeter cants her head looking at Him oddly.” I am only a slave Master and hopefully thought more of than just a slave to You. I will do as You ask because You ask it Master. There is no getting even. I will carry out what You need Master Crow, without hesitation.” Thassan blue eyes gaze up at Him intently. Something was off, she just couldn’t pinpoint it.
[5:11] Crow smiles even though there seemed to be pain in his smile just the same. He reached for a pouch heavy of gold “Give this … to your owner … tell him it is for the account of the Innkeeper Rose.” he regarded her … perhaps to weigh how far she was to be trusted. With the knowledge of his upcoming hiding he seemed to judge in her favor, something that would show that she was indeed in high regards even as a slave. “Rose is my daughter … and because of my trade … she will always be in danger when I am near … with this … she will be sure of a future when I might no longer be there to see to her needs.” he just held out the pouch for her to take … knowing that her love for her owner would keep them secure enough for any idle thought of what this gold could bring her. Victor would do as bid, of that he was certain, to afraid of what Crow would be capable off if he would learn his wrong doing.
[5:16] Torrid Streeter twists a bit to take the heavy pouch, her wrists shackled behind her still, a punishment she was enduring now for over a hand. As Crow relayed all this information she soaked it up like a sponge. Rose, daughter, but the one thing that stuck out was why He was giving her the pouch. ” Why can’t you take care of her now?” Carefully she scrutinizes His face knowing how well He could mask all expressions, almost as good as she could.
[5:19] Crow reached for her face, his strong hands ever so gentle to her cheek while he locked his eyes to hers “I am leaving, beautiful slave … I have grown old … perhaps weak … new generations killers are out there … testing my limits in claiming what I once earned.” his thumb slowly moved towards her delicious lips and caressed them softly “I rather be well prepared than leaving those that mean something uncared for.” with the last words he had given her a rare insight in his personality … one he had kept hidden for as long he could remember.
[5:24] Torrid Streeter shakes her head slowly, feeling tears well up in her eyes. One could not go on living forever in the line of work Crow did, she was not a fool and knew this but still… ” Master caring for something even gold is not a sign of weakness. You have always had a special bond with a few. I saw you with Mistress Rose but didn’t quite understand the bond. We all have weaknesses, even I with Victor. “Pursing Her pouty lips she kisses His thumb. ” I do not understand why You must go, there will always be a challenge…….a threat. ” She knew He could not just “retire” or deny His caste but certainly there could be something else. ” Are you sure there are no other options?”
[5:29] Crow wouldn’t tell her of his plans, or his real motives to what was about to come. She would be in danger if he even shared … and he and Eve even more so. “The caste I am in … is one of many secrets … and many ways that are unrevealed to those not part of it … we have our ways to deal with things … and I am just preparing … “with that he cupped her chin and pulled her closer “I liked those fierce red locks … and yet this blond seems to be fitting to what you have become … a slave bounded by the strongest of bonds … love … who would suspect …” he brushed his lips over hers perhaps to taste her … to memorize her fully “Be safe precious one … but never forget … the words I will give you in our farewell.” he lifted her chin (c)
[5:31] Crow cleared his throat “Once a slave girl explained to an other slave … about what slaves mean to killers … She told her … that killers are the trees in winter, cold, without hope, strong … bending to the elements and growing old, wise perhaps but uncaring for what goes around them. The slaves are the promise of spring, perhaps the ray of lights that give small comfort to the tree that is without it leafs alone on the surface … remember precious one … you were spring to me.” he lifted himself up after giving her a kiss on her forehead perhaps a symbol or a seal to his words spoken.
[5:46] Torrid Streeter tears started to roll down her now almost chubby cheeks. Saying farewell wasn’t something she was good at especially when she cared so much and fought all her life not to care at all. Her vision was now blurred as she stared up at Him, almost laughing as He mentioned her crimson locks. She had transformed like winter changing to spring, recreated by the one man who had taken the time to care for her, faults and all. Crow’s s words created a small ache in her heart. She could not stop Him , she could not help Him. She could only do as He requested and wish Him well. His surprisingly soft lips felt burning upon her forehead. What could she offer Him? She forced herself to speak and not sob, she would save her crying for privacy or in Victor’s arms. ” Master consider your request done. I thank you for the rare privileged of seeing the man behind the black. And I thank you for making me a better person, woman and slave than I was before I met you…….” -c-
[5:46] Torrid Streeter: As He stands she looks up at Him knowing there had to be something more, the change while completely uncharacteristic was…….breathtaking Letting her words be carried by the soft breeze. ” I hope she realizes the man she has in You” Luminous eyes look up to Him knowingly.
[5:51] Crow smiles and nods when she replied to do his request while a shadow seemed to cross over his face when she speaks words he so much had tried to avoid. Was it that obvious ?, he muses to himself when he let the shadow fade and kept a moment silence before he spoke again “Often we only realize what we have when it isn’t there anymore … I can only hope … and pray that the Priest Kings in their cruel ways of love and care … will be merciful to her for what she has to leave too … ” he was fully aware that the live in hiding … not only running from his caste but also the man he had been for so long … hardly compensated her perhaps in the end. He let his hand rest for a brief moment when he slowly takes it from her blond locks “Love … torrid.” he speaks to her … for a first not as the slave … but as the panther girl she had always been in his eyes “An ongoing hunt … it is …” with that he lifted his hand in a final farewell unable to speak words of goodbye and stepped into the shadows.
6:04] Torrid Streeter watches a shadow flicker over His face. She had been correct in her guess. The man she knew as Crow, that presented Himself to her in a light that many did not see had found someone. She only hoped and prayed that the Priest Kings would forget about the Killer named Crow and allow Him to live His life out in peace and in love. Perhaps the PK’s would remember how they had taken His family from Him originally. As He waved and turned away from her, she watched His obsidian cloak flutter in the wind. He served His caste well it was time for Him to serve himself and allow love back into His heart. Perhaps a reminder that perhaps she needed to work harder as a better slave and realize her own postion was just as precarious. She knew what she had sacrificed for love and it had made all the difference in her life. Crow , PK willing would know the same. Offering for the last time her farewell blessing for the Killer,” May the shadows You see be Your own Master..” She would pray that indeed they would only be His own
Crows Murder 