Descent into Darkness: The Labyrinth of Pestilance

[KOA]

The early morning fog rolled over the streets like a blanket as the shadows danced playfully in the witch flame braziers. Howls of wind blew down the crowded alleys and the screams of a few unlucky prey of the night called out to the sky for help, swiftly silenced soon after.

In this darkness riding upon three horses were warriors all garbed in robes that covered all but the eyes of their face. Two of the warriors stood in silent attention just a few paces behind the leader, a firm athletic built body that couldn't be hidden by the tightly wound robes. They trotted at a general leisurely pace and the murderous cries didn't bother them in the least. They navigated the inner pathways of the city with intent and none of the street urchins barred their path as they walk.

The leader turned back to his allies surveying each with a grizzled glance, his eyes looking to each in turn. Both nodded once and turning back in the saddle continued to move onwards.

The darkness stirred and one of the horses began to snort in agitation, not comfortable with the sudden movement in the leftern quadrant. All three warriors stopped their mounts with a fluid motion, looking into the fog for signs of any trouble.

"Damn their eyes!" A curse escaped from the warrior to the leader's right. Her tone was hateful and she lowered her shawl to get a better perspective of the area. "If an attack is coming, I hope it comes soon. I am getting hungry and don't want to wait." The other warrior to the leader's left pointed a leather gauntleted hand forward.

"You won't wait long," A calm feminine voice spoke. "The idiots come to spook us." The leader trotted a few paces forward, motioning for the others to stay back with his left hand.

"Look at this boys," a sarcastic voice called out from the fog, and six men walked forward. Some swung chains around their hands, others batted cudgels in their fists. One of them carried a long spear and kept it pointed at the leader of the mounted force. "We got three people who seemed to have lost their way home."

"Five gold coins that the one trotting up is going to give us an ultimatum." The group laughed at the bet, some chiming in to add to the pot. Others made bets at how long the fight would take, and when the horseman got within four paces he stopped his mount. He reached into his pocket and pulled out a small hand bow cocking the lever and lifting it his eye aiming for the spearman.

Before anyone could react the bolt released into the air and the man's blood stained the ground, his right eye replaced with the stem of an arrow. As his body fell to the ground the warrior charged his mount forward, his blade already drawn letting the ranged weapon fall to the ground. His mount collided with one of the men, knocking him to the ground where he was trampled by the hooves of the horse. Naked steel shined against the night sky and in a fierce downwards arc the blade bit deep into the shoulder of one of the goons, his face contorted in agony as he stumbled backwards hitting his trampled friend and falling backwards onto his back.

The other warriors all made to attack when more bolts flew through the air, raking into them and killing off another one of them. The momentary distraction allowed the mounted warrior to change his position on the horse and backhand another enemy with the tip of his blade, the metal cutting him across his nose sending him to his knees. The thunder of hooves echoed in the night as the other two warriors charged forward, swords drawn and at the ready. The two remaining members who had taken minor injury turned tail and ran, screaming for their lives.

"At this rate we will never eat dinner." The taller knight hissed. "We've been at this for four hours. Can we rest now, Vladimir?" The leader of the pack of mounted warriors lifted to his full height on the horse, lowering his shawl so his golden eyes could be clearly seen. His face was masked with irritation and rage as he glared back into the eyes of his subordinate.

Her name was Jezebel and was the only Knight of the Apocalypse Vladimir had any care in trusting these days. True, he had just finished ransacking the fortress of Death in Salavar, getting her to join him only by the virtue of bloodshed. Without her aid, he would have died and his quest to exterminate every last bastion of the end times would have been over.

"It's nobodies fault this place has second rate scum." The smallest of the ensamble stated. "The guilds of Lavinya know better than to help to us, and the urchins of the street are just to crass and lack the finnesse we seek." Vlad's eyes regarded the other female in his presence, and his eyes softened as he looked to hers.

Serra was a woman who happened to have met Vladimir on one of his missions before he decided to destroy all traces of his former order. The path that fate laid before them had them crossing more than once, and she was instrumental in destroying the Catacombs of Death, the bastion dedicated to the horseman of the macabre.

"There is truth in that, I guess." Vlad grumbled as he let his horse stamp the head of a groaning foe.

The last four hours of the night hadn't gone according to the dark knight's plans at all. He was looking and searching for someone with enough guile and skill to be used as a guide to lead him to the Labyrinth of Pestilence, the bastion of the plague horseman. He had tried looking in bars, he tried provoking fights with the local gangs, and even walked in the dead of night looking like a rich noble out for a stroll at the wrong time. But in the end each and every plan had failed to produce someone of worth.

"Come, let us set one last trap. Lavinya is full of thieves and cut throats, and one of them must have the skills we are seeking." Vlad kicked the flanks of his mount and it quickly began to trot forward.

"What of the mess?" Jezebel asked.

"Leave it." Vladimir shrugged in his harness as his mouth yawned in boredom. "It shall be a nice warning to the lesser scum of this place to leave us be." He had a sudden thought and his lips parted into a vile smile. "Who knows, maybe someone with the courage to ambush us will at long last reveal themselves." he mused.

[Lavinian Pride]

"You have it?"

The words hung in the air as the crescent moon continued its journey every forward. The thin beams of light shined down upon two inconspicuous figures, which was fortunate to say the least. Resting peacefully in a man’s hands, sat a small statue that was more than dangerous to its current owners. It could have marked the end of the Lavinian Thief's guild, had it not been caught.

"To think, they'd hide such enchantments on something that ugly. Nobility, I don't think I could understand their tastes," The other person muttered. A gloved hand gently moved the statue about looking almost critically. Warm woolen sleeves started at the wrists of the woman, before slowly moving up to just below the shoulders. Leather thongs tied tight kept the fabric in place, giving an illusion of keeping her warm. Brown hair spilled under the hood of the robe before she frowned.

Tonight seemed a colder night than most, especially during the spring in Lavinya. The two moved down the alleyway, moving into the main streets of the town. Street urchins looked, but made no move to approach; there were no calls for mercy, any begging or pleading. There was only a silent resolve in their eyes.

"Succubus?" The voice seemed concerned even as the young woman looked up at the sky distractedly. The companion moved and gently nudged the elder thief, causing her to stumble a step before she regained her footing.

"Hmm? Sorry, just thinking is all," The woman referred to as Succubus replied. Few understood the name, and even fewer knew the reason behind its choice. Unlike most thieves, who chose their thief name and embraced it, she had been branded hers, like her brother before her. Looking at the fellow thief her brown eyes pierced through the darkness, "What's up Raven?"

Raven was a smaller man, more agile than muscular, which was fortunate. In a situation like this, the Succubus was the muscle, and since her form belied her strength, she was ideal to partner up with the faster rogue. His black hair was kept rather wild, which seemed to be a fad nowadays. Everyone wished to be Seth Dahlios, even if the thief was dead. He still dressed in loose clothing so as to keep his movement unrestricted, but he would learn in time how to find tighter clothes, to prevent snagging. They always did. Raven meanwhile, looked at her concern on his face before he put the statue in his satchel, a cold wind blowing their cloaks about them, briefly revealing identical dagger belts.

The only difference was the number of knives upon the woman's.

"Let's hurry; Father will get worried if we dawdle much more. Should we split up?"

"Let's wait for the guard to give us a reason. We can pretend to be lovers for now I guess..."

"Pretend?"

A soft smirk lit up her face before she chidingly shoved the younger thief, "Keep that up and I'll get another notch on my bed post..."

[KOA]

Vladimir eyed the road ahead of him with a veteran's eye. He had been in countless battles and the ability to scan an area and take notes was a necessity if one wanted to stay alive. That being said he had to take second, even a third look to confirm there was no illusion in his eyes.

"Off to the west, look fast for they run like rats!" He cursed pointing over to the group of running mates. Jezebel's head perked up in curiosity, and her lips parted in a soft smile.

"Ouu, they must have been very swift and stealthy if they were to avoid our gaze." Vladimir nodded as he turned to Serra.

"I want you to ride to the top of the street on the western side, and run down any of those two who try to escape." With a curt nod Serra kicked her horse and it went off into the fog, disappearing from sight. Vlad turned his attentions to his other comrade and gave her a military gesture as he reigned his horse around and galloped down the stone pathways of the alley. The beasts hooves beat against the ground in an obnoxious 'clippity clop' sound as he leaned to the corner to make the beast make a sharp turn. As it rounded the corner he took one last glance back and saw Jezebel's mount run swiftly forward, not turning with Vlad but darting into another alley.

His team of warriors had studied this area for over a week, and they were intimate with the passageways of this district just in case of events like now. He gave a halfhearted laugh, glad he hadn't wasted the week in doing so.

With Jezebel off in the alleys Vladimir thundered his horse louder and louder, masking the sound of Jezebel's mount, which by now probably dropped into a trot to quiet it's noise. The element of surprise she would offer may come in handy. This left the ambush up to him. He looked upwards as he watched the towns buildings passing by him at an alarmingly swift pace. His eyes trailed to a bridge and saw the shadow of Serra's horse trot swiftly off the bridge to get into position.

With the final part of his plan set into motion he let a war cry howl off his lips as he charged down the two thieves. One turned, a curse on his lips as he broke into a sprint. Vladimir was impressed with his speed as he turned it into full burst, but no mere human could outrun a warhorse of the End Times.

His eyes glanced at the other warrior, and his senses predicted a movement, and he released his leg from the stirrup on the far side and hung low to the side. A tiny dagger shone in the moonlight and passed by him. He grabbed his Wo Dao and righted himself on the horse, riding side saddle as his feet dangled to the side. He lowered his head to the horse's head and muttered into it's ear a simple command, and the horse whinnied in response, trotting faster. Vladimir placed both hands to his side and leapt off, his feet held forward with Sword ready for a hazardous decapitating blow.

"Feel the horseman's kiss of death!" He seethed.

[Lavinian Pride]

Before she could comprehend what had occurred, things had gone out of control. She could hear the horses racing about the area, and she knew they were screwed. These folks apparently had been at this for awhile, to come up with such a ready plan. At the very least it meant they had done some of their homework. But it also meant that either they wanted her specifically, or someone like her. A vile string of curses left her lips before she said firmly, "Go Raven, I'll hold them off as long as possible, and for the love of the gods, stay above ground if possible."

"But Suc-"

"Now isn't the time," She hissed as she shoved her compatriot hard. Immediately he bolted forth moving with the speed he was known for. She was actually glad she had ordered him to hold the item; it means she could be sure he was going to get it to Darith. These people seemed to know the area, but they weren't the guards. There was always an alternate route that people would overlook, the roofs being the preferred method.

The horse man continued to run at her as she drew forth a thorn. The plynt knife glinted briefly in the light before she threw it, sending the arrow headed knife at her target, only to watch him maneuver in his saddle to avoid it. A scowl painted her face as she pressed against the wall. The horse moved by, even as the rider vaulted and moved to end her life in a swift blow to her neck.

A smile lit up her face as he gave forth a ridiculous battle cry.

"Too slow..." Immediately she felt a bit of the blood in her veins heat up and burn away, even as she began to move, her legs carrying her swiftly as she vaulted off the wall. Landing in a crouch, the sound of steel slashing deeply into stone echoed through the alleyway, even as the cloak was unclasped, and left to fall from her slender frame. A tight top clung to her upper body, while leaving her stomach bare to the elements. Her pale skin glowed under the moonlight, the only light she really had refuge in anymore. A pair of shorts hugged tightly to her waist and legs, moving only partway down her thighs before stopping.

Most would think she was merely oversexed and looking to frustrate those about her.

Then again, most people wouldn’t realize just how mobile she was in such an outfit. Her boots scrapped across the cobblestones. Detritus and the stench of other garbage in the alleyway wafted, but did not sicken the Lavinian, even as her hair, tied tightly into a ponytail flickered in the wind. She seemed unfazed by the cold, as she sized up her opponent. The twin sounds of metal upon metal could be heard before she spoke firmly, her tone caustic, "Trapping a thief is a bad idea no matter the town, but in Lavinya? I think you're just suicidal, but we'll let your blade do the talking."

[KOA]

Vlad's mind raced with combat solutions as he waved his blade from the side to side in a swrling dance of death, the thieves daggers blocking and parrying at lightening speed. It was all the former knight could do to not give ground to this woman.

"Your," his mouth bit back the words as he barely dodged an attack meant for his head, his eyes glowing like fire as he narrowed his vision. "Are quite swift aren't you?" The thief winked once, bringing both blades back as she shoved both palms into his chest. He felt the weight of two men behind the attack, and he fell onto his back in a reverse roll. The woman had leapt forward, blade outstreached as his Wo Dao sank deep into the curves of the blade.

"Strong to boot." Vlad hissed as he felt the Wo Dao being pushed lower and lower, despite the fact he was digging into her dagger. Vlad pulled his blade back and down to his side, rising up with his shoulder. The sudden shift of momentum left the thief off balance, and when the bodies connected she fell back hitting the ground hard.

Before Vlad had time to retaliate, she swirled her legs around and nipped up to a vertical base, the look of amusement gone from her face. Vlad's vile grin spread on his face as he realized he had gotten under her skin. It was now time for the thief to learn why he was the dark knight.

"You lost your charming smile," Vlad teased, his mouth pouting as if he was upset. "But those lips were so seductive in that tramp outfit I had thought this would be great foreplay. Was I wrong?" The woman moved to her belt, but Vlad's battle instincts were one step ahead, his blade held to the side as he leapt forward in a low sprint, his body at a critical angle. One small trip and he would eat the dirt and tumble before he hit the mark. It was a suicide bull charge, but the angle was impossibly low and the dagger went wide off the mark.

He rushed forward, swinging upwards in an uppercut with his blade. The female thief was fast to recover, her speed demonic like as she pulled back her chest avoiding the swing, grabbing his wrist and gripping it tightly.

"Damn your eyes!" He cursed as he rotated into the hold, pulling her over his hip sending her outwards in a spiral. She rotated swiftly with one hand dragging along the ground before her feet found purchase against a shop wall. She impacted into the wall, and exploded outwards. Vladimir wasn't nearly fast enough as she tackled the dark knight off his feet by his waist.

His body landed with a thud as his head bounced off the pavement. He felt a twinge of pain before the adreneline of the battle made it fade away, but he still had one problem that wouldn't go away. Teh thief was mounted on top, locking him in place with a knee as her hands went for a dagger on her hip. Vladimir grabbed her wrist, just inches before his right eye, and held it tightly for all he was worth. His arm trembled and he realized the woman was stronger than Vlad as well. He was going to lose the battle and his life.

"Well i think I got my fill," A seductive taunt filled the night sky, and it was in that momentary distraction that Jezebel wrapped her arm under the thieves outstreched arm, wrapping behind the neck of her target. Another dagger was held in a reverse grip dangerously close to her throat.

The Thief took an assessment of the situation, and before she could react Vladimir pulled his other hand in, the tip of the Wo Dao pressed against her chest near her heart.

"Your move, thief. Let's see if you are more suicidal than me!" Vlad taunted, his sneer returning as he winked to the woman thief.

[Lavinian Pride]

"If I had known she was going to get involved, I would have taken the eye..." She said plainly, even as the blade clattered to the ground. The point of the blade mere centimeters from her skin wasn't something she was afraid of. Neither was it the fact that the blade at her neck could slit her throat.

It was more that the sword was pointed at her heart. She doubted the woman behind her had any clue that she was a vampire, but the other knight, was lucky enough to be pointing right at her weakest spot. Still she kept her cool, if she got lucky, and the man stabbed, she could potentially turn a pierced heart into a pierced lung, which she had no use for anyways.

"You've obviously gone to great lengths to capture me, what in the seven hells do you want?" Her voice held a stiff tone, more of a wounded pride than an actual desire for answer.

"We need someone with skills such as yours. You could of course refuse, but then you'd know too much," The man she sat atop said. A derisive snort left Sarah's lips even as she looked disdainfully down upon the man. His eyes held a cold tone, but there was life, even if callously hidden.

"You have a great recruitment plan. I hope you pay well for this," Once more her mouth was running.

The blade at her throat began slowly to pierce her skin, precious rivulets of blood were running down her slender neck, and still she was unfazed even as she heard the other woman hiss, "You would be wise not to anger your captors tramp. Your life is in our hands."

"You threaten a Lavinian Thief with death? You guys haven't done your homework. If we're caught, its the noose for us, death is what we expect. Perhaps the question is, how much effort are you willing to put in to make me want to stay alive after this?"

She moved to cut more of the throat before the other knight, who had moved slightly to be in a more upright position gave a curt rebuke to his comrade. Sarah let a smile cross her face, as she realized just who was in charge. The information was slowly filed away even as she tilted her head looking down upon the man beneath her.

"What do you want?" The man said harshly. His words sounded thick and forced, as if he was repulsed by the need to say such things.

"Ah, what do I want indeed..." Sarah had moved only subtlety. The woman's knife still held at her neck, but the sword at her chest, was not as firm as it had been. Taking a moment she drew more upon her blood stores, moving swiftly she grabbed the tip of the blade and even as the knife slit her throat, she had the blade point stabbing towards the woman's stomach. The man's eyes widened at the suicidal move, until a coarse laughter entered the alleyway, and the downed swordsman found his blade dangerously close to his ally, who was at a lose when the svelte woman moved slowly to rise from her captors.

Reaching into her pack she popped open her water skin, before greedily drinking the crimson liquid found within. Before their very eyes the slit throat slowly sealed up as a shudder of pleasure leaked through her body. Opening her eyes she spoke, "If its a job you wanted you had a number of ways of getting in contact. I'm betting you've tried, you just weren't offering enough..."

"She was..."

"...vampires, oh how I hate your kind."

"Thanks, I'm sure we enjoy you as well," She said, wiping the extra blood from her lips. Looking down upon the crimson streaks against her pale skin she gently licked her hand clean despite her revulsion at such an act. Being a vampire sucked sometimes. Corking the water skin once more she let it drop to the cobble stones before she spoke matter of fact, flipping her knife up to her hand and sheathing it, "So what’s the scale?"

"We held you up and suddenly-" The woman said even as she moved towards Sarah. The femme fatale stopped when the vampiric vixen held up a solitary hand.

"I'm not stupid; you ambushed me, so you're going to be paying extra for that, and if you're that desperate to ambush a Lavinian, then you are going to be paying even more for the experience. Otherwise any thief could have done..."

"Name the price," The swordsman said, even as he slowly got up off the ground.

"First, I need someone capable of handling a 13 year old girl. I am not going to do this if I can't have her well taken care of," Sarah said holding up a single finger.

"If you think we're going to baby-"

"I can hear my footsteps out of here already..."

The woman remained deathly quiet.

"Good, two, I require to travel at night, so get used to the moon. There will be no negotiations on this, and I will not travel in any demeaning manner. You'll have to work with me, to get me to Otaria and wherever the fuck you guys are going. Questions?" she stopped waiting only momentarily before she continued, "Finally, you are paying all expenses and you're going to help me with some things in the future. You'll need to give me a means of keeping in touch with you, because I'm not about to let you guys ride off after ambushing me, you're good, if sloppy on your research."

The woman looked to be about ready to explode before the man placed a firm nad against her chest, holding her back from doing something stupid. He glared balefully at Sarah before he spoke curtly, "It is done."

[KOA]

The group parted ways, making arrangements to meet at night in the same location just after the dusk hits. With that they could begin their journey, and the next fortress of the Apocalypse shall fall. No matter what the price was, Vladimir was ready to pay it.

That didn't mean he liked the attitude the woman had. She was as arrogant as an aristocrat, and knowing she was a vampire made matters skewed. He lost the edge he needed to keep the subordinate in line, and that was the fact he was better and stronger. With this woman, he lost the advantage.

A sly smile donned his lips, and he thought about something that made his heart lift for a fleeting moment. "The woman is a vampire. She lost her soul for power. And the more power one has, the bigger the weakness they have."

"You are doing that thing where you mutter to yourself again." Jezebel said glaring daggers into the vampire Lavinian. "We made a fool's bargain." She hissed hitting Vladimir in the shoulder. "A Vampiress!" She spat on the ground.

"Just because your father was stupid enough to get a blood kiss..." Jezebel gave him a warning glance, which Vladimir just laughed off. They walked down the alley, and Jezebel mounted her horse, grabbing for Vladimir to aid him up to her mount. Vladimir's horse was long gone now, and he didn't pay it much mind. These horses they had now were soon to be sold anyway.

"Where's your bitch?" Jezebel taunted to Vlad, who grabbed Jezebel by the neck choking her. "Foreplay before you meet your girlfriend?" She said sweetly. "Vladimir, why did we have to break up?" Vladimir dropped his hold, shoving the woman in the head as he searched for Serra.

"We left each other because I had ambition, and you had settled." Vlad replied nonchalantly. "That and Serra is pretty to look at. Unlike your ugly facial features." Jezebel made a motion to elbow Vladimir in the face when a soft whistle brought their gaze upwards. Standing above them with horse at her side was Serra, waving lightly.

"The partner headed for the rooftops. I gave chase, but he entered the thieves guild. Not exactly able to waltz in that place so I decided to come back."

"Worthless whore child." Jezebel felt Vlad's hilt in her back as he unsheathed his blade, the pommel hitting her right in the square of her back. Jezebel fell forwards, rubbing her back as Vladimir grabbed an awning and lifted himself up to the roof, hoping higher and higher until he was at ground level with Serra.

"I got what I wanted anyways. We meet with the woman tonight." Vladimir spoke with authority as he mounted Serra's horse, giving her his hand so she could ride with him.

"Another woman?" Serra teased taking the hand and mounting the horse. "I am starting to think you are looking for a wild party." Vlad shrugged his shoulders.

"Can't say that the idea never crossed my mind." Serra slapped the back of his head playfully, and he let out a spark of laughter as they rode off to meet with Jezebel.

***

The trio of warriors made way as they stopped at the bazaar, grabbing food for the long trip. Serra was in charge of grabbing the tents for the group, Jezebel in charge of the extra bolts for the arrows, and Vladimir in charge of grabbing the maps for the journey. Each sold the horse they rode in on to the stables, getting just enough coin to by the provisions except for Vladimir, who had to spend the last of the wealth he took from the fallen Catacombs of Death.

He sighed feeling the weightless leather on his hip. Money had little value to him before, but now that he didn't have the order to back him for any expense he had the realities of life slap him into shape. The coin he had he earned in fighting arenas, which was where he met with Serra the third time they crossed paths.

Yet as his eyes watched the last of he reserves, he had but few coin left to spare. Not only that, but the vampire thief would want a hefty fee. Well, Vampires had weakness too, and Vladimir would expose her to that all in good time.

The group all gathered together, and Vladimir did a physcial stock of what they had and committed it to memory. The bulky hand bows were replaced with elven repeater hand bows, and he had to admit the weapons looked deadly and elegant. Jezebel had great taste in the weapons of murder.

"I see you have forgotten to purchase one for our Vampire friend." Vlad noted allowed so she could hear.

"That she-devil can kiss my ass if she wants one. Nowhere in the contract did she state we would supply her with supplies. It's bad enough we have to babysit." Vladimir rolled his eyes as she mentioned the child.

"Don't remind me..." he muttered. Serra walked up behind Vladimir and gave him a cold look. He returned the stare, but he couldn't bring himself to be hateful she was. "You got something to say?" he asked in challenge. Serra slammed a bag full of food into his chest.

"I don't see why you care about the kid, since you dumped it on me to babysit!" Jezebel gave a curt laugh that Serra silenced with a dangerous snarl. "I'm no housewife. I have a blade at my side and I have slain people for you, Vladimir. You owe me more than this!" Vladimir crossed his hands across his chest and looked down on the smaller woman.

"Jezebel is the only one with the knowledge of the fortress. I am the one who initiated this bloody feud, and that leaves you to babysit. Trust me, if I was attacking this cesspool of a town, I'd have ditched the kid with Jezebel." Serra gave him one last crude look before nodding her head in supplication.

"As the dark lord wishes." She mocked bowing low walking past Jezebel. The warrior laughed at Serra as she passed, flashing a wild smile to Vlad. Soon her eyes bugged out and she stumbled forward, a bag of food falling to the ground from its impact against Jezebel's skull. "Don't forget the essentials." Vladimir bit back the laughter in his throat, gulping it down before he spoke with a level headed tone, his authority emanating from his commands.

"Come on, fools." He pointed to the other side of town. "We have a long walk ahead of us."

[Lavinian Pride]

The sun had continued its path across the sky, moving ever westward. The only town of the living inside Revan moved about as it always does, in an effort to ignore the fact they were surrounded by an undead menace far worse than the one in Raiarae. While the zombie hordes of Xem'zund were indeed fierce, it compared nothing to the cunning and ruthless vampires of Kenth.

Deep underground beneath the city, in tunnels burrowed out long before the war that would ravage Revan and leave it only usable by the vampires, people milled about. Laughter echoed through a few tunnels as thieves told stories to pass the time. Amongst some of them was Sarah, who was busy putting things into her pack from the storehouse.

"So, when were you going to tell me?" The voice was stern, but still held a hint of humor in the voice.

"I was figuring on my way out, but then again you always did know what I was up to long before I did," Sarah replied. She looked at a length of rope, going over possible scenarios, before she grabbed it too and placed it in the confines of her pack.

"You know why I said 'no' to them in the first place, right?" The older man was leaning in the doorway his arms crossed. His graying brown hair did not hide the piercing blue eyes that observed the Vampiress before him, nor did it conceal the mischievous smirk on his lips. While a head taller than Sarah, he certainly didn't seem to be menacing, but Sarah knew full well how such things changed.

"They're ambushing thieves, its either I give them what they want, or we lose more thieves than we can afford. If it wasn't for me, Raven wouldn't have gotten the statue back in the first place. Besides, I'm already dead, what’s the worst-" She stopped when she saw something in his eyes. Something fierce and primal lingered there; it almost made her heart beat from the sheer amount of fear that crept into her frame.

"You may be cavalier about your life, you may even not care and share Seth's desire to die and atone for sins. I will not have a family line wiped out by such callous attitudes. So, I would appreciate it, if you would pull your head out of your ass and decide to move on with your life. Rather than come up with elaborate schemes to kill yourself," The man said firmly.

Sarah paused, holding onto a piece of flint tied by a leather thong to a bit of steel. She heard the words, and felt them nestle deep in her chest; it was true in a sense. Placing the flint and steel into her pack she sat upon the table, crossing her legs instinctively before she looked up at the elder thief, "Darith, I know you have high hopes for me, especially with the way that Seth died. I just can't help but feel like an abomination. I may be Lavinian at heart, but I'm no longer alive! I can't have kids, I can't teach the next generation, what good am I?"

Moving slowly, the man revealed as Darith stepped forward and brought her into a tight hug. Instinctively Sarah clung to him as a child would their father while he comforted her and spoke, "Get stronger. Vampirism has some rules, but like all rules, they were made to be broken. Learn, grow, and in time you may find that these restrictions upon you will be lifted. Keep your head high Lavinian, you have a family, and I'm sure Samantha doesn't want an Aunt who can't be strong for her."

Sarah sighed as she clung to the man before she whispered, "So, you're going to let me go?"

"Yes, I have a feeling you need to stretch your wings. I've been a bit selfish where you're concerned, so now its time for you to get out there. I know keeping you cooped up in the Guildhall has been driving you nuts. Just don't get yourself killed Sarah, I don't need another Dahlios dying on me," He said firmly. Looking deeply into her brown eyes he said softly, "And that's an order."

"Yes sir."


~*~

"Come on, time to wake up Kid," Sarah's voice drifted softly across the room, even as the light in the room increased, candles slowly being lit. The room was modest, holding a small bed and a chest of drawers. The vampiric vixen moved to another set of candles, slowly adding to the amount of light in the room, even as a figure shifted on the bed.

"The night was made for sleeping..." The words came rather bitterly from a young woman's mouth. Kid had grown much in the seven years that Sarah had known her. While a cute girl, she was at an awkward stage. She retained a bit of that cute and charm, but the time spent with Sarah had served to strengthen her in her arms and legs especially. Her body was undergoing the changes to adulthood, even as she continued to follow around her adoptive mother. A hand gently reached up and wiped the sleep from her eyes, even before the laughter of Sarah filtered into the room.

"Where did you get a silly notion like that?" The femme fatale asked. She then sat upon the bed, nest to the growing girl and reached out, mussing up her hair.

"I'm not a child anymore Sarah, you don't need to chide me like that," The younger girl grumbled, even as she sat up. Sarah only gave her a sarcastic smirk while she looked the younger woman in the eyes. Finally Kid sighed and spoke, "You don't need to give me that look either, I understand. Where to next? I thought the Snowbourne wasn't due for another few months."

"No, not Torin, I have a job outside town, and you know what that means," Sarah replied before getting up.

"Yeah, Darith doesn't want to baby sit me if you aren't working for him. I don't understand why I need to be watched by someone, I'm thirteen Sarah I can handle myself-"

"Sound like me when I was your age. I wonder if that's just an inborn thing, or just a teenagers way of saying 'leave me alone mommy...'" The older woman said laughing as she moved to a chair. Twirling it so the back was facing Kid she sat upon it, her arms resting on the top of the back before she waited for the teenager's reply. Her legs were splayed wide as she rested her head upon her arms, sitting backwards in the seat.

Kid meanwhile had risen from the bed and was getting dressed, even as she glowered at her elder counterpart. When she had finished she finally managed, "I still don't get it."

"It's because you aren't an adult yet Kid, give it three years, then you can choose and I don't need to watch you. Until then, you're stuck with me. Though I didn't know I chaffed you that badly, I guess I should have just left you in Lavinya to fend for your-"

"Now that's not fair Sarah, you know I love you, perhaps even more than my own Mother! That's a low blow!" Kid replied glowering at Sarah.

"Hey, you're the one that says I'm holding onto you too tightly. Be prepared for people to take your words however they want. Fights break out over misunderstanding all the time. So say what you mean, and mean what you say," Sarah replied as she observed her nails for imperfections. To tell the truth, they were full of them, she hadn't taken some girl time in quite awhile.

"Where are we going?" The topic shift was appreciated, and she was more than certain Kid understood how Sarah felt on the matter. Sarah wasn't her mother that much had been made clear, she tried as hard as she could to raise the girl, but she also couldn't replace the mother the girl had known. The talks of parenting always hurt Sarah deep down, because she was barren from being a vampire. Kid was literally her only child, and an adopted one at that.

"Don't know, we're supposed to meet up with our employer and travel to Otaria, from there we'll reach the target area," Sarah replied.

"You're better than that Sarah, not even getting the full scoop," Kid replied before she bounded over to Sarah.

Sarah raised an eyebrow at that, before she let a small laugh escape her lips and brought the girl in for a hug, "Alright smart ass, grab your dagger belt, and lets get going."

[KOA]

"Three to four days, depending on the situation at hand." Vladimir spoke coldly as he watched the fog from his breath pass before like a dragon would blow fire. Serra was monitoring the area as Jezebel looked at the map of the surrounding area. He lifted his hand trailing a finger along a pathway and stopping upon the border of the land before the great sea. "In favorable conditions we may be able to double time it and be there in two and half."

"These aren't favorable conditions, Vladimir." Jezebel scolded him as she looked up to the moon. "The nights are shorter in the spring, and days are longer. With little miss vampire slut we have to wait for her." She growled at the mention of the sultry woman, and her hands began to clench into tight balls of rage.

"You only hate the woman because she has a bigger mouth than you." Vlad teased as he watched Jezebel's eyes glow with hatred.

"That and probably has used that mouth to please more men than you." Serra added, giggling as she watched Jezebel turn to glare at her in turn.

"Listen and listen good," Jezebel growled. "That vampire got lucky because we didn't know what she was. In the end it will be my dagger inside her skull as her beating heart is in my hand. Maybe I can cook it and give it to the child she wanders around with." Vladimir hit her in the shoulder and pointed off into the light fog. The silhouettes of two traveler's, a girl and an adult was clearly seen in their outlines as they approached.

"Go check the baggage." Vladimir ordered to Jezebel. His subordinate instead looked to the Lavinian thief. Vladimir lifted his hand grabbing Jezebel by the hair and pulling back until her head was tilted far enough she could the cold stare in his golden eyes. "I said go check the bags." He ordered with all his authority.

"I can behave myself!" she seethed not fighting his hold on her hair. Vladimir gave her one last menacing look and tossed her to side as he stood up walking towards the woman.

"We leave now, since night time is our only option for travel. If you are ready that is." He said looking down at the little girl.

[Lavinian Pride]

They had been traveling for a week, steadily heading out of the trade town of Lavinya. Reven's dead lands offered no scenery for the trip, no distractions, and so the tension in the group ran high. Sarah was forced to hide from the sunlight under heavy cloaks in order to prevent the chance of a stray strand of sunlight from burning her away. Kid meanwhile would talk with them for periods of time, and dutifully at night she would report into Sarah what had occurred.

By day three, Sarah had a clear picture of how rough the group really was. Part of the tension she had felt traveling with them was wholly earned by her, but the majority was a competition for Vlad's attention. Sarah had snickered derisively at the revelation before she filed it away. If Vlad was being competed for by these women, it only served to underline why the young woman Jezebel had been hostile towards her. Her homely looks were nothing compared to the vampiric vixen's sultry curves.

The other woman, was simply too naive to understand what she felt. She followed out of what she assumed was duty, only to find that it was love, buried under an inch of bitterness at not being trusted. Sarah had no idea that Kid would ever be valuable after being rescued from the vampiric nobility of Reven. She was after all a blood puppet and trained to spot peoples desires, in order to provide them without an order given. The fact that such abilities had come in use, years after being drilled into her small mind was fortunate.

Still every now and then she could see Jezebel prowling, just at the edges of her vision, trying to find weakness. Sarah made certain that whatever she revealed was no weakness, only her myriad of strengths. It seemed to frustrate the Knight before she finally confronted the vampire, "I still don't understand why we need a whore like you. We could have taken this fortress without your help."

"Just because you don't have the ability to get into Vladimir's pants, doesn't mean that I'm going to flaunt my own ability to do so," Sarah replied. The Knight seemed taken aback as she growled lowly at Sarah.

"What did you say?" Jezebel's voice held a dangerous list to it.

A smile crawled across Sarah's face before she looked up, squarely into the fiery eyes of the red headed woman, "Was that over your head? Should I say it again slower; perhaps in smaller words you can understand? Just because you can't get any doesn't mean that you should hate those who are satisfied whenever they please."

The sound of her drawing her sword could be heard around the camp as the hot tempered woman spat, "I'll end you, you damn vampiric tramp!"

"Jezebel! That's enough!"

The words hung in the air as Jezebel's chest heaved, she had finally given into her anger, and she was looking to cut down the woman who had offended her, only to be stopped by her superior. The fact that she was still a few feet from Sarah meant that the vampire had plenty of time to react to any attack. Really the woman was predictable, what she couldn't understand she smashed. It was like leading her around by a ring through her nose.

Sarah had found a new hobby to pursue before the mission.

[KOA]

Hell hath no fury like a woman's scorn. That saying made Vladimir regret choosing three females to join him on his quest. It was irritating to say the least. Non stop bickering occurred between Sarah the thief and Jezebel, who also through insults at Serra as well. He groaned as he heard the trio bicker with each other and his teeth began to ground inside his mouth as he gripped his satchel tightly making his knuckles turn white, and he heard a childish giggle behind him.

Turning his head he found the small girl looking up at him, her body trembling in amusement. "What?" He asked curtly, glaring down on her blowing the hair out of his eyes.

"It's funny watching them fight. It's kinda like a hobby for Sarah," she explained. "She knows that stuck up snob Jezebel has got it in for her, and she's using that to create the tension she needs to keep her on edge." Vlad glanced back at the group and slowed his walk so the tiny one could catch up.

"Head games." Vlad stated plainly. "Jezebel was supposed to be above such things, but I guess she really has a thing for me. Any woman looks at me and she goes nuts over them." the girl watched on as Vladimir shook his head.

"Sarah is great at these things. She always knows the ways to break a person, take the advantage away and give it to them." Vlad nodded his head, looking at the two fight on saying more and more disturbing things before Vladimir stopped, placing his hand on the girl's shoulder. He bent over so his mouth was to her ear, and he whispered in a low, vile tone.

"Don't think I'm an idiot. I know exactly what purpose you serve blood puppet." the girl looked up into his eyes and she gave him a worried glance, her eyes widening in shock. "Head games." Vlad said with glee. "I know your spying on us, telling her our secrets and finding our weakness. Well let me tell you what yours is." He grabbed her by the arm, crushing it. She didn't yelp in pain, but her eyes turned white with alarm.

"I watched you from the day you brought in, the way you stand in the back like a shadow. As a tiny girl nobody would pay you much mind, now would they?" He laughed as he watched Sarah immerse herself in humiliating Jezebel, blind to what was going on with her adopted daughter. "No, a life of silent servitude would etch that into your veins. But just remember foolish child. This is the land of adults, and we don't always play by the rules to your silly little games." Vladimir tossed her forward, sending her sprawling to the ground.

Sarah immediately turned, her eyes opened wide as she looked to Kid. It was a motherly concerned look, and it made Vladimir smile from ear to ear. "Stupid girl, watch out for the rocks!" Vladimir cursed. He knelt down, gently picking her up, and as the girl looked into his eyes he mouthed a warning, daring her to speak.

"I'm sorry, I didn't see the rock..." She said defeated. as she began to dust herself off. Vladimir looked to her and motioned to Sarah, a vile smile on her face.

"No more tricks." He whispered so only she could hear. The girl looked down to her chest, before running over to Sarah.

"Do you mind if I stay with you?" She asked pleadingly. Sarah looked at Vladimir, her eyes searching for some sudden truth, but he gave her a confused look in response, as if he had no idea what the sudden change was. The tension filled the air, before the girl pulled on her arm to keep her adopted parent moving forward. As the two turned her back to Vladimir, he let out a small triumphant laugh.

If he hadn't been so smug with the victory, he would have noticed the four cretins creeping up around the party.

[Lavinian Pride]

Sarah was a thief, of this there was no doubt. Even when she was consoling Kid, and trying to figure out exactly what happened, her sense were stretched about her. While she no longer felt the cold of night, a small shiver crept up her spine, unmistakable as it was. She closed her eyes before she whispered to Kid, "Grab two thorns, and protect yourself if need be."

When Sarah's eyes opened they looked into the Brown Irises of her adopted child. She could see the confusion, but immediately felt the girl grip two of the throwing knives on her belt. While not full daggers, they were heavy enough to give Kid a sense of weight, and strong enough that Kid could at least use them in defense. Sarah doubted the girl would even be able to attack with them, but if she needed to, the arrow heads at the tip of the blade would make certain it would be a grim prospect in getting such blades out.

At the small of her back, in sheaths that crossed over each other, were two blades. While both were the standard Lavinian steel, neither seemed that formidable. They were The Girls, twin daggers given to Sarah upon completion of the trials of thievery. As they sang out into the cold air of the night, Kid's knives also sang into the air, alerting them to the presence, even as the muffled curse and the sounds of boots upon the ground could be heard.

The crunch against the barren dirt of these dead lands, alerted Jezebel to the threat. Vladimir, too caught up in whatever had occurred with Kid was caught off guard, even as Sarah slid past him. The sounds of steel upon steel could be heard as the sword recoiled off the dagger held in the Lavinian vixen's hand. Even before the man could react, Sarah felt the blood within her dwindle slightly, and she was off in a set of complex maneuvers. A kick brought the man hunched over, even as the dagger made short work of the ties on the small breastplate upon him.

Before he had a chance to cough, a wet gasp echoed through the area, as the dagger that followed the armor sundering strike hit deep in the side of her victim. She paused savoring the sound of his death, before a knew brought up into her victim's face saw him on his back, even as he began to drown in the blood flooding his lungs. A shiver of pleasure flooded her senses as she smelled it.

Blood.

Looking upon her bloodied blade she took a moment to lick at the crimson life. A shiver went down her spine as she looked upon the next victim, who seemed to be rushing Kid. Before he had even gotten within arms reach a slash in his leg saw him hit the dirt. Immediately he was pinned upon the ground with a knee put squarely into his spine. A feral grin lit up Sarah's features before she whispered sultry, "Oh, don't worry love, your death will be far slower than your friends. I'll be sure to savor it."

[KOA]

Vladimir cursed himself violently as he watched the vampiress run past him, and a knight was upon the ground far faster than he wanted to admit. Jezebel cried out war chant as she lifted twin daggers in her hand over her head and diving forward into two men, her blades whirling and twirling around her keeping their weapons at bay. Serra had moved closer to Kid, her blade Nosferatu held in a ready position as the two covered each other.

That left himself to enter the fray and he pulled out the Wo Dao and turned in time to block an incoming attack. It was a massive great axe and it notched his blade fiercely as he felt his feet sliding across the ground. He wrenched his weapon back and pulled down pulling the fighter forward. However his foe was a seasoned veteran and simply jumped with the direction, his shoulder slamming into his chest. He to the blow and felt his feet swept from under him as he felt a sharp pain across his back.

He rolled to the side avoiding a crashing blow as the axe dug deep into the earth. His hand reached out and grabbed Vladimir by the throat with his thick fingers. The thumb pressed deeply upon his adams apple and he felt pain sear behind his flesh as he brought up both his hands to pulled the fingers away. The attacker placed his other hand upon his fingers, hiding them away from Vlad’s prying fingers. He tried to get a foot hold on the enemy’s torso, but he kept moving his hips to deny Vladimir.

A blade flew forward, and blood dripped down it onto the dark knight’s face. The attacker roared in pain as the hands lost their grip, allowing Vladimir to roll to the side and cough. Serra jumped over him and parted downwards in a diagonal feint, before bringing the Nosferatu back and stabbing her prey in the neck. With brutal precision she pulled out to the side and turned her back, her foe falling to his knees and then onto his face in a loud thud.

Jezebel screamed in frustration as one of the warriors bolted, her hands reaching for one of her daggers. Vladimir moved his hand to his left side and pulled out the hand bow and fired it, hitting the target right in his left thigh. He fell to the ground in a loud clatter of screams. Serra and Jezebel rushed forward towards him as Vladimir turned to Sarah, noting her feeding upon her victim. “Well that can’t be good…” he muttered slowly getting up. He walked over to where Kid was and looked down to see her glaring back up at him.

“Ya know, if you weren’t busy being such a jackass to me you wouldn’t have gotten your butt whipped.” Vladimir lowered his gaze and snarled his teeth to her, making her flinch as he raised his hand, but he walked by her leaving the empty threat. She was right anyways. He wasn’t paying attention and it cost him a near death experience. He would have to be extra careful he figured as he approached the fallen warrior.

“Who is he?” Vladimir asked. Jezebel shrugged her shoulders sheathing her weapons. Serra had done the same as she turned back towards Kid walking towards her giving Vladimir an appraising nod. She noticed his lack of usual tack as well. “Let me see him.”
Vladimir said pushing Jezebel aside with a huff of anger. He bent low and sat on his haunches, resting his wrists on his knees. “Speak.”

“Go to hell.” He replied weakly groping the arrow.

“That’s the general plan.” Vladimir grinned. “Do you know the position you’re in?” he asked turning to look behind him. He noticed the trees were waving to a wind blowing from the east, and listened carefully for any other intruders.

“Take your mind games and shove them.” Vladimir whistled at the prisoners tenacity. He wagged a finger and lowered his head to get closer. “Your tricks won’t work on me, cerebral assassin.” Vladimir laughed as he clucked his tongue.

“Guess what, kiddo.” He asked lifting the prisoners shirt and looking at the fresh ranking stripes on his shoulder. “Did you just join the order?” he asked carefully, but the initiate remained quiet. “Congratulations, you were just sacrificed in vain. You know this don’t you?” he nodded once. “Very good, than you understand at this point I have no reason to tell you false lies, or cloud your head with tricks.” Vlad smiled vilely as he watched the gears in his prisoners head start to turn. “Look over there,” Vlad pointed to Sarah and began to chuckle. “Let’s see if you passed your basic enemy assessment class.”

Sarah bent low and began to drink deeper and deeper into her victim, his screams echoing into the forest causing bats to stir awake and flutter out into the chilling night. She tossed the body to the ground, her tongue licking the blood seductively around her lips before she glanced at the prisoner. Her head titled to the side in contemplation.

“Oh by the horseman,” the prisoner whispered in a terrified state. “She’s a vampire.”

“EXACTO!” Vladimir exclaimed, stretching out and lifting his hands in supplication. “You gift from the horseman is the power of observation, isn’t it?” The prisoner looked to Vlad like a balling baby, his eyes full of fear as they brimmed with tears. “Oh yes you simpleton. I will do exactly what you are thinking. If that is, you’re thinking I’m going to let her feed on you.” He poked the prisoner’s leg. “But I can give you a sporting chance to survive, if you give me information. I’m not going to ask for much, and in return I’ll fix your leg.”

The prisoner looked to Sarah, and her eyes glinted with predatory hunger as she looked to him and then Vlad before she licked her lips. “WHAT, WHAT DO YOU WANT TO KNOW?” he shouted to Vladimir.

“Who’s running the show, and how many other squads are assigned to assault us?”

“We were a recon squad. It was out first mission. The senior knight was the man with the big axe. I know two senior knight squads were dispatched as well, and four inner circle knights are on standby! Please, please that’s all I know. Heal me and let me leave!”

Vladimir looked him deep in the eyes before he grinned. “Okay, I’ll do it.” He said casually as he bent low and ripped the arrow out. He tossed the bloody bolt to the side and began walking away.

“Wait, you said you’d fix my leg!” he whined in terror as Sarah began to saunter over slowly, her lips curling into a wicked smile.

“I did fix your leg,” Vlad said calmly with a cheerful smile. “I pulled the arrow out. In a few days it’ll be good as new.” The prisoner lowered his gaze before his eyes exploded in terror as Vladimir turned his back on him, letting Sarah pass him. “Pack up everything; we still got ground to break.” Vladimir ordered as he heard the prisoner’s cries of agony.