United Through Want

[Poison]

Covered from head to foot in black fabric, the young woman sat comfortably in the shadows of a tree. The only part of her pale skin not covered was her face, but even that was hidden deep in the folds of her hooded cloak. She didn’t move at all as she watched the people of Underwood getting ready for the night. They were entirely unaware that she was there. That, of course, was the way she wanted it. She had a job to do tonight.

As she waited, she recounted to herself why she was in Underwood to begin with. Normally, her jobs consisted of assassinations. She was slowly starting to make something of a name for herself. However, she had no where to call “home”. There wasn’t a city anywhere that she could safely stay for very long. Then she had heard of the Bandit Brotherhood. If she could get herself admitted into the ranks of the Brotherhood, she would have a place to go between jobs. A safe haven for when she being hunted. That was why she was here tonight, to prove that she would be a worthy addition to the Bandit Brotherhood. She had job to do tonight.

Her target was a man of some power. He was in charge of keeping the law in Underwood. Since coming to power, he had managed to cut down on quite a bit of petty thievery and the like. That did not matter to the woman though. What interested her was the fact that he was also a collector of rare and precious artifacts. He had a vast collection of beautiful artwork, sculptures and countless other things in his large house. It would be simple enough to get in, grab almost anything, and leave again. She doubted he would even realize anything was gone for the next several days. She had a job to do tonight.

At last, the sun went down and night fell over Underwood. The young woman stood in the tree, the hem of her cloak swirling slightly around her slim ankles. She looked disdainfully over the small town once more, before dropping noiselessly to the ground. She stepped out from under the tree and tilted her head back, allowing the hood to fall free. Her long silver hair glowed in the light of the half-moon. She paused there for a moment, drinking in the feel of the night, of the moon against her pale skin. She did not stay there for long. She had a job to do tonight.

Nighttime is the time of the vampire. Nighttime is the time of Poison.

[Nightstalker]

Nightstalker walked along the road to Underwood, occasionally scanning the area about him for signs of thieves or bandits. But his mind wasn’t on his surroundings, they were on the steel shuriken in his hand. It wasn’t special or possessed any significance, he was simply looking at it in curiosity, studying it, as though he wished to magically reproduce it. A knife stuck up out of his belt.

Dressed as a common farmer out traveling for one reason or another, the setting sun shining its last feeble golden rays on his outfit, no one would suspect he was anything more than a common passerby. A pack on his back seemed to indicate he had all his worldly possessions with him, though really it was just his Wakizashi and the rest of his Shuriken.

As darkness descended upon the land, to wrap the world in night’s black embrace, Nightstalker entered a local inn whose name he didn’t bother to read, to order a room.

“I’d like a room please.” Nightstalker said.

“Sure thing, sign here, I’ll collect in the morning.” The innkeeper said.

Nightstalker signed the book, setting down his Shuriken down only momentarily to do so.

“Mister Nigl T Stahker? Will that be the room with a balcony and easy roof access or the room facing the alleyway?” the innkeeper said smiling merrily at a joke only he understood. However, when Nightstalker looked at him quizzically, he blushed and decided to explain.

“Sorry, get a lot of thieves in here at times, and it seems they all sign with a pseudonym and then request a room where they can slip out unobserved. I thought since you had a Shuriken you might be one of them. Say, might I ask where you’re going?”

“Hmm? Oh I’m going to Serenti to visit my sick mother. Anyways, if you don’t mind, I’ll take the room facing the alleyway; I slip off of roofs quite easily.” Nightstalker said, letting himself go along with the innkeeper’s joke. He even let out a chuckle at the notion he slipped off of roofs easily, which was not true.

The innkeeper smiled and gave him the key, letting himself be satisfied with the sick mother story. It wasn’t the real story of course, and both men knew it. Truth was, he was down from Radasanth looking to become apart of The Bandit Brotherhood to improve his various skills as a Ninja. After that, he was off to Akashima to try and find a new master, one who had once been a legend among ninjas.

Nightstalker thought back to how he learned of Master Hokkaido in the first place, and decided fighting a demoness on a giant hand wasn’t too bad a price to pay. Oddest citadel arena he’d ever been in too, the only citadel arena he’d ever been in. The monk was a Dwarf, and it was his hand that they fought upon. Unfortunately, with one lucky strike, the demoness beat him, slashing his throat open.
That was the past though, and his current problem was too fold, first, finding the bandit brotherhood, and second, proving he wasn’t just another nobody looking for an easy ride. That could be solved later though, for now, he was tired from all his walking, and set the Shuriken on the table, placing his pack beside the bed, and fell asleep. His last thought was that the innkeeper faced him towards a pretty good alley. It ran along the backside of most of the buildings on the street.

[Poison]

Poison smiled to herself. Getting inside had been quite simple. The guards were either asleep, or not paying attention and there were several doors that were unlocked. Obviously, Lord Nuriken had great trust in the ability of his guards at night. It had been a long time since Poison had gone on a theivery mission, but she found that she was enjoying it. A wave of nostalgia swept over her as she remembered her first heists and the man that had taught her everything she knew. Even now, several years after his death, she still missed him greatly. The nostalgia passed and she shook her head angrily.

Stop that! Focus on the job at hand or you'll end up like him.

Poison crept silently through the halls of Nuriken's large house. It wasn't quite a mansion, but it was probably the closest the man would be able to accomplish here in Underwood. Poison's fingers skimmed lightly over a variety of expensive items sitting in nooks along the wall, but she didn't pick anything up. She only wanted one item, and it would have to be the absolute best. She was just about to give up hope of finding a single item, when her eyes fell on the most beautiful piece of artwork she'd ever seen.

The item was about a foot and a half high. It had many curves and arches, and resembled a dancing woman. It was made of a delicate combination of Calli, Valaiyalman, and Mukakkannati glass from Fallien. She could see that a lot of time and expert craftsman ship had gone into making this figure. The Calli had been used as a base, but had been colored with delicate shades of blue and rose Valaiyalman. Mukakkannati had been used to emphasize the folds in the woman's dress, the curve of neck, and the top of her outstretched leg.

Perfect!!

Poison picked up the figurine almost reverantly. she wrapped in cloth and tucked it away inside her cloak. It was time to leave. Smiling confidentally to herself and sure that the value of the figurine would guarantee her entry into the ranks of the Bandit Brotherhood, she headed back through the hallway.

However, in her inspection of the glass figure, she had been somewhat careless. A guard on his rounds had seen her gazing at it, but instead of confronting her right then, he quietly went on his way and informed the rest of the guards on duty that there was thief on the premises.

Unaware that she was still being watched, Poison made her way back out the way she had come in. As she stepped out of the building, she was greeted with a ring of steel. The smile dropped from her face as her hands dropped to the titanium sai sheathed at her hips.

"Leave your weapons where they are, thief," the head guard growled at her.

Poison didn't answer him, she withdrew her sai and dropped into a defensive stance. "Come on boys, lets play a little before I leave." Without wasting another minute, Poison darted toward a guard, slashing at him and the guard beside him. Instinctively, they dodged out of reach, which left a gap for Poison to slip through. "You'll have to do better than that if you want to catch me!"

She led them on a merry chase across the lawn, but then in the midst of whirling to fend off an attacker, the figurine sailed out of Poison's pocket. Ignoring the men she was fighting, Poison sprang after it. She couldn't let it be destroyed, not when she was this close to escaping! In the space of a few seconds, Poison guessed where it would fall and dived to the ground to catch it, she closed her eyes as she landed, hands outstretched to catch the delicate glass woman.

"Get up, thief."

Poison opened her eyes, in her hand she held the woman, safely caught with not a mark on her for the ordeal. At her throat, pricking her skin, was the point of the head captain's sword. He reached down with his free hand and grabbed the figurine which he handed to a fellow guard.

"I said to get up. You are under arrest for stealing from Lord Nuriken."

Poison got to her feet, intending to disappear, but the other guards had brought torches with them this time, and stood in a ring around her. She had no shadow to meld into. Scowling she obediently gave up her weapons and belt.

They led her through the main street, to the prison. They didn't hide the fact that they were escorting a thief. Poison fumed as she walked within the circle. In all her years she had never been caught. She was only marginally grateful for going inside the prison.

Alone in her cell, Poison cheered up a bit, the shadows here were deep. If she concentrated hard enough, she was willing to bet she could travel in the shadows. However, when she tried, the shadows repelled her. Apparently, the cell had been enchanted against people who could make themselves disappear.

"Damn it! You'll be sorry for this!"

The guards only laughed and ignored her, each wondering what Lord Nuriken would do to the thief in the morning.

[Nightstalker]

Nightstalker awoke in the early hours of the morning while most people were asleep. People were running through the alleyway talking in loud excited voices.

"Nuriken caught a member of The Bandit Brotherhood last night in his own mansion! She was paraded down mainstreet to the prison soon after!” a female speaker said.

“Think that means the Shadows of Underwood will catch a lucky break?” a male speaker asked.

“Not if Yari has anything to say about it, I heard reports from Concordia he was spotted heading this way!” the female speaker said.

“Crap! This isn’t good. Everyone get out of town until things cool off.” The male speaker said.

Nightstalker sat up looking at the window in wonder as he heard the last of the footsteps retreating. Rubbing the last of the sleep out of his eyes, he thought upon this stroke of good fortune to fall upon him. Stepping out of bed, and kneeling before the window, he decided a powerful spirit must’ve taken a liking to him.

“I know not who or what has taken a liking to me to deliver this treasure of words to my ears, but I thank you heartily and make the most out of it. After all, save a member, become a member, it should be that easy.” He said, praying heartily.

Dressing, he hid all his shuriken in easy to reach places, hidden from normal sight and unlikely to simply fall, and put his sword on his back. Looking in the mirror, he realized he’d have to go against all he was taught to pull this off. If he went out in his normal clothes, he’d be recognized instantly. Though black made him stand out more, it was also easily hidden, and later he’d be in his normal street clothes. So, he undressed, reversed everything into his black stealth suit, redressed, re-hid everything, and strapped his wakizashi on once more.

The Prison was easy to spot, it was on the north side and surrounded by a wrought Iron fence. Nightstalker had no idea how he was going to get in, until he spotted the wagon heading towards the The Prison. It stopped briefly while the driver ran back to a shop. Nightstalker darted over to the wagon and held on underneath. After what felt like hours, but was more like minutes, the driver climbed back on and headed out again. It stopped at the gates, and Nightstalker groaned inwardly.

“What’s the problem fellas? It’s just the usual supplies.” the driver asked, an elderly fellow who seemed far too old to be driving wagons around and picking up supplies.

“You what we caught last night and we want to make sure you didn’t pick up any passengers while your back was turned. If she somehow escapes before Nuriken gets to make an example of her publicly, things will get a bit unpleasant.” A guard said while another rummaged through the back of the wagon.
“What’s he got planned?” the driver asked.

“I’ve heard he plans on a public flogging, stripping her to the bare chest to make sure it hurts and not stopping until he’s whipped the very last breath out of her body. Then, I’ve also heard he plans on a simple public execution after he has fun with her while she’s tied up helpless in his room. Regardless of what happens, it’s going to be fun to watch.” The guard said. Nightstalker could almost hear the smile in his voice; he spoke with far too much enthusiasm to no be smiling.

“Clear.” The second guard said, and the wagon rumbled on.

The wagon went around back and stopped.

“You can come out now. I know your down there, you’re here to rescue that poor woman aren’t you?” the elderly driver asked.

Nightstalker mentally flogged himself for getting caught; of course the driver had seen him he had run right by the shop windows. He dropped down and crawled out. The old man was smiling gently.

“Don’t be surprised, I’ve lived long enough to know that Corone will be a hard place to live under the empire. But I’m too old to do too much of anything. So I secretly do what little I can from here, which mostly involves deliberately misplacing Nuriken’s important documents for a few days. I can’t do too much for you, except tell you that I keep a bottle of nightshade in with the spices, and inform you that the keys are always on the warden’s belt in the prison cell downstairs, the back entry to which, is right off the kitchens here. See, he makes me double once a day as a cook to the prisons.

Nightstalker waited for the elderly man to get out the nightshade.

“I use a little to give Nuriken a headache sometimes when he’s been a headache himself whenever he's over here in his office.” The old man said, opening the jar. Nightstalker grabbed a nearby cloth and applied just a little bit to his blade. He also knew nightshade could cause fatigue, and make people see things. Once, he got dizzy himself when he applied it wrong.

Creeping down the cell block, he could see the woman in the cell, but only cast her a quick glance. The warden was asleep. Nightstalker moved silently to stand near him, and as a simple precautionary measure, slit his throat with his belt dagger. The warden suddenly sprang to life, trying to fight off his attacker, but it was too late, his lifeblood was already pouring from his neck. Nightstalker grabbed the man before he could fall, and removed the warden’s keys.

“I bet you want out of there. I’ll release you if you help me get into the bandit brotherhood, but we can talk later, there’s a sympathetic butler upstairs who can help us get out, this is a very bad place to be.” Nightstalker said, trying a couple different keys before he found the right one and opened the cell.

[Poison]

Poison jolted upright at the gurgled, desperate cries of the dying warden. She had been resting and had not heard anyone enter the prison. She hurried over to the cell door, peering through the bars just in time to see a man lower the now dead warden to the floor. She warily backed off a step or two as he came to the cell. It didn’t take him long to find the correct key and she hurriedly stepped through the open door.

“Let’s get moving. I can’t guarantee you anything about the Brotherhood though. You’ll have to talk to them about that.”

Poison moved quickly back up the prison yard. Fresh air never tasted or felt so sweet, but she had no time to enjoy it. She saw the butler with a wagon.

That must be the butler he was talking about.

She hurried over to him and smiled briefly before disappearing underneath. The butler waited a moment longer for Nightstalker to get settled then quietly made his way back out of the prison. When they had gone a good distance from the prison, Poison let go of the wagon, rolling to her feet as it passed over her. Now, to tend to those idiot guards.

She waited until the wagon was gone from her sight, then headed back toward Nuriken’s manor. She was stopped by a hand on her arm.

“Not that way! Follow me!”

Poison mentally kicked herself again, this was the third time tonight that someone had managed to elude her observation. Reluctantly, she let him lead her back to his room at the inn. Once they were safely inside, she relaxed somewhat. Though he hadn’t mentioned that she shouldn’t return to the manor just yet, he was right. She peeked out the window and then hurriedly closed the curtains. The sun was just beginning to rise.

In the prison, Nuriken was walking confidently down the hall. He was greeted with the sight of the open cell door and a warden in a pool of blood.

“FIND HER!!! FIND HER NOW! SEARCH EVERYWHERE!”

In just a moment, his face turned beet red as he charged back up the stairs, yelling and screaming at the top of his lungs. He had been woken from his sleep to be informed of the thief’s capture and had fully intended on beginning the spectacle of her punishment at dawn. He had no intentions of being denied his fun any longer than was absolutely necessary.

Up in Nightstalker’s room, Poison glided up to him.

“I can’t guarantee you anything about the Brotherhood,” she said quietly, raising up on her tip toes, as she stroked her hand up his chest and around his neck, “but…” she trailed off and kissed his lips, long and slow, hinting at open opportunities. “Thank you for coming for me.”


(use of Nightstalker pre-approved by his owner via PM)

[Yari Rafanas]

Poison and Nightstalker's kiss shadowed another.

~*~

A young red-haired beauty with brilliant eyes and unique ears lay nestled in a pool of pillows and silken sheets—items appropriated from rich men and their kin, fit for a queen. She blinked slowly as she felt the soft touch of her lover's kiss against her forehead, followed by a small scratch of the scruff on his chin. The girl closed her eyes again as he spoke to her, a calming voice in the night.

“I won't be long.”

The young man walked away from the bed and exited the large tent where it was located, greeted by the cool air and the soft blue light of dawn in Concordia. He looked over his encampment, a collection of tents and wagons housing a few dozen men and women. Most were asleep, others stood guard. One boy, however, carried a message. He was no older than sixteen, yet he served a purpose to this troop as an informant—a gatherer and pickpocket from Underwood. His message was to be delivered to the King of Thieves.

“Lil' early, isn't it Jonas?” yawned the bandit king as the boy approached, obviously out of breath.

“Sorry chief,” Jonas paused, holding one finger up to signify he needed a second before continuing. “But I think they got one of us. One of the girls was caught stealin' from Nuri-whatever's manor. Prob' gonna be gutted later today if she doesn't talk... We need to go 'n get her! Wait...”

Before Jonas stood a fully-garbed bandit King, Yari Rafanas in his prime. His athletic build was garbed in dark shades of blue and black, worn vlince lining the inside of his dark leather armor and matching gauntlets and boots. He already had the legendary blades of the Bandit Brotherhood secured to his hips and was now fastening a gray cloak and hood over his body.

“... you're already dressed?”

Yari smirked. “Let's just say I saw you comin'. Watch over Shempi's tent for me, but don't let me find out you peaked.”

“Erm, yeah. Sure, Yari... but won't you need help?”

Rafanas freed a dark spear from the earth at his feet and began walking south towards Underwood. “Just tell the others to be on guard. I won't be long.”

~*~

The sun pierced the morning fog and clouds and beat down upon the lumbertown. The populace of this well-traveled center of Concordia were alive and bustling now, merchants setting up shop, adventurers heading for the Peaceful Promenade for breakfast and to discuss their next epic journey to Salvar or to save the world—something like that. It seemed that the guards were out and about as well, fully armed and on the prowl. One of these soldiers, however, stepped down the wrong alley.

He was torn from his feet and pulled into the shadows behind a bakery. Rafanas, though not as bulky or strong as the guard, needed only to get the drop on the man. As soon as his thieving fingers dug into the man's throat it was over. He shouted only momentarily before his consciousness slipped from him and a small sliver of his soul leaked into the palm of the Bandit King. With it came the man's recent memories and thoughts. Though dimwitted, they carried a simple order that gave Rafanas all the information he needed.

Find her!

Rafanas pulled the hem of his hood back to reveal his sharp blue eyes. He peaked from the darkness of the alleyway into the bustling streets, still smirking.

I'll find you first.

With that thought, he began to crawl his way through the alleyways. Meanwhile, the King of Thieves remained unaware that the captive girl had already been found by a very mysterious ninja.

[Nightstalker]

Nightstalker lead the way upstairs, and waited long enough for the woman to get underneath, then joined her. Once more the wagon was stopped at the gates and Nightstalker quickly motioned to stay put.

“Heading back out?” asked the first guard.

“Yeah, forgot some cheese for your guy’s breakfast. Also, there’s a delicious new recipe for gruel I want to try on the prisoners for breakfast this morning. It’s called ‘gruel and unusual punishment’.” The butler said with a light chuckle.

“Thank Draconus we’re having cheese omelets” the second guard said.

The wagon moved on, and close by the alleyway they both let go and quickly got to her feet. Nightstalker shook his head in embarrassment.

What a novice! You don’t go back during broad daylight!

“Not that way! Follow Me!” Nightstalker said hurriedly and lead her back to the inn.

“Stay here a second.” He commanded, not knowing if she heard him or not. He went out to the service desk after removing the hood of his stealth suit and tossing it on the bed.

“Signing out sir?” the innkeeper asked.

“To the contrary, I was joined by my wife Amanda. We plan on staying at least until tomorrow. Please do not disturb us.” Nightstalker said, and then returned to the room, where his rescue glided on over to him full of promises of a delightful day.

“No one here knows you’re the escaped prisoner. To the contrary, they have been given the impression you’re my wife, known as Amanda, A simple, easy, and effective cover. Perhaps there’s something we can do to deepen that cover, waiting until nightfall to next act.” Nightstalker said, slipping an arm around the woman to take her up on all her unspoken offers.

Meanwhile, a couple of alleyway regulars looked at each other after they say the pair enter Nightstalker’s room.

“She’s got to be the prisoner.” One said to the other.

“Think we should tell Rafanas?” the other asked the first.

“If we see him, it’s not like we’re in a hurry.” The first one said.


Sometime later after much lovemaking…

“So, why where you going to run back to the mansion, going to try again?” Nightstalker asked, laying on the bed and looking over at the woman he considered his new best friend. He held her in both arms still, and still couldn’t let go of the biting curiosity over why she would head back in broad daylight when her chances of recapture where at their highest then.

“If so, I think I’d like to help you." he said, wondering what her reply might be.

[Poison]

She didn’t answer him right away. She was too busy enjoying the feel of his arms around her and the recent memories of their shared morning. She nuzzled her face against his neck, breathing deeply. She could almost taste the delicious red fluid flowing just beneath his skin. All it would take was a quick bite, he wouldn't likely be able to stop her at this range. Slowly her fangs started to emerge, but she shook her head and turned over, refusing to give in to the urge to drink. She abruptly realized he had asked why she had been heading back for Nuriken's manor. She did not want to think about her purpose for being in Underwood right then, but his question brought her rudely out of her reverie.

“Try again? I would have had it if the damn thing wasn’t so delicate.”

She rose from the bed, unconcerned with the fact that she still wore no clothes, and went to wash her face. She avoided the square of sunlight peeking through the window out of habit. She had become accustomed to avoiding sunlight and rarely thought about it anymore.

“Yes, I’m going to go back. Nuriken apparently thinks he can do whatever he wants. I’m going to teach him that he can’t. Not only am I going to go back to take that same figurine, but I’m also going to teach him a lesson. I am not some petty thief to be beaten. I am Poison, master assassin and thief and I will not tolerate the humiliation I suffered last night.”

She finished washing her face, then found her clothes and quickly dressed herself. She was already plotting the torments she was going to inflict on Nuriken and the captain of his guard who had also been responsible for her humiliation.

“If you want to help, then I need information. I need to know where that imbecile, Nuriken’s captain of the guard, would be. Before sunset, he will be dead and Nuriken will wish I had killed him. Then again, I might just go ahead and kill him too.”

Poison looked over at Nightstalker, her face determined, “While I don’t prefer to work in daylight, it won’t stop me. Not this time. No one gets away with humiliating me. It’s been years since anyone has ever seen me, and the person that saw me that time, died in doing so.”

She fell silent at that last statement, remembering what had really happened. It was true that the person that had seen her had died immediately, but it had not been her intent to kill him. That had been her first heist with a small thieving ring based in Radasanth. She had just checked to be sure no one was coming, and had turned her back to go out the window. The only reason she was even alive now was due to the young man that had followed them stepping on something as he tried to stab her in the back. She’d whirled around, knife in hand, and slit the young man’s throat. Her back still bore the scar from the young man’s knife carving diagonally across her back from shoulder to hip. Steeling herself, she pushed the memories away. Thinking about those days only brought more memories, memories she did not want to think about.

“At any rate, I’m leaving in the next few minutes. If you’re going to come with me, then you better get dressed. Not that I mind the view,” she grinned, leaning against the table, “but you’d stand out more than a little if you went parading down the street unclothed.”

[Nightstalker]

Nightstalker got up when she did, and waited to wash his face until after she was done. He waited to dress until after she was done speaking, considering each word with thought, just as Master Roshi would have done.

“It’s nice to finally have a name to call you by. I told the innkeeper your name was Amanda; a suitable false name easily forgotten in a few days. I am Nightstalker, Master Ninja of Akashima.” Nightstalker said, finally introducing himself.

He knew she wasn’t really a master assassin and thief, assassin and thief maybe, but not a master. A real master wouldn’t get caught by small town guards. But he wouldn’t mention this to her. As to her other question, that part eluded him.

“I am honestly not sure. Probably back at the prison since the Warden died. Hold on, let me ask someone for advice.” He said. He pulled out his Wakizashi, the glossy black blade reflecting the light with mirror perfection.

“Father, master, I need some advice.” Nightstalker said to the blade. A black cloud emanated from the blade and coalesced into the ghostly form of an ancient Akashiman all in black. He stroked his long flowing white beard looking at Poison thoughtfully.

“Father, may I introduce Poison, Master Assassin and thief. Poison, may I introduce the spirit of my deceased father, Master Roshi. Father, where might the captain of the guard be hiding?” Nightstalker asked.

“A prize with great value is better guarded by one with skill, rather than by three with none. Nuriken’s mansion holds many valuable prizes, but only two hold enough value to warrant being permanently placed near a guard whose skill has been measured and found worthy. This is all I will tell you. By the way, patience is a virtue.” Master Roshi said. Then he disappeared.

“Well, that rules out the prison, and means he’s near Nuriken, or whatever fragile object you were after. Makes sense though, working out of Nuriken’s mansion where Nuriken can feel safe, probably why the barracks is nearby. If their all three within close vicinity, we might not be enough, just the two of us. A shame I can’t just summon a third trustworthy person to help us, then we’d be assured of victory. An idea occurs to me. After all, patience is a virtue. What do you know of the area around Nuriken’s mansion, and the layout inside? People like Nuriken often have dark secrets. In the right hands, these secrets can be an even more effective enslavement tool than magic. It brings to mind the phrase that there are fates worse than death.” Nightstalker said, a sinister and almost frightening grin sliding across his face.

[Yari Rafanas]

Dark secrets are commonplace in politics and wealth, and the man known as Lord Nuriken was not a stranger to this. Like many nobles born into money, Nuriken had walked through life with everything he wanted at his fingertips, but it never became enough to satisfy his savage thirst for more. It was a greed so intense it drove him backstab and claw his way to the top of nobility during his time in Radasanth. It served only to motivate him further as the cival war of the nation broke out, where he capitalized on the profits to be made from war and death. Now he had retreated to Underwood, a neutral territory, where the export of Concordia's precious lumber could fill his deep pockets and there was never a shortage of heroes and mercenaries for hire. Here he had what he needed... what he wanted.

Some sought to reveal what lies within the shadow's of Nuriken Manor. Some sought the treasure and beauty such power brought. Perhaps at the end of the day, the Bandit Brotherhood would have both.

The young pickpocket Jonas was not as detailed as desired in his description of the situation, but Yari Rafanas knew well enough what awaited. His trek through the alleyways and and subsequent apprehension of many of the guards' memories left him knowledgeable and prepared. He continued to prowl, still searching for the right clue to his captive sister's whereabouts. If she had truly escaped imprisonment, she had not left Underwood without help; and as far as the bandit king was concerned, heroes who help thieves only hid in two places: Inns and Taverns.

Rafanas started with the Peaceful Promenade, making note of the variety of adventurers sharing drinks and breakfast before noticing that there was not a familiar face amidst them. He blended well into the crowds outside, not worried that the spear in his arms or the heavy cloak over his form would appear suspicious, and eavesdropped in on a handful of conversations nearby.

The Citadel.

The Empire.

War.

Food.

Women.

Topics of no interest (at the time) to the King of Thieves. His trail was as cold as it was when he entered the town, and he was nowhere near finding his lost soldier. Attention would need to be paid elsewhere, he decided, and he retreated to the rooftops and balconies to gain ground and head towards some of the less-traveled places to find rest and seclusion.

[Poison]

Poison waited quietly while Nightstalker conversed with the spirit. Personally, she didn’t think much of asking dead people for advice, but she opted to hold her tongue. After all he had rescued her, so the least she could do was be polite. Once the spirit was gone however, she was ready to go.

“All right, then I’m going to Nuriken’s manor and I know nothing of his secrets, neither do I care about them,” she said matter-of-factly as she walked out the door. “Keep up if you can.” As she moved down the hall, she pulled the hood of her cloak up over her head, making sure to get it as far forward as she could. She knew she shouldn’t be risking the sun’s rays for this, but she was too angry to wait any longer.

Once out in the street, she wove her way quickly, keeping as close to the shadows as possible. She made hardly any noise as she moved, concentrating on making herself as inconspicuous as she could and ignoring her blood cravings. She could eat later, right now she had more important things to tend. Though there were several times where she almost gave in and pulled some unlucky person off the street. Work first, then dine!

Underwood was a small town, and thus it did not take her long to weave her way back to Nuriken’s manor. She glanced over her shoulder a few times to see how well Nightstalker was keeping up, but she didn’t care.

Now... how to get in this time? They’ve probably figured out by now how I got in the first time, so that isn’t an option. I can’t just simply walk through the walls...or can I? If there’s a shadow on the other side, perhaps...

Letting her thoughts trail off, Poison slipped quietly around the base of the protective wall, searching for a spot that was likely to have shadows on either side of the wall. Though it seemed to take her awhile, she finally found a place that had enough shadow to make melding a simple thing. She stepped into the shadow, closed her eyes and began concentrating.

At first, she only blended into the shadow, becoming nearly invisible, but this was not what she wanted. She closed her eyes tighter, concentrating more. Slowly, very slowly, she felt herself start to sink into the shadow, not just blend with it. She felt as though she were melting, but continued to keep up her concentration until finally, the feeling went away.

Opening her eyes, she stifled a gasp. She could clearly see everything in front of her, but it was hazy and somewhat darkened. She didn’t move yet, she waited, watching the people around her, trying to be sure that she was truly a part of the shadow, not just on top of it. None of the ordinary citizens seemed to notice her. A few passed by, nearly brushing against her, but seemed not to notice a thing.

It worked!

Elated at her achievement, Poison started to move, but as soon as she did, she felt as though she were being stretched upward. Quickly, she regained her previous level of concentration and brought herself back into the shadow.

All right, clearly I need to be concentrating on the meld to move in the meld...

Though she wasn’t yet ready to move, Poison smiled to herself. This was indeed a major step for her and she was very pleased that she was that much closer to getting her revenge on the guard captain and Nuriken.

[Nightstalker]

Nightstalker allowed himself a small chuckle as she went out the door. Opening the window, he dashed back out to the alley and took off moving briskly. A couple of times he spotted her in the distance a few streets over, yet still behind him. He arrived first, and loitered in the alleyway surveying the property, wondering how they were going to get in.

He saw the stone wall, and a lot of shadows. There were no small gaps in the bottom that he could see, no easy way of sneaking in. It seemed impossible to get in, and then Poison went into the shadows and disappeared.

“Oh I have got to learn something like that.” Nightstalker said in a fit of jealousy.

He moved from the alley, and circled around to the side. This side was just as impenetrable as the rest, but a young sapling grew on this side of the wall, an apple tree, where an apple had fallen long ago from its parent that grew inside Nuriken’s property.

Nightstalker climbed up the tree but it wasn’t yet strong enough to fully support him, so he wasted no time in leaping onto the wall and darting into the branches of the adult apple tree.

Surveying the area from there proved to be a wise choice, as a pair of guards was making their rounds up this side of the mansion. He held his breath until they passed and rounded the next corner, and then let it all out in a rush of relief.

He didn’t know how long it took Poison to do her trick, whatever it was that let her disappear into the shadows like that, but he hoped it wouldn’t take too long, or that he hadn’t already missed her.

Leaping down from the tree brought a few ripened summer apples with him, the green fruit beckoned with the promise of pleasure in the afternoon sun. Taking one with him, he ran back over to where she disappeared on the inside. Finding no bodies and hearing no screams, he figured she hadn’t made it inside yet. Maybe it was harder for her in the daytime than at night. The mansion had a little alcove that was suitably darkened, so he hid in that, and leaned against the wall, eating the apple. While he ate the apple it dawned on him she might not just reappear on this side, but hearing of similar tricks, it seemed the most likely option unless she could just reappear inside, but where, a darkened room?

Not knowing if she was inside the mansion, or just where she was entirely, he stayed there in the shadows.

[Poison]

Poison moved slowly through the shadows. It was taking considerably more concentration to move as a shadow than she’d thought it would take. Every few feet she had to stop and rest a moment before moving on again. In the space of about five minutes she managed to get up to the wall, she put her hand against it, then yanked it back quickly in surprise. Her hand had gone through the wall!

Now that is an interesting discovery. I wonder if that means…

Letting her thoughts trail off, she took a deep breath and stepped into the wall. She was amazed to find that she could stop right in the middle of the wall. She could see the outline of the stones around her and the courtyard on the other side. She could even see the gazebo Nightstalker was hiding in, though she wasn’t aware that he was there waiting for her. Pleased that she could stop in the middle of the wall, she turned to her left and took a step forward, still within the confines of the wall.

It worked!

Quite pleased with herself, she began moving within the wall, toward the next shadow. She wasn’t sure how long she could maintain this cover, so she moved as quickly as she could. Just as she was reaching the next large shadow, caused by the main building, she felt herself suddenly, violently thrown out of the wall. Fortunately, it was into the courtyard. She tumbled to the ground, but rolled quickly to her feet and then scooted back against the wall, holding perfectly still.

She breathed heavily, peering every way at once to be sure she hadn’t been seen. It was bad enough returning to the scene of a crime, but she also doing it in the day time and while being hunted. She could not afford to be seen, at least not until after she had gotten her revenge on the captain.

After a few minutes, she began moving across the courtyard and into the manor through a side door. Much as she would have liked to further show off her abilities by going through the front, she wasn't stupid. The front door would most certainly have guards on it. She moved as silent as the night, peering carefully around each corner before moving again. Eventually, she came close to a room with voices on the other side. She smirked to herself, and tried to meld into the wall as she had a few minutes ago, but was disappointed to find that she was unable to repeat it.

Damn it! I’ll have to do this the old fashioned way.

Wrapped entirely in her cloak, she knelt down on one knee and pressed her ear against the keyhole.

“Have you found the thief yet, Captain?”

“No, Lord Nuriken. We’re still searching. She couldn’t have gotten very far. We’ll find her.”

“You’d better, Captain, or you can take her place. Understood?”

“Yes, sir.”

“Then go. I want that thieving woman found!”

Smiling to herself, Poison moved away from the door and back down the hall a bit to watch the for the captain to come out.

You’re mine now! she thought to herself exhultantly.

[Yari Rafanas]

The young king pressed his back tightly against of a wood wall, bathing in the shadows of a small balcony garden in a nicer neighborhood of Underwood. Well, nice as a district could look considering the lumbertown was caught in the middle of a civil war with a pompous rich Lord seeing over its operations. Still, the smell was nice and the shade cool. There were certainly far more dismal places to hide from prying eyes.

He had stopped his trek towards the seedier hotels when he felt a presence nearby and heard the soft yet quick steps of somebody else joining him on his rooftop journey. Fear of being seen pulled him the shadows where he peeked from behind the fresh foliage to the roof nearby. There he waited as the noise and steps grew louder and closer until finally a man entered his line of site.

He was garbed in local guard attire and sported a tattered, camouflaged cloak designed to match dying leaves and branches in color and appearance. He was armed with a bow and moved with purpose and grace, his gaze fixated on the streets below. Yari knew a manhunter when he saw one, and this man prowling the rooftops carried his bloodthirsty heart on his sleeve.

Rafanas crawled from the garden back onto the rooftop, a difficult task when carrying a polearm in one hand. “Need my damn spear back,” he grumbled to himself, referring to his prevalida-tipped weapon that was lost to him. Without this legendary item, his true weapon, he was forced to lug around a horrible replacement.

He rolled to his feet and began a quick sprint, being sure to time his steps just right so that the hunter ahead of him would only think he was being trailed by his echo. As they jumped from ledge to ledge, quickly passing over the elaborately carved houses, Yari followed the Hunter's eyes into the crowds below. Too many other citizens and merchants in the crowds to tell who he was looking at, but the unaware target and the two rooftop runners were definitely headed towards Nuriken's manor.

An arrow was nocked into place on a bow string and the hunter skid to a stop, right at the lip of a building. The smooth black tip of the arrowhead caught the light as it slid back into place, tipped toward the gates at an oblivious intruder. Yari didn't have time to look at who it was pointing at, only knowing they were at sneaking into the manor and were going to breath their last breaths very shortly.

There was no quiet whistle of the arrow let free, only the sick crack of the bow breaking in two, followed by a painful choking grunt as a spear but slammed into the neck of the sniper. He fell backwards, blacking out as his head banged against the shingles. The King of Thieves stood over him, powerful and imposing, a boot on the downed man's chest.

“You are not to harm my family...” Yari whispered to his foe, turning his attention towards Nuriken's estate. His look was one of concern. Not even when in his teens, his most rash years, did he attempt an assault on Underwood's rich on his own. He sighed. “Though they'll probably end up doing that for you at this rate.”

[Nightstalker]

She’s going in through the front? WHY? Argh, that stupid woman, that’s exactly where you don’t want to go, security is heaviest at the front.

Nightstalker had barely seen poison slipping out of the wall and disappearing into the shadows. He honestly thought she was going in the front, but then having never been to Nuriken's mansion he couldn't tell the front from the back from the side, guards were everywhere. He retreated the other way, looking for a low window to climb through they were safer bets in unfamiliar territory. He found one and peering in, it lead to an empty room.

With a loud scrape of wood on wood, the old window opened, and Nightstalker found himself inside the mansion. This room was furnished with a beautiful Akashiman rug, a four poster bed, a chest of drawers, and a little stand upon which a washing basin sat holding only an empty pitcher.

Nightstalker put his hand on the door.

“A master only gets caught if he wishes to get caught. A master thinks things over carefully before acting. Nightstalker, if you go through with this, you are no master.” He said to himself airing his uncertainty. He fervently wished he had a wizard handy to push out into the hallway first and cause untold destruction and mayhem to whatever was out there. Then he opened the door and found nothing.

Letting out a breath in relief he appreciated the anti-climactic discovery, and moved off toward the right, and the front of the house. He needed to call the guards attention and keep them off of poison. He could see a pair standing guard by Nuriken and The Captain of The Guard. He needed a distraction, but what? A Shuriken poked him in the arm, a steel one. He drew, aimed, and threw it. It landed inches above Nuriken’s head.

“SIEZE HIM!” Nuriken roared.

“Whoops!” Nightstalker said with false embarrassment, and took off down the hallway, guards, Nuriken, and the captain in hot pursuit, leading everyone away from the doors. A short stumpy guard ran the opposite way for the top of the mansion to ring the emergency bells up there.

[Poison]

Poison bit back a string of curses as Nightstalker came out of the room, leading not just the captain of the guard in a chase, but also two other guards and Lord Nuriken. This was not what she had been planning at all. That captain was supposed to have been able to come out alone so she could tail him.

Damn it! What the hell does he think he is doing? How is them knowing there’s at least one assassin the building going to help anything?

She stayed put until they had disappeared down the hall. Ignoring the man that had gone the other direction, she swept down the hall, moving quickly. The other guard was likely about to go raise an alarm, meaning she had to work much faster than she had originally wanted. She had been intending to take her time with killing the captain. Now, no thanks to Nightstalker, she would not be able to have that pleasure.

He better have a damned good excuse for alerting Nuriken and the captain that someone is in the mansion.

Fuming, she continued to move swiftly down the halls. She didn’t know what path ‘Stalker was leading them on, so she took random corners, hoping to run into them. She finally rounded one corner and saw them at the end of the hall. Smiling to herself at her good fortune to have found them before they found her, she called out in a sweet voice.

“Oh Captain! I hear you’re looking for me. I’m very flattered, but I’m not available. You’ll have to catch me to first!”

She waved at him, smiling, waiting for his reaction. Down the hall the men stopped, stcuk between chasing Nightstalker and this new intruder. Nuriken kept a cool head, pointing at her with one hand, “Captain, take one of these men and go after her. I’ll continue after this one. And Captain? Don’t disappoint me.” At the captain’s nod, Nuriken resumed his chase of Nightstalker with one of the other guards close behind him.

Poison watched, highly amused at the lord’s orders. When the captain was nearly within reach of her, she winked and took off down the hall way. Maybe this time, Nightstalker will let me deal with this my own way instead of making a commotion.

As she started off on her own game of chase with the captain, she heard bells ringing, almost frantically. Her face tightened into a grimace, realizing that she wouldn’t be able to play for long. Those bells would bring every soldier in Underwood into Nuriken’s mansion to help trap Nightstalker and her.

I better make this quick. Just got to find a room to use...

[Yari Rafanas]

Yari reflected momentarily on the brashness and youthful disregard of his supposed sister. So very young and troublesome. Is this how Staj and Rayneer, the two mentors and leaders of the Bandit Brotherhood Yari survived, had viewed him in his youth? Were his bold actions and inexperience the cause of this much pain and worry? Or were these just different times? Surely, the King of Thieves was confident in his ability to storm a manor the likes of Nuriken's, but it seemed there were hardly a bandit who could match his skill and power these days. The responsibility and safety of his family weighed heavily on his shoulders.

It was such a large burden that it made his arms quake and his brow sweat as he held the appropriated bow from the assassin at his feet and stared down the length of an arrow. Its jagged tip pointed and wavered in the direction of the bell tower attached to Nuriken Manor, trailing a rather plump guard through the windows as he made his way to the top. Yari knew he only had one shot at this, and fretted over his rather rusty marksmanship one last time before taking a deep breath and thinking of the beautiful woman he had left behind this morning. If she were here, she wouldn't miss.

Guide me.

The arrow let loose and cut Underwood's morning air, whistling only slightly on its journey. However, there was no flesh and the comfort of a warm, leaking jugular to greet it like Yari had aimed for. The arrow's trip was cut short as it snapped against the brick supports for the tower, failing at its goal.

The bells rang.

The guards who were already on extra alert began to pour into the streets. The dozen or so on duty near the manor gates brandished their weapons and began dispersing the crowds to sort the innocent from the guilty. There were cries of panic, muffled by orders barked. The seed of worry and doubt from prior had grown into a monstrous, fanged trap ready to ensnare whoever this arrogant bandit sister was. Whatever were to escape that mansion—should they escape—was not going to make it back to Concordia. Now, Yari knew. Now was the time to remind Underwood who really controlled his forest.

Untamed energy traveled the length of his arms and pulsed into the nondescript spear he had been lugging around all day. It cackled and danced along the length of the pole and arced at the head of the weapon, yearning to be set free. Yari's arrogance and anger started the magical fire on the spear, but soon thoughts of his fallen brothers and sisters quenched its thirst for power. The rogue's requiem had started, and the harsh chords and haunting tunes would drown out the guards' hateful song.

A beam of destructive light flew from the spearhead, following the road already paved by the arrow prior. Only this beam stayed true to its course, searing the air as it crashed violently into guard at the tower, his body breaking under its pressure and slamming against the bell he so loved to ring. The force of the blast knocked the brass instrument from the ropes that held it in place and sent it and its overweight player sailing from the tower and into the roof of the manor, crashing loudly into the expensive architecture.

The armed soldiers in the streets only had a second to realize where the light came from before a second wave of the requiem bared down upon them. This chord was louder, brighter, and it showed it brilliantly as it obliterated the gates leading into Nuriken's place. The sorry excuse for an entrance was left mangled, iron teeth of the fence pointing every which way as the dirt and smoke from the explosion settled. The armed men nearby were disoriented, clambering to find their weapons. One looked up towards the building where Yari had so violently made his position aware and was immediately perplexed.

The King of Thieves was no longer there.

[Nightstalker]

Nightstalker ran left, right, and up to the second floor where he spied Nuriken’s office. He ran in and shut it behind him, taking care to lock it and throw a nearby filing cabnit down in front of it.

Now was his chance, he had to find something, and quick. He looked at the paperwork on the desk. Hidden among the requisition forms for new equipment were a stack of letters. He looked through them and smiled.

They were from various parties thanking him for his support in the war, none of which was The Empire for which Nuriken worked. It seems that Underwood was something of a safe point for armies when they traveled through in small groups, and Nuriken had sent them information on the movements of the imperial army as it related to the area around Underwood in return for Underwood’s peace. If his superiors in The Empire caught a hold of this, Nuriken would become best friends with an imperial warden and all the tortures such a man would likely inflict upon him.

Another letter caught his eye, and it was the best piece of evidence yet, regardless of whom he turned it into, a letter from an Alerarian Scientist apparently, going by the codename The Black Goblin. Alarm bells went off in Nightstalker’s head, could it be the same Black Goblin that gave the Scara Brae goblins alerarian technology out of which they made a tank? This letter discussed doing experiments on the citizens of Underwood! The very thought of subjecting innocent people to who knew what made Nightstalker’s stomach turn, and it would likely have the same effect on any descent civilized person that got a hold of it. Didn’t Alerar have rules about experimenting on sentient creatures?

Nightstalker heard the door begin to give way was the guards pounded on it. He ran to the window, and spied a generous ledge to walk on. He was halfway out when Nuriken burst into the room.

“Nice correspondence. A representative of The Bandit Brotherhood will be in touch with you sometime in the future to explain your new position as our employee, and if you’re uncooperative, well, it would be a shame if these letters ended up in the wrong hands.” Nightstalker said, knowing Nuriken had to know who had his letters or else the extortion wouldn’t work.

Nightstalker ran along the ledge to another room and went downstairs where he found himself face to face with ten well armed guards, he turned to run, but another five were coming down the stairs.

Boy it’d be really nice if someone would appear and save me right about now.

“You don’t want to harm me; I’m just trying to join The Bandit Brotherhood. Its nothing personal, honest, you’re my favorite group of guards in the whole wide world, so how about we all just walk away and pretend I wasn’t here. I promise not to come back for several months.” Nightstalker said, knowing he was in serious trouble.

[Poison]

Poison led the captain and the other guard down the halls, randomly choosing which way to turn. She knew she couldn’t keep the chase up for long. She could hear the booted feet of more soldiers pouring into Nuriken’s manor. Smirking to herself, she abruptly turned into a room that was thankfully empty of other people. The captain was not far behind.

“Take a wrong turn, thief?” he snarled.

“Not really, Captain. I’m right where I want to be. I didn’t appreciate being paraded through the streets Captain, but you will be able to take one honor to your grave tonight. You are the first person to ever capture me. ‘Tis just too bad that you weren’t able to keep me.”

While she spoke, Poison drew her sai, watching the captain and guard carefully. It had been a while since she fought two people at once. Guard first, then I can have my fun. She circled around the Captain, making sure to go wide enough that the guard would be in easy reach of her sai.

She glanced at the guard as she neared him and almost shook her head. It was too bad he was probably going to die. He was quite handsome and young. He was probably a recent recruit, anxious to please his superiors or impress some young lady. Sad as the prospect of destroying such a young life might be, it meant nothing to Poison. She could not have anyone attempting to stop her from her revenge on the Captain. Then again, I don’t have to kill him, only incapacitate him.

As she stepped by the guard, she spun quickly, stabbing both sai into his body, one sai in each thigh. “You first,” she said gaily as she continued her spin, pulling the sai out. The young man cried out in pain, and tried to react, but Poison was already moving away from him, concentrating on the Captain. “Your turn, Captain.”

The captain did not waste any time with words. He drew his sword and charged the vampiress. He swung out, testing her, meeting her sai and drawing back, then deflecting her sai as she came forward, trying to slash him. She was skilled, he was willing to admit that, but ultimately, he had a longer reach, and therefore a better advantage.

He pressed forward, moving his blade in flashes of steel, forcing Poison to go on the defensive. He smiled, watching as she barely deflected each swing. That smile quickly vanished as he suddenly found himself weaponless. Poison had very neatly hooked her sai around the blade and very neatly twisted it out of his hands.

“That’s better,” she grinned, stepping forward and slashing open his right wrist. His cry of pain was music to her ears. She kept moving, slashing at his arms, legs and torso. He tried to work his way back over to his weapon, but Poison kept driving him away from it and to the wall. Eventually, as blood flowed from countless, painful cuts, the captain found himself up against the wall. Poison smirked, holding one sai up against his throat.

“Remember when I told you I didn’t appreciate your little parade last night? Now you get to make it up to me.”

Without another word, she slammed each of her sai into his shoulders, pinning him to the wall. Slowly, so he could watch her, she let her fangs slide out. She licked his neck, then bit down hard, drinking deeply of the rich, red fluid that flowed from his neck. She had been holding herself back from feeding all day. She drank and drank, her body quivering in the ecstasy of feeding, until she felt him sag against the sai. She pulled away and wiped her mouth on his sleeve then yanked her sai out of the dead man’s shoulders.

“First that glass figurine, then it's Nuriken’s turn…” she muttered as she left the room. She didn’t even bother to look at the wounded guard as swept by him. She was sure that as long as he found himself some medical attention before he bled out he would be fine. She had more important things to worry about right now.

After leaving the dead Captain and wounded guard, Poison quickly made her way back through the halls. She was not going to leave without that Fallien glass trinket. As luck would have it, the guards were too busy chasing Nightstalker and her way was unhindered. She smiled to herself as she picked up the dancing woman again and put the figurine in a hidden pocket within her cloak. All that was left now was to tend to Nuriken, find Nightstalker, and get out of there.

She did not have far to go before spotting the large group of men surrounding her latest partner. She took a quick headcount then grimaced. Fifteen, and probably more coming. Dammit, Nightstalker, what have you gotten yourself in to now? Thoroughly annoyed, she looked around trying to form a plan, then spotted Nuriken. The idea that popped into her head was desperate, but it was the only thing she could think of in the circumstances.

As she slipped down the stairs, she tried to get Nightstalker's attention to tell him to keep their attention on him. She moved quickly and silently, a single sai in her hand. She crept up behind Nuriken, then in a sudden flash of movement, she grabbed his arm, spun him around, pinning his arm up behind his back, and had the sai at his throat.

"Good evening, my Lord," she said sarcastically, "All of you lower your weapons."

The guards looked at each other uncertainly, then at Nuriken.

"NOW!" she reiterated, puling the sai tighter against her captive's throat.

"You'll hang for this, girl," Lord Nuriken said threateningly. "I'll make sure of it."

"That's only if you catch me, now shut up before I go against my orders. My associate and I are going to leave now," she continued, now working her way toward the door. "I'm sure such fine, strong, skilled men such as yourselves wouldn't mind giving us a head start. I wouldn't want to make it too easy for you to recapture us. 'Stalker, would you be so kind as to get the door for his Lordship?"

[Nightstalker]

Nightstalker smiled, and put the letters damning Nuriken in his suit with a nod and a smile at Nuriken. He strolled on over to the doors like he was the lord of the manor, threw them open as wide as they’d go.

“HELLO BOYS!” he shouted at the guards clustered outside, must have been close to fifty of them.

“You’re…” one guard started, but stopped and paled as he caught sight of Poison holding Nuriken.

“Going to leave and be forgotten about. It’d be a shame if my girlfriend forgot to keep Nuriken alive in the chaos a struggle would cause.” Nightstalker said, arbitrarily making Poison his girlfriend without her prior consent.

“Come dear, shall we retreat to our love nest in Serenti?” he asked as he moved through the ranks of the guards.

Of course, he had no intentions of heading to Serenti, and if Poison was smart, she’d avoid Serenti too, as it would surely be crawling with Nuriken’s agents shortly. What other choice did they have? To all appearances, here was a pair of lovers working together in a life of crime based in Serenti. Of course they weren’t heading to Serenti, anyone could tell that, but even if there was the slightest chance they did have any sort of a connection to Serenti, Nuriken’s pride and freedom depended on finding it. There was no trace of his plans to go to Akashima, and even if they did trace him there eventually, Ninjas were found under every twig and stone there, they would be unable to find him out.

In short, provided they escaped, they were in the clear. Nightstalker only hoped Poison was devious enough to realize this too.

[Poison]

Girlfriend!?

She almost did double-take when Nightstalker referred to her as his girlfriend, but she covered it well. Keeping a tight hold on Lord Nuriken she smiled evilly.

“He’s right, I sometimes get a little too caught up in what’s going on to remember to keep hostages alive.”

The few that had dared to edge closer backed away, unsure of how to proceed with this situation. Poison smirked at their cowardice. Obviously, they believed that she would be faster with her knife than they could be if they rushed the thieves. The men outside parted, allowing Poison, Nightstalker and the captive Nuriken to descend the steps and cross the courtyard. A guard hastily opened the gate wide and got out of their way.

By now, a large crowd had gathered at the gate, wondering what had happened to cause the alarm bells to be run and for such a large crowd of soldiers to be in the Lord’s courtyard.

Perfect! A crowd to disappear into.

Pleased that things had turned out better despite the recent difficulties, Poison spun around to face the guards. “I’m going to release him now. I’m sure you’re all quite skilled at tracking thieves, so count to ten before you come after us. It will make it more fun!”

In a sudden burst of movement, she shoved Nuriken into his guards, spun on her heel and dashed into the crowd. “COME ON!!” she yelled to Nightstalker, diving between people. She moved quickly, darting between people randomly. She didn’t believe for one minute that Nuriken would allow his men to count to ten before giving chase. Soon, she could see the edge of the lumber town and put on an extra burst of speed.

She glanced behind her at that point and saw that ‘Stalker was right behind her. She beckoned to him and darted into the forest. Behind them, she could hear the yells of the soldiers coming after them. From the sounds of it, she didn’t doubt a number of townsfolk were joining in the chase. She had no plan for where she was going. She just ran, taking random turns until she felt she could run no more. At that point, she climbed up a tree, going as high as she dared.

“We can rest here, for a moment,” she told Nightstalker, as he found himself a perch in the tree as well. “Just long enough to catch our breath, then we should move again.”

A few minutes later when her breathing had calmed somewhat, she started off again, but this time she stayed in the trees to avoid leaving tracks. She was too tired to go very far and soon stopped in a tree with branches large enough to lay on and be quite comfortable. She leaned back against the trunk of the tree and looked over at Nightstalker.

“What now? We need to get this figurine I stole to camp. Did you get anything? Or were you just trying to annoy Nuriken?”

(bunny approved via PM)

[Nightstalker]

“For your information, I achieved exactly what I set out to do.” Nightstalker said. He pulled out the letters and showed them to poison.

“Whoever holds these letters, not only controls Nuriken, but outright owns him. Right now, I could give these to you, stroll right back into Underwood, and make Nuriken sing about how pretty he feels. It seems Nuriken’s been out for his own game, helping the rangers and the Coalition, in addition to the empire he is both a citizen and an officer in. On top of that, there’s one letter here that I’m making several assumptions on, but I doubt it’s far off the truth.

This one letter is from an entity known as The Black Goblin. I am assuming this person is both male, and an Alerarian. I assume this, because the goblins of Scara Brae said an entity called The Black Goblin gave them Alerarian technology. This Black Goblin doesn’t seem to have regard for the sanctity of life, for he proposed to do experiments on the citizens of Underwood, and pay Nuriken to look the other way. I worry about just how far The Black Goblin’s reach extends, and what he has planned. But there’s nothing I can do.

Underwood is a central key location in Corone. Who ever controls it will have a deciding factor in Corone’s future. So I figure, keep Nuriken in charge, and casually drop these letters into the hands of the Bandit Brotherhood. They seem to favor the Corone rangers, but even the Bandit Brotherhood should be smart enough to know what an advantage this is.

The best part is, if Nuriken stops dancing to our tune, we can simply drop these letters off to his superiors in The Empire, and let him become best friends with a prison warden.” Nightstalker said, explaining his theft. He thought about it for a moment. Yes, he had just stolen an entire city.

He looked around, trying to discern what the best way into the heart of Concordia forest was. It was said that was where the Bandit Brotherhood made its home.

[Poison]

Poison nodded silently. She didn’t really care what the Brotherhood would or could do with the information Nightstalker had retrieved about Lord Nuriken. At the moment, all she wanted to do was rest for a bit before returning to camp. She had accomplished her goal, despite the attention-gathering antics of her newest acquaintance. Leaning back against the trunk of the tree, she pulled out the glass figure she’d stolen. She held it up to the light slanting through the branches, admiring how it gleamed and sparkled.

Now that she could examine it closely without being interrupted, she nodded appreciatively to herself. This had indeed been a good find. She couldn’t begin to guess the amount of money Nuriken would have had to pay to get this. Fallien glass pieces were expensive enough when only one type of glass had been used. The combination of the different glasses and shades of color made this dancing woman priceless.

Too bad I have to turn this in as proof. I’d be able to sell it for a lot of money.

She put the figure away resignedly and looked up at the sky. The sounds of pursuit from Underwood seemed to be going in the other direction. Satisfied that they could move a little more freely now, Poison got to her feet and climbed down to the forest floor.

“Let’s get moving again, Nightstalker.”

She waited for him to climb down and then started off toward the Bandit Brotherhood encampment. She didn’t speak until they were within sight of the Brotherhood’s camp. Abruptly, she came to a stop and whirled to face Nightstalker. Though she wanted to hurry and get to Rafanas to turn in her loot, she wanted to be sure of communicating a few things before she led Nighstalker one more step to toward the camp.

“Before we go any further, what in the world possessed you to draw so much attention to yourself back there? The idea was to get in, get what we needed, and get out. I was doing just fine until you went through that room and taunted Nuriken. I have never had to resort to taking a hostage to be able to get out of a situation and I never want to have to do that again.

“The Brotherhood camp is just behind us. I’ll show you the way to where the leader, Yari Rafanas, keeps his tent. It’ll be his decision whether you get to stay or have to go elsewhere.”

She didn’t really want to hear his reasons for his actions. Hearing his reasons wouldn’t change anything. She just wanted him to realize how much his actions had annoyed her. She led the way confidently down into camp and up to Yari’s tent. On finding that Yari was not there, she scowled and quickly found his second-in-command. She handed the figure over and indicated to Nightstalker that he should do the same with the information he had pilfered.

“So, what are you going to do now, Nightstalker?” she asked as she led away from the second and to a shady tree. She did not have a tent of her own here; an oversight she intended to fix as soon as she could.

[Nightstalker]

OOC: Bunny of Poison approved in IM.

IC:
Nightstalker followed Poison into the camp, and after some inquiry, was lead to the man in charge during the absence of Yari Rafanas.

“I have here for you, a collection of letters. Indeed, they are not trinkets of monetary value, their value lies elsewhere. These letters are to Nuriken, and prove he’s had his hand in many games, is a traitor to his own empire, can’t be trusted, and has dealings with shady individuals. With these letters, the one who holds them controls Nuriken, and as Nuriken in turn controls Underwood, The Bandit Brotherhood then controls Underwood. Well, I’m sure I needn’t go on. I’m sure you’re well aware of the situation then.” Nightstalker said, handing the letters over.

The round of chuckles and the grinning faces told him they did indeed know just what the situation was, and would be sure to tell Yari Rafanas when he returned.

That was when Poison asked him what he was going to do now.

He stopped to think about it. What would keep him from Akashima now? Nothing. It was time for him to go home and improve.

“I return home to Akashima, to seek out the teachings of a legendary master ninja named Hokkaido. In Akashima, there as six Ninja regarded by most as little more than rumor and folk tale; these ninja are without peer or rival the world over and serve the throne exclusively. They are known as The Demons of Akashima, and Hokkaido once served as one of them. We are good, but we can be better. Why don’t you come with me, and improve your own skills under Master Hokkaido?”

“Why would I want to do that? There is nothing that old man can teach me.” Poison replied.

"Don't be so full of pride that you cannot see the fall before you. Take a chance, and if Hokkaido is not all I claim he is, then kill him. If you can do that, clearly he is not the master I think he is.” Nightstalker returned.

"Why should I bother killing him? I won't get paid for it, therefore I have no reason to bother with the task. You have no idea what I go through day after day! You have no idea how much I wish I had been able to fight off the vampire that sired me 2 years ago! Every night, I crave blood and if I don't get it, then after a few days, I lose control There is nothing, absolutely nothing, this 'master' of yours can teach me that will help me in a way that I want to be helped." Poison ranted

"Not even how to end the blood lust permanently, and help you get rid of your vampire traits, forever? Vampires are powerful; it'd be a shame if you couldn't fight off the next one to come your way. Don't be stupid. Everyone needs the benefit of a mentor to point out the flaws in their techniques, and help them improve. If you want to sit around crying over what was, then fine, stay here, or come with me and do something about it. Regardless, I'm gone.” Nightstalker said beginning to walk off.

"You don't get it do you? There isn't a cure for becoming a vampire. I can't even walk in the daylight unless every inch of me is covered in heavy cloth. Eating food or drinking anything other than blood tastes like sand. If I came across another vampire, it wouldn't matter since I am one! I've had mentors and teachers; I don't need or want any more. I don't need to be the absolute best to get along in life. I'm happy with my skills as they are." Poison said sharply.

"Nothing is absolute, everything changes. Seasons come and go. If Vampires were so immutable, then explain why the monks of Aibrone can cure those who become Vampires within their walls. Someone should tell them Vampirism cannot be cured. Someone should tell the gods they don't have to power to reverse that which is, since they've done it before, and are likely to do it again.” Nightstalker said, pausing in his steps to reply.

They spoke about it some more, and finally after a lengthy conversation, Poison agreed to give it a try, and off they went to Akashima.

[Visla Eraclaire]

It's a shame that you were forced to finish this without Yari, and in accordance with your request I have essentially pretended he was never there. I skimmed his posts and found they were easy to discard. I do not think that the King of Thieves will miss the token amount of exp that he would be awarded from this thread, so I have withheld them. If he happens to returns and finds fault with that, he is welcome to PM me.

Please note that most of my commentary is criticism rather than praise. I am, as Ben "Yahtzee" Croshaw says, I am "a praiser by exception." If I don't mention something, it was probably fine. I only praise things that really jumped out to me and made it into my notes as I read the thread.

Story ~ 13

Continuity ~ Poison's introduction was very formulaic, but it hit the necessary points of explaining her presence and goals. Nightstalker went the other route by just jumping into it. This can work quite well, but unfortunately his very first paragraph was confusing and fraught with several errors. As for the other element of continuity, both of you had a fleeting reference to a prior event, Poison's first time being caught and a fight Nightstalker was in respectively. This helped, but still yielded nothing extraordinary. 5

Setting ~ Underwood, and little more. You get some credit for introducing some personalities of the area, being somewhat involved in the arc of Corone's story and so forth. There was little atmosphere, points of travel where scenery can usually be described were rushed through. I noted the story jump several tmes (see pacing), and those were times where you could have gotten in more setting. 3

Pacing ~ Awkward, frequently. It is a difficult thing to coordinate two people posting, as their actions frequently overlap. Later on, you allowed bunnying which I think was helpful. Early on, however, there were times when each post would make some progress and then the next would lurch back to re-tread some of the previous events from the other character's point of view. This can be done well, but it's very very difficult, and in this case it was not. Leaving out drab details like the walk back to the inn or some such is a good way to keep the pace moving, and this thread did move relatively swiftly. Still, I think that these times where you breezed through things robbed you of a slower time where you could have fit more depth into your characters, their surroundings, and the story as a whole.

One of the biggest mistakes in pacing was in Poison's initial attempt to steal the glass item. The guards know she's there; she doesn't know they know. This is the very stuff of drama, but rather than dragging out the tension, it's diffused immediately. 5

Character ~ 12

Dialogue ~ Inconsistent. It was never awful, but it never shined either. The dialogue always seemed to serve an OOC purpose rather than an IC purpose. It did not flow believably from character's mouths, evidencing their motives and styles, but rather was an instrumentality employed by the writers to move things forward. Dialogue was frequently mere exposition coming out of a character's mouth. In several instances, the amount of words said seemed inappropriate for the context (take a look at your action sequence). In others, like in the forest while they should still be pursued, it seemed like they oughtn't be talking at all.

Poison's dialogue was too many dry one liners. Nightstalker's was more lengthy and interesting, but it was prone to rambling. This is one of the easiest areas I see for improvement. Read these lines aloud to yourself and think about the conversations you hear real people having. I know that your characters aren't normal people, but grounding their lines and the lines of NPCs (who frequently are normal people) can give the story much more depth and realism. There is one bit of praise I do have written down though, and that's for Nightstalker's mention that he could "hear the smile" in someone's voice when he was under the wagon. I liked that. More of that and less Mr. Exposition speeches will do you good. 3

Action ~ The thread had good action, I will give it that. Sometimes the action fumbled, or didn't make sense, though and I will be addressing a few of those issues here.

Poison's new use of her shadow meld ability: Quests are the ideal place to lay the groundwork for new abilities, but the way this was written, it was very transparent that you were seeking a new skill and that you knew exactly what it was. Your character, despite her alleged surprise, really seemed to know she could do it and actively tried for it. There are much better ways of gaining abilities that seem more believable.

Nightstalker summoning his master from his sword: Where did this come from? Your profile describes the sword as perfectly normal. If you wanted to do something like this, it would seem less like powergaming if it was visible in your own mind only, like a form of meditation. It took me out of the story and made me look at your profile. It wasn't particularly egregious, but you ought to be more careful.

The escape from Underwood: None of the guards have horses? Really? I just didn't buy this. The hostage with a knife to the throat is a very classic trope, but getting out of it is always a dicey proposition. You have to give up the hostage eventually and he slows you down the longer you have him. I wouldn't have minded so much if at least some distraction was given. Your characters aren't the sort of people that really seem like they would easily blend into a crowd in a relatively small town right after being surrounded by a ton of guards. Run into the woods and you're scott-free just? I don't buy it.

A couple good points as well:

During that same escape, Nightstalker mentions Serenti to throw off pursuit. It's clever, and he shows that he knows the full extent of its cleverness. This was appreciated.

Poison's pinning of the guard captain and drinking from him was well done, but I must say this one was somewhat mixed. For all her posturing, I kind of expected something more cruel. 5

Persona ~ Much like dialogue, this was inconsistent. Your characters had some personality, they had decent inner monologue, but there are two major specific issues that I want to bring up. I feel they overshadow any general comments I could make.

You both decided to have, in Nightstalker's words, "much lovemaking." This seems gratuitous. I'm not puritanical and it's not my place to judge you for this alone, but you had a number of ways to go with this and you went with none of the above. You could actually make something of it being no big deal at all. Your casual inclusion of it suggested that, but then it went nowhere, except perhaps Poison's shock at the "girlfriend" comment later. You could have also set it up better so it was a meaningful event rather than just a chance encounter. There are other options as well. Consider them next time you toss intimacy into a thread. There's another problem with it that I'm going to address below.

Vampirism! Okay, this idea is thrown around in the thread, but it never really becomes a major issue. Sure, Poison drinks some blood and makes a few remarks about being bothered by light, but this could have been WAY more interesting and you suffer sharply for it. You're out in the day, running around a manor that presumably has windows. You're running away from a crowd in broad daylight. You're having sex. For a while, I just assumed you were running on non-standard vampire rules, which is fine. Everyone's conception of the myth is different, but there's no mention of the rules in your profile. Nightstalker throws some out at the end of the thread, but by then it's far too late.

I said I had two, but I have one more minor point. Nightstalker killed the warden of the jail. He's a ninja, sure, he could simply not care about this. I wasn't quite sure. At times you try to play him as a fairly nice guy and this just didn't seem to fit to me. You might understand your character better than I do, and he may be justified. Still, it's your job as the writer to impress that reasoning upon me.

In the end, fairly stock characters, with a glimmer of personality that I am hopeful for, ultimately covered over by blunders in other areas and by the two major issues mentioned above. 4

Writing Style ~ 10

Mechanics Numerous errors, almost in every post, and not just the oft cited "comma mistakes." These were mostly in Nightstalker's posts, but here's a brief list:

"no where" instead of nowhere
"while she being hunted"
Missed initial sentence capitalization
Inappropriate capitalization (Shuriken, Wakizashi, Ninja, among others)
Missing quotation marks
"too fold"
Sentence fragments
Comma instead of semicolon

3

Technique ~ The style is relatively unremarkable. It is competent, but does not possess the flourishes necessary to get into the upper end of this category. As I mentioned in pacing and setting, I think taking more time in description would give you the chance to add more of these polishes and make the story better written.

Here are three specific instances where I feel literary techniques were attempted and not executed properly:

Parallelism in Poison's first post: Parallelism is a heavy hammer to wield and you have to be careful not to be blunt with it. If you're going to use it, it needs to be very well inserted. This one teetered on the edge of success. The line belonged well at the end of many of the paragraphs, except the next to last one. Once it's thrown in there just for the purpose of parallelism, I feel the whole thing is spoiled.

Foreshadowing or lampshading of foreshadowing by Nightstalker: "I hope someone saves me" line right before Poison comes in. This detracts from drama and is just corny. To give you the benefit of the doubt, I think you might have been attempting to lampshade that fact with an intentionally silly line. If that is the case, it didn't go quite far enough to convince your reader that you weren't simply doing the technique wrong.

Nightstalker sometimes attempted to explain that his character had a viewpoint or a misapprehension about something. This is good and it adds some depth to the story that more naive stories lack. However, at times it just confused the audience as much Nightstalker was confused. Be careful of that. 4

Clarity ~ I feel like many of the things that hampered clarity were mentioned above, as such, I think it's fairly clear why the clarity score is low. Your characters sometimes knew too much or too little. Their actions were poorly justified at times. Dialogue didn't help. Awkward pacing didn't help. I had to re-read several posts. 3

Wild Card ~ I feel I gave a lot of my sympathy in the main section of the judgment, giving the benefit of the doubt or ignoring several mistakes for a few good points. All in all, this thread was unfortunately cut short from something that could have been more interesting. I realize that blame falls partly on people who are not being judged here. All the same, I am not inclined to give any assistance to this thread with my wild card points, nor am I inclined to punish it further. Thus, my wildcard points are approximately the average of the other scores. 4

Total Score: 39

Nightstalker gains 650 exp
Poison gains 870 exp

Both gain 117 gp.

[Taskmienster]

Exp and GP added!