Flower of Carnage (MAIN PLOT- OP FOUR)

[Ze Flying Wraithetti Monstress]

“Ya know how washin’ yer feet in winter is supposed to give ya head cold?”
Really? No, no I didn’t.
“Well, it don’t!”
Fascinating.
“You know what it does give ya?”
I couldn’t possibly guess.
“Funguses. Rows and rows of funguses. Ya shoulda seen me, Doctor Kamenwati. I was like one o’ those creatures from the Black Lagoon. It was everywhere- on me backside, ‘cross me sides, between me toes, and, well, heh… places I prolly shouldn’t mention ta a man o’ yer standin’, Mister Doctor, sir.”
I wondered if a fall from this height would be enough to kill me.
“Me wife wouldn’t touch me for a week. But anyway! We’re drawin’ near, now, and ya been awful quiet. Not fond of visitin’ Yazuac, I take it?”
“Not really,” I muttered.
“Understandable. Terrible, terrible things those ox-faces did…” The filthy wagon driver shook his head sadly. “Jus’ terrible.”

For the first time on this entire godforsaken trip, I found myself agreeing with him. The memory of the Urgals’ destruction of Yazuac was an unhappy one. It was one of the few things that compared to the destruction I had committed during the Fall of the Riders. I had been among the members of the Tribunal who took control of the Kull’s minds and set them upon the rebels there. Two hundred men, women, and children, all slaughtered and perfectly arranged for the citizens of the Empire to see just what would happen to them should they decide to make a run for the Varden. Despite being ordered to do it by Galbatorix, I had never quite forgiven myself for it. However, I was amazed to find that it was better than thinking about Ava. The beautiful girl I’d met at the Summit and then ended up bedding after being drugged by a homicidal prostitute- although, I had to admit, it made for an interesting story- was embarrassing to think about. I hadn’t spoken to her since, and I was incredibly grateful that she wasn’t a part of Purging the Wound, the fourth operation assigned by Taraak to the secret alliance of the Varden and the Empire.

I actually rather liked the whole idea of it. Besides the fact that I’d been sitting next to a stinking human for the long trip from Teirm to the ghost town of Yazuac, it was intelligent. I hadn’t gotten anywhere on my own, the Varden was only making slow progress, and working together with the Empire in the open had ended in disaster. And, Taraak had recognized my abilities enough to allow me to head this particular operation, which my ego couldn’t resist bathing in. It was about the same size as the rest of the ops- nine members. Besides myself, there was Pele Lahela Serowë, the larger-than-life, flame-haired female Shade who’d been sitting next to me throughout the entire Summit; Pravus Corripio, a notably intimidating knight in the Empire whose violent temper put Nemo Ramsey the Rider to shame; Endorin, an elf child who’d been kidnapped and made into a Rider; his male dragon, Alaeyr; an unaligned human assassin simply called Shayna; Turin, a warrior of the Varden who was so close to Nasuada that I worried he might spill the beans to her; a strange, emaciated elf woman called Kirjava from Du Weldenvarden; and finally another unaligned personage, an elf called Lissa Atines.

I could have been better off when it came to the people who’d been chosen, but I suppose I could have been worse off as well. Volatile orange-haired Nemo Ramsey had been sent to op two, and I hadn’t heard from Ava at all. However, Kirjava and Atines had both come to me without any credentials, so I knew next to nothing about either of them, and all I had on Shayna was a list of people she’d murdered. Endorin was your classic hot-headed adolescent packed with raging hormones, elf or no, and Alaeyr was still only a hatchling. Turin was the son of a high-ranking knight in the Imperial Army and Lady Kaytlin, a very well-to-do Imperial noblewoman, and was too close to Nasuada for comfort. Pravus Corripio was famed for his cruelty and complete lack of self-control, so when it came down to the stealth that would be necessary for this operation, it would probably be prudent to quietly knock him unconscious, if a man that huge could be knocked unconscious. And finally, Pele, though a powerful Shade, was far more concerned with fashion than anything else, and possessed impatience and a formidable temper. I wasn’t at all surprised that she was the aunt of Nemo Ramsey.

Therefore, I was quite happy that the motley crew I’d been stuck with were currently in even less comfortable positions than I was. The carriage driver- whatever his name was, I hadn’t bothered to remember it- had accepted a hefty sum to take me and a collection of oversized crates from Teirm to Yazuac. I hadn’t lied when I’d showed him my credentials as Doctor Remy Kamenwati, Imperial scientist and prominent member of the Twin Lamps, an organization that focussed on studying unknown magical realms such as time travel and raising the dead. I also hadn’t lied when I’d told him that I was going to Yazuac to study the Taint, the infection currently killing a good part of Alagaësia. My oversized and ridiculously heavy crates were full of my ‘equipment’- the eight members of Purging the Wound. They’d been cramped and unmoving in there for a good day or so, and I didn’t doubt they’d be cranky when they were finally let out. I was rather looking forward to it.

“A’ight, doctor man. This is as far as I go.”
I raised an eyebrow. “Say again?”
“Ya said to take ya to th’ outskirts of Yazuac. It’s only a short walk from ‘ere. The King don’t have enough money to make me go anyways closer.” He leaned so close to me that I could smell his unspeakably foul breath. “Cursed, it is. Even the gods ‘ave fergotten this place. Can I be blunt? Yer bat-shit insane to be stayin’ ‘ere.”
“Thank you,” I said placidly. “Could you at least be so kind as to help me unload?”

The wagon bucked to a halt, and I had to grip my seat to keep from being thrown off. The heavy oxen snorted in annoyance at the sudden stop. Both me and the driver hopped off and went around to the back, where the crates sat unmoving. We pulled down a ramp and slid the seven crates- Endorin and Alaeyr had been small enough to be stuffed into one- down the ramp, depositing them on the long grasses. I winced every time I heard a muttered curse or a grunt of pain, but the driver was singing some ear-shattering drinking song that left him completely oblivious to the noises. The less-than-impressive people in the crates managed to all have stilled by the time he thankfully fell silent, though.

“Good luck with th’ Taint, Doctor. Can’t say I didn’t warn ya.”
“You still love nature? After what it did to your face?” I sneered.
He turned around. “Eh?”
“You forgot your tip.” I flicked a coin at him, which he easily caught.
“Oh. Thanks!”

As he leapt into the wagon and slapped the reins, pulling away from Yazuac, I muttered every swear word in every language I spoke under my breath, giving myself a minute or two to cool off. After a while, though, I realized it was probably best that I release the hounds from their kennels as soon as possible. The faster we got this operation over with, the better. With a sigh, I reached for the lid of the one closest to me.

---

“PHILISTINE!” I shrieked, bursting out of the ridiculous wooden compartment I’d been trapped in for the past twenty-four hours. I rose to my full six feet and rounded on Kamenwati, who’d been reaching for my box, but now jumped backwards in surprise. “You elves have absolutely brilliant minds- until you start using them. Could we not have simply ridden here like properly civilized people? No, instead you insist on transporting us like a flock of chickens being sent to market! I say, fie on you, my good sir!”
“It wasn’t easy for me, either, milady,” said Kamenwati flatly. “After all, you are on the heavy side…”
Outraged, I raised one gloved hand and gave him a powerful slap across the face, silencing him. He stumbled backwards. Kamenwati wasn’t particularly tall for a male elf at about 6’2”, but and I stood taller than him with my three-inch heels. “Enough!” I barked. “I need a mirror. Why are there no mirrors in this godforsaken landscape?”

I turned away from Kamenwati, and did a most unladylike thing by violently kicking my prison box away, probably ruining my snakeskin heels as I did so. When I looked up again, I saw that the rest of the little team I’d been forced into- a dragon, three elves, and four humans- were also freeing themselves from the evil of the boxes. However, I paid them little mind as I strode out onto a clear patch of grass. It was hideously warm, and the Grassy Plains probably hadn’t seen rain in weeks. The sun was roasting me alive, and I mentally cursed as I looked for some sand. Of all uncivilized places, I probably only hated the Grassy Plains less than the Hadarac Desert- with its unchanging landscape, warm, uncomfortable breeze, and lack of any civilized society, I would probably go insane in less than an hour. However, I was relieved to see that off to my left, the stoic, unwavering wooden buildings of Yazuac called out to me.

Barring the fact that I was now defying the Empire, my only chance of finding Ereshkigal, the fact that I was miles from a proper city, had been locked in a box for the past day, and was probably going to be forced to work with some trigger-happy maniacs, it… well, it was still horrible. The only bright side I saw was that Yazuac was no longer a bloodbath. It was just silent wooden buildings overgrown with weeds from years of going untended. Despite the ‘cursed’ nature that the stupid and superstitious claimed, many people had come here on missions of goodwill to clean the town and lay the dead to their eternal rest. So, I wouldn’t be violently throwing up from the sight of gore. That was, if I didn’t throw up at the train wreck I probably looked like first. Returning to my sand-finding mission, I reached for my grey magic- once white, but then poisoned when I became a Shade, though it had yet to become entirely black- and used its tendrils to locate wet, untouched sand deep within the ground. I opened my mouth.

“Reisa du deloi!” The sand shot out of the ground, threatening to rain down on my head. “Thrysta!” I barked. The sand immediately compressed into a tall, thin structure that stood just as tall as me. Then, placing my hands on it, I muttered, “Brisingr,” and opened my mouth as wide as it would go. A forked tongue of flame shot out, burning the sand. I went much faster than was intended, so by the time I had painted the entire thing with fire, it was more coloured glass than mirror. But it would work. I glared at myself critically. I did look awful. Due to the uncivilized nature of this operation that would probably require fighting, I couldn’t dress as beautifully as I wanted. Instead, I was wearing something between leather armour and a gown- dyed dark purple to suit my mood, it was thick and sleeved, and covered with folds and grooves. The dress ended at my ankles, revealing my pointed deep purple heeled snakeskin boots. The top of the dress was V-shaped, and the waist was clasped with a heavy silver belt riddled with amethysts meant for storing magical energy. My fingers, too, were covered with golden rings decorated with gems, and I wore a golden chain necklace and tiny drop earrings, all topped off with sapphires. I tossed my heavy curls behind my back, admiring how the blue contrasted with my bright red hair and yellow eyes, before briefly touching up my makeup. Then I barked more orders at the mirror.

“Left!” The mirror promptly showed how I looked from the left. “Right!” It showed my other side. “Back!” I got a good look at my rear.
“Are you quite finished?” growled Kamenwati as I smoothed my dress down. I turned to him. Irritating as he was, I had to admit that he always dressed quite snappily, his ice-blonde hair always scraped back and carefully brushed. And his attire was simple, but finely made and well-put together. He now wore a simple black coat, embroidered with silver, over dark breeches and leather boots. A sabre hung at his hip. His right arm, which was metal, was unmoving by his side, while his left, the palm of which I knew was branded with a faded gedwëy ignasia, gripped the hilt of his weapon.
“I suppose I look decent enough. Let’s get on with it.”
“Right.” He turned towards the other members. I knew few of their names- notably the two blondies, the tall dark-haired warrior, and the brunette elf- but Pravus Corripio was well-known to me, and immediately recognizable by his distinct orange hair and massive height, at least for a human. Endorin, the immature little adolescent who’d been belittling me throughout much of the Summit and his dragon, Alaeyr, were just as noticeable. Hopefully, having a dragon would make him grow up a little bit faster.
“We have arrived in Yazuac,” began Kamenwati calmly. “Our task is simple. Get into the lab, incapacitate the workers- it’s preferred that you don’t run in there and slaughter them all- get what information they have on the Taint, and get out again. This isn’t a meet-and-greet party, so don’t waste your time socializing. I’ll do the introductions. I am Remy Kamenwati, Imperial scientist. That is Lady Pele Lahela Serowë, ex-countess of Ília Fëon…” My left eye twitched. “Pravus Corripio, knight in the Imperial Army, Endorin, Imperial Rider, and his dragon, Alaeyr, Turin, Varden soldier, Shayna, assassin, and Kirjava and Lissa Atines… elves. We have one day to complete this mission, since that’s when the next caravan arrives. You have a few minutes to stretch your legs and to get to know the faces of your team members.”

Words;; 2434
Muse;; Weird, but it didn't turn out as bad as I thought it would!
Thoughts;; I kinda like it! Now, get posting, peoples!

[Lady Nayeli]

“Ya know how washin’ yer feet in winter is supposed to give ya head cold?” Okay, if this man did not shut up, I was going to go crazy. I knew the man was just a innocent man, but even a Varden Warrior could get completely annoyed by a man this… Annoying. I was closes to him and the Doctor, Remy Kamenwati. I honestly had no idea how he put up with such a annoyance, I would be going crazy about now and ready just to tell him to be quiet. “Well, it don’t!” I let out a sigh, knowing that this was going to get know better and wishing I was a rider like my sister, Lady Nayeli. At this point, it would have been nice to just fly above this man and get the hell away from such an annoyance. My sister was my annoyance, the constant one, but she had not been as determined lately, she had stopped looking for me, I had noticed that not long ago. I did not see her as much, she was more hiding then normal. “You know what it does give ya?” How was the doctor living through this?! I wanted to scream and just get the hell out of this box, which was down right burning my body up. I had met this man on a horse and some how, I had ended up leaving my horse in a private stable and in this box, but I was lucky, at least the box had enough room for me to lay back and sleep. I had put some hay in during the night so I could sleep on something. “Funguses. Rows and rows of funguses. Ya shoulda seen me, Doctor Kamenwati. I was like one o’ those creatures from the Black Lagoon. It was everywhere- on me backside, ‘cross me sides, between me toes, and, well, heh… places I prolly shouldn’t mention ta a man o’ yer standin’, Mister Doctor, sir.” I was hoping this man would just shut up long enough for us to make it to this place. We had to be close and I was sure the others were not happy either. “Me wife wouldn’t touch me for a week. But anyway! We’re drawin’ near, now, and ya been awful quiet. Not fond of visitin’ Yazuac, I take it?” Who was fond of this place??? I had heard it to be cursed, of course, I did not believe in such things, I had suggested it to Nasuada as a place for one of our hidden outpost, but no one would help me at all.

“Not really,” Now the doctor spoke! It was about bloody time! Maybe we were getting close to this place and he would tell us with just a simple word to this simple man.

“Understandable. Terrible, terrible things those ox-faces did…” This place was not at all liked, but I did remember what happened, had read about it and had been told about it. I could only imagine the image in my head. I had seen enough carnage in my life time to understand what the sight was like.

[/i]“Jus’ terrible.”[/i] I looked at the top of my prison box. My mind was giving me the images I was trying not to see, the women and children being murdered, the men trying so hard to protect their families, but failing at the hands of Urgals. I had at one pointed hated those beast, but now, I was friends with the ones who guarded the Leader of the Varden. I had gotten to know them, had seen that they could be friendly and understood now that it was the stupid King who had order such a attack and none of them even remembered such a thing. I remembered some of the stories that the Kulls and Urgals had told me, asked them why they attacked others.

”We do not attack for fun, it is only for a entrance into man hood.” Such a thing was horrible to hear. Why would anyone want to attack people just to become into man hood, but I would never full understand the Urgals and Kulls way of life. I tried to shake my mind of the memories and think about everything we were doing now. We were getting near to the town of Yazuac, or so I hoped and I was sure many hoped the same. I was happy we had finally done something undercover together. Nasuada did not know about any of this and I had made sure she would not find out. If she knew, things would get bad. I was not sure if the King even knew, but if he did, I would be surprised. I had heard that many riders and dragons were on the operations. We only had one and it was the elf child and his young dragon. I also knew of Pele Serowë, a very crazy, though self centered shade-elf, that I had met only the night before. I knew of the Knight, Pravus Corripio, who I was sure knew my own father, the bloody bastard whom I hated with a great passion. Corripio, from whatI could tell had a nasty temper and honestly, I was more scared of him then the Varden’s own Nemo Ramsey. I also knew of Shayna, a Varden Assassin, but also a woman who trained horses better then any I had seen. She had rode to join us on a large Black Frisian and had offered draft horses to help with transport… For some bazaar reason, the Doctor had declined such an offer. Then there were two elves that I did not know who were also with us. I just hoped we could all get along and not have to worry about anything, though some how, I doubted that would happen.

I knew of Nemo being on Operation Two, which was good, we did not need two young dragon riders on the same team, or two hot heads. I was thankful she was somewhere else, but even I sometimes worried about her dragon. He was in a danger zone in my opinion, but I was sure he could take care of himself. I actually wondered what the Doctor thought of me, since I was the son of a stupid knight who thought cheating on his wife was part of life and a mother who just lived life, knowing her husband was nothing more then a cheating idiot. I wondered also if he knew my sister and if I was really safe. I had heard she was on one of the Operations, but I was not completely sure which one she was on and I just hoped she did not show up here. I just hoped that everything went smoothly and without a problem.

I wondered how in the hell we were going to get out of the crates with the carriage driver not even knowing he was transporting people in the crates. I had heard the Doctor when he met the driver, but he called us ’equipment.’ I had suggested we take horses to this town, but he was destined to make sure we went on the damn ride. Was he scared the horses would get tired or that we would be tempted to stop along the way. Whatever the reason was, it was rather annoying and I wished he had just been a bit smarter and not put us in such small crates. This had been a over night thing and I was starving. I had eaten the last of my jerky only a hour before and the other half had gone to Shayna, since she had been in Surda and I had met her before when she wanted to met with Nasuada. “A’ight, doctor man. This is as far as I go.” This was rather odd. I put my ear closer to the side nearer the two.

“Say again?” The doctor was asking this man to repeat himself? How much clearer could this man get. He was not going any further.

“Ya said to take ya to th’ outskirts of Yazuac. It’s only a short walk from ‘ere. The King don’t have enough money to make me go anyways closer.” I rolled my eyes. Was this man this scared of this place. It was just a town attacked by Urgals and it was completely deserted, or so it appeared to be. “Cursed, it is. Even the gods ‘ave fergotten this place. Can I be blunt? Yer bat-shit insane to be stayin’ ‘ere.” I rolled my eyes. This man had to be joking… Cursed??? I chuckled slightly, having to muffle the sound as to not be heard.

“Thank you,” I waited, was he not going to get us off this damn carriage and free us from this prison. “Could you at least be so kind as to help me unload?” I felt the carriage stop, my body thankful that I had put some hay in the box so I did not make much noise when I was pushed in the side of the box. I wanted to curse, but I kept myself from saying anything. I would be the last off this damn wagon and I wanted them to hurry. I waited, tapping my fingers together until I felt the crate being lifted, my body moving slightly as I tried to be as still as possible. I cursed as I felt the crate hit the ground and my body was hit against the sides again. I wanted to kill this Doctor now, but I knew it would be no use. What was the point in getting mad at the man. “Good luck with th’ Taint, Doctor. Can’t say I didn’t warn ya.” I rolled my eyes.

This man just needed to hurry up and get the hell out of here. I was tired of listening to his voice. “You still love nature? After what it did to your face?” I chuckled slightly as the insult, but the man did not say a word, just sounded confused. “You forgot your tip.” The doctor had to take his precious little time. He gave his thanks and then I heard the wagon clearing out. I waited, being as silent as possible and then heard nothing, until I heard a few curses coming from the Doctor in languages I did not know. I heard the man walking towards the crates. I had already pulled my own dagger out and was working the area where the nails were, I was going to get out now and not wait.

“PHILISTINE!” I jumped slightly as the loud shriek, rolling my eyes as I realized it was the shade. She could go ahead and be quiet herself, my head was hurting from the heat and I was tired of everything. I was good at my aim and I knew a blow to the heart would finish a shade. “You elves have absolutely brilliant minds- until you start using them. Could we not have simply ridden here like properly civilized people? No, instead you insist on transporting us like a flock of chickens being sent to market! I say, fie on you, my good sir!” She did have a point, but I was in no mood to listen to her stupidity or any of that. I rolled my eyes, prying at the edge, which had loosened. If I could just get it a bit more loose, I would be able to kick my way out. I pushed against it slightly, feeling it moved as I did so. I smiled.

“It wasn’t easy for me, either, milady,” Now I laughed, this Doctor was fun in some ways. I rolled slightly, my feet hitting the wooden side one time. “After all, you are on the heavy side…” I laughed again, this time harder and kicked the side again. It was still coming, but I needed a few more blows. It was at that point I heard what sounded like a slap and I could barely contain a chuckle as I kicked it one more.

The crate came open, my legs hitting the dirt and I pushed myself out, seeing the woman. She looked awful, her hair was slightly messed up. I pushed myself off the ground, quickly brushing off my brown pants and brown tunic. I checked my sword quickly, making sure my belt was still tight and nothing had come loose. I leaned down to pick up my dagger and put it back in one of two sheaths. My other dagger was still in my boot. “Enough!” I heard the sound of a box being kicked and looked over as I walked to the box I knew contained Shayna. She had written a S on her box in green. “I need a mirror. Why are there no mirrors in this godforsaken landscape?” Well, at least we did not have to worry about her being any less self centered.

I removed my dagger once more, breaking the two nails up that held the lid to the box and pulling it open. I could she had been laughing. I smoothed back my hair slightly, the long, black, braided hair traveling down my back. My brown eyes catching her ice blue ones. Shayna had long blond hair and Ice blue eyes. ”I must say, they put on a mighty nice show.”[/color] I laughed, agreeing with her and helping her out of crate. She had been smart like me and had placed hay in her crate as well. As she stepped out, she leaned back into the crate, pulling out her bundle of arrows and her bow, which was well crafted and then also a dagger. I noticed the other one had been put in her boot also. Her blond hair had been tied back into a pony-tail, it hanging all the way down her back. She wore a black tank top and a pair of black pants that were tight around her ass and flared at her knees. She wore a long sleeve, brown shirt under her black tank top. She put the bow over her shoulder, the string going across her chest from her right shoulder to her left hip. ”Did you enjoy yourself?”[/color] I laughed at her.

”If you consider listening to a idiot talk the whole way here and the blazing hot confines of that body enjoyable, then yes, I did.”[/color] She laughed at me. I looked around the area, the grassy plains were flat, just like I remembered them being. The were also flat, never changing and a horse could run for miles without getting tired. This was the first place I lost the empire soldiers who had been chasing me when I ran away. My father had sent them and I had made a clear cut through them first, then taking myself to the coast and then down to Surda. It had been a long rider, but this place was still how I remembered it to be. I allowed my eyes to look at the ruined city, the city that was suppose to be ’haunted.’

”So this is it.”[/color] I looked at her for a moment. She was not really asking a question, or of a statement. ”I came through here before the urgals attacked it… A week before… Children playing, mothers laughing, and men getting back from a hunt.”[/color] She had been here? This was probably not the best thing to be locked in someone’s memory. It was over grown, grass was high up to the waist in some places. The road was not much of a road anymore, but it could be seen slightly, the dirt was still overruling the grass in some places.

“Reisa du deloi!” I looked over at the shade as she placed her hand over the sand and I saw sand fly over her head. “Thrysta!” I rolled my eyes slightly, but watched with little interest as she made it smooth with just a mutter. “Brisingr,” Fire came from her mouth and went over the smooth sand. I was slightly impressed and when I noticed what she was making, I saw a mirror. I rolled my eyes slightly, watching as she tried to fix herself. She was not pretty, I did not know why she tried to make herself seem that way. “Left!” Her orders were barked out at the mirrors as she looked at herself from all angles. I wanted to throw a rock and cause it to shatter, but I was being some what controlled.

“Are you quite finished?” I looked at the doctor for the first time since I had been out of the crate. I wanted to take mud and throw it at him. He still looked some what decent and we were left to be in a mess. Shayna was picking hay from her hair and I was removing it from my body also. I was not happy either, of course, he had to be the one talking to that man the whole way here and so, for that, I felt sorry for him.

“I suppose I look decent enough. Let’s get on with it.” I rolled my eyes at the self centered shade. She was too stupid for her own good.

“Right.” I looked at him as he turned to everyone and Shayna quit messing with her hair. At this point, everyone was out of their crates and ready to get this show on the road. I looked at him, waiting to see what would happen and how things would play out. I looked over at the Dragon and such, the young rider and his dragon. “We have arrived in Yazuac,” We could of figured that much out without him telling us. “Our task is simple. Get into the lab, incapacitate the workers- it’s preferred that you don’t run in there and slaughter them all- get what information they have on the Taint, and get out again. This isn’t a meet-and-greet party, so don’t waste your time socializing. I’ll do the introductions. I am Remy Kamenwati, Imperial scientist. That is Lady Pele Lahela Serowë, ex-countess of Ília Fëon…” I nodded slightly, taking a look at each of them for just a split moment. “Pravus Corripio, knight in the Imperial Army, Endorin, Imperial Rider, and his dragon, Alaeyr, Turin, Varden soldier, Shayna, assassin, and Kirjava and Lissa Atines… elves. We have one day to complete this mission, since that’s when the next caravan arrives. You have a few minutes to stretch your legs and to get to know the faces of your team members.” I nodded to each and looked back at the Doctor.

”What is our jobs?”[/color] I asked, looking at the Doctor for a moment. I was a find warrior, trained by the empire for many years before I left them. ”Shayna and I could handle the outside, make sure non escape when you all enter.”[/color] I did not like going into close space, one of the reasons I did not like the meeting between the Varden and Empire the first time. I looked at Shayna, who nodded silently. She was not at home without her horses, that was how she hunted her pray and did everything. She had told me stories of chasing her victims from horse back and killing them from that same perch without even having to quit moving. She could stay on a roof, I knew she was good with a bow from some of the kills she had told me about that were made with her bow and arrow.


Word Count:: 3,262
Comments:: Hmmm. I actually liked this post more so then the other one on Operation 3.
Tagged:: Pele Lahela Serowë::Remy Kamenwati
Color Code:: Warrior Turin::4B63CD :: Assassin Shayna::1B9B54

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[Mali]

This wasn’t half-bad. She couldn’t say that the only available conversation was any good. The driver just seemed to prattle on about nothing and everything. Nothing that seemed to leave his lips had any piece of interest in it. Not to her at least. All that mattered about this trip was what they were going to find. She wanted to know what they had been working on and what they had discovered. She may have magic at her hands, available whenever she wanted it; but it wasn’t the same. Magic could only do so much for her. There were limits to magic’s abilities. Knowing things beyond her capability were interesting to her. Maybe, she should look into something along those lines. A career in science wouldn’t be so bad. Maybe, she could even try to find a genetic way to find her luxury and enjoyment—her tail—scientifically instead of magically.

Finally, she felt the wagon come to a halt. Lissa didn’t mind the cramped form of travel. Having switched legs to tail on a regular basis, she was rather flexible. This position felt just like sleeping at the bottom of a lake. She was always warmest when curled in a ball. Hearing the men outside, lifting the other crates off the wagon, she knew that her turn would be soon. When was the right time to exit her crate? She should wait for someone else to leave theirs first. Then she would know that it is okay for her to do the same.

Closing her eyes, she double-checked her items. Among the trinkets she had brought with her, her newest piece to add to her collection was a bottle. It came with a small funnel made out of sheet metal, flexible and able to be placed away for easy travel. However, unlike most funnels, of course, it was magic. Anything that touched the center of the funnel, pointed in towards the bottle, shrank. The bottle itself was endless, in a sense. It shrank the items inside, smaller and smaller as she added more items. Of course, no one needed to know what she had in the bottle, no one even needed to know she had it. It was there to give her comfort.

She was clad in her typical clothing, black, sheer shirt, black waist cinch, leather pants with chain mail, and arm guards to protect open skin as well as a cloak. Weaponry on her included her favourite weapon among others. Her magically enhanced cinquedea was in top priority for this journey. It had boomerang qualities in the sense that it always returns to the holder. It uses magically invisible ‘thread’. She can throw her blade and with a slight flick of her wrists, bring it back; a feature that she loves for long distance fighting. More of her weapons were 3 common daggers. Not the nicest or fanciest of weapons, but it would do her fine.

After finally hearing a woman’s shrilly voice shouting at their leader, Dr. Kamenwati, Lissa knew it was time to leave her seclusion. Kicking out the lid to her crate and slowly climbing out. She felt her knees crack at the sudden change of position. It hurt, but only for a moment. This was going to be interesting. Stretching her arms above her head, she got a better look at the other members of her team. So they had a few minutes to better introduce themselves, this was going to be fun. No socializing, of course there wouldn’t be any socializing. As her name was mentioned, she looked Dr. Kamenwati in the eyes. Elves, just elves. It was nice to be known for what she was instead of who she was. She hated her father for what he had cursed her with. However, it would have been nice to have something actually attached to her name instead of just elves.

[Talon]

Pravus was still trying to figure out how he got stuck with this ridiculous mission. He was a knight, not some filthy assassin that went sneaking about the country on some fool’s errand. This seemed more like pesky wizard work or a thief’s job. Perhaps he had just been at the wrong place at the wrong time. Being in this box had given him plenty of time to think about his present situation. There he was, training the new recruits, getting them ready for the next step the Empire needed to take against the Varden…and then reports on the furthering famine. More stress and anger came over trying to find enough food for all of his soldiers. Pravus might treat them cruelly, but he truly did it with their best interests at heart. If they could stomach his treatment they could survive the Varden’s next attack, and take out a few of the filthy traitors at the same time. However he could simply not ignore the shortage of food any longer. Starving troops was simply out of the question; those young men had enough to worry about. Perhaps it was foolish to work covertly with these people. Scratch that, it was foolish to work with them. Pravus respected Galbatorix and it physically pained him to be working without his Emperor’s permission. Filthy mission, stinking elves, and an overall frustrating situation.

To make matters worse the flamboyant doctor had him locked up in this pathetically small crate for twenty-four hours. Before getting in the crate Pravus had made sure to give very specific instructions on how to carefully transport his armor. Nothing the doctor did would ever harm it, but Pravus was slightly controlling when it came to his second skin. As a matter of fact he had carefully packed everything himself in a large crate. The crate had originally been for Pravus himself as it was the only one they had to comfortably fit him. However, he figured sacrificing a little space himself would make having his armor with it. The knight didn’t want to be separated from it, and had always abhorred fighting without it. So with every bump and jolt from the rode he worried that they would scratch the polished finish on his chest plate or helmet which he slaved over. What was more he couldn’t keep his sword with him in this smaller box, he wouldn’t have been able to travel with it in the big box! There wouldn’t have been enough room for him and the weapon to fit safely. So he had packed it with care next to his greaves. On his person he had a couple daggers, an arming sword and a buckler. Pravus also put on the chainmail he normally wore under his armor, that way it wouldn’t take as long to suit up when they reached their destination. All together this made for an incredibly uncomfortable ride. Here was a man well over 6’3” stuffed into a tiny crate, the buckler was pressing in on his back, everywhere chainmail was driving into his skin and no matter what he did with the sword it’s hilt was digging his side.

Pravus was determined to make it through the journey without complaint; he had been in worse situations. So he made sure to flex his muscles to prevent them from cramping and even drifted in and out of sleep for most of the journey. If there was nothing better to do it made sense to rest, that way he would be healthy and ready to fight when they arrived. Still it was incredibly uncomfortable and it took a great deal of concentration not to move when something was digging into his side. What was worse was the constant drawl of the man transporting him. Everything that passed that filthy man’s lips made Pravus want to tear off his head. The doctor barely replied, and when he did the knight was even more thoroughly disgusted with the elf’s humor. There was nothing funny in what that pointy eared freak said. Finally, after what seemed like weeks the conversation between elf and…whatever that man classified as…steered towards Yazuac. Pravus listened closely to their conversation as it steered to the utter destruction caused by the urgals. It filled the large man with disgust. He agreed with Galbatorix when it came to subduing the people and getting more forces by getting urgals to help. But he was infuriated by the actions of the urgals. How dare those beasts take out the entire town! Pravus had cut down civilians before, but it had been, how did he put it? ‘Necessary’. Those urgals simply had no control like normal human soldiers. Yazuac was a blunder on the part of beasts. As far as Pravus was concerned they were all headed to the site of a monstrous bear attack.

His thoughts had distracted him, but he snapped back to reality as his crate was moved. The knight had to smile to himself at the thought of the elf and human struggling with getting him down. This was another reason why he didn’t simply wear the armor. Pravus had been under the impression that this elf and man wouldn’t have been able to lift him. That and lying down in the stuff for twenty-four hours would be ridiculous. His smile was quickly swallowed by a frown when he came crashing to the ground. The fools had dropped him! It took all he had to keep from crying out as the buckler smashed into his back. Instead he clenched his teeth and the only sound that escaped was a hiss of pain. Then he had to wait yet again as every crate was unloaded and the driver of the wagon took off. As soon as the sound of the horses feet began to grow faint Pravus wiggled as much as he could in the crate to prepare to get out. It was so cramped he could barely bend his legs, but it would have to be enough to kick out the bottom panel. There was a shrill cry from one of the weirder ones with the group and Pravus knew at least one crate had been opened. As it was he was too impatient to receive help himself. Under normal circumstance a single kick would have taken the bottom board out, but Pravus had barely any power to build when his legs simply couldn’t bend. So, several kicks later he had taken care of the board. Then he gingerly scooted out, trying not to grimace as the chainmail dug into his skin. But then he was free from the stifling hot box and out in the fresh open air.

He was outfitted in black leather boots and had three layers to his outfit. First was the unseen layer on his skin that helped prevent some of the grazing from the chainmail on his back and arms as well as his thighs. Then there was the heavy layer of chainmail itself, complete with a coif. Finally he had a deep red tunic with the mark of the Imperial army emblazoned in black. The pants he wore were loose and colored a deep black. Across his waist was a black leather belt; clipped to it was the scabbard for the arming sword. Then secured to his back was the small buckler. To many trained eyes it would seem Pravus was fit and ready to fight, but he felt naked. The attire worked for training, but not for his type of battle. Before getting to his armor he decided to try and match faces with names. There was the shade, which he knew, Pravus made sure to acquaint himself with the powers Galbatorix had under his control. But this Pele was pathetic…as made evident by her search for a mirror. All of that power and she was so concerned about simple appearances. It was sad really, he almost felt pity for her. Then there was Endorin and his tiny little dragon. Whiny little elf whelp. Pravus thought it would have been better if such a pain had simply stayed in the forest and danced with the other little elves. But no, he took a precious dragon egg. The dragon hatching for such a specimen didn’t say much for the creature itself, Alaeyr or whatever its name was. Then there were two elves that Pravus knew little to nothing about. He didn’t really care; elves meant magic, which meant he despised them. So he gaze only glanced over Kirjava and Lissa. Pravus took a moment to feel some disgust for Shayna, an assassin…what a cowardly way to live, but he let his gaze linger on Turin. Here was a warrior…and somehow an extremely familiar face. Pravus knew he had never before met this Turin, but that face, it looked like the younger version of a decent friend of his…but no it couldn’t be. This Turin worked for the filthy Varden. No son of the knight he was thinking of would dare go work for that scum.

However, as Pravus took into account everyone that was here he began to notice that there simply weren’t enough crates for everything that should be there. His brows dropped into a frown, his mouth a thin line as he tried in vain to control his anger and calm himself. From every crate a new member of the team emerged…his carefully packed crate…a crate that contained his livelihood…his second skin…items that he treasured above anyone he knew…was not here. Pravus felt the rage building, knew he should control it, simply bite his lip and deal with it, but before he knew it he was standing in the doctor’s face.

“What the HELL were you THINKING?!?”

[/color] Pravus’ eyes blazed in anger and his body shook with rage. He had to hold back his own hand from striking the elf. The large man did not tower over the elf but he was slightly taller and he did use it to stare down the spindly thing. If he did strike the elf it wouldn’t be a simple slap like the shade’s strike. His fist was covered in mail and Pravus had not mind to hit lightly if it came to it. Thankfully he controlled the urge to send the elf’s head flying and simply continued to vent. “I SPECIFICALLY told you how it was to be packed!!! And I made sure to impress upon you that it MUST NOT BE FORGOTTEN!!![/color] He might look ridiculous in front of his new teammates, but frankly he didn’t care. Pravus knew when he had to be calm, but now was simply not the time. He was furious and was frankly more worried about his armor, shield, and sword more than anything else at the moment. “SO WHERE THE HELL IS MY ARMOR!!!”[/color][/size][/blockquote]

[zkjt]

Endorin

Alaeyr? I asked mentally, rubbing my shoulder free of it's cramp. Endorin, for the last time, you don't have to keep saying it like a question! His response was instantaneous, and I smiled at the hot-headed reply. Usually that was me, but I understood. Dragons weren't meant to be caged in the first place. Okay, I'm sorry. I just wish we were out of these stupid crates! Instead of replying I only felt his mind brush mine to let me know I had heard him, and then that was it. It would be up to me to amuse myself.

Galbatorix's treatment of us, was to say the least, not quite too bad. Yes he was crazy, deranged, and a monster, but he gave us good living quarters and taught me so much about magic and swordsmanship I never would have guessed there would be so much out there. While Alaeyr couldn't stop complaining, I began spending more time with the other young riders, even getting lessons from, Capio, another of the older riders. I became more powerful, and my constant rebellions dwindled down, while Alaeyr constantly fought against Galbatorix's wishes. He was still to small for me to ride him, yet his dark grey scales were getting larger, his wings wider, his teeth sharper. In a while, I'd be riding him.

I also had many teachers. Pele and Schrren taught me darker arts, Murtagh swordsmanship, and Za'lyyr helped with our Ancient Language vocabulary, and helped us with using magic in our minds. The worst lesson of the week. Alaeyr and I paid him virtually no heed, and ignored any advice he gave us. The feelings we had for him would never be changed, the hate so passionate it felt like a fire when he thought about him. Malandra taught me table manners, and different sciences like chemistry, physics, and biology. And she gave me lessons of the sexual world as well. What to do, how to do it, and when to do it. I enjoyed these lessons, and yearned to be with Malandra in the sensual way. And through all this, I grew older.

And now look where I was. Sifting through memories while I sat hunched over in a crate. Alaeyr had been right, we never should have agreed to this. It was folly, and stupid. I'd rather be back at Galbatorix's palace, or better yet:Ellesmera. Ellesmera and my mother were the only things I felt tied to in my elven culture. Islanzadi had let me be taken, yet I still wanted to be back in her halls. But I knew I would never get out unless Galbatorix was slain, and with all his new riders, it'd be nigh impossible. But I was young and I clung to hopes and the impossible. It was my job.

Oh Gods Endorin please stop. Alaeyr's voice was like the sound of a sword on shield in my head and I cringed, my head hitting the top of the crate. Stop what? I replied hotly. Wanting things we'll never have I admit, his words stung, and I stopped talking altogether. And then a blessing from the Gods, we stopped. I could only faintly hear Remy and the man talking, but I was shaking from the excitement of getting out into the air. I could hear thumps, and knew that the others were being unloaded, and finally I was lifted as well. As I dropped, I kicked down the wall in front of me immediately and strode outside. Others were doing the same. Remy was standing off alone, and Pele was already using magic. Turin and Shayna, people I virtually knew nothing about, were standing off talking, and the giant of a man Pravus was stretching. Following my connection to Alaeyr, I ran to his crate.

When I got to him he jumped out, and began flying through the air. I smiled and he roared with delight. Then he descended down to me, and sat on the ground next to me. There was no need to talk, we were both too excited. I saw others getting out now. I blond elf had just exited her crate and was standing alone, fixing her hair. When she caught me staring, she turned and smiled, and I was surprised to see that she was amazingly beautiful. With a smile she waved, and then turned. I stood with my mouth open, then turned and began studying the landscape.

It hadn't been very long when I heard yelling. I turned to see Pravus roaring at Remy, while others turned and stared. His armor? I'm sure he could find new armor or something, jeez. I watched as the blond elf glided over and placed her hand over the giant of a man's chest. I blinked thinking it to be rude. How what Pravus react?

Alaeyr

I was miserable. Dragons were made to fly, and be free. And in two senses I was chained, a slave. One, Galbatorix made Endorin and I swear to him in the Ancient Language. Now we couldn't do what we wanted, and we were forced to carry out Galbatorix's orders because he was too afraid to leave his damned castle and because he had all these new riders anyways, why waste their strength and energy on pointless things like going to cities and towns just to fly back home in an hour or two? Pointless, pointless, pointless. And I would always be like that.

And now I was stuck...in a crate! The helplessness I felt could never be compared. My wings were crunched, which was painful, and my kegs quivered constantly. I always had an incessant itch, and no matter how hard I tried, I just couldn't hold in the sneeze that would force me to jump up, banging my head. Stupid! I had told Endorin we shouldn't come, but no. We had to do the best for the realm! Screw the realm. Let's do something for us for a change. My exact words. And all it got me was a laugh and then silence. And now here we were. The middle of the Empire, going to raid a lab. I wasn't conceited, but having someone do something nice for me would be..well, nice. But that would have to wait.

After my initial fighting with Endorin, we resolved to silence. I withdrew my mind from his, only leaving the barely traceable link to him, and thought about how bad my life was, when finally the wagon stopped moving. I perked up, and waited as I was lifted down gently. Other crates had the same treatment, and then I was free! Endorin helped me out, and at once I flew up into the air.

The air was fresh, and there was just enough breeze for it to be comfortable. My wings were sore, yet it felt good to stretch them. I roared loudly, letting everyone know of my happiness. I stayed up there for a few minutes, before I alighted down next to Endorin. I sat down there, humming, while I waited for him to finish stretching. Unlike Endorin, I had down background on all of the people in the party. Remy Karmenwati, a varden spy, and powerful elf-mage. Many people doubted his loyalty to the Varden, myself included. Pele Serowe, the shade. My partner Endorin had met her at the Summit, and apparently she was obsessed with her looks and clothes, but she was powerful. As I watched her check herself over, I found myself agreeing. There was also Turin, one of the Varden's strongest, and Shayna, an Imperial assassin. Apparently she was one of the best with horses, though I doubted her capability with dragons. Kirjava was an exiled elf, apparently delving in blood magic. I could sense the evil wafting from her, and decided it would be best to stay away. Lissa, another elf. She was also neutral, maybe someone Endorin and I could talk to. And then there was Pravus. A brute of a man with powerful arms and apparently brutal and merciless personality. What a charmer! And it was he know he was causing all the commotion. I listened with intentive ears as he vented his anger at losing his armor. I smiled softly, and saw some others of the group doing the same. And who went to still his anger! None other than Kirjava, the evil elf. Joy!

Kirjava

I've still never understood why elves call me evil? Everything was beneficial to magic, and to better understanding it. So they kick me out for killing a few people? It's to better save others. They should have understood that. Not even my dear mother wanted to protect me. The anger I felt when I was exiled, the shame. I don't know if I'll ever get over it. But I'll try. And I'll show them I'm strong and powerful. But first, getting out of this crate.

I only came on this stupid mission in the first place to show everyone I was powerful enough to be a someone, and that I deserved back in Ellesmera. It wouldn't be fair otherwise. So I brought my fabled scrying glass with me, and as I'm sure everyone waited in their crates like stupid pet rats, I searched the realm. I studied the cities, and this time managed to get a glimpse of Osilon before the forest's magic shoved me away. I would get my chance sooner or later though, I knew it to be a fact.

After listening to the dumb and stupid driver of our cart ramble endlessly about unimportant matters, we stopped. All the carts were unloaded, and the man was on his way. I had already forgotten his name. I was one of the first to leave my cart, and at once I carefully grabbed my glass and tucked it under my cloak. And then I decided who would be best to manipulate.

Manipulation is one of the most powerful things in the world. It can get you some of the minor things, for instance power and money. But what I really needed was an ally, and to have an ally I needed to earn their trust. That immediately eliminated all elves. Well maybe not all of them. I turned to Endorin, but was caught short of the dragon's critical stare. So I gave a quick smile to the boy's open-mouthed stare, and continued through the list. Pretty soon I had only two choices: Pravus and Turin. Mortal men, esily infatuated with woman, especially the beautiful kind like me. But first I needed a moment where I could use my charm. And believe me, I got my moment.

After studying everyone, I decided to wait. It wasn't long before pravus began shouting. He wanted his armor now, did he? As I saw the other smiling and chuckling, I knew it should be me there. So I strode up to him, and placed my delicate hand on his chest. Looking up into his eyes I said softly, "Settle down. We'll find your armor," I couldn't read his eyes. So I stood there, hoping he would take this as a sign of friendship, or something, and maybe I would be able to use him.

[Ze Flying Wraithetti Monstress]

Now that the proverbial cats were out of their bags, I decided to get a good look at them all. Serowë stuck out for various reasons- the massive height, pretty face, crimson hair, high fashion outfit, and the fact that she wasn’t quite as skinny as most women, but I wouldn’t call her overweight either. Though most men might find her voluptuous form and huge curves attractive, the woman’s fiery personality and dominating air frightened me off. She was surveying the team members with her sculpted little nose wrinkled up at them. She tended to disapprove of those who didn’t dress to her standards, mostly women who went around in men’s clothes. She was very fond of Lady Aelyn, though, and hadn’t minded Kyemen Straethir at all at the Summit. She was glaring at Kirjava in particular. The blonde elf reminded me just a little too much of Malandra Ramakrishna with her calculating air and tendency to wink at every man that met her eye. I’d be watching her.

I looked at the stretching Pravus Corripio next, wondering how such a huge man had even managed to fit into his crate. His violent orange hair reminded me sharply of Nemo Ramsey- except, of course, for the height and lack of a bad vocabulary. However, the tempers were practically identical, which was why I was going to be watching him just as closely as Kirjava. Corripio himself was glaring at a blonde himself- Shayna, in this case. From the look of utter disgust on his face, I could tell he held some prejudice against assassins- the warrior type, honour-bound and loyal, often did. Shayna was getting chatty with Turin, the Varden soldier who kept looking at me like I was some kind of slimy weasel. He was one to talk, with his close ties to the Empire. But it mattered not. I wasn’t the type who needed everybody to like me.

Endorin and Alaeyr seemed to be upset about something, and it didn’t appear to be the fact that they’d been trapped in a crate together for the past twenty-four hours. Some kind of depression was looming over them both, although it was much more visible in Endorin- an elf child’s emotions could be seen in the very air. At least he wasn’t in one of those adolescent tantrums like I’d seen him in at the Summit. Finally, the elf woman that I knew nothing about, Lissa Atines, was standing off to the side on her own, appearing uninterested in getting to know her companions. She had dressed in light armour, mainly chain mail. Good to know that not everyone on this mission was completely unqualified for the job. I sighed and stretched my arms, trying to cool off.

As if he’d read my last thoughts, Turin suddenly asked, “What are our jobs? Shayna and I could handle the outside; make sure none escape when you all enter.”
I opened my mouth to form a bubble-bursting reply, but suddenly, Corripio’s massive body completely blocked my view of Turin, and I was forced to meet his blazing eyes.
“What the HELL were you THINKING?!?” he roared, so loud that I was surprised it didn’t blow me away. “I SPECIFICALLY told you how it was to be packed!!! And I made sure to impress upon you that it MUST NOT BE FORGOTTEN!!! SO WHERE THE HELL IS MY ARMOR?!?”

I blinked slowly, preparing to defend myself from a very likely oncoming blow, but he just stood there, trembling and panting and glaring at me. Nothing I had heard about Pravus Corripio’s violent temper had quite prepared me for that. However, I had seen and survived worse than angry young humans, and so once the initial surprise wore off, my face resumed its normal subtly annoyed expression. He had been very particular about taking his armour along, but that was the last thing we needed on a stealth mission. Once he’d packed himself away into his box, I’d buried his armour and weapons right by Teirm’s main gate. Of course, I wasn’t going to say exactly where his items were until the mission was over. For now, I drew myself up, even though I was far skinnier and a little shorter than him, and looked him straight in the eye.

“Sir Corripio, this is a stealth mission. Stealth requires silence and discretion. Wearing armour that clangs like a city bell when you so much as pick your nose is the exact opposite of silence and discretion. Your armour is safely hidden away.” He opened his mouth to screech some more, but I immediately raised my metal right arm, clenching his throat in its steel grasp. His blue eyes bulged with surprise. “Same side or not, I outrank you in this mission, and I do not tolerate idiots, and I will not hesitate to kill you if you step out of line again.” My voice slowly rose in volume as I spoke. “Do you understand, you vagrant, or do I have to use even smaller words?”
“Bastard-”
I raised my left hand, clenching my fist as it glowed white, imbued with power. Corripio immediately shut up. Ah, so the great warrior was afraid of magic. How typical.
“Settle down,” said a sultry voice all of a sudden, and I glanced down to see Kirjava laying a hand on Corripio’s chest. “We’ll find your armour.”

Ah, an attempt at seduction. I knew Corripio despised elves, so, confident that her attempt to warm up to him would go horribly wrong, I turned back to Turin.

“You and Shayna will be joining us when we infiltrate the laboratory,” I said. “Everyone will. The reason I chose that you all be transported within the crates is because one scientist travelling to the edge of the infection is a lot less suspicious than a horde of travellers, especially with a Shade and a Dragon Rider among them. Should a Rider come patrolling the area…” I pointed to the sky. “… and see us lot, we are all sorely screwed over. Everyone’s going.” I turned to the rest of the team. “Seeing as you’re all looking a little more fresh-faced, I’ll explain the mission in more detail. The laboratory is located in Yazuac’s biggest standing building- its mead hall, Azusa. The actual lab itself is located underneath Azusa, and it’s our job to find the entrance. Once inside, we quietly…” I glared at Corripio, “make our way into the center of the facility, avoiding any guards and quietly dispatching those that we can’t. Turin, Shayna, Atines and Corripio will be in charge of that. The rest of us, including myself, will handle the actual research. Keep in mind that this could be a trap set up by these people, or that their supposed breakthrough could be false, so don’t get your hopes up for the welfare of your beloved plant life. If it is, we go home. If it looks viable, we test it out on the nearest infected area, observe the results, and then we go home. That’s the basic layout, but there’s about a million chances that it’ll change due to unforeseen complications or whatever. If you’ve got any stupid questions, ask them now.”

Words;; 1205
Muse;; I haven't slept in 48 hours. So, WEIRD, MAN!
Thoughts;; Due to my failure at sleeping I decided to make this post shortish and only with Remy... yeah. XD

[Lady Nayeli]

I turned from Shayna when I saw another Crate bust open, seeing a elf slowly come from the confides of her own box. I looked back at my Varden companion and helped her with anything she needed. She was strong, that was for sure and I did not have to worry about her. It was too bad that we did not bring her horse, it would have come in handy, but it did not matter. The elf, if I was not, was named Lissa, but I could not be too certain. I did not know her background all that well, but I knew she was a elf and I could only hope she would make nice conversation. I would not know, since I would probably stay with Shayna most the time, since she was trying to get her trained horses in with the Varden, to help them out as much as possible and also become one of the best Assassins in the Surda and Empire lands.

The next to come from the box was a man, with black leather books and many layers to his wardrobe, though I did not know why. I only had on my brown boots, which had been made by a elf for silence and yet also made to be tough. I had on my brown pants and long sleeve down tunic. I had my cloak also, which I glanced over at Shayna. ”Can you grab the black cloak from my prison?”

[/color] She nodded. She had thought about bring her own cloak, but had decided to leave it back at the home we were staying at in the empire. No one knew about it and we made sure to go there at separate times and after traveling the whole city and going into many different buildings. It fooled the empire and no one knew. He would be leaving during the early morning hours the day after we return. I glanced back at the man… Pravus… I knew he knew my father, most everyone did and I was not stupid. I rolled my eyes slightly and took the cloak from Shayna, putting it over my shoulders. ”Thank You.”[/color] She nodded.

”Who made sure a wonderful cloak?”[/color] I did not know one’s cloak could be called wonderful, but I smiled and looked at it for a moment. Trying to remember the person, but knew he had died due to help the varden by giving them money… My father had killed the man and I had run off shortly after. I noted the red tunic that Parvus had on, it would be the key thing I looked for during this mission. I then turned my eyes back to Shayna and smiled slightly.

”When I lived in the empire, I believe I was seventeen, my father had this made for me… The man was killed by my father when I was eighteen and I ran south.”[/color] I told her, not sure who all heard me, but not really caring. I had been trained by the empire to do what ever the empire wanted me to do. I held the best training, the best way to kill without magic and knew everything there was to know about the best places to drive a dagger threw. I thought the man before me, Parvus was crazy for wearing such heavy things, like the chainmail and such. There was no point in wearing this, since it was a stealth mission to get in and out. I did notice the look of disgust on his face when he looked to Shayna and I put my hand on her shoulder for a moment, turning her to face away from him while I said something to her. I felt responsible for her, though I did not know why, Nasuada had told me to watch her, since she had assigned me to any extra training she might need to have

As I turned, I saw him looking at me and I narrowed my eyes at him for just a moment. Allowing myself to looked at him and show no fear. ”What are you looking at? See something you might know it me? You probably do since my father is someone of high nobility.”[/color] I was not afraid to tell the man who my father was, though he was a stupid father and a father I was not even pleased to be related to. My father was a lying son of a bitch, a cheater to my mother and a good for nothing Soldier who played with all the women in the world and yet treated my mother like nothing more then a house maid. I watched this man for a moment, taking into account everything.

Then there was the little elf and his dragon who came out of the next crate. The elf child was young and I had heard a lot about the elf child from other elves and also from Nasuada. The queen wanted to get the child bad, but did not know how without getting other killed and possible the elf child himself. If I was not mistake, his name was Endorin and his dragon was Alaeyr… I could only hope the two were smart enough to one day get away from the empire some how, to force themselves to leave and break as many bonds as they could with the empire. I hated the empire and I wish I had gone on another mission lead by someone who was with the Varden, but I doubted it matter right now. So far, we had a good group, but there was still on crate yet to be open. From what I could tell, at least three humans and the rest were elves and one shade elf at that.

Then the last crate came open, Kirjava, who seemed pretty, but not really my style of women. Something about her was driving me away, though I was not sure what it was. Maybe it was something she did or a way she was acting. Maybe it was a look in her eye that I did not like, or something else of that matter. She looked at the Elf child with great interest before she headed over to Parvus, who was walking over to the Doctor and looked Extremely mad at something. First that blasted Pele and now this stupid man was going to go crazy and give us another show. This would be nice and I glanced at Shayna, who held a smile on her own face. ”This is going to be nice.” I nodded to Shayna for a moment and watched the two. Pele was giving Shayna a look of disgust, possible because she wore men clothing, but I thought it fit her perfectly.

I had asked the Doctor a question about something, about the Job Shayna and I could do, but it seemed that the ridicules Parvus was going to get the first words in. “What the HELL were you THINKING?!?” I watched with intered to see how this was going to play out. “I SPECIFICALLY told you how it was to be packed!!! And I made sure to impress upon you that it MUST NOT BE FORGOTTEN!!! SO WHERE THE HELL IS MY ARMOR?!?” I could not help but snicker slightly. This man wanted armor on a stealth mission. Yes, I could see in a time of wat, but even he had to be smart enough to know that this was going to be a mission of in and out, not a mission to see who could be killed first before his own death came to him.

It seemed that the Doctor had been taken by a bit of surprise and I watched with interest, even Shayna stepped back slightly behind me to watch without getting in the way of the Doctor. It did not take long for his complexion to come back to him and then a annoyed look displayed on his face. The two were about the same height, though Parvus was slightly taller then the elf. “Sir Corripio, this is a stealth mission. Stealth requires silence and discretion. Wearing armour that clangs like a city bell when you so much as pick your nose is the exact opposite of silence and discretion. Your armour is safely hidden away.” Yes, stealth, not many of those stupid Empire scums understood the word stealth. They only knew killing, death, and were brain washed to do anything under the hands of the king. They were beyond help in my opinion. I watched as the elf quickly took over the situation, his metal hand coming up and grabbing Parvus by the neck. “Same side or not, I outrank you in this mission, and I do not tolerate idiots, and I will not hesitate to kill you if you step out of line again.” I smiled, it would be nice to see a idiot like Parvus die, maybe the elf could kill my father also. “Do you understand, you vagrant, or do I have to use even smaller words?” I looked at Parvus, waiting for his answer, knowing that there was no understand, they needed to be smaller words for something as mindless as him.

“Bastard-” I watched for one more second, his clench fist glowing white, the power of magic coming into the air. Even I could feel it, though I did not know why, I could feel it with perfect ease. I watched, however, as a elf came running up, Kirjava, who seemed to want to win Parvus over.

“Settle down,” I rolled my eyes slightly. I could see she wanted more then just a friend, she held a seductive look in her eyes and only told me she wanted much more then a little friend. “We’ll find your armour.” I rolled my eyes. I hoped this man suffered without his blasted armor, it would be much more fun to watch. I looked at the doctor, who seemed to have calmed down completely.

“You and Shayna will be joining us when we infiltrate the laboratory,” Though I did not like the idea, I nodded. I did not like fighting in closed spaces, but I could do it and I knew Shayna could. “Everyone will. The reason I chose that you all be transported within the crates is because one scientist travelling to the edge of the infection is a lot less suspicious than a horde of travellers, especially with a Shade and a Dragon Rider among them. Should a Rider come patrolling the area…” I could understand the reason, though I would have rather rode horse back and each of us come from many different directions. “… and see us lot, we are all sorely screwed over. Everyone’s going.” I looked at him for a moment, then to the sky and then back down to everyone else. Again, he had a good reason, but I still wish he had done something else rather then what he did. “Seeing as you’re all looking a little more fresh-faced, I’ll explain the mission in more detail. The laboratory is located in Yazuac’s biggest standing building- its mead hall, Azusa. The actual lab itself is located underneath Azusa, and it’s our job to find the entrance. Once inside, we quietly…” I smiled as he glared at Parvus for a moment and then I looked back at him, making my face emotionless once again. “make our way into the center of the facility, avoiding any guards and quietly dispatching those that we can’t. Turin, Shayna, Atines and Corripio will be in charge of that. The rest of us, including myself, will handle the actual research. Keep in mind that this could be a trap set up by these people, or that their supposed breakthrough could be false, so don’t get your hopes up for the welfare of your beloved plant life. If it is, we go home. If it looks viable, we test it out on the nearest infected area, observe the results, and then we go home. That’s the basic layout, but there’s about a million chances that it’ll change due to unforeseen complications or whatever. If you’ve got any stupid questions, ask them now.” I had no questions, just held my own thoughts.

I looked at Shayna and she held that determined look on her face. I knew she was ready to get moving and I did not blame her at all. I touched my sword for a moment, checked my daggers and then nodded. I was ready to get the show on the road and then return back to my home in Surda. This place was hot, but it was dry hot, not the hot like in Surda, which held a bit of mugginess too it.


Word Count:: 2, 128
Comments:: A whole 1,000 word shorter then my last. Not sure if I like it as much as the first one.
Tagged:: Pele Lahela Serowë::Remy Kamenwati::Lissa::Edorin::Alaeya::Kirjava::Parvus
Color Code:: Warrior Turin::4B63CD :: Assassin Shayna::1B9B54

[/blockquote][/size]

[Mali]

This was ridiculous! Why were they all so noisy and angry? They had travelled this way to avoid suspicion. If they hadn’t, then they would have been stopped along the way and people would have started to ask questions. That was something that they did not need. Lissa looked over at the boisterous man as he preached on about his armour. She rolled her eyes, looking the man up and down. His ego was too big and his pride needed to be squashed. She knew that it was good to have confidence, but seriously, you should be able to complete a mission without armour. Just because it hadn’t been packed the way you wanted or it had been forgotten, shouldn’t be a hindrance to your capabilities on this mission. Sure, sometimes you needed to rely on weapons to save your life, but armour shouldn’t be his main worry. If he couldn’t do this without his armour, then why did he come? She sighed; she had no right to judge him.

She would rather not listen to this argument. However, she knew that she would have to listen to it as long as she was on this mission. She would rather just get in and get out, possibly find out something interesting and be on her merry way. Instead, she was stuck listening to these two bicker back and forth. Though she had to admit, it wasn’t really bickering, as Remy had full right to be saying this to Pravus. This was a stealth mission and if he was going to worry about armour that would give him away, like she thought before, he should leave. Or shut up, one of the two preferably. As the other elf in the group tried to calm the man down, Lissa caught the look from Remy. He seemed to smirk at this, though it didn’t visibly show on his face. Turning to face the doctor fully, she listened to instructions. So she had been right, it was to avoid suspicion. Now that they all knew, could they please shut up about it? Hopefully they could see that the uncomfortable travelling situations were worth the success of this mission.

So she was to take out guards that they couldn’t avoid, while the others actually went into the laboratory. She couldn’t voice out her desire to be infiltrating the lab instead of taking out guards. She was a neutral elf, and if anyone knew of her history, it may not be the best to speak out. If anyone who knew her history were to believe that she supported the evil Galbatorix, then it might jeopardize her part in this mission. She didn’t want to risk it. Nodding her head to the plan, she was intrigued.

So if they found anything worthwhile towards this infection, then they would take it and try it out to see what happened. At least, since she couldn’t be in the lab looking, if they found anything, she would get to see that. The entire reason she got involved in this mess was that she wanted to know more about the possibilities of science over magic. She hoped that they would find something. Think of it this way, if it was a trap, as Remy said, then she wouldn’t be caught in it, not as easily as the others who were actually entering the laboratory. The plan, so far, was a good one. Though it didn’t raise her hopes, it still made her excited. She would get to see what they bring back; this was exciting.

[/size][/color]

[Talon]

((so this post might be slightly confusing heh, used a lot of these things ... anyways I figure it's better than nothing))

He could feel the stares digging holes into his back. Could imagine what they might be thinking of him. Who does that knight think he is? Armor isn’t a big deal! A true warrior shouldn’t need it. But they misunderstood Pravus and his fighting technique if they thought such foolish things. They had never seen him at work in the heat of battle…had they, perhaps then they would understand what the armor was to him. It was a second skin, something he was not accustomed to fighting without. Sure he practiced without it, he was an excellent warrior with nothing but his hands and bare skin…but it lowered his true skill. With that armor he could do things a human should not be capable of. He could stem the tide of battle while arrows bounced uselessly away and swords were shattered. That was his frustration, he had come here to do work and they were hindering from accomplishing the mission. Fools. They wouldn’t understand, they only saw a simple-minded warrior throwing a fit. If they knew…he was an archer without arrows…an artist without paint…but no…this was a stealth mission. Then why the hell did they send him here?!? He should be storming a castle! Taking down enemies as they rushed towards him! Pravus Corripio was no sneak he met his enemies on the battlefield. Daggers and poison were despicable things...but now they were expecting him to sneak around some laboratory.

Anger rolling off in waves he kept his eyes trained on this elf. Frustration mixed with his fury, these thieves and mages would never understand what armor was to a knight. And then the elf began his own calm tyrade…words meant to put him back down in his place and prove his own authority. Silence and discretion his ass! Just give him his armor and let him take out everyone in that wretched place! So worried about noise and everything…this elf had purposefully hidden his armor and left it behind. The gall of these immortal fools! Always thinking they were better and could do whatever they pleased! Did this Remy not understand that he was crippling him? Now he would have to resort on skills he hadn’t used for awhile. Pravus practiced with them daily, everything was worked into his daily regiment so he could be prepared for any circumstance…like this foolishness…but it had been a long times since he’d had to use those skills in a natural situation and not practice. He had a buckler…and an arming sword…chainmail and well…that was it. But then the elf went a step further, called him out…spouting some foolishness about sides and outranking him on the mission! Then saying he was a fool?!? Who was the fool here! The one that crippled a team member in a crucial mission or the one angry for being crippled? It wasn’t Pravus’ fault the elf hadn’t explained the mission, the knight never would have come to a stealth mission. But no…he was the idiot for being angry over the loss of something so dear.

His face twisted into a disgusted look as the elf threatened to kill him if he stepped out of line…for what disobeying someone he owed no allegiance? This was ridiculous! Pravus was a knight in the Imperial Army! His allegiance was to none but Galbatorix, damn this coalition to all nine hells! Should this elf take out his beating heart Pravus had insurance that he would not be unavenged…did they think he would go on a mission with Varden filth without that? No…Pravus did not trust these filthy people enough. As much as he despised his brother he had let the rider put a few wards around him…special wards…and if he died his brother would know. Not just that he had died, but where and by whom. Yes Pravus had insurance, and if this coalition was to survive then this elf should know NEVER to call a Corripio a vagrant or insult his intelligence. He didn’t mean to speak at the moment, he had different answers in his mind…but it simply slipped out as the elf mocked him yet again! Smaller words his ass…

“Bastard…”

[/color]

And then the overwhelming trickle of magic in the air. Now his fury was full fledged. This fool elf didn’t know how to command a unit if this was how he responded! He backed away slightly, a natural reaction to the white glow. At that moment Pravus was filled with incredible fury, and yet he could not strike the elf…not while the hand remained alight in the white light. As he backed up he felt a soft hand on his chest. The knight’s head snapped to the side as he was told they would find his armor. At first he felt slightly comforted by the soft voice, but then he noticed the sharp angles of the face, the pointed ears, and he flinched away from the touch. Barely having the state of mind not to smack the hand away as he backpedaled yet again. What was with elves! He loathed the entire lot, could not tolerate them and their filthy magic. Pravus had plenty of words for the disrespectful Remy…the stupid mage should know where he stood. But the touch reminded him of something else…anger was not the way to deal with elves…you had to play their games. All he could do was nod at Kirijava and her advance. It wasn’t her fault he felt sick to his gut looking at her face. An elf’s face was synonymous with magic…and that made bile rise in his throat.

Besides at the moment he was busy calming himself. Now he understood these pathetic creatures even if they thought him a blubbering idiot. No, right now was his time to plan…settle down…and think on how he would deal with this entire team. At the edge of the small gathering he let the rage slowly die, let his mind let go of being called vagrant and idiot. Filthy elves would never think different if he simply yelled his evidence against those accusations. No, they would only think him smarter if he spoke in soft womanly tones like they did, they would only see his worth if he stabbed people in the back on this stealth mission. He couldn’t do one of those, so he would accomplish the other now. So he let his anger simmer down and closed it off for a different time. By no means was his fury gone, but when one get as angry as often as Pravus does one learns to section it off. So he put it away for later. Let this elf think him a vagrant; let him think he needed small words to understand. Pravus knew different. Let this entire group think him cowed. Let them think him simple. No Corripio would ever tolerate such disrespect that Remy had done to him. So let them think he was so scared of magic that he dare not speak…no he would just save the angry for when this elf least expected it. Oh mr. leader of the mission. Pravus answered to Galbatorix…not the fool coalition. Let them play boss for now.[/blockquote][/size]

[zkjt]

Alaeyr

Would there always be a need for violence in the world? As I sat watching by Endorin's feet as Pravus and Remy fought, I couldn't help the thought. Endorin wouldn't know about it. Our bond was still closed to each other besides a thin line that only let me feel his emotions slightly. When I looked up at him, his face was blank, his emerald eyes giving away nothing. Ah, so he was learning. This slightly comforted me, but my comfort was shattered as Remy shot his hand out to Pravus's neck. I sat up straighter and hissed, a slight fizzle of smoke coming from deep within my throat and nostrils. When Remy finally released Pravus, I relaxed again. My actions must have earned attention from Endorin because he resumed our contact. We can't afford to fight! Endorin's worried voice rang through my head. I know. But you're just a kid, and I'm not fully grown. They will never listen to us. My voice was bitter and sullen even to my own ears, and Endorin was quiet and sulky after that.

Pravus finally backed up, and I watched his face as Kirjava placed her way between the two. He looked down at her, and I read his emotions easily. He was disgusted by what she was, an elf. He thought her beautiful but tainted with the foulest thing in Alagaesia. Magic. With a snort, I chuckled, my body shaking. Endorin looked down at me, puzzled. I stopped my chuckling, and resumed a stony silence as Pravus backed up slightly, finally realizing that there were others watching him. Suddenly curious, I brushed my mind against his, finding slight walls that I could easily penetrate. Well I know that's there, I thought. And then Remy started speaking.

I listened as he explained the mission, not overly impressed. Do we'd just be going into a laboratory? Boring. There might be a few guards, and the rest scientists, this wouldn't be fun at all. I wouldn't get to put any of Thorn's training into effect, which slightly bummed me out. And then the bombshell...Research!? Who did he think I was, a scholar? I was a dragon, magnificent and powerful, wise beyond my age. I would not tolerate research. As Endorin felt my distress, I was faintly aware of the fact he was trying to calm me, but I brushed him aside and voice my thoughts to everyone. Some shielded themselves, but I made it clear I was a friend.

Remy Karmenwati I must be frank with you. I will be honest, but do not take this to offense. I am a dragon, not a librarian or scholar. You cannot ask me to do research when I could be fighting. I spent a century in my egg, and was hatched only weeks ago. I deserve my freedom, and a chance for me to show myself. And my researching for a cure to a disease, I will only be made a mockery of. So I ask you, in the most respectful way possible, that you allow me to fight. Endorin will stay and research with you. Please. I sensed Endorin's pride in me up until the end, and before he could speak I sent a mental shock wave toward him, which I didn't know I could do, and silenced him. I didn't need his hot-headedness right now.

Endorin

This would be a disaster unless we could come together as a squad soon, I knew for a fact. As I watched Remy and Pravus quarrel, I couldn't help but wonder what I was doing here. I should have been back in Uru'baen, looking for ways to free Alaeyr and I instead of going on a while goose chase. This I knew to be a fact, and it didn't help at all. I was getting ready to intervene, in whatever way I could, when Kirjava stepped in. I watched the meeting silently, and was surprised when Alaeyr began to laugh. I looked at him puzzled, not understanding what could be so funny. After my look, he resumed his silence.

After Remy was done lecturing Pravus, he began instructing us on what we would be doing. “Everyone will. The reason I chose that you all be transported within the crates is because one scientist traveling to the edge of the infection is a lot less suspicious than a horde of travelers, especially with a Shade and a Dragon Rider among them. Should a Rider come patrolling the area… and see us lot, we are all sorely screwed over. Everyone’s going.Seeing as you’re all looking a little more fresh-faced, I’ll explain the mission in more detail. The laboratory is located in Yazuac’s biggest standing building- its mead hall, Azusa. The actual lab itself is located underneath Azusa, and it’s our job to find the entrance. Once inside, we quietly make our way into the center of the facility, avoiding any guards and quietly dispatching those that we can’t. Turin, Shayna, Atines and Corripio will be in charge of that. The rest of us, including myself, will handle the actual research. Keep in mind that this could be a trap set up by these people, or that their supposed breakthrough could be false, so don’t get your hopes up for the welfare of your beloved plant life. If it is, we go home. If it looks viable, we test it out on the nearest infected area, observe the results, and then we go home. That’s the basic layout, but there’s about a million chances that it’ll change due to unforeseen complications or whatever. If you’ve got any stupid questions, ask them now.”

I couldn't believe what I was hearing. Research? My pride took a blow, and I opened my mouth to act when I felt Alaeyr's mind brush mine. Seeing other's surprised expressions I knew he was voicing this aloud. I had to admit, Alaeyr was brave to say what he was saying. I was feeling the exact same way until Alaeyr dealt the stinging blow. So he thinks I should be the one to stay? I stepped forward, and instantly fell back. I landed on the ground hard, and through half-open eyes I saw Kirjava smiled wickedly. I could feel Alaeyr's presence, trying to keep me conscious, and from the guilt waves coming off of him, I knew he had done this but hadn't meant to hurt me. And then I was unconscious.

Kirjava

The guilt! If he thinks he did a good job hiding that look, he's more stupid than I thought. He thought me an abomination, that much was true. I took my hand off his chest, and losing control, slapped him hard across the face. And that was after Remy was done with him. Then I turned my back, letting my silvery hair flash around my shoulders, and strode over to my crate where I stood proud, my green eyes taking in everything.

Pravus had a hand to his cheek and was staring daggers at me. But I really wasn't afraid. My magic would stop him before he took a step. Remy looked surprised, but continued talking all the same. Shayna and Turin were murmuring quiet words to each other, and the other elf was standing alone as well. Endorin and Alaeyr were watching the entire scene with stony faces. Hm. True elves.

After Remy started talking I knew there were several problems. Corripio couldn't quietly dispatch anyone even if he tried. But Remy didn't want to offend Pravus anymore, so offered him the chance of bloodshed. I smiled at that. Turin and Shayna looked fine with it, and the other elf, Atines, was as grim-looking as ever. As I turned to Alaeyr and Endorin, I felt a slight contact on my mind. Bringing up rigid barriers in seconds, I protected from an attack that never came, and was surprised to note it was friendly. Lowering my barriers slightly, I knew it was Alaeyr, and know he was speaking.

When he was done, I looked to Remy to see his reaction, but looked back quickly at hearing a thump. Endorin was lying on the ground, eyes barely open, and by the way Alaeyr was crouched over him, I knew it to be Alaeyr's doing. At this I smiled, and watched as Endorin's eyes closed. Ah, the first bump in the road.

[Ze Flying Wraithetti Monstress]

I tapped my foot in supreme irritation as I listened to the endless bantering between my team members and watched them shuffle and grumble without point or reason. I was duly annoyed with the pack of savages and amateurs I’d been stuck with. As Kamenwati explained the operation, which I’d already read over several times, I glared around at the people surrounding me, deciding not to speak to any of them. Already, a lot of them would prove to be liabilities instead of proper allies. Corripio would likely kill us all before the day was through, and Kirjava was basically a blonde Malandra Ramakrishna, which just made her even easier to despise. Though the idea of death was something that did not frighten me in the least- I’d walked with spirits and demons long enough to know there were far worse things than dying- but the idea of being killed by such mongrels was anything but appealing.

At least my corpse would be the best-looking. Kirjava could tone down on the makeup, and the rest were grim and icy-eyed. I appeared to be the only one who had brought any taste on this horrible adventure. But if this sun got any stronger and we stayed out here, I would burn and turn as red as a lobster. And if that didn’t happen, I’d be mottled with doubly hideous freckles. Suddenly paranoid about my skin condition, I whipped out a small fan from my luggage and started waving it. I wouldn’t risk using my parasol. Opening it here would do me as much good as planting a target symbol on my face and screaming, “We’re over here!” After making sure I would survive for at least a little while longer, I paid attention to Kamenwati again. After his final word, nobody said anything, appearing either happy or grudgingly accepting with their positions. I myself was relieved that I would not be participating in any fighting. Violence was simply barbaric, frightening, and terrible.

However, just as I was beginning to think we would finally be off, I felt a foreign, but not hostile presence at the barriers of my mind. Recognizing the deepness of a dragon’s mind, I cautiously let Alaeyr in, and listened to what he was probably broadcasting to the entire team. What he said made me sigh and groan and become extremely irritated. Kamenwati’s face told me he felt exactly the same way. I knew bonded dragons were nowhere near as intelligent or as powerful as the once-populous wild dragons- I had met many of their souls on my spiritual walks through the underworld. If there were gods, they were probably the closest earthen equivalent we’d ever had. Bonded dragons bore mortality and suffering, and had no wisdom to speak of. Endorin was even worse, looking ready to beat Kamenwati to the ground before suddenly slumping over. Oh, how helpful. And who was planning on carrying him, then? However, Alaeyr’s complete ignorance was enough to make Kamenwati spit at him.

“A fine specimen of the draconian race, Alaeyr!” he sneered. “When I said stupid questions, I didn’t actually mean… ugh.” He paused, appearing to collect himself, and continued in a quieter, but nonetheless annoyed tone. “All dragons are scholars. They were never born to be warriors and only ever fought in self-defence. Every shred of your parents’ memories should tell you that. And if you think I’m going to let a hatchling the size of a loaf of bread and his mindless Rider go into battle against highly trained operatives with advanced technology, you are sorely mistaken.” He paused again, and suddenly smirked. Remy Kamenwati never smiled. He was always expressionless, sneering, or smirking. “In fact, I’ll have you both working under Serowë as a proper lesson.”
“What?” I spat. “Find someone else to do your babysitting.”
“She will teach you how to conduct research. If you’re good, you’ll be rewarded. If you’re bad, she’ll have you punished as severely as she pleases.”
“Oh, fine,” I grumbled. I had to admit, getting to smack the living daylights out of Endorin would be a monumental improvement to my day.
“Now, before we get vultures circling us, let’s get a move on. Alaeyr, wake Endorin up. Don’t embarrass yourselves further by having him carried.” Kamenwati turned on his heel and headed up towards Yazuac. Endorin was beginning to stir, and to avoid the impending explosion of hormonal rage from Kamenwati’s mockery, I invaded his and Alaeyr’s mind as violently and painfully as I could.
‘Oh, do shut up. You’re reporting to me now, little ones. And before you beg me to change Kamenwati’s mind, take a closer look at the marking on his left palm. No arguing with your elders. Now get up and get moving.’

I terminated the link before I got bombarded with rude comments, picked up my skirts and did my best to walk as primly as possible in platforms on uneven ground. Kamenwati headed the pack, ignoring the grumbles and hisses of annoyance behind him. I supposed one good thing about having the irritable elf leading us was that he didn’t need anybody to like him to function. No self-esteem issues and blunt honesty made him an efficient leader, if an easily hateable one. I kept my distance behind him, unwilling to engage in any awkward conversation, and decided to look over the landscape of Yazuac.

Barring the overgrown plants and weeds, it was almost remarkably picturesque. No traces remained of the Urgals’ slaughter of every man, woman, and child inhabiting the village. And hating people as I did, it would actually be the loveliest place to live. However, there was something very wrong with it. The moment we approached the first house, I felt a rare shiver run down my spine, and instinctively I mentally called out for one of my undead servants, only to remember that I’d had to leave them all at home back in Urû’baen. Growing nervous, I glanced at the surrounding buildings, probing with my mind for anyone nearby. It was then that I realized that there were no animal or insect noises. It was unpleasantly quiet. Upon further probing, I also found that the plants were dead, as well. Except for us nine, there was no one alive here. Well, then, the third party was inside Azusa, weren’t they? And the plants were dead and the animals were gone due to their experiments and testing. Yes, that was it. I quietly sighed with relief.

Speaking of Azusa, the once proud mead hall stood silent and brooding, appearing to loom over us as we entered its shadow. The building groaned softly in the wind, which made me frown. Yazuac was a relatively young town. None of its buildings were older than fifty years. However, I tucked that little tidbit into my mind and was careful to stay away from the windows, which were oddly dark, positioning myself near the front door. The front door? However, I remembered something about the blueprints Taraak had allowed me to scan at the coalition’s first meeting. The windows on this level had all been boarded up, which explained why they were so dark, and the tiny servants’ doors that had once existed had been removed. There was only the front now.

“Alright,” said Kamenwati in a whisper. “This is it. There’re probably heavily armed guards beyond here once I pick the lock, but if we properly shut ourselves up we’ll have the element of surprise on our side. I’m gonna ask again- if anyone wants to go AWOL, has a bone to pick with me, or needs the toilet, now is the time to tell me.”

Words;; 1280
Muse;; Really bad. I haven't written a post in well over a month. x.X
Words;; I could not be more sorry about how long this took and the fact that the terrible quality doesn't make up for it in the slightest. Personal problems and moving house = no internet. >.>

[Lady Nayeli]

I allowed my eyes to travel once again over the group, landing on Shayna who was getting slightly annoyed at just standing around. Shayna was good at her job and I knew she was not sure about working inside and she seemed slightly unstable without the horses that were trained to help her in her job, but I knew she would do fine. I looked between everyone and then back at the main man, the leader of this so called group. I was good at my job, I was trained by the best of the empire and then I worked hard to become better. Now, I was looking at those who I thought needed more training… Like Corripio needed a huge attitude adjust meant for him and not only that, he had stupid written all over him, which I was not at all surprised. I looked at Kirjava, seeing the doctor all over again and finding myself ready to leave now, but I was going to keep my cool and just stand there and waited. I just hoped that today I would not die because of this secret mission.

Shayna checked on her weapons, as I did my own. My daggers showed the crafts that came from a elf and I looked over the sharpness, which had not changed since the day it was made. I loved the crafts of the elves, they made the best weapons and I could not wait to use them today, though my own want to use them was hidden from the training to keep my emotion at bay. I had to make sure I did just that, I did not need anyone in the empire telling my sister what I was doing. If anyone in this team saw me as a threat and then realized who my sister was, I would only be in even more danger. I knew she was a rider, the news of that had spread… Which meant, she was stronger then before, she could kill me with language I would never understand… Though I was learning it from years of spending my time with the Varden, it will still strange to me. ”Your mind is only going to cause you more problems unless you clean it out… Quit your thinking, no assassin needs thoughts that linger.”

[/color] It was amazing that this girl knew so much and yet she was only Seventeen years old.

She had once told me her story, though it was many weeks ago, she only go to the point where her father was killed and then she had silenced herself, before closing her eyes and then changing the subject just as fast. It was amazing how she had trained herself to do such things. I had once asked who her mother had been and I had gotten my answer. ”A outcast… A house wife…”[/color] I had wanted a name, knowing many people in the Varden who were assassin, I might have been able to find the blood line. Shayna was a wonderful assassin, she was talented and moved with such silence that I wondered how she did it. I knew many soldier in the Empire hated Assassins, but I knew they were need and they came in very useful. I loved the need for battle, I was good at killing, quiet and such, but I enjoyed the heated battle much more.

As I finished checking the weapons on my person and then placing the two daggers more comfortable on me, I felt my head begin to hurt and had to relax to allow the presence of the young dragon into my head. ”Remy Karmenwati I must be frank with you. I will be honest, but do not take this to offense. I am a dragon, not a librarian or scholar. You cannot ask me to do research when I could be fighting. I spent a century in my egg, and was hatched only weeks ago. I deserve my freedom, and a chance for me to show myself. And my researching for a cure to a disease, I will only be made a mockery of. So I ask you, in the most respectful way possible, that you allow me to fight. Endorin will stay and research with you. Please.” Was it just me, or was this dragon before me begging for something. It was rather annoying to hear a dragon beg. Those dragons I had come across were smart, very smart and they were very wise. I could not believe this one thought of itself different.

I glanced towards the said Doctor, waiting to hear his answer and seeing the annoyed look on his face. The young elf rider was on the ground, as it hurt by something and honestly, it was rather funny, knowing that the dragon wanted him to stay and research while he fought. ”A fine specimen of the draconian race, Alaeyr!” The sneer showed his annoyance, which anyone with two eyes could hear and anyone with two eyes could see it. ”When I said stupid questions, I didn’t actually mean… ugh.” This was getting funny and Shayna stood right beside me, a slight smirk appearing on her face as she watched this fold out, her other hand placing the dagger behind her belt, allowing the silver blade to gleam a bit. ”All dragons are scholars. They were never born to be warriors and only ever fought in self-defence. Every shred of your parents’ memories should tell you that. And if you think I’m going to let a hatchling the size of a loaf of bread and his mindless Rider go into battle against highly trained operatives with advanced technology, you are sorely mistaken.” He had my agreement there. This dragon might be high strung, but anyone could kill it just by wrestling with him and sending a blade through his heart. It would take a bit of wrestling, but it could be done. “In fact, I’ll have you both working under Serowë as a proper lesson.”

“What? Find someone else to do your babysitting.” I had made the mistake of standing not far from the woman who shouted and found myself digging into my ears in order to be able to hear again. Shayna chuckled slightly before he flicked her shoulder, causing her to jump from surprise.

“She will teach you how to conduct research. If you’re good, you’ll be rewarded. If you’re bad, she’ll have you punished as severely as she pleases.” I knew that had to please the young lady and it did. She grumble some, but she liked the idea more then she thought she would. I could not help but roll my eyes slightly, still happy where I had been placed… Fighting was what I enjoyed best and so did Shayna. I looked around again, noticing that the boy was out cold on the ground and finding myself rolling my eyes and thinking how much of a wimp this boy was. ”Now, before we get vultures circling us, let’s get a move on. Alaeyr, wake Endorin up. Don’t embarrass yourselves further by having him carried.” I noticed the boy was beginning to stir and then also noticed that the woman was looking coldly at them. I did not care about what she was saying, could not hear it.

Shayna and I followed the Doctor, both of us staying together, mostly because we trusted each other and the other because it seemed like we were the only ones from the Varden. I knew that I had to keep this all quiet from Nasuada’s ears, but that would be no problem. I saw the town coming up and wished I could do more then walk towards it. I looked towards the back of our leader and let out a quiet sigh. ”What do you think we will find Turin?”[/color] I glanced over at her a shrugged, taking in everything around me, such as the landscape. The land was barren, flat and it would be hard to run if something went wrong. I would stay as long as I could before I high tailed it out and back towards the south. I was not going to lose my life to safe that of someone I did not feel needed saving. As we entered the town, I did not like it. I still felt like something was wrong, not even a bird flew from the roof tops, not bug crawled on the ground.

”If I only knew…”[/color] Which was a truth, I wanted to know what we would find… I could only hope this went over without a hitch, but I knew better then to even think that it would. The whispering from behind about how stupid this thing was and about the armour that had gotten left behind was rather annoying and I placed my hand on the pommel of my sword, just in case I needed it. I felt Shayna touch my arm and I relaxed more. She was use to killing and she liked the silence, to her, this was the perfect moment for a attack, but for me, I did not like quiet.

I saw the mead hall, frowning as I tried to remember the lay out I had seen. Nasuada had showed them to me a long time ago, but all I remembered from them was that the only entrance into this place was the front door. I removed my dagger, holding it firmly and hiding it under my wrist, feeling the calm steal on my skin. I took in a breath and then looked around once more. ”Alright… This is it. There’re probably heavily armed guards beyond here once I pick the lock, but if we properly shut ourselves up we’ll have the element of surprise on our side. I’m gonna ask again- if anyone wants to go AWOL, has a bone to pick with me, or needs the toilet, now is the time to tell me.” I was not hear to just come and go, I was hear to fix something, someone else had brought upon everyone. Shayna just looked at the elf with narrowed eyes, not from hatred, but showed she was ready to go inside.


Word Count:: 1.700
Comments:: Not my best, but I can only hope it will get better.
Tagged:: Pele Lahela Serowë::Remy Kamenwati::Lissa::Edorin::Alaeya::Kirjava::Parvus
Color Code:: Warrior Turin::4B63CD :: Assassin Shayna::1B9B54

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