The Last Path: Chapter Three ''To find a Mouse''
It was a long sleepless night that Darren experienced, he couldn't bring himself to push away the thought a close friend could die anytime soon, and that Darren may yet be the only one to save his life. So much weight on his shoulder, pulling him down deeper as emotions overwhelmed him. The numb assassin couldn't bear the thoughts that ran through his mind. Even if he was trained to be inclined to respond in most situations without any attachment to decisions, the consequences would be on him regardless. Darren's focus would specifically be laid upon the other assassin that was sent to kill Saren. Who it might be, if Darren knew her, how skilled is she? It was a cat and mouse game. But even for Darren it was hard to say who was the mouse, and who the cat, it was a hunt, a chase.
Another day passed in Vadelore, and today was exactly a week away from the Crucible. Six days before the assassin would be striking Saren. To celebrate that the assassins of Serynthal have managed this long, and will be participating in the Crucible, well, Saren would on behalf of them, but under a different name to represent an order that aids the kingdom, incognito, less suspicion, a grand dinner would be held. All members of the Crows were present, at it was around late afternoon. A grand feast set upon a long wooden table that stretched out in a big hall, plates set upon the table with knives and forks, spoons aswell. Among the feast was seen fruit from exotic origin, bread and butter, meat that was specially seasoned, most guessed this must've cost alot, but with the income of the assassins, this was easily affordable. In the middle of the table Saren was seated, overlooking the rest of the members, next to him sat Darren and Jethran, along with Eavan who was as grumpy as ever. Everyone seemed to be enjoying their meals, but not Darren, he was rather distant from the merry mood that lingered around himself. And as grand assassin, Saren could notice this. The man rubbed his chin thoughtfully before nudging Darren's shoulder, an eyebrow raised questionably. ''Is something bothering you, Darren?'' He inquired, his tone calm, but with a mild hint of worry, despite the calm emotionless expression the man beared on his features. Darren seemed to be oblivious to his surroundings, gazing at Saren at the nudge given, verdant green eyes blinking momentarily to gain some clarity as he rubbed his forehead, shrugging. ''Yeah, I'm fine, just not fond of crowds, you know?''. His lips mustered themselves into a smile towards Saren whom nodded and returned the smile, quickly fading as it became apparent, tending to his meal again. Eavan sat next to Jethran was eating himself full with meat, stuffing it into his mouth like a ravenous dog, as if he was starving, though judged by his bulky form, with fat forming from the overwhelming amounts of food he consumed lately, one can say he's just a pig. Darren eyed Eavan with distaste at his manner of eating, eventually averting his gaze to Jethran whom was gazing around the hall, seemingly scanning each individual calmly, eating with manners. Darren rested his chin within his palm, he tried to specify exactly who Jethran was eying, and then he knew. Darren shook his head, Jethran was eying all the females present with a long lustful stare, as per usual. Hours passed as the feast eventually ended, and everyone made their way back tot their quarters or house. Darren walked out of the hall, only to have a hand pull him to the side away from lurking eyes. The younger male eying the man with confusion, it was Saren. Saren pressed a hand upon Darren's chest, against the wall as he leaned in, his piercing blue eyes gazing into the green ones of Darren, inches away from the other. Darren appeared puzzled, gazing to his left where the hall was before letting his gaze run back to Saren, breathing sharply. ''..Yes, Saren?'' he asked, narrowing his eyes. ''I know there's something you aren't telling me, Darren. If it personal, you don't have to tell me, but if it endangers the Crows..'', The older man was clear in his words, demanding as his digits tugged tightly on Darren's shirt, exposing more of chest, though not intentionally. Saren couldn't help but to eye the exposed area, as if this moment it's the most he's seen of Darren as he's always in armor. Saren saw few scars present, but moved his eyes back to the ones of the other, who gazed at him, unfaltered. ''It's nothing. I'm just bothered by something of the past''. The Grand Assassin sighed as he released the hold on Darren, letting the man go as he quickly walked off himself, waving as if saying it's fine.
Darren stood there with a heavy mind, confronted, and he couldn't say anything. This night Darren decided to stay at the headquarters of the Crows, having his own quarters that was luxurious, dim lights, and a warming and comforting atmosphere. His quarter was just infront of a staircase, and that staircase led up to Saren's, Darren left his door open for one reason or another, even later at night when his eyes began to droop from being tired. A black shadow sprinted along the open door, upto the staircase, which alerted him. He pushed himself off the edge of the bed and walked to the door, gazing just outside as he used his skills, silently moving up the stairs as he passed few windows, he moved up further before pausing, his head tilting as he then moved back, his hand reaching forth to the window and pulled down a figure whom put up a fight, Darren luckily managed to keep his balance as he breathed out, it was a woman, hooded, glaring at Darren as she moved in to kick him, Darren blocking the foot and twisting it, so she fell onto the staircase, rolling down, but not too far. He chased after and managed to catch up to her, but it was too late. She was too quick, like a phantom. He knew now this was her. The assassin.
