Chapter 2: Cryptic Stalker

"You called?" Velkyn asked the leader of the thieves' guild. Cryptic Stalker was his title, what his real name was, not one soul knew but himself and his poor mother who was ravished and killed in a disastrous way. He had intelligent, nimble eyes that darted from side to side at the slightest movements and sounds, he was always every so alert.

"Yes Sister, I did." He said bowing his head slightly.

"But I am not part of the thieves guild...and yet you are constantly asking me to do your duties, why is that?" Velkyn asked.

"I pay you good for it though..." Cryptic replied.

"True...but that was not my question." Velkyn said with distaste.

"My followers are busy doing.... lesser work, must I say? You are truly a work of art, and you do well at what you do. I don't think none of my disciples are close to being ready for the difficult tasks I have given you. It's a shame you are not in my guild, for I would have you stand next to me above all else in the federation." He said this truthfully, and she hated it.

"Keep your heart intact, you are a drow, not a pathetic beggar complimenting everything that needs to be complimented just to get what they want. I'd rather you beat me in the face then try and ease me with your words, yes, I would like that more." Velkyn said back, eyes blazing wildly. Cryptic gritted his teeth, not from anger, but the fact that he was stupid not to have caught himself. Complimenting someone was a sign of a desire for friendship, therefore a sign of weakness. Strength and will power are the two main things drows hold in highest regard. "Enough of this," he started, his voice changing, harder and colder, "We must come down to business."

"Very well, what is it?" She asked, shrugging it off.

"There is a mini task I need you to accomplish, it involves murder and theft, nothing more, nothing less." Cryptic said this slowly and clearly, his violet eyes looking serenely at Velkyn, his brilliant white teeth, such a contrast to his black skin shone brightly when he said the word: murder. Velkyn evilly grinned back, appreciating his excitement. He continued, "There is a festival coming soon as you know, in a matter of a week. It will be held at the Square, many will come. I suggest you dress in you best garments as not to draw attention to yourself. Have you heard of that arrogant dwarf named Halim?" He asked abruptly. "

Yes, yes, I have." Velkyn replied.

"I want you to kill him." Cryptic said bluntly.

"And?" Velkyn asked, her tone so flat.

"Reason is, he goes around boasting that he has this rich amulet in a small chest on his table, he claims it is magical, says it gives him influential power raising his charisma to a point that everyone admire him. I want you to steal this amulet, I suggest you do it during the festival." Cryptic explained. Velkyn looked at him questioningly,

"What if he is wearing it during the festival?"

"Then do it while he is asleep, keep your brains intact." Cryptic said sneering at Velkyn cruelly. Velkyn threw her head back and laughed maliciously, her eyes sparkled with wickedness when she looked back at him.

"Perhaps your heart is intact after all, now tell me, how much?" Velkyn asked.

"200 GP if you kill him, 200 GP if you bring back the amulet. 400 GP total. I am tired of the dwarf's boasting, the old bastards got to go."

Velkyn grinned again, "500 GP." She edged.

Cryptic's grin grew wider then hers, almost into a rare smile, he was attracted to her in odd ways. Well...not to odd for a drow. He was attracted to her for her love of violence and her determination. He liked how intelligent and cunning she was... how beautiful she was. It was not always good to be attracted to anyone when you were a drow because it was a definite sign of weakness. But Cryptic was not your average drow, if the Spider Queen knew what he was thinking he would have been killed instantly. There was something humanly about him and that was not good, not in the Under Dark.

"Fine. But only if you dance with me at the festival, then take a walk with me after your done with your task." Cryptic said sharply.

Velkyn didn't grin back, let alone smile, she hated Cryptic. How could he ever be considered a drow? But 500 GP was a lot; she wouldn't turn it down. "You disgust me, but for 500 GP...I'll do it. I'll be there and I won't let you down." She said and with that she turned on her heel and walked out of the building.