Speech = ``…..….. ´´
Thoughts = …..
Inner voices "…..."
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Kingdom of Quelthalas: City of Silvermoon.
Valeera point of view:
The moons sat high over the dark looming sky, companied by a solemn court of stars by the time she reached the safe location, away from the utter mess she had managed to get away so that she could lay alone over one of the benches in the main park of the city, though mostly populated even at the highest hours of the night now remained empty. Calm….., soothing even.
A stark contrast from the chaos she had just come from. Her clothes now resembling more of her workplace again rather than that silly dress and even more ridicule footwear she had been forced to not so long ago cling to her slim body, sweat still falling down thanks to the humid weather around her.
She had thrown out the tattered clothes the first chance she had, no point in keeping broken goods that no one would buy for a nickel of gold.
She could feel the cool air of the night brush against the spots her cloak did not fully covered, the rhythmic movement of her chest as her breathing heart throbbed painfully within her, causing her breath to be haggard and dry with each intake of air.
Slowly, she rose one of her arms and tried to rub the side of her now broken lips…., fighting the desire to gasp in pain as her slender fingers carefully traced over the small specks of dried blood still lingering over them, she would have wished that would be the only of her problems. The sides of her face still ached to the touch, foretelling the series of bruises that would soon adorn her delicate face by morning if they were not already there.
A wayward parting gift of that son of a bitch back there at the spire had saw fit to left her with... , how nice of him.
``Darkham….´´ Her nose wrinkled in disgust at even the mention of the scheming magister before she tried to whisk away his image from her mind.
She failed…. , the wretched smugness and barely veiled poisonous words of that pompous low life echoed rent free in her mind, refusing to give any ground any time soon. Only adding another layer of anger to the already burning pyre that had become her heart. She would have loved to make him eat his horrendous hat that he bored with such pride everywhere he went if she could, sadly the contract spoke clearly not to "harm" the target.
A menacing growl left her lips while her hands clenched tightly into fist at the still fresh memories in her mind of her mission, her pain flared up as she started chewing her lips. Not because of her task, not at her treatment those egocentric buffoons had granted her, nor what she had to do..., no not all all for she could have cared less. She was used to it at this point.
It was rather her role in it….
Her parents would have loved every second of it, and that sickened her to no end. She spatted furiously at the ground, eyes burning with shame and anger as she tried to fight off the rising bile from burning off her throat on its entirety as memories she thought long buried tried to claw their way out from the deepest depths of her psyche.
A rogues job was not to be seem by others, in and out before anyone realized that...simple as that. So what the fuck was Striker thinking when he forced her to attend a noble party for her next job?
She loved a challenge, she would not deny that..., not like those small fries at the beck and call of that smug bastard who would continue to barely survive by pocketing their earnings, but there was a difference between a hit at a common civilian home and try your luck with the high echelons of society, more so when you dared do so before the noses of dozens of them reunited in a specifically place.
The scales were just too damn different, too great to try it even... and yet she of all people had done so anyway. Brazenly...
Bold…..but stupid.
The fact she had stated she could do it with her eyes closed did not help either, not at all. She would not find comfort in her conscience.
That soft, nagging voice ringing at the back of her head every now and then calling out for her idiocy.
With another sigh she held her head down between her hands as she tried to put some order to the turmoil in her mind, to the disparaging ideas and contradictory thoughts that threatened to overcome her senses.
Weighing her down like a heavy burden….
She felt dirty, even though now they remained cleaned she could still picture the fresh blood sliding down her hands, tingly gripping the stained handle as the blade puncture with voracity the girl's heart. That sticky sensation around her slender fingers as the blood went dry, the ragged short breaths of her pained chest before death settle in and the way her body fell limp on her were already horrifying by themselves.
But the worst thing had been the way her eyes had widened in a silent gasp as she took her life. No matter what had taken place for such event to occur in the first place, that look of utter agony would forever remain imprinted by fire in her mind.
She was no stranger to violence, of her knuckles bleeding down while her body threatened to shut itself down by the sheer pain she had subjected it after a brawl with the fellow city rats, outside the law the strong lived and weak obeyed and she refused to obey. No matter the cost.
Some may call it foolishness, but she would reply to them with a smile and a fist in their faces to settle any lingering doubts about the matter. Her pride was the only thing that she had not yet shed from her upbringing..
It was the only thing that she had left too…..
Had she lost not enough?
A grimace warped around her lips as her thoughts started venture further down that road. She had not been ready for it, never thought she would have to, it was not how she had imagined it. In a blaze of glory or after a tearful goodbye, like the stories she had read so much. But it was not like that.
It had been so sudden….
It was not her intention to take plunge her knife in her heart, no one was meant to die…., especially those that had nothing to do with the games those with power played over the life's of those they considered lesser. A part of her told her to stop with the self loathing, that what was done was done and so she should continue on without looking back. That it was the girls fault for not listening to her, for not stopping in her relentless endeavour, or just for been there at the wrong time...
She would loved to, she truly did….but these was not something she could push down the rug and forget it.
She just couldn't.
Shaking her head, she pinched the bridge of her nose. It was then that she slumped over the bench, the tension in her shoulders lessening while her eyes remained lost. Lazily wandering for something in the dark beyond that could shed some light into this hell of her own making.
Her only response was the dim light of the stars been slowly snuffed away by the encroaching darkness that were a series of clouds coming from the North.
She was tired…., of her lot in fate, her boss, the nobles, but mostly her lack of thought out plans to deal with this kind of shit storms.
Gods he was stupid, and she even more to even agree to it. What was she thinking? This was going to cause such a splash that would be hard to ignore. She was sure that not many would recognise her at first, things had been so hectic and fast that it would be a miracle if they did, but if they did…..well, she would better be good at running because she was be going to do a lot of it the next following months once they caught her scent.
She had crossed a line she had thought she knew better not to, things were going to be from bad to worse, there was no doubt about it.
``Shit…., how did I allow myself to get roped into this mess?´´ She muttered to no one in particular but herself as she brushed aside one loose strand of her golden hair from her eyes. What could she do now? Was anything left to do? She did not know and for once that uncertainty of what her future could hold scared her.
And she hated it, that feeling of weakness, of total impotence. It felt like she was back to being that frightful child who could only hide away from the slaughter.
She could only hope the worst outcome would not come to pass…
``Hope…?´´
A frown morphed around her face as she stared down the cobble stones forming the path she stood. She wanted to laugh about the very notion of her holding out on such fickle thing, of how easy it could be twisted.
Taken away…
She had learned to soon the price of holding out in such fantasies thanks to her family, so why was she still wishing for it? What compelled her? She did not know...
"Is rather cute to see you mop around from time to time, shedding that stone cold heart persona of yours…."
``What?´´ She could not help but exclaimed, completely taken aback by the sudden intrusion, raising her head in search of whoever had uttered those words yet founding none. It was only a few seconds later than she understood where it was coming from.
``Shit...not now of all times´´ She muttered with dejection, leaning against the bench in resignation of what was to come.
"And wait for your preferable time? Not a chance, just like your possibilities of coming out of this unscathed, but you were never bright to begin with...so what are you surprised? You silly girl"
She shut her eyes tightly, feeling the way her teeth grinded against one another to the point to shed blood, the bitter taste flooding her mouth aiding her in pushing those thoughts away, as she tried to quiet down the coldness from the voice uttering those condemning words. A voice that she recognise without the shred of a doubt, one that had never left her alone no matter how she wished it had.
Slowly, she shook her head….a tired leaving her lips as she glanced in silence at the parade of stars hanging over her head, who watched her frigid in kind.
The offer of such amount of gold had sounded rather good back then..., now? Not so much she feared. Even if she had succeeded in her task, it did not felt that way on the slightest, leaving nothing but a sour taste in her mouth as she tried to come with a reason for what was bothering her or what could she have done differently, a different approach, a different strategy.
Only to find nothing, nothing at all….
It felt just like another failure.…
"And you called yourself the greatest rogue that there ever was!? Gods girl, its clear that you are not even able to do what you always fancied yourself to be... " The voices mocked her, their laughter echoing cruelly inside her head much to her chagrin.
``That's not it, this was...different´´ She croaked, trying to sound as certain as she could yet her voice betrayed her as nothing but a faint whimper came out. Earning her the bitter chuckles of the voices in her head, clearly not amused by her feeble attempt.
"Excuses girl, and you already know what we think of them"
Her ears flared in anger while she sent a murderous glare at her invisible assailants. In normal circumstances, she would have tried to pay them little heed like any sane minded individual, but at that time she was too tired and could not care less after that fiasco of a night…
Right now the only thing she wanted was to vent her frustration with the closest thing at her disposal, uncaring whether they actually were there or not.
``You don't know what happened, what I had to do, stop judging me like you two care a shit about me you two faced as holes!´´ She spatted, her words carrying as much venom as humanly possible to let them know what she thought of them. A sudden brush of wind carrying them far and further and away in the process.
Sadly they did not seemed startled at all, in fact for the way the sounded they sounded rather entertained by the notion of her wrath been directed at them...
"For Belorees sake, you Truly are useless, we should have known better and sent you to your distant relatives to spare us the grieve of nurture you…, don't you agree dear? Our daughter seems to have learned nothing after years on her own"
"Indeed my dear, such a truly shameful display. Do you really think that your temporal caretaker will share the prize with you? Don't make me laugh, you are nothing but a pawn for him, the bruises in your face will be the only payment you will ever receive this night. It dumbfoundedness me how the hell you are blood of mine with such poor intellect"
``For fucks sake! Can you not leave me alone for just a second? I could do better than having to listen to your useless bullshit´´ She cried out, holding her head with her hands as she rocked it back and forth wishing for them out of there.
The voices remained silent for a few seconds, enough to bring her the false hope that that would be the end of it. She should have known better.
"Like you did to us? Leaving your mother and father to fend for ourselves? Leaving us to die!?"
"Admit it girl, you are happy we are not here…"
She felt her resolve crumble as the words slammed against her with the force of a battering ram. Quivering lips and tears threatening to burst from the corners of her eyes as she held onto herself in a desperate attempt to hold any modicum of control.
``I-I did not do that…, I was just outside when it all happened…´´
It was the truth, no matter how much she had detested them…, never in her mind had such terrible thoughts crossed her mind. Back then, she had something…., poisonous as it may have been she had something to call her own.
Somewhere to belong.
To return
Now she had nothing, nothing but bitter memories
It was then that her eyes fell on the source of all her problems, a seemingly harmless notebook that lay exposed on the bench to her right. The wind barely moving the pages with every gust of air. Her eyes narrowed as she brought it closer to her, inspecting it momentarily in case she had missed something during the first time, though a fruitless endeavour as she threw it back to its resting place.
How was it possible that such a small thing was so important to the boss? It was just a bunch of numbers and boring things like meetings and the like.
``I hope you were worth the trouble I went for you...´´
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/...Several hours prior.../
``If I didn't know the truth, I'd say you're the fairy queen herself. It seems like magic how with a little care it can change that raggedy bum look you usually have. I barely recognise you´´ A soft, well spoken voice reached her ears, she did not need to turn around to know who it belonged to. She had heard heard enough times to memorize it….
A slender brunette looking girl that stood much to her disgrace to her right, mumbling things non stop since their departure from the safe-house.
Her name was Roxy..., or as the rest of street rats called her; "the boss girl", she did not seem to mind which one you picked as long as you were smart enough not to pick a fight with her. Though in their group there was only two groups; the rats and the boss, she seemed to hold some sort of authority. Perhaps, because of it, she was the one responsible to dress the members of the gang according to the situations they were working. Though her appearance could have led to misunderstanding she was the oldest of the gang.
She was also extremely annoying when she started speaking of her skills….
``Good, it would be bad for this infiltration if anyone were to do so….´´ She replied dryly before she switched her attention once again to the world outside, hoping to end whatever line of conversation the girl was about to come out of the brunettes lips like she usually does.
After all, if given the chance she would run her mouth with no end in sight, and trapped between four small walls she would rather die than be dragged into one of her monologues.
She had already paid the price once...
A tired sigh left her lips as her eyes peered into the dark fog hanging over their heads, searching for one of the moons lighting their path towards their destination. Her mind rewinding at the different sorts of goals she had been assigned; get inside, find the service room that led to outside, retrieve the materials they had led her previously, retrieve the special documents and then get out. All in all simple…, if the place they were going to rob was not the den of a magister….
She closed her eyes as she slowly leaned against her seat as she distanced herself from the incessant mumbling of the older girl. Allowing herself to feel, if only for a moment.
And feel she did...
The way the humid wind brushed against her delicate features like a soft wet blanket before it left as soon as it had appeared...
The constant rattle of the carriage wheels over the paved cobblestones mixed with the haggard breathing of their horses...
The scent of magic whirling around them, sometimes stronger, others far weaker…., yet always there. Drenching the air in Arcane raw power before moving away from her grasp in the other direction.
Always so certain, always so fickle..
She could not help her thoughts from going deeper, a slight frown forming around her lips as vivid flashes of her past passed before her. Her parents had at first been enthusiastic to the idea that her daughter had such superior traits compared to other children her age, how she could sense things with such detail where others would fall short or just not even notice.
The ghost of a smile threatened to form around the edges of her lips. She had been proud too…..for managing to drag their attention for once at her.
But that enthusiasm would not last forever, for as time went by the object of her pride became the very thing that poisoned her relationship with them. The last thing a family of mages needed was a daughter with the same amount of magic than a wild toad.
A tide of bitterness washed over her, she shook her head in an attempt to push away the thoughts eating her inside before opened her eyes, getting a brief glance of a distant spire…, perhaps no so different from the one that she was about to be.
The idea left her with mixed feelings.
"You have noticed it too, haven't you? It has been a while since the last time..."
"Indeed…, it seems that one way or another you can not shake the past, cant you?"
She agreed, though it was the first time she attended a dance for any purpose other than to die of boredom in the thick scents of dozens of perfumes in a closed environment for hours like she had done in her youth, she had prayed she never had to pass through the same torment ever again. She should have prayed harder...
She held her head with one of her hands as she leaned towards the window, a pensative look in her face. And though she knew her goals and what needed to be done, looking at herself she could not shake that awful feeling that she was doing the stupidest thing in her life.
She had a few ideas why…..
If someone had told her that as a rogue she would have to dress like a doll looking for a dance and about to enter the main door of her target instead of slipping through the shadows she would have called their bullshit before shoving it down their throat.
Now? Well…., she would rather not think about it.
She had tried to refuse the unending attempts of Roxy to look at her reflection through the small mirror she had brought in case that there was something that needed a last minute touch. With the enthusiasm that the brunette was showing it seemed as if it was her who was doing the mission rather than herself.
The brief glances she unwillingly took over the mirror only managed to sour her mood even further as she could not unmake the reflection of her body, a red hue starting to form around the edges of her ears as time went by.
All of this because Striker refused her every pleadings to go inside with her usual clothing
She fought down the urge to rip out some of the loose strands of silk hanging from her bare shoulders as an itch started to spread from there. Gods, it was so damn uncomfortable! How people could endure this things and be expected to act naturally!? It was madness!
She fought down the bitterness from the bile rising over her throat as she quelled down memories of a far younger girl, alone in a vast room…..
The organza skirt and bodice cinched tightly to her chest were extensively decorated with counterfeit jewellery that her boss had found laying around at the warehouse that reminded her of the surface of the sea. The swirls of silk sewn to her body created fabric roses, her edges decorated with a light gold hue were pleasing to the eyes, her hair was curly, gathered in a long ponytail that fell down her right shoulder like a waterfall of gold
And that was without adding the hours of makeup she had to endure until she was a "proper lady" as Roxy stated over and over. A proper lady…., her jaws clenched as if tasting something foul.
Its only redeeming quality may have been the shade the cloth held; a vibrant crimson hue that by luminosity looked like freshly spilled blood. She would never admit it out loud, but it was better than the green monstrosity they had tried to give her earlier on.
She had shivers running down her spine only to think about it.
``I don't say this often, but I have to admit that even a prince would fall for you….´´ Said Roxy as she eyed her with pride, a playful glint growing in her eyes as she leaned towards her. `` Or perhaps a lonely good looking magister….´´
She looked away from her companion towards the empty road that the carriage window allowed her to peer on as she tried to ignore the romantic antics of her companion. For one who was supposed to be older than her by a large margin she really acted like a star struck child sometimes
``We are here for a job…, nothing more, nothing else´´ She stated though mostly to herself, yet that did not seem to deter the older girl in the slightest as she started pouting at her.
It felt like dealing with a child….
``That doesn't mean there can't be no pleasure dear, you are gonna grow old and bitter if you don't find a way to spend that pent up energy of yours…..´´
``Speaking from experience?´´ She fired back towards the beaming girl.
``Of course...w-ait, what!? No! You little she-devil, why do you have to be so hurtful?´´ She exclaimed with fake hurt, pointing an accusatory finger in her direction. She truly was one for dramatics wasn't she?
She shrugged. ``Better hurtful than obnoxious...´´
A look of diastase flashed before her companions eyes before it vanished away, replaced by one of barely held contempt. Roxy left a sigh left her lips as she leaned towards the opposite side of the carriage.
``Your manners have much to be desired, but leaving that aside….. from this day forward you must let me comb your hair, promise me you will´´ She stated sternly, catching her by surprise by the look of determination glowing from her eyes.
She already much to deal with to add another grievance in her long list….
Sometimes she was bewildered by the speed the girl could change from annoyed to enthusiastic, truly, it was hard to get a good grasp on what was going on in that mad head of hers, though thinking it better now she would rather not.
She cocked her head to the side, a puzzled look in her face as she glanced at Roxy. ``Did you hit your head or something.. ?´´ If Roxy felt hurt for her wording she did not give signs of it, in fact she started playing with her hair.
``Don't be like that, really.., its a tragedy to allow your hair to grow so wild and unkempt like you do when you can look so much better when you give it some love. Just look at me, you could learn a thing or two from your senior in these matters, I would even give you the first class rent free...´´ She said before she winked at her.
A shudder ran through her spine, how terrifying...
I did not know the meaning of torture had changed She thought bitterly but wisely decided not to share her sentiment. ``Hair is hair..I don't see what you are getting a fuzz of...´´
The brunette gasped, eyes open wide while she placed a hand in her flat chest. Did she really had to make a ruckus of anything?
``How could a member of my own sex say such horrible things!?´´
She sighed in exasperation. This truly was hell, what had she done to deserve this?
``Please shut up...´´
``No, this is too important to keep quiet my dear. Most girls like to look pretty at the eyes of others, Val…, that is just common sense.´´ Said Roxy with the same tone one would use when dealing with a toddler, placing her hands on her hips as if to reinforce her words.
``Most girls are idiots...´´ She saw a glimmer of annoyance spark in the others girls eyes, one that promised future retribution. Anyone else would haves stopped right there, but she did not care whatever scrutiny she would probably be subjected to. Anything that pestered that walking chatter box was welcome.
For a moment there was silence inside the carriage, a change of pace that she silently was grateful for…, but alas good things are never meant to last.
``Ah Val, you truly are indeed one of a kind….sometimes I wonder what sort of rock you came from, but don't worry, I will set it my mission to soften your wild spirit in a proper girl, at least we don't have to wait for your body to reach maturity, not with those huge jugs hanging from your chest´´ She said as she looked down her chest with a not so subtle look of envy in her eyes.
She could only shake her head with annoyance at that, she really did not understand why the likes of Roxy paid so much interest into such things, if she knew how hard was to swing a hammer with those things jiggling everywhere she may think otherwise.
Though something told her that the likes of the brunette would think otherwise...
Wait a moment...,why was she smiling? Why was she approaching her? What was she about to d-...
Before she realized she started wailing her arms to the sides as a flare of shame sprung from the core of her been as she felt Roxys hands trailed down her body, touching every spot of flesh in their wake with hunger.
``Hey stop!´´ She cried out, yet her words fell on deaf ears as she tried to push away the larger elf from her...unappropriated assault on her person. The way her hands circle around her chest, rubbing softly against the naked skin that the dress did not cover up…, she could already feel her face be set ablaze by the sheer indecency that had taken hold of the seniors mind.
``Come on, play with me...I promise that I will be gentle´´ She cooed softly in her ear as if she had just shared the most of intimate secrets. Her jaws clenched, teeth grinding to the point to shed blood. Roxy may be enjoying this escape of her, but she could only feel a tide of sheer repugnance take hold of her heart.
She tried to push her away from her, but much to her grimace a sudden swerve of the carriage threw Roxy and herself against the other end of the carriage. With the brunette standing over her triumphally as she noticed the position they had landed.
Damn whore and her antics! ``You bitch! You are lucky I don't have a dagger or you would lose your hand!´´
``Oh Val, I did not think you to be a prude...how embarrassing´´ She cackled loudly, mirth showing off from that pair of lustful sapphires she had for eyes, yet completely devoid of any warmth whatsoever. ``But don't worry dear.., I know how to work with gal's like you...´´ She said before she pressed her mouth against her neck.
She did not know what she meant, but she would not have to wait long as a gasp left her lips when she felt one of Roxys hands trail down her legs into her hips while the other continued to grope her chest, dangerously slipping through the cloth into the flesh that lay hidden below.
Rubbing against her core, seeking entrance…
It was then that she lost it, whether it was the scorching sting of shame burning her alive or the way the carriage bumped into a rock on its path, she quickly found the strength to rise up from her position and pulled Roxy closer to her.
The pained, shock look in her eyes disappeared momentarily as she slammed her forehead as hard as she could into her stupid, fucking face. Sending her tumbled backwards onto her ass with a pathetic yelp like the whore she was.
Gods, that had felt so good….
``Fuck you!´´ She spatted at the fallen form of her boss girlfriend as she started to stand up, clenching her hands tightly into fists. Roxy merely rubbed her face with her hands, trying to ease the pain ringing in her head.
``Sheesh dear..., there was no need to get violent. It was just a prank..´´
``Agree to disagree´´ She spatted scathingly before she lunged forward, graving the girl by the neck and slamming her against the couch she had been previously standing with all the force she could muster, cutting short whatever surprised yelp she had uttered. Once, then twice….hearing the carriage creaks with each action before she grew tired and threw her away.
The pained look in the girls face did not diminish the fire burning inside her in the slightest, but at least it allowed her to regain her composure. Had she not she would have continue until she was nothing but a bloody mess….a lovely picture in her mind, but one she would not live for long without weapons against her boss who was probably hearing it all.
She was brash…, not suicidal.
"What are you doing!?Go, teach that lowlife a lesson of who are their betters..." Screamed her father in exasperation. She grimaced as she tried to ignore them...
``Ouch, did you really had to do that? I just... wanted to make sure there was no surprise down there, you know...like a girl with a boys part...´´ The weary voice of Roxy brought her back from her thoughts, a hidden gift as she now had something else to focus on.
``Never do that again...´´ The words were ice cold, almost that she could have freeze Roxy on the spot.
``Don't worry...I wont´´ She replied softly, her eyes downcast for a second before they narrowed as she gasped in pain when one of her hands brushed her pained skin, bruises would soon form all over. ``For all that is sacred, Vall.. you hit like a Troll rather than a little girl...what have you been feeding on girl!?´´
``What!?´´ This girl could not be serious, it could not be possible to act like the two had not been at each others throats just a moment ago.
``No, I am dead serious, just how do you do that?´´ She asked, a hint of eagerness in her voice as she did.
There were no words to describe to describe the utter nonsense she was hearing, none! It seemed that her shock was rather palpable as Roxy crossed her arms below her chest in a pouting manner.
``Don't give me that look dear…, unlike someone that I know I don't hold grudges when I was the one to start it…, is it so hard to believe?´´
``A lot..´´ Was the only thing she could mutter on that point as she was still trying to make heads on what madness was crossing the other girls mind.
``Val...one of these days I am going to teach that you cannot tell such horrifying things to a pretty lady!
``Pretty? Have you seem in the mirror?´´
``Well, that is absolutely your fault, don't go now and deny that..! Though now that I think about it you could have gone a bit little further...uf, I can feel it grow moist down there with the thought alone..´´
She rose one of her arms and started pinching the bridge of her nose, a tired sight leaving her lips before she took a sit in one of the remaining spaces of the carriage. Did she really hit her that hard? There could not be another explanation of she could be so up beat about it…
Fucking deviant…
Luckily for her, she would not need to ponder much about it as a voice echoed within the carriage.
``As entertaining as all that mess has been, I believe we should put an end to your petty quarrel, we have arrived...´´ Came the grave, growling voice of her boss. For a moment she had forgotten he was the one driving the carriage. Her face started to take a prominent red hue as she considered the possibility he had heard it all.
As if to give emphasis to his words she sensed the way the carriage started losing speed, until it remained completely still
Soon enough a loud, authority voice quickly made itself known, dissipating whatever silence could barely settle between the three of them in the small confinement of the carriage.
``Who comes there, identify yourself´´ She could hear the sound of footsteps quickly approach their position from different angles, clearly the guards having spotted their form of transportation and now that the doors behind them had most likely closed would interrogate them.
``Just a merecoachman bringing a guest for the fun…´´
``Right, do you think I would fall for that? The time for you to arrive was an hour ago´´
``I am merely a humble man, if you have something against it you can have it with the little lady.
She chewed her lip. That seemed to be her cue to come out.
She took one final deep breath before she slowly opened the door leading outside. A cool wave of air brushing against her for a moment, her eyes quickly met the shining blue ones of a tall male garbed in green plated armour. A look of realization striking him once he noticed that he had been found staring.
``Allow me, my lady...´´ He muttered softly, long gone was his growling voice now replaced with a quiet mumble as he stood to her side, offering one of his hands so that she could reach the floor without incident. She was silently grateful for it..., the high heels Striker had recommended, no…, forced her to wear to fix her height problem were horrendous impractical. She would be lucky not to make a fool of herself on what remained of the night at this pace.
She could only hope…, but even that seemed far-fetched.
``As you wish´´ She meekly replied, intertwine her soft appearing fingers with the cold metallic digits of his gauntlet. He merely gave her a weak nod.
Once she was standing on the ground and was sure she would not stumble forwards she turned around to thank the man, but his attention was directed at her boss who was toying with his hat.
``I will take the lady from here, you can go on your way….´´
``Of course sir´´ He then switched his attention towards her, a particular glint in his eyes before his lips morphed into a playful smirk. She always hated that look….
``I bid you farewell then my lady….., happy hunting´´ And with that he pulled on the reins and leave the premises. The two of them standing still until the silhouette of the carriage was lost into the dark streets of the capital.
``Happy hunting?´´ She did not need to meet the man's face to know that he had a rise eyebrow. She silently cursed the old man for his thoughtless act. Was he trying to get her killed or what!? Once again she was left to defuse his mistakes. Like always….
Sucks to suck.
``Just… don't pay him any mind…, sir...´´
``I see... ´´ She did not know whether he actually believed her or he was dumbstruck by her boss idiotic tendencies aswell.
With nothing left to say the two of them entered the spire, the interior was as much as she had imagined. Though she had not found any of the other guests yet, perhaps they were all in the ballroom, that would allow her ample of space and privacy to slip by and get herself to work.
As they continued to march through the vastly decorated yet empty hallways she silently started memorizing the route they were taking; the number of wide corridors, the stairs, the rooms they got a cross. All in need of the moment she had to leave.
In a sense, Spires were tricky buildings…, from the outside they appeared to be just thin towers in some vain attempt to reach the skies, but in the inside the structure was far from a mere cylinder. It may have helped that magic was always used in their construction to increase what could be put inside.
Perhaps she was so focused on the matter at hand that she had not noticed the guard calling her until he tapped her shoulder.
``My lady? Are you there?´´
``W-what is it, sir?´´ Her tongue stumbles in her haste to respond, did he say something important? Had he noticed something out of the ordinary?
``Nothing too important I fear, I was only asking if you had come in your own´´ Though her mask of gentleness remained strong, the same could not be said for the state of her mind. Why was this man so chatty? Was he trying to fish out information from her or was he simply curious?
She tugged a loose strand of her golden hair with her free hand. ``My father was...indisposed´´
``I see, so you have been sent to take his place...´´ It was a statement more than a question she realized.
``I am...´´
For a moment none of them said anything, allowing for their words to stew in their minds for a while, she welcomes it if only to prepare herself for whatever would come next.
``I see, they must be proud of your capabilities if they have sent you on your way alone without guards..´´
She tried to smile the way she had been taught, showing off a courteous gentle smile while at the same trying to forget the sick feeling slowly crawling over her back, like sharp tendrils clawing out her flesh at a slow pace, leaving nothing but a cold husk behind. Looks of anger and disappointment flashing before her eyes like volatile shadows, condemning her in silence...
Unconsciously she held her grasp tighter around his arm as he led her towards the entrance gracefully, not realising the change in her mood nor what it could be behind it. She grimace internally when she realized the difference in size between the two, forcing her to lean towards him to avoid stumbling forward to much.
``Indeed, though we would have arrived sooner if not for a terrible incident...´´
``What sort of accident?´´ The guard inquired politely, yet his tone did not hide the way his eyes narrowed slightly.
``A broken wheel, it was most unfortunate….´´
For a moment he stood still, his face mostly hidden away from her as he turned his attention forward before he gave her a weak nod. Was he hiding his laugher? ``I see…, sometimes they break when one least expects it. It seems that these are dark times indeed…, fret not my lady….you are save under my gaze´´
Not with the way you are ogling me I am not…. She thought with apprehension but quickly pushed those thoughts aside. Instead focusing in the small, yet perceptible movements of his body, searching for any sign that could tell her whether her words words had failed to convince him.
She tried to chuckle at the man's attempt at comedy, leaning closer to him while her stomach twirling inside her. ``Indeed, I hope we did not arrive to late my good sir...´´ She spoke out softly, even meekly as she slowly rose her eyes to meet his. He merely chuckled, tapping her back a bit too much affectionately.
No, she was no used to this sort of action, in fact she was mostly used to be the one in control of what little she had a say on…, to suddenly be forced to play the role of a graceful dame even for a few hours was jarring to say the least.
Focus Valeera…., you can bicker all you want once we are done here…
``Do not worry my lady, though late the night is still young….you will probably enjoy it much more than us guards´´ She could only nod at him, he wasn't wrong…, though if given the chance she would have rather stay outside at the mercy of the elements rather than inside the megastructure with all those proud peacocks cackling all around…
The very thought gave her shivers…, sadly it was something that did not went unnoticed.
``Don't worry my lady, though the corridors the outside winds can still be felt, the cold will not reach you once inside in the ballroom...´´
Right…, the cold.. She really had not the heart to correct the man of his misunderstanding. There would have been too many things to explain.
`` I hope so...´´
As they approached the soft melody of the waltz reached them, it seemed that the party was in its middle part, which worked just fine for her….if the majority of the guests had started drinking while a few pairs were dancing on the dance floor then not many would have the clarity of mind to remember her.
Her musings were interrupted when she spotted the red and gold glass doors at the end of the hallway, clearly leading to the heart of the party if the constant echoes protruding from it were anything to go by before they silently opened before them on their own.
She found the need to close her eyes for a moment as she tried to adjust to the bright light washing over the room. When she could she was left in awe at the sight that was presented to her.
It was huge, it was the largest room she had ever seem by far, easily occupying three entire floors in the spire structure. The walls decorated lavishly with different shades of gold and scarlet, their surfaces glowing with an ethereal glow thanks to the myriad of candles laying around.
Most of the guest were in the lower floor, just as she expected the majority were on the sides, speaking with one another while a few dozen pairs were dancing at the tune of the music the musicians situated at the far end of the room were eagerly providing. Their faces hidden away by the masks they wore.
It brought memories, she almost could see the ethereal form of a lonely child at the far end of a table.
``From here you will have to continue alone, my lady´´ The guard announced with as much circumspection as she could manage, although she did not take her eyes off the dance that unfolded at the foot of the main staircase.
``I understand, I am very grateful for your work´´
``Few are, little lady….few are.´´ And with that he left her, ready to continue his vigilance.
``Well…., now to find the north east window that that lazy worm of a boss I have said I would find the materials needed for this mess´´ And with that thought in mind she started walking down the staircase, a single hope to mingle with the guest below as another one.
Yet, had she known the amount of attention her sudden arrival had gained, she would have probably turn around the first chance she got….
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``Who is that...?´´ Darkham nearly dropped his drink when he spotted the newest addition to the party at the top of the steps. Clad in a tight fit crimson dress that seemed to glow at certain points like a dying sun under the bright light of the room while the soft golden mane tied into one sole ponytail that fell like a cascade over her over ample boson made her look more like mirage rather than a living being, stood a beauty of a woman.
For a moment he wondered if he was dreaming or the imported wine from Iron Forge was having an effect on his mental faculties, until a few heads, and then many more, turned to look at her.
No, he was not daydreaming….
Though the Waltz was in full swing, everyone not dancing watched breathlessly as the masked mystery gathered up her skirts and took one step, then another. It was hard to pull his eyes away from the new found beauty...
``Who is that?´´ Someone spoke out the question that perhaps anyone paying attention had lingering in their heads, but if someone knew the answer none seemed willing to do so
He did not mind, he could find the allure of a mystery in his mist for a while as he continued to bath himself in her essence. The way her feet, or the soft movements of her waist as she tried to keep the balance between practicality and sweetness.
It was not bad,
His eyes narrowed slightly as they perked as he caught of something strange.
She was small, a bit more than he would have thought possible for a guest of this sort of event, yet the way her body had been crafted spoke of sensual maturity. Her face was kept hidden from view by a simple dove mask, a kind of provocation no doubt to wear a symbol of purity while dressing in such a brazen manner for all to see. Earning the jealous muffled voices of the more older women who had dim fit their attendance.
He liked that, the guts to pull such a move….
Speaking of her…., he was no stranger to beauty, not at all. Day after day at court he gave her the opportunity to glimpse the ladies of high birth who walked through the royal palaces as if she belonged to them did managed to make one used tot he sight, even if those so called beauties never saw fit to give him the time of day as they considered him not high born enough for their liking.
A natural choice of course, it was only natural for those whose blood had been risen from the muddy grounds of the rest of their kin not to mingle with their lessers, always striving to better their bloodlines with worthy acquisitions.
Natural selection at its finest was the unspoken rule in Quelthalas, it was not the individual that mattered...but their legacy, an idea that he could go behind though one that now applied against him was starting to vex him greatly, for neither his exploits nor deeds were considerate noteworthy enough for their cold attention. He could only grind his teeth with bitterness at the thought.
He slowly pushed away those thoughts as he tried to switch his attention to more pressing matters, though not as completely as he would wish for he could still feel them linger around the corners of his mind. Slowly, he leaned against one of the tables around the room as he watched with keen interest the product of his creation. Slowly dimming the voices of the guest and into an inaudible grumble.
The ghost of a smile over his lips as he eyed it all with some sense of pride. Catching brief glances of the heraldry of the numerous nobles standing deep into conversations of their own or the few who had been brave enough to come out to dancing floor as the music beckons.
He had done this, they had come here because of him...no one else.
The grin started to grow wider. Yes, perhaps this was just what he need to make a break through. By the time this was over no longer they would consider him as the brilliant yet unworthy Darkham like many of his seniors and fellow magisters laughed and sneered behind his back when they thought he was not at hearing range. His dreams could be reached, it was no longer a matter of if, but of time...
It would be so easy..., so simple, he could already imagine it, a not so far future with him at the centre of a new age. He fought the urge to lick his lips as he casually placed his hand over it. She would become his stepping stone to greatness.
Yet a small lingering doubt remained inside, somewhere deep in his psyche, clawing at the edges of his resolve as if crying out in defiance, of inevitable doom. Souring the sweet taste of dreams yet realised.
And if did not?
The grin started to diminish, leaving way for a deep scowl settling in. Well, if that were the case then he would find another way, he had time…. , he would have all the time of the world.
Or perhaps that would not be needed as he set his eyes once again on the crimson dame as an idea started to morph around his mind, devious thoughts slowly coming to agreement as he studied her every move. She was alone, completely….there was no trace of a bodyguard or a male companion anywhere near.
That sent a few red flags in his mind, such lack of presence was rare if not unprecedented as most nobles preferred to show off their wealth and number of mistresses or lovers in the eyes of the rest of the high world. And now that he took a better look, though great in the hands of the dashing blonde, the cloth seemed a bit old fashioned. Lacking any of the decorations he had seem in other lady's.
A lower noble house, perhaps? Or a representative of someone who wished not to make their presence known.
Someone with power….
But if that was the case….,oh. Oh! How convenient! This had to be destiny lending him a hand to little old him. With a wicked grin, his eyes followed the dashing blondes movements with renew interest.
She soon reached the ground floor, and when no one seemed to approach her she went of her way towards the centre of the room, her small heigh would have made it a difficult task to track her down…, but with that bright crimson dress, that glowed like fresh spilled blood under the candlelight it was certainly easy.
He immediately made his mind, before he realized he had already walked through half the room before he stood a mere two meters away from her. She seemed to have notice his arrival as she was already turning to address him before he could utter a single word.
Good, most would have been too distracted with the constant humming of the voices or the music filling every spot in the room, that she had managed to detect him spoke of great perceptive straits. Or she had been waiting for him to make the first move.
He did not know which one he liked more...
``Is certainly…..´´ She paused, her soft kissable lips remaining still for what could have only been a teeth of a second yet for him lasting an eternity before her voice returned through them. ``Quite lively...´´
Such answer was not what he was expecting from the likes of her nor the way her eyes glimmered with emotions that had been too fast for him to read , was there a secret meaning behind them or were they just that...words? He was liking this situation less by the second.
The dove mask hiding away too much of her face for him to get a good read.
``It kind it is…., though I fear that you missed the best part..´´
She shook her head weakly. ``Its ok, though a wasted opportunity such distractions were not the primary reason why I came here´´
That was indeed true, though party's held some sort of distraction from the constant duty's of the nobility the most important thing was the networking that took place within those walls. The connections and new paths that a few conversations with some same minded individuals could not be overstated. The fact that she knew about it and made no qualms to hide her real intentions made his respect for her grew a little higher.
It could have been rather foolish to do so in the open before a stranger, but it certainly was bold.
Boldness…, the words hanged in his mind for a while. The first step to success if he could say anything about it. Without it to rely upon he knew he would have not reached as far as he could…
Those old coots at the court always trying to play the long game, putting themselves at a waiting game when what one should do is taking the initiative.
``My name is Darkham Drathir, the host of this grandiose celebration…, though I fear I did not catch your name, my lady´´ He said waving his hands to the sides before giving a slight bow towards hers, yet eyes never wavering from his gaze.
Perhaps that was why the courteous smile on his lips slowly vanished. He had expected a playful smirk, a dry chuckle…. not the cold reception he received.
``I did not...´´ She replied dryly.
It took him a few seconds before he regain his composure ``And may I know?´´ It was surprising that he was even uttering such words. A few seconds passed before she deigned herself to answer as she dusted away some invisible specks of dirt.
``You may ask…though I may not answer..´´
Playing the mysterious card? What should have dimmed his desire to know more of her only increased it. That still did not diminished the annoyance crawling in the back of his head as he was back told by a guest in the eyes of so many.
At least with the way she had turned to the side and placed one of her fingers over her lips as in deep thought allowed him to get a better sight of the large chest her cloth barely managed to contain.
Truly a sight to behold…., and it would be his, only his. He would make sure of that.
``My oh my...I must say that I was not expecting such discretion, but now that I think about it, it does make some sense. That was rather startling entrance my lady, I can say without a shred of a doubt that every soul were drawn to you the moment you step in´´
For a moment the swore he saw a barely perceptible twitch appear in her left eye, though it could have been a light effect….
``Is that so? Well, one would have thought that they would have better things to do rather than stand still, gawking like a bunch of school girls..´´
His eyes narrowed slightly though it seemed that she had not noticed his discomfort as something else caught her attention in the distance, though trustful..hers was a crude way of stating the facts. Almost to the point of peasantry….
How troubling...
``Indeed though don't pay them too much heed…, ´´ He did not wait for her answer before he turned to the side and whisked away two full cups that a waitress was carrying, ignoring her surprised yelp before he switched his attention towards the woman who was looking at him with what he assumed was something between amusement or shock.
She was being too guarded for his likings, perhaps something could ease her tongue...
``Here, lets toast for your arrival….´´
``Sorry, but I will pass…., I am rather lightweight when it comes to wine
``Is not polite to refuse a hosts offer...´´ He replied, his voice growing slightly harsher as he once again tried to place the cup in her soft hands. She once again pushed it aside, her voice firm as he met his eyes.
``Neither is to be insistent on such matters.., my respectable host...´´
He could only take a step back at the denial. Anger slowly slipping by his mask of calmness. Cheeky bitch, how dare you! You think so high and mighty that YOU-No! no…..focus Darkham, don't let get it over your head….breath in and out. Don't be impatient, you are a master of this game, dont let her get ahead of you
``As you wish, though you are missing a fine wine….´´ He grumbled more than said at the sight of another failure.
She was laughing at his expense, she had to be….he would not forgive her for that. Unless...
For a moment the two stood still before one another, an awkward silence settling in between the two. One still scheming of ways to make his the stubborn soul at his side, while the other was slowly moving away from was nothing but a hideous headache.
His concentration was such that he barely noticed the increasingly distance forming between the two, not that in his mind could be place for even the smallest thoughts that someone would rather rip their own eardrums than to hear another of his words.
``Is there a problem...?´´
He quickly shook his heard. ``There is not such thing, though I can not deny the sadness it would give me to see you part so soon I have to say that there is a question lingering in my mind that vexes me every time that obscures partially my sight when it falls on you...´´.
Now the only thing he had to do was waiting for her to take the bait.
``And what would that be?´´
``You see, well…., pardon my impertinence, but though the beauty of your style has almost blinded me by the sheer purity it oozes like a pair of twin suns.. your hands were left bereft of any of it. Curious, wouldn't you say…?´´
A puzzled look appears on her features before she glances down at her hands. ``That...is true´´
``So there are none…´´
A part of him could only smile with glee as he witnessed the way her muscles tensed under his gaze, how her lips warped into a deep scowl, a small hue of scarlet forming around the edges of her ears as her eyes locked sights with his. Crossing her arms below her ample boson, perhaps in an attempt to make herself look far more secure yet it only enticed the view for him.
``Pardon my wording, but I have yet….to meet any to reach my standard´´
``Speaking of which, I don't think I have seem the heraldry of your house young miss, or at least heard of where you came from….´´
``Well, about that...´´
But before he could hear anything else he felt someone tug his shoulder, quickly turning around he was met with one of his servants, an old man who was passed beyond his prime.
Now what..?
``Lord Darkham…., Lord Lortheas Flamehold aswell as Weuzen Ancient Strider are asking for your presence at the atrium...´´
He recognised the names, two of the council members that he had managed to convince many times to give green light to some of his projects. They had been instrumental in his rise to power, he should be overjoyed that they attended...but their calling had caught him in a bad spot.
``Now?´´ He half barked half whispered, as he wished not to draw more attention upon himself as he had already done so. He could already hear them whisper to one another….
``Indeed..., should I tell them to wait master?´´
``And invite their wrath!? You fool! Go away and fetch some drinks for the three of us, I am sure we will have much to talk about´´ With that he left his sight.
A sigh of exasperation left his lips as he was left at quite a crossroads. Fate had a horrid sense of timing, didn't it? He could either entice their wrath or lose his only chance to get a hold of the woman beside him.
What to do…, what to do?
He could only grit his teeth in barely contained anger as he realized that he had no choice but to go forward in what he considered the least worst outcome.
``I will be back soon my lady..., Don't. Move. From. Here…..´´ And with that he set foot towards, not even waiting for the girls reply, nor that he would have heard it with the loud noises filling the room to the brim.
This better be worth his time...
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-I have to admit that I did enjoy writing these few chapters even though when I started I thought to go with a 4k to 6k, not a 22k chapter. Though it pains me that the characters that would show up would not appear again in what remains of the first Arc I thought it fitting to give them a moment to shine, their presence merely one of the many cogs that keeps the story going.
- It may have went unnoticed but Valeera had already appeared before in chapter 9, though it had been in a rather brief fashion, it always confused me why someone who would become a master of the art of espionage and assassination would wear such eye catching outfit, but yet again, is fantasy, no? Speaking of her, there is not much we know about her story apart from some of her in game interactions and the wow comics, as the only daughter of a noble family of great sorcerers in a kingdom who values strength above kinship or common sense I thought that there could be some interesting ways to shed a different light in her direction. She may hate been a lady, but the lessons that she was taught still remain inside...
- Tohka123 I am glad that you are enjoying the story so far, words from readers like you only compel me to continue on this daunting though entertaining task, feel free to ask what doubts or questions may arise as you follow the story or theorise in which direction may the story go. The first arc is mostly finished so I don't think I will change much of it, but the second will be a tough nut to crack, though who knows? :)