Author's Note: I realized that I am really enjoying writing this story because it is quite a challenge, mainly because Elara is very different from the characters I have written before. So I probably will still continue this story even if I don't have much reviews, but I will still prefer a review. But the point is…this story is almost like writing practices. This chapter was quite interesting to write at parts, cause I've never done such a crude scene before.
I am studying for exams so I won't be working on my stuff much, I'll be staying away from the internet in general. The only reason I can put this up is because I got this typed before I started to get busy and I only needed to do some editing. Before I can put it up.
With more then a little reluctance, Woraen finally nodded and promised the Cowled Wizard that he would hunt down Valygar Corthala.
"Come, why this hesitation?" Tolgerias asked smugly as he managed to gain the upper hand. "The man is a murderer and his death will also serve a greater good. You are doing nothing wrong. On top of that, I will also pay you generously with both information and wealth."
"Do not push your luck, wizard." Woraen clenched out. "You should simply be grateful that you won."
Elara was mastering all the self control she had in order to refuse her desire of killing the Cowled Wizard right now, and the most difficult part was that she couldn't let her struggles be visible in anyway. She couldn't…she wouldn't let them know about this part of her past.
It was mainly due to her pride, but she argued that her past would cause problems in this mission: it would contradict with the image that Woraen wanted to believe in.
But she couldn't just do nothing either! Though she hated Valygar for leaving her, she still loved him. She did not even want to see him hurt, let along killed.
Tolgerias…damn that man! Four years ago he had first attacked the two of them before they entered the sphere, only to abandon the others when the two outnumbered victims were winning.
They were truly foolish to forget him.
What should she do… the little time she had was shortened even more by the necessity of having to think up a solution so quick. She had to somehow leave the group and assassinate the wizard without making her departure permanent; Aran Linvail had warned her of this mission's importance too well.
It would be easy if she just revealed Valygar's connection with her but…
She simply refused to do that.
"This is an evil deed, Woraen." Keldorn said disapprovingly as soon as they were out of the building. "I can understand the necessity of saving your friend, but doing something this foul is wrong."
"Do you know of Valygar Corthala then?" Woraen asked, desperately hoping that the Cowled Wizard had not lied.
"Very little. Not enough to proof his innocence or proclaim his guilt." The paladin admitted reluctantly. "But I simply do not trust that wizard."
"Nalia? What about you? Tolgerias said that Valygar Corthala is a noble."
"I've only heard a little." The other member of the aristocracy in the group said. "Some claims that his mother became a lich and he was forced to kill her, but others say that he simply murdered her."
Elara managed to be distracted as she wanted nothing more right now then to slap the insolent girl. How dare she insult Valygar like this!
"Oh, and apparently he married a peasant girl. Aunty said that he did this as no sane noble would give their daughter to him. This is probably due to his father, who married into the Corthala family. Some say he was a noble, other say that he was simply a merchant who wanted a title, while there are even claims of his father being nothing more then a commoner!"
Although her words made Elara's already foul mood soured even more, she was slightly relieved as she was allowed her to reveal some of her anger.
"Does anyone know where they might be?" Woraen quickly interrupted, as he was getting a bit angry at the way Nalia spoke himself.
"No one saw much of him." Nalia said with a careless shrug, "he always behaved like an outcast…as if he was a peasant."
"Perhaps he simply didn't want anything to do with people like you." Elara said very sweetly, a sign of her being extremely angry since she was able to control her instinct of lashing out.
"People like me? But I am a good person!"
Elara was prepared to speak when she suddenly let out a cry of surprise. Ignoring the rest she quickly went to a nearby peasant and took his hand into her's. Luckily, the others were not able to hear her, or see her slip a coin to him.
"Just smile and act as if you suddenly recognize me." She whispered with a very sweet smile. "Do what I ask well enough and I will give you much more."
The man immediately laughed and began to shake her hand heartily, after all, why shouldn't he agree to her proposal? He believed that she was merely one of the many women who sought to pay back an ex-lover by letting him see her with another man.
"Now speak to me…speak in a very serious way." She commanded, and immediately feigned shock, taking care to slip another coin into his hands as she gestured.
Finally, she issued her last order.
"Wait for me here while I go and talk to my companions. Then you will get the last lot."
"Is that man her husband?" Woraen wander as he saw Elara chatting quite amiable with the stranger before he mentioned something that clearly shocked her.
"I would think that there would be more emotions involved. From what she says," Kivan began, "She seems to be quite upset at his betrayal."
"But wouldn't it be nice if he is?" Aerie said hopefully. This was not out of pure goodwill, as Aerie secretly hoped that Elara would leave them. Despite Kivan's advice, she still found herself deeply affected and hurt by Elara's cutting comments.
"Who knows?" Nalia said in what seemed like a careless tone, although she was deeply curious at what type of man would actually marry someone like Elara.
"He can not be her husband." Keldorn's words were very quiet, but they were full of certainty. "She would not be able to greet her husband like this." He explained. "She should be angry at him for abandoning her, or immediately embracing him if she has forgiven him. But she is greeting this man without any emotion other then that of recognition.
"Although," he added rather thoughtfully, "he must have told her something relatively important."
Woraen suddenly realized that he didn't know what he should think and how he should react if that man really was Elara's absent husband. Luckily, he was prevented from doing so as Elara quickly returned, although the man in question was still standing at the same spot- watching them with the same curiosity that was no doubt on their faces.
"Is that your…husband?" Woraen asked, having decided to be blunt.
Unable to control her self, Elara burst out laughing. Her laughter even surprised herself, because it was a genuine laughter. Unknown to her, she began to look like the young bride in her locket, when she could still be happy, when she had began to hope and even dream again.
"You must think very highly of me, Woraen," she finally managed to pause long enough in her laughter in order to speak, "to believe that I would be so loving and forgiving as to not slap him as soon as I see him.
"No, he is not my husband, he is…he was my neighbour- when I lived with my husband. However, he did bring me news that concerns my husband. Our house…some one entered our house last night and it might actually be my husband- although he is not sure. So I would like to…"
"Go and see?" Woraen finished. "But Elara, I need you in my group."
"I would not be away for long," she promised. "And you have to go to the keep and handle some businesses first, as well as finding information in the keep. I should be able to meet up with you in the keep even before you leave."
"You are leaving?" Aerie asked nervously, her hopeful tone almost hidden.
"Only temporarily." Elara said with a scowl before she turned to 'plead' with Woraen once more. "I know this is unreasonable but I really must do this, and I must do this alone just in case my husband really is back."
"I can understand." Woraen finally admitted. "But Elara, what will you do if you do get to meet your husband once more?"
"Other then slapping him? I'll figure it out when the time come." She said with a careless shrug, because she long gave up any possibility of Valygar returning to her. "But I can promise you this: I will continue to adventure with you regardless of the outcome. Travelling with you has done me great good as I am no longer so haunted by my husband or my brother."
"Then go," he told her with a grateful smile, "but come back soon and be very careful. There are very few people in the world that actually benefits, instead of being harmed, by my association, so I would hate to have this number declining."
"Is this wise, Woraen?" Kivan asked with his characteristic frown. "Letting her leave like this?"
"If she wishes to leave us then there is no purpose in preventing her. I begged Jahiera to stay," Woraen said, his voice suddenly bitter. "So she was forced to agree. I woke up the next day and found her gone."
"Elara does seem to love her husband greatly, and I simply don't believe that anyone can act that well." Keldorn added. "As for her wanting to go alone… I can certainly understand that. I would do the same too when I visits my family."
"Do you wish to…" Woraen began, only to be quickly interrupted.
"No, not now. Some how I don't think now is a good time" The paladin said slowly. "But perhaps later."
Making her way into Tolgerias' private chambers was a bit difficult, but she has been doing numerous similar activities for a significant proportion of her life due to her profession. She knew how to apply and combine her skills with the right amount of bribes to gain almost any access
Luckily, he was even alone.
"What do you want?" he frowned at the sight of the young peasant girl in her simple shift with her hair held back by an equally cheap headscarf. No doubt this was another sister of some young man who looked for thrills by tampering with cheap magical items from smugglers that back fired.
"I…" she mumbled something inaudible, causing Tolgerias to sigh in frustration and beckons her to stand closer.
"Can you simply not speak properly?" he muttered as he gestured again, so that she was right in front of him.
She stumbled forward…
He felt the tightening of the rope around his throat even before he could actually see the slender cord. He desperately tried to cast a spell but he was not even able to speak, and his hands were restrained by her knees.
Elara always did her jobs efficiently and successfully by not wasting any of her time in speaking unnecessary words. Nor would she say anything after the death of her victims. They were usually not known to her, so there was no point in taking extra risks or wasting her already precious time.
For the first time, however, she was tempted to break her own rule. She wanted the Colwed Wizard to know that he died for the crime of wanting to harm Valygar again.
But no…there was too much at stake. This was not a time to throw the die, especially for a woman like her- one who rarely gambled.
Know that Zelaran Corthala killed you, she thought viciously as she carefully snuck out of the building, although I did this four years too late.
As soon as she was out, she disposed the dress she managed to obtain, the thing almost made her trip at one stage. It was not as if she did not like wearing dresses, she only loath them when she was working. There were even times when she had to carry out assignments in a nobles' restraining gown. Escaping ended up as the most difficult part.
As she had anticipated, someone was waiting for her.
"I am so flattered that he sent you to be my escort." She said dryly as she moved to stand beside him in the shadows.
"I volunteered, a good thing for you as you needn't waste any more money. A good thing for me as well, because this is a most welcoming break from my spell books." Aran Linvail's chief wizard said with a laugh as he placed an arm around her waist, only to be elbowed in the torso viciously. He wasn't offended at all, as he knew that she was actually being slightly courteous since she usually aimed for a much lower place. "Come, Elara, there is no need to act so cold with me. I am sure that some of you moaning during these nights were genuine."
"And you can tell?" she retorted back sharply. "You could actually hear anything beyond your own screaming?"
"I will not argue with you because I do wish to see you in my bed again. Or lie on your bed, that would do as well. Elara," he said with a sly grin, "Tessa has been working very hard lately, and I believe Renal has been reasonably entertained at night time as well. I, however, am quite lonely during night times."
"My list is very long, Haz, and your name is only one of the names on it." She stated calmly, her voice even cold.
"Oh yes, I am fully aware of the fact that I am merely Aran's lieutenant, not himself. I know what you say to everyone, Elara, even to Aran himself: that he has no more claims on your body then any other man. But the truth is that you would go to him as soon as he beckons."
"Why, you are still sour over what happened a year ago? He naturally had to remind you that I am his toy instead of your's, and perhaps I did too." She suddenly stopped their games and nodded briskly at the direction of a new one. "Obstacles a few paces away. About four of them."
"An opportunity for you to have a last enjoyment then." Haz said. "But what have we here? A fly in our ointment."
"I hope you have money to spare then, as my 'neighbour' took all mine away."
Contrary to the propaganda of Athkatla, muggers and thieves operated actively in every part of the city, including the government district. Of course, they were wise enough to target on those who were not accompanied by any private guards.
People like Elara right now.
"You, give me all your money!" the thug demanded, holding onto an already loaded cross bow.
"You really are right when you told me that the number of fools in Athkatla is increasing." Elara told her companion with a very sombre expression.
"Exactly." Haz nodded in equal graveness. "Perhaps we should have travel by my magic instead, but I thought that I should save the spell just in case."
"Oh, really? I am so surprised, as you never missed any chance of showing off your privileges."
A slightly smarter man would have worked out that he should back off very carefully right now, since these two were certainly not ordinary commoners- especially if one of them could actually use magic: what could only be brought by a mixture of connection and wealth.
"Is there a problem?" the guard that finally arrived after the creation of some more unwise threat demanded importantly.
"Nothing, nothing at all." The would-be-mugger said in an oily voice as he slipped some coins into the guard's already out stretched hand.
"Nothing at all." The guard confirmed with a nod.
"How many gold did you receive from him to make this incident into 'nothing'?" Haz asked as he too took out some coins. "I will pay the same amount to make what will happen into 'nothing' as well."
"Five…no, ten." The guard quickly 'corrected' himself.
"At least try to lie in a more convincing fashion." The wizard said with a roll of his eyes as he carefully counted six coins. "I am in a hurry, so I can not be bothered to negotiate."
Unlike the thug, the guard was wise enough to understand and be grateful at his extremely good fortune. Taking his new gained wealth, he quickly made his escape.
"Now…ladies first." Haz said. "Although you probably have already decided on your target."
"I do wish to take care of our 'friend' here." Elara said with her very sweet smile, which was probably scarier then her glare. "How can I not when he promised to do the same thing with me?"
The group of amateur thugs were already unfortunate enough in trying to rob Aran Linvail's chief wizard along with one of his best assassins, they were even more unlucky as one of them was foolish enough to mention any sort of sexual threats to Elara.
"Pathetic, all of them." Elara said as she gave the leader a vicious kick on the head once more. If he wasn't already dead, he would definitely be so now.
"But they did manage to make enough money." Haz said as he pocketed his now considerable heavier money bag. "Which make this enjoyment profitable enough."
Oh yes, money- the true justice and judge of Athkatla, Elara thought bitterly as they began to walk once more, it condemned me, yet it was that saved me.
She finally allowed herself to let out sob as she collapsed on the floor, the bloody knife still in her hand. She crawled to the opposite corner, wanting to be as far as she can from the mutated corpse of the elf.
Her first customer- the first man that she killed because he would have raped her despite her pleas.
How long has it been since the door was closed by her master and opened by that corpse? A few second, a few minutes, or even a few hours?
At the sound of footsteps that was growing louder and louder, she did the only thing she could think of: hiding behind the door with that dagger clutched in her hand in order to strike again.
Despite being completely stupefied by the body in front of him, which he wasn't even sure whose it was, as it was battered so severally, he still managed to detect the shape behind the door from the edge of his vision. He swore bitterly when he recognized the person, as that meant one of his customers has been killed by his own slaves.
He managed to grab Elara by the hair and shook her severally enough to make the dagger drop onto the ground. As she was clutching onto the weapon, it sliced across her hand, making it more bloody then it already was.
"What have you done!" the innkeeper demanded, hoping to frightened the young girl, but after all that had happened in less then an hour, his slave was in a state of hysteria that temporarily removed her fear.
"I killed him." Elara declared, almost proudly. "I killed him because he would have raped me. I would not let any men do that to me."
Letting out an even more vicious oath he began to slap her, not stopping even when both bruises and bloods appeared.
"You…idiot!" he spent some more time screaming at her for having ruined his business, or at the very least caused a dramatic decline on the profit.
He stopped when he realized that she did not care, she was even smiling rather maliciously and smugly. So, she was pleased at having harmed him, was she? Then let her deal with her own consequences right now.
"You signed your own death warrant by killing that man! You are a prostitute, and it is your fault for failing to provide your customer his goods- which you have to give him because he paid for it.." upon seeing her slightly changed face, he finally smiled "I'll send you to the garrison as soon as I can. And be assured, you will be judged guilty, if you even get a trial.
"They will hang you," he continued, now sneering, "I curse the day I brought you from Rieltar Anchev. You were always a lousy serving girl and you make an even lousier whore!"
Desperate with her fate, she tried to grab her dagger in order to stab her master. But Lehtinan was now well prepared, he easily kicked the dagger away and began to whip her, swearing bitterly at the same time.
The stranger standing in the doorway smiled slightly as he picked the discarded dagger up. She was not very skilled or even wise, but she was remarkably interesting.
She could be very useful to him, especially if he saved her. Even if his judgement was wrong, she would not be much trouble, as he could easily find a way to get rid of her.
There was also the additional satisfaction of angering this innkeeper who has always annoyed the shadow thieves…
Yes, he would do this.
"I want to purchase this slave." Though his voice was rather soft, it was one filled with authority and command.
"Who are you? You dare to intrude?" Lehtinan sneered, raising his whip again.
"You are already a fool for trying to make the wrong girl into a prostitute, and now you are so foolish as to attack a high member of the Shadow Thieves?" that was no longer his proper role but it was better to use his old identity right now.
Elara saw a man who was obviously a thief due to the black leather armour he had on him. Though his hair was very fair, he still seemed very capable of blending into the shadows. He was a comely man to look upon, but she had just learnt that appearance was not the best reflection of character.
Bending down the man grabbed Elara by the chin and titled her head up, so that he could look right into her eyes. He could see fear in them, but it was not caused by him, it exists due to the knowledge that she would soon die.
"You will be my personal slave." He declared out to her before turning to her 'former' master. "How much do you want?"
"She was brought with only a few bags of coins." Lehtinan began in an oily voice, not knowing the man's real identity, but guessed close enough. "But she is a murderess… 'sir'. The court of Athkatla demands justice."
"I can arrange for the 'justice' to be cancelled. Besides, I do not think many people would know of this 'being' anyway, he is obviously a stranger." He said with a brisk nod toward the corpse.
Elara watched her fate being given to another man when that man gave her formal master a bag of coins, what her father once received. Then her new master took her by the hand and half dragged her to his room.
Much to her surprise, he actually placed the dagger into her hand once more. Later on she laughed at herself for thinking of this as an act of kindness, if she had attacked him he could have easily killed her, even if she was armed.
"What is your name?" he asked her.
"Elara."
"But that is not you real name, is it?" he asked.
"It is the name that I use." She said flatly, but then her curiosity won over her fear, she had used this name for so long that she was beginning to believe that this was her only name. "How do you know?"
"I know many things." Her new master said with a smile, "you would be wise to remember this. So tell me, 'Elara', what is you real name? I will tell you mine if you tell me your's."
Elara hated her real name because it was a reminder of the reason of her birth. But this man was her master now, and she was bound to obey him, as he could punish her if she didn't.
"My name is Aran Linvail." He told her.
He had only become the shadow master a few days before, so his name was not widely whispered among the streets yet, although it would soon be.
"My real name is Zelaran Nervachez. The name I was given is Zelaran." She whispered. "And my last name is Nervachez- at least that was what they told me."
And this is why I put this shackle of slavery on my self again, because Aran Linvail saved me, Elara reminded herself as she knelt in front of the man who was probably still her master.
Unlike Lehtinan or her father and his wife, she was unable to recollect an occasion when Aran Linvail had raised his voice at all, he was always so calm and composed. That was what made him so much worse then her other masters, he was too calculating.
But strangely he was fond of her in his own way, she had done something somehow eight years ago to let him maker her into his personal slave, which allowed her to be punished less harshly.
"Do you have anything to say for yourself, Zella?" Aran Linvail asked casually, one hand stretched to stroke her hair.
"Other then hoping that you would let me be able to end my ordeal quicker? No." she said bluntly, "Or would you finally have me lying to you?"
"So you have no regret or sorrow for disobeying my orders." The shadow master of Athkatla interpreted very calmly, his tone still very relaxed. "I cannot have people doing this to me without being punished."
"I am sorry," Elara admitted. "But I am not sorry enough to not do this. As for any defence…I can argue that I shouldn't be punished because I have not screwed up my assignment yet, but I think you already know the truth, you who knows so much." Her tone was even a bit mocking as she recollected what he had said eight years ago. "I would have done this regardless of the consequences."
"I guessed, but I did not know. I was not certain," he said slowly, "That you gave him your soul along with your heart. But Zella, I am not a sentimental man. Do not think that I would spare you even more, I have already spoilt you too much."
"I am not foolish in that aspect."
"This is the second time. Remember that."
Taking her by the hand he began to walk to the torture chamber- a place she knew very well, as she had been both visitor and guest there. Much to his satisfaction, she appeared very composed, although he was able to guess what turmoil her emotions must be in right now.
"Booter, you have a most enjoyable task today." Aran Linvail called out as soon they entered.
At the sight of his latest victim, the torture master immediately let out a delighted chuckle.
"Well, well, well, if it isn't Elara gracing my domain again."
"I am deeply touched that you remember me." She said dryly as her master guided her to the same spot she had occupied four years ago during her stay here.
Obediently, she knelt when Aran Linvail pushed her down and made no struggle as he secured the chains on her outstretched hands. The only expression she revealed was a slight frown as the cold shackles touched her wrist and a more significant shudder when she made the mistake of looking at the iron beside the fire.
The difference of four years ago and now was that she knew exactly what would be happening. What forms of tortures she would be subjected to. She was not crying as she was not afraid due to 'what if'.
In her role as Aran Linvail's pet, she had often accompanied him when he went to the torture chambers. It was natural for her to be afraid of what might be done to her, as she was too well aware of the capability and ruthlessness of both the man who did the actual torture, and the one who ordered it.
Perhaps another reason of her loyalty was due to gratitude, as he was not making her suffer permanently.
It was strange for her to continue loving him even when she knew what he could be like. In a way, she did seem to love him as a dog might love her master. She could love him despite his 'sins' for the mere sake that he had saved her.
Punishment…a dog could forgive its master for doing this as she knew that he cared for her in his own way.
"You really are a rare gift." Booter chuckled as he ripped the back of her tunic. "It will be most enjoyable to see if you can be broken by the whip this time."
She had been crying when she entered, but she actually ended up relatively calm during the first part of her punishment: the whipping. Her own pride forbad her to scream, so she had clenched her fists, and later on she saw that her hand was actually bleeding slightly.
"I will leave the rest to you." Aran Linvail decided. "Booter, make sure that you don't go too far. Zella, come to my rooms once you are done here."
"Don't you want me to catch up on my assignment?" she asked very quietly, partly due to her surprise, and partly due to the necessity of saving up her strength in order to bear the whole torture.
"Haz will use his magic to help you travel." The shadow master said simply as he left.
Is the second time simply not worth watching? Elara thought cynically as she took a deep breath, preparing for the pain that would soon arrive, I suppose it makes sense, as the first time's a novel experience while the third time is the last opportunity.
"I have made some improvement to my whip." The torture master said in what almost resembled a purr, which was enough to cause Elara to shudder in disgust. "It is now cleaned with sea water."
Then he raised his hand and began the lashing.
She could count them, but the interval between each lash seemed much too long. It was painful, but it wasn't the thing that she feared the most as she knew there was worse to come.
The first time she was whipped was when she was ten, having spilt some ale. The result was being whipped by her new master. As a child, she and Sarevok tended to be beaten by planks, if not actual fists, so she never thought that something so slender would be able to hurt her so much.
During her stay in the guild…Aran Linvail never once punished her. He would simply smile indulgently and pat her on the head when she failed part of her trainings. But the way he told her to not disappoint him again was enough to prevent such things from repeating.
Her wounds were starting to sting now, it seemed that her back would never be completely scar-free, as she kept on getting new ones.
The greatest pain came from the branding. The sound of her own skin burning along with the smell of the scalded flesh finally breached her defence, making her scream hysterically.
She could not struggle any more, she could not even think of anything other then her pain.
Then one of her hand dropped, leaving her with only one hand chained. Turning around just so slightly, she saw him unlocking her shackles, while his other hand was already around her waist to prevent her from hitting the hard floor as her hand did. Not that it mattered to her by that stage.
Valygar had some how entered the guild and then managed to leave with her. He took her into his own home and tended to her wounds. The herbs he forced her to eat, as well as the ones that he used, made her gagged but his touch was so gentle and comforting. For the first time she was not afraid of a man's touch and it almost made her punishment worthwhile.
But she would be alone this time…it was almost ironic. It was always because of him. She returned to the guild because she was afraid that he might be hurt by them, although Aran Linvail might have allowed her to simply disappear since he was prepared to let her die if she chose to. This time, she disobeyed her master for the sake of killing a man that wanted to harm him.
"I love you enough to do almost anything for you." She whispered, slightly delirious due to her pain. "I would have fought against your fate with you, so why are you such a coward?"
The whipping finally stopped, but she almost wished that it wouldn't, as she would now be branded, a much more painful process.
A small brand was already on her back, the legacy from the last time she was tortured. It was in the shape of a single petal of a rarely seen three-petal black flower. The shadow thieves used this flower to mark those who left the guild. In her case, the day the flower had all three petals would be the day she stop being a member of the guild.
She could feel the heat radiating from the iron even before it touched her flesh. Closing her eyes, she inhaled a deep breath for the scream that would soon appear.
Within a few seconds a loud scream broke out from the torture chamber. All those who heard it paused slightly before them reassumed their tasks with a new zeal- for no one wanted to be in that position.
Aran Linvail allowed himself to sigh when he finally heard her scream, an indication that the torture was at its end, as she would only be broken by the branding.
He had quite a problem with Elara…his Zella right now. He always knew that her loyalty was divided when she returned to the guild for refuge after Valygar left her, as she loved him greatly. He didn't mind it that much because he never once thought that Valygar would interfere with the guild in any way possible.
Valygar was rather moralistic but he was not so extreme as to launch any crusades against this guild- his ways of dealing with problems like this was to simply ignore it. Beside, the shadow master easily found out that he had re-joined the army and was in some far off land.
Until a week ago- he was worried by Valygar's decision of quitting the army in order to find his beloved Zelaran, but Elara was free to leave if she desired.
His problem right now was that Elara would refuse his orders if Valygar discovered the nature of her task and begged her to not do it. This assignment was too serious and he could risk the outcome. Considering the way his luck, and that of the guild, had been, Valygar might really soon end up as Woraen's companions.
Not that difficult as the Cowled Wizard who wanted Valygar dead was assassinated by Elara.
It is quite funny, he suddenly realized, that Valygar was managing to stir up troubles for him even when he said that they would probably never associate with each other again.
"I cannot forgive one who does these acts out of his free will." Valygar had told him coldly during their last meeting, when he was about to leave with Elara in his arms. "I can forgive Zelaran as she was driven to it, but you…you did them for power, not just for necessity. This I simply cannot forgive, let along accept."
Because of Valygar, Elara's loyalty was in question. He needed a proof to dispel this doubt of whether she was capable enough to finish this task.
The door was pushed open and Elara staggered in, falling onto his bed immediately. She was no longer wearing her armour, but a dress instead. An unusual dress because it was something that only nobles would wear due to the impractical style, as well as the very expensive fabric.
"You are encouraging me to punish you even more by appearing so lovely," he laughed as he sat down beside her, one hand resting on her body.
"Not if you take a look at my back." She muttered. "No sane man can be aroused by that."
"I hope that the third time will not be happening anytime soon." He said pleasantly.
"No matter what I will at least finish this mission for you." She promised. "You should know that I will kill Woraen of Candlekeep because you ordered me to."
"Then do that." Without any warning he grabbed her by the wrist and yanked her up, causing her to fall right against him. "The guild's survival may depend on the success of your mission, Zella. So be most cautious. If you fail, I will not just cast you out of my guild," he whispered right into her ears, "I will make your body dangle by giving you the hangman's noose as a necklace to wear. The fate you would have had eight years ago."
"There is no need to threaten me. I will kill him without any hesitation now that you told me this action would prevent you from being harmed."
"Even so, I still desire a proof from you."
"A proof obtained by another task of assassination?"
"Of course, that is what I raised and trained you for." He said easily as he whispered the name to her. "And make sure that you are the one who kills her, not your companions."
"You know that this task has no purpose!" she yelled out angrily. "Yes, I will do it but you…"
"The purpose of this task is to show me that you are still loyal." He said rather coldly.
I have done a similar thing many years ago, he thought as he met her bitter gaze without flinching. Although that man still lives, and I continue to do things that would hurt him greatly this very moment.
Author's Note: I don't have much things to say other then to beg for reviews I guess, because they really really encourages you and helps you.
Once again…Elara's character is more developed. I quite enjoyed writing her first meeting with Aran Linvail. To be honest I don't really know what alignment she would be. She is an assassin and to an extent she has views that are quite…amoral? Or at the very least a bit shameless. She does kill people just because she is ordered to, and she has a variety of men who she sleeps with, some just purely for the sake of entertainment, although some did possess her affection. Elara is the first character I have ever written that is so…well…free in regard to sex. My other characters on fan fiction net, kind of all are very idealised so that could be why. But of course the reason she does this is partly due to Valygar's betrayal. The banter she had with Haz reveals what she has been doing in that aspect. Yet on the other hand she have a very strange and strong sense of loyalty, because Aran Linvail saved her she regard herself as having the obligation of doing almost everything and anything for him (the exception being sleeping with him if he orders her). Any suggestions or opinions on her alignment?
I think this is the first time I actually uses her whole name. Initially she was simply called Elara but somehow I decided to alter her name into Zelaran, I think it is because of her last name. I just thought that by adding the Z and N to her first name, it will have more of a flow with her last name. So she ends up being called Zelaran Nervachez. Nervachez is her mother's last name (for anyone who is interested, her mother is called Yasmina). She uses her mother's last name because her father never acknowledged her as his daughter. Although she doesn't use that name much because she doesn't like to connect herself with her mother (or her father either, truth be told).
I hope I illustrated a bit of Nalia's character better…I am trying to show her subconscious I guess. I think she is snobby in the subconscious way. So in this one she regards Valygar's father being a commoner as a bad thing, and also imply that being like a peasant is a bad thing as well.
As for the thing about branding…I just made that up but my logic is that it is a way to prevent people from entering and quitting the guild at will. Or sneak into another guild.