Black
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Let me tell you about the time I almost died….
_That particular day I found myself wandering from Peltarch to Norwick. A trip that is becoming all too familiar for me. Only this time I had a nice surprise waiting just on the outskirts of town. One of the bandit clerics was waiting on me. An ambush was set and I was caught off guard and burdened by my heavy pack. A mistake I am not soon to make again I thought, but we all know that never happened.
I was hit before I saw the swing. A solid shot to my right shoulder as I passed the tree. I spun quickly to see my attacker. He smiled a wicked smile and I quickly offered him my gold. That would not do though. He wanted my life. Not as if I would have given him much anyway. I quickly drew my whip from my side and watched as it unrolled with a slight crack. I thought this might be enough to give my attacker second thoughts, but sadly, it wasn't. He came on as I dropped a crossbow from my pack and hit me very hard across my back. Let that be another lesson to never bend down when someone is trying to kill me.
My whip flew out with a crack and connected solidly with the man's cheek leaving a gash under his left eye. A very solid hit, but alas, a whip is no defense against a sturdy shield and mace. My shortsword dove in quickly after, thinking to strike the would be robber low. His shield shifted to intercept the blow and that mace of his came down hard again. This time it was nothing more than a glancing blow, but one that sent me reeling. I stumbled backwards.
My shoulders ached as I stood there looking at what I thought to be my killer. He smiled at me and I knew it was time to fight or die. I could have ran to town maybe..I should have. I didn't want to cause a problem though, and getting through the gate before the next swing would have been more trouble than it would have been worth. I swung my whip back circling my enemy. He smirked noting the stiffness in my movement. No emotion escaped my features as I chose my next target. This time I would surprise the man. I lunged forward with my right spinning my whip around the mans waist.
Though it did no real damage through his armor it did cause the man to look down.a mistake. My shortsword was stabbing before he had time to look up. The blade sliced through his weapon arm. He howled in pain. I winced from the effort exerted in the motion. My shoulder ached as it has never had before.
The priest backed up pulling his arm in tight and gritting his teeth through the pain. He then called upon whatever god he prayed to in order to aid him.another mistake. The short prayer opened a window of opportunity. Albeit a small one I saw it. I leaped out again with my whip leading the way. I caught the man in mid prayer leaving another deep gash in the side of his neck. He would think twice before praying during a fight.
Blood trickled down his neck and into his colorful armor. Again the whip doing little damage other than a distraction, but that is why I use it. He lunged forward with a wild swing which swept just above my ducking head. I came up quickly with a shoulder trying to barrel the man to the ground. My shoulder could not stand the force of the blow and I was forced back yet again. This time he was ready and I felt the shield he carried smash into my head. I barely had time to gather my wits before another swing of that mace came in. I ducked again this time pulling myself down toward the grass and rolled backwards. My shoulder ached from the move and I gritted my teeth determined to not let my attacker see my weakness.
I came back in quick after the swing pulling in close….too close. My whip became virtually ineffective so I punched out with my right hand, then again connecting with his face. The blood from his gashed cheek was now on my knuckles as he stumbled back. He began to call out to his god again. One would have thought he learned from the first experience. I smiled as I heard the prayer going out. My whip snapped out taking advantage of his distraction and soon he wore the end of it as a necklace.
I yanked hard spinning him around then down to the ground. His time had come. As I dashed down to land on his chest with my knee I smiled looking into his eyes. You should have taken the gold offered I said to him as my shortsword found it's mark in his tender throat. A bit of blood spurted up from the new wound covering my armor and part of my face. I stumbled back leaving my sword there for a moment as his body lay twitching on the ground. I sat there for a moment beside the road looking. Staggering to my feet I stepped on the man's face and pulled my sword free. I then took what I could find on him. The mace broke in the fall I suppose so I left it lying. I then stumbled into town. It was time to wash up._
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**Loose Ends III
Nico sat in the darkness watching the man walk around preparing his bedroll for the coming sleep. Behind that black mask he held no emotion. The first sight of him had caused a rush of emotion to flood into his mind, but he quickly pushed it away. He only watched now as his enemy went about his business, never knowing he was being watched. Nico sat there quiet as the shadows that surrounded him taking note of his movements. It seemed the old man had lost a step, but he could tell age had not crippled him. He still seemed ever bit Nico's equal, possibly still better.
It was not long until he heard the sounds that he had waited half the night for. The sound of a man fast asleep, buried in his dreams and letting the world know by his breathing. The assassin sat there still watching and still wondering what his life was like all these years. While Nico lived the life of luxury it seemed as if Tero had lived a rough life. One probably filled with alcohol and bitterness. Likely he had replayed those last days in the camp time and time again in his head or at least that is what Nico thought.
He slipped from the branch like a cat that stalks a mouse. He dropped the last few feet and landed quietly on the ground looking up quickly to make sure the old swordmaster had not heard the gentle thud. He was overcautious this night because unlike the others this would be by far the deadliest if the man were to wake. Soon he found himself near the small camp Tero had made, sitting on the rock that Tero had sat on earlier, watching the man from just on the opposite side of the fire that Tero had made with his own two hands. It was if he wanted him to wake.
Nico remembered their battle vividly and knew he would be no match for him even now if he was prepared, but he wasn't. Part of nico wanted to just slice his throat and be done with it, but that would not be what happened tonight. The assassin pulled the small object from the pouch he had placed it in earlier and looked at it for a long moment. A small vile that held a greenish liquid inside lay in the palm of his hand.
He glanced to what was quite possibly the best man to ever wield a rapier, by Nico's evaluation and he knew he should die fighting. Or rather he thought that is what any other fool would think. Tero was a fighter and Nico knew that. It would be honorable for him to die in battle, especially to Nico Black, the man whom he defeated. Nico almost chuckled as he thought of it. He knew it would be honorable, but Nico Black has no honor. That is something left to barbarians and paladins.
The cork came out easily and soon the liquid swirled with the contents inside the waterskin. He would no doubt taste the poison, but by that time it would be too late. The dose was large enough to put down a half orc and would easily subdue the man. He crept away to the darkness to watch now. He merely waited for the sun to rise over the treetops and the man to wake. It wasn't a long wait.
Morning came and with it came the birds chriping and the forest coming to life. A spider crawled across Nico's arm, but he made no move to kill it. He was focused on the man who was beginning to stir near the fire that had long burned itself out.
Tero yawned and stretched his arms out far above his head as he sat upright. He began to try to breath some life into the fire once again by a relentless assault with a stick and some dried grass to coax it into life once again. Soon it was burning. The morning had not fully come to it's full life and it was still dim out. That time right before night and dawn when everything stirs, but nothing wants to meet the day. Tero on the other hand was one to wake early and work obviously.
He reached for the waterskin and quickly uncapped it taking huge drinks. He wasn't fully awake yet and either was so used to drowning his sorrows in strong drink or still half asleep to notice the bitter taste. He probably didn't care Nico thought taking note that the man seemed more defeated than he had thought a few hours earlier. He got to see him now in the light and it seemed as if age had caught up with the man, but again he thought to himself he was no match.
Nico began to count down, knowing full well how long it would take to have the poison run it's course and it's effect to be felt. He stood up seconds before the poison dropped the old swordmaster to the ground, knowing that Tero had seen him walking from the trees before the he fell down made Nico smile. He would not be asleep long though Nico knew but when he did awake his body would be useless. Unable to move until the poison had ran it's course fully. He had to move quick before Tero regained full control of himself. Which would not be long.
The man had gained a few pounds and wasn't the easiest body Nico had moved, but move he did. He sat the man beside a tree, propped upright so that it looked as if he were sitting. A tree that was right on the edge of the cliff known as the roost. Nico made quick work with the rope that led up to the roost and soon he had it all coiled up near the ledge. A small smile creeped across the assassin's face as he noticed the man stir as the rope slid around his neck neatly. Not long now until he was awake.
Then the eyes fluttered open quickly and greeted Nico with fear and confusion. No doubt the same emotions he had felt years before and at the hands of the very same man. Nico smiled looking at his old enemy, the smile of a man who has won a great battle or some game of chance. Tero's body was not responding to his commands to strike out at his would be killer, but Nico did notice that hand twitch. He was stronger than even he had imagined.
"All these years Tero we have not seen one another. You likely don't even remember me. "
The man's mouth tried to form a reply, but no words came out as the poison was still coursing through him.
"If you have forgotten let me introduce myself. I'm Nico. Nico Black. And you once bested me in a duel. Not only that you beat me very badly and had me walk away bloodied and bruised. Ashamed of myself that I was not better. Well today Tero, I am the better man."
A murmer escaped his lips as he again tried to reply.
"Oh no need for talking now. Soon you will be dead and I'm sure you would like to know a few things. One of them being why am I doing this now. The answer to that is simple. A long time ago you made an enemy of me, even before you were convinced of it. I'm sure you know what I mean about that. My one time teacher gave me the assignment to kill your king, but first you were in the way."
The hand slid an inch across the ground toward Nico and he returned with a smile. "Still fighting I see."
Tero grunted in reply, obvious to nico that soon the poison would be gone and he would have to deal with the man.
"Yes Tero, it was me who killed Horgan. I killed him with your blades. I hope that makes you feel better at least. The very blades you used on me I turned against your King and ended his life. A shame too because I was fond of the drunkard. I wanted you to suffer though Tero. To live a life of not knowing. Did you really kill him….could you? I'm sure you asked yourselve these questions over and over and I must say. It has to be a good feeling to finally know doesn't it?"
"Y....you..." the words formed slowly on his lips.
"Shhh..." Nico put his finger to Tero's lips. "Don't waste your breath so much. You will need all you can get soon."
The swordmaster looked at nico now with hatred pure and unhindered. He would have torn his neck out had he the ability to.
"Now it's time to finish what I started. To end your pathetic life and put you out of your misery. No more will you have to turn to the bottle to console you, fighting with your inner demons wondering if you were capable of such acts. Don't think ill of me for this. I'm really doing you a favor you see."
Nico stands and smooths down his muttonchops looking at the man who is coming out of his paralysis.
"Here...let me help you."
The assasin bends and with a jerk has the swordmaster standing on his own two feet, leaning against the tree. "Now then. I guess it's time for you to make ammends for all those crimes you commited." Nico pins the note onto the mans shirt taking his time to make sure it is secure.. "Oh would you like to know what it says? It says." He clears his throat. "Please forgive me for my crimes against the Romani or something like that."
"Now then all you have to do is ... jump."
Nico stood back with his arms crossed over his chest watching the man with a small smile playing across his face. He smoothed down his chops again and watched as he began to regain his motor functions. The poison was leaving his system and soon he would be able to move and talk, and scream. It was worth the wait he thought though.
Tero's arms went up to the rope with strained effort. Sweat beaded on his forehead as he tried to command his hands to remove it. His eyes fixed on Nico during the entirety of the ordeal. Though his arms moved, he had not gained enough control back to slip the simple noose from his neck and the assassin watched. Tero stopped, and his fingers clasped around the rope. Nico himself wondered if he was about to remove that rope and walk right over to him, beat him down with clubbing fists, but it never happned.
The old swordmaster though tried just that. His hands grasped around the rope again and he began to lift....he tried to will his foot to take that first step....
The rope snapped taught as Tero fell to it's length over the cliff. That first step took him away from the support of the tree and caused his body to fall back onto it and slide like a limp sack of potatos off it's trunk, and over the side.
Nico watched for long moments the spot that Tero had been standing and listened to the rope twist as it swung gently back and forth. He could hear Tero's body bouncing from the rocks and knew that he might still be alive. The fall had snapped his neck surely but maybe he was alive still. Nico would never know for he never looked over the side. He was content knowing that if he was not dead, he soon would be.
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Nico sat alone that night again in front of his fireplace, the armor laid over the back of the couch and the blades placed gently beside him. He sipped from the wineglass he had a few nights before and recalled memories that had not been there for many years.
The logs in the fireplace crackled and was the only sound heard throughout the house as the assassin sat alone, in the dim shadows cast by the small fire.**
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**Loose Ends II
His footsteps were light in the snow as he passed the guard tower. No one could see him leaving town this night and no one would. He knew the paths to travel and knew well the guard's patrol, they would never even know he was there. He was like a shadow, a whisper on the wind. Even if you thought he was there it was probably your imagination. Many years of practice had taught the man how to move unseen and he was good at it.
He stopped after reaching the small footbridge that led further south and further to his destiny. Taking a drink from a bottle he looked as the night that had only began started to take hold. The night was still young and many were still out. He knew though that by the time he arrived there that many, if not all, would be fast asleep. If what he had heard was indeed true, he would need that element of surprise. He would have to see it with his own eyes before he would believe the rumors. Somewhere deep down he hoped it was a lie. Hoped that it was all a ruse, but he knew in his heart that it was time. It was time to tie up all those loose ends he let escape.
The moon was high in the sky when he made it to the little valley that nestled itself in the Nars Pass. It was nearly a new moon and there wasn't much light given off. All the better he thought to himself as he crept through the leaves. It was not nearly as late as he had anticipated though, appearantly he was anxious to get to his destination. He stopped to look around at the place he once called home. The fires were still burning brightly and caused long shadows to stretch across the ground. He stood back away and watched his old family walk about the small encampment. An owl hooted overhead as it spotted a small rabbit dashing across the ground, but nico paid it no mind as he watched them talk and laugh. The very people who had taken him in and the very people that helped destroy. The Romani.
He would have to wait until the camp settled down for the night and long after that even before he could continue. For now he watched, old memories coming back to him that brought no smile from his face even though they were pleasent. The times he spent sitting around the fire talking with the old elders of the camp and having the camp dogs fight over a piece of meat he tossed to them. He was younger then and knew nothing of where his life would go. Of where fate was about to pull him away to.
He thought of the days when he spoke to Cera around the fire and how he never knew if he was talking to her or Mojo, he never quite figured out who Mojo was. Those were his fondest memories and the ones of peace. Though he had come to the camp to escape the assassin that had come for him years ago he now thought it ironic that after they protected him from one that meant to end his life how did he return the favor? He killed their king and gave way for a gnoll invasion that swept through the camp like a plague in the docks. To Nico though it was not personal. It was business.
The fires died out soon and soon the camp was settling down for the night and signaling to Nico that it was time to move. The rumors said that his old nemesis was staying far up on the cliff where the wild elf had made her home. He would have to be extremely quiet if he thought he would scale the cliff without being noticed. It would take him quite some time as well he knew so no time was wasted as he instantly began to scale the side.
The rope that led up the cliff was often used and had knots tied every four feet making the climb much easier, but it was still a challenge, even for the skilled assassin. If who he thought was above him he might find death waiting for him at the top. He remembered well that encounter he had with the old swordmaster. The man who wielded duel rapiers as did he. He had gotten beaten, beaten badly and everyone was there to see. Nico was not accustomed to losing at anything. Love, gambling, and surely not a fight. Looking back he knew half of the reason why he killed Horgan as he did was so that he could see Tero's life destroyed if not ended.
He wondered as he climbed how the years had treated the old swordmaster. If he had gained in ability or if he wallowed in confusion and despair. He probably didn't even realize that he wasn't the man who killed the King and that thought alone brought a smile to Nico Black's face. How ironic it would be to finally tell Tero who it was all those years ago, that little merchant man whom he had beaten so badly, that caused all this. Nico climbed faster at that thought anxious to find his prey.**
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**Loose Ends I
Nico sits in his home relaxed in his favorite chair in front of the fireplace. The crackling of the fire was the only sound to resonate through the room. His right hand was bare and the glove that has become his dear friend was removed, but the scars of the battle for Jrill were still there. He was dressed in his finest shirt and had a glass of wine near that had barely been touched. Though he finally was sleeping well after his battle with the drow this night would be spent awake. He stared into the flames and watched them dance and flicker and was consumed by his thoughts.
His mind ventured back in time to faces he had thought long forgotten. Yolande who's belongings he had left on the doorstep for her, not even taking the time to let her into their…no his home. Her face flashed past as the fire crackled and long ago he had let go of her. Long ago he knew that there would never be another union between the two. Then there was Sierra, no sooner than he thought of Yolande did her face push it's way into his memory. She too would never be a part of his life again. No, Nico Black was destined to spend the rest of his days alone.
But those were not the memories that consumed his thoughts this night. It was the faces of others. Ones long dead and ones that should have shared other's fates.
A log popped and crackled loudly pulling him from his own mind. His body shifted in his seat as his boots thudded against the ground and he leaned forward placing his elbows on his knees and his head in his hands. It was time for him to finish some business that started long ago. It was time to tie up loose ends so he could relax in his life of comfort. A life he had grown quite accustomed to and would not allow any to take it away from him.
The armor was laid out on the couch next to him as was his belt and the other tools of his trade. Many thought and rightfully so that if you said Nico's tools of his trade they would assume you meant ledgers, coin purses, and boxes. And in truth that was Nico's trade, or was it a hobby for a man who was more than a mere merchant. Tonight Nico Black would deal in death though. Tonight someone was going to welcome a new soul to their side. Nico just hoped it would not be his.
His arm slid into the cool black sleeve of the leather armor and with practiced hands he began to pull the rest on. The leather was dark as night and shadows danced around the material and rippled over it like water. It's magic was not potent, but it was effective. The buckles fastened the armor snug to his body until it was part of him. It's supple leather was created just for him it seemed and he wore it well. The armor had become a part of him over the years and remained much a mystery to him even now. He knew one thing though, it was effective and he would need it. It would take everything he had in him tonight.
The weapon belt was next, and it lay there as if waiting for it's master to pick it up. There was nothing especially amazing about the simple black belt he wore, but the blades that would soon be at his side were. With quick agile hands the belt slid around his waist like a snake and quickly was strapped into place. The blades that have become as much a part of him as his own hands were comfortably at his side.
Sylvia had been gained through a fortunate purchase long ago. She had come from the Lost City as the rumor goes, but soon Nico learned a little more about this fantastic blade. The handle was very detailed and was shaped like a woman's body. Though it fit his hand well. The end of the blade was where her face was and her face, that terrible face of agony and death always stared out waiting for the moment she could unleash her deathly scream.
Mahl'hah'rahn Jrill was something completely different though. Nico had searched for this blade for what seemed like an eternity. Never knowing if the rumors were true or not. He relied on his old friend, Remmy, the old Romani guard he had gotten to know quite well for support. It was in fact Remmy that led Nico to search for the blade and after nearly twenty years it was his. No one quite knew the curse that was on the blade though. Jrill was thirsty, a thirst for blood like none Nico had seen. Blood that would come either from an enemy, or he himself. He had made the mistake of taking the blade with a bare hand and suffered many years with that curse. The blade fed off him like an infant with a bottle and nearly drove the man insane. He had the glove now though and now he controlled the blade. It shared with it's weilder now the power that it sapped from others. It was his prized possession.
It was not long before he was fully geared and ready for his journey. With his trademark black mask in his hand he reached for the last item he would need for his mission. It was tucked away carefully in a small pouch and double checked to make sure it was secure. Nico took a long look around his beautiful home and began to make his way toward the door. The fire crackled and popped as he passed through the doorway and his hand was on the doorknob that would lead him out into the night. The door that would open for him and let him pass through into that other life. Not the life of the merchant and business man, but that alternate life he lived. The one in the shadows and darkness. The life of an assassin.**
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What a bad bad man.
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I really like them, man. So indeed, bravo.
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Bravo!
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Yes yes… I've been busy as of late... Slowly been reading through it though... I printed it out actually to read in my spare time away from the computer... ((That's a lot of paper ;))). I think I also edited most of the typos/grammatical errors too.... if you're interested, Gobble... I think I have it sitting on my hard drive.
Overall I'm enjoying it though... it gives you a good depth into the character that is Nico, most of which he keeps to himself. A perfect compliment to a "Simple Humble Merchant", which we all know he isn't
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Feedback is always welcome with my stories. This was Nico's experiences with Jubei and his path to becoming an assassin. I have left out a lot of details and interactions, but if I put them all in there it would be a novel. Hope folks enjoyed it.
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**Final Test III
The sounds of the gnolls were rising out in the distance and in the still of the night Nico could hear them. It wasn't an uncommon sound to hear their yipping and laughing echoing in the distance, but tonight it sounded different. Sounded more focused than the infighting that often went on with the group. Ever since the appearance of this Yeenaghu, the gnolls were not that same unorganized group. They were changed.
Nico crouched behind the tent listening for a moment before going about the same technique as before. This time though it would not be as easy. Once again the dagger sliced through the tent fabric and the would be assassin crawled through as before. Though unlike the tidy and well kept home of Tero this one was a little more clutttered. The bottle had tipped over before Nico could even react to it. The clanking sound almost echoed, shattering the silence of the night.
The man spun around picking up the large sword with him on his way. He handled it with grace despite it being a huge blade. The two handed sword was held in one hand while the man peered around the tent. He hadn't seen Nico, but knew he wasn't alone. A long moment passed as he watched him before stepping out of the shadows to face him. Nico muttered to himself thinking of paladins and fair fights as he stepped into the light to face his target.
"Who is there?" came the question that Nico answered without much hesitation. "It's me…Nico. You are in great danger Horgan. We need to get out of here quickly." The story developed quickly. Fair fights were for paladins after all. Not assassins.
"What do you mean..."
"There is an assassin coming for you Horgan and we need to move quickly. The gnolls already assault the camp." Horgan listened for a moment realizing that they were indeed under attack. The gnolls tore through the camp with a frenzy and screams rose up into the night. "We have to get you to safety."
"My people....I must go to them!" Nico frowned as the man's dedication to his family was about to drive him out into battle. Horgan was skilled with a blade and Nico knew it so he did not have much time. "No you must not leave the tent....I told you there was an assassin coming for you."
"Why would Ter..." The words hung in the air as the rapier tore through flesh. The strike was well placed, but Horgan was a large man and it would surely not be enough to put him down....
The large greatsword came at Nico in an overhead arc, slicing down beside the assassin. "Why..." was the only other words that crept from Horgan's lips. Nico cursed the day he stopped drinking. This would have been so much easier if the King of the Romani had been drowning in his sorrows. Instead he found a formable opponent and one that would prove to be his toughest.
Nico ducked and danced to avoid the swings from the massive blade, stabbing back when he could find an oppening, which was more often than not. His hands were fast, much more quicker than the greatsword wielding king and soon Horgan bled from many wounds. He would not stand much more of the assault. Then from no where the man struck out with the quickness of someone who had nothing left to lose. It was a desperate attack that would have surely been the end of the man if he hadn't connected, but he did.
Nico was almost toppled to the floor with the strike. The blade bit into his armor and cut deep into his flesh. It was a terrible wound and for a moment Nico's world went black. Rapiers are no defense against such a huge blade. Their fine blades were far too delicate to stop such a large sword, so he could only hope to turn the blade aside and redirect it. His vision returned and he saw the bloodied King standing proud with the greatsword rose high above his head, ready to bring it down upon Nico in the killing strike.
Nico lunged forward with both rapiers, this time it was he who was desperate and had nothing to lose....
Blood trickled from his mouth and he coughed once sending droplets of spit and blood flying. The blade dropped to the floor behind him with a clanking thud and the two combatants eyes met for a long moment as they shared a moment. Nico held onto his rapiers that were now buried deep within the King and when his legs started to give way, the assassin helped him to the ground using the blades. Nico wanted to make the man comfortable as he fell into his eternal sleep. Horgan looked up at him, almost disbelieving and Nico looked down at him for a long moment. In truth the man was probably dead before he was on the floor, but that stare never left.
Jubei stood there approvingly as Nico began to down healing potion after healing potion. The vicious wound beginning to close on his side as his master untied the sleeping Tero. Nico looked at Tero for a moment between potions and thought of what he must think when he wakes to find Horgan dead and seemingly by his own blades. Nico had used two rapiers on the King just as Tero used. Tero would be seen as the assassin and that brought him some enjoyment. Nico's enemy set up to be hunted the rest of his life until death finally found him. It was ... beautiful.
Nico crept off into the darkness leaving Tero, Horgan, and Jubei in the tent. He had passed his final test.
.....
All around the camp gnolls barked out in their tongue and the name Yeenaghu hung in the air. Moving from shadow to shadow Nico began to make his way out of the camp. He watched as the merchants that had just arrived to the camp not but a year before were chased out of their tent and slain in front of him. He kept moving.
He heard the sounds of battle as the Rom fought off the horde of invaders, Gali and Gaje at their sides. A war raged in the outer camp where the Romani made their final stand. Nico passed on the outskirts of the battle and watched as the gnolls shredded Dart's tent and killed the old man in his sleep. He kept moving.
Sounds of death rose up into the air like a horrific symphony of human and gnoll voices. Nico could see the Gali fighting valiently while the Romani peoples that were not capable of fighting made a run for it. Children and mothers rushed out into the pass while fathers and their sons fell one after another, buying their family a few more seconds to escape. He kept moving.
Metal scraped against metal and the light from the fire showed blood upon the ground all around. Gnoll blood mixed with that of the defenders pooled on the battlefield. Nico could see the gnolls busting down the door to the old witch's home and knew they would be in for a surprise, for the old woman was capable. He also knew she could not fight off such a horde either.... He kept moving.
Soon Nico had put the camp behind him and he stood out on Lookout Hill watching for a last moment. From the shadows he watched as the gnolls began to overtake those that would stand and fight. Magic erupted into the sky every now and then and lit the battlefield up with flashes. It was like watching flashes of battle as with every magical eruption the next scene was revealed. With every flash Nico could see gnolls piling up, but never ending. Their assault was near complete now. The camp would fall this night as planned. Horgan died this night as planned. The Romani were no more, as planned.
With a final look upon the camp, Nico turned his attention north, the screams still splitting the night's peace. He picked up his gear and then.....he went home.**
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**Final Test II
The sun was slowly beginning to settle into the mountains and the shadows grew long over the camp. Quietly he watched from the corner of the old shanty. He watched the fires burning and the children adding various things to them, forcing the fires higher. The Nars was a cold place and the camp was no exception. Often you seen Rom and Gali alike sitting by those fires trying to fight off some of the cold, especially at night. Nico enjoyed watching the lively fires and had spent many days beside them himself. He spent the next few hours there watching the festive people, thinking of what was about to come.
Soon Nico found himself at the usual meeting spot, where he met his master, his instructor in the art of killing. He crouched in the darkness and waited and it wasn't a long wait. Nico heard the man speaking before he even knew he was there. He never knew how he moved about so easily. It was as if he was not only using the shadows to cover his movements, but that he was actually part of the darkness itself. Nico dreamed of reaching that level. The man was truely an artist.
"It is time, apprentice." Nico stood and only nodded, having gone over the plans with his teacher previously. He knew what lay in store for him and he crept off without even a second thought. Tonight that part of him, that good part, would not win out. Not after seeing Jubei again and feeling that gnawing sting of envy. No, if he ever wanted to be as good, no….better, than his instructor, he would not fail him. He would take advantage of his tutelage even if it meant he had to do things that he wouldn't normally. Never though did he regret them. Not for a moment. No, he knew that he was learning to better himself and if that meant that some had to die so that he may live and become the man he wanted to be. He just hoped that they were right with their Gods....
Unlike the missions before, Nico didn't have to wander very far to reach his target. Soon he found himself crouched behind the tent, the tent that his old friend had once stayed in, but now another was sleeping inside. The dagger cut into the fabric and slid down swiftly, but quietly. The material split easily and soon Nico was crouched behind some boxes. If this had still been the tent of his long time friend, Remmy, he would not be inside it now. Instead he peered from his hiding spot to see his rival laying asleep. Nico muttered the name "Tero" under his breath as he watched the man sleep. Something was odd about the situation and Nico knew it, but didnt' care. He would take advantage of it regardless.
Nico walked from his hiding spot toward the man calmly. Such an easy kill he thought, but where would be the honor in that? He almost chuckled at the thought. Honor.....honor gets people killed and Nico very much wanted to live. Nico caught sight of Jubei out of the side of his eye and was not startled, for he knew he would be watching. He knew he would be observing him and grading him on his work. Just like a good teacher would.
The rapier raised above the sleeping swordmaster. The man who had beaten Nico so badly in the nars. The man whom was appearantly sleeping with his ex-wife, or so Nico thought. The rapier rushed downward and struck the man with anger and resentment. Perhaps a bit of jealousy as well. He lay there lifeless, still face down. Nico couldn't help but think to himself if he was dead or not and checked to see if he still drew breath, secretly hoping he didn't, but he did. Nico so wished that Tero was his target, but he wasn't.
The hilt of his rapier had bent a little from the hard blow to the back of his head that knocked the already sleeping man out. Jubei seemed impressed, and the more Nico thought of it the more he became to love this scheme. No Tero would not die. Someone had to take the fall, the blame. Nico liked thinking that Tero would live out the rest of his life knowing deep down that he didn't do what everyone would accuse him of. The thought brought a smile to Nico's face that was concealed behind his mask.
Jubei wasted no time in ordering Nico to tie the man up and Nico wasted even less in getting it done. It was time for the next stage of the plot. As quietly as he entered he slipped back out into the darkness, leaving Tero to Jubei's capable hands.**
-
This story has not been put down in writing for far too long.
**Final Test
The fires of the Romani camp always appealed to Nico. The openness and warmth that they provided. He sat, leaning against the tree watching the others. Joni was running around playing with Scraps and it brought a slight smile to his face. Nico did enjoy the camp for it's spirit. The Rom were a proud people and full of life.
As the man sat leaning against the tree he was running through things in his mind. Making the mental preparations for his next task for his instructor. He had already been given the task's objectives and knew what lay ahead for him. It would be neither easy nor a task he would particularly enjoy, but it would be done.
The sun was passing directly overhead and he knew he didn't have much longer to prepare, but just how could he prepare for something such as this? Was there any way that he could ever be ready for this, truely ready? Not so much for the moral delima that should be playing over in his mind, but rather for the physical problems that would surely occur. He didn't have but half a day to prepare and after seeing his intended target in action he highly doubted that he would ever stand a chance in a fair fight….
Nico Black smiled to himself and just shook his head at the thought. Fair fights were for paladins. No there would never be a chance for this to ever become a fair fight. Not if he had any control of the matter, and he did. Jubei had said that he would be there to watch and observe this final task, and even offered help if needed, but Nico secretly hoped it would not be needed, but deep down knew it just might.
Slowly he began packing what gear he had with him up and decided to spend the rest of the day in training. The preparations were made already and going over them again and again was a waste of time. The merchant wandered off toward Baba Katya's tree, where he would purchase some potions of healing and a few other small items. The old lady had always treated him fairly, even though he could sense something about her.
He strolled into the giant tree where she made her home and as he always did felt a little uneasy. The old woman was reknown for her ability to fortell the future and could read a person as easy as he could a book. He focused his mind and put a smile on his face, but deep down he was the slightest bit worried. Why had he even come into the old gypsy's home? He didn't need any more supplies than he had already and if he did he could surely have purchased them elsewhere. Was it that he wanted the old witch to single him out? Did he want to get caught up in his game?
An inner battle raged within the man, but not one of conscious decision. This was something bigger than just his thoughts and feelings. Deep inside Nico Black, somewhere far beneath the surface the emotions rose up. To do what was right and to do what must be done, it was always an ongoing war within him with victories on both sides. Deep within was the man who just wanted to be a simple merchant. To own a shop and live out the rest of his life in simplicity. Also there was the man who desired ...everything. From fame, fortune, power and control. This was the darker side of Nico. The one that acted upon his inner desires.
He strolled up to the old woman casually as he always would and she was always stop what she was doing to watch his approach. This was what always unnerved him most. The old woman's wrinkled face always turned up to watch, her eyes always had the glossy look of someone having had too little sleep or too much drink and they seemed to stare right through the man.
Nico gave silent thanks to Zyphlin of all people when he finally left the old woman's home with his few potions. It was because of the nosey bard that he had been given the small trinket from his master. The ring had prevented all attempts to magically pry into his life. Nico hated the spells of scrying that everyone liked to use as the answer to every problem. That everyone liked to use to poke around in the personal lives of others. It was just ... wrong, he thought. He thought of his first mission for the assassin and how the bard had seen himself and Jubei in the Nars. He smiled thinking of the aid the bard had unknowingly given him.**
-
Personal III
The trip through the snowy pass was rough to say the least. There was no sneaking past the wolves that prowled in the wilds there. Though they might not see you they certainly could smell their prey. Nico had tried to avoid them as best he could, but often he found himself surrounded by the giant beasts. They growled and snapped their jaws, but all those who came near felt sting of his rapier. Many backed off at seeing their pack slain as quickly as they approached, knowing when to concede to the more dominate species. They watched from the distance and walked alongside him and every now and then one would rush out in an attempt to take the man down. All met with the same fate.
The unusually warm air was a welcoming feeling as Nico crept into the small hamlet. It was tucked away in the coldest reaches, but something kept the place warm. Some unseen magical force no doubt. Though the people who lived here were more than a little strange. The wolves rarely ventured in this far, but yet howls could be heard inside the walls at times during the nights. It wasn't a place Nico would ever consider staying longer than he had to. Tonight he would be in and out by morning he hoped.
The small boy rushing out to play had left the gates open, and Nico was inside before anyone had noticed the fleeting shadow move across the ground. He knew he was in the inn there, and likely preparing his new merchandise. The merchandise that would be used to try and put him out of business no doubt. Nico felt a tingle of anticipation as he stood behind the farmer's building, preparing himself. He was anxious to see the look on the man's face when he found death at the end of his blade. These were exciting times.
Nico bent low and peered around the corner of the house taking note of those in the streets. The streets here were always calm though and rarely anyone out, probably due to the small size of the community. Slowly he inched out a little further and soon found himself moving quickly across the dirt road. He was crouching on the other side, again taking note of his surroundings. The little hin who guarded the gates was making his rounds through town and Nico sat quietly watching, waiting.
The hin was on his way toward the gate nearest the inn and would no doubt complicate things. Nico inched along behind the buildings, keeping close to the walls. He kept pace with the hin, peeking at him between the buildings as he walked. He stopped briefly and could be heard speaking to the man named Weshley. Nico hated his trips here for that one reason. The man's voice was one of the most irritating sounds Nico had heard. He must have suffered from an injury or a birth defect of some type Nico always assumed, for his words were always slurred and his speach broken. It too patience to understand what he wanted to say to you and often, he just didn't care.
The handle of the door twisted only a short ways before he realized the door was locked fast. Only a small obsticle for the assassin though, only a small delay. He quickly reached into his pouch and retrieved the slender slivers of metal. They were the tools of lockpicks and thieves, and today, assassins. It was only a few moments before the latch clicked and signaled it was no longer a problem. The tools slipped back away into the pouch and the door creaked as he opened it just a little.
The back of the inn was musty and stacked with various boxes and crates. He was in the storage room, and thankfully so. He would take advantage of the area to prepare for the trial ahead. The inn was as quiet as a tomb and the dark figure stalked out into the common room and was up the stairs before anyone would notice. The rooms were occupied, but none by the flamboyant merchant. He checked them all over and over and even checked the common room upstairs. All yeilded nothing. He started to worry then, thinking the spell had not worked and the old man tricked him.
Back downstairs he heard a familiar voice behind a door. Cataloging inventory, he knew all about that. It was good the man was awake. It would make things far more interesting. He did worry though for he knew the man was a mage of at least some talent. If the staff he wielded was any indication this would certainly be a tough battle, only if he spotted him though.
The outside of the door was heavily trapped. With a steadied hand the wires were snipped though making the traps useless. Nico didn't have the skill to salvage any of them, for they were far beyond his meager trapping skills. But it did give him an idea. He snipped the wire crossing in front of the door and quickly went into his own trapping. One after another the traps were laid in the small corridor, tangle, then the freezing ones.
As soon as the last one was laid the door sprung open behind him and in rushed a small child. Nico caught him with one hand around the scruff of the shirt and another around his mouth and quickly spun him away from the trap. The freezing cold of the trap would have killed the young boy instantly if he had taken another step. He sat the boy down outside the door and closed it behind him, making sure to lock it. The child just stared up at the dark figure with his mouth open in shock and awe. Even after the door closed the boy stood outside, waiting to catch a glimpse of the man in black again.
Nico found himself in a corner waiting beside the door. He called out to the merchant in a hoarse voice, but he would not leave. time and time again Nico would try to coax his victem out of the room, but he was not ready for visitors. The door though was locked, but not for long as Nico went back about his work on the crude piece of craftsmanship. The lock clicked open just as quickly as the last. He could have sprang into the room, concealed in the shadows as he had with the priest, but he wanted to draw the mage out instead. He didn't know what awaited him on the inside.
He pulled out a few small packets in hopes of drawing out his victim. The packets exploded into a thick powder when they struck a hard surface causing all those to choke and gag constantly. If this didn't drive the man out then Nico knew he would have to wade in after him. The door opened just slightly and the packets sailed into the room striking the floor near the man. the door pulled back quickly and Nico went back to his corner. Shining and the shortblade at the ready for the mage. He could see the smoke start to seep from beneath the door and could hear the fit of coughing from within. Had the man been thinking clearly he would have waited till the dust settled, but instead, he walked right out into the waiting blades of the assassin.
The door swung open and the man's first steps broke the small strand tied across the door frame. The complex wires snapped to attention and wrapped themselves around the mage's legs. He barely noticed as he was still reeling from the powder. Nico stepped from the shadows to face his prey, making sure he knew exactly who was about to kill him. Making sure that he knew he had just made things a little too personal.
He spent a long while in the room where he dragged Bobo back into. Cleaning the blood up mostly. He wanted it to appear as if he just, disappeared. Nico took all his possessions with him and wrapped the man in his own robes. The spell of invisibility rolled over them both and Nico Black walked out of the room with the dead man over his shoulder, passing right beside the boy who was still waiting. The walk outside was easy as the gates were left open yet again. He just walked along casually, packing the body. No one would ever remember he had lived soon.
….....
Nico Black sat beneath a tree, perched upon the cliff overlooking the snowy pass. He cut himself a slice of apple and took a bite watching the scene below him. The cold was not affecting him due to the amulet he wore so he savored the time he had. Snarls and yipping could be heard just below him as the wolves fought over their evening meal. He sliced another thin slice from the apple and ate and continued to watch the scene, the feeding.
After a while he gathered up the clothes of, Bobo and the few baubles he carried and stuffed them into his pack. With a final glance down again he waved goodbye to the would be merchant. To the man who couldn't just compete in the market. To the man who had just made things too personal.
Two rather large winter wolves were now fighting over Bobo's lower leg now, it being the only scrap really left now. If Nico were a betting man, he would have put money on the smaller of the two though. He had gotten the choice piece of meat first and wasn't about to give it up easily. The shadowy figure tossed the remaining apple over the side of the cliff and strolled off into the wilderness, leaving the, no longer hungry, wolves to enjoy their naps.
((Big thanks to Kanen and River, for this was by far one of the best little events I have been in. I enjoyed every moment of it, from the charm person scroll on the old man to the actual assassination of Bobo. It was a blast.))
-
Personal II
The old man wasn't hard to find as he sat on a bench in the middle of town whittling a piece of wood. Nico followed him and soon found he had a particular interest in ladies. Two of which he had in his company as it were, and no doubt he'd be a few gold poorer when they were done. Nico just had to wait, surely the old man wouldn't be that long with the women. Nico had been instructed to kill him if necessary, but he had a feeling it wouldn't be needed.
The ladies passed down the road and Nico was directed toward the home in Jiyyd. He ducked behind a building and quickly changed behind a woodpile and began his silent progression toward the home. The door had been left open a crack and called him in. The old man was still probably recovering from his exercise and likely not even paying attention. With his cloak pulled tight around him and low over his face he pushed the door open and walked in letting a gust of cold air follow.
The old man turned to regard the intruder and his face showed his nervousness. He was aged, unarmed, and in no position to put up a fight even if he chose to. Nico casually strolled across the floor toward the seated man and settled down on the comfortable couch that was across from him. Pulling back his cloak just enough to show the man he was in fact armed he propped his right leg upon his left and stared from beneath the dark hood.
You know the merchant Bobo, correct? Nico's voice was calm and smooth, like a small cool stream. He watched the man's nervousness as he shifted in the seat across him. You are his associate if I have heard correctly. He sat awaiting an answer.
What do you want to know for? The old man's voice was rigid and rough, but held a quality that Nico enjoyed. He was beginning to fear for his life and it was showing.
Business. He is a merchant and I have some things I'd like to discuss with him. He watched as the man looked over his shoulder toward the door and a few beads of sweat formed on his forehead. But in truth it could have very well been from his previous workout with the ladies.
He's out accepting a shipment that just came in… The man begain a long drawn out conversation about how he was gone and not likely to return, all the while insisting Nico left and came back in a few days. But he only had till morning to find and kill him, or fail the appointed test. Nico only shook his head listening to the old man trying to convince him to leave.
I doubt he would have any business with a man who walks around not showing his face… He was growing bolder and more resolute Nico noticed. No he would not convince him to give up the location of Bobo, not willingly at any rate. Nico began to think it was time to try alternate methods. Afterall, he could just cut on him a little or just scare the old man if not kill him. Nico pulled a scroll from a pouch inside his cloak and unrolled it sitting there, still looking at Rother from beneath the dark hood.
I have this scroll here that is very valuable I wish to move. I was sure he could help me… Nico began to read over the scroll, saying the arcane words written there aloud. The words faded from the parchment as quickly as he read them and soon the final word of the spell was complete. The old man sat there looking upon Nico in a new light.
Oh I suppose there's no harm in telling you where he is. I'm sure he'd love to get a visitor. Nico grinned beneath the hood at the sudden shift in the man's attitude. He's in Ormpur now inspecting the goods… That was all Nico needed to know and he stood up, wrapping the cloak around him tightly. He patted him on the shoulder as he passed by him on his way out the door.
Just forget this meeting ever took place and that you ever saw me.
He wasted no time leaving out the eastern gate and into the wilderness. Ormpur was a long walk and the conditions weren't exactly ideal for travelling alone. Never had Nico made the journey there alone, but today he would. He had only a short while left.
-
Personal I
Nico had thought about the druid from time to time, letting himself be swept back to her memory, but the feelings never were present after that first day. He thought to himself about the methods, about the planning and about his technique. Stunned would have been a good word to describe her face, but that was not a bad thing. Had it not been for her shock and awe, maybe she would have been a more formable foe. Maybe.
Nico found himself as usual, relaxing in the Romani Camp. He had been taking some time today to enjoy the sunshine for a change. Sierra had been out on her, walk, as the note said for quite some time. Nico had began to think she had gotten cold feet about their relationship and decided she wanted out. She was probably sitting comfortable in her home talking with her brother and family now. Nico had searched for her for quite some time, but found not a shred of a clue as to where she went.
Nico sat the day away thinking of druids and women. Evening crept up on him slowly and Nico slept the sleep of a troubled man that night. Tossing and turning in his sleep thinking of a life long since forgotten. He was in the shop again, looking upon himself. The reoccuring dream had not troubled him in years now and on many nights, much like this one, it caused Nico to stir from his sleep.
He sat on the edge of the bed looking around the tiny room that was not his own. He was grateful he had been given this private room in the communal living areas of the Rom. He just supposed that when Arandor offered he either wanted to contain him or knew he would be more comfortable. With his hands on his knees he sat there for a long moment, covered in his own sweat. He looked around the room and took in his surroundings.
Frostbite's pale glow on the nightstand was somewhat comforting. It had long been by his side now and was a good companion for a man who had more trust in a blade than a man. Shining lay beside it, being the more powerful of the two blades, he often found himself using it more and more, even though it was soon to be gone. He still couldn't believe he had sold it. Sleep would escape Nico for the remainder of this night.
Morning came and Nico was wandering through the camp, watching the others go about their business. He sat there in the early morning shadows watching as rugs were dusted and fresh water was gathered. Nico had never even noticed Jubei step from the shadows and he was standing alongside him seemingly watching as well. Nico had tried to act as if he knew he was there, but he knew there was no fooling the assassin.
You have progressed very well my apprentice. Jubei's familiar voice broke the moment of silence.
I have had a very capable instructor is the only reason why. Nico replied without taking his eyes from the Romani woman dusting the rug.
I have a reward for your service… The thought of a reward was not something Nico had considered. He longed for nothing really as the man had access to most of the finer things in life. He expressed that very sentiment to Jubei.
Oh no. You have someone who has been a thorn in your side for a while now. You are going to kill him this day. Nico's mind instantly honed in on a few people, but was surprised when a name he had not expected came next.
The merchant Bobo must die… Nico's face shifted a moment and he smiled a little still staring at the Rom woman who had went inside only to return again. Oh this was a reward indeed. Every since the merchant had arrived in the region he had began a slanderous campaign against Nico. Even advertising his slogan of: Don't buy from a thief in Black… Oh this would be a pleasure Nico mused.
Where can he be found? Nico was already soaking in the thoughts of ending this man's life. Oh this would be a reward for certain. The man who would try to end his career would soon have his life snuffed out. Nico already planned in his mind and was already planning on what he would need for the task.
Nico soon found out that this was not only a reward, but a test as well. It seems he had disappeared and hasn't been seen around in a while. He was going to have to investigate more to find the merchant and track down one of his associates. An old man named, Rother. All the assassin told him was that he could be found in Jiyyd. It did not matter to Nico though. Test or no, Bobo would die.
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Breaking Point II
The would be assassin moved through the camp, with his mind racing. So many things he thought of and yet all he could focus on was the young druid's laughter. She carried herself in such a way that drew your eyes to her. Her smile was warm and inviting and her voice was playful. Nico found himself staring straight ahead though and not turning to look back at the two who followed.
She and Meril strolled along as she spoke of her daughter. Only eight apples high according to her mother. She was so young to suffer such a loss. The loss of a loving parent would surely affect the young girl greatly, but just hearing of her affected Nico. He strolled through the fallen leaves speaking in a lower tone, a tone of confusion, turmoil and worry.
Only eight apples high…. He muttered under his breath as they walked.
She wanted to purchase something from Nico, but he kept backing off from the offer. No he didn't want to get any closer to her than he had to. By the time they reached the large gathering place, the one with the fire, surrounded by sitting stones, his mind was racing with possibilities. What could be so important about this druid who seemingly had such a free spirit? Why did she talk about the group of druids she was with so much? And more importantly, what would he do when the time came?
They passed the fire and headed toward the communal tree where everyone slept. He tossed out the general information about the area and the Rom as he knew it, but fought with himself in his mind. They walked closer to the cave then and Nico knew the time drew near as the spoke of the abondoned mines long lost, but recently uncovered. Nico played off what she had told him earlier about her run in with some dwarves over mining in a cave. Perhaps she could be coaxed into entering.
The cave smelled of mold and stagnant water. Nico had grown accustomed to the smell as he spent some time in this cave, thinking to himself. The water creeped through the cracks of the cave ceiling to splash down in tiny splashes on the stones. Sharp pillars of lime and other minerals scattered the floor and made the walk sometimes a hazard. They cut off your exits and forced even Nico to suck in his breath in order to pass the narrow passages.
She skipped along through the water and told of her daughter again and again, but by this time Nico had shut her out completely. The thoughts that were rattling around in his mind were gone and his course was set. He only had two options as he saw it. Kill the girl, or turn on his master and kill him. Nico had no intention of striking out at the assassin for he respected him far too much. The man had taken him under his wing and offered to teach him skills that no one else could. No Nico would never turn on Jubei this day.
They passed through a narrow passage and a bat swooped down passing right between the trio. It nearly pulled Nico from his mental preparations, but he was set. In his mind he mentally ran over his gear, his supplies, the plans and very discreetly unfastened the peace bond on his rapiers. He looked back with a smile to the druid and offered to tell her more of the mines and stopped a moment to hear more about her daughter.
Only eight apples high…
They passed a turn in the cave and Nico knew what lay ahead. One of the shrieker mushrooms. The ones that would call forth one of the large beetles no doubt and more importantly....the one that would scream out in alarm. An alarm that would surely echo out of the cave and into the camp. Nico couldn't let her pass much further and he knew it.
But something captured her attention, a few large masses of fur and blood lay in the darkness of the cave. Gnolls, and quite dead ones at that. There was a flash of light behind Nico as the spell captured and held Meril in place. Jubei then stepped forward from seemingly nothing then, stepped right out of a shadow it seemed and quickly lashed out at Meril, but not to kill him. No there was no need for that as Nico was sure he wouldn't be paid for the collateral death.
She looked up startled from the gnolls in time to see Jubei's curved sword flash and strike downward at Meril's back. She also looked over to see Nico sliding the blades from his scabbards....
The rapier and shortblade slid out slowly and deliberatly as he stepped forward toward his goal. She backed up and stammered out a few words that were lost on Nico's ears. He didn't care what she had to say at this point. No this was the breaking point for the man. There was no turning back now and he had crossed over that thin line he always walked.
He stalked forward as Jubei slashed a final time at Meril, taking him down fast. She began to move in that familiar way that only a spell caster can. She was beginning a spell and Nico knew it. The words though would be captured in her throat as he casually strolled forward raising the rapier in ready for the coming battle.
She paused for a moment, just a tiny speck of time as the truth had no doubt became very evident to her. She looked past Nico to see Jubei standing in appraisal of his apprentice. She looked back to Nico then and as he stared into her eyes there was no sorrow on his face. No regret for what he was about to do. No, Nico was past that breaking point now. Jubei had shaped the man into a trained killer. One who was devoid of such weaknesses as pity, self doubt, compassion...
He feigned with his rapier, only slightly moving his hand coaxing her to where he wanted her. Her spell captured in her throat as he sent out a hard kick into her stomach. She stumbled backwards, her balance was lost as her heel snagged on one of the newly forming stone pillars. She was on her back now and Nico moved with all the speed he had. He had covered the ground that stood between the two before she even had hit the floor.
He lunged down on top of her letting one knee find the soft stomach of the druid again as he landed down hard pinning her beneath him. He held the rapier high as he struck down time and time again. Her hands battered against him trying in a futile attempt to swat away the blade. Each time Nico drew the blade back he sent her blood to splatter on the walls and floor. She groaned out in agony as he repeatedly stabbed over and over quickly, but she was tough and held on to her life as none other could have.
Nico had struck her several times, once in the shoulder, once in the chest and throat and a fourth time through the palm of her hand. She found the energy though to shove him away and she quickly staggered to her feet. Her one free hand covering her neck where the rapier had punctured and she staggered forward a step. Her blood ran down her hand and dripped off her fingertips in a steady stream as she tried to make her way toward the exit. Toward possible freedom and to aid.
Nico stood and dusted himself off before walking up behind her. The blade slid into her back with the precision of a surgeon as he felt just a small obstruction. No doubt the blade had just grazed against a rib as it passed through her heart, the tip coming to a stop at the back of anothe rib. She slumped then and slid off the rapier sending one more splatter of blood to the floor.
Without a second though Nico rose his hands as if to give up, and interlaced his fingers behind his head. Jubei was pleased and Nico had no doubts, but more importantly Nico was pleased with himself. He was truely becoming the weapon he had trained to be.
No, use one of their axes on me. It will make it seem as if they attacked me. Nico told Jubei as he walked over with the katana at the ready, still stained with Meril's blood.
And he did just that. The axe bit into Nico's flesh and he too groaned out in pain, but he knew it was necessary. If this was to be believable then he needed to look as if the gnolls had attacked. He slumped to the floor of the cave as his blood emptied out, but he had full trust in his master. He knew that he would live through this and he did.
He lay there on the floor waiting for Meril to wake up from his beating to find him nearly dead, but looking as if he killed the gnolls. He lay there thinking not of the woman who still stared at him with empty eyes. Eyes devoid of all sparkle, all sign of life. He lay there concentrating on his breathing and trying to maintain consciousness. His mind was blank and he thought nothing of the woman. He had passed the breaking point and he lay there with a clear mind.
-
Breaking Point
There are days you find yourself lost, but standing in your own home. Lost because you are truely torn on what is happening around you and lost in your thoughts about what is the best course of action. Suddenly you realize that just because you stay at a place does not mean it is yours. Just because you live somewhere doesn't mean you need to have a feeling of belonging. Sometimes you are lost in your own living room.
The skies were clear over the camp today, not unlike most days spent among the Rom people. The sun didn't get into the valley much, but neither did the elements. Rain and snow were usually shielded by the steep cliffs of the mountains and the dense forest. While the Nars was punished by the harsh elements the camp was usually left to spend it's time in a gloomy and often stagnent, days.
Nico had moved to the camp not too long ago under the pretense that he was there to aid with the gnoll issue. In reality he had fled from Peltarch, at the request of his master, Jubei. Possibly because he might have been seen during the assassination of the Blood Spider, but even if he had…who really cared? Regardless the camp is where Nico had started spending his days, though a lot of times he found himself back in his home.
Today must have been one of those carefree days. The type where you start to let down your defenses some and relax, for Nico Black walked from the inner camp not in his usual manner, but rather he strolled along casually. It would be one of those times that he would regret letting his guard down so easily. He quickly found himself amongst friends talking of problems and solutions. Of adventure and life. Then she walked into camp, and beside whom was she skipping around beside? None other than Kanen Hightower, Durai's father.
He spotted Nico immediatly and began the introductions, Nico greeted them both in his customary friendly manner and quickly noticed the young ladies free spirit. Free spirit was one way to describe her for certain, but she was more than that. She carried herself in a way that made you look at her, that made you feel good about yourself. Nico did feel better just seeing her. She brightened up his already good day and quickly he agreed to show her around the camp as Kanen asked him to.
She was a druid appearantly by the conversation as herself, Meril and Nico walked about the camp. She kept looking to the sky and seemed concerned by the weather. She found it odd how the climate seemed to leave the camp in the state that it was in, but Nico just smiled and continued to lead her on the tour as asked.
The voice came in a low whisper, barely audible to Nico himself. It was as if the wind had came to him and bestowed some great secret, but Nico knew the voice. The voice was low, but carried a lot of weight with the merchant. It was the voice of the man who called him his apprentice. The voice of the man who was insturcting him in the art of killing. The voice of the elusive assassin, Jubei.
Nico quickly excused himself from the tour and made his way to the inner camp on what he called a quick bit of business. They stayed near the fires making themselves at home while Nico walked at a quickened pace through the gates in past the travelling merchants. He was headed to the place he found himself going to think when he needed time alone. Before making his way halfway through the camp he ducked into the shadows and began to make his way quietly, though quickly to the cave entrance.
Jubei appeared before him in his swirl of darkness and shadow and no matter how many times nico whitnessed it he was ever impressed. What power the man had and Nico could almost touch it. It was why he studied under the man, to learn from him. To be more skilled than he was now. Nico was a man of no meager means financially and he wanted for nothing. He could have lived the life of a king had he wanted, but always chose the simple life. No it was for the skill and the constant striving for perfection that drove Nico to train under the man.
Jubei spoke to Nico quickly then and he knew his next assignment was at hand. He just wondered how it was that he would manage to delay the girl and Meril long enough to complete the task. Listening quietly to his master, he soon realized the truth of the matter. His target was in the camp now and she, was at this very moment sitting and laughing with Meril. The information swam around in Nico's mind, mixing with his feelings, his emotions. How could he find himself capable of taking her life? What was so important about the carefree druid that made her such an enemy?
The plans were made quickly, and the merchant tossed in his ideas. Make it look as if it was the gnolls. Have her slip from the edge of one of the ravines. The ideas poured out of Nico quickly as he searched for some way to rationalize it. For some way to take her life, but leave the responsibility behind. No, it would not play out like that though. Meril was to be attacked and knocked unconscious by Jubei, and the task of killing her fell to Nico solely. It was a test, but was it one that Nico would pass?
-
A Pleased God III
The hallway was dimly lit from the candle lit lamps that lined the walls. The faint light cast a dark gloom throughout the corridor and caused every object to cast an oversized and dramatically altered shadow. The hallway was empty though and faint light could be seen from beneath the doors. Nico knew the man he sought was here, but just didn't know which room. But he would soon find him. Just a matter of time.
Downstairs the Whore was in full swing as the evening began to get started. Singing creeped up through the floorboards and every now and then you could hear a fight almost start out. Most likely over the lady, Chesty Lane, who frequented the tavern. The loud singing and dancing downstairs only aided Nico upstairs. For the Whore was by no means a new building and the floor did creak as you stepped. No matter how light your steps were. All that was covered up though by the sounds of the tavern.
Slowly he moved from room to room, listening at the doors, peeking in the keyholes. Slowly he started singling out the rooms one by one until he came to the last one. In all honesty he was not sure this was the exact room, but instinct told him it was. Deep down in his gut he felt that he was there. Now his mind was racing. No longer was it calm and relaxed. He was going through his routine, checking off the mental list of preparations he had to make for this fight.
The ring turned on his finger as he issued the command word to enact the spell of bulls strength, then a similar phrase enveloped him in the spell of cats grace. The boots covered his body in bark and the magical coin ensured no magic would hold him. The book blessed his weapons and most importantly. The scroll of silence surrounded him in the globe that would keep the priest from calling on his god. Nico liked this above all else.
The door swung open and there he was. Nico had hoped to catch the man unarmored and unarmed, but that wasn't the case. He was sitting on the edge of the bed, his hands working at his metal greeves, to fasten them or unfasten them Nico couldn't be sure. It didn't matter now anyway. The tall, hulking man stood up, towering over the much smaller Nico. His form made Nico look as if he were just a teenager. Nico paid no attention to the man's size, nor the huge morningstar that he leaned over and picked up. None of that would matter soon.
He stepped inside quietly, his footsteps not making a sound inside the silence globe and closed the door behind him. A slight grin crawled across nico's face as he saw the man begin to roar out in protest, but he just casually stepped forward again. This time putting the man inside the globe as well. The most silent chuckle ever not heard didn't make it out of Nico's mouth though he was indeed amused as the man's words were captured and muted. No, his god wouldn't hear his cries for help, and most importantly. No one in the other rooms would either.
The shadows crawled from beneath the bed, from behind the night stand and from all around the room. The man's own shadow seemed to dance and move as the darkness globe exploded inside the room. It was time to end this, to end his life. Nico stepped forward in the darkness. His own eyes failing him, and with no sound to be heard he knew the man was on the move. Quickly nico went for the door jamming a small dagger between the frame and the door, locking it solid.
The man was smart and was no stranger to battle. That much Nico knew for certain. The holy symbol he wore proudly around his neck gave that much away. It was a game of cat and mouse in the darkness, but a game Nico much enjoyed. The darkness lifted to find the man in a defensive position. Nico had also taken up a position, beside the nightstand. He crouched there laying in wait as the man quickly scanned around for him and finding no one. The blackened blades struck out quickly from behind sending the huge man lurching forward, only to spin around and face nico squarely.
Striking from the shadows is a tactic Nico quite enjoyed, but facing a man toe to toe was always what Nico considered a folly. Rapiers against a weapon three times their size was no contest. But this is where he found himself. The morningstar swung wide and came around with a fury, just missing the ducking would be assassin. Nico came up fast though lunging out with his rapier and swortsword connecting solidly with both. The large man staggered back only to taste the sting of Frostbite yet again.
Nico was much faster than the priest, but he was by far the more powerful of the two. It would prove to be a long battle. Ducking and spinning Nico danced around the room avoiding the swings of the huge weapon, but taking a few solid shots. The man bled from many wounds now and Nico was becoming more and more battered himself. His left arm hang almost limp at his side after a nasty blow from the morningstar. He spun around again pushing his midsection back as the morningstar passed within inches of his stomach, but in his dodging the weapon he lowered his defenses and cought the full impact of the shield with his face.
The shield bashed into Nico's face sending him sprawling backwards and he groaned out in pain. His eye was already swelling shut before he even regained his balance, but something else struck him even harder. He had groaned, and heard it. The globe of silence was gone now and he looked up at the man who was already calling upon his god for aid. Quickly Nico pulled the other scroll and began to read the magical words feverishly. The spell of stoneskin fired off and instantly the man was encased in stone. It was near to impossible for nico to whittle the man down now, but the globe of silence was once again up as the priest was calling out again.
Nico had to move fast and he lunged forward again. He had dropped Frostbite in exchange for his other rapiers, Shining and the pirate's blade. His hands were a blur as he caught the man unsuspecting. Nico was hurting now and he knew this was his last chance. He moved and danced around the man in an unrelenting flurry of stabs and lunges. This would decide who was the better man. The stone chipped off in large chunks as the rapiers stabbed through, making them crumble off and disappear before hitting the ground. It wasn't long before the stoneskin spell was gone.
Nico could see the man's eyes through the helm and knew he was fearful, for he knew he was going to die tonight. Shining continued to carve holes in the man's armor, opening him up like a can. Blood dripped from the priest onto the floor and was smeared around like a ghastly painting of blood and dust. The priest's footing failed him, as he slipped in his own blood. He staggered forward as Nico was as well. Shining slid through the armor quite easily this time and nico felt the blade touch the back of the armor as he drove it home with all the strength he had in him.
The man stared at Nico for a long moment before being lowered to the ground just as the silence broke for the second time. No one ever heard him hit the floor. Nico sat on the side of the bed as had the man just before he entered. Breathing heavy he pulled a few potions from his pack and drank them down, letting the magics of them race through his body. The swelling in the eye went down quick and he regained feeling in his arm and he stared down at the man again between potions. Not to see who he was or anything like that, but rather just to see if he was truely dead. He drank the last potion and tucked the bottles away.
Nico leaned over the man and checked him over quickly. He held nothing of real value to Nico. Not even the amazing morningstar was worth the time to pack it out. Nico was looking for something else. Something personal and he found it. The holy symbol of Tempus lay beside the man's head, still attached to the chain around his neck. Nico pulled it free and stood looking it over. He knew a little of the god and somewhere deep down Nico reasoned that it was okay he died. Tempus would have been proud of his warrior Nico thought. He died in battle, though he was caught by surprise the man died well. Swinging his weapon and he died as he had lived most likely. A warrior. And Tempus would have been pleased.
-
A Pleased God II
Nico found himself walking along briskly through the Rom camp staying close to the cliffs and trees. His head lowered into the blowing wind, the mask he wore taking the bite from the cold wind as he headed out into the Nars. His eyes fluttered a few times as he stepped out into the Nars pass adjusting from the dark shadows of the camp to the blinding white of the pass. The snow was laying in a light blanket over the ground, but the light of the noonday sun was blinding. He stood there a moment and removed the mask and tucked it away. No time for sneaking now. He was on a deadline.
Soon he found himself walking along the dirt road that led through the pass. Every now and then he would spot an Eastlander moving on their patrols and he couldn't help but smirk at them. It had been obvious for years that the man had no love for the bandits. Somewhere down deep he held a hatred for them that he could not readily explain. Perhaps it was because they tried to kill him so many times or perhaps it was just engrained in his personality from that first encounter with the priest. Whatever it was he never hid the fact he despised them.
His mind was clear as he walked. Not a single though passed through his mind as he strolled along briskly taking in the scenery. Usually he always had something running through his mind, but when he was on one of these missions he was truely at peace. His mind was blank and he just enjoyed walking and living. If he had thought too much he might have backed out and perhaps that's why he cleared his mind. Either way he was fast approaching the Crossroads where he saw the sign for Jiyyd. Even turning down the East Road he casually walked along. It wasn't until he could see the smoke of the town's chimneys and the outer walls that he began to get prepared.
He had been walking nearly half a day now and the sun was quick on the decline and he quickly dipped into the shadows of the setting sun. The trees made for excellent cover for the man and he found himself wandering through some brush and low lying shrubs until he managed to find a place to relax. Soon he was sitting on a stone inside the clump of trees and again he was preparing. Quickly he changed armor and cloaks and fastened his weapons belt around him, checking the scabbards for the blades.
Nico had always kept an assortment of blades. He was a collector of fine rapiers and it was one of his passions. though in truth he didn't have very many that one would call amazing or even decent compared to many of the other weapons out there. Frostbite was a blade touched with a tiny bit of coldness. The magic in it wasn't strong at all and was barely noticable unless you were struck by the blade. Nico always thought though that it isn't the weapon you carry, but rather how you carry the weapon. Frostbite was more of a symbol than an actual weapon of some power. The other blades he held might have been enchanted more heavily but Frostbite was his preferred choice in most instances. Today though might be different.
Nico took out the small bottle of the black inky substance. Most referred to it as weapon black, and it truely lived up to the name. He began the short task of painting the blades of the weapons with the substance and watched as it stole away the gleam of the metal. He held the blades up one at a time as he painted them, examining them for any missed places. This was no time for mistakes. While waiting for all the blades to dry he double checked his supplies again. Scrolls, potions, trinkets….all were where they should be and all were easy to get to.
The black blades slid back into their scabbards and as the sun bid it's finaly farewell to the land Nico Black slipped out into the shadows and headed for the walls. The land was covered in the haze that was dusk. Not really light and not really dark either, but instead it painted the land in cold tones of grey. This was the time that things became muddled to people's vision. The time when even the brightest of colors seemed to lose their luster. This was the time when you could get by unseen except by a trained eye.
The back door of the Regal Whore was locked solid, but it was only a temporary problem. Quickly diving into one of the many pouches, he retrieved a set of thin metal tools. The tools of a locksmith or just the tools of a thief. The locked clicked open within moments and the door opened just a crack. Just enough to let the man inside and as quietly as it opened the door shut again. No one heard him enter nor saw him standing in the corner now.
The waitress was going over her inventory lists and standing right between nico and the door that would lead him into the common room and upstairs. From the darkness five shiney coins flipped through the air and tumbled into a corner on the opposite side of the room. They clammered to the floor making the sounds that only a spinning coin can make and instantly her head turned toward them. The prospect of gold will distract most people and she quickly spied one of the coins still trying to stay alive in it's wobbling spin.
She walked over curious and began picking up the coins just as he had hoped. He moved quickly along the walls, inching his way to the door that led out into the common room. Soon enough Nico was padding up the stairs toward the second floor. Toward his target and new lesson. Soon enough Nico would kill.
-
A Pleased God
The leaves swirled around the Romani camp as the wind blew through the valley. Most days it felt as if the air hung about you like a thick cloak, but today a cool breeze had managed to find it's way between the mountains and the dense trees. Nico Black pulled his cloak tight around him as he made his way through the gates of the camp greeting those who took notice of him. The unusual chill of the day found him heading indoors to find a bit of warmth, which he would not find for a few hours more.
The sun was steadily reaching it's pinnacle but as was common in the camp it could barely be seen over the cliffs and trees. In the darker corners, the ones tucked away between towering cliffs of stone the light never managed to sneak it's way in. Instead you were surrounded by a cold, damp shadow. Standing in one of these shadowy sanctuaries you could look out over the camp and get a glimpse of what it could be as the Rom children played in the leaves. The cold of the shadows though surrounded you in these places. These were places you went when you wanted to escape. To get away. One of these places is where Nico Black was heading to this very day.
He walked along the camp's dirt paths steadily finding his way to the back corner of the valley that was the camp. No reason led the man this way as he truely wanted to escape the chill wind, but instead found himself going to the chill shadows. At least the wind didn't blow there. He kept the hood of his cloak pulled low over his face, partially to shield from the breeze, but mostly so people wouldn't recognize him. Often he found himself hiding his face or standing in the dark corners to avoid people.
It was always a certainty that someone would find him usually and begin with the business talk. He knew he would get no rest in the communial tree, the place where everyone in the camp usually spent their days relaxing or sleeping. Instead like most days he tried to find a spot to hide away. A place to be alone. A place to hide away from the world.
Soon enough he found himself walking in the shadows of the cliffs avoiding the eyes of the Rom and Gali alike. He made his way to a small section of the camp. It was a crevice that looked as if the stone had been cut away by a giant sword. It was a nice place to get away from everyone and Nico usually found himself doing some type of work here on the days he didn't want to be seen. Going through his ledger and getting a list of those who owed him a debt to just relaxing and reading. Though his eyes were by no means that of a dwarf he found himself adjusting quickly to the lack of light to read by.
Nico had no more made his way to this sanctuary when the shadows beging to shift and move. They gathered and swirled in front of him and soon formed into a solid mass. A very familiar figure stood before Nico, but he was not surprised. Not as much as one would think when a man such as Jubei materializes right in front of you and steps from the darkness. Jubei bowed slightly in his customary greeting and Nico nodded in his and they exchanged their greetings. The master and his apprentice stood in the darkness and there was no doubt what the topic would be.
Have you killed this day my apprentice? Jubei asked with his accented voice.
An eastlander in the past tenday, Master. Nico's reply was calm and carried it's usual casualness to it.
The talk was a brief one discussing the progression since the last assignment and what had been learned. Nico admitting that he was sloppy and that it did not go well, but he had learned a good deal. Nico was showing progress in his training, and his instincts were on target which Jubei had confirmed. He still had a lot to learn though. He still had a long way to go if he was to become the weapon he desired to be.
It was time for a new test. It was time for Nico Black to once again train in the art. The art of killing. Nico had gotten the information from Jubei and committed it to memory as the man spoke in their usual hushed tones. A priest was the target and he was in Jiyyd. Nico immediatly started making plans in his mind as he listened to the details of the man. Donal was his name and he was on the second floor where he had a room. Before the sun rose the next day was the timeline he had to work within. It would be done. The apprentice would prove himself to his master this time beyond doubt.
Nico listened to the instructions carefully and even before Jubei had faded completely from view, he was making his plans. Checking and double checking his weapons belt, securing the potions he would need, tightening the straps on his leather, and he was walking within moments. Heading to his new lesson. Heading to kill the priest.
-
Grit
_Have you ever been in a place for so long that you forget just what it is really like. Deep down I mean, in the heart of it. I believe I have gotten too settled walking the streets of Peltarch, so settled I often forget to look around at the Jewell of the Icelace. Peltarch may very well carry the name of the Jewell, but once you pass inside those walls you realize that this gem doesn't sparkle so brightly.
Since I was a child I have lived most of my life in some large metropolis. Peltarch being the one I have spent most of my time in and in all this time, in all these years, I seem to have forgotten what it is like. Once you get passed all the nobles with thier noses so high in the air I pray for rain just to see if they will drown, and once you leave the comfort of the civic district, you see the real Peltarch. The one people choose to ignore until they forget it exists. I've not taken a good hard look around until recently and I've seen just how gritty this city really is._
The marketplace is located just inside the western gate of the city. One deep breath and you are instantly flooded with a variety of smells. Smells so thick you can taste them. The fishmonger displays the day's catch proudly packed in fresh snow. The smell of fish mixed with the variety of fresh spices, herbs and other foodstuffs if overwhelming if you aren't prepared.
The morning sun had been up a while and the market was bustling with customers. Children played with sticks near one stall and one was pretending to be one of Peltarch's Defenders who was after a fugitive. The swords clacked together a few times as they went through the motions of their mock sword fight. It was just another irritating sound mixed in with the jumble of others.
One figure moved through the crowd quietly. Nico Black was a man who carried himself well. Seldom did you ever see the man looking drab or dressed casually. Though after talking to him it was clear his appearance did not match the man behind it. Always he was clean shaven, except for the large sideburns that he wore, and his hair always kept in place. Appearance was everything for the man and his outfits were no exception.
Black was his name and it was the color he prefered. Partially because it was an expensive taste for the dye was never cheap. Mainly though he just liked it, even though Sierra did not approve. He stood out in a crowd for certain and he liked that. Not that he wanted the attention because he rarely enjoyed it, but it did give him a sense of importance. A feeling of difference. He was like a single speck in a sea of color and people knew who he was.
The merchants all knew the man and he made it a point to speak with many of them weekly. Being a merchant himself he had a connection to them that went deep down. Often he would be found sitting around some shop or in the marketplace casually speaking of everything from rising prices to various customers. To see him leaning on a counter, laughing and smoothing down his muttonchops was no strange sight for the people. He had once been a Senator and you would have been hard pressed to find someone who didn't know his name, even if some had never seen his face.
He strolled through the marketplace casually mingling with the crowds. Most knew he frequented the market and most could care less about the man. In Peltarch people were always seeming pressed for time. Shoulders bounced off one another as people hurried through the booths gathering what they needed for the day. Maybe it was the smell that kept them moving. Nico, as with all the other merchants, had grown accustomed to the familiar and welcoming smells.
The dark figure drifted away from the market after spending the better part of the morning talking and shopping carrying a fresh apple. Nico was on his way to the commons to see who was about as was his usual routine. No telling what you would see there during this time of day. Street performers were rampant usually, as were various hustlers and clerics shouting the tenets of their faith. It was always a scene to be certain.
A sound caught his attention though as he moved through the streets and he turned his attention to the ally that led between the two large buildings near the Blade and Bow. Peltarch was no small city by any means, nor was is a sprawling metropolis the likes of Waterdeep. The buildings did shield the sun's rays though from ever reaching the ground in certain places and this was one of those alleys that rarely saw the bright rays of the sun.
He moved quietly into the alley, his curiousity getting the better of him. The man's steps fell lightly on the cobblestones as he moved into the shade of the buildings. The air here was considerably cooler as it had no time to warm up and you see your breath hang in the air for a moment. It had been many a year since Nico had ventured down this alley and to be honest he couldn't remember the last time.
He found himself standing behind a small portion of a stone wall now watching the show he had found. A few children seemingly playing in the alley with one another, that is until you noticed the form on the ground. One was a brute of a child and nearly stood as tall as Nico. He had some orcish blood in him somewhere Nico mused to himself. You could always tell those children by their enourmous heads. They were truly a mistake of nature.
The one who caught his attention was the smaller child off to the side. The wirey one who just watched as the others made quick work of the young man. Nico bit into the apple now forgetting about his surroundings for a moment. He watched as they patted the young man down quickly looking for any valuables he might have. He made no movement to help though he could have certainly have scared them off, but he watched instead as they gave him a parting kick to the stomach and make off with his purse and loaf of bread.
He took a few more bites watching the man pull himself to his feet. His clothing marking him as a man of no meager means. Why would he have even ventured down this alley Nico wondered. Surely he couldn't have been lost, but probably was looking for a shortcut. A faster way to get somewhere with half the work. A trickle of blood trailed down from his brow and his nose looked as if it had exploded on his face. Blood splattered on his face and tunic from the beating and he staggered to keep his footing. He leaned against the building putting his hand to his face checking to make sure his nose was still attached no doubt.
He staggered passed Nico whimpering and coughing. No doubt some blood had trickled down his nasal passages and into his throat. He sobbed out for the guard with ragged breaths. He had received a good beating, but was in no danger of dying. Even so Nico probably would have made no move to help him. Instead he chewed on the apple watching from the cubby until he passed. Nico could hear him now staggering back out into light wishing he had never taken the short way home today.
It wasn't until that moment that Nico looked around. He saw the small alley littered in trash and debris. The smell of the market was long gone and now all you could smell is the remains of emptied chamber pots and rotting trash. Right here in the commerce district no less. It wasn't strange to see this in the docks, but Nico had neglected to notice it right here in the area he passed by daily.
He had probably always known it was there, hidden away. The little alleys and backstreets that he used to frequent as a young man so much. It reminded him of his childhood on the streets and brought back a rush of memories. He looked a long glance down the alley and saw the man speaking to a guard, then turned to see the other end. It looked like a giant tunnel as he saw the bright light of the sun at the end and a few people stroll by.
He finished his apple looking around again at the grit of the city. This was what was at the core of the city and he knew it. Peltarch was no different than any other place. It was sugar coated to look great on the outside, but there was a whole other world inside. At the heart of city lived a different world. One filled with crime, poverty, depression, and desperation. He tossed the core of the apple aside and straightened his shirt. He knew he was above all this, this grit, but he also knew he would always be a part of it. He truely did live in both worlds…
((Crappy one and I might rewrite it if I get inspired more. As always, thanks for reading.))
