Lapis Blue - by Arislyn on 16:59 29 Jul 2002
I'm sure that some of you will be a touch confused since this is actually starting in the middle of the story. The forums used to be on Ultraboard, but since being moved over to Ikonboard, I will archive all of the previous posts rather than re-post them here. (Egads, that would take a long time!)
I will post a thread explaining the meager rules for RP here in the tavern shortly.
With that said, enjoy the story!
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The man begins to speak to Kel in a lilting, haunting language that seems to be half-music itself. While he can't understand the words, Kel almost feels that he can...sense...the intent behind them. A chord deep in the assassin's psyche vibrates with each syllable that falls from his captor's mouth, leaving him with the odd sensation that he should know this, much like the few times he has searched valiantly for a word to express himself and could almost feel it wanting to spring from his lips, but it never did. Kel's mind begins to fog slightly, and he shakes his head, knowing that he must stay alert, must not let himself slip into deep thought while in this harsh, slender man's presence.
After a few moments, the man stops speaking and smiles, "Now, I will tell you what those words mean. I'm afraid that in giving you the clearest translation possible, rhyme and meter will be lost. Many of the words your ancestor used have no equal meaning in the common tongue of your land."
V'archti spin in darkened space.
Light drips along the webs, silken in the night,
Hurting mine eyes.
Where is this stygian place?
The female hunter moves with shadows,
She knows what must be done, but has not told.
She knows, but does she understand what awaits?
The male hunter follows, his eyes hard as slate.
Mine heir sees as she does not, his blood is not hers.
He seeks death, as does she.
Together, they move to the tangle,
the webs bright and deadly.
Shadows let her by, he follows in her wake...
Strands sway, silver in darkness.
Swarms, swarms of v'arachti! Everywhere!
Fiercely, mine heir, the hunter, fights.
Too many, too fast....
She knows. She understands. She embraces her fate.
He screams, tries to reach her.
Flowers of blood strike his cheeks...and he can See.
He knows. He understands. He embraces the Divine.
And the Ancient Destructor trembles at the feet
of the new-born dead.
I'm sure that some of you will be a touch confused since this is actually starting in the middle of the story. The forums used to be on Ultraboard, but since being moved over to Ikonboard, I will archive all of the previous posts rather than re-post them here. (Egads, that would take a long time!)
I will post a thread explaining the meager rules for RP here in the tavern shortly.
With that said, enjoy the story!
---------------------
The man begins to speak to Kel in a lilting, haunting language that seems to be half-music itself. While he can't understand the words, Kel almost feels that he can...sense...the intent behind them. A chord deep in the assassin's psyche vibrates with each syllable that falls from his captor's mouth, leaving him with the odd sensation that he should know this, much like the few times he has searched valiantly for a word to express himself and could almost feel it wanting to spring from his lips, but it never did. Kel's mind begins to fog slightly, and he shakes his head, knowing that he must stay alert, must not let himself slip into deep thought while in this harsh, slender man's presence.
After a few moments, the man stops speaking and smiles, "Now, I will tell you what those words mean. I'm afraid that in giving you the clearest translation possible, rhyme and meter will be lost. Many of the words your ancestor used have no equal meaning in the common tongue of your land."
V'archti spin in darkened space.
Light drips along the webs, silken in the night,
Hurting mine eyes.
Where is this stygian place?
The female hunter moves with shadows,
She knows what must be done, but has not told.
She knows, but does she understand what awaits?
The male hunter follows, his eyes hard as slate.
Mine heir sees as she does not, his blood is not hers.
He seeks death, as does she.
Together, they move to the tangle,
the webs bright and deadly.
Shadows let her by, he follows in her wake...
Strands sway, silver in darkness.
Swarms, swarms of v'arachti! Everywhere!
Fiercely, mine heir, the hunter, fights.
Too many, too fast....
She knows. She understands. She embraces her fate.
He screams, tries to reach her.
Flowers of blood strike his cheeks...and he can See.
He knows. He understands. He embraces the Divine.
And the Ancient Destructor trembles at the feet
of the new-born dead.
Lapis Blue - by Haruchai on 23:24 30 Jul 2002
As Kel shakes his head clear of the strange lilting sound, his eyes focus sharply upon the thin man. He listens intently as the man recites the verse in a more modern way, and he can feel his heart quail near the end. "...embraces her fate..." plays over and over in Kel's mind, and he struggles to remain calm, to try and get more information of this out of the thin man. He begins to speak, but finds his mouth dry, and his throat parched. He coughs lightly, the smallest bit of saliva wetting the inside of his mouth, though his voice is still hardly more than a croaking whisper. "My Huntress.... she is to die then?" he manages to say.
As Kel shakes his head clear of the strange lilting sound, his eyes focus sharply upon the thin man. He listens intently as the man recites the verse in a more modern way, and he can feel his heart quail near the end. "...embraces her fate..." plays over and over in Kel's mind, and he struggles to remain calm, to try and get more information of this out of the thin man. He begins to speak, but finds his mouth dry, and his throat parched. He coughs lightly, the smallest bit of saliva wetting the inside of his mouth, though his voice is still hardly more than a croaking whisper. "My Huntress.... she is to die then?" he manages to say.
Lapis Blue - by Arislyn on 14:31 31 Jul 2002
The man shakes his head, his voice loosing a touch of it's harshness, "I do not know, Hunter. The passage merely says that she accepts her fate, not exactly what that fate may be. One is led to believe that death will certainly come for someone. However, prophecy is a hard subject to understand. Even for a celestial, interpreting the images one receives is difficult. They may be jumbled, not necessarily in chronological order, or key events that would completely change the meaning of the vision are never Seen, remaining unknown until the appointed time arrives. Often, prophecies are self-fulling. Once one knows (or thinks he knows) the truth, then he will actively set about making those events occur, whether consciously or subconsciously." He smiles wryly, shaking his head, "Tricky business, at best and not something that an assassin should be cursed with. What if one were to always know the possible events that a single man's death could cause, cascading across multiple lives?" The angular stranger lifts a graceful hand and gently touches the spot just between and above Kel's eyes. His touch is light and dry upon Kel's skin, gently pressing as if he were trying to subtly push a secret thought through his skin. "You must find who you are, Bast's Hunter, Prophesied Heir of Jahua, Palintar Kelethryl...and you must do it soon. Time is running out."
With a sigh, the man steps back, removing his finger from Kel's forehead. The assassin can still feel the slight pressure lingering there, the extra warmth slowly ebbing away. He runs a hand through his short, peppered hair and leans upon his cane for a moment before lifting the stick and tapping the intricately inlaid bracelets upon Kel's wrists. With a faint "snickt", they loosen and slide down Kel's hands, catching upon his knuckles before clattering to the floor. Kel's eyes flick downwards for a split second, following the glint of falling metal. But, more importantly, he spies a book lying on the floor, it's leather cover dark with age.
"A gift from your grandfather. Music, Palintar," he begins to walk casually towards the deeper darkness of a doorway. He pauses and turns, "By the way, Miriamele is fine. She is stretching her abilities to find you, as I had hoped you would do for her...but it seems it is not yet time for your Gift to emerge." He smiles and nods, giving Kel the traditional farewell of the assassin's guild, "Til night falls" and moves away.
The man shakes his head, his voice loosing a touch of it's harshness, "I do not know, Hunter. The passage merely says that she accepts her fate, not exactly what that fate may be. One is led to believe that death will certainly come for someone. However, prophecy is a hard subject to understand. Even for a celestial, interpreting the images one receives is difficult. They may be jumbled, not necessarily in chronological order, or key events that would completely change the meaning of the vision are never Seen, remaining unknown until the appointed time arrives. Often, prophecies are self-fulling. Once one knows (or thinks he knows) the truth, then he will actively set about making those events occur, whether consciously or subconsciously." He smiles wryly, shaking his head, "Tricky business, at best and not something that an assassin should be cursed with. What if one were to always know the possible events that a single man's death could cause, cascading across multiple lives?" The angular stranger lifts a graceful hand and gently touches the spot just between and above Kel's eyes. His touch is light and dry upon Kel's skin, gently pressing as if he were trying to subtly push a secret thought through his skin. "You must find who you are, Bast's Hunter, Prophesied Heir of Jahua, Palintar Kelethryl...and you must do it soon. Time is running out."
With a sigh, the man steps back, removing his finger from Kel's forehead. The assassin can still feel the slight pressure lingering there, the extra warmth slowly ebbing away. He runs a hand through his short, peppered hair and leans upon his cane for a moment before lifting the stick and tapping the intricately inlaid bracelets upon Kel's wrists. With a faint "snickt", they loosen and slide down Kel's hands, catching upon his knuckles before clattering to the floor. Kel's eyes flick downwards for a split second, following the glint of falling metal. But, more importantly, he spies a book lying on the floor, it's leather cover dark with age.
"A gift from your grandfather. Music, Palintar," he begins to walk casually towards the deeper darkness of a doorway. He pauses and turns, "By the way, Miriamele is fine. She is stretching her abilities to find you, as I had hoped you would do for her...but it seems it is not yet time for your Gift to emerge." He smiles and nods, giving Kel the traditional farewell of the assassin's guild, "Til night falls" and moves away.
Lapis Blue - by Haruchai on 23:14 31 Jul 2002
The man's farewell hangs in the air, "'Til night falls.", and Kel sighs. He looks once more down at his now free hands, the shimmering constraints lying upon the floor. "I need to find myself." he thinks, and his facade of coolness and collectedness fades away, leaving troubled assassin standing in the middle of an empty room.
He bends slowly, retrieving the book near his feet. With slow, careful hands, he opens the book, revealing yellowed pages with dotted lines and bars. Kel shakes is head, and his mind turns again to the rhyme from his youth. Part of him wants to flee, with his Huntress. Escape and never look back. And yet he knows they will press on. Try as he might, he can find himself beginning to burn to learn of his past. Who he is and where he comes from. But it will all be for nothing if Miri is not at his side.
Miri! Kel sprints towards the door, his hand finding the cat amulet about his neck that Miri gave him what seems like ages ago. Out the door and down the halls he goes, seeking his Huntress.
The man's farewell hangs in the air, "'Til night falls.", and Kel sighs. He looks once more down at his now free hands, the shimmering constraints lying upon the floor. "I need to find myself." he thinks, and his facade of coolness and collectedness fades away, leaving troubled assassin standing in the middle of an empty room.
He bends slowly, retrieving the book near his feet. With slow, careful hands, he opens the book, revealing yellowed pages with dotted lines and bars. Kel shakes is head, and his mind turns again to the rhyme from his youth. Part of him wants to flee, with his Huntress. Escape and never look back. And yet he knows they will press on. Try as he might, he can find himself beginning to burn to learn of his past. Who he is and where he comes from. But it will all be for nothing if Miri is not at his side.
Miri! Kel sprints towards the door, his hand finding the cat amulet about his neck that Miri gave him what seems like ages ago. Out the door and down the halls he goes, seeking his Huntress.
Lapis Blue - by Arislyn on 08:15 02 Aug 2002
As soon as he leaves the tiny, cold room, the world seems to change. It is not a magical change, as though terrain and buildings shift, but simply an abrupt difference so stark in nature that there is no missing it, much like leaving a room in the slums and suddenly stepping out onto main street in the White Roof District. Kel's feet stop of their own accord and he turns to glance behind him at the door, only to find that there is no door. A solid, brick wall greets his gaze. His hand is still clenched about the amulet, rubbing the smooth metal absently as his mind quickly takes in his surroundings. As much as he wants to find Miri, it would be foolish to run blindly without first figuring out where he is. If he gets himself killed here, then he will most certainly not see Miri again, nor will the mystery of his own destiny be revealed.
Kel is standing in a long alleyway, trash and offal strewn along ground at the base of the walls. Looking up, he can see the night sky and barely make out the small, shimmering dots of light that in another place would've been stars. However, here, they are the lights of lamps and candles lining streets and shining from windows in the city above. Kel nods to himself. He is back in Sigil and, judging by the neglected buildings and quiet menace that hangs in the silent evening, he is in the Hive. The assassin moves to the end of the alley, stepping over the still form of a man lying just inside the passage's mouth. It takes but a glance for Kel to see that the dead man was fairly wealthy, his clothes of a fine weave and his hair neatly trimmed. His cold fingers are curled, his arm thrown up over his head and sliced repeatedly as if he had warded off blade attacks. The defense was not enough, apparently. Dark splotches of blood mar his otherwise immaculate suit, the pockets turned outward in a ludicrous fashion. Kel doesn't give the poor sod a second thought beyond noting that this particular alley may be part of a gang's territory, and he should be wary.
He steps out onto the main road and glances at a sign just to his right, the plaques askew and hanging from the post haphazardly. If the sign is to be believed, he is standing at the corner of Alu and Potter. Kel smiles. This isn't far from where he and Miri were before. Having gotten his bearings, Kel slips into the shadows and moves with grace and speed towards the point where he was separated from his Huntress. As he moves, Kel finds himself pleasantly surprised to note that he is feeling no ill affects from the bracelets used to subdue him. Apparently, while they hurt like the blue hells, they did no actual damage to him. He pads softly along the cobblestones, hoping that he will find Miri nearby. Surely, if she was freed from whatever confinement she was in (as Kel has no doubt she was taken to be "tested" as well) then she would return to the point where they originally were. It seems the most logical thing to do.
As he crosses a street a few lane over from his destination, Kel is startled by a human-sized figure appearing in the air a few feet above and in front of him. It is hazy, the form indistinct and slightly transparent, but it seems to be gaining solidity quickly…
As soon as he leaves the tiny, cold room, the world seems to change. It is not a magical change, as though terrain and buildings shift, but simply an abrupt difference so stark in nature that there is no missing it, much like leaving a room in the slums and suddenly stepping out onto main street in the White Roof District. Kel's feet stop of their own accord and he turns to glance behind him at the door, only to find that there is no door. A solid, brick wall greets his gaze. His hand is still clenched about the amulet, rubbing the smooth metal absently as his mind quickly takes in his surroundings. As much as he wants to find Miri, it would be foolish to run blindly without first figuring out where he is. If he gets himself killed here, then he will most certainly not see Miri again, nor will the mystery of his own destiny be revealed.
Kel is standing in a long alleyway, trash and offal strewn along ground at the base of the walls. Looking up, he can see the night sky and barely make out the small, shimmering dots of light that in another place would've been stars. However, here, they are the lights of lamps and candles lining streets and shining from windows in the city above. Kel nods to himself. He is back in Sigil and, judging by the neglected buildings and quiet menace that hangs in the silent evening, he is in the Hive. The assassin moves to the end of the alley, stepping over the still form of a man lying just inside the passage's mouth. It takes but a glance for Kel to see that the dead man was fairly wealthy, his clothes of a fine weave and his hair neatly trimmed. His cold fingers are curled, his arm thrown up over his head and sliced repeatedly as if he had warded off blade attacks. The defense was not enough, apparently. Dark splotches of blood mar his otherwise immaculate suit, the pockets turned outward in a ludicrous fashion. Kel doesn't give the poor sod a second thought beyond noting that this particular alley may be part of a gang's territory, and he should be wary.
He steps out onto the main road and glances at a sign just to his right, the plaques askew and hanging from the post haphazardly. If the sign is to be believed, he is standing at the corner of Alu and Potter. Kel smiles. This isn't far from where he and Miri were before. Having gotten his bearings, Kel slips into the shadows and moves with grace and speed towards the point where he was separated from his Huntress. As he moves, Kel finds himself pleasantly surprised to note that he is feeling no ill affects from the bracelets used to subdue him. Apparently, while they hurt like the blue hells, they did no actual damage to him. He pads softly along the cobblestones, hoping that he will find Miri nearby. Surely, if she was freed from whatever confinement she was in (as Kel has no doubt she was taken to be "tested" as well) then she would return to the point where they originally were. It seems the most logical thing to do.
As he crosses a street a few lane over from his destination, Kel is startled by a human-sized figure appearing in the air a few feet above and in front of him. It is hazy, the form indistinct and slightly transparent, but it seems to be gaining solidity quickly…
Lapis Blue - by Haruchai on 22:52 02 Aug 2002
Kel stops, his face frowning slightly as the shape begins to gain solidity before him. His hands involuntarily stray to the hilts of his weapons, and he trusts his own speed to keep him safe should the need to draw them arise. With everything that has happened as of late, he is much more wary of drawing weapons without due cause first. Exactly why, he does not know.
Kel glances about, making sure that the streetway is relatively empty, should this turn into a melee situation. Then, a thought strikes him. A way to find Miri more swiftly and easily. Cymorel. He waits to see what this figure before him turns out to be before calling for the cat.
Kel stops, his face frowning slightly as the shape begins to gain solidity before him. His hands involuntarily stray to the hilts of his weapons, and he trusts his own speed to keep him safe should the need to draw them arise. With everything that has happened as of late, he is much more wary of drawing weapons without due cause first. Exactly why, he does not know.
Kel glances about, making sure that the streetway is relatively empty, should this turn into a melee situation. Then, a thought strikes him. A way to find Miri more swiftly and easily. Cymorel. He waits to see what this figure before him turns out to be before calling for the cat.
Lapis Blue - by Arislyn on 11:54 05 Aug 2002
Kel watches with narrowed eyes, his hand hovering over his dagger hilt like a hawk stalling before a dive. The figure quickly gains solidity....and familiarity. Dark, shining black tresses form and delicately pointed ears peek out from the waves. Angular features frame bright, sapphire eyes wide and intense with concentration. Her body, clad in the same, battered leathers as always, fades into view, her hands clenched at her sides. She does not drop from her point above and in front of Kel, but he can see her lips twitch upward in a slight smile, her eyes glittering with a personal victory. Then, a tired sigh escapes Miri's lips, and she drops to the ground, her knees bending automatically to cushion her fall. Instead of muscles bunching to keep her on her feet, however, she continues to collapse, knees cracking on the cobblestones and hands flinging forward to brace herself.
Kel watches with narrowed eyes, his hand hovering over his dagger hilt like a hawk stalling before a dive. The figure quickly gains solidity....and familiarity. Dark, shining black tresses form and delicately pointed ears peek out from the waves. Angular features frame bright, sapphire eyes wide and intense with concentration. Her body, clad in the same, battered leathers as always, fades into view, her hands clenched at her sides. She does not drop from her point above and in front of Kel, but he can see her lips twitch upward in a slight smile, her eyes glittering with a personal victory. Then, a tired sigh escapes Miri's lips, and she drops to the ground, her knees bending automatically to cushion her fall. Instead of muscles bunching to keep her on her feet, however, she continues to collapse, knees cracking on the cobblestones and hands flinging forward to brace herself.
Lapis Blue - by Haruchai on 20:09 05 Aug 2002
Kel's gaze softens as Miri comes into view, and he takes a small step forward to greet her. She alights to the ground, and his arms move out automatically to pat her on the back and to make sure that she is whole and safe. He saw the way she was holding her concentration, and the way her hands were clenched at her sides. His growing smile soon disappears as she continues to fall, her knees thudding hard into the stone of the street. "Love!?" he cries, in both surprise and concern, his hands moving swiftly to catch her. He moves swiftly to her, her own hands flung out before her to brace her fall, and scraping along the road. He is at her side then, kneeling down and cradling her in his arms, flipping her over firmly and swiftly, bringing her to face him. He brushes her ebon tresses away from her face. Her eyes are closed and her breathing comes a bit ragged, though that small smile still lingers on her lips. "Oh love...." Kel whispers, knowing that she must have expended a lot of her own energy to keep her form insubstantial. She must have been terribly worried over him. He quickly glances about, taking note once more of where they are at. The Hive. With a sigh, Kel gently runs a hand along her cheek and whispers, "Miri.... Miri can you hear me?" When he gets no response, Kel knows that he has to move her off the street. He gathers his bearings and scoops Miri into his arms, and heads in the direction of Momma's.
Kel's gaze softens as Miri comes into view, and he takes a small step forward to greet her. She alights to the ground, and his arms move out automatically to pat her on the back and to make sure that she is whole and safe. He saw the way she was holding her concentration, and the way her hands were clenched at her sides. His growing smile soon disappears as she continues to fall, her knees thudding hard into the stone of the street. "Love!?" he cries, in both surprise and concern, his hands moving swiftly to catch her. He moves swiftly to her, her own hands flung out before her to brace her fall, and scraping along the road. He is at her side then, kneeling down and cradling her in his arms, flipping her over firmly and swiftly, bringing her to face him. He brushes her ebon tresses away from her face. Her eyes are closed and her breathing comes a bit ragged, though that small smile still lingers on her lips. "Oh love...." Kel whispers, knowing that she must have expended a lot of her own energy to keep her form insubstantial. She must have been terribly worried over him. He quickly glances about, taking note once more of where they are at. The Hive. With a sigh, Kel gently runs a hand along her cheek and whispers, "Miri.... Miri can you hear me?" When he gets no response, Kel knows that he has to move her off the street. He gathers his bearings and scoops Miri into his arms, and heads in the direction of Momma's.
Lapis Blue - by Arislyn on 07:58 06 Aug 2002
As Kel lifts Miri in his arms, her head rolls to rest against his chest, her hair falling across his arm. Taking but a moment to shift her weight to a more comfortable position, the assassin starts to make his way back to the alley and towards Momma's hut. However, he has only taken a few steps when Miri begins to stir. Pausing, he looks down at the tiefling cradled in his arms, watching as her eyes open and she blinks. "Kel!" she says softly. She moves as if she wishes for him to set her down, but Kel does not yet comply. For one, he is not certain that she has recovered enough to stand and does not wish for her to fall. Secondly, he just doesn't want to. He is well aware that to be seen like this in the Hive is broadcasting weakness, though, and relucantly sets her feet upon the ground, keeping a supporting arm about her waist. She sways a bit woozily, but seems to be recovering quickly.
"What happened to you? Are you alright?" Miri whispers into the dark, quiet night, her voice carrying the tones of relief. "When you disappeared, I tried everything I could think of to find you. I knew you had to be somewhere in Sigil, but none of my spells could locate you..."
As Kel lifts Miri in his arms, her head rolls to rest against his chest, her hair falling across his arm. Taking but a moment to shift her weight to a more comfortable position, the assassin starts to make his way back to the alley and towards Momma's hut. However, he has only taken a few steps when Miri begins to stir. Pausing, he looks down at the tiefling cradled in his arms, watching as her eyes open and she blinks. "Kel!" she says softly. She moves as if she wishes for him to set her down, but Kel does not yet comply. For one, he is not certain that she has recovered enough to stand and does not wish for her to fall. Secondly, he just doesn't want to. He is well aware that to be seen like this in the Hive is broadcasting weakness, though, and relucantly sets her feet upon the ground, keeping a supporting arm about her waist. She sways a bit woozily, but seems to be recovering quickly.
"What happened to you? Are you alright?" Miri whispers into the dark, quiet night, her voice carrying the tones of relief. "When you disappeared, I tried everything I could think of to find you. I knew you had to be somewhere in Sigil, but none of my spells could locate you..."
Lapis Blue - by Arislyn on 15:03 08 Aug 2002
Kel smiles, saying nothing. Lifting a hand, he allows himself to gently touch Miri's cheek once before he falls back into a professional stance, standing away from her though he keeps his hand cupped securely under her elbow. The tiefling nods, understanding immediately. Her own worry had swept away her caution for a moment, and words that she would not have spoken aloud slipped free. In all likelihood, there was no one about to learn of her inadequacy in locating her lost Hunter, but one can never be too cautious.
Fingers moving in the subtle, silent language of footpads, Kel suggests that they retire to Momma's to talk and plan, to discuss what has happened here. Miri frowns slightly, her own hands forming a question, "What of Dru? We need to move quickly…" She tucks a stray strand of dark hair behind her ear as she alternately scans the alleys and watches Kel, waiting to see whether he wishes to pause or continue immediately upon their mission.
Kel smiles, saying nothing. Lifting a hand, he allows himself to gently touch Miri's cheek once before he falls back into a professional stance, standing away from her though he keeps his hand cupped securely under her elbow. The tiefling nods, understanding immediately. Her own worry had swept away her caution for a moment, and words that she would not have spoken aloud slipped free. In all likelihood, there was no one about to learn of her inadequacy in locating her lost Hunter, but one can never be too cautious.
Fingers moving in the subtle, silent language of footpads, Kel suggests that they retire to Momma's to talk and plan, to discuss what has happened here. Miri frowns slightly, her own hands forming a question, "What of Dru? We need to move quickly…" She tucks a stray strand of dark hair behind her ear as she alternately scans the alleys and watches Kel, waiting to see whether he wishes to pause or continue immediately upon their mission.
Lapis Blue - by Arislyn on 14:34 09 Aug 2002
First and foremost in Kel's mind is Miri's welfare. It would be a shame should Dru die, but he refuses to push Miri should she be injured in some way that is not apparent to the eye. With but the slightest mental flex, the assassin slips into his altered view of the world, seeing Miri through his Gift of Sight. His eyes rove across her body, searching for signs of weakness and injury. He smiles in relief as all he sees is her normal aura and all of the natural strengths and weaknesses that she already had. One thing, though is different. The shadowy aura of her own Gift seems stronger and more stable than before, eclipsing the blue shell of her protective magics. He notes the way she breathes deeply, as a runner only recently stopped and the sweat that beads along her brow. Aye, he has seen her like this before, the night that they invaded the necromancer's domain. Then, she had attempted to literally pull shadows through herself and into the dimly lit, empty room to hide the two. In the effort, she had nearly passed out. Kel immediately makes the connection. His captor had said that she was extending her abilities in an attempt to find him. Normally, Miri can only travel through Shadow for short distances and instantaneously. When she awoke, she had said that her spells had not availed her. So, she must have tried to find a way to search for him through the plane of Shadow itself. He nods gently, understanding the change in her aura and the fatigue that now grips his Huntress….and seeing the change only lights the fire within him to know more about his own, still dormant Gift. He can feel the music book lying heavy in his backpack, stiff and unyielding against cloth and muscle. Once again, he can hear the man's voice speaking in the haunting, sing-song language and, deep in his spirit, an ominous chord strikes. He is suddenly overcome with a need for urgency….but to what?
As he looks at her, Kel notes as Miri raises an eyebrow in question, his pause having run a bit long in contemplation. He signs, "If you feel well enough, then lets continue." That is a silly answer, he knows. There has already been enough evidence to let him see that she will push herself well past what is healthy.
Miri nods and Kel notices that she is doing much as he had, eyeing his body carefully for signs of injury. Her eyes take in the way his clothing still hangs loosely about his frame, no drying blood tacking the cloth and the fact that he stands with his weight even, not seeming to favor one side or the other. The assassin smiles gently into the night, knowing that her vision lets her see the expression as clearly as day, and signs, "I'm fine."
The corner of her mouth quirks up and she answers, "Good. I'd hate to have to go back to Momma and explain that, right after I find a decent man, I loose him in the Hive." She snorts quietly, chuckling as she continues to sign, "I can hear her now: 'You just can't have nice things if you can't take care of them.'" Miri's eyes are soft and warm, meeting Kel's for a moment before she lets herself slide back into a more professional mode. With a nod of her head, she gestures down the alleyway, signaling that she is ready to go.
First and foremost in Kel's mind is Miri's welfare. It would be a shame should Dru die, but he refuses to push Miri should she be injured in some way that is not apparent to the eye. With but the slightest mental flex, the assassin slips into his altered view of the world, seeing Miri through his Gift of Sight. His eyes rove across her body, searching for signs of weakness and injury. He smiles in relief as all he sees is her normal aura and all of the natural strengths and weaknesses that she already had. One thing, though is different. The shadowy aura of her own Gift seems stronger and more stable than before, eclipsing the blue shell of her protective magics. He notes the way she breathes deeply, as a runner only recently stopped and the sweat that beads along her brow. Aye, he has seen her like this before, the night that they invaded the necromancer's domain. Then, she had attempted to literally pull shadows through herself and into the dimly lit, empty room to hide the two. In the effort, she had nearly passed out. Kel immediately makes the connection. His captor had said that she was extending her abilities in an attempt to find him. Normally, Miri can only travel through Shadow for short distances and instantaneously. When she awoke, she had said that her spells had not availed her. So, she must have tried to find a way to search for him through the plane of Shadow itself. He nods gently, understanding the change in her aura and the fatigue that now grips his Huntress….and seeing the change only lights the fire within him to know more about his own, still dormant Gift. He can feel the music book lying heavy in his backpack, stiff and unyielding against cloth and muscle. Once again, he can hear the man's voice speaking in the haunting, sing-song language and, deep in his spirit, an ominous chord strikes. He is suddenly overcome with a need for urgency….but to what?
As he looks at her, Kel notes as Miri raises an eyebrow in question, his pause having run a bit long in contemplation. He signs, "If you feel well enough, then lets continue." That is a silly answer, he knows. There has already been enough evidence to let him see that she will push herself well past what is healthy.
Miri nods and Kel notices that she is doing much as he had, eyeing his body carefully for signs of injury. Her eyes take in the way his clothing still hangs loosely about his frame, no drying blood tacking the cloth and the fact that he stands with his weight even, not seeming to favor one side or the other. The assassin smiles gently into the night, knowing that her vision lets her see the expression as clearly as day, and signs, "I'm fine."
The corner of her mouth quirks up and she answers, "Good. I'd hate to have to go back to Momma and explain that, right after I find a decent man, I loose him in the Hive." She snorts quietly, chuckling as she continues to sign, "I can hear her now: 'You just can't have nice things if you can't take care of them.'" Miri's eyes are soft and warm, meeting Kel's for a moment before she lets herself slide back into a more professional mode. With a nod of her head, she gestures down the alleyway, signaling that she is ready to go.
Lapis Blue - by Arislyn on 08:22 13 Aug 2002
Once again, Kel takes his place as point man with Miri following in his shadow. He watches the surrounding darkness with renewed vigilance, his recent capture acting as a lesson. However, Kel thinks to himself that there was most likely little chance that he could've avoided that particular turn of events. Someone is very interested in his life...a powerful someone. But who? As much as the question wiggles in his brain, demanding to be heeded, he pushes it to the back of his mind, for now. He knows that distractions often mean death when faced with a mission, and this one will not be easy. Neither he nor Miri have had time to scout out the K'narri headquarters nor are they likely to have time in the future. He has no doubt that the place will be crawling with all sorts of undesirables, much like the group that attacked the two in The Tin Cup.
Silently and swiftly, assassin and thief make their way through the seemingly abandoned streets of the Hive to the small, gem shop that acts as the face of the K'narri camp. If their source is to be trusted, somewhere inside of the establishment will be a hidden doorway leading down to UnderSigil, not far from that, will be the ancient mason that the fiendish group has commandeered. And, within those walls will be Seragas….
Kel looks over the single story, stone shop with a critical eye, circling as he takes in the bars that cover the windows and the heavy, metal sheets that act as shutters. No simple wooden covering here, and no window left open. The doors, one in the front and another in the back of the building, are also made of a thick metal set into a stout frameworks. He is not at all surprised to see such security in this place. To have less would be foolish and to advertise their location, relying upon the organizations reputation to keep them safe, would be utter stupidity. Looking up, he notices two large, stone figures hunched ominously over the eaves, their faces twisted into fierce snarls and wings caught in the act of unfurling.
Once again, Kel takes his place as point man with Miri following in his shadow. He watches the surrounding darkness with renewed vigilance, his recent capture acting as a lesson. However, Kel thinks to himself that there was most likely little chance that he could've avoided that particular turn of events. Someone is very interested in his life...a powerful someone. But who? As much as the question wiggles in his brain, demanding to be heeded, he pushes it to the back of his mind, for now. He knows that distractions often mean death when faced with a mission, and this one will not be easy. Neither he nor Miri have had time to scout out the K'narri headquarters nor are they likely to have time in the future. He has no doubt that the place will be crawling with all sorts of undesirables, much like the group that attacked the two in The Tin Cup.
Silently and swiftly, assassin and thief make their way through the seemingly abandoned streets of the Hive to the small, gem shop that acts as the face of the K'narri camp. If their source is to be trusted, somewhere inside of the establishment will be a hidden doorway leading down to UnderSigil, not far from that, will be the ancient mason that the fiendish group has commandeered. And, within those walls will be Seragas….
Kel looks over the single story, stone shop with a critical eye, circling as he takes in the bars that cover the windows and the heavy, metal sheets that act as shutters. No simple wooden covering here, and no window left open. The doors, one in the front and another in the back of the building, are also made of a thick metal set into a stout frameworks. He is not at all surprised to see such security in this place. To have less would be foolish and to advertise their location, relying upon the organizations reputation to keep them safe, would be utter stupidity. Looking up, he notices two large, stone figures hunched ominously over the eaves, their faces twisted into fierce snarls and wings caught in the act of unfurling.
Lapis Blue - by Haruchai on 22:24 13 Aug 2002
Kel keeps one eye upon Miri as he looks the place over, noting the security and solidity of the building. He sighs, and his eyes rove upwards, catching the stone figures overhead, snarling down at him like granite watchdogs ready to swoop onto their prey. He considers, having heard tales of statues thus, coming to life to crush intruders within their stony grasps. He glances to Miri once more, his eyes flicking upwards towards the two hulking shapes. Miri catches his gaze with her own, and glances upwards as well. Without any speech between them, the two Champions of Bast know full well what they may be getting themselves into.
Kel continues his perimeter search of the building, finding no easy access. Then, an idea strikes him. But it hinges on the assumption that the stone beasts will, indeed, animate to stop the two of them. He finishes his circumference of the building and goes back to Miri's side. "It seems all clear." he signs silently. "Shall we?" he signs, indicating the door. He is sure that Miri is the better lockpick of the two of them, and he silently signs, asking her if she thinks she can gain them entry.
Kel keeps one eye upon Miri as he looks the place over, noting the security and solidity of the building. He sighs, and his eyes rove upwards, catching the stone figures overhead, snarling down at him like granite watchdogs ready to swoop onto their prey. He considers, having heard tales of statues thus, coming to life to crush intruders within their stony grasps. He glances to Miri once more, his eyes flicking upwards towards the two hulking shapes. Miri catches his gaze with her own, and glances upwards as well. Without any speech between them, the two Champions of Bast know full well what they may be getting themselves into.
Kel continues his perimeter search of the building, finding no easy access. Then, an idea strikes him. But it hinges on the assumption that the stone beasts will, indeed, animate to stop the two of them. He finishes his circumference of the building and goes back to Miri's side. "It seems all clear." he signs silently. "Shall we?" he signs, indicating the door. He is sure that Miri is the better lockpick of the two of them, and he silently signs, asking her if she thinks she can gain them entry.
Lapis Blue - by Arislyn on 08:10 15 Aug 2002
Miri moves to kneel before the door, her eyes narrowing in thought. Softly, she speaks a word of magic. Though nothing seems to change to Kel, his partner frowns as she continues to examine the lock. Her eyes flick up to scan the rest of the building and the statues overhead. She sighs and quickly signs, "It looks like there is an alarm spell on the lock. I can try to remove that and get us in. There is also another spell beyond the door, but I can't tell what it is. I can only see the glow from it through the space between door and jamb, not the weave pattern. Plus, our friends on the roof are definitely magical." She sits back on her heels, resting her arms across her knees for a moment before continuing, "The lock itself is of fine quality, but I've picked ones just like it before. I'm fairly positive that I can disarm the alarm and get us in. What has me worried, though, is the spell beyond the door." She waits quietly to see if he wishes to continue.
Miri moves to kneel before the door, her eyes narrowing in thought. Softly, she speaks a word of magic. Though nothing seems to change to Kel, his partner frowns as she continues to examine the lock. Her eyes flick up to scan the rest of the building and the statues overhead. She sighs and quickly signs, "It looks like there is an alarm spell on the lock. I can try to remove that and get us in. There is also another spell beyond the door, but I can't tell what it is. I can only see the glow from it through the space between door and jamb, not the weave pattern. Plus, our friends on the roof are definitely magical." She sits back on her heels, resting her arms across her knees for a moment before continuing, "The lock itself is of fine quality, but I've picked ones just like it before. I'm fairly positive that I can disarm the alarm and get us in. What has me worried, though, is the spell beyond the door." She waits quietly to see if he wishes to continue.
Lapis Blue - by Haruchai on 19:20 15 Aug 2002
Kel stops to think, presuming that the stony creatures above may indeed spring to attack if the alarm is set off. It is during this pause that he leans close to whisper his plan to Miri...
"I think that unless we are very lucky, we may have to get entangled in a fight with our ugly creatures above us. I hope they're not too fast, because I'd like to have them break down this door for us." Kel's gaze flicks upwards, and a small smile comes to his lips. "I don't want you to take an unnecessary risk, Miri. Let me draw their attention. I don't plan to have to use my weapons... just my speed."
Kel then falls into silent cant, signing that she may continue to try and disarm the guards and wards upon the door, but that he will be more than happy to implement his own plan should she so wish...
Kel stops to think, presuming that the stony creatures above may indeed spring to attack if the alarm is set off. It is during this pause that he leans close to whisper his plan to Miri...
"I think that unless we are very lucky, we may have to get entangled in a fight with our ugly creatures above us. I hope they're not too fast, because I'd like to have them break down this door for us." Kel's gaze flicks upwards, and a small smile comes to his lips. "I don't want you to take an unnecessary risk, Miri. Let me draw their attention. I don't plan to have to use my weapons... just my speed."
Kel then falls into silent cant, signing that she may continue to try and disarm the guards and wards upon the door, but that he will be more than happy to implement his own plan should she so wish...
Lapis Blue - by Arislyn on 13:32 16 Aug 2002
Miri nods and sets to work. Voice rasping softly, she speaks words of power as she gazes intently at the lock, her fingers twitching as if she were unraveling an invisible thread. Several long moments pass like this, and then she stops speaking and smiles into the silence. Without a word, Miri pulls forth her picks and sets them to the lock. Kel's ears pick up the delicate "tik-schkit" sounds as the tiefling carefully prods within the complicated mechanism, trying to coax the tumblers into place. All the while, his eyes watch the looming statues above, alert for signs of movement. The gargoyles' wings are spread wide, blocking out the specks of light from candles and lanterns above, and thankfully, they remain in their frozen position even as Kel hears the tell-tale "click" that tells him that Miri has been successful. Even as he turns to start to sign to his partner, Kel hears another sound…
"Thunk-skitter-thud….." the sound echoes from an alleyway a few feet away, as loud as a thunderclap in the slum's stillness.
Miri nods and sets to work. Voice rasping softly, she speaks words of power as she gazes intently at the lock, her fingers twitching as if she were unraveling an invisible thread. Several long moments pass like this, and then she stops speaking and smiles into the silence. Without a word, Miri pulls forth her picks and sets them to the lock. Kel's ears pick up the delicate "tik-schkit" sounds as the tiefling carefully prods within the complicated mechanism, trying to coax the tumblers into place. All the while, his eyes watch the looming statues above, alert for signs of movement. The gargoyles' wings are spread wide, blocking out the specks of light from candles and lanterns above, and thankfully, they remain in their frozen position even as Kel hears the tell-tale "click" that tells him that Miri has been successful. Even as he turns to start to sign to his partner, Kel hears another sound…
"Thunk-skitter-thud….." the sound echoes from an alleyway a few feet away, as loud as a thunderclap in the slum's stillness.
Lapis Blue - by Haruchai on 15:14 16 Aug 2002
Miri can see that Kel has started to sign something when he goes stock-still. His eyes peer intently into the darkness of a nearby alleyway, his hearing also straining to pick up any other sounds that they may be about to get interrupted. Almost absent-mindedly, his fingers move in swift gestures as he signs, "Wait here, I'll check it out."
With a practiced yet natural grace, Kel slips towards the mouth of the alley, hands resting easily upon the hilts of his daggers as he moves like a wraith towards the dark....
Miri can see that Kel has started to sign something when he goes stock-still. His eyes peer intently into the darkness of a nearby alleyway, his hearing also straining to pick up any other sounds that they may be about to get interrupted. Almost absent-mindedly, his fingers move in swift gestures as he signs, "Wait here, I'll check it out."
With a practiced yet natural grace, Kel slips towards the mouth of the alley, hands resting easily upon the hilts of his daggers as he moves like a wraith towards the dark....
Lapis Blue - by Arislyn on 21:32 17 Aug 2002
Senses alert, Kel moves stealthily towards the alleyway, his hands instinctively clasping his daggers' hilts. He moves quickly, padding softly like a cat as he angles towards a wall so that he will not be entering the alley face on, giving whoever or whatever is in there a clear shot at him. Kel catches sight of Miri out of the corner of his eye, moving to pace him across the road, her crossbow out and a bolt in place. As he nears the alley's mouth, he checks to see where Miri is and senses more than sees her kneel in the shadows across from him, taking relaxed aim, alert for movement.
The assassin peeks around the corner, taking stock of the darkened passage between the two run-down, brick buildings. Bits of stray trash catch in a light breeze, swirling and tumbling along the cobblestones to catch on other, larger debris. He stands stock still, ears straining to hear the sounds of movement. His own breathing is calm and silent, his eyes bright and alert. Long seconds pass like this and, just as he is about to give up, thinking that perhaps it was a stray animal or a beggar stumbling through the streets in a blissfully unaware drunken, stupor....he hears it. Breathing. The soft, ragged breathing of the frightened, of one who is trying to hide and be silent, but fear works against them.
Kel leans his shoulder against the cold, stone building as he ponders what he would like to do about this. Catching Miri's eye, he signs, "Someone is there. I hear them." The tiefling nods and signs back, "The alley is a dead end, but I see no one." Her hands go back to her weapon and she raises it, aiming down the alley in such a way that it will only take a flick of the wrist to aim and she waits for Kel's signal...
Senses alert, Kel moves stealthily towards the alleyway, his hands instinctively clasping his daggers' hilts. He moves quickly, padding softly like a cat as he angles towards a wall so that he will not be entering the alley face on, giving whoever or whatever is in there a clear shot at him. Kel catches sight of Miri out of the corner of his eye, moving to pace him across the road, her crossbow out and a bolt in place. As he nears the alley's mouth, he checks to see where Miri is and senses more than sees her kneel in the shadows across from him, taking relaxed aim, alert for movement.
The assassin peeks around the corner, taking stock of the darkened passage between the two run-down, brick buildings. Bits of stray trash catch in a light breeze, swirling and tumbling along the cobblestones to catch on other, larger debris. He stands stock still, ears straining to hear the sounds of movement. His own breathing is calm and silent, his eyes bright and alert. Long seconds pass like this and, just as he is about to give up, thinking that perhaps it was a stray animal or a beggar stumbling through the streets in a blissfully unaware drunken, stupor....he hears it. Breathing. The soft, ragged breathing of the frightened, of one who is trying to hide and be silent, but fear works against them.
Kel leans his shoulder against the cold, stone building as he ponders what he would like to do about this. Catching Miri's eye, he signs, "Someone is there. I hear them." The tiefling nods and signs back, "The alley is a dead end, but I see no one." Her hands go back to her weapon and she raises it, aiming down the alley in such a way that it will only take a flick of the wrist to aim and she waits for Kel's signal...
Lapis Blue - by Arislyn on 08:38 22 Aug 2002
Kel pads forward, his steps making nary a sound as he rounds the corner into the alley and begins to move along it's length. The usual bits of trash and debris greet his eyes, dark blobs that clump along the junction of street and wall. A tiny breeze carries the scent of something rotting to his nostrils, but that is not unusual for the Hive. Possibly, the Dusties missed some poor sod whose corpse now rots, forgotten amongst the clutter in another street. Along with the scent of death, the wind carries a sound to Kel's keen ears - the sound of panicked breathing, that softly strained sound of someone trying desperately to be quiet but unable to overcome the adrenaline that flows in their veins. He tilts his head slightly, swiveling to try and pinpoint where it is coming from. After a moments pause, his gaze moves to a pile of debris just ahead and to his left. There. That is where the sound comes from.
The assassin frowns to himself, wondering who it might be. Surely, it would not be a member of the K'narri. He seriously doubts that they would be so frightened by the prospect of a conflict. He adjusts mentally, switching on his Hunter's Sight, scanning the alley in search of invisible or ethereal enemies. He does not put it past the K'narri to pull some ruse, to lure him and Miri into a fight only to ambush them from the safety of magical concealment. However, his Sight reveals nothing more than what he has already seen, broken trash and a lone, scurrying rat. Glancing back, he checks on Miri. Seeing that she still sits quietly across the way, her crossbow aimed down the alley, he decides to make his move.
Kel leaps into the air, tumbling slightly across and around the intruder's hiding spot. He lands, muscles coiled and ready for confrontation, eyes ahead and bright. His hands have already flown to his daggers and drawn them, the blades making a satisfying "ssshhhh" as they glide from their constraints. What greets his eyes is the sight of a small being, perhaps three or four feet tall huddled behind the trash. The being looks up in startlement and springs to his feet, fright and a strong survival instinct propelling him faster than light. There is a flurry of scruffy, smelly clothing as he leaps and feints, trying frantically to dodge past Kel. In this instant, fate works in the intruder's favor as Kel makes a snap decision to try and capture the being rather than attack. As the assassin tries to sheath his blades, the diminutive creature lunges left, then right….and barely slips past Kel, brushing against the assassin's side as he makes a rather clumsy but successful escape. However, Kel's years of training and longer legs give him the advantage. He snaps around and runs the few steps to close the distance between them as the figure sprints for freedom…and life. Kel's strong, calloused hands catch the figure's shoulders first, stopping him enough to get a better grip before slipping an arm around his chest and squeezing firmly. The figure grunts and kicks as Kel lifts him off the ground, but he is no match for the Hunter's strength. It takes a moment, but Kel realizes now that what he holds in his arms is a terrified child, a grubby and thin boy of about eight or ten years. He sets the boy down and turns him around but keeps firm hold of him, wrapping a fist in the boy's collar and lifting so that the boy's feet are never flat on the ground, keeping him off balance. The boy continues to struggle, striking at Kel's arms with surprising strength for one so small.
"Whoa, whoa, whoa there little fella! I won't hurt you! What are you hiding from?" Kel says quietly, though in the back of his mind he still fears that he may be holding a polymorphed fiend in his hand. He continues to hold the boy solidly, waiting patiently for him to calm down.
After a short time, the boy seems to realize that escape is no longer an option and looks up at Kel from beneath greasy, blonde bangs. Wide, dark eyes glitter in the darkness, staring at Kel from above slightly hollowed cheeks. There is a desperate intelligence in his eyes that speaks of too much knowing for one so young. Taking a couple of deep breathes, the boy says, "Some...some thugs. They chased me and I ran down this way."
Kel raises an eyebrow. "Being chased, eh? Where are your pursuers now?" Kel glances about, that gesture pointing out the obvious lack of company. "I never heard anything until you started making noise. I bet you were spying on us, weren't you?"
The boy stiffens in Kel's grip and color drains from his cheeks. He swallows hard around a lump in his throat as he remains silent. Kel can almost see the wheels in the boy's mind ticking away as he tries to think of something to say that will let him walk away from this encounter alive. Though it is obvious to Kel that the boy is scared, he has to admire the way he is holding it together. Kel has dealt with grown men who, in the same situation, merely babbled, making the situation far, far worse. This boy, though, bides his time and thinks before speaking.
Kel tightens his grip on the boy's collar and glances back down the alley, meeting Miri's curious gaze. The assassin gestures to his Huntress before starting to lead the boy out of the passage, saying, "I want you to meet a friend of mine."
Miri raises an eyebrow and walks across the street, her crossbow out but lowered. As she approaches Kel and the boy, she appraises her beloved's prisoner. A street urchin, no doubt. Whippet thin and with the wild eyes of a trapped fox, the boy glances hither and yon, searching for any means of escape. Deep in her heart, she feels for the boy. She, too, grew up on these harsh streets and knows well the hardships he faces each day. She also knows that to be in the wrong place at the wrong time can be deadly…as it seems that this boy was, and he knows it. Miri would not hurt the child, but neither can they let him go, at this point. She signs to Kel, "What do you think we should do with him?"
Kel pads forward, his steps making nary a sound as he rounds the corner into the alley and begins to move along it's length. The usual bits of trash and debris greet his eyes, dark blobs that clump along the junction of street and wall. A tiny breeze carries the scent of something rotting to his nostrils, but that is not unusual for the Hive. Possibly, the Dusties missed some poor sod whose corpse now rots, forgotten amongst the clutter in another street. Along with the scent of death, the wind carries a sound to Kel's keen ears - the sound of panicked breathing, that softly strained sound of someone trying desperately to be quiet but unable to overcome the adrenaline that flows in their veins. He tilts his head slightly, swiveling to try and pinpoint where it is coming from. After a moments pause, his gaze moves to a pile of debris just ahead and to his left. There. That is where the sound comes from.
The assassin frowns to himself, wondering who it might be. Surely, it would not be a member of the K'narri. He seriously doubts that they would be so frightened by the prospect of a conflict. He adjusts mentally, switching on his Hunter's Sight, scanning the alley in search of invisible or ethereal enemies. He does not put it past the K'narri to pull some ruse, to lure him and Miri into a fight only to ambush them from the safety of magical concealment. However, his Sight reveals nothing more than what he has already seen, broken trash and a lone, scurrying rat. Glancing back, he checks on Miri. Seeing that she still sits quietly across the way, her crossbow aimed down the alley, he decides to make his move.
Kel leaps into the air, tumbling slightly across and around the intruder's hiding spot. He lands, muscles coiled and ready for confrontation, eyes ahead and bright. His hands have already flown to his daggers and drawn them, the blades making a satisfying "ssshhhh" as they glide from their constraints. What greets his eyes is the sight of a small being, perhaps three or four feet tall huddled behind the trash. The being looks up in startlement and springs to his feet, fright and a strong survival instinct propelling him faster than light. There is a flurry of scruffy, smelly clothing as he leaps and feints, trying frantically to dodge past Kel. In this instant, fate works in the intruder's favor as Kel makes a snap decision to try and capture the being rather than attack. As the assassin tries to sheath his blades, the diminutive creature lunges left, then right….and barely slips past Kel, brushing against the assassin's side as he makes a rather clumsy but successful escape. However, Kel's years of training and longer legs give him the advantage. He snaps around and runs the few steps to close the distance between them as the figure sprints for freedom…and life. Kel's strong, calloused hands catch the figure's shoulders first, stopping him enough to get a better grip before slipping an arm around his chest and squeezing firmly. The figure grunts and kicks as Kel lifts him off the ground, but he is no match for the Hunter's strength. It takes a moment, but Kel realizes now that what he holds in his arms is a terrified child, a grubby and thin boy of about eight or ten years. He sets the boy down and turns him around but keeps firm hold of him, wrapping a fist in the boy's collar and lifting so that the boy's feet are never flat on the ground, keeping him off balance. The boy continues to struggle, striking at Kel's arms with surprising strength for one so small.
"Whoa, whoa, whoa there little fella! I won't hurt you! What are you hiding from?" Kel says quietly, though in the back of his mind he still fears that he may be holding a polymorphed fiend in his hand. He continues to hold the boy solidly, waiting patiently for him to calm down.
After a short time, the boy seems to realize that escape is no longer an option and looks up at Kel from beneath greasy, blonde bangs. Wide, dark eyes glitter in the darkness, staring at Kel from above slightly hollowed cheeks. There is a desperate intelligence in his eyes that speaks of too much knowing for one so young. Taking a couple of deep breathes, the boy says, "Some...some thugs. They chased me and I ran down this way."
Kel raises an eyebrow. "Being chased, eh? Where are your pursuers now?" Kel glances about, that gesture pointing out the obvious lack of company. "I never heard anything until you started making noise. I bet you were spying on us, weren't you?"
The boy stiffens in Kel's grip and color drains from his cheeks. He swallows hard around a lump in his throat as he remains silent. Kel can almost see the wheels in the boy's mind ticking away as he tries to think of something to say that will let him walk away from this encounter alive. Though it is obvious to Kel that the boy is scared, he has to admire the way he is holding it together. Kel has dealt with grown men who, in the same situation, merely babbled, making the situation far, far worse. This boy, though, bides his time and thinks before speaking.
Kel tightens his grip on the boy's collar and glances back down the alley, meeting Miri's curious gaze. The assassin gestures to his Huntress before starting to lead the boy out of the passage, saying, "I want you to meet a friend of mine."
Miri raises an eyebrow and walks across the street, her crossbow out but lowered. As she approaches Kel and the boy, she appraises her beloved's prisoner. A street urchin, no doubt. Whippet thin and with the wild eyes of a trapped fox, the boy glances hither and yon, searching for any means of escape. Deep in her heart, she feels for the boy. She, too, grew up on these harsh streets and knows well the hardships he faces each day. She also knows that to be in the wrong place at the wrong time can be deadly…as it seems that this boy was, and he knows it. Miri would not hurt the child, but neither can they let him go, at this point. She signs to Kel, "What do you think we should do with him?"