Azrael/Iris
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A drunk monk who hates social events and worms
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Post by Azrael/Iris on Nov 2, 2012 16:45:20 GMT -6
Winter had hit the land of Termina, snow blew from the top of Snowhead into the land. It covered the valleys and caverns of Ikana, giving the silent and dead land a scene of eerie beauty.
Torak stood upon of the crumbling towers of the castle, his yellow eyes scanning the area underneath his hood. His warm breath creating a cloud the moment it touched the cold winter air.
The Master Assassin was in search of an artifact... he had heard from the old hags in the Woodfall swamp of an item from his homeland of Carnivoria... an ancient item hidden in the ruins of the castle. He set off for the valley in an instant and was prepared to fend off ancient haunts and angry spirits to get to where the item rested.
Instead there were living beings... they were armored... marching in practiced sequence. This was not a band of thieves and rogues nor were they mercenaries. They were someones personal army or an invading countries. He did not expect this.
"No matter... they will pose no threat to me." Torak whispered to himself, any ears listening in would have trouble hearing him as the wind blew harshly.
He took another glance down before leaping off of his perch, he fell fast and swift. Any noticing would think he was just a bird of prey. He landed in a rather deep snow drift, he took a second to poke his head out from his hiding spot and moved to behind a pillar. Torak peeked around the corner to be faced with the back of a guard.
The wolf smiled as his left hidden blade slid out of it's hiding place under the gauntlet and his right hand wrapped itself around the mouth of the guard.
His eyes widened and gave a muffled gasp of surprise as the blade sunk into his back and into his diaphragm, silencing him. Torak shoved him behind the pillar and ducked behind another pillar.
This continued for another minute, he took out another guard as he entered the darkened entrance. Armored footsteps echoed across the dark room as he entered.
"No lantern for me then... good. It will make things a tad more interesting for me." he thought as his eyes picked a spot where he could climb and take his way.
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Eldrin/Vai
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Kaepora Gaebora
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Post by Eldrin/Vai on Nov 5, 2012 15:37:16 GMT -6
"Soooo... freeeaaking... COLD!" Eldrin stood knee-deep in the snow, clutching Ayishe's overcoat tightly around his shivering body. His cheeks and nose were pinkish-red from the ruthless wind, his hair covered in bits frost. With a newfound desperation, he scanned the frozen landscape for any sign of life. The old castle of Ikana stood in the distance, dark and gloomy as ever. Yet, it seemed to have new life within its ruined walls. Patrols marched the perimeter. Lanterns burned within the windows. Even a campfire or two could be seen in the courtyard. Normally, Eldrin made a point of avoiding places filled with armed and armored guards... but at this point, being skewered on a pike seemed preferable to bearing the mild chill in the air.
Dodging the patrols and slipping into the castle was child's play for the thief... especially since he was cheating. Eldrin knew of an old smuggler's tunnel that bypassed all of the castle's defenses, both old and new. The existence of the passage was a secret known by few outside of the criminal underground... not that many used it anyway. Usually, the thought of the redead was enough to keep anyone out... Until now. Before long, Eldrin was inside the castle, watching from above as Torak entered and began climbing up a wall closest to him. Eldrin grinned with anticipation. It had been forever since he'd seen Torak, and he was quite honestly eager to join him for an adventure. Of course, this eagerness did not take priority over Eldrin's obsession with making an entrance...
"A wolf in the dark... Tread lightly my friend, lest you awake the Forgotten..." A voice playfully taunted the Master Assassin. "These are cursed grounds... Curious that an army would find interest with these old ruins... Curiouser that you would." Eldrin sat in an small alcove tucked between the top of the wall to Torak's left and the ceiling. The alcove was actually the exit point of a ventilation shaft, meant to air out the smuggler's tunnel. He spoke deliberately low, so that only Torak could hear him. "Far be it from me to ask the motives of an assassin such as yourself... But, I must know... Name your prey and I'll help in the hunt," he offered, still not moving from his perch.
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Azrael/Iris
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A drunk monk who hates social events and worms
Posts: 933
Sexuality: Yes
Relationship: Single
Played By: Your mother
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Post by Azrael/Iris on Nov 6, 2012 13:34:35 GMT -6
Torak froze as he heard someone speak to him, it took him a moment to register who it belonged to.
"I must give you some credit. Not many can do that to me. Then again... my mind is rarely only focused on one thing." he replied lowly, looking in Eldrin's general direction.
"It is not a target I hunt. But an artifact... an artifact from my homeland of Carnivoria to be exact." The Master Assassin added.
He fell silent as several voices echoed from below where they were.
"Bah! We've been in this gods forsaken castle for months now. We haven't found anything of this item the Grand Master spoke of!"
"Don't let the captain hear you speak like that. You'll be put in the stockade for it..."
"At least I'd get a break from all of this digging. What was this thing supposed to do anyway?"
"The Grand Master said it would wipe the Assassins off of the map... that's all I know."
Torak's face grew grim and his eyes widened slightly. "Well... this is interesting. I think we have a target, my friend." he spoke softly and took a peek down below where the two guards had left to return to their posts.
"Let us find the captain... he has some answers to some questions that I have." Torak muttered.
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Eldrin/Vai
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Kaepora Gaebora
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Post by Eldrin/Vai on Nov 11, 2012 21:28:25 GMT -6
Eldrin raised an eyebrow when Torak revealed his target... An artifact from Carnavoria? He had known Torak a long time, yet he knew very little about the assassin's homeland, or even his past. Of course, such was to be expected of one so secretive as Torak... or any of the other Assassins, for that matter.
Before he could reply, the guard's began to speak. They spoke of an end to the assassins, and furthermore, an item (weapon?) that could accomplish such a task.
He dropped from his alcove and landed next to Torak as the latter peeked down at where the guards had been. "Indeed, let's just hope we can catch him alone... Unless you plan to take out all of his lackeys first?"
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Azrael/Iris
Administrator
A drunk monk who hates social events and worms
Posts: 933
Sexuality: Yes
Relationship: Single
Played By: Your mother
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Post by Azrael/Iris on Nov 27, 2012 23:03:14 GMT -6
"I will only kill if it is necessary. I cannot raise the alarm here... or all of my hard work will be wiped away as if a flash flood came." Torak whispered back to Eldrin before jumping from where they were and landed silently.
The Assassin moved to the shadows and peeked around a corner.
Not a soul was there.
He looked up to Eldrin and motioned with his hand to follow.
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Eldrin/Vai
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Kaepora Gaebora
Posts: 646
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Post by Eldrin/Vai on Dec 12, 2012 14:34:25 GMT -6
Eldrin waited for Torak's signal, then followed. He frontflipped before landing next to the assassin in with one leg splayed out (for no reason but to show off). His landing was nearly perfect, silent but for the small scraping of his shoe spikes contacting the stone floor. He peered around quickly, to be sure that no guards had heard the sound. After a moment of holding his breath, he decided that it had gone unheard, and straightened up to stand next to Torak.
He waited for Torak to move on and give the next signal. He had decided that it was much safer to follow in the Master Assassin's wake. After all, if he came upon a guard things would get messy. He didn't have any of the AoH's skill in swiftly dispatching enemies. If he ran into a guard, a scuffle would ensue, and he'd likely end up making a huge din.
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Azrael/Iris
Administrator
A drunk monk who hates social events and worms
Posts: 933
Sexuality: Yes
Relationship: Single
Played By: Your mother
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Post by Azrael/Iris on Dec 12, 2012 16:37:33 GMT -6
Torak took the first step, dashing to the safety of the next pillar and peering into the next hallway to be met with the turned back of a guard.
His hidden blade moved out of it's place as Torak's free hand wrapped over the mouth of the guard and stabbed him with his other and pulled the now bleeding corpse around the corner and against the wall. He looked back at Eldrin and motioned once more that it was safe to move.
Torak started down the long hallway that the lone guard stood in, a door waited down at the end of it.
"This is too easy..." Torak muttered to himself as he continued to walk. Bloodstains painted the walls of the hall red, adding an strange feeling to the Assassin.
Something gave way under his boot and a dart flew in front of his nose, barely missing him.
He cursed and looked down, noticing several dark tiles.
"Eldrin! Mind your step! This hallway is booby trapped!" He warned his companion before making the careful trek through the mine field.
It took him several minutes and even longer if it weren't for his training, he stepped over the last tile and grabbed the door. He looked back at Eldrin before he opened the door.
The Assassin took a step inside and froze.
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Eldrin/Vai
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Kaepora Gaebora
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Post by Eldrin/Vai on Dec 13, 2012 6:46:14 GMT -6
Eldrin followed at Torak's signal, quickly slipping behind the pillar the assassin had just left. He was quite enjoying this little game: Torak did all the work, he lazily followed behind. Of course, that was until he noticed the corpse of Torak's latest victim. He shuddered at the sight of it. The hairs on the back of his neck stood on end, and goosebumps covered his skin. Placid, empty eyes, staring deep into his soul; leaving an icy chill in his very bones. In the background, he could've sworn Torak had whisper-yelled something back at him, but he was too busy with the corpse to be bothered.
"Stop it you!" he whispered angrily, glaring at the dead man.
The corpse did not respond.
Eldrin gritted his teeth, glaring at the body. "I mean it! It's very rude! he growled, still in a low whisper. The corpse still did not respond.
"Seriously, what the hell?! Didn't anyone ever teach you manners?!" Eldrin whispered, his voice growing frantic.
A sudden clank of armor startled the thief infinitely more than the corpse ever could. Eldrin spun around just in time to come face to face with the guard turning the corner. Both's eyes widened, shock evident on either face. The guard opened his mouth, probably to call out a warning, but Eldrin was faster. A quick jab to the throat silenced his voice prematurely, leaving him grasping his throat and gasping for air. The thief took advantage of his upper hand, kicking the guard hard in the diaphragm. The guard stumbled backward into the adjacent hallway from the blow, barely managing to keep his footing. Before either could move again, they both heard a quiet rumbling as a floor tile sank into place.
In the blink of an eye, three spears shot from either wall, skewering the guard instantly. For a moment, the two locked eyes, both in shock and horror, then the spikes began to retract. Eldrin rushed forward as the blades released the guard, catching him before he hit the floor. The guard was dead by the time Eldrin gently set him down, avoiding the ruckus he would've made upon falling.
Eldrin quickly realized what had happened, noticing all of the strange colored tiles. "Booby traps, damn..." He considered warning Torak, but seeing as the assassin was already halfway across and not yet dead, he figured he knew. Deciding now was as good a time as any, the thief began to follow.
His crossing was considerably slower than Torak's, but seeing as he didn't die, he decided it was a victory... By the time he reached the Master Assassin, Torak was already opening the door.
He was just about to follow the assassin through when he noticed him go rigid. "Um... Torak?"
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Azrael/Iris
Administrator
A drunk monk who hates social events and worms
Posts: 933
Sexuality: Yes
Relationship: Single
Played By: Your mother
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Post by Azrael/Iris on Dec 17, 2012 8:51:47 GMT -6
Torak whispered something in his native language and moved forward slowly.
What stood before the duo of Assassin and Thief was something Torak had never dreamed of even witnessing.
It was a large gold box, it was decorated with depictions of wolves and other canines.
"I do not believe this..." he whispered and moved forward.
Was this it? Was this really what Torak thought it was?
The Assassin started to push top of the box off, letting it hit the floor with a loud 'BANG!' and that was soon accompanied by Torak's cheer.
"Yes!! It is!! I thought this was only a legend!!" he yelled to Eldrin as he reached into the box and pulled out yet another box, but this one was much smaller and could be held in Torak's arms.
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Eldrin/Vai
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Kaepora Gaebora
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Post by Eldrin/Vai on Dec 17, 2012 17:28:10 GMT -6
Eldrin was nearly as shocked as Torak to see the box, but for an entirely different reason. When he had seen the assassin freeze in his tracks, he was sure they had just walked into an ambush. He assumed this captain that the guards had been talking about was actually waiting for them. But no, instead, there was a giant fancy box. Based on the wolves and such depicted on the front, the thief could assume that it was some sort of Carnavorian artifact. But more importantly, they were standing before what was, to Eldrin, essentially a giant golden treasure chest.
Eldrin was almost positive the box itself would sell for thousands, more if it really was a genuine artifact... Not to mention the contents... Eldrin was weak with anticipation as Torak pushed the lid off of the box to reveal...
Another box.
Eldrin was just about to loudly complain about their shitty luck when Torak started shouting happily about legends.
"Um..." he said, peeking over the assassin's shoulder to check that he had seen correctly. Yep, just a box. "What's so special about it?"
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Azrael/Iris
Administrator
A drunk monk who hates social events and worms
Posts: 933
Sexuality: Yes
Relationship: Single
Played By: Your mother
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Post by Azrael/Iris on Dec 20, 2012 11:58:57 GMT -6
"This... this is the crown of the first King of Carnavoria! It's said to hold immense power... what's even better is that he was from my clan." Torak was holding the box as if it were a newborn, staring at it with wide eyes.
He was about to open the box when the sound of marching armor awoke him.
"I think we have company..." Torak whispered to the thief and pointed at the door.
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Eldrin/Vai
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Kaepora Gaebora
Posts: 646
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Post by Eldrin/Vai on Mar 20, 2013 13:20:09 GMT -6
Kings and their crowns were the kind of thing that normally went right over the thief's head. Kings were just men born into terrible jobs with tons and tons of unwanted responsibility, and crowns were just the shiny expensive things they wore on their heads. But, in this case, Eldrin found himself intrigued. The first-crowned kings of a dynasty were completely different stories... conquerors, adventurers, heroes... people who earned what they had... the kind that songs and stories were written about... the kind young boys dreamed of being.
Eldrin was shocked out of these thoughts by metal ringing on stone. Guards! he thought, and immediately after Torak agreed with him. He fingered the hilt of his cutlass eagerly. "We gonna fight our way outa here?" he asked the assassin, facing the open door, watching the shadows dancing forward. They were hardly in a position to fight, seeing as one of them would have to carry the box while the other fought alone, but nor were they in a position to hide and climb their way out... unless Torak knew how to walk up walls...
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Azrael/Iris
Administrator
A drunk monk who hates social events and worms
Posts: 933
Sexuality: Yes
Relationship: Single
Played By: Your mother
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Post by Azrael/Iris on Apr 29, 2013 13:46:24 GMT -6
The assassin grinned before reaching for the hilt of his blade. "Aye. I see no other option, Eldrin." Torak replied, pulling his sword out. His eyes were focused on the open door.
"Tell me... how well are you at playing catch." was what he said before the guards appeared at the door and with a yell, charged at them.
Grinning, the Assassin tossed the box to Eldrin and jumped into the fray, stabbing a guard in the neck with one of his hidden blades and cut the jugular of another with his sword.
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Eldrin/Vai
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Kaepora Gaebora
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Post by Eldrin/Vai on Oct 3, 2013 15:29:40 GMT -6
"I'll have you know I am quite good at catching, I've got the deft hands of a thief, after all. Wonderful gifts normal men could only dream of. In fact, there was this one time- Oh fuck." The box hit the stone floor with a dull thunk, right in front of the thief's feet. He flashed a nervous smile at Torak, but the assassin seemed too busy killing to notice. Eldrin quickly scooped up the box and examined it. It seemed to have survived the fall unharmed... it was very well made after all.
Eldrin was just about to let out a sigh of relief when a sharp pain shot through his left leg. The thief immediately identified the cause as a rather scruffy looking guard who had apparently managed to sneak around the bloodbath going on in the doorway. The man gave him a garish smile as the box tumbled to the floor yet again. Eldrin sighed and returned the smile, before diving forward at the man's waist. The guard dodged and sent an overzealous slash at the thief's back. Eldrin just managed to roll out of the way, leaving the sword to scrape against the floor.
"Now now, you ought to be more careful... You'll dull your blade that way, and it's not like you can just switch to your sidearm..." he teased dangling the guard's own dagger in front of his face. "Nor could you just buy another one later, or have that one repaired..." he continued, now displaying the guard's coinpurse. The guard muttered some profanity and spit a particularly nasty lugey at the thief. His aim was impeccable, and he caught the thief right on the cheek.
At this moment, something in the thief's eyes changed. His tongue flickered out, seemingly longer than it should have been, and licked the spit off of his cheek. After swirling it around in his mouth for a minute and getting a real good taste and finally swallowing it, the thief gave the guard a smile that was unearthly in just how repulsive it was. "Cheap brandy, huh? Not bad for your last drink..." In the blink of an eye, the thief had dropped the purse and drawn his own dagger. He dual-wielded both daggers, holding both in backhand grips. The man jumped forward with an overhead slash that would have easily cleaved the thief halfway down his torso if it hit. It didn't.
Eldrin caught the guard's swordarm in midswing, blocking wrist-to-wrist. He brought his own dagger up and sank it into the exposed forearm on the underside of his opponent's bracers. The guard screamed in agony as the thief raked the blade along the arm, opening the artery and allowing blood to pour out. He brought the other dagger down and caught the guard right in the side, where his breastplate was improperly fastened. He pulled his own dagger from the man's arm and reapllied it to the side of his neck, where the guard should have been wearing a gorget. Next, he pulled the guard' s own dagger from his side and sank it to the hilt in the man's temple. The guard was dead before he even thought of a counter to Eldrin catching his arm. "You can have your dagger back, by the way..." Eldrin offered, leaving the blade lodged in the man's skull.
The thief, put up his own dagger, then recovered the purse and the chest. It wasn't particularly easy, carrying the chest with an injured leg, but he'd manage. It wasn't until he was about to follow Torak out the door that he noticed that he had an audience. Apparently, the guard hadn't snuck past Torak, but had come in through a secret passage at the back of the room... along with about twenty more guards.
"Well shit..." he muttered before limping out the door. The were halfway across the booby trapped passage when another group of guards gathered at the other end of the hall. Eldrin couldn't help but laugh. "I'd say it's not the worse predicament we've ever found ourselves in, eh old friend?"
The thief set the box down (gently this time) and pulled out both his cutlass and his dagger. Between the booby traps, and the sheer fact that it was a fairly narrow passage, they might have a chance. The guards wouldn't be able to attack them all at once, and even if they knew the location of every single trap, the thief and the assassin could still push them into their doom. "This seems like a fine place for a last stand, I think. I'll take the rear...
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