Fantasy Setting Summer Dawn

[Goonfire]

Crow made haste to steal the curtain rod, standing on his tiptoes and stretching up to do so. It was a metal of some sort, possibly brass. Whatever it was, the knobs on the end gave it a reasonable, balanced weight. A shadow approached the doorway; his friend had followed him...

The assassin stepped into the hall as Crow hid in an alcove. He was poised to strike, but nervous. This killer was actively looking for him, checking the alcoves. Closer she crept until she was a mere three feet away from him. The faint roar of the party guests dulled in Crow’s ears; the only two things reaching his ears were the beats of his own heart and the clicking of his assailant’s heels on the marble floor as she reached his alcove. “There you are,” she sadistically purred from around the bend while drawing a dagger. Oh shit... she must have noticed his shadow...

Immediately, Crow swung out and cracked her in the mouth with the knobbed end of the curtain rod, then followed up with a second blow to her nose and a third to the throat. With a mouth full of broken teeth, eyes watering, and trauma to the hyoid bone, this killer was at Crow’s mercy. Her knife clattered to the ground, and she dropped to her knees gagging. Before she could recover, she received another strike to the temple. Crow emerged victorious over his opponent, discarding the unconscious assassin in the same alcove prior to taking her dagger and catching up with the others in the garden.

The clashing of blades was audible just outside the garden. Iolas and Ora were already there, and Pyrrhus had joined the fray. The sight shocked the inquisitor, who wanted to help, but there was still something that needed to be done. “This looks bad... Do you still have the evidence?” he muttered to Iolas. “Please, the Bishop and Lady Lambent must see the rest.”

His grip tightened on the improvised staff; he was torn between helping the centaurs or completing his primary objective. Inquisitor logic dictates the mission comes first, and total failure was worse than death. ‘Think carefully, Crow. Choose wisely...’ In spite of his teachings, he ultimately went with what his heart knew was right. He, too, contributed to the battle, delivering a wide swing and, in turn, a jarring hit to one of the dishonorable assassins pursuing the centaurs. He refused to let them throw away their lives like this.

SilverFlight LazyDaze Flutterby

 

[Zazz]

Desrick's full attention was on the door, and Lohirthe was so quiet when he walked he didn't notice until he felt the mask slip from his face. Suddenly Lohr was there, pressed against him. He felt his blood heat instantly.
"What are you--" was all he had time to say before he was pulled roughly into a deep kiss. A jolt shot through him, like a lightning strike. The sense of danger as the assassin crept in was flooded by something very different. His hand came up and held Lohr tightly and he returned the kiss with matching passion until Lohr broke away.
It was an effort not to look as surprised as the assassin, who paused, dumbfounded, but on the tail end of his partner's indignant outburst, Desrick used that moment to act, stepping forward and catching the man by the front of his coat and slamming him bodily into the wall. His head connected with the flowered wallpaper and he slumped to the ground unconscious.
There was a short silence as Desrick stared at the crumpled form and then looked at Lohr with a shrug. "One less of Lassard's dogs in the game."
An armoire had been jostled open by Desrick's swift action and inside it, wrapped in delicate cloth were several bladed weapons. Desrick smiled as he picked them out.
"Let's go find Iolas."
He stepped around the assassin and was about to pull open the door when he paused, leaning in to Lohr gently. "We can finish that later."
Zazz

The dark elf blinked at his partner once the assassin was out cold. Then forth came a chuckle and a grin. "Excellent timing." He set his hand on the orc's back fondly as Desrick opened the door, only to be met by Iolas. Lohrithe dropped his hand.

"You're not interrupting a thing." Desrick answered a little too quickly. He tossed Iolas the cloth bag and let him have his pick of the weapons contained.
"Has something happened?"
Desrick took a quick look outside. He saw Pyrrhus cantering by.
"I think something has happened." He told them grimly. "Pyrrhus is heading toward the garden and he's not being subtle about it."
Desrick chose his weapon, a thick short sword, and hid it under his jacket. "We need to follow. Whatever Lassard was planning...I think he's making his move."
The orc lead their way, skirting the ballroom and heading for the garden doors.
@LazyDaze @Zazz

Desrick left for the garden, leaving Lohrithe standing with the high elf and the bag of weapons. Lohrithe shrugged and grabbed whatever felt heaviest and followed after the orc.

Outside was a mess. Two centaurs, four dead assassins, eleven more. Then four centaurs. How were they fighting back? He was wary, wondering if it was a trick, but he fought alongside Desrick, swinging his mace fiercely at the dodging elves. "How are you fighting back?" He called to the centaur slaves.

 

[Zazz]

Having disposed of her tail a while back, Azaria was left to roam more or less freely; she used her advantage to observe her surroundings. Her entire team was being followed by Lassard's rats. She had found Iolas, but she remained away from him, as she noticed things beginning to spiral into motion. An elf, following Desrick and Lohrithe into a room. Crow, Pearl, and Pyrrhus, meeting in a room upstairs. Nova, talking to a fairy woman, taking her upstairs to the room the trio left. Pyrrhus must have left the papers, whatever he had left, in that room. But with whom? Ora was accounted for; that red hair was unmistakable. Trileon followed after Atteyo and Pyrrhus, the latter of which carried a sword and all the fear and determination of a savior. Everyone seemed to head towards the garden after that. A small smirk escaped Azaria as she watched Crow take out his tail.

She knew they would be able to hold their own - at least, she hoped - without her, at least for now. Lassard, however, was nowhere to be seen. That was concerning.

The halfling elf hissed in frustration and left the rail, heading down to where Pyrrhus had procured a sword from. Hopefully, he had found the armory. She needed a bow.

 

[SilverFlight]

Pyrrhus heard Trileon's cry and called back to her across the garden, when he tried to break free of the opponents they circled around to the exposed flanks of the slaves, forcing him to spin back around and defend. He lashed out in frustration and caught one unfortunate assassin with a hoof, sending her sprawling with broken ribs. If he left the other centaurs now the elves would kill them. Just then Trileon was at his side, injured but fighting.
"Your head!" Pyrrhus cried as he parried another assassin blade and struck back. He had seen the trailing blood, but there was barely time to breathe let alone heal. He accepted the flank guard gratefully as they continued to fight for their lives.

The Lady Lambent noticed the change in Nova immediately and her playfully coy expression dropped into one of annoyed disappointment, yet she listened.
"Evereach is always doing something criminal," She said with an exasperated sigh, but when Nova said she had proof, the Lady started. Her eyes refocused on Nova with a different sort of interest. Nova hinted at a danger close by and curiosity mixed with a hint of worry flickered across Lady Lambent's carefully-crafted serenity.
Nova leaned in for the kiss and she was ready for it: her hand slipped past Nova's jaw and tangled in her hair, pressing the assassin closer.
"You better not die..." She said with a smile, "I'm not done with you yet."
She watched Nova go, hugging herself as she processed what her mysterious new acquaintance had just told her. Then, she was moving to do as she was bid.
mothspit

People screamed as the ice sculpture burst apart. The guards stirred, looking for the threat. If there was any chance of subtlety, it was gone now.

The assassin caught by Trileon cried out in pain. The other backed away, clutching the stab-wound Iolas had inflicted. He gritted his teeth, eyes flashing from under a delicate white mask, now flecked with blood. The assassin didn't answer, and wouldn't. Fear of Lassard far outweighed this man's fear of death. He was immobilized however, Lassard's diversion at the garden entrance had been cleared.
Something shimmered on the steps, it looked almost like a trick of the light and then it was gone a moment later.
LazyDaze

Desrick had to stop when he saw Pearl accosted by another assassin. "How many blighted daggers does Lassard have at this party?!" He growled as she came to him, injured, and ducked behind him for cover. He didn't need the sword he was in the process of smuggling. The assassin had obviously mistaken him for a glamoured human, and came at him expecting that.
Desrick caught his blade arm and held it in a vice-like grip. The man tried to wrench free but Desrick barely moved. In one swift motion his head came down and his forehead connected with the assassin's. The man dropped like a stone.
"How's your arm?" Desrick turned to ask the water elf. He handed her the assassin's blade. "Take this, I've a feeling were going to have more of a fight on our hands."
HumbugPie

Crispin grinned when they had reached Lassard. "I hid my bow in the hedge just outside, I heard you should never attend a Sumennan party without weapons."
He surveyed the short work his friends had made of the guards and nodded in approval, he didn't have time for praise though as their tail finally made himself known. Crispin leapt into the bushes and began fishing about for the bow. Ora engaged the assassin first.
Crispin floundered in the shrubbery while she fought alone, where was it? He had definitey left it here. "Won't be a minute!" He called up. "Just keep him busy for a little longer!"
The assassin towered over Ora and was pressing every advantage, Crispin saw she wouldn't be able to best him long.
"A bit more time!"
The assassin kicked out, hoping to knock Ora off balance before lifting his blade for a finishing blow. His eyes suddenly went wide behind the mask and he clutched at an arrow shaft that suddenly sprouted from his chest. The assassin fell, and behind Ora, Crispin staggered back in relief. Leaves still clinging to his clothes and hair, his bow in one shaking hand.
"Are you hurt?" He asked, voice trembling as he went to her.
Flutterby

The centaurs fought on but they were beginning to flag. The assassins that broke through Pyrrhus' defense were landing blow after blow, glancing, but they were beginning to add up. There were just too many!
Suddenly there was another there, the staff he carried connected with an assassin just about to open up the side of Pyrrhus' leg.
"Crow!" Pyrrhus cried, relief and triumph in his voice. Atteyo came on his heels and crashed into another assassin, sending him flying. "For whatever reason you are helping us...I thank you!" Atteyo cried, and picked up a fallen blade to lay into their enemies.
Pyrrhus parried another strike. "Lassard came directly to me, told me he'd driven the centaurs here, but I don't know why!" He pivoted on his hind hooves, reared and caught another man in the head.
"Crow! Shall we try using what we practiced?" Pyrrhus had a determined smile on his face. Lassard may have set a trap, but with Crow and the others, Pyrrhus was confident they could best it. He took hold of one end of the staff, loosely so Crow could still move with it. He began the steps, graceful as water, waiting for Crow to fall in beside him.

Atteyo glanced around at Lohrithe who had joined them too. The tide was beginning to turn.
"The cuffs are not working!" Atteyo answered him. "I do not know what happened, but while we have our will we will fight!"
Goonfire mothspit Zazz

The tide was turning. In Truth Lassard had not been tracking all of them, just the ones he had seen associating with Iolas, or Crow or Azaria. The ones who had been on his ship. The ones whom had walked right across the trace spell he'd cast on the gangplank as he'd left it. The steps they left glittered momentarily with a light only he could see. They were easy to pick out among the party guests. Now however, despite all his carefully-laid plans it seemed that his assassin's might actually fail. It was time to end this. Time for his final play.

Pyrrhus stepped wide, going over the steps in his head. Something shimmered in the air to his left, but he didn't see it until the blade bit deep. His leg buckled and he went to his knees, just as Lassard threw back the cape that he wore, light trickling from it as the spell broke apart. It had been cast on the fabric, making him all but invisible for a short period of time.
He put a boot on Pyrrhus' equine shoulders, pressed one of his two swords into his back, keeping him still, until he realized the documents he wanted were not hidden anywhere in the centaur's jacket. His passive expression turned murderous. He had been out-played.
Lassard kept the blade at Pyrrhus' back, level with his heart. The tip of it bit into his gold-embroidered jacket and blood blossomed into the fabric around it.
The other assassin's drew back as they saw their leader reveal himself.
"The papers." He said cooly. "If you don't produce them now I will begin killing you one by one. Starting with your slave!"
LazyDaze mothspit Flutterby Goonfire HumbugPie Zazz

 

[Flutterby]

Ora grimaced as she parried again. The last time she had fought like this, she had broken her wrist and nearly lost her head. Crispin was digging through the hedges, looking for his bow.
"Take your time, dear." She snapped, instantly regretting the lapse in focus. The light elf made to stab her stomach, Ora stuck her blade out clumsily, his skimming across it and narrowly missing her side. She avoided another slice toward her neck, but the kick was unexpected. Because of her height, the elf's boot caught her right in the knee. She crumpled.
"Crispin!" One second, she was watching the elf raise his blade to finish her, and the next, she was watching the elf fall with an arrow in his chest. He had found his bow. Ora let out a breath as she maneuvered to her feet, knee throbbing.
"Not seriously." She answered softly, even though she dipped slightly when she placed weight on that foot. When Ora looked up, she was surprised to see that he looked like he might faint. "Are you-"
Her mouth snapped shut at the sound of another voice came clearly from the other side of the hedge. Lassard had found them. Ora turned to look at Iolas. The statement, coupled with the sudden quiet, suggested he had gotten a hold of someone. "Slave" meant it was a centaur. Ora prayed it was not Pyrrhus, but knew their luck was probably not that good.
"He cannot have those-" Her voice was barely above a whisper, but the way she fingered the hilt of the sword made her intensity clear. The papers were their only chance to get support. But they couldnt sacrifice someone to keep them. Lassard was too good to just kill, and there were probably enemy swords on the other side of the hedge. How, in the name of the great peaks, would they get out of this?
Suddenly, her eyes widened.

Spoiler: Ora's Flashback

There was a knock on the door of the forge. Ora, seated at a long, low bench, didn't stir. There was a plate of bread and cheese next to her, untouched. On the other side of that, was an empty plate with a smear of frosting clinging to the edge. As the door swung open, Ora took a swig out of a tankard. When she set it down, she did so loudly, so Gideon would know about her bad mood. There was only two days left until the ball, and she had things to finish.
"Lady Oralia, I have something for your team!" He was smiling, triumphantly, but it faded after a moment.
"I'm working." The small woman visibly recoiled at what he called her, and her words came out in a mumble.
Gideon hesitated, setting a handful of papers down on the desk she had claimed for herself. "Would you like to talk about it?"
"No, I want to work. Tell the kitchen I'd like more to drink, please." She couldnt bring herself to admit that she was a nervous wreck over the party, definitely not to Gideon.
"Yes, well.. When you get a chance, these papers are to take to the ball. In case you find yourselves in a pinch with the documents." With that, he left her. She didnt look at the papers, but she took them with her when she went to meet with the seamstress.

"But he can have these." Rather unceremoniously, Ora lifted her skirt. The knee that had been kicked was already showing a bit of discoloration, but she ignored it, and untied a section of blue cloth that had been wrapped above it. Within that cloth, she pulled out a packet of papers. She held them up, showing a front page that was a very good fake of the one Iolas had. "Gideon is a brilliant man." There was a brief, intense flash of regret over how she had behaved when he delivered them to her. He had bought them invaluable time, and she had been rude.
Ora looked up at those in the doorway, focusing mostly on Iolas, and said, very quietly. "We're out of time. We need to make our move with the other Houses now."
LazyDaze mothspit Goonfire HumbugPie Zazz SilverFlight

 

[Zazz]

The first thing the halfling elf did upon entering the armory was let loose profanity unbecoming of a lady. The situation was questionable at best. She grabbed the finest bow from its stand, and two quivers full of arrows: one barbed, one not. They were not the quality of elven arrows, but they would do. Armed, she skirted around the commotion of the ballroom to a room upstairs overlooking the gardens. Azaria tore off a small bit of her skirt to stuff into the keyhole; the noise would alert her of prying eyes. Then, she quickly barricaded the door with a desk.

From the window, the Shadowhand had a view of the whole battlefield. Her blood boiled at the sight of Lassard's boot and sword upon Pyrrhus. It was still dark; the crystal gave the Cyndarans an advantage. Lohrithe looked fierce, mace raised, chest bared. But Azaria's gaze sought out the moon; relief flooded her, if only briefly. Iolas was fine.

She trained a barbed arrow on Lassard, waiting for an opportunity to strike.

 

[mothspit]

Pyrrhus heard Trileon's cry and called back to her across the garden, when he tried to break free of the opponents they circled around to the exposed flanks of the slaves, forcing him to spin back around and defend. He lashed out in frustration and caught one unfortunate assassin with a hoof, sending her sprawling with broken ribs. If he left the other centaurs now the elves would kill them. Just then Trileon was at his side, injured but fighting.
"Your head!" Pyrrhus cried as he parried another assassin blade and struck back. He had seen the trailing blood, but there was barely time to breathe let alone heal. He accepted the flank guard gratefully as they continued to fight for their lives.

Trileon raised her arms in an effort to block the oncoming swing of an elf's sword, it's blade bouncing off the hardened scales that was Trileon's transformed skin; Forming a thin layer of dragon scales across her forearms like gauntlets. "I'm alright!" She called back to Pyrrhus.
She ducked as another elf attempted to kick her in the head, swiftly delivering a blow to his stomach that sent him sprawling on the ground in pain. Similarly, the other centaur Atteyo had joined them in battle. These elves were like waves of rats, circling and swarming them when a few were removed from their ranks. Where did they even come from?!

In the midst of her flurry of attacks and adrenaline-fueled mind, Crow had thankfully joined them soon enough, and it was revealed that none other than Lassard-- Notorious all-around-bad-guy-- Had lured them here. For what? Some kind of trap? Of course. Lassard must have realized they would attempt to free the slaves. And yet, just when it looked like things were starting to take a turn for the better, the man of the hour himself appeared in pure hellish glory-- His blade to Pyrrhus' back. Trileon inhaled sharply at his bold entry, all but paralyzed with fear, and the assassin she had managed to grab by the collar was equally as stunned. He didn't have the papers, that much was clear, so.. who did?

Still, she straitened her back, gritted her teeth, and spoke, "His name.. is Pyrrhus."

The Lady Lambent noticed the change in Nova immediately and her playfully coy expression dropped into one of annoyed disappointment, yet she listened.
"Evereach is always doing something criminal," She said with an exasperated sigh, but when Nova said she had proof, the Lady started. Her eyes refocused on Nova with a different sort of interest. Nova hinted at a danger close by and curiosity mixed with a hint of worry flickered across Lady Lambent's carefully-crafted serenity.
Nova leaned in for the kiss and she was ready for it: her hand slipped past Nova's jaw and tangled in her hair, pressing the assassin closer.
"You better not die..." She said with a smile, "I'm not done with you yet."
She watched Nova go, hugging herself as she processed what her mysterious new acquaintance had just told her. Then, she was moving to do as she was bid.

Nova sauntered across the dance hall, one hand slipping underneath the midrif of her dress to tightly grip onto her small dagger. The shattered ice sculpture was the first thing she saw-- Nice, she thought. It was patronizing, anyway. She whipped her head around the room as she walked, small chunks of ice crushing beneath her feet, in search of someone she might recognize; Azaria, Trileon, anyone.. but it looked like they had all managed to get themselves into some trouble. Luckily, Nova liked trouble.

No sooner had she got one foot in the marble hallway, had a guard caught her by the arm. He grumbled something about intruders, but Nova was too busy shoving the dagger into his gut to hear what he was saying. He crumpled to the floor and, as he sat there choking, Nova placed hand on his forehead and forced him to look up at her. "Did a woman come this way?" She whispered harshly, "Tall, blue skin, giant horns?" With the last ounce of strength, the guard choked out some.. hurtful profanity in his native elvish tongue before slumping against the wall, dead. Nova rolled her eyes. "I'll take that as a yes."

Wiping the blood from her dagger on the sleeve of the mans uniform, she left him there to join the others. Finally, some familiar faces-- Ora, Iolas, and several others seemed to be hiding behind a tall hedge wall. Nova joined them silently, but just as she opened her mouth to speak, she heard the commanding voice of Lassard, and then Trileon's meek bravado. Shit.

"..I see you guys started the party without me," The mercenary whispered, eyeing a number of dead bodies strewn about the lawn, "I have Lady Lambent on my side, she's gathering the other house heads as we speak. So, what's the plan?"

Nova twirled her dagger in between her fingers, eager to split some heads.

SilverFlight Flutterby HumbugPie LazyDaze Goonfire

 

[Goonfire]

This was that rare moment Crow didn’t regret drawing blood; these cold men and women forfeited their chances at life. “I thought we weren’t performing this during the ball,” he cheekily retorted while he recalled the motions from those hours of practice the day before. He drew the stolen Elvish dagger from his belt, parrying and slicing those foes who drew near without missing a beat. Some blood spattered onto his costume; it couldn’t be helped, since bladed weapons all shared that messy attribute.

The time came for that infamous jump. Crow executed it as he had reheased, timing it as he had done on their last practice run. With the dagger in a reverse grip, he plowed into a rushing opponent, using his momentum to ram the blade hilt-deep into an elf’s ribs. At the same time, he used his free hand to parry said elf’s swing by catching his wrist. The result was painful, blood seeping from a cut on Crow’s hand. He had turned to resume the motions, only to come face-to-face with his worst nightmare...

The hit squad had backed away, leaving Lassard in charge of this classic hostage situation. The young inquisitor’s heart sank upon seeing that familiar blade threatening to run through Pyrrhus’ back. Shock and rage clashed in his very soul, leaving him with a wavering expression and a lump in his throat. Although he was under a meter away, he knew Lassard’s reflexes would win the day, any day.

You ever feel as though someone’s life is hanging by a thread so fine, simply breathing might snap it?

SilverFlight

 

[LazyDaze]

Before Iolas could even process the idea of yet another assasain Ora was already defending herself from the one who was trailing her the entire time. Iolas snickered as he realized everyone was really heading into the trap. He couldn't be completely angry since he did the same; moreover, most knew Pyrrhus long before he joined their fray. He was about to dispatch the assassain when he heard the clash of steel and flesh just around the corner. One by one his allies entered the death trap. Crow reminded him of the papers; however, Iolas was frozen, unsure of himself now that the situation was deteriorating. He had thought that he could come here and protect everyone, but it was proving to be more difficult than he thought...this was why he worked alone...this was his fault. Iolas was starting to breathe harder and faster as memories of the past periodically tried to invade his mind. He was broken out of his trance when he saw a faint glimmer that disappeared as soon as it came. It was immediately followed by Lassard's voice. Iolas snapped out of his post traumatic state, shook his head and looked at Ora who seemed to have overcome the assassin. Iolas listened to her words carefully, holding in a sarcastic comment about lifting her skirt in front of strange men.

Iolas nodded in agreement to her words and smiled, "If the window for success has closed, then we will crumble the entire damn building as they say....or do they say that... anyway, we have a bit of time. Even if he gets the papers, he will probably kill us. Back then.....," Iolas started with a face full of regret and shame, before shifting back to one of determination. Wallowing in the past would get nothing done, he was sure others were struggling as well. "I would have done the same thing. However, he can't kill his only bargaining chip; not yet. If he does, he risks facing an emotional platoon of rebels in which case getting the papers would be exponentially more difficult. It is risky, but this is probably the best time to bargain with him. In fact, Lassard resorting to such brutish and open methods means we are getting to him. It is actually his back that is against the wall. Ora, stall as long as possible, and get anything out of him that you can. We will wait for an opening."

As if the gods had realized their situation, Nova came in and announced that one of the persons of interest, Lady Lambent, was on her way. Instead of asking how Nova managed that, Iolas nodded when she openly asked what the plan was. Iolas glanced at the decoy papers. "Lassard wishes to exchange Pyrrhus life for the important documents, we are trying to keep him alive and out Lassard. Ora is going to stall with a set of decoys prepared before hand. As it stands, I can control Pyrrhus whenever the opportunity presents itself which is why I am going...I need to see and hear everything going on in order to determine how to act. We need one of you to make sure the papers are received by the appropriate hands. I will go first to make sure an ambush is not lying in wait. You (Crispin) and Nova decide which one of you will take the papers, the other should try to find a more advantageous position hidden from his view. It would be best to still have a few trump cards set. If that Is all, me and Ora have a date with a grumpy elf."

Iolas slowly turned the corner after handing off his jacket to Nova after explain that the papers were in the left coat pocket. He then bore witness the results of the chaos that brewed only moments earlier. He didn't say anything, but he took note of Lassard and his allies. Without turning he motioned for Ora to follow. He did not look at Pyrrhus directly...if he did Iolas knew he might become enraged and do something foolish. Ora and Lassard had the main floor, Iolas was only here to facilitate....everyone would have to play their part.

mothspit SilverFlight Flutterby

 

[SilverFlight]

Crispin gave Ora an alarmed look when he heard Lassard shouting. They didn't have much time. His eyes followed her hand down and the blush that bloomed across his face when she produced the papers was visible even under the mask. The papers however brought him back.
"That is genius!"
Iolas laid down a plan and Crispin listened intently.
"I'm best with a bow, so I can cover Lassard, Nova seems to have already been acquainted with your nobles, it makes sense she delivers the documents."
He glanced about the circle. "We need to play it right though, as soon as Lassard knows he's being conned he'll likely pay it back in blood. We need to get in position before that happens if we're going to rescue whomever he's got over there. I hardly believe he's going to just let them walk away."
It looked as if their roles had been decided and Crispin looked once more at Ora, regret, and more than a little worry etched in his eyes.
"Y-you look beautiful!" He stammered suddenly. "I...never got to tell you that before, so, there we are...and be careful. I'll have your back if anything goes wrong. Just...just promise it won't go wrong?"
Flutterby LazyDaze mothspit

Pyrrhus felt the contrasting chill of the steel and the burn of the wound it cut into his skin. Lassard had no qualms about inflicting pain. He pressed and twisted the steel in just away to send a flare of sharp agony through him, but he bit down against it. He would not cry out. He wouldn't give the murderous elf the satisfaction, or cause his friends the distress.
He met Crow's eyes instead; locked his gaze.
"It's going to be all right." He said softly. There was anticipation in his expression, but no fear.
The other centaurs had stopped fighting too, they would not risk one of their own, for that was what they decided Pyrrhus was. One of theirs. They glared at the assassins as blades were raised at them, but they made no move to drop their own. They waited.
mothspit Goonfire Zazz

 

[HumbugPie]

As Desrick took care of the assassin, Pearl tightened her improvised bandage, tied the seam of her dress in a bunch to allow her to run and stood up, "it's painful," she winced, reaching out with her other arm to claim the sword he had handed to her, "but there are better things to be worrying about." She looked about the ballroom, trying to see if any faces she recognised were present, but there were none to be seen, "we must go to the gardens. I saw Pyrrhus out there; Trileon dashed away to save him." Trailing forwards toward the exit, Pearl dragged her blade across the marble floor. In it's wake, it left cut marks like a snake slithering behind her. She hardly noticed her mess as she weaved through the crowds and out into the cold until her dazed eyes met with Pyrrhus' back and the crimson red that was slowly drowning his beautiful, golden attire. Everything in slow motion, she clenched her fist around the handle of her sword; so much that her hand was inflicted with a friction burn from its leather coating. But she did not feel the pain of her flesh being singed, nor of the slashed skin on her arm. The only suffering she could witness was that of her friend. She knew any form of rhetoric would cause Lassard's fragile temperament to shatter, so she put on her best calm facade and joined Trileon and the others. Droplets of her own blood began to stain the grass beside her, but this was not enough to draw away her attention. What can I do? she thought, helpless to the fact she could do nothing to stop the monsterous act happening right in front of her eyes. Pearl wanted to converse with her friends - find some way of defeating this psychopath, but it seemed impossible. His cold, merciless eyes seemed drained of any emotion, but the rest of his expression spoke of evil, devilish thoughts. Bringing her eyes down to Pyrrhus', she felt them twitch slightly. She could not look at his face without feeling his agony herself. It was torture beyond anything she could imagine; beyond even being in her friend's position.

SilverFlight mothspit Zazz LazyDaze Flutterby Goonfire

 

[Flutterby]

When Nova appeared, Ora eyes fixed intensely on Iolas. It would seem that the time was upon them. He seemed to agree. But he wouldn't take the decoy papers from her. Her heart lept into her throat. I can't.. surely, Iolas would be.. or even Crispin, no. Not Crispin. Keep Lassard from seeing his face. Iolas, then. Or Nova, Nova could take them. Anyone but me. Anyone but me.
Underneath her dress, her tail wrapped tightly around her ankle. She was so focused on not losing her dinner that her consciousness missed most of what Iolas said, and had to wait several moments for it to make its way to the forefront of her mind. It was a good plan. She certainly couldn't think of another. Lassard seemed to be expecting Iolas, so they would bring him. But she may surprise him. Did he remember her? Did he think her dead, killed in the attack or in the fire? Did he wish her dead? She'd been dwelling on those questions since the signing of the treaty, and now she might find out.
The nausea didn't subside, not even when Crispin turned to her. She thought he might give her advice, tell her what to say, but instead he blurted that she looked beautiful. She blinked, once. If the terror wasn't clawing at her chest, she would have been redder than ever. I never got to tell you that before. Not that he meant to say it earlier, but that he had never got to say it before. There was a flash of a memory- the smell of old-growth trees, a tiny sway under her feet, and the way he watched her look down at Delan. Had he thought it then?

"I.." She couldn't promise it would be alright, because she didn't know. "Thank you. I will do my best." She swallowed softly, and reached up to straighten his mask. Her hand hesitated, brushed across his cheek as she removed it. In a lower voice, she added, "I need you to keep your mask on. If we get out- I just don't want Lassard to know your face if we can help it." This would be the second time Lassard saw hers, and if this went well, it would be the second time tricking him. Crispin was right- Lassard would want blood, and she was starting to doubt if she could handle it being his. She stepped away, and said quickly, "Someone.. make sure an elf doesn't snatch me as soon as I step out."

Ora went, trying her best not to limp, around the edge of the hedge. In sight of Lassard, she reached up and took off her mask. The papers were in her other hand, tucked around her leg, with only a small patch of white against her skirt visible to him. She held the sword, and her mask, casually at her side.
"That really isn't necessary. You'll have your papers." To her shock, her voice didn't shake, even though it was quieter than she had intended. Moments before, she had felt like vomiting at the thought of Lassard. But now, seeing him with a sword to Pyrrhus's skin, and a boot on his back.. somehow the boot was worse, but the end result was the same. She felt angry, angrier than she had been in a very long time. In that moment, she wished she was fully herself- that her eyes were still brown, and her birthmarks still wine-colored, that Lassard was looking at exactly the same face he had taunted in Cyndara.
Ora took a breath in, her chin rising as she did.
"This is the second time you've out maneuvered me. Clearly.. I'm out of my depth. I know you must have other things to attend to but.. Will you indulge my curiosity, just for a few moments?"
SilverFlight mothspit Zazz LazyDaze HumbugPie Goonfire

 

[SilverFlight]

Crispin calmed his breathing as he sighted down his arrow. He had moved higher, to a shaded balcony where, through the flowering trees, he had a clear shot at Lassard if he moved even a step towards Ora.

A flash of recognition and then surprise crossed Lassard's face, but it dissolved just as quickly into a mask of guarded dislike.
"Well! I didn't expect to see you again after the fires. Despite being 'outmaneuvered', here you stand."
The high elf released some of the pressure on his blade, but still kept it firmly planted at Pyrrhus' back. Pyrrhus looked at Ora and tried to keep his breathing steady.
"The papers first. Then you may have your curiosity indulged, and your slave returned."
"Don't give him anything Ora he's lying." Pyrrhus said, but was silenced by another harsh jab from Lassard.
Flutterby LazyDaze mothspit Zazz Goonfire

The lady Lambent was certainly not boasting when the had told Nova she had the ears of important people. Within moments she had three of the lesser house heads, hurrying along beside her, but she was not headed back to the room where Nova had instructed her to go. Instead, she was leading them straight to where Nova had gone...the gardens. Something was certainly going on, and she would not be the one who missed it.
mothspit HumbugPie

 

[Flutterby]

Ora watched Lassard's face, and she gave him a humorless smile. So, he had thought her dead. She wasn't surprised that he had- it was almost predictable, in light of the attitude toward life he seemed to have. What was surprising was the look on his face. In Cyndara, he had been cruel, but had barely acknowledged her as a living, independent being. Now, the distaste he showed- she had become a real person to him, one he didn't like.
Her gaze dropped to Pyrrhus when he spoke, but Ora didn't let her face change other than a small twitch of her lips. Instead, the dwarf gave a small chuckle, and a calm smile.
"Let our friend up, and I will hand your papers to one of your men." Ora looked at the nearest guard, brought the papers into full view.
"They don't leave my hand until your sword is lowered and the centaur is on his feet. Our people," Here, she glanced at those in her party that had gotten mixed into the fray, as well as the two centaurs, "will separate, and our two representatives will change places." There was a pause, and she added, "Let's not waste each other's time, or blood."
After a quick breath, she spoke again. "I would like to know, before you go, just a few things. How you knew to use the orcs in Cyndara, what that dark crystal will accomplish, how you knew we were here at all.. Well, that's really just a start, I missed quite a few things, that you planned very well." Ora couldn't believe the words she was saying, but she said them anyway. They needed him to talk, at least a little, for the sake of using the real papers before he noticed. Hopefully, his ego wouldn't be able to resist the attention.
SilverFlight LazyDaze mothspit Zazz @Spellsword_Kirov

 

[mothspit]

Trileon's eyes widened with surprise. This couldn't be real. Ora had emerged from the shadows, offering up the papers in exchange for Pyrrhus' life. He objected as much, and while normally Trileon would be one of the first to side with her, there would be no coming back from this. Whose to say Lassard wouldn't kill them anyway? She huffed to herself silently, the blood pooling down the side of her head causing her breathing to become slightly ragged. It didn't help the tension in the air was impossibly thick-- It was like it was suffocating her. Her eyes flicked between all those around them, bouncing from Ora, to Crow, to Lassard, to Pyrrhus.. This couldn't be happening. There had to be something she could do..

"Ora, don't do this." She said breathlessly, her tone pleading, "He's going to kill us all."

Flutterby Goonfire SilverFlight LazyDaze Zazz

Meanwhile, Nova had absorbed the information astutely-- The papers first. Nova took them gladly, tucking them into the garter of her dress. She was, admittedly, slightly disappointed she wouldn't get to claim Lassards scalp right away, but there would be a time for that. At that moment, the passion play had begun-- The woman Ora, the elf Iolas, and Crispin went to fulfill their roles. Nova heard the replies bouncing back and forth, all but stifling a chuckle to herself at Trileons plea. Things might, surprisingly, work out for once. Nova crouched low, attempting to make as little noise as possible on her way out of the garden. With any luck, Lady Lambent had done her part and gathered the others. Easy peasy..

..Until she saw Lady Lambents masked face, accompanied by two others, make their way down the stairs leading to the garden. Nova's heart sank, her eyes locking with the noble womans she had previously been acquainted with. Nova herself had splotches of blood staining the front of her dress and hands, and when she bounded toward the trio, one looked like they were going to scream-- She firmly clasped a hand over their mouth and shot Lady Lambent a pointed stare.

"What are you doing?" She whispered harshly, "We don't have time for this-- Here."

Nova firmly shoved the documents into Lady Lambents hands, removing her hand from the other nobles mouth once they had calmed down. She gestured for them to leave the way they had came, "Leave the gory stuff to the professionals; I trust you know what to do with these."

SilverFlight

 

[SilverFlight]

Lassard's smile was catlike.
"You're very presumptuous to think you can bargain with me."
As she asked her questions though his smiled broadened, though there was more mockery than mirth in it. "You seem to be involving yourself so deeply in Sumennan politics, yet you really have no idea what Evereach is truly planning do you? You have no idea what the crystals are, or what they can do...what they mean to our entire world, you you're from Dwerstand no less! Though, perhaps you were forced out before they made that particular discovery...as for your other two questions...Evereach has spies and magics not even the other great houses can boast, I am sure you could use your imagination."
Lassard's expression did not change, but he pressed the blade further into Pyrrhus' back. The centaur couldn't stop himself from crying out that time and he gritted his teeth against the pain. Blood ran freely under his jacket now, staining his silver-grey coat in a stream.
"You and that disgrace Iolas are far, far out of your depth. The papers, to me now, or my blade goes through his heart first and then one of your other friends...perhaps that one." He gestured with his chin at Crow, not an arm's length away. Now Pyrrhus looked fightened, he glanced quickly over to Crow and then back to Ora, feeling utterly helpless.
Flutterby mothspit Goonfire Zazz LazyDaze

Crispin, caught the faint shadow of another archer above him. It wasn't easy, but Crispin was very good at two things: climbing and staying out of sight. He made it to the balcony where Azaria was and recognized her as a friend.
"Oh good! Two arrows are better than one...oh, this position is much better than where I was." He took aim again.
"As soon as Lassard takes the papers he's probably going to start killing people, him and his little minions. We're in for a fight either way, but perhaps we can take Lassard out of it. Wait until Ora hands them off, and then we fire, right?"
Zazz

The lady Lambent stopped in her tracks as Nova appeared. Her eyebrows shot into her hairline as Nova admonished her in front of the other nobles. She took the papers and looked them over.
"No one has ever spoken to me like that." She stated sharply, but her tone was more admiring than annoyed. She handed the papers off to Stenmann, who was one of the authorities she had called on. "But anyone who can wrest documents like these from Evereach's iron grip is most certainly worth something. I trust the cost was not too high..."
Lambent was no fool, as Nova tried to ward them away from the garden the Lady craned her neck to try and see past her.
"Could it be that you have yet to pay?" She was obviously intrigued, but there were lines of concern on her face as well. "You will let me know if you need extra...resources won't you? I believe you have just done Sumenna a great service. The leaders should bear some of the responsibility, I think it only fair."
mothspit

 

[Flutterby]

"If we die, he will be among us." Ora said it with total certainty, not taking her eyes off Lassard. She had seen Crispin slip away to higher ground, and Azaria was noticeably absent. She was at least mostly sure that one of them had an arrow aimed at Lassard.
He didn't answer her questions, which wasn't a surprise. But what he did say.. well, it meant something, even though she had no clue in that moment. If she could stall him more, get him to say just a few more things, just until Nova reappeared..

But Lassard wasn't waiting. Ora's face flinched when Pyrrhus cried out. She knew he had been trying, so hard, to not make a sound. If he had been sniveling and crying the whole time, she could have ignored it. His bravery made his pain that much harder to watch.
Ora frowned, and checked that her grip on her sword was one that she would be able to switch quickly. She followed Pyrrhus's eyes to Crow, and then back to Lassard's face. His disgusting, smiling face.
"Hm.. perhaps you're right. We," Ora made a small gesture toward Iolas, "have been out of the game far too long. I've never been a 'big picture' kind of person anyway. And I suppose you're.. far too busy to enlighten me..?" Ora hesitated, giving him space to speak if he would.

When the air between them was silent for a few moments, she said softly, "I'll take my centaur, now." And she held out the papers, in the direction of the nearest guard.
SilverFlight mothspit Goonfire Zazz LazyDaze

 

[Zazz]

Crispin, caught the faint shadow of another archer above him. It wasn't easy, but Crispin was very good at two things: climbing and staying out of sight. He made it to the balcony where Azaria was and recognized her as a friend.
"Oh good! Two arrows are better than one...oh, this position is much better than where I was." He took aim again.
"As soon as Lassard takes the papers he's probably going to start killing people, him and his little minions. We're in for a fight either way, but perhaps we can take Lassard out of it. Wait until Ora hands them off, and then we fire, right?"
@Zazz

She had been so focused on her target that her reaction to Crispin was mild surprise. "How did you even get here?" Azaria hissed, helping to pull him in. She gave him a look over and huffed, not pleased at having a chatty partner taking up her space. Annoyed, she removed her mask and set it aside. "You know what, never mind. Here, use these arrows. A perceived war between Everreach and Brynson is much better than Cyndaran arrows being left at the scene." She gave him a handful of each of her two 'borrowed' arrow types and took aim at the high elf once more. She just needed him to step away from Pyrrhus...

 

[Goonfire]

Crow felt like a child again, helpless and at the mercy of some condescending adult. At that moment, Lassard had the power to take something more important to him than the objective. The breathless lad let a faint yelp slip when the blade bit deeper into his partner’s flesh. He knew he’d be next if this devil incarnate took Pyrrhus’ precious life—though if that worst-case scenario came true, he questioned if death would be so bad. Crow was the real offender; he deserved to be at the end of that blade, not the other Cyndarans fighting to save their homeland from a violent colonial power. He still opted to keep his mask on; that way, the ruthless general couldn’t bask in the pleasure of seeing his other hostage’s full panicked expression.
SilverFlight
———
High Inquisitor Áki Stenmann narrowed his eyes at the woman both blocking his path and spouting insubordinate commands at his peer. He wasn’t pleased with this delay. However, his gaze lightened as he was presented with the documents he wanted. Skimming over them, he simultaneously dissected the situation via deductive reasoning: “You were having a battle just around the corner, and it came to a standstill. Someone is being held hostage, likely by Lassard himself. He wants these, but you have other ideas.” After nodding in approval and not asking if he was correct, he looked directly at Nova. “Now, where is the agent I sent? He has earned his extraction.”
mothspit SilverFlight

 

[mothspit]

Nova opened her mouth to reply to the beautiful Lady, but was so rudely interrupted by.. who was this guy again? Her charming smile turned downward into an annoyed sneer. Noble or not, nobody was going to mess this up, and Nova would be damned if she let this guy get in the way. And what the hell did he mean by 'earned his extraction'? As if the rest of them-- Trileon and Pyrrhus-- Didn't. The first time this guy opens his mouth, and he already gets on Nova's nerves.. She turned to him with a roll of her head, hands place firmly on her hips, "I don't really like your tone, friend. Let me make this perfectly clear. The last thing we need is a wannabe knight on his high-horse of privilege ruining our whole operation."

She crossed her arms over her chest, straightening her posture to tower over the mouthy noble, "As far as I'm concerned, you take one step forward, and you'll get us all killed."

Nova looked to Lady Lambent, her tone softening, "We need to show those to Brynson. Get him to seal the castle grounds, if we can. Can't let Lassard escape. Gather the guests in some other part of the castle, one where it's safer. The others can keep Lassard distracted long enough for us to organize an ambush."
She twirls the blood-stained dagger between her fingers, "I'm coming with you, for protection."

SilverFlight Goonfire

 

[Goonfire]

Now Nova was speaking in terms the high inquisitor understood. He removed his mask and stowed it away beneath his shadowy robes. “Were my heir’s life not on the line, I would be far less accepting of your answer,” he coldly replied back to Nova in a hushed tone, not realizing the woman may be unfamiliar with his name or face. Despite his rather abrasive commentary, he complied in backing away from the garden; it wasn’t an inquisition operation, after all. Given their cover was blown, he had no reason to hide this anymore: a bizarre amalgam ‘weapon’, something akin to a shortsword with its blade culminating in the head of a branding iron. Its face bore the crest of House Cautura; it was clearly one of the inquisition’s more unusual creations, and he would use it to defend the completed stack of papers rolled up and clenched in his left hand. He let the robes drape over both possessions, obscuring them from any onlookers’ view.

mothspit SilverFlight

 

[LazyDaze]

Thank the gods Lassard loved the sound of his own voice. It was a shame Iolas could not share his self-centered glee. Iolas heard everything he said, and some things peaked his interest. Particularly the fact that he knew him by name and considered him a disgrace. If Lassard felt that way then it would be safe to assume many others also felt the same. It was also a possibility he was still shunned because of his humble origins; however, Iolas knew he would have to rummage through that web of possibilities later because now he had to be focused on the matter at hand. As hard as it was he watched Pyrrhus writhe and fight against pain while he also scanned Lassard. Every twitch, smile, and movement Iolas took in without batting an eye; in fact, he had not blinked since he walked out into his view. He was certain the others knew that Lassard had no reason to keep Pyrrhus alive after getting what he wanted, so the perfect moment had to be seized if everyone was to make it back alive. Iolas' eyes remained opened as he realized the conversation was waning. Actually he said a lot more than Iolas had originally thought. Ora had done well enough to get their allies in position, and with any luck the real papers would have reached the appropriate hands. Moreover, as boastful as Lassard was, one could not ignore the fact that Pyrrhus was still breathing. If he truly thought taking the papers would be that easy he would have killed Pyrrhus and stole them from Ora; he was being cautious, unfortunately, it seemed as if turning his arrogance into an advantage was off the table...at least for now.

("Perhaps I have been out of the game for too long,") Iolas thought to himself as Ora spoke, ("Maybe I was just bored...") He waited for that moment...the moment when he would expect Lassard to untense, even if only for a split second. He had to be precise to make sure any injury to Pyrrhus was not fatal. The intensity of Iolas' concentration was so much that he could not get drawn up in the emotional storm that was sure to come...and then as if time stopped, Ora agreed to give him what he desired. "(You did well Ora, now let us play our parts.)"

He was not certain of it, but deep in his heart he could feel the figurative chill in the air. The next few seconds could decide the future path. The storm that had been brewing beneath the surface was about to swell and surge to the forefront for all to see.

-----
SilverFlight Goonfire HumbugPie mothspit Zazz Flutterby

 

[SilverFlight]

Crispin took the help and climbed unceremoniously through the window. "You're not the only one who can scale a building." He shot back, but when she offered her pilfered arrows he took them gratefully. "Good thinking!"
They both knelt at the casement now and leveled their bows at their target.
Zazz

The lady Lambent raised one slender hand and two masked women broke away from a small crowd. "My dear Bishop, I would feel much better if those precious papers were as far away from this castle as we could get them. Take my personal guard. I will stay close and make sure to return your charge to you safely."
She could almost see the tension between Stenmann and her mysterious new ally, but when Nova spoke the name Lassard she straightened. Then, she looked regretful.
"Lassard? Escape?...Lassard won't run. He doesn't have to. No matter what atrocities he has or is committing here or anywhere else...he is Evereach's hand. I am afraid he is quite untouchable."
She smiled at Nova's promise of protection. "I feel safer already."
Just then, the castle guards, alerted to the shattering of the ice statue stopped before them on their way to the gardens.
"We were called for suspected disturbances...is something happening in the garden?"
mothspit Goonfire

Pyrrhus tried to breathe deeply. The pain was searing as the blade raked the bone under his flesh. He couldn't let Lassard hurt Crow, or any of them for that matter, he'd rather be stabbed through the heart.
Ora agreed to hand the papers over and Pyrrhus couldn't see a way out, he could only watch helplessly as Lassard moved to take the documents. It was then just at that moment Pyrrhus looked up and caught a shock of red hair peeking over a windowsill. After that everything happened in a split second:
As soon as the papers were in his hand Lassard turned back, poised and ready to drive the blade down and end Pyrrhus' life, but at the very same time a pair of arrows came flying onto the scene, one driving itself straight through Lassard's right shoulder. Pyrrhus, who had tensed all his muscles for a spring, surged forward before Lassard could even cry out in surprise, upsetting the elf's boot on his back and putting him off balance.
Pyrrhus' hands still grasped the pole, though one shoulder was near-useless as he'd been injured further with Lassard's embedded blade slashing open muscle and skin as he broke away.
He was between Crow and Lassard in a heartbeat, ready to face what was coming. Blood trailed a scarlet stream down his back and equine shoulder. Lassard's trained men, five remaining, were already moving to attack the rest of the party.
The three centaurs broke free of the guard's control and they were let go as Lassard's men were now focused on killing the hostile party.
Flutterby mothspit Goonfire LazyDaze Zazz HumbugPie

 

[Goonfire]

A pair of snipers had saved Pyrrhus from his immediate fate, but why did he not flee? Crow gathered his wits as a tussle ensued, and thought enough to assist in his own way. Lurching around by his wounded companion’s side, he reached out with his hands opened. A cluster of tiny, intense flashes danced from his palms, likely to stun those who looked directly at them. “We must treat that wound, or else you’ll keep losing blood,” he growled through gritted teeth, covering Pyrrhus’ flanks.
SilverFlight Zazz

Lady Lambent definitely held sway over the Bishop, as she was superior in rank, the head of a house. He was simply the right-hand man of the Archbishop, who seldom left the comfy confines of his own castle. “As you wish,” he confirmed, tucking away his belongings as the lady de-escalated the situation. The two younger bodyguards reminded him of his age: 55 years, and it showed in the lines etched upon his face. The guards approached subsequently, asking questions that were played off as absurd. “No disturbances; otherwise, we wouldn’t be standing here,” he bluffed in his usual blunt tone. To add some authenticity, he pretended to continue a conversation. “Apologies. You were saying something about an eggplant, madam?”
SilverFlight mothspit

 

[HumbugPie]

Pearl stood still as she watched Ora and Lassard negotiate. Knowing that the papers had been dropped off and that the ones she was holding were fakes, she worried immensely about what they would do when the high elf found out - and if they even had time to get away before he snapped. Her hair began to pulsate like that of her heart; those around her would be able to note that this was rather rapid. It was definitely clear that Pearl felt threatened and that she was trying her best not to drive her blade through Lassard's chest to end this insufferable cruelty.

Just as she imagined the psychopath's demise, her friend's agonizing yelp woke her from her anxiety-induced daydream and sent shock waves throughout her body. Without another thought, Pearl released her sword from the grass and held it in a diagonal fashion beside her hip, readying it for the fight that was about to erupt. She clutched its handle so tightly that it began to friction burn her blue skin once more, causing it to split and rip open the creases that lined each of her fingers. Patiently, she watched as Ora delivered just enough stalling to allow those of their team that were overwatching to launch arrows down at Lassard. Pearl never thought she could feel joy from seeing someone get plunged with a sharp object, but seeing Lassard's face as the arrow hit his shoulder really did give her a sense of confidence.

Filled with absolute rage that Pyrrhus had been stabbed, she flung her sword around just at the right height to hit one of the approaching guards right in the the head, knocking him unconcious. Pearl made a scream like that of a battle cry, running up to the fallen guard and plunging her sword right into his chest. It took all of her strength to drive her blade through his metal chest plate, but her anger clouded all of her remaining judgement. Pulling her sword out of the man's chest, she stormed over to where Lassard, Pyrrhus and Crow were standing, raising her sword and aiming it right at the high elf. She wasn't close enough to harm him, but if he tried anything, she would certain enjoy releasing her stress upon him, "I'd be careful if I were you," Pearl growled, "you are surrounded by people who would thoroughly relish in your termination." Being careful not to humanize Lassard too much, she gritted her teeth with every word that came out of her curled lips.
SilverFlight LazyDaze Flutterby Goonfire Zazz mothspit