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Post by Shyann on Jun 15, 2006 19:52:51 GMT 8
Zhi the Merciless -Weeks had passed without sight of the woman, yet he did not lose faith. He never lost faith. His return to Aratul without the gem would have caused quite the raucus, but what could Aratul do against him? He was a top assassin who worked closely with Aratul and his camp which lead Aratul to believe they had forged an alliance. Zhi was not the one to lead him against such beliefs, though he knew the day would come when the bounty would be upon Aratul's head. And for the right price, he would collect it--Yet now was not the time for such. Other bounties were to be collected. An invitation to him had been sent to be in company of the Great Pasha Bellani...a paying invitation nonetheless.
Pasha was the guild master of the House of Bellani, a respected guild located in the port city of Cabra. Bellani was known for his ruthless antics and slight of hand tricks, often using power to cheat those weaker than he. Aratul himself had been on the receiving end of such a trick before Zhi had come to work for him. A great dent had been made in the pockets of Aratul at the hands of Pasha, yet such did nothing to disturb Zhi-The Pasha was known for his small, contractual army of misfits. Composed of assassins and thieves, the Pasha held a great deal of power amongst the land. Perhaps such an invitation had been extended in hopes of recruiting Zhi among his ranks, yet such a hope would be in vain. The invitation spoke of a job offer and that was all Zhi had needed.
More travels meant more searching for his heart. The port city of Cabra was not far from the Isle of Rinu, where Zhi had taken residence. Two days journey was all that was needed to reach the city, yet Zhi would make it in one- He did not stop for rest nor did he sleep, for such things were a waste to his belief. He had no time for it...he still had not found her. Nor had he found the woman from that night that had caused him a mark against his record. Yet, faith was maintained. He had entered the port city during the early morning and made his way immediately to the palace. He was clad in black once more, his cloak having seemed to absorbed the rays of the morning sun. For it seemed as ie he -traveled in constant shadow. Today would be the day, a day in which he found out more on the Pasha's interest in him.- bushel
Shyann: The sun bore down on the lass’ black locks which swayed gently in the late afternoon breeze. Hazel eyes swept the horizon, counting idly the number of sails coming into view. The docks were laden with trunks of many sizes. The day was coming to an end and the ships races towards the bays to secure a lot. An ordinary day in the bustling Port city of Cabra; her current home. Dainty fingers traced idly the carved stone of the parapet, heaving long, slow breath. Nostrils would flare gently as the salty air filled her lungs, bringing freshness to aged blood vessels. Though she looks no more than twenty of age, she was actually more than four centuries old. She had stopped aging after the first blow to her mortal form, some four centuries ago; that fateful stab to her chest should have been a fatal one.
Yet she survived it. She was only nineteen. A heave of the salty air was again taken, gaze torn away from the sea to peer at the busy street, beyond the high wall below. A rare smile would tug at one corner of luscious lips as she caught the sight of a young boy fingering a fat merchant’s thick hips in search for the heavy pouch as the man orders about the transfer of goods from a cart. She would shake her head, turning about to make her way back into the lavish interior of Bellani’s castle; home of her current employer and master. But the movement of the guards below caught her eyes, freezing her in her place. Eyes would dart to the parting door, lids widening as they caught hold of a figure shrouded in black. Her heart begins to palpitate, memory bolts turning in the depth of her mind. There was something eerie about the newcomer; something strange, something familiar. “Ah. This could be the assassin that the Lord had summoned”. Her mind would muse though her heart would not relent.
Zhi the Merciless-He had spent most of the day wandering the city of Cabra, having decided to not immediately visit the Pasha. He would not be expected so soon anyhow, the Pasha knew of the distance needed to be traveled. But, he would still show his face ahead of schedule. He simple walked through the streets of the Port City, taking in those things that were about him. The smell of the sea and the large amount of activity would soon become an annoyance however, sending him to seek audience with the Pasha. He would reach the gate to be questioned by guards who stared towards him impassively--though hands were rested gently upon the hilts of weapons. "I am expected," Zhi stated, voice barely heard of the cities bustle. "I am Merciless." The guards would nod their heads as an escort would arrive, walking with Zhi towards the Bellani Guild.
Eyes of assassins and other thieves upon the estate would cast glances his way, some wondering who he was...other's knowing full well. He was the nameless butcher, known only to this land as Merciless. No one knew who he was or where he had come from. They simply knew of the countless bounties he had collected. Such a reputation-inspired envy in some, but hatred in most. He knew well of the dirty glances casted his way, knew even better that he had to stay alert. For this place was no haven...it was an extension of Hell. Doors would be opened in front of him as guards ushered him into the Bellani Guild, home of the Pasha. He was left to stand in the main room of the Guild as guards went to inform the Pasha of his arrival. Yet, it was not the arrival of the Pasha that interested him. The psyche tugged at him once more...something familiar was about this place.-
Shyann: She was careful not to make a sound as she ran down the spiraling stairs; taking off the hard leather sandal to let pale, dainty feet move soundlessly. She must get to the chambers before the Pasha. Must get close enough to see if indeed he was the thief she came in contact with in that small town of Lyros, off to the south. Coming to a stop at the bottom of the stairs, she creeps close to the wall, taking comfort by the silhouette provided by the pillars lining the corridor. It was a majestic chamber, high ceilings and walls were adorned with rich dark draperies. There were two oblong tables in the middle of the chamber. And another on a raised dais where an intricately designed high chair would sit prominently in the middle. Obviously it was reserved for the pasha himself.
Many have seen laughter and merriments between these walls, yet many still have seen tortures and merciless death. She presses slender form against the closest pillar, peeking carefully at the shrouded form. Eyebrows would furrow as heart continues to palpitate. It would seem that this was just one of the many assassins who have come and go. In built and choice of attire, he was similar to the rest. But it was his demeanor that sets him apart. She could feel the coldness seeping from his body, the auras of death. A shudder ran a course along her spine.
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Post by Shyann on Jun 20, 2006 15:57:26 GMT 8
Zhi the Merciless: The grand entrance would distract him from his thoughts as the dark eyes would travel to the Pasha. He looked just like a wealthy politician. Flashes of gold about his form as he was draped in robes that must have been tailor made. Zhi simply watched as the man spoke, the expression of indifference still across his face. Friend? Zhi was ready to correct the man, but left it alone for the time being. He was no friend to the Pasha, his loyalty having laid closer towards Aratul. However, such a loyalty just meant he would have slit Aratul's throat instead of torturing him. "Merciless would be better," he responded. Eyes having shifted from the Pasha to the guards that flanked him. All clad in shimmering black armor, it seemed that this group was comprised of his fearless.
Perhaps he would join the ranks of the Pasha? He walked behind the man who spoke words he paid little heed, though he responded upon inquiry of his trip. "Fair enough," he responded, "I hope I have not inconvienced you with my early arrival." He moved to take the seat across from the Pasha, who was busy ordering men about to prepare some sort of feast. However, Zhi would feel a tingle of familiarity once more, as if he was in the presence of something he knew. And something he had known well. Perhaps he had a run in with these assassins before? Such was unlikely for most who challenged him had died. A few had gotten the upper hand on him...even believing they had killed him. Yet, he was somehow still bound to this plane of existence. The feeling disturbed him for he wanted to know immediately where it had come from. Yet, he could not decipher it. It was once more pushed to the side however as he spoke again. "Let us not dawdle in pointless affairs, Great Pasha....why is it that I was summoned?"-
Shyann: The pasha would stop for a moment upon hearing the soft, stern voice of the assassin, eyeing the advancing form through cat-like eyes; a bemused smile adorning thin lips upon chubby face. A stubbly hand rose to flick at the air, causing the pair of servants in attendance to scurry towards the waiting door. Shyann heaves a steadying breath, pushing her form up against the cold marble pillar, straightening her pose. She leans to her side, listening to every exchange; teeth biting down on her lower tiers.
“I am glad all is well with your journey, Merciless my friend. But what is the rush? Do you not find this palace to be much more comfortable to that hell hole of Aratul’s?” A snort ensued as the Pasha leans back only to eye the assassin from a different level. “Let the food fill our belly and the wine quench our thirst. Your contract will be in effect come morning, anyway. You will sail back to your hometown”. The pasha’s shrill voice rang in the air for those first few syllables before reducing dramatically in the end.
A slim brow arched upon Shyann’s flawless features as she strained her ears to listen more. What was the point of bringing him here only to send him back from whence he came? Her mind would chide, whilst row of pearly white teeth continued to gnaw upon her bottom tier, causing a tear to form on the inside. Eyes would roll in their sockets for a moment, cursing her mind for allowing herself to be distracted; a bracer clad arm rose to wipe at the dribble of blood upon her chin.
Zhi the Merciless: As he sat there, his eyes would not waver from the Pasha nor his movements. Moments of silence would come to pass before he answered for he was still trying to identify that air of familiarity about them. "It is a marvelous establishment you have," Zhi began, head turning to peer towards one of the many pillars. He had come to the conclusion that someone else was there for he knew that feeling did not come from any other that he could see. In fact, that feeling had been acquired one night in particular...the night he had lost a miniscule amount of respect -But her?
He deemed it improbable, but nevertheless, possible. "Forgive my anxiety, I am just prepared to perform the task you have set before me and be own my way in little time." He would look back towards the Pasha, light smile coming across his face. "But, if it is your wish that I stay, I shall stay." His head would nod briefly, hands clasping in front of him. It was then that the hunter caught the scent of blood. "Is there more than your guard in this room Pasha," he questioned, thin eyebrow raising slightly-
Shyann: A gasp would escape, though whisper like against the cold marble. She slips further away, pressing close against the smooth surface of the pillar. The pasha would quirk a thick eyebrow, eyeing the assassin as if the young guest was experiencing a hallucination. Nevertheless, one could never blame Bellani for being a careful and thorough shrew. A flick of a thick wrist sends two of his guards rushing towards opposite corners, peering behind thick draperies and pillars. As one drew nearer, Shyann would heave a steadying breath, for she had nowhere to run but the stairs and that would mean a commotion for the guard will surely see her and will not let her go that easily. A shake of her head ensued.
She was the least favorite of Pasha Bellani’s messenger. Not just because she was a woman and a witch but her mysterious demeanor. Always distancing herself away from the lot. She prefers solace; wandering the dark corners and hallways, soothing her woes by getting lost between paintings and artifacts lining the walls. At times she would slip into the underground library of the grand mansion; maps and journals were in abundance, allowing her to study, in preparation for her imminent departure to resume her search for the one; her long, lost love.
Finally, she took the step forth just as the guard stepped around the huge pillar, offering a smirk. Under normal circumstances, the scowl upon the male’s face was enough to send bouts of giggle to her lips. But she was neither amused nor in a good mood. Lifting her chin high, she moved passed the guard, leaving him to stalk behind her.
She approaches the table, grazing the assassin’s midnight hued locks with a nervous glance before offering a smile apologetically to the Pasha. “My lord Bellani..” She offers, dipping her chin slightly in respect as she came to a stand, barely two feet from the assassin’s chair. “Ah, my trusted messenger”. Was the only reply, before a snort of laughter erupted from the Pasha’s lips. “Just in time for supper, m’dear. Did you enjoy the view?” The thick eyebrow would lift as eyes roamed her fully clad body; the tip of crimson tongue protruding lewdly to lick at thin lips.
Zhi the Merciless: His instinct had been correct, but he was in no rush to stare towards the watcher. It did not suprise him that the Pasha had left a spy, perhaps having followed him from his entrance of the estate. When he finally did stare towards her, the dark eyes would grow large in anger. He could barely contain himself as he immediately noticed the woman from time ago who had been the reason of his first failure. It was more so evident that this was the one with the Pasha's words.
A hand clenched as his eyes averted back towards the Pasha -fury written well within his expression. "Who is this," he questioned, voice low, yet cutting through the air with vengeance. She was the one who had set confusion into his mind and had tried to erase the thoughts of his Shyann. He even dreamt of her one night only to awaken in a rage, believing that he had somehow been magicked. No, this could not be. There wasn't a way he would work for the Pasha now.-
Shyann: The bushy brow would remain arched upon the fleshy visage of Pasha Bellani. By now the food was laid, the wine poured. Thick fingers grappled at the goblet, bringing it slowly to lips; deep set eyes crept from the petite form of Shyann to sculptured features of the assassin. Noting the angst etched into his smooth visage, a snort of laughter resonates from the Pasha once again. The goblet found itself placed upon the table top in a smooth movement, though fingers remained, twirling the slender stem slowly, as eyes watches the two.
“Ah.. This, my friend Merciless, is An-yee, from the Far Eastern land. A swift and loyal messenger to my guild” Words would cease for a moment as the Pasha, eyes would once again settled upon her form, as fingers sweeps across his mouth, brushing the remnants of wine upon his lips. “And I believe that you, Merciless, came from the Far Eastern land yourself, yes? I see a similarity in your looks.” The snort would return, fingers reaching for a chunk of meat, tossing the bite size item into his mouth before reaching for another. “Come, let us not waste time on introduction. You can do so later. Enjoy the food and An-yee, will you not join us?” The quirking of brow would return as the smile widens, tripling double chin.
She glanced to the assassin, feeling a shudder climbing up her spine as their eyes connected before she drew her gaze away. “No, not tonight, my lord. I have to prepare for the journey.” She almost stammered but held her tongue. So this one will be her escort or rather, she will be escorting him. The one whom vowed to end her life and had nearly succeeded in severing her head if not for her novice magic. And if he knew the Pasha will be sending her along with him to ensure the success of his mission, she knew that she would not be returning back. At least not alive. Head would shake involuntarily as she turns to leave, having nodded to the Pasha. This is not a good thing. She can feel it. Yet the shudders remain, coursing through her body like a fever. It was not the fiery look he threw at her. It was the familiarity. She was almost sure. Entering the darkened hallway, she halted for a minute, turning slowly to regard him from a far. Something was strangely familiar.
Zhi the Merciless: She was from the East as well which was perhaps where...? No, that could not have been it. She could not have seen him on his travels through that land to impose such a unsettling familiarity. Nor could she have been alive when he was known in the East...that had been centuries ago. The moment in which eyes had locked would show nothing less of his confusion with her. He could not make much of a show however as he sat before the host. His hand would move to grasp the glass of wine and bring the bitter liquid to his lips. It was to be placed down, but he did not indulge in the meat. Leave it to the Pasha to grow fat.
An-yee...? A name that sounded Eastern to say the least, tribal undoubtedly. He wanted to inquire further, yet could not do so under the watchful eye of the Pasha. His eyes could not help but to travel towards her, though she ha traveled quite the distance away. "My lord...I would appreciate it if we could get along with our business. Your palace offers discomfort to me as I am to much of a warrior to stay within-such royal confines." His eyes would travel back towards the Pasha, eyes doing well to hide the thoughts that raced.
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Post by Shyann on Jul 17, 2006 12:33:25 GMT 8
Pasha Bellani held the wine close to his lips, watching the assassin’s reaction to Shyann’s departure; a knowing smirk stretching thin tiers. After taking a long sip, he finally relinquished the goblet, reaching for a piece of fruit. “You should forget about that one, Merciless. Don’t let her innocent looks fool you”. The big man lean closer to the table, pressing chest against the edge as a hand waved the sliced fruit at the unsmiling face of the assassin. “Unless of course you prefer them dangerous. She’s a witch, you know”. A chuckle erupted just before the fruit was pushed into his eager mouth. Hands would grab the hem of the rich table cloth; wiping fingers carelessly upon the material. “Since you are too eager to know of this contract I’m putting forth to you, let me begin”.
Once again a fat arm would rise, snapping fingers, causing servants to disperse into corners, leaving only the two bodyguards to stand behind the high chair. “You are a renown assassin, are you not? Do not bother to hide the fact, Merciless. I have connections beyond your wildest imagination. And I know of Aratul’s plans. Seeking my people and taking them out in a very clever, inconspicuous way. By using the likes of you”. Gone was the humorous tone, replaced by a sly, menacing tune. “How much is Aratul paying you? One hundred gold pieces, two?”
A snort resonated as fingers becoming entwined to rest upon thick chest. “I am offering you 500 gold pieces. A lot of money, is it not? And a small army of assassins to command as you deem fit.” This time the pause was given a wide, somewhat lewd, grin. “And women, of course. You may choose from my harem. Take one, or five. Or any number that you fancy”. He stops, bringing the goblet back to his lips, eyeing him closely. He deliberated before finally putting down the wine. “But first you must escort An-yee to deliver a package to Aratul” A gurgle would rumble within his neck. “A parting gift, if you wish to call it”.
Zhi the Merciless: He watched her departure with a glint of dislike within his brown orbs. It was undoubtedly the woman who had marred his name. It became even clearer as he spoke of her being a witch as he remembered the magics she had displayed. Yet, his attention would shift from her to Bellani, listening intently to the words the man spoke. No smile crossed his face as he listened, silence having seemed to be of the most benefit to he. Of course he would not deny the fact that he was an assassin, most of the realm knew. And those who did not could not have been of a civilized denotion.
A brief nod of his head was given in response to the man however as he was eager to begin his job. Yet, Bellani spoke words of truth. He had begun to notice the pattern of these people who were his hits, hands who worked under Bellani. Even better, he knew of the feud between the two which was added incentive for him to come here. He wanted to see what Bellani was truly about. Of course, he did not trust the man more than he trusted Aratul, but he trusted gold. Words of his own band of assassins raised interest in the slightest, but it was the comment that followed that lowered interest. "I am to escort her," he replied, voice low yet menacing nonetheless. "Can't your little witch handle such by herself? She is quite skilled," he continued, a tinge of sarcasm in his voice. How bad had he wanted a chance to kill her, yet he was now to escort her? He would have much rather been sent into the Abyss to fight legions of demons than have to walk at her side...at least that's what pride made him believe.
Yet, something else within him spoke otherwise. It spoke that this would be prosperous, for she had been the only one to succeed against him so far. But the voice of reason was not as loud as that of pride. "I have a better offer. Keep your harem full, keep your band of assassins for another who needs them. In return, I want the gold...and a chance to claim her head if I see fit upon my return. Are we agreed?"-
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Post by Shyann on Sept 20, 2006 14:30:02 GMT 8
Pasha Bellani snorted, throwing the assassin a disapproving look. Never, in his entire 30 years as the reigning Pasha of the powerful and influential house, had anyone dared to refuse his offer. He was starting to dislike the tall, muscular mercenary. And the air of absolute mystery surrounding the assassin’s presence was growing and it did not settle well with Pasha Bellani’s hulking bodyguards. Low grunts would be heard, muscles bunching as fingers curls around the hilt of their blades. But the Pasha knew better. It would not be easy to take out the reknown assassin. Aratul would not be so bold in his campaign if not for this very man who sat not 10 feet from where his pot bellied form was slumped against the high back rest of his antique chair.
Plump hands clamped around the edge of the long table, eyes receding to cat-like slits. “Just so you know what you are missing, my dear fellow. My harem is filled with females of exotic races and my band of assassins is the best on this side of the continent. I would have asked any of them to do the job but for the lack of knowledge of Aratul’s whereabout.” He injected venomously. A fat palm rises to dismiss whatever comments were forthcoming from his guest. “As for having An-yee’s head, you can try.” A chuckle erupted from his lips as he eyes the dangerous assassin. “Even if you managed, I’m sure you won’t see another sunrise”.
Zhi the Merciless: His brown eyes did not waver from the man who sat before him, almost as if oblivious to the noises around him. He did not fear the sounds of disapproval about him, nor paid much heed to the hands that moved so gently. He could take out at least two of them before battle was fully engaged and more once it began. And he was gifted with a curse that bound him to this plane of existence, for many a time he should have been dead. Nevertheless, he was prepared for some sort of fight. He would wait however as the man raised his hand, continuing to ramble on matters that were of little interest. For the first time however, a gleam of toying would be found within his eyes.
A toying gaze created by the Pasha's belief. His assassins being the best on this side of the continent? Zhi knew better than to believe it was simply his knowledge of Aratul that intrigued the Pasha. It was simple. Bellani knew that such a task would require the flawless, not just the best. And there was only one whose record had been so impressive over such a period of time. However, no words would shed light upon the toying that emanated from he."When is this trek to begin," he simply questioned, hands coming to clasp one another upon the tabletop. "I am quite eager to be over with this task."-<e>
Shyann: The mocking smile would linger on the Pasha Bellani’s thin lips as he rose with surprising ease from his chair. “You leave at dawn. For now you may rest or do whatever it is you mercenary do” The bodyguards snorted in disgust as they glared at the still seated assassin; fingers clasping the hilt of their swords tight, knuckles turning white from the sheer pressure. “Oh, and I suggest you stay within the walls, Merciless my friend. I’m sure you may find the city to be a very unwelcoming place for the likes of you when daylight ends.” It was a subtle warning, or was it a threat.
The city held much grandeur on the forefront with majestic noble and guild houses amongst rows of grand establishments. But like many similar cities lining the coast, the backstreets and alleys holds much more than just street urchins. Unscrupulous quarters would be seen initiating scandalous activities and bands coming to life just after dark; soliciting dark and murderous dealings. And for a known assassin, staying incognito would be the best. Servants poured into the room as soon as the round figure of the pasha exited the hall, along with his small army of bodyguards. Shyann heaves a long, but shallow breath as she pushes off of the cold marble wall; petite form hidden from the eyes within the shadows.
“So he’s out to kill me?” Soft footfalls inaudible as she made her way up along the winding staircase, heading back up onto the eastern tower. “Surely, he is not still sore about my escape?” Somehow a shadow of a smile found its way up to tug at the corners of full lips at the thought. Reaching the wooden portal, she would shake her head, heaving another long breath before tugging the door handle. Goosebumps rose along her exposed arms as she steps into the chilly evening wind. “Oh well, he can surely try..”
Zhi the Merciless: A brief nod of his head was given once more before the Pasha disappeared, soon replaced by the bustling of numerous beings. Beings that he did not feel comfortable being around. He rose from the chair silently, movements quick and quiet towards the hall in which she had disappeared some time before. A silent curse was uttered however, for he did not want to wait until the morning to begin. He wanted this job to be over as soon as possible...he had a score that needed to be settled. Conscious thoughts of this job and Aratul would bring his body to move subconsciously towards an outdoor area.
The scent of fresh air would lead him, though the mind rambled on his nearing quest. Something ill was to befall Aratul, more likely than not death, a death. That his most feared assassin would have a hand in. And of his future with the Pasha? Perhaps the man would continue to propose him with bounties, until the price was right upon Bellani's own head. Or,as the Pasha had stated, he would die soon because of his grudge against the witch. Such would bring a smile across his face. The betrayal of Aratul was simply a subplot to him, for the main task came after the deed had been done. It was not even the gold that intrigued him as much as a chance to battle with her once more, as the chance to spill her blood and exact his own revenge.
He would not notice the curtain of night that had fallen as he stood outside upon the balcony to his own momentary chambers. It was something else that had attracted his attention. Prying his mind from such thoughts. For that previously mentioned witch would be nothing more than a few ledges over and feet higher. His eyes would not be casted in her direction completely however, though an air of tension was easily felt about his form. Such tension was accompanied by a potent malice of a deep seeded anger. Soon enough, he thought,....Soon enough.<e>
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