The shadows have eyes too...-Sia-

[Tahti]

This place seriously gave her the creeps. She was an assassin from Ellsinora, true, which would probably be the reason why she felt lost, and in danger. If it wasn't for her black steed she sat upon, she might have been a goner. The 16 hand Azteca stallion was her one and only friend, aside from the assassin Aurora who had helped her get here. They were friends, she thought at least. Her black companion beneath her snorted suddenly, his nostrils flaring. Twin harks perked, he came to a stop, as if suddenly alerted by something. Tähti could feel her steeds muscles tense beneath her, and for a moment, she thought something was going to attack her. Instantly, she grabbed for her bow, and arrow, her emerald green eyes sweeping the area from beneath her hood. Her cloak fluttered behind her as Black Veil whirled on his heels, rearing slightly, his naturally arched neck touching his chest. Knock it off Veil, what's your problem? The red head beauty muttered, not holding the reins for she was gripping both her bow, and arrow. Her emerald eyes swept the area once more, the arrow following her line of vision.

She kept her seat easily while the brute swayed, and pranced beneath her. She frowned slightly, her eyes narrowing as she searched for the evil thing that Black Veil was getting all worked up about. Finally, she tapped her heels into his sides, and forced him forward. He was jittery, and taking choppy steps, before tossing his handsome crown into the air. There was something here, Tähti just wasn't so sure she wanted to meet who ever it was. Frowning slightly, she called out Is any one there? Her voice was soft, for she didn't like speaking, but she figured it was some what called for. Suddenly, her horse turned erect, his front columns in the air, and his hind pillars taking all his weight. The assassin wasn't ready for this. She toppled backward, and landed on her ass.

Ouch! She exclaimed, but not before Veil took off into the darkness, leaving her here. She stood quickly, scanning her surroundings. Something had to be here to make him act the way he had. Her petite form moved forward, toward, her footsteps soft, and hardly audible. Hello? She called out, her bow and arrow still drawn, but lowered slightly. If anything showed themselves, they were going to deal with a very pissed assassin.

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[Jotari]

Siarles

Siarles stepped out of the shadows, his scarlet eyes looking at her coldly from within his strangely made helmet. Black armor covered his tall and strong frame, but blood was smeared across the chest plate. Someone else’s blood, for his body carried no sign of injury. Some hapless henchman had become useless and had been dealt with that evening. His deep voice was calm and spine-chilling, “Put away your toys girl.” Did she really think that pointing a flimsy little arrow was going to scare him? He leaned against a wall and looked thoughtfully at her. “I thought that perhaps tearing you apart would give me pleasure, but now that I see that you are a child, you cannot even remain on your own horse, that pleasure is no more. Why are you within Murate little one?” His tone was mocking, daring her to challenge him. In his hand was a bladed hand gauntlet, a one-of-a-kind weapon. If this little girl was foolish enough to attack him, she would find a seasoned warrior who was a cold-blooded killer.

He had recently become the General of Murate, second in command with only Magrej above him. But he intended for things to change and Siarles wanted to be on top. So, he was silently massing his own dark forces. Perhaps this girl could be of use to him. She was small, at least to himself, but Siarles had learned long ago that it was skill, not brawn, that won wars. Skill and wit he had, power he was slowly taking, but he could use a personal assassin. Siarles enjoyed picking off the weakest of his underlings, but he did not always have time to do so. Perhaps if this child were to pass his tests, and show herself skillful and obedient, she could be of some use to him. But she had to pass a few tests first.

[Tahti]

“Put away your toys girl.” Her eyes narrowed just the slightest as he spoke to her as if she were some adolescence that didn't know what she was doing. She really took offense to that, she really did. She lowered her bow and arrow like he had requested, returning the bow to it's proper place, followed by the arrow that had been at the ready. Her arm went limp by her side, ready to grab her sword, or duel daggers if he gave her reason to. Her hood still rested upon her head, which gave her an element of surprise. Now, if her dang horse would come back, perhaps she could get out of this alive. She didn't like the looks of him, though she couldn't place his figure to a name. She had not been one to pay attention to the higher ups in the Murate society, but judging from his armor she guessed he was pretty well up there. Her mouth was the only feature on her face that was visible to him for the hood did it's job, and kept her complexion hidden from his cold, and prying gaze.

“I thought that perhaps tearing you apart would give me pleasure, but now that I see that you are a child, you cannot even remain on your own horse, that pleasure is no more. Why are you within Murate little one?” Her eyes flashed with brimstone for a moment, and her reply almost came out as a rather nasty remark, but thank god she had the sense to hold her tongue. Her fist hanging limp by her waist clenched into a fist, but she made no move for a weapon just yet. Not a pleasure? Nice to see that you do have some manners. She replied dryly, her tone cracked, and sharp around the edges. She had no intentions of playing a game of mouse, and cat with him. Perhaps she could just answer his question, and then be on her way once again. And as for my falling from my horse, that is not of your concern, and neither is my being here in Murate. She added, a slight frown coming to her features. She had to play it safe, for she couldn't risk giving away she is from Ellsinora. She was pretty sure this kind fellow didn't play nice with enemies.

Pursing her lip, her muscles contracted for a moment as he pulled a dagger from it's place, and put the tip of her finger to the point of the blade, spinning it around thoughtfully. I think I'll humor you though. I'm here in Murate looking for a way to test myself. Her eyes darted to his form, and a smirk came to her features, and from under the shadow of a hood she raised an eyebrow. Y'know. Find a challenge. She then threw the dagger into the air, and caught it by the handle, before idly replacing it once more. The corners of her lips lifted once more into a smirk, and her lyrics filled the air once more. You wouldn't happen to know of a way I can fulfill this, would you?

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[Jotari]

Siarles

Siarles smirked beneath his helmet. He removed the dark black metal thing from his head and rested it on a broken down wall. He thought he may as well let the girl know just who she was speaking to, no need to play that game of mystery identity after all. His short dark hair waved as the wind ruffled past. His scarlet eyes peered at her, almost as if he was looking at her very soul. Searching to see if she could really do the job, do the work he required. “My name is Lord Siarles, I am second only to the King of Murate, Magrej. I am looking for skilled beings to join my personal forces. I assure you, there will always be a challenge. But I do require two things of any who join me.” Siarles was not about to just let her waltz into being his personal servant without her understanding exactly what he demanded. If she did not obey, it would mean her life. He was cruel, but he did find that things worked much better if everyone understood what they were suppose to do.

“I demand complete and utter obedience, without question, and also understand that I never tolerate failure.” It may seem like a lot, but Siarles played a very fast and dangerous game. He was slowly making his grab for ultimate power and any mess up could cost him his life and everyone who served him could also forfeit their lives. His words were calm yet dangerous. Especially those last few words, I never tolerate failure. Failure meant pain or death. Siarles would teach a lesson by taking a finger, eye, hand, maybe even an entire limb. Failure a second time meant death. Sometimes even almost failing could mean punishment. He did not play around, he was up front in what he required and then he would certainly give what was deserved to any of his minions. If the girl decided to deny his offer, well then, perhaps there was some other amusement to be found. Magrej’s torture room was extremely fun for Lord Siarles, like a kid in a candy shop. Tahti could easily become a victim.

[Tahti]

As he took off his helmet, her twin emerald eyes gazed over his features for a few moments, taking it in. Short dark hair, scarlet eyes, and a face that could scare a statue. Tahti's eyes grew wide for a moment, and she almost considered taking a step backward, and turning, and running away. But that wouldn't be so much of a challenge, would it? “My name is Lord Siarles, I am second only to the King of Murate, Magrej. I am looking for skilled beings to join my personal forces. I assure you, there will always be a challenge. But I do require two things of any who join me.” She arched an eyebrow, and suddenly her hand snaked up to her hood, and she slowly pulled it down. If she was going to work with him, wait, scratch that. For him, he was going to have to have some idea of who she was...right? Was she being a fool right now? Hell yes. But was it worth it? Only time would tell. She had a white complexion. Her fiery red hair was put up into a pony tail, tied up with a ribbon the same shade of green as her eyes.

She arched an eyebrow, before speaking. Oh, do tell. She murmured, listening to him as he had spoke of there always being a challenge. That sounded like it was a good deal to her, but she had to be careful. She had to watch herself more than ever right now. She wasn't sure what she was getting into right now. His next words did come, and when they did, she wasn't sure what to think. “I demand complete and utter obedience, without question, and also understand that I never tolerate failure.” This was when Tahti paused for a moment. If she did agree to work for him, then she would be forever bond to him. Is that what she wanted? Surely not, which is why she had never considered marriage to anyone. It wasn't just because of her job, but because it required commitment, and to her, commitment only got you hurt. She'd seen it with her mother, and father. Her mother was committed to her father, but he didn't share it. She shook the thought away, and focused on the task at hand.

Complete and utter obedience, eh? Failure is not an option? Sounds like my kind of challenge. She nodded her head for a moment, before a look of pure thoughtfulness fell over her features. She eyed Sia for a few moments, before speaking once more. I assume that there is a test to this, is there not? What would you have me do to prove myself? She asked, arching a perfect eyebrow. She was getting into deep water now, and she wasn't sure if she was going to like it. It was too late to go back now, though.

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[Jotari]

Siarles

Siarles smirked as he placed his helmet back in his handsome head, once again creating a complete facial and skull covering. So, perhaps this little damsel of distress could indeed be useful to him. Typically, he would have immediately set forth a task, and it rather pleased him that she requested and expected something. But not yet, now was not the time. Giving a piercing whistle, he was silent and musing as his giant black Friesian mare approached, obedient to her master’s call. Mounting with surprising grace for one in armor, he placed himself upon the mare’s back. He then refocused on his new minion, voice calm as always. “For now, you will simply be at Murate Castle as one of my servants. Very soon, there will be many chances for you to prove yourself. I plan in the near future to marry a rather famous young woman, and she will also be in need of your services. But I would like to have a rather detailed outlook on what exactly you are capable of, though I can see you are a henchman of some sort. That is easy to gather from your weapons and stance.”

Siarles was planning on overturning Magrej himself, with the charming young Guardian, Black Star, as his wife. So far, the plan was very successful. Ellsinora was ready to totter and fall, which would make Magrej relax at least slightly. Siarles had already made his move and was now the General of Murate, the one most trusted by the king, at least for now anyway. Siarles wasn’t exactly planning to marry a gentle damsel, no his chosen bride was a spirited and fiery outlaw queen. She was probably just as dangerous as him, though he was slowly working on turning her heart to darkness to receive the full affect. By the looks of the female he had just recruited, she was a bit soft and probably Ellsinorian in origin. No matter, anyone could be turned.

[Tahti]

The second she found the time she had yanked her hood back over her head, feeling comfortable once again as the familiar shadow hid her face from his cold, and prying gaze. As he whistled for his mare, she watched as the majestic animal came obediantly to her master. She also watched as Sia swung up easily, and gracefully into the shadow. He seemed pleased with himself. Why shouldn't he? He had just recruited Tahti, and she hadn't given too much of a fight, had she? That made her a little uneasy. Why in heavens name would she do that for? The thought made her frown just for a moment, but her thoughts had remained of them man. “For now, you will simply be at Murate Castle as one of my servants. Very soon, there will be many chances for you to prove yourself. I plan in the near future to marry a rather famous young woman, and she will also be in need of your services. But I would like to have a rather detailed outlook on what exactly you are capable of, though I can see you are a henchman of some sort. That is easy to gather from your weapons and stance.” Tahti nodded quickly, trying to run through a list of names that he could be marrying.

A famous young women, eh? In need of her services? Tahti hoped she hadn't just signed up to work like a dog. That wouldn't make the assassin very happy now, would it? But as for right now, she lifted a forefinger, and thumb to her mouth, and gave a shrill whistle. The beating of iron clad hooves against the stone pavement was heard. Out of the darkness came Veil, the Azteca stallion. He came to a halt behind Tahti, and thrust his handsome crown over her shoulder. He greeted them with a snort, and Tahti simply put her hand on his cheek. Very well then. So, I presume you want me waiting at the castle for my assignment then? She asked, arching an eyebrow as she came around Veil, and stuck her foot in the sturrip. She swung up into the saddle rather easily, and quickly. Gathering the reins up in her hands, she fixed her emerald gaze on him once again.

[Jotari]

Siarles

The Dread Lord made a quick decision, though typically he was rather careful in all his movements. He decided that this woman, instead of waiting at the castle, would be one of those already sent to Ellsinora. She would be useful in helping “clear away” some of the unneeded and unwanted people. “Change of plans my dear, go to Ellsinora and situate yourself on Kiyer. I will be there very soon. A small token of what happens to those who serve me well.” He removed a small and very heavy bag from the saddle bag and tossed it to her. Within she would find quite a bit of gold, ample to get comfortable in Kiyer and keep her happy for quite some time. Siarles could be extremely generous, if he was pleased.

Turning his mare, the Dread Lord moved away at a swift trot. This conversation was over. Very soon, Ellsinora would fall. At that time, he would steal away his fiery bride and start to plot a new downfall. Siarles would plan the downfall of Magrej, taking every chance that came his way. Tahti had just become a pawn in this game of chess, but she would be valued. An assassin, if skilled, was extremely useful. But it was to be seen where her true loyalties would lie. She was clearly not from Murate. That left Ellsinora, but Siarles had given her a chance. If she wasted it, then he would give cause to have a funeral for Tahti. But, if she was obedient and capable, the young woman could easily move up through the dark master’s ranks. Black Star would be pleased perhaps, probably finding use for a female assassin. But only time would tell, first Ellsinora must fall and then Siarles would have to steal away the outlaw queen for himself. Then, their forces would come together, including young Tahti.

[Tahti]

Swiftly, and easily she snatched the bag of gold, and gently slid it open to peer into it's contents. The gold came to a surprise to her, and for a few moments she weighed her options. Once she came up with something she could say, the Dread Lord was long gone, the pounding of his mares hooves echoing in her ears. Nodding her head swiftly, she took up her stallions reins, and spun him around, and headed for Kiyer. If she was worth her salt, she'd be there as soon as she could, wouldn't she?

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~FIN