An Adventure in Black - Chapter I

[Alýr (Rayne)]

Even when the psyrpent leapt fiercely at the white-haired woman, the man with the dagger at the elf's throat did not move his blade. Instead, his face contorted in surprise and disgust as he looked at where the serpentine creature held fast the throat of his now dead companion. His eyes glowed with rage, and so close was the psyrpent and so great was his own wrath that he briefly forgot about the elf and moved his blade to wound the creature in his side.

Alýr saw her chance and sent her elbow into the belly of her attacker, temporarily disabling him as he lost his breath and, for a moment, his bearings. The indigo-eyed elf then spun round, grabbing a dagger from the demonic man's belt and sending it into his side, though having no skill with a blade nor knowledge of how to weild one properly, she missed the vital organs entirely and in truth did him little damage. Still, the injured man scowled in an expression the horrified the elf, and he grabbed the hand that held the dagger in his side and threw it back, dagger and all. He stumbled back to the corner, more infuriated than pained.

[Ridgen Sú'ufanán]

Ridgen watched silently as the elfess explained her situation to everyone in the room, everything about the box, why she has it, why she requires their help, etc. He was about to say something, but was interrupted by the sight of the door being torn off its hinges and four... no, five unsightly creatures entering and threatening the elfess. One of them had a knife held at the elfess's throat. Naturally, the magician rushed forward to disarm said creature - only to be confronted by one of the demon-things with white eyes and horrible complexion.

"You stop right there, pretty-boy..." he- er... it said.
"It's better to look pretty than to look like you, that's for sure," the elf replied, dashing around the creature with unexpected speed. His opponent may be strong, but that means nothing. Not unless it had an iron will. The magician focused on the water ounia within the creature as it turned around to face him, and willed the influence of the chaos property to rise well above all the other properties, also bringing the water ounia's dominance above all others. At the same time, he also focused on the physical properties of the water ounia, increasing its coldness at an alarming rate, bringing it to the... demon's attention.
"What... What on earth are you doing to me?!" it howled, as it moved to attack the elf, its body disoriented by fear and shivering in cold. Its vision was failing - the lights appeared brighter than they should, the elf appeared to be fading in and out, and his body... his body was freezing. He was turning into a block of ice!

"Feeling the cold yet? Feel the cold seeping into your body. In a matter of minutes, it's going to kill you. And you can't stop it. You know that... don't you?" the elf asked, still focusing on the spell, his voice echoing over to the demon. In reality, the demon's temperature just dropped a few degrees. In the demon's mind, he was already trapped in a block of ice.

Ridgen checked the thing's pulse. It's already willed itself to death.

[Juliette Dante]

In a blur of motion the fighting had begun! Each of the demonic looking creatures paired off with, what she assumed were, the members of the original group in the room. All but one were either currently occupied in a fight or already dead. As she looking into the face of the... thing she was going to kill, she felt her heart racing. Her chest was heaving with every breath, adrenaline and excitement filling her from the inside out. The creature smiled, showing two rows of pointed teeth, she mimicked that smile and took one step forward.

That was enough to get the man to charge, quite suddenly in fact, but Juliette was expecting him to do so. She spun back and to her left, moving out into the hall while drawing the scimitar from it's sheath at her hip. Using her momentum, she brought the sword around in a high arch, cutting a line across his back, shoulder to shoulder. It took mere seconds before the top of his shirt became drenched in blood, leaving a trail of bright red drops on the floor as he growled and stalked towards her. She grinned again, noticing his apparently unarmed state, however she knew better than to assume. But even if he had a dagger hidden somewhere on his person, he was no match for her skill. As he charged her a second time, she couldn't help but be amazed at his obvious lack of combat experience. With his arms outstretched he looked like the walking dead coming towards her.

She crouched down low as he approached and with a quick flick of her wrist her scimitar lashed out, severing the mans left hand at the wrist. The hand went flying through the air and bounced off the wall before landing on the ground with a spray of crimson. The man stared in shock at his hand as it lay on the ground, a confused expression crossing his face as if his hand were a foreign object. Then, very slowly his eyes moved to look down at his bleeding wrist. For a brief moment his eyes bulged and his mouth fell open as if he were about to scream, however, he didn't have the time. In one fluid movement Juliette stood, drawing her sword back while grabbing a hold of the mans shoulder, simultaneously pulling him towards her and driving the tip of her sword into his stomach, passed his spine and out the other side. With a disgusted snort she withdrew her blade and released his shoulder, allowing him to fall to his knees before slumping over onto his side. His body convulsed once or twice before the life left his eyes completely. She wiped his blood off of her sword using the bottom of his pant leg and sheathed it.

She moved back to room 21 and leaned her weight against the door-frame, crossing her arms under her bosom. The floor was covered in the blood of the creatures, and only the creatures as far as she could tell. The blood was still the bright color that it is when it's fresh and has yet to congeal. The whole room had that metallic, meaty smell of death and Juliette loved it. It made her feel as if she were aboard The Reckless again, locked in a heated battle, the sound of chaos and screams of pain filling the air. "Hm, well that was easy." She said out loud but it was more to herself than to the room.

[Serpentfang]

*Thud. Thud. Thud. Thud.*

Jarrox had been slamming the head of the dead demon lady with force against the floor for some time that he did not notice that the fighting had been over. The blood trance in still in effect and the people inside would be wise to leave him alone unless they want to be his next victim. Another satisfying squeeze and he heard the neck crack a second time. Music to his ears, and a toothy grin played across his face. He wasn't done yet.

The psyrpent looked up, his gaze landing on the newcomer, the one who disposed of the leader. She might be on their side but to the still berserk snake man, she's an enemy, one to be taken care of, apparently. The psyrpent stood up, preparing to overpower the woman and perhaps claw her innards or bite off her head, but his side was suddenly seized by an agonizing pain. Jarrox knelt and held the hurting area, bellowing a sound somewhat of a cross between a whine and a growl.

His arms have scratches all over, courtesy of the demon woman who clawed at him in vain. But the greater injury is the one at his side; a dagger wound, not enough to damage his vital organs but deep enough to draw blood and pain. He tried to stand up, get to the other woman and finish her off, but the pain only got stronger and forced him down.

Fortunately for the others, the effects of the blood trance seems to be fading away, and little by little he could somehow recognize those who look like demons from those who are not.

[Alýr (Rayne)]

The only one left was the demon man that had had his dagger at the elf’s throat. He glared from the corner, holding his side where Alýr had sent the dagger to pierce the flash with a novice’s imprecision. All around him lay the bodies of his fallen comrades, their blood staining the floor (and in some cases, the walls and ceiling, too). However, his rage did not waver, and he spoke through his teeth, his lips almost a snarling smile.

“This is not over. You know we will find you wherever you go; next time, you won’t be so lucky.” With this, his body seemed to evanesce, darkening and darkening until he had become like a shadow, and was gone.

Alýr took a deep breath and looked around, taking more from the scene than what mere eyes could see. She had to turn away, for the smell of blood coupled with the gruesome scene was enough to turn her stomach a little.

She glanced at Jarrox, who was approaching the newcomer with a fading look of rage. She dare not touch the serpentine man, for fear of how the affliction of rage might compel him to retaliate. Instead, she spoke, in part to him and in part to the group as a whole in a voice soft yet stern. “It’s done.”

She sighed, glancing again at the bloody work, and said in almost a whisper: “We cannot stay here.”

Her eyes looked up at the group, with calm if not tenuous composure, and she said in a more affirmative tone. “They will pursue so long as I have the box. You all have demonstrated your skill, and I ask now for your protection. I will pay for your room and board wherever we stay, as well as a stipend for your services.“ There was no longer any need in conveying the danger, for they had already seen it with their own eyes. Her indigo eyes met the eyes of everyone there, including the newcomer. “Will you join me?”

[Juliette Dante]

Taking her weight off of the door frame, she uncrossed her arms and placed her hands at her hips for quicker access to her scimitar. The look in the wounded serpentine mans eyes was unsettling to say the least and his attempt to move towards her didn't help her unease. If he were to attack, she wanted to be ready for it. She shifted her weight to the balls of her feet, her eyes never leaving him.

As the elfess spoke, Juliette took a quick, cursory glance around the room and the rest of its occupants. It would seem that if she chose to join the woman, there would be plenty excitement to be had by all. Perhaps Juliette was one of few who would see the opportunity as exciting but, nonetheless, she was inclined to accept. She knew not why these demonic creature attacked the elf or what they were after but the details weren't that important to her. The money was of no concern to her either, all that mattered was the chance to bloody her sword, to feel the metal blade vibrating in her hands as it severed bone and stole the life from her opponent. It had been too long since she had been in a proper battle and while her respite had been much needed at the time, now she craved violence and adventure once again. "You may count me in, for whatever task you need done."

[Irid alMenie]

Irid was breathing hard as she looked around. As quickly as the fight had started, it was over again. It seemed that the human woman was a friend after all - at least, she had taken care of one of the attackers, dispatching him quite easily, she looked like she was used to a fight. However, Irid did not quite agree with her assessment that it had been easy. She would have to take care not to underestimate them again. Considering the last words of the demonic man, before he disappeared, chances were high that they would meet more of these creatures which seemed possessed by demons. Then she would be ready for them.

She sheathed her unused dagger, then cleaned the other one on the clothes of the woman she had killed. She used her right hand for both actions, leaving as little as possible for her injured left hand. When the dagger was clean, she turned her attention to her wrist. Flexing her fingers and moving the hand up and down, she decided that nothing had been broken, even though it had felt so at the time. A bandage to strengthen it would be welcome, though.

At Alyr's words, she looked up, her golden eyes narrowed thoughtfully. Before she could answer, the newcomer had already volunteered her services. Rash, perhaps, but Irid was glad of it - she was a fighter, and anyone with fighting expierence would be welcome. She turned to the indigo-eyed elfess. "If they're looking for that box because it will somehow bring forth more of them, or make them stronger, or something like that, then I will do whatever is necessary to keep them from it. Caelereth does not need any such creatures overrunning it. I would like to talk to you in private, later, but for now you have my word that I will protect you, and that box, by whatever means necessary." She kept her words in Tharian, for the sake of the company, but she added in Styrash, because she felt the occasion required it, and Tharian did not quite cover it: "Reollá iú quarím iuís queí." [I give you my oath]

[Ridgen Sú'ufanán]

Ridgen looked around the room not too long after checking the dead thing's pulse. He was confronted with the sight of blood spattering the walls, floor and ceiling - and the sight of one of the demon-things dissolving into thin air. Geez, the poor cleaner's going to have a heart attack. Apparently, a human's decided to join them, he observed, as she quickly accepted the elfess's proposal.
"You guys are all so messy. The poor cleaning lady's going to die from shock after seeing this," he commented. Even after something like that, his voice still retained that cheerful quality. "All things considered, I'll be more than happy to help you with this stuff. Just let me go get my stuff... and my pay... and I'll be right with you."

To be quite honest, the prospect of doing something like this is quite exciting.

[Serpentfang]

Jarrox felt the anger fading away, as if everything inside this room, from the malformed demons to the elves inside, were nothing but a dream. His side still hurts, and he felt himself bleeding. But he only closed his eyes, expecting death to come any moment. He was jerked into consciousness however, by the woman's proposal. At first he considered declining it, what with all these elves that are more likely to turn against you than join you.

He thought about this for a moment, then bowed his head at Rayne's proposal. This seems like a more exciting job than guarding that merchant anyway and she did give him a very satisfying meal. Plus she said free food and a stipend. Who in their right mind would refuse that?

Using one of the chairs as support, Jarrox pulled himself up. He was getting used to the pain the dagger wound caused, but it still hurts. Without waiting for further instructions he limped towards the exit, one hand holding the wound to prevent others from seeing it. Not that it matters though, as everybody in this room had probably seen it by now. And he can't stand to be so close to so many knife-ears in one location.

He took his bag with him, and once outside he began searching its contents for yahrle leaves and miyu berries, things that are kind of like a first aid kit for mercenaries -- Jarrox wouldn't leave home without them. After applying the herbs to his wound he wrapped his torso in bandages, then sat down outside to wait for his would be companions.

[Alýr (Rayne)]

The elfess smiled with some relief, for she had come a long way, flying from these demonic creatures that pursued her, disabled in skill and with little means of defense. She assumed a pragmatic air and spoke with compassionately yet decisively to her new companions.

“Let us not reside in this place tonight; we have caused enough mess.” She opened her purse and approached Rigden as she spoke. Finding what she was looking for, she met his eyes and pressed a goldbard in his palm. “This should pay for the damage.”

She closed her purse and tucked it away, then turned and spoke to all of them. “If you have things you must gather, please gather them, and let us meet in front of the building. I have a friend who owns a small inn a few blocks away where we may stay for the night.”

She gestured for everyone to leave the room, but pulled Rigden aside and said to him briefly. “Let me know if you have any trouble. I will take full responsibility for what happened here.”

Her indigo-eyes then turned to the psyrpent, who had limped out with a wound in his side. She hurried out of the room, down the stairs, and out of the inn where she and the others were to meet. She found him there, bandaging his wound. Her eyes, and voiced, softened.  “You are hurt. I am not strong, but the inn is not far, and you may lean on me; once we arrive, I will see what I can do to ease your wounds.”

She looked to see if the others had followed. The night was growing late, and if they wished to leave by morning light tomorrow, they best hurry to the inn.

[Juliette Dante]

She backed away from the door, allowing the serpentine man and the elfess to exit before heading towards her room just down the hall. There wasn't much for her to pack and it all fit inside the brown leather backpack she used when traveling on land. The backpack had originally belonged to her mother before passing it down to Juliette. The old, worn smell of the leather was always comforting, reminding her of the loving family that was waiting for her at home. But now was not the time to be thinking of home, so she slung one of the straps around her shoulder and headed down into the common room. Having already paid for another week in advance, she decided not to ask the owner for a refund, choosing to simply slip out the main door.

The elf was already out front and standing next to serpentine man who had just minutes ago, stared at her with violent intent. She was wary of him and it was probably a smart idea to be, having watched him dispatch of his demonic female opponent with little effort. She leaned her weight against the outside wall, her left foot crossing over her right and her arms once again folded under her bosom. The elfess, from what she caught of the tail end of her sentence, had just offered her assistance in dressing a wound that the man had received.

"I didn't catch anyone's name back in the room. I'm Juliette, captain of the Reckless." She paused for a moment, looking sceptically at the woman. "And a pirate, if it doesn't offend you."

[Alýr (Rayne)]

Alýr was kneeling beside Jarrox when Juliette came out of the tavern, but looked up to see the woman at the door. The elf's gray hood fell from her head revealing loose, glistening ringlets of black hair framing her soft features. A chill night air was blowing through the Voldarian streets, winding through the locks. Her indigo eyes were friendly and inviting, though reserved and shadowed, like one who might be hiding something. However, there could be no doubt that her intentions and demeanor were kind and wise.

“Your vocation does not concern me; as long as your heart is true and I may trust you,” she said, glancing up at the woman with a generous smile. “My name is Ayáseialýr., though many call me Alýr , and many humans call me Rayne. You may use whatever appellation is to your liking. It is a pleasure, Juliette, to meet you. You look to be quite handy with a blade. I am certain that your skills will be of great value.”

She glanced back as the others made their way to the entrance, realizing that she only knew the name of the wolf-eyed elf, but no others. “I admit I do not know the names of the others. I suppose, with the urgency of my request and our sudden disruption, I hadn’t the chance to ask.” She looked back to Jarrox solicitously. “Perhaps those who cannot speak their name might trace its spelling…?”

[Serpentfang]

Wonderful. A human pirate. As if being human alone isn't bad enough. But come to think of it, they're not very different. Both of them have the same goal in mind; coin and loot. His new-found ally seems to trust her, after she'd gone and threw herself into a room that she had no business going to in the first place, and she made a show of dispatching the inhuman leader with her tiny pig sticker. He could had dismembered the demon with his claws, if not for this troublesome wound. The psyrpent cursed himself for being slow, stupid, and not thinking about things first. That pale skinned demon lady had a dagger and he was dumb enough to charge, unarmored, and armed only with his bare claws.

He glanced up and looked at his employer, who offered to help him get to the inn. Jarrox refused, for that would be a sign of weakness. Then she asked him her name. The psyrpent nodded at the request of the woman, and using his free hand (the one not holding the newly bandaged wound) spelled out his name on the ground: "Jarrox, crossbow-psyrpent." The effects of the miyu berries are kicking in and he could feel the wound going numb, but he knew better than to move around. Only the pain is gone, not the wound itself.

The psyrpent snarled in disgust. This is going to severely cripple his fighting abilities.

[Irid alMenie]

Irid quickly went to retrieve her possesions from the room she had rented. She hadn't unpacked anything, as she had not planned on staying here much more than the one night. With her backpack over her shoulder she made her way downstairs and followed the human woman outside just in time to hear her introduce herself as Juliette, pirate captain. It didn't matter much to Irid what profession she had, except that it had taught her how to fight.

"I am called Irid." She said while the lizard was spelling out his name on the ground. The only one they were still waiting for was the white-eyed Cyhallrhim who was arranging his resignation, as well as the clean-up for their little adventure. She looked to Alyr, who was kneeling next to the lizard. Now was not a good time, but when they were in the other inn, she would have to tell her everything. The decision of whether Irid would then stay with the group would lie in Alyr's hands.

[Ridgen Sú'ufanán]

After being told off by a very unhappy tavern owner (who refused to pay for his services, and grudgingly accepted the payment for the damages) and having to remove the corpses from the soundproof-ish room, Ridgen gathered his things and headed outside, quite a while after everyone's been gathered there. Midnight approaches.

"I am so sorry for the wait. Had to bag and throw out the corpses before I left... Nasty work, really," the tailor said, a sheepish smile on his face. The smell of blood was still all over his hands, and he made a face as he realised this. Regaining his composure, the elf proceeded to introduce himself. "I'm Ridgen, by the way. Nice to meet you all," he said, a smile forming on his lips. Then he noticed the name that the psyrpent has written in the dust. Jarrox, eh? Nice name.

"I'm thinking you've already introduced yourselves to each other?" the elf said, looking around and taking note of each person's appearance. Out of the four people present, he only knew the name of one, despite having survived through a dangerous occasion with them at his side. That will change soon, he guesses.

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