Perils of the night (Private, Zokia)

[Steve Lionhart Gil'dae]

Timestamp:
Late at night. Carmelyana, Brightening 4 of Cycle One of Junctior
Autum of Era I of the Celestine Mandate
Era X Post Fractum in the Age of the Darkening
Paradigm: Mystique Threatens Rebellious Frigid River

The darkness could hide many things. Cats, crates, crowns. Criminals too. In the alleyways, your stereotypical shady hang out, anything could lurk. In Narim, this perhaps was more of a concern, for the paranoid at least. There was a crime problem, everyone knew that. However, vicious muggers were not around every bend, and people didn't get robbed everyday, they managed to go about their daily lives easily enough. There was a danger though, as there was in any town really, although Narim had a fair reputation for being troubled by crime. In the dark, mostly empty streets late at night, you would never know if someone was watching you from where the light could not reach.

Knowing that danger, as everyone did, Steve chose to mostly ignore it, the shadows did not bring so much uneasiness as they once did. He felt confident that he would be just fine, and in the unlikeliness that something did happen, he had his weapon. He had drank a few ales, although he was still walking straight and thinking clearly. He wouldn't be a good target anyway, thieves went for the defenseless and weak. It was a nice night with clear skies, the moon shining bright against the vast black sky. A gentle breeze blew, the air feeling cold, but not unpleasant. He was heading down a street near the Shvakkim at that time, having in his mind to go back to the barracks, although really, he was just wandering in the wrong direction, not too concerned about getting back. He'd have to sneak in not to avoid trouble, and then he'd have to wake up early and be tired. His own stupid fault really. Sighing to himself, he decided he should get back, and looked around, trying to figure out which direction to go in, which he wasn't very sure of. Darn him and his randomness! He shrugged, torn between wether to care or not, and he picked a new direction, and walked.

[Zokia Zora]

Zo knew and felt it in her bones that she should 'not' be out and about at such a late hour. She had no 'basic' training and not even one weapon to defend herself with if she were to be attacked; in essence she was a pretty helpless and vulnerable female at the present moment.

Softly she treaded the streets of Narim. With each footstep she glanced around cautiously. Zo was looking for a male that had saved her. The name of the male in question was Steve Lionhart. The female was unable to strain him from her mind since the night that she had kissed him while he slept. Her ‘will’ finally took over her entire body and soul and pushed her out into the dark of night in order to find him, even if that meant sleeping on the streets until she did.

Around every corner at night there festers danger, and Zo was much to innocent to realize it. She was to accustom to the safety of her own home to understand that there 'was' other places that had hidden perils of the night. But still the darkness wasn't without its natural, healthy fears for any reasonable female. Zo was conservative when she ventured away from her home, the physical aspect of the streets of Narim giving evidence of its harmfulness to one so susceptible. The fog billowed out from every corner of the shadows, causing visibility near impossible but Zokia Zora pressed on with 'hope' in view; a hope that she would find the one that she was looking for without any harm coming to her person.

[Char Gil'dae]

Peer Modding



The air had chilled slightly every passing night as summer had died out and become the golden lush autumn. However the city just grew moist and chilly at night along with the growing gloom of winter weather around the corner. The lower society of Narim became more active, stealing and scavenging what they could. Being alone and walking down dark alleys, at this time of desperation, was not the cleverest idea.

Steve Lionhart

Drips echoed of the walls and the alleys stench grew stronger as Steve went further in not caring what wondered out in the night. Shuffled movement and muffled voice could be heard further down the alley. The steam thinned and outlines of two figures could be seen, one bending over the other. A sharp voice could pierced the steam,

‘You know he owes me so tell me where I can find him… or you I’ll take your left eye as well.’

There was a whimpering reply to the sharp voice

‘I don’t know where he is… please no! don’t!’

Zokia Zora

Zokia was innocent and new to the outside world not knowing dangers she was walking into. As she walked through some steam three figures soon followed through keeping at a distance. The buildings closed in on both sides, the street grew narrow and alleys became numerous.

However the street came to a dead end only leaving Zokia go back the way she came from, the three figures came closer closing off her way back. One of the shadowy figures spoke, his voice laced with smugness.

‘Whats an elf doing out this late by herself, wandering so close to big deadly alleys?’

The others creepy laugh echoed around Zokia as she just became aware of the three figures.

[Steve Lionhart Gil'dae]

His surroundings painted a eerie picture, dripping sounds echoing as water impacted on stone, a bad smell, a rank odour, and a kind of steam that made him not wish to think about how it was being produced. Things were not pleasant, not pleasant at all. He grew more weary now, the clean night air was gone and the walls seemed to close in on him. He should have not wondered into the alley in retrospect, yet it was just a alley, there was no point in going back. He'd be back out into the clean air, more open streets in no time, right? His eyes picked out too outlines. Probably just normal people, but the fact he couldn't see them properly and the fact someone would be in such a dingey place sparked his suspicion, setting ablaze a fire of caution. It was probably nothing, but in a alleyway at night... he couldn't be sure. A voice came to his ears.

A voice that did not sound friendly, and certainly held a sinister content. When the other voice came, he knew that there was a defenseless person in need ahead, and there was also danger ahead, and his instincts came to life. He could just see them, maybe if he was stealthy, he wouldn't be noticed until late. He couldn't just stand and watch though, or be too slow. Steve slowly and deliberately drew his sword, wincing at the slightest sound of steel on leather. With blade in hand, but lowered, he advanced forwards slowly, his heart beginning to beat faster as his mind raced with the prospect of a fight. He couldn't just attack without provocation... he could, but he wouldn't. He would get close and then challenge the threatening man with "Hey you, leave them alone. Outta here, now!"

[Zokia Zora]

Like a mouse in a maze Zokia drifted in and out of alley ways, up streets and around corners. From time to time her pointed ears perked up, hearing a noise, but her violet eyes could see nothing. Perhaps it was just her wicked imagination playing tricks on her.....perhaps. The female had only wished now that she could see a friendly face, a warm smile or a kind gesture from a friend. At this moment she saw none of these.

Zo made a final attempt to find her way out, she swiftly and promptly made her way down yet another alley, running her fingers along the brick of a nearby building as she went. Silently she prayed to any of the Gods that would listen to her as she finally came to the end, a dead end! What was she to do now? The only answer to that question would be to turn around and head back. Perhaps she would find a quiet corner to sit and nap, giving her time to think things out and to gain her sense of direction back.

Being to frightened by the fact that she was totally lost Zo didn't take note of the outline of the three figures that came closer to her until she suddenly heard the voice of one. His voice was dripping with haughtiness to say the least and it caused a chill to run up the length of her back bone. "What's an Elf doing out this late by herself, wandering so close to big deadly alleys?"

The female stopped and squinted. Her instincts already told her that they were not here to help her but to possibly harm her. Zo spoke firmly toward them, still not seeing them as clearly as she would have liked. "I.....I am looking for someone!" Bravely she sauntered forward, hoping that they would let her pass freely.

[Char Gil'dae]

Steve Lionhart

Steve’ courage didn’t seem to fault as he moved closer, even as he moved forward quietly the vyssies ears twitched at the movement. The sound of steels brushing against leather turned the vyssies head; it moved slowly round to peer through the steam. His red eyes becoming slits as he stared at Steve’s outline not caring for the human’s words.

‘Do not come between a vyssie and its prey.’

The words seeped out of his pale lips becoming slightly distracted by this newcomer. The dorin also noticed Steve’s presence and taken his opportunity, he pushed his legs upwards placing his feet on the vyssies stomach. His legs muscles strained as he pushed forward launching the other backwards into the wall. Even with his quick reactions, the vyssie could not stop his victim. He felt the wind escape his lungs as his back slammed hard into the wall, wincing under his cloak.

The Dorin rose awkwardly and stumbled into a slow run, limping on occasions; some sort of wound hampered it. The Vyssie ignored his pain breathing heavily as he gathered himself. He became oddly quiet and still, his red eyes now focusing on the fading Dorin preparing to strike him as he ran.


Zokia Zora

AS Zokia move forward hoping not to be hindered, the three figures watched her movement. They kept utterly still, sneering under the shadows waiting to play their little games with her.

The elf was nearly passed them till on of the figures move quickly and his arm reached out in front of her, blocking the elfs path. His face became clear to her as his dark brown eyes oddly studied her as she glanced at him. For a human he had hansom features, a dragon tattoo ran along his right side of his face. The tattoo was cut in two by his dark brown eye; it suited his sharp hansom looks.

‘A pretty thing like you shouldn’t be left alone, let me and my friend’s help you look.’

His voice was laced with slyness; the other two figures looked at each other and gave a short nod. They closed around her slowly, their own feature still hidden by the darkness.

[Steve Lionhart Gil'dae]

The Vyssitichi didn't seem to care too much about his presence. He wouldn't have expected anyone to be so foolish, to ignore a potential threat. Although what he said didn't seem to matter, he was pleased to see it had opened up other opportunities. The man who was being harassed took his chance to make a break for it. He was relieved, at least Steve would have something less to worry about, or so he hoped at least. The Vyssitichi did not seem at all amused though, and Steve thought he was going to be ignored and the dark skinned man was going to go after the Dorin instead. He wasn't going to allow it. He had to give the Dorin time to escape at least. Steve, determined to solve this without killing or crippling anyone, sheathed his sword. Foolish maybe, in fact it probably was, but he didn't think about this too much and advanced on the Vysstichi quietly. Not that it would make much difference.

He was planning on grabbing the dark elf and using his own larger weight, and probably strength, to pull the cruel elf down to the ground, where he wouldn't be doing anything to that Dorin he hoped. He would then punch the elf in the face, and generally smack the guy around if he could. Steve was pretty confident, although for all he knew the Vysstichi had a knife to stab him with, magic, anything... He'd have to take a risk if he wanted to avoid using a weapon, as stupid as it was. It wasn't his position to end someones life, he thought, and although he hadn't felt this always before, killing Orcs frankly didn't do too much to his conscience. He could always pull out his sword if he needed to, it was a shame he hadn't brought something smaller with him, although he hadn't expected anything to happen. His heart began to speed up, but he breathed steadily, bringing himself into a state of control he needed to fight in.

Alleyways were certainly places to avoid

[Zokia Zora]

In reality Zokia knew in her heart that the three would never let her pass freely. The one approached her, having his face rather close to hers so that she could see the dragon that was wrapped over the side of his cheek, an impressive tatoo if that is what one was in too.

The female did not look away or try and show any signs of fear though she could only see the human that stood right in front of her at the moment, the others still shrouded by the shadows that they seemed fond of lurking in. ‘A pretty thing like you shouldn’t be left alone, let me and my friend’s help you look.’ Upon his offer of help Zo shook her head and declined it bravely. "I am capable of finding him on my own, I do not need your help!"

A chill ran up her spine as she could now sense the other two very close behind her, she was hemmed in now. Zo looked the human in front of her straight in the eyes and glared at him as she attempted to take a step away from them, toward the opening of the alley. "Let me go! I am of no use to you!"

[Char Gil'dae]

Steve Lionhart

The Vyssitichi began to harness the essence of air bring forth a lighting strike to bring his victim down. He set loose his spell aiming for the Dorin, however Steve struck into him grabbing the black cloak pulling the Vyssitichi to the floor.

Further down the alley, a lighting bolt struck the alley wall sending chipped bricks into the air. Rubbish burned and sewage water evaporated within a matter of seconds. The Dorin yelled with pain in the midst of the shadows however his loud footfalls still echoed in the alley.

Steve’s fist connected with the Vyssitichi face, pain seeped through his mouth as two of his teeth came loose. As Steve pulled back to land another blow he felt a sharp object piercing his skin. The Vyssitichi’s red eyes glared at him menacingly, his sharp features clear from under his hood as anger speared out at the human.

‘Get off me or you will feel my knife pierce you’re stomach.’

His voice was harsh and laced with sharp anger, his eyes glaring continually. Steve was about to find out what he had accidentally stumbled onto.


Zokia Zora

Zokia stepped away edging closer to the alley, one of the figures blocked her path snickering under the shadows. She felt a hand grab her and pulling her roughly so she faced him once again. A greedy smile played across his hansom features while his companions closed around, tighten the net.

‘I wouldn’t decline if I was you.’

His voice held a slight edge of anger, his eyes narrowing on the elf. Zokia was about to learn the same lesson as Steve Lionhart. However her situation was more dyer as the three male’s had their prey within a trap.

‘Boss, why don’t ye just knock her out. She’ll be more willing to come back with us.’

[Steve Lionhart Gil'dae]

He was just in time. Steve had the Vysstichi on the floor, and the cruel elfs spell had missed. The Dorin would escape, but Steve didn't yet realise the consequences of his rash actions. He was happy to see that his punch had damaged the dark elves teeth, but he then felt a sudden pain in his stomach, something sharp had penetrated his skin. He knew how dire the situation was... but that pain had not worsened, it wasn't deeper, he knew that he hadn't been stabbed yet. The Vysstichi had obviously been hiding a weapon, as Steve had pondered. At least one life had been saved, and if it was a trade, him for the Dorin, then that was fine. He'd known what he was doing. The Dorin had no such choice between danger and safety.

But, he wasn't dead yet, if the dark elf was going to do it Steve reckoned the black skinned man would have done it already.The Vysstichi was only threatening him, in a menacing and damn calm and precise way considering the dark elf had been punched in the face. Steve, brave as he may have been, still feared for his life and saw no need to die needlessly. If only i'd cut the Jorelites head off... he thought bitterly. But if he had, he wouldn't be much better than the dark elf. He stood up and backed away from the Vysstichi slowly and then stopped only a few paces away. He didn't think the Vysstichi would let him back down the whole alley some how and escape, and as Steve had seen, the dark elf had some magic tricks that would fry him easily. He had seen the damage the elfs spell had done to the wall of the alley.

Steve's hands were in the air, away from his sword to show he wasn't a threat. He watched the dark elfs every move. He could feel a slight wetness around where the weapon had got him, and a stinging pain. Another shirt ruined, another life and death situation. Now his fate was in the hands of the Vysstichi for the moment, the cruel, evil Vysstichi.

Perfect.

[Zokia Zora]

"Go back with you? Knock me out? I'm not going any place with scum like you!" That comment was made after the male had grabbed her arm and after a squeak of pain left her parted lips, a squeak that sounded like it peirced the night like an arrow would flesh and bones; many had to hear it or so Zokia Zora had hoped.

Zo backed up with the intentions of escape bouncing around in her mind. But alas she bumped into the other two that now was closer to her than she had anticipated them to be. The female grunted as she attempted to pull and jerk herself free from the likes of the human. Wildly she began to flail her arms and body, hoping and praying that she could slip through them by accident and perhaps this was all just a bad dream. "What do you want? I HAVE NO MONEY!"

[Char Gil'dae]

Steve Lionhart

Lucius, gingerly, helped himself up as his blade still stuck close to Steve’s stomach. His black cloak now covered in brown stains from the murky puddles which dotted the alley. His red eyes, becoming slits, remained on Steve, blood seeping out of his mouth. He craned his neck, his eyes remaining fixed on his attacker, and spat; a mixture of saliva, blood and tooth bone now floated in a nearby puddle.

‘You insolent fool! Do you understand what you’ve just done? Of course not…’

His free arm came to his face wiping away the blood with his clean sleeve.

‘because you rushed in. I should kill you right here, right now however… you can now help clear up this mess which you have just created.’

Steve felt the blade withdraw but didn’t see where the Vyssitichi dagger had gone. It had swiftly disappeared as it had appeared. What hidden surprises had this Vyssitichi got? Steve could test to find out at his own risk but Lucius seemed quietly confident as he began to move further down the alley, the same path the dorin had escaped.

‘I would not try and run off if I was you human… now help me search for some kind of trail which we can follow.’

Smugness laced his voice, his red eyes searched for something.

‘So what do I call you human?’



Zokia Zora

Zokia arms flailed about her, slapping the human in the face. His hold on her broke for a few seconds but not long enough as he grabbed her once again; his strengthen showing this time as he pulled her roughly towards him. His eyes gleaming with a quiet rage as his hand rose sharply and before Zokia could react; his back hand hit her across the face.

Zokia felt the sharp pain before blacking out, only hearing echoes within the darkness of her mind. The three figures stood still for a few seconds, heads looking through litless windows to see what the disturbance was. Two of the figures where getting anxious, one hissing his concerns.

‘We should go now leave her or take her boss but lets just get out of here.’

The humans features still remained calm as he gazed at the elf in his arms not caring who looked or cared.

‘Let them look, they are too scared to do anything, Brendon, you know that by now. Both of you take the elf, I want to have some fun tonight.’

His eyes looking slyly at Zokia, studying the elf why the other two taken her lifeless body away quickly. He soon followed suit entering the alley.

Zokia awoken up upon a old bed, hands tied together with thick rope as a dirty rag was stuffed in her mouth. The room looked bleak and dark, there was little light except for a few candles. The walls where stripped planks of wood, patches still hand wall paper; there was a large double door which opened up into the room however that was closed at the moment. A small figure stood by the door, fidgeting and mutter words to himself.

[Steve Lionhart Gil'dae]

Steve watched carefully as the Vysstichi got himself up, the blade still at his stomach. He could tell the elf wasn't at all happy. He was tempted to smile when he saw the blood coming out of the Vysstichi's mouth, despite the danger he was in. At least it had been a good punch. Steve watched the spit fly out of the Vysstichi's mouth until it landed in the puddle, a red stain floating in the muck. Filth just like the Vysstichi in front of him, he thought. Steve thought he understood perfectly what he'd just done. He'd stopped the Vysstichi from killing a defenseless, injured, if perhaps not innocent, Dorin. He thought that was a good thing, and he highly doubted the elf was much of a do gooder. At least he hadn't killed Steve yet.

The soldier expected some sort of retaliation, a anger driven punch at least. But he wasn't going to be killed, the Vysstichi said. He had to help clear up 'this mess'. He looked at the dark elf quizzically for a moment. Why would he want to help this mage? The Elf was too confident, too sure of himself, it could be his downfall. A theory that perhaps Steve would like to test later. The Vysstichi's confidence showed as he withdrew the weapon and it disappeared somewhere on his person. Steve thought it was foolish, he hadn't been disarmed and still had his sword with him. Although, the Vysstichi must have known that. Skill at arms wouldn't protect Steve from magic, he'd just have to wait and see what would happen. He couldn't risk attacking again, and he had never intended to kill anyone. He didn't plan on handing out his own justice.

Nor did he plan on helping the Vysstichi find this trail. The mage had dark vision anyway right? Steve looked at the ground, pretending to be looking for something, not that he'd be able to make out much. He looked up as the Vysstichi asked him the question. He didn't tell the elf his real name, but instead, the first name that came to mind. "Jack." He lied easily. He walked a little closer to the Vyssitichi, eyes to the ground most of the time as if he were searching, yet he shot the odd suspicious glance at the Vysstichi. "So, what exactly have i done? I thought i'd stopped you from killing a defenseless man." He said dryly. Bold of him perhaps, and he watched the elf cautiously after saying it.

[Zokia Zora]

The connection that Zo felt with her hand to the humans face was a satisfying one. It could be noted upon her expression right before she was knocked out. The last thing that Zo remembered before her world became completely black was the look that bounced around in the human’s eyes. She would dream about it as she slept.

Later the female woke up in a rather disgusting looking room, a fitting place for a disgusting human, thought Zo. A rag was stuffed in her mouth so she couldn't really speak. Without too much movement she began to look around, her eyes straining in the darkness in order to gain clues as to where she might be. Who was she kidding anyway? It's not like she would of known where she was, Zo had never been to Narim before.

Tears began to lace her violet colored eyes. Things could certainly not become any more hopeless then they already were. Zo let out a soft whimper. Her gaze around the room began to be obvious as she began to feel a bit more anxious about what was going to happen to her. It was then that she caught sight of the shape in the doorway. She couldn't understand what he was saying but Zo thought that he might help her. It was worth a try wasn't it? The helpless female tried to mouth out the words help me but it was most likely to muffled by the rag for him to really understand what she was saying.

A feeling of frustration and fear began to surge through her veins as she lay there on the old bed. Desperately she tried to pull at the thick rope that tied her hands together. If only she could get them off! Many things were racing through her mind now. If only she hadn't gone out at night looking for Steve. If only she could get these damn ropes untied. What if they come back for her? What were they going to do to her? Zo didn't even want to imagine what was going to happen but the thoughts did cross her mind, they had too.

[Char Gil'dae]

Steve Lionhart

Steve’s expectations of being killed or being at least injured in some form where dashed. Something about this whole situation was different; Lucius gave a dark twist presence, an unlooked evil lurked behind his red eyes. However Steve was still alive in this particular situation using his instincts to his own advantage.

The Vyssitichi kept on studying the ground, his ears twitching at Steve’s questions. He stopped and turned to look at Steve, his red eyes studying Steve for a few passing moments.

‘Ok Jack but what I tell you is only to keep you’re human mind at rest. That filth was tracking me for the past few days, ever since I’ve come back here. So….’

Lucius hand ran through his stain white hair moving it back behind his ear. His voice seemed calm let held a aura of disgust.

‘I brought him into this alley where I set a trap which… he fell into, however this was many of traps which I laid for him, he is a slippery character. Oh! Reason he tracked me was because I’ve come to have my vengeance on his boss.’

The Vyssitichi turned away and walked further down the alley to look at where his spell had struck. His light footfalls echoing off the walls as his stained black cloak flowed behind him.

‘Oh, and if I was you, I would help look. You’re life might depend on finding him.’


Zokia Zora

As Zokia struggled hopelessly at her restrains producing mumbled cries through the rag, the figure who was muttering to himself turned around. He stood staring at her before he began to creep slowly forward keeping himself in the shadows covering his features. The floor board’s squeeked under his weight and the elf could now hear what the words he muttered to himself.

‘Yes....yes…yes…she’s awake…master be happy with me…yes master be happy…’

His voice seemed high pitched and as he crept around he seemed hunched over with a lump that deformed his back.

‘Elf pretty…pretty, pretty, pretty, pretty!’

He quickly stopped and covered his mouth with both hands, his head turning around to look at the doors. Nothing happened after a few passing moment so he carried on creeping around the bed, steadily coming into the candles light. His features became clear; he had a few strains of ginger hair left on his head, his eyes where slightly lopsided on his face. Above his left eye there was a massive lump and this strange figure missed half his right ear while his chin was very large and his jaw seemed mishapened. This man who stared down at her was deformed, disgusting most who looked at him, however the eyes who looked at her where human eyes which seemed childish and kind natured.
‘She elf, she pretty, pretty… she speaks…yes speak.’

His high pitched voice was laced with curiosity, his overlarge hands roughly took the rag out of her mouth…