On the hunt. (Private)

[Jade Alanon]

Second Cycle of Aperitus, Season of Summer.

"I'm hot." Jade rolled her eyes and glared down at her irritating Virkyn sister as Nymira announced yet again that she disliked the heat. "I get it, you're hot and tired and hungry, you don't need to keep saying it." She snapped at her bondmate as they continued walking through the crowds away from the gate. Paxia was so dilapidated, she couldn't imagine anyone actually coming here of their own free will, surely safety for those who couldn't defend themselves would be an issue to consider.

Not that Jade cared of course, she could take care of herself and Nymira was there to protect her as well, she was able to move confidently through the city, unafraid of anything that might take her as an easy target and try to rob her. "What are you doing then?" Jade placed her hand on Nymira's head gently, trying to soothe her irritable friend, the heat made Nymira so much more snappish and so much whinier. "I am searching the crowds, I was given a specific hint that the one I am looking forward came here and I want to see if he might be lounging around somewhere."

"That had been a rumor that you had heard in a tavern told by a bunch of drunks that thought they were lords tossed from their lands. How in Telath do you think you can trust their words?" Nymira had a point of course, but rumors stemmed from some sort of truth and if it was true, then she would have a chance to claim the bounty on the man's head before anyone else did. "And why would he be lounging about, as you put it, wouldn't he be in hiding if there is a bounty on his head?" Damn, another good point, Nymira was on a roll that brightening.

"I have heard something about this Lulufen man, he is strong and handsome but a bit of an egotist from what I hear, he most likely believes himself invincible and so would most likely be walking around out in the open, as though daring someone to try and catch him." Nymira said nothing after that, Jade was unbelievably stubborn and wouldn't give once she set her mind to something. "I have a very good description of him, unless the man who gave it to me was lying, in which case I will return to Prime and dispose of him, but for now we will continue searching while you keep your senses alert for any Rhasic nearby." Jade had to take out any Rhasic she came across in her travels, rebuilding the Krevion was more important then anything really.

Jade's emerald eyes continued to scan the crowds, it was such a blessing to be telepathically linked to Nymira, no one to overhear their conversation or think she was mad speaking to a large hound like her. She ignored the stares she and Nymira generated and continued on her way, just searching though she doubted it would be so easy to find this man when no one else had before.

[Stephan Woulofen]

It had now been so very long since he had come to this city that he thought of leaving, even before Ruu had come to see him, that is if Ruu even wanted to return, could return, or was even alive. At this point he had no clue and had no idea how to find the elf, who could go off the radar quite easily, and never be found again. Unfortunately for Stephan, as he would soon learn, he could never drop off the radar, but it wasn't like he had done a very good job in the first place. He could be identified quite easily despite his beard and hair, his armor gave him away, the design and type specific to him, but he couldn't get rid of it. It meant far too much to him. And thus, he would be found, soon, by those looking for him, one of the many for sure. So be it.

Walking through the streets of the ruined Paxia during a early time in the brightening, and not drunk, for once, Stephan thought of his options. He had been pondering what to do next for not only a few brightenings now, but it had been many cycles. All he had done in all that time was drink, drink some more, gone on paranoid tirades in his room at the Limelight Inn, and frequented some various establishments of the city, satisfying his thirst and other needs. What a fool human he had become, fallen with the filth of the Empire, even his armor and fancy sword at his side barely distinguished him as something more than a worthless lowlife. But, he had updated his appearance somewhat, his hair had been now tied back into a ponytail pulling his shaggy hair back, and his beard was trimmed though now had grown to cover his throat. For once, Stephan actually appeared to be his age.

Moving through the crowds, or lack thereof really, Stephan stayed to the edges of all crowds moving along buildings and rubble, it was a habit he picked up. It allowed him to be somewhat cautious and know what was around him, however it was not like he even stayed alert anymore. But, should he need to flee or need space to draw his sword he would have it. He did not even know his reaction time anymore, how fast he could draw a sword he never wielded before, and draw a sword that had so much personal weight to it. Even the thought of the sword nearly caused him to cry, he was a very weak, and unstable man. That may make most men more dangerous, but truly that was not true with Stephan, he had been far more deadly and a threat when he was altogether. He was slow, confused, but much more twisted.

It was then he, not unusually, moved off the main street and headed through the rubble to a more private spot where he had first came and sat, and actually slept for many brightenings when he first arrived. Those times had been the worst of his experiences, the sleepless nights and fits of rage had been dangerous to his own well-being and those who came to his aid in curiosity. More than one thief had decided against their initial decision to approach when they saw him swinging his fist furiously into the air and not caring as he slammed them into former completed walls of buildings. There had been pain, but it had never been as troubling as the pain he felt inside. His fists had only become stronger since then as the breaking knuckles hardened and formed into more brutal masses of bone driven by muscle.

Tripping over a piece of rubble Stephan did not even look back at it as he continued walking. Eventually, he found the place he considered his own, but found that all around there were people actually rebuilding, causing the once mostly quiet place to be a thing of the past. Instead of sitting he turned and leaned up against the walls, slouching and looking ahead into absolutely nothing.

[Jade Alanon]

In all honesty, Jade didn't expect to catch sight of any man that resembled the description in which had been given to her by a contact in Aelyria Prime. She would have to hurt the man if she was given a different description and she would to, no one crossed her and got away with it, not now that she was trained in combat and had the attitude to match. Even without Nymira at her side, she was still a force to be reckoned with and she would go down fighting if indeed she met her match in this Stephen Lulufen.

She didn't much care if she was in the midst of the crowds, crowds didn't make her uncomfortable so long as they weren't focusing on her or she was expected to enjoy herself around them. They leave her alone and she would do the same. "This better be worth it." Jade rolled her eyes yet again but did not retort, giving Nymira attention was just what the Virkyn wanted, ignoring her usually did the trick, though Nymira was in an odd irritating mood that brightening.

The flash of a sword glinted in the sun and catch Jade's eye, from the description she had been given, the man Stephen carried a sword and armour that marked him easily in a crowd of weary travelers and vagrants. There was no way to be sure that the man she had in her gaze now was really Stephen, but it was the first person other then an soldier to have one and she chose to follow, though doing so casually to see where it took her. She moved a bit quicker through the crowd, Nymira seemed to get the hint and took off through the crowd, barking and growling at any who tried to pet the "doggie", Jade acted like a concerned owner. "Come back!" The crowd parted easier for her now, believing her needing to catch her runaway pet.

Nymira halted a good bit ahead of Jade but far enough not to be noticed by the obviously distraught man, Jade caught up with her bondmate and watched Stephen closely, studying the way he moved and his body language, he didn't appear to have much confidence, didn't move with the ease most warriors carried, the clean well cared for hair was pulled back in a bushy ponytail and his once trimmed beard was now covering his throat, was this really her mark? She and Nymira moved carefully behind him, Nymira having the shadowstalking ability helped and the cloak she wore around her shoulders gave her the ability to disappear completely in the shadows, so following the man wasn't all that hard.

One would think that a man that was hunted and had a boutny upon his head would hide himself better, unless he grew the beard out and his hair to make him have the appearance of a common man, the sword and armour though should have been disposed of, unless he had an attachment to them. Of course could understand being attached to a weapon, she would be naked without her staff and bracers. The more she studied the man, the more she could see that he was filled with some sort of pain, a pained target might believe they have nothing more to live for and just accept his demise.

He moved off the main street and headed down towards rubble, Jade and Nymira stayed back and watched as he stumbled over a piece of rubble, though he caught himself and continued his walking, he didn't even look back to see if he was being followed. Perhaps this man wasn't who she was searching for, she couldn't deny though that she was curious and so she pushed forward, her soft steps soundless, her breathing slowed to keep it from being heard as well. He found a place where he could relax and slouched against the ruined building, he seemed to be lost in his thoughts and while others may have believed something had caused him to take leave of his mind, Jade could see great pain behind his eyes as he stared into nothing. She refused to allow herself to feel even a little bit bad for him, she didn't know his story and didn't want to either, feelings in a job made you weak and she wouldn't allow herself to be weak.

She hid behind a half crumbled piece of building, leaning against it and peering around every so often to see if he moved, she wouldn't confront him just yet, not till she was certain.

[Stephan Woulofen]

Stephan did not move, seemingly not even an inch, for a great spand of time. Only after a candlemark did he really seemingly move, but that again was simply to change his resting position. And, he still looked at seemingly nothing, looking straight ahead and not at all looking to the sides. He was locked in on nothing yet he was locked on the most important loss of his life. Would he really ever get over her death, the child's death, and the other woman's death, a woman he could not even remember? At this point Stephan saw no way to move on, he saw no future for himself. He was barely even existing at this moment, the only worth he had was to fill the pockets of those he gave business and nothing more. Alcohol likely took the place of blood flowing through his body. Thank the gods he at least had the senses to take baths regularly at the inn.

With another candlemark passing he finally shifted away from the wall and stood straight, looking around for a moment just to see events around him, and then moved off back in the direction he had come. He was heading back for the inn and heading for another evening of being lost in alcohol and passing out either at the table or in his bed. Only his crowns were what allowed him to stay there he was sure, and the fact he hadn't caused any real problems yet, though he had heard the owner talking to another customer outside his door complaining about the noise coming from his room. Nothing ever came of it though. As he walked back out to the street, missing the rubble that he tripped over this time, he paused yet again and looked back and forth before walking down the road.

After a short walk along the side of the street again he made it back to the Limelight Tavern, entered, and took a seat, a smiling Saira coming immediately with a mug of house ale. Nodding he actually looked up at her to see her inviting, warm smile. He was getting comfortable looking at her finally, and felt no fits like he had before. He was getting better he knew, but despite that, many thought differently who he know had been judging him and heard his rantings to himself. Raising the mug of ale to his lips he drank it as if he was drinking water, the drink not having the effect on him that it once had. It now took many more drinks to get even close to the same intoxication he had been at many cycles ago.

No one else approached him though a few patrons did look at him, either looking at his attire or knowing him from before, be it good or bad thoughts towards him, he knew there were both. He had bought many drinks for many people, but he did notice the man who was staying in the room next to him, he was sure he had been the one who had complained.

[Jade Alanon]

Waiting and watching this man was maddening, he didn't nothing for candlemarks at a time, he simply stood there, seemingly lost in thought. Nymira had taken a short nap next to Jade, her head on her paws and her soft breath showing that while she was napping, she would wake up quickly should there be trouble or should they need to move. Jade was bored but she continued to watch him, wondering what he was so in deep thought about, a mystic would be able to delve into his mind and pick apart his memories, this was the only time she wished she knew arcana. She had seen a man like this before, he had lost his mother and father to an orc raid, much like Jade herself, but he handled it differently, he drowned himself in alchohal and when that wouldn't help, he took his life, he had prefered dying then living without them again. He had been so young and Jade had pitied him.

Movement! She peered around again as he pushed back from the wall, thank the gods! She moved her head quickly as he looked around, hoping he hadn't taken notice that he was being followed, would he even care? Jade woke Nymira and they moved so they were out of sight as Stephen passed them, heading back the way he had come towards the main road. "Do we really have to follow him?" Of course Nymira didn't want to continue following him, he really hadn't done anything to warrant her suspicions other then being a boring target to follow. "Yes, now hush." Nymira grumbled under her breath as they began to follow him again.

The walk was short thankfully and Jade watched as Stephen walked into the Limelight Tavern, most likely to drink himself silly. A drunk target would be a lot easier then one that could fight sober, she said nothing as she waited a half candlemark before entering the tavern as well. She didn't spare a glance towards him, not wanting to draw attention to herself. She noted the waitress seemed to like the man, her smile was warm and inviting, so either she liked the man or she simply wanted to be taken to his room and into his bed. She noted that while he hadn't shown any other signs of emotion other then despair as she watched him earlier, he actually seemed comfortable with this woman.

She took a table near the corner and let herself just sort of blend in as best she could, though her large hound may have brought attention to her. She ignored the staring and chose to watch Stephen carefully, leaning back in her seat and trying to look as though she were relaxing, yet again she was bored with this man, but she just had a hunch it might be him and if he wasn't, she could end his miserable existence anyway. "Whether it's him or not, I'm killing him, the bastard has kept me from relaxing simply because you think it's him." Nymira, such a sweetheart.

[Stephan Woulofen]

Before Jade had even entered Stephan had downed three mugs of ale and showed no signs of stopping, though she would not be able to tell just how many he did have considering he didn't show it. Stephan held his alcohol very well, not just because he had been drinking for as long as he could remember, but also because he had been drinking massive amounts of this house ale for cycles now. His eyes looked at nothing nor followed anyone for very long, though he could not help looking at Saira quite often, what man could stop such stares? And, then he finished another, the woman coming over and replenishing his drink yet again.

"There is a very good tip coming your way this evening Saira, so keep them coming," he said with a smile, a flirty smile in return from the woman who knew just how to get big tips. A smile in the direction of any man, especially one who was drowning himself in liquor, was the best way to get a very good tip. Stephan was not stupid nor was he a fool though to be played, he simply did not care what game the woman was playing, if she was really playing one. He had plenty to give and he had no use for it, surely she could. Raising the mug to his lips he looked at her as she smiled and nodded before being called off to another patron. It was then Stephan actually took a look around for the first time as Saira walked past him to another table, heading for the table of the man who had reported him. He knew it had been him.

Turning around in his chair he looked at the man who had a plate of some food in front of him and a mug of ale as well. As he turned the man looked back at him as well, locking eyes for a moment before the man gave his attention back to Saira. It was then that Stephan noticed another patron sitting close to the man, a woman, and a large wolf by her side. Looking at them both for a moment he let his eyes trail over the wolf briefly, but he looked at the features of the woman much longer. They were definately new, but considering this was the only real running inn and tavern in the city, at least in the better section of the city, he got the idea they were totally new to the city as well. The woman was relaxed, and looking seemingly nowhere, even as he turned to look at her.

Beautiful girl. She looked so much like her in that light, without even seeing the color of her eyes, which were the color of her eyes as well. He had no doubt that the woman looked nothing like her, but from where he sat she could have been mistaken. The thought and memories of her made him stare longer than he should have. Raising the mug of ale to his lips he turned, but looked over his shoulder once more at her. His beautiful Tenance, how he missed her. Looking down at his table now he raised the mug of ale to his lips again and drank, sorrow overwhelming him yet again. How his mood had changed so quickly, and this was nothing compared to the swings he had experienced in the past.

Next time Saira returned Stephan looked up, blank stare, no smile whatsoever. "Whatever that woman and her pet want, it's on me. Oh, and make sure the next one is on me for that last guy you waited on as well," he said, referring to the guy who had complained about him to the owner.

[Jade Alanon]

Jade never really saw the benefits of alchohal, she had allowed herself to get drunk once before and she had ended up making a complete fool of herself and putting herself in potential danger, though thankfully Austin had showed up as had Avrie. No Austin to save her from herself here in Paxia, she had left him behind in Natura and she didn't know if she would return to him, it was possible of course. She chose to sit back and just think for a bit, doubting her target would be leaving anytime now, he was too busy drowning his sorrows in so much alchohal. Jade got drunk after four drinks, so surely he had to be at least tipsy by now.

She tried to remain inconspicuous as she watched him and the waitress Saira, she could tell by the way the woman moved and smiled that she didn't really care too much about the men she served, her warm inviting and at times flirty smile was a way to get better tips and such, of course that was intelligent, so long as it didn't lead to anything further then that, then it was dangerous. Her staff sat next to her but it was out of sight of where he wouldn't see it, though she doubted his eyes would be able to focus well if he was as drunk as she thought he was. Nymira cringed at the differents scents in the bar and growled as someone came close to stepping on her tale. "Can we..." "No!" Nymira growled and went silent, her dark eyes on Stephen as well now.

Jade kept her eyes from focusing on Stephen, just looking about everywhere else but, though as his eyes rested on her, she could feel his eyes on her. She looked over at him for a moment and then sat back in her chair, acting as though she were bored and had no interest in him at all. She didn't know that looking at her reminded Stephen of the reason for his pain, the death of his wife. Jade most likely should have gotten more information on this hunt before actually getting herself involved, but bounty hunting was more whim then actually need, it was where she could put her passion.

Jade heard footsteps and looked up to see Saira walk over. "Whatever you want, it's on him." She said pointing over to Stephen. Jade didn't often take takes from others, she felt it made them think they actually had a chance with her, but this was different, this was a hunt and anything she could do to help it move along easier, she would do...well maybe nothing anything.

She ordered an ale and water for Nymira and sent Saira away, she wasn't a polite person and chose not to act the part when she didn't have to. She looked over at Stephen and gave him a smile, leaning forward more into the light, her emerald eyes shining brightly. It was a silent way of saying thanks, she then leaned back in the shadows and waited for her drink to come, if he chose to stumble out of the tavern after his drinks, she might follow him, she might now.

She had just arrived in the city and amazingly enough, she had come across the target, if it was him, there was still no deciding factor that proved that it was indeed him, but it better be him after all the work she was putting into following him. If it wasn't, poor guy was going to die anyway, she was tired of all this. Besides, the guy seemed despoerate for an out, alchohal only gave a temporary release, if even that, death was eternal and he would be done with his sorrow and pain. She might think of it as she was doing the man a favor.

[Stephan Woulofen]

Green eyes. That was all Stephan could think about as he had taken that one last look as she moved into the light and allowed him a smile and view of her beautiful face and captivating eyes. The eyes had much more of an effect on him than they would most men, simply because the green pierced him deeply, reminding him much of her. Tenance. Nodding with a smile he turned back to his ale again and drank, taking a big gulp of the liquid. However, unlike what he would have done any time before, Stephan did not go over and join her, nor did he even look at her again. Instead he simply sat and drank, and drank, and drank, for many candlemarks. By the time he had finished his last ale, gods only knew how many, it was now dark outside and late.

He had not the ability to even think about going out to an establishment or part of the city looking for company for the evening, and his subtle flirtations with Saira, who he never talked to in such away unless in such a state, did not get him anywhere. She likely had dealt with such advances numerous times over, and was quite use to getting out of such advances. Slowly he pulled himself from his chair and stood, standing quite well really and walking off towards the stairs. If one hadn't seen just how many ale he had drank they would have thought nothing, but for those that did, they would surely wonder how he walked so well and acted so sober. Patterns of practice and the will power had always allowed him to act much less drunk than he knew he was.

With him gone Saira had much less work and was much more free to take time and relax after a busy evening and talk with others more should they wish to speak with her. Ascending the stairs to the second floor where his room was Stephan smiled at a young human woman, who certainly wasn't the type he would be seen with, but beautiful enough to share his bed. With a bit of flirting he caused her to giggle, but she walked off despite his playful protests. Who knew how old she really was, Stephan surely had no clue. Coming up to his door he removed his key and opened the door, closing it behind him and locking it. At least he was smart enough to take such precautions, though he didn't always lock it, especially when he expected other company to arrive.

Walking over to his bed he removed his armor, shirt, and then boots, before falling face first onto the bed and quickly falling asleep. Use to knocks at the door after such drinking though and his history of having to always be alert he never really passed out in the sense that it would have taken an earthquake to wake him.

[Jade Alanon]

She noticed the long stare the man gave her when he saw her eyes, while she was not vain in anyway, she often knew that her green eyes were found to be entrancing at times and once she realized it did something to him, she noted that it could possibly be used against him later. She had expected him to behave like most of the men who made eye contact with her, wait a few moments and then walk over to her, mostly unsteady and after a few corny pick up lines, ask if he could join her. Not that she got pleasure from such situations, normally she was irritated when such a situation presented itself, but if it helped her learn more on her target.

She was surprised when the man did not do as she expected, didn't hurt her in anyway, she just realized that he wasn't following with usual expectations. He simply continued drinking ale after ale, Jade mostly ignored the waitress when she came with a drink for her and water for Nymira, not putting it near her mouth but further away, understandable afraid of the huge back wolf. Jade didn't even touch her drink, she simply sat back in the shadows and waited, this man was such a bore to watch and yet she chose to do so because it was a gut feeling that this was the man she was looking for and if not, one sorry excuse for a man that was just asking to be put down.

Nymira was fully asleep, curled up beneath the table and Jade was half dozing, her senses kept alert in case someone saw her as an easy target. Many candlemarks had to have passed when the man finally decided that about two barrels full of ale was enough for him, he got to his feet slowly, she expected him to stumble about but amazingly enough he didn't, had Jade not see how much he drank, she would have believed him to be sober or perhaps tipsy with a drink or two. What sort of man walked away like that, it made Jade wish she had that sort of tolerance, though maybe his display was merely a facade to keep anyone from knowing he really was drunk, it worked well.

Jade's emerald eyes watched as his advances were more or less rejected by the waitress, which didn't surprise Jade in the least. She didn't move from her seat, not bothering to rouse Nymira at the moment, she didn't want to sneak up on a drunk man that was potentially dangerous, better to allow him to pass out in his room before making her move, perhaps she instead could learn more information with the waitress Saira who was not as busy now that her ale guzzling friend had departed to his room. Jade had wished he had chosen to leave the tavern, an easier kill and escape when there weren't others to hear the commotion. Some alley would have served her purposes better then his room, but so be it.

Once he disappeared for a while, Jade emerged from the shadows in which she hid most of the time, looking rather bored really. Her drink was still filled, a wasted drink on one who hadn't come to the tavern to get drunk or lucky. Saira came by and noticed the drink left untouched. "Something wrong with your drink?" While Saira was polite and such, she didn't need to use the inviting warm smile because it was obvious such a thing wouldn't work on Jade. Jade looked up and shook her head. "No, I'm just not thirsty, just trying to make that man feel good by accepting his odd offer, any idea who he is?"

Saira shook her head, the man hadn't give her his name, had't given her any name really and while that was odd, she didn't push it because he was a good customer, minus the drunk advances but she dealt with such things often. Feth, this is ridiculous. Jade thought angrily to herself, no fethin name to speak of and she was still clueless as to whether this man was her target or not. She didn't very well feel like taking a bloody head all the way to Serra-Kane and find out it wasn't the right man. It would make her look like an amatuer and she couldn't allow such a thing. "Know anything about him at all?" She wanted to make sure she didn't seem suspicous and gave a small almost shy looking smile. "I mean I might be interested in him."

Saira wouldn't interfere in the affairs of her customers, if the girl wanted to try her hand with the man, it was her choice. "Not much is known about him, he enjoys ale and the attention of young women. He always seems so down about something, sorrowful to the point of real depression, something traumatic must have happened to this guy, though he won't say what." Saira leaned against the edge of the table. "I would be careful with him though, if you're really interested in him."

Jade appreciated the woman's words of caution though Saira didn't understand that she was talking to a dangerous person as well. "Happen to know what room he is staying in, I think I would like to go up and introduce myself." She probably sounded like a whore looking for a good time and good pay, that was fine with her if others wanted to believe that. Saira gave the room number believing exactly that, looking around for the large wolf like creature that had drank from the water. Jade put some crowns on the table to show her appreciation and kicked beneath to stir Nymira who groaned at being woken up. "Please say we are done with this foolishness and going to rest."

Shaking her head, she stood to her feet and took her staff in hand, making her way up the stairs softly, ignoring a drunk man who called out to her to stop and give him some attention, men were such pigs. Her footsteps were barely heard as she moved up the stairs, her body was that of natural grace that gave people that thought that she might be an entertainer of sorts. When she reached the room, she did not knock because really she didn't want him to know she was there. Instead she knelt down in front of the door and turned to knob gently only to find it was locked. So he had a reason to fear for his safety, either that or he feared he would be robbed.

Being a cheap Inn though meant that while locks were placed on doors, they didn't always stand up to people who knew how to work their way around locks. Jade didn't know a lot about it really, but she knew enough to be this particular lock, she removed a pin from the pouch she carried in her leather purse, only pin she had really so if it broke, then knocking was her only option. She worked the pin for a while, uttering small noises of frustration as the lock took longer then she expected it to, but being that she had barely any skill, it was amazing that the lock finally gave way after two candlemarks.

The door opened slowly and Jade entered the room, her staff raised in case he was awake and pissed. The smell of ale filled the air as she saw his form laying on the bed, seemingly asleep, his armour and shirt had been shed as well as his boots. Thankfully his sword was on the ground with his armour. She moved silently and moved his armour and sword further away from where he was, on the off chance that she was unable to make the killing strike, better to have his weapons further away from him. Nymira remained a look out, posed outside in case anyone tried to go inside, she was sure she could scare anyone away and she could guard the door if the commotion brought any concerned people running.

Jade moved towards the bed, believing the man to be passed out from the amount of alchohal he drank. She didn't think she needed her staff to kill him, being beaten to death was too messy, she brought the blade out in her bracer and raised her fist over his back, she didn't know how much noise she had made while moving his armour and sword, hopefully it wasn't enough to wake the man from his slumber and this would be enough, she would take his head with her and go to Serra-Kane, if she was wrong and it wasn't the man, she would return to find the real Stephen.

[Stephan Woulofen]

It had been most fortunate that Stephan was that light sleeper, all those patterns living in hostile woods, hostile areas of the Empire, with danger all around, especially as he slept outside under the city night, or he would have had no idea what was coming his way. The clicking, the swing of the door, and even the sound of footsteps all resonated in his ear. Had this been Serra-Kane coming for him, or something else? Sure to gods he hoped it wasn't someone simply looking for an easy score to sell his goods and use his crowns in the near future. How pathetic that would have been. As he laid there facedown on the bed slowly he drew his right hand into a fist.

The sound of a blade sliding from its holding place was all he had been waiting for. As it drew free from its place he acted, drawing all his fury upon whoever had come to end his life. Twisting from his bed he turned and threw out his right fist, causing a near full connect with the cheek of his attacker, but it wasn't the exact blow he had expected. It was not the knockout blow that it had been sent to be, but damn it sure had to hurt and with the shock and pain it brought, it also brought time. Immediately he flung himself off the other side of the bed, totally away from his sword though and thus unarmed, that was until he grabbed the metal candlestick. Better than nothing.

Watching the figure sent sprawling backwards he did not lash out immediately in fear of an accident, being unlucky and getting a blade jabbed into his gut while the attacker was looking for anything to keep him off. All he saw was her back, her hair, her figure, she was still turned away and he could not lay his eyes on her face. This all felt so similar, but it was not Rilith, she did not smell like Jorelite scum. "A woman? Are you kidding me?" He only mocked her being a woman to cause her to curse him, he did not take her presence any more lightly because of her sex. "Before we get on with this, how about you tell me who sent you, you are going to kill me afterall." No, not really. Not getting into a fighting stance or even prepare for a fight he lowered his guard, he did have the bed between them afterall.

She had better not run, he didn't want to go into a foot chase, he was far too off balance and though he didn't try and show it, he was far too drunk. If they began to run, he was going to throw up.

[Jade Alanon]

Jade brought her hand down quickly, minds well end the wretch's suffering quickly and save him the suffering pain beating him with the staff would have caused, she was merciful to that effect. She hadn't noticed his hand curl into a fist and later she would curse herself for not seeing it sooner, her blade was missed it's mark not by her own accord but because the man had moved from the dagger's pathway and a fist had struck out at her. It was so sudden that she didn't have time to dodge the blow, she was sent reeling backwards a bit, the pain from the blow enough to bring tears to her eyes. The bastard would pay for that, here she was offering him a quick painless death and he rejected it, fine, be that way.

She rubbed the pained spot on her face a bit, trying her best to push the pain to the back of her mind, it would surely be a bruise the next morning, if she made it to the morning. While his fist had come hard, it wasn't as hard as it could have been, surely a man his size and with his muscles, he could have knocked her out with such a surpise blow, either he was sloppy or he was still drunk. The pain was still there and she wanted to lash out and hurt him back just as bad, but that was like a child throwing a temper tantrum, she had to be smart with what she did in this fight, any mistake could mean her death.

When her gaze fell back on the bed where Stephen had once been laying, he had flung himself off the the bed quickly, amazing that he could move like that after all the ale he had drank before this had even began. He was unable to reach his sword at the moment and so he remained unarmed, which gave Jade an advantage, that was until he reached a metal candlestick. She glared at him, her cheek red from his hit, her staff was back in hand and it seemed they were even, except Jade knew how to use the staff and she doubted he knew how to use the candlestick.

It was degrading the surprise in his voice when he realized that his attacker was indeed a woman. Did he not believe that woman could kill as well or was he merely trying to push buttons with her. Her temper flared despite the fact that she needed to stay in control and she growled softly as she brandished her staff. Before she could say something cutting towards him, he asked the question that basically confirmed her suspicion of him, this had to be Stephen. She let out a bitter laugh, did he really expect her to tell him who had sent her, really no one had sent her, she had come on her own, but still, he couldn't believe she was that foolish. "Do you actually think I would tell you that Stephen?" She used his name in hopes that he would respond to it, if he acted confused then she might figure she got the wrong damn target, she just better not be wrong.

"Besides, I don't usually like to converse with dead men, so if you'll excuse me." She was surprised when he lowered his guard, he didn't even get into a defensive stance, wasn't he the least bit worried that someone was trying to kill him? Had Jade not been focusing on different tactics in which to attack, she would have been insulted from his lack of concern. The bed was between her and her opponent and charging Stephen would be foolhardy. "Come on, surely you aren't afraid of me." Pushing buttons went two ways and if she could, she would push any button she could find so he would come at her, he was still drunk after all. "Come on coward."

[Stephan Woulofen]

As she finally turned he got to see his attacker, which caused him to laugh. He could not believe, though should have known better, that the woman from the tavern was the same that had come to kill him. He assured himself that he would be able to act as he had to, despite the similarities she had to his late wife. He would not hesitate, he told himself, and yet he already had lowered his guard to her, even before he knew who she was. "I buy you and your beast a drink and this is what I get in return? Well forget hospitality in the future, and they all have you to thank for that." He laughed, despite the situation, and did not fear this woman at all really.

"Well, at least you aren't a simple thief here for my items," he said, answering her question really, giving her his identity. It did not matter now, one of them would die here. Allowing her to speak further he took everything in stride, he was not a rash idiot, at least not all the time. He could allow his emotions to overtake him easily, but she allowed him to read her actions so easily. "Wait, so you came here to kill me, but you expect me to come to you? You need a lesson in proper assassination ettiquite. I suppose I will teach you." Walking around the bed so there was only space between them now Stephan gripped the candlestick tightly. "Staff versus candlestick, interesting....," he said, not charging forwards, but instead taking steps closer and closer.

Finally, raising his left hand as some defense, he raised the candlestick behind him and swung, attempting to his her right in the left temple.

[Jade Alanon]

When he saw who she was, he actually had the nerve to laugh at her, which didn't help Jade'