Out with a Purpose [Self-Mod]

[Avanthar Dra'Aran]

Moving through the main street of Riparia, the three travelers regarded the relatively busy streets with amusement, finding it oddly different from the usual silence they were accustomed too. Certainly some time had passed since their last venture out of the spire city, their days confined beneath the earth had hardened not only their bodies, yet also their will. Garbed in similar black attire, the five were well armed and equipped as they strode with purpose. Bands of six had been sent out in the hopes of recruiting interested parties in permanently residing within Dar Havark, knowing that it’ll grow to become an imposing city of great influence.

‘Its different isn’t it?’ remarked the leader of the group, the priestess Terra whom smirked coldly at the rough looking men behind her, quite dangerous in appearance. It was odd to find the beautiful elf in the presence of such men, but such guards accompanying a lady was not all that rare now was it? Still, despite her striking appearance and innocent appearance, she was far from innocent.

The Brotherhood, though small in numbers, were skilled and determined. After rigorous months of trainings, the three were unusually dangerous and capable enough to endure most trials. Even Terra had been in the War of the Carmelyn Ruins, with her being one of the few survivors after the entire ordeal. Thinking back, it was fortunate that Darksoul, now known as Avanthar Dra’Aran had taken her and her brethren… or else she would have been lost.

Moving through the streets, she glanced at the streets and those on it… perhaps she should begin with beggars? They were the easiest with the promise of food, job and pay… they would be the first. Eventually they would seek other, more 'useful' men and women.

OOC: Semi-Private~

[Avanthar Dra'Aran]

A figure took her notice, slumped in the entrance of a dark alley and wearing little but rags. Indicating for the five to remain alert as she moved forwards to speak, concluding that the figure was a viable target. Moving gracefully and revealing her lithe form, the priestess looked down at the figure whom seemed ignorant of her presence. Warily the five watched Terra, aware of any possible dangers that may occur. For brief seconds she waited, before lowering herself and seeking to catch his attention.

‘I have an offer to make…’

‘And wats ye price?!…?

Her voice, soothing yet seductive, stirred the shady figure as he looked up, revealing a starved middle aged man whom replied with unusual harshness. Dangerous brown eyes regarded Terra, finding it odd that such an attractiv woman would talk to him, more importantly offer anything to one of the streets. Smelling rather awful and wearing old torn rags, there was a caution in the man… nothing was ever free… yet then again he didn’t have much to be stripped of… the streets were dangerous and cruel… no matter the city, though Riparia was far from the slums found in other cities.

[Avanthar Dra'Aran]

Sensing the cautiousness in the man, it was quite obvious that the streets were a dangerous place to be in. Even common beggars needed to rely upon instincts and cunning to survive, or face starving to death on the streets. Terra regarded the man with a tinge of respect, though the elf priestess would say nothing more upon the matter… there were never true elvish beggars… if there were… she hadn’t meant one. Most would have simply returned to places like Silrosia or Herozzal, back to their home cities rather than face the degradation of begging.

Rather than play with words, Terra decided that she would speak directly… the faster they finished this the faster they could return to Dar Havark. Even though the spires of Dar Havark had been readily built, there were still many matters to deal with…

‘We are seeking men and women for work… for service we give you pay… and using your pay a portion of it is returned to us for shelter… a clean room ofcourse…’

The man regarded Terra, a beautiful elven woman whom spoke casually to the beggar. Few would do such a thing, many seeing beggars as lower class. Still, they were the easiest, in Terra’s opinion to recruit, and once in Dar Havark they would no longer be beggars, but men and women that would be put to use, one way or another. The Brotherhood would be sure of it.

[Avanthar Dra'Aran]

Lingering brown eyes regarded Terra, gauging her honesty and truthfulness. There was a reason why many had been forced to the streets. Most were due to factors completely out of their control, and others chose such a life in the hope of escaping their former lives. Saying nothing for the moment, the wretched man closed his eyes in thought. A new start might be worth it… life on the streets weren’t particularly pleasing… yet from all accounts Riparia was one of the safer cities to reside in, no matter what others may say. In cities such as Nexus Prime and Vortex, the homeless often went missing… their fate lost…

‘I think it’s too good to be true…’ remarked the beggar whom slowly began to stand up as he leant against the brick wall…

‘Your some sorta slave trada aren’t ya!?’…

Moving his hand to his belt where an old dagger was barely hidden, he was edgy, and most likely dangerous. There was always something attached… and though Terra spoke the truth it did not necessarily mean others would believe it. Yet if this beggar could be satisfied with her words, then no doubt he would prove especially useful in gathering others under their fold.

[Avanthar Dra'Aran]

Raising her hands up as if in peace, Terra slowly stepped away and shook her head in the negative, having already entered into clara and readying herself if the need arose. Skilled in fighting despite her appearances, she was sure that she could last long enough for the four to arrive to her aid. As the unnamed beggar continued to lean against the wall, eyes darting at the two possible exits, his eyes were drawn to gold. The priestess had taken out ten crowns and held it out in her hand…

‘This… is to show my honesty… and commission of sorts… we are in need of men and women to help settle into our new town… I’ll give you this… and if you help us find more of your brothers and sisters, or anyone you may think of who is interested in a new start, then we’ll offer more…’

Her large eyes glimmered, the necromancer deciding not to use her arts until the very last minute. Holding out her hand, she watched as the beggar tentatively held out his own and began to deposit them in a pouch… suspicion still clearly on his face.

‘ ‘Rite… I’ll see what I can do ay… be here at the end of the day… with me decision kay? My name is Rufus…’

Terra nodded as the last crown piece was taken, watching Rufus move into the depths of the alleyways occasionally glancing back at them… before he was lost in one of the bends of the housing blocks. Exiting from the alleyway to where the four stood. Motioning for them to move, she began to search for more possible candidates, remembering very well that she had a meeting in the afternoon with… Rufus…

[Avanthar Dra'Aran]

Meandering through the streets of Riparia as the sun was lit above their heads, basking them in its warm sunny glow, there seemed little truly to alert their interests. Riparia was a relatively stable place, the city having recovered quite well since the last eruption that had decimated a large portion of the place. Once, the place had been reknowned for the AFCL, like many other cities, yet that had long disappeared. Now as Terra and the five guards glanced, to outward appearances they appeared calm and relaxed, even when their eyes darted for any possible signs of danger.

Inns and Taverns were always good places to move to, there she could find travelers and mercenaries that possibly could be interested in what Dar Havark offered. Though the city lacked any true businesses, it had the basic necessities that could be offered such as shelter, food, and weapons. The nearby woods were always dangerous and carried potential critters… perhaps it would aid in their marketing of the place.

Terra stopped, her eyes having caught notice of something. Sitting down in dirty clothes was a young boy, no older than seven, sitting cross legged with a bowl placed before him. The necromancer flashed a sinister smirk for a moment before she crouched before him, smiling in the warmest possible way possible before dropping two crowns into the bowl. At the sight of this, the boy beggar looked up in surprise and shock, nodding and gesturing furiously in thanks… he was mute…

[Avanthar Dra'Aran]

A mute beggar boy. In truth it was not all that rare to find one, yet they were more prone to reside within the bigger cities. Terra considered bringing the child along, it would be more influential to those she sought to attract. One certainly need to start from the basics. Eventually they would be given training and education if need be… yet an honest living within Dar Havark would not be too bad… at the beginning. Motioning to the boy to eat, his face immediately lit up with surprise as he nodded vigorously, Terra simply smiling and beckoning him to follow…

Purchasing a hot meat pie from one of the stands, she offered the steaming pie to the boy whom greedily accepted and began eating it despite suffering burns. It was evident he had been hungry for some time, the thought of eating a pie was a delicacy he could often not afford. Sitting down with the boy, the other guards stood at a distance, eyeing the surroundings warily…

‘Would you like more food? If you come with me… I’ll make sure your fed three times a day…’

The boy was obviously far less suspicious, children were always the easiest to manipulate without resorting to… other means. Finishing the pie, smiling and satisfied, he stood up and nodded with a pleased look on him when sudden it darkened, tensing, his eyes filled with fear. A shadow loomed out from one alleyway as a large man appeared, a brutish looking thing that grabbed the boy by the neck forcefully…

‘Here ye are ay… wandering away from your post are ya… you’ll get a beating for that ya know?!’

Hands immediately fell to her blade as the man yanked him into the alley, anger surfacing in Terra’s eyes more for the fact that he was being taken away from her more than the treatment. Her clear voice filled the alley, tinged with a menacing tone… ‘STOP!’ her other guards noticing the change and moving behind her… away from sight from the man in the alley… yet ready to act if need be…

[Avanthar Dra'Aran]

Glancing back at the lithe elven woman, the brutish man barked out a laugh and chuckled. Easily two heads higher, he was built like any other street thug… big… scarred powerful arms, a well used axe at his side, and the ease and comfort he had in moving through the streets spoke volumes. Menacingly unlimbering his axe, he forcefully threw the boy in the wall as he turned to face her… sadistic pleasure clearly written in his eyes.

‘And what ye gonna do about it ay?’

Still Terra had fought his kind before in Primus Gaudeo, and no doubt the rats of that city were far superior than whatever Riparia could muster. Stepping into the alley, hidden from the view of those within the main streets, she pulled back her hood and cloak revealing that she was wearing leather armor, a keen blade scimitar hissing from her sheath as she stood armed and ready…

‘What do you think?’ snarled the Priestess, her savagery and change of tone quickly changing from what was a decent elvish lady. The alleyway was enough to wield the smaller blade, the shadows of the alleyway providing enough shade to hide their combat… one would hope the sounds of the busy street would suppress most of it…

[Avanthar Dra'Aran]

Already she was gathering her powers, taking her time to prepare as the thug looked at her as if she was nothing. She could hold her own if need be as she weaved her magic soundlessly, the apprentice turning towards the powers of death as he suddenly struck out at the man with a Drain Life, stealing away his life and offering a shocking blow that would shake his foundations. Seeing the opportunity arise, she charged forward and delivered a downward slash that was barely avoided by the thug. Cold sweat dripped from his brow as he sought to counter attack, taking a menacing step forward as he offered a powerful sideways cleave that was ducked by the more nimble priestess.

Sucking away at the brute’s life, she offered another slash that managed to graze his arm, forcing the brute to pull back. Anger was surfacing in his eyes, whilst Terra was calm and calculative, gauging the situation. Blood had already been drawn… and no matter what she would prove to the world that those of the Brotherhood were not a band to be messed with. As long seconds past she deduced that there were other kids held in captivity… perhaps it was fate…

Impatient, the brute charged once more, unleashing a series of powerful attacks from the axe he held in two hands. One blow from it would no doubt prove fatal… or at least critical. With quick steps, watching every blow, and parrying if need be, she used her speed to her advantage as she lashed out once more after one cleave, a blur of motion before she moved back… a smirk on her face at seeing the bloody gash upon his chest…

[Avanthar Dra'Aran]

Shock registered as blood trickled down his chest, angry red droplets splashing upon the ground. One hand clutching his bloody chest, the brute was stupid and overcome with emotions. Charging forward in one last attempt, she was outclassed by the calm Terra whom dodged and parried the lumbering brute before delivering one final blow… a fatal slash at his exposed neck. Slumping face down onto the street, she glanced at the other guards that stood at the alleyway entrance to block possible spectators as she absently wiped the blood off her blade using the thug’s shirt…

Finding a nearby piece of old cloth, she covered him and the pooling blood. Terra then movedto where the unconscious boy was, she picked him up…

‘We’ll meet at the gate…’ whispered Terra as she took the boy into the alleyways… weaving through the streets to the best of her ability yet guiding herself in the best way she could. The distances weren’t all too great, and Riparia was not as confusing as some other cities. Waiting brief moments later, the men began to walk off from the alleyway and beginning to trek towards the gate… leaving behind a dead idiot…

[Avanthar Dra'Aran]

Darting through the alleys, she eventually emerged into a street she had not been in before. Terra was momentarily lost, for these streets did not carry the throng of people like before, rather there were only a few that traveled here, and those that did seemed in an unusual hurry to leave. Movement from the boy indicated he was awake, Terra setting the mute boy down, his face rather lost. Glancing at one direction to the other, she held his hand…

‘Where are we… where is the gate?’

Shrugging away at the confusion and fatigue, the boy narrowed his eyes seeking to recognize the place. It was then that he tugged her harder, pulling her away through the street in haste. There was something wrong with the place… the boy showing as much fear, if not more than before with the encounter of the man. Something was wrong… and Terra could sense it. Keeping her mind in clara, another hand upon the hilt of his sword, she sought for signs of danger…

Perhaps it was not the best idea to be separated…

[Avanthar Dra'Aran]

Strange their trip was uneventful as the boy led Terra through the streets and back into more familiar territory. Terra however felt the press of dagger like eyes against her back the whole time, instincts honed through dangerous situations told her much. Forced to shrug the feeling away, she pulled her hand away from her blade as the pair mingled with the common people. Easily making their way back to the gates, the five guards were there, hidden near the shadows of the alleyway, some with arms crossed and seeking to appear casual… yet somewhat failing. There were dangerous expressions on their face, seasoned men that would kill without a thought.

The mute boy hung behind Terra as she made her way to her fellow brothers, offering a nod of acknowledgement at seeing them safe. A full out war in Riparia was not warranted as yet, though the extra kills would possibly aid their cause a little. Absently patting the boy’s head, she at least would be able to bring one child back to Dar Havark…

‘The man should be here soon…’ remarked one man, a shady fellow that covered half his face. Glancing up at the sky and the drawing close to daylight, the traffic of the gates began to trickle as many returned to their homes for supper. Soon the local inns and taverns would be filled with workers finishing work and other men seeking entertainment. With the sun slowly setting… Rufus was expected to return…

[Avanthar Dra'Aran]

A pair of men returned after buying more supplies for the travel back to Dar Havark. Perhaps it would have been best if one of the Dark Ones had accompanied them on the venture. Gates of Shadow were always swift methods of transportation. Totaling six brotherhood members in total, each skilled in their own right and trained with fighting in coordination. It was doubtful they would be waylaid if they traveled upon the highways and away from the treacherous woods of the Centripax.

Time passed ever so slowly, yet eventually Rufus returned at the alleyway, indicating for Terra to come. With strong strides she carried herself with stride as she neared the alley, finding several figures behind Rufus in similar attire. Thirteen in all were present of varying height, yet all were dirty and ill fed. It’d be a challenge to ensure they all made the journey back considering their state, yet in anticipation at least they had purchased enough supplies.

‘These are the only ones I could find… hope this is true and all…’

There was in truth little to lose considering their state. What little possessions they had were easily brought with them, many valuing their lives quite lowly, and in truth, what right minded banded would seek to rob beggars? What satisfaction could one get in defeating such a band? Making a quick count, Terra motioned for one of her brothers to come as food and water was distributed, the first step in ensuring they were all fit enough to begin the journey…

As night began to descend, they began their travel to Dar Havark… a few hours travel and a quick camp would be needed, though she doubted the beggars would mind. The mute boy remained at Terra’s side, ignorant of what his guardian was capable of… and what darkness they moved towards…

OOC: Okay Kitty?

[BlueberryKitty]

*Pawprint of approval!*

Nice story DS.