What was any other night (Faust)

[Kalenel D'Rinishad]

The Month of Cryxatum in the Season of Summer, Era II of the Celestine Mandate, Era XIV Post Fractum, the Second Era of the Regency of Milo L'Evienne.


The thin black cloak was loosely worn by young Kalenel this night. His old, rusted dagger tucked under his belt away from the sight of others. Kalenel was dressed and armed like many others that walked the streets of Vortex this night, and like most of them, his pockets carried not the jingle of crowns. This particular vysstichi, once a nobel, was now like any other rogue in Vortex and Har'oloth alike; struggling to survive. He was different in one way though, he was smart.

Or so he thought he was. He did indeed possess more than enough smarts to survive on the streets of Vortex, just as he was smart enough to survive the massacre of his family by the hands of another house. But it was his pride that got in the way of Kalenel's intelligence rising him above where he was at now. Like any other night, Kalenel was now on the hunt for some quick crowns from any source he saw feasable. Earlier in the Era, he had pulled over strings of pickpockets without any struggle or word of resistence. Why would tonight be any different?

So now, with the moon now quickly ascending in the night sky, Kalenel was looking for that next mark, that next unlucky victim to take crowns out of their pockets to put into the pockets of the Prince of House Vamai'tai.

Oh what a life...

[Faust D'Rinishad]

Streams of silver flowed behind the Vysstichi Lord’s head as he trudged down the street. His gait, marked by a level of grace unknown to common man, distinguished him as a noble of some caliber. Like his brethren, his obsidian features were sleek and polished, purely reflecting the masterful craftsmanship of the Goddess of Aeternia, Haya. This was no Vysstichi of the Dark Lady, though – no, he had rejected her ways long ago, instead replacing them with a personal code of ethics that he continued to abide by to this brightening.

Wading through the crowd, the dark elf strode unattended this brightening. Although he was normally escorted by a host of some of House D’Rinishad’s finest soldiers, he felt little necessity amidst the streets of Vortex. His was a common visage around these parts, and those who had lived in the necromantic city knew of him as one of the wealthiest entrepreneurs in Arium –amongst other titles.

Garbed in a typical outfit consisting of a black tunic and matching trousers, the Vysstichi Lord’s only armament was a fine long sword strapped to his right hip. The sword’s pommel, chiseled in the image of a skull, included two rubies set into the eye-holes of the decoration. Otherwise the handle was wrapped in obsidian and the hilt was fashioned into two upward curving prongs fully capable of penetrating flesh upon impact.

Wearing the weapon with an undeniable air of confidence, the dark elf generally minded to himself as he continued along the dirt-paved road. The sound of his descending feet was matched only by the noise of a jingling pouch of crowns contained within the folds of his billowing black cloak.

[Kalenel D'Rinishad]

'To hell with it...' Kalenel thought as he continued passively down the streets of Vortex. He had seen no one worth the risk of stealing from, so had basically given up on the idea for the time being. He could wander over to the better parts of town, for whatever that is worth in Vortex, for better game, but that could possibly mean tangling with the city guard. Pausing momentarily to ponder on what to do next, someone had caught young Kalenel's eye.

The vysstichi that just happen to pass him seemed to be noble, which would bring a grin to any pickpocket in the slums of Vortex. The sword at his side did not deter the young Prince, it only made him think how many crowns would be in a pouch somewhere close to it. If Kalenel knew better, which he appearently hadn't, he would of known of the dark elf that he hoped would be his next victim.

Like countless times before, Kalenel fell in line about 30 paces behind his mark. Focusing his hearing, he could barely catch the jingle of crowns coming forth from somewhere on the person of the elf. With no way to just snatch and run, that left Kalenel with only one choice. Coming to this conclusion brought a smile to Kalenel, he always seemed to enjoy when things came to violence...

Stalking behind the elf, catching up a pace or so each second, Kalenel tried his best to walk quietly so he wouldn't cause any suspicion. When just a matter of a few paces behind the noble vyystichi, the agile elf would quickly make a dash at his back, dagger in hand. His initial strike would be to ram the back of vyystichi with his weight behind his shoulder. Then, retreating back into a ready stance, he would demand the crowns that would hopefully feed him for a few days.

He almost stopped himself midway through, remembering he too was once a noble. He wouldn't let that get into the way of this quick score though, this was to be too easy in his mind.

Kalenel's plan was not the best thought out, but it worked for him countless times in the past.

[Faust D'Rinishad]

He had survived for over a century now. Swordsmanship had not been the only source of his survival; luck, comrades, and common sense had also been influential in enabling the dark elf to accomplish what he had. And unfortunately for the prospective thief, the Prince of Har’oloth possessed the latter in abundance. Common sense had been his first weapon; it had saved him when House Kitrye’veresi had originally fallen decades ago.

It would save him still.

Accustomed to the strategies of pickpockets (at one point Faust had been one himself!), the dark elf feigned ignorance and continued to stride down the street. It was not until the rhythmic vibrations beneath his feet, the ones resulting from the potential thief’s advance, did the Prince of Har’oloth reach for the elegantly fashioned handle of his fine adamantite long sword.

In a single, fluid motion, the dark elf snatched the sword from its scabbard, twirling around and steering the weapon directly in line with the other Vysstichi. Faust’s visage remained calm despite the tense circumstance, and his eyes flickered with the promise of pain as he regarded the former prince daringly.

Instead of a glower, however, the Vysstichi Lord merely shrugged and sent the tip of his long sword forward, slapping at the thief’s knife to bat it outwards. The parry was a simple ploy, though, disguising the redirecting tip of the adamantite blade as it returned towards the poor Vysstichi’s chest. All in all the move was not designed to kill but rather to fend the thief away for the moment.

Faust watched the dark elf menacingly.

“An assassin?” he asked, grinning slightly as he looked the opposing Vysstichi over with a cursory glance. “No, you’re not an assassin. What do you want…?”

[Kalenel D'Rinishad]

'Stupid!', Was the only thought from the young vysstichi as his elven grace barely saved him from running into the deadly sword. This was not going to be his night to say the least.

The plan would of worked perfectly if it wasn't for the fact that Kalenel attempted to rob quite possibly the greatest swordsman in Vortex. Kalenel, on the other hand, had only meager training in the martial arts. The rogue prince barely knew how to correctly wield a dagger and had only basic lessons in hand-to-hand combat. Appearently, that Rhingorda training was in no way going to help here.

Not to say that he wouldn't try and to save some pride though; that was one thing that the rogue did hold above most things. Maybe if he combined that with intelligence, instead of turning the two against eachother, he would get himself somewhere.

Shoving the dagger back into his belt, Kalenel looked down at the blade feigning passivness. "You are to gut a mere pickpocket?", Kalenel said smartly with a sly grin in the vysstichi language. He offered those words as a answer to the noble's question. "Put away that blade and fight me, or would that be against your noble code," the rogue said, again with arrogance, adding some venom particularly to the last words.

Kalenel doubted he would win the actual fight, but maybe this ploy would lead to another oppurtunity to run away with something of value. Deep inside, Kalenel hoped he would be able to run away with his life.

[Faust D'Rinishad]

The sides of the dark elf’s lips curled into an unimpressed smirk as the would-be thief holstered his dagger –a response unbecoming of virtually any assassin. Of course Faust had known prior to his verbal encounter with the pickpocket that the dark elf was no cutthroat, but then again the streets had ways of breeding new types of creative killers and murderers.

But this was not one of them.

Angling the tip of the adamantite sword such that it aligned with the thief’s Adam’s apple, Faust regarded him peculiarly. “Do not mock me lest the only pockets that you’ll be picking are from those crossing the Umblat…” the dark elf warned, alluding to the river of the underworld where all souls crossed before being sentenced to Aeternia, realm of the dark lords and ladies.

Normally the Vysstichi Lord would have made short work of this young upstart, but there was something in the thief’s eyes, a glimmer of pride perhaps that was all too telltale of a story that the dark elven prince knew quite well. This thief was not the normal beggar; his language and demeanor were far too elegant for their type.

Who was he then?

At the thief’s challenge, the Vysstichi Lord’s silver brows arched unappreciatively. “I would not degrade myself by engaging in a street fight, no. But if you could even graze me then I would see no problem in separating with the crowns that I have –if at least for the temporary amusement.” Smirking again, the dark elf’s sword lowered by his side.

“Unless of course you are all bark and no bite…” He suggested, shrugging afterwards.

[Kalenel D'Rinishad]

The sound of the worn of black cloak hitting the ground was the only response Kalenel gave to the vysstichi's challenge. A smirk also showed on the fallen prince's face as he looked the lord directly in the eyes. Kalenel knew he could not win a fight against this warrior, but to not at least try to land a strike would insult him too much. But was pride the only thing that kept the rogue from taking flight?

No, there was something else. The pure excitment burned inside him that made his eyes focus, and his mind clear. Adrenaline pumped through his veins as he put away any notion or thought of fear. "I will win this contest." Were the only words he spoke before getting into his ready stance. He said the words with not the slyness or smartness of his other words, but with strength and a measure of hardened confidence.

Unknown to all but Kalenel, the rogue was ambidextrous since birth. When confrontations did occur in Kalenel's life, he found it a good strategy to feign weakness in one arm as most other actually had. Seeing no reason not to, Kalenel would use that strategy in this fight.

Luckily, one of the few things he had acquired while a noble in House Vamai'tai were courses in Rhingorda. He had excelled in his class, and honed his skills on the streets of Vortex after his House was destroyed. This, to say the least, would be his most challenging opponent.

Keeping his left foot forward, feigning weakness in his left hand, he made his way slowly toward the noble. As a way to test the agility of the elf, even though he had a taste of such during his failed robbery, Kalenel launched a fast two punch combination. Taking a quick step forward as he did so when he was within range, he lead with his left hand. The first punch would be toward the chest of the noble, and the second toward the head. Not wanting to deal with a counter attack from the seasoned warrior, Kalenel immediently took a quick step out of his range after his attack.

[Faust D'Rinishad]

Cocking his head interestedly to the side, the Prince of Har’oloth smirked as the thief surrendered his knife in exchange for his hands. Given the range of Faust’s long sword, the other dark elf was at an immeasurable disadvantage especially as they were not confined in a close space and hence the parameters of the Vyssstichi’s offensive power were unlimited. Still, he was partially surprised that this thief had opted for fists as opposed to the knife now poised at his belt.

And even more so, the dark elf recognized that stance.

Faust would have laughed had he not been so entertained by the would-be thief. Renowned for his own accomplishments as a Rhingorda specialist, the Prince of Har’oloth had developed quite a pristine reputation as a contender in the dark elven-styled form of unarmed combat. Nevertheless, he was interested to see how adept this couth individual was.

Had Faust not been versed in Rhingorda then he might have fallen for the younger elf’s ploy, but the Prince of Har’oloth had studied under one of the finest Rhingorda fighters in all of Vortex. As Rhingorda was an art that focused heavily upon punching power, Faust naturally suspected that the other dark elf was capable already and quick at that. He would not be taken unaware.

Grinning as the thief lunged at him, the fine adamantite sword that separated the pair twisted and curled around the former prince’s extending arm, slapping him lightly on the wrist with its blunt side as the swordsman step-sided quickly to the thief’s left to avoid the follow-up attack that he knew was to come.

Returning to a neutral position and regarding the thief with a faint nod, the dark elf flashed an innocent grin. “You’ll have to do more than that, my young friend, if you want my purse.” Tilting his head back and laughing slightly, Faust beckoned the other Vysstichi for another bout. Quite ironically, it seemed that the thief’s opponent was candidly enjoying himself despite having nearly been robbed and punched seconds ago.

[Kalenel D'Rinishad]

This elf was fast, faster than Kalenel even. In a situation like this, Kalenel would usually rely on outsmarting that, but that also looked unlikely with this opponent. So, like many times in his young life, he would hope for a measure of luck to see him through this contest.

Not skipping a beat as the noble stepped to the left, Kalenel quickly set himself facing his opponent, snatching his dagger out as he did so in his right hand. Although the dagger would not make up for his disadvantage much, maybe it could help the rogue in this fight a different way. The rogue would attempt a number of slashes ranging in position from head to abdobmen, drawing each back quickly to set up the next. Then, when he saw his timing as good as it would get, he would attempt to toss the dagger to his left hand and feign a quick thrust. This was only a ruse though, and Kalenel hoped it would make the noble faulter for a split second as his right leg snapped out towards his head. Whatever the outcome, Kalenel would step forward as he attempted another left handed slash.

The nobel had the experience and talent to let off a few smirks during this battle, but Kalenel had not. As the contest wore one, he kept a stone visage upon his face, his eyes ablaze with focus.

[Faust D'Rinishad]

Despite the rigidity of the thief’s movements, it was nevertheless clear that he possessed a certain poise susceptible to amelioration. His face, marked by pure concentration, hinted at innate confidence, a trait that was generally indicative of a fine fighting spirit. And although the pickpocket’s attacks were marked by small degrees of skill, there was discernible potential in him.

“A fine move.” the Prince of Har’oloth candidly commented as he back-stepped, clearing the range of the thief’s repeated assaults. The Vysstichi Lord’s crimson eyes glimmered in the shadows as he noted the thief’s crafty switch of weapon hand, and Faust unknowingly jabbed the tip of his sword forward to interrupt the thief’s feint.

He did smile, though, when he realized the thief’s ruse for what it was.

Forced out of position, the Prince of Har’oloth nearly succumbed to the thief’s follow-up kick. Pure instincts, however, saved the dark elf from sustaining a broken jaw –or at least it would have been a broken jaw had his assailant’s foot connected. Luckily the pair was dueling in the open street and consequently the Vysstichi Lord immediately retreated to avoid being severed by the thief’s wickedly slashing dagger.

“A very fine move in fact.” Faust repeated with a grin. Tilting his head downwards in approval, the Vysstichi’s sword lowered again as he waited for the thief’s third approach. “But not good enough.” Shrugging apathetically, the dark elf reached into the confines of his cloak and procured a large and bulky pouch of crowns with his free hand. He held it tantalizingly in front of him.

[Kalenel D'Rinishad]

A grunt, sounding a bit primal, was let out by Kalenel as he saw his combination had failed to connect with any kind of strike. This particular dark elf was a fine fighter to say the least, Kalenel noted. If only he had the skill, the experience, the fight would be a bit more balanced. If the rogue took time to think during the battle, he would surely draw upon the conclusion that he should seek some sort of weapon training.

The stern visage and fiery eyes remained as Kalenel tried his best to flow into his next attack upon the noble. He was clearly focused, trying his best to think of nothing at all outside of the battle. Not even the compliments from the noble threw him off of his demeanor. Seeing as the best flurry he could manage with his meager skill had failed, Kalenel concluded it was worth a shot to try some different techniques.

Ignoring the dark elf's playful showing of the bag of crowns, the fallen prince launched his dagger as accurate as he could manange toward the midsection of the noble, throwing with the hilt in hand. Not waiting to see the outcome of that attack, Kalenel would rush the dark elf as fast as possible, hoping that the dark elf would be caught up in avoiding the launched dagger. If within reach, Kalenel would meet any opening he saw with a fast, straight punch.

[Faust D'Rinishad]

Crimson orbs flashed alertly as the projectile sailed towards him. Not unaccustomed to missile deterrence, Faust’s adamantite sword lashed out in front of him, intercepting and sending the dagger spinning harmlessly to the side. It appeared that the thief was more serious about the crowns than the dark elf had initially believed.

Interesting.

Opting to evade the thief’s follow-up attack instead of batting his arm to the side as he had done before, Faust whirled around to the right, his obsidian mantle swirling about him as he dodged the punch. As he did so, however, the tip of his cloak grazed the knuckles of the thief’s oncoming fist.

A wide smile crept its way onto the dark elf’s visage.

“Wait…” he implored, holding up his freehand to stave the thief away. Lowering Soulseeker to indicate that he harbored no intentions of proceeding any further, the dark elf pointedly glanced to the folds of his mantle which began to settle around his stationary form.

“It seems that I have lost.” He admitted, shrugging seemingly indifferently as he retrieved the pouch of crowns from the confines of his cloak. Glancing at the bulging bag of coins, Faust merely grinned and tossed the clanging pouch of coins to the thief. If he was the least bit disappointed that he had ‘lost’, the Prince of Har’oloth certainly did not convey it.

”I’m an elf of my word. My purse is yours.” Faust grinned and bowed slightly, “Does the victor have a name?”

[Kalenel D'Rinishad]

The agile hand of Kalenel shot out as soon as the pouch was within reach, catching it under its weight. Looking down at the crowns, Kalenel knew he had not trully won, but still felt as if he had proven himself enough for the crowns. His opponent was a warrior beyond which Kalenel had ever witnessed, and he felt what he did accomplish was enough.

"Sorry for the dagger..." Kalenel said, breaking the silence after the dark elf spoke his words. "That was a bit much, though, I had a feeling you could deal with it." The rogue spoke, lifting his head from the floor with a sly smile. "You are a great warrior."

"The name is Kalenel...Kalenel Vamai'tai." The fallen prince said as he strode to stand before the noble elf. Extending his hand to meet the warrior's, Kalenel looked the dark elf straight in the eyes. It was a look of mostly respect, but with a hint of curiosity. "And yours?"

After they exchanged greetings and formalities, the latter Kalenel had not much off, the rogue took a look at the sack of crowns in his hand. He had not earned it rightfully, not fully. Ah yes, there were many things he could do with the crowns, none of which would lead Kalenel out of his current lifestyle. Looking back up to the warrior, Kalenel held a stern yet somber visage.

"Take your crowns..." Kalenel stated, handing the sack back to it's rightful owner. "You give me these crowns, and they will be gone by the next few brightening." Kalenel stated, taking yet another look toward the hard streets of Vortex.

[Faust D'Rinishad]

“Not at all.” the dark elf humbly argued, smiling as he shook his head. “The dagger was creative and strategic, two qualities that anyone needs to survive in this God-forsaken city…” Pointedly glancing to the darkened skyline, the dark elf sighed before looking back to the thief.

Shrugging in response to the compliment, the Vysstichi Lord retrieved the other dark elf’s dagger and returned it to him while simultaneously shaking his hand. “Well met, Kalanel Vaimai’tai. The pleasure is mine. I am Faust D’Rinishad.” As he enthusiastically clasped the thief’s hand, the dark elf’s brow twitched as he reflected upon the lad’s surname: Vaimai’tai.

Where had he heard that name before…

The weight of the crowns in Kalanel’s arms would be significant indeed considering that it numbered a thousand, more crowns than some people made in ten cycles worth of honest work. To the Prince of Har’oloth, however, that number was barely a dent in the seemingly endless coffers of the First House of Har’oloth.

“No, you keep it. Consider it my gift to you for inspiring me. This evening had become somewhat dull before you arrived.” Chuckling faintly, the dark elf sighed and retrieved his hands, obviously refusing Kalanel’s counteroffer. “But tell me of your circumstances. Surely a man like yourself has not always lived out on the streets. I can tell by your posture, the way you think before you act, and of course your evident manners.”

[Kalenel D'Rinishad]

"D'rinishad..." That was a name Kalenel had surely heard before, a name almost anyone from Har'oloth has heard before. "I am sorry..." Kalenel said very weakly as he looked away from the noble, realizing what would happen to him even if he was successful with the robbery.

Casting aside those feelings for now, Kalenel looked back to Faust. He accepted the crowns, although reluctantly. He would do something worthwhile with the crowns, maybe this encounter would be a turning point in the young rogue's life. "Thank you," The fallen prince spoke once again the dark elven language. This 'Faust' was very unlike any of the noble's from Har'oloth, that Kalenel saw easily.

Looking around the street the stood upon, the rogue knew their contest did not go unnoticed. "I would like to talk to you, Faust. I doubt the middle of the street is the most...fitting," The last word ended with a smile from the sly rogue. "I have a place nearby..."

The rogue felt a certain connection to the noble as they stood facing eachother, as a student may look upon a teacher. Perhaps fate played a bigger part in this than coincedence...