Blood in the Alley (Anora)

[Hanzi Ambarando]

41st Cryxatum, 14 era PF
Just after-
http://www.playbypost.com/forums/vortex...nt-scrawl.html

Hanzi stepped out the front door of Scribes and scholars and strode into the Vortex street. His head turned from side to side and drank in the atmosphere. Just take a right and left and I'll be outta here soon. Hanzi told himself as he readied himself for some serious travelling.

His eyes suddenly looked alarmed.

Something wasn't right. Hanzi spotted something on a rooftop. A bow was that? Hanzi glanced around again, noticed a few people spending a little too much attention on the door of Scribes and Scholars. Having just left Anora, Hanzi decided to melt into the surroundings and watch from a distance.

He walked briskly before stopping a half block away and made a show of pulling out a pipe and some pipeweed. Nothing here but a barbari traveller with a walking stick and backpack. He took his time and waited for Anora to emerge.

His protective instincts were triggered by a couple obligations that fell on Hanzi's honor. The broader level of the "One Natsia" creed could easily be ignored. After all she was nothing but a lumpunza who did not seem interested in being more than a gaje. However, the closeness of their Daj's made Hanzi feel obligated to make sure she would be fine. No doubt all those thunderous thugs would be effective, but one could never put trust in a gaje.

[Anora Eventide]

Anora stepped out of Scribes and Scholars into her little circle of dark Elf guards. Ten veiled Elves with spears and bucklers milled about her like pigeons, likely a little bored by their babysitting duty. While she wasn't fond of having her every step hedged by this retinue, they were at least useful for carrying things.
The one guard that had followed her inside the store, emerged after Anora with her recent purchase of a few sheets of decent writing paper tucked under his arm. It was moments like these when he really hated his work. He was a fighter reduced to a courier for some pet of Dimitri's.

Anora's mind was slowly wrapping about the recent announcement of her birth mother's death and the existence of more half-siblings. The woman was more upset over how her sister would bear such news, than she was about the news itself. Her mother must have been only middle aged, though, and to leave growing children behind. It was a tragedy for her half-siblings, even Anora could recognize that. If Anora lost Vanessa, she would feel it quite acutely.

A little distracted, she asked one of the guards to just lead them back to the Collegium by the fastest route. There were letters to be written, and she had to catch Dimitri and tell him of her upcoming trip before he was lost in his private floor or left on business.

The bright sun, their numbers and the uneventful nature of their job for the past cycle or so, lulled the leading guard into believing they were in relative safety. He nodded his head to Anora's request and began moving back towards Har'oloth.

[Kalenel D'Rinishad]

Blackened teeth smiled from the rooftops as the groups started away from the Scribing store. They had their mark within reach now, and would soon have their crowns if everything went how it was planned. The small force, let by a former ringleader of the now destroyed Blood Alley Gang, watched from the shadows of the rooftops and the alleys. They were ready to strike, and upon command, they would with wild abandon. Who wouldn't, with so many crowns being offered.

Out of an alley near the Scribes and Scholars emerged a pair of the city's guard, or at least a group outfitted as them. The humans was dirty with many missing teeth, and wore the guard's armour awkwardly due to how appearently big it was on them. Each had a sturdy spear, and a longsword strapped to their side. "All of you, HALT!" The two said in unison, the taint of alcohol in their voice.

At this location on one of the many streets in Vortex, the street was intersected perpendicularly on both sides with an alley. Could there possibly be anyone else in the alley?

Sicious, the leader of the rag-tag bandit force, awaited the next few moments eagerly. Unknown to Anora or her guard, he held ready the signal for the attack to begin.

[Hanzi Ambarando]

A plume of smoke rose from Hanzi's pipe as he stood watching the scene unfold. He took a deep pull and pulled his wide brimmed hat low over his eyes.

The "guards" appeared from the alley, the game had begun. Hanzi gripped his walking stick, a stout cane made from oak, and began to make his way back towards the playing field.

His eyes scanned the rooftops for more bandits. He mentally began to break down the possible avenues of escape and the multiple forks in the road. Obviously the roadway made the most sense, alleys decreased one's options and increased boldness in ruffians. Small, squat, blocked off, it was the perfect ambush point. The open street offered options.

Hanzi wondered if he should raise the alarm, but decided to let events continue to ride. Doing that would smoke him out, identify him as Anora's ally, and take away his own strength- surprise. He was the wild card and he waited for the perfect time to show his hand.

[Anora Eventide]

(OOC: Thanks Kalenel )

Anora saw the "guards" for a hot moment before a curtain of dark bodies slid in front of her. The woman quietly sighed at the pair of drunkards. A childhood at a winery had trained her to spot the influence of drink at twenty paces. Her sense of smell regarding all things intoxicating was even more impressive, but rarely did her any good save allowing her to discern a person's particular brand of poison at a tavern.
Evidently Dimitri's operation needed a little tailoring in its staffing requirement, or greater penalties for city guards who misplaced their armor and badges of service. For once, Anora was glad for the buffer of Dark Elves. Unwashed ruffians were not her favorite conversationalists.

One of the veiled Dark Elves directly in front of the dubious pair finally spoke.
"You have no business with us or the lady, and I am certain Dorvold would agree."

In typical Elf fashion, blistering waves of indifference were exuded by the dark retinue as they moved around the pair. They made a dutiful circle about the woman, their bucklers and spears deflecting the sun in white rays as they continued down the wide street.

Anora craned for a look at the pair as they moved, still a shade curious as to what mischief they might be working.

[Kalenel D'Rinishad]

Sicious smiled wickedly as his plan unfolded just as planned. The second the group stopped due to the 'officers', he let out a snap of his fingers. That alone, sent the next stage of the planned kidnapping into process.

Being a cruel, yet experienced leader, Sicious noted any potential problems that could possibly ruin his plans. Proving this further, the bandit leader send issued a command to have one of the younger bandits to approach a man in the streets he noted might be somehow connected to the mark. He may be wrong, but caution was never a bad thing.

A short, plump young man that was as dirty as his bandit brothers quickly approached Hanzi. He came from the side, his approach somewhat hidden by the rays of sunlight. By the time Hanzi noticed the rogue, he was only a few paces from arms reach.

But that was nothing compared to the peril of the dark elf guards. If their eyes were better attuned to the daylight, they would have easily seen the attack long before it came about. However, that was not the case.

Barely audible whoosh sounds could be heard erupting from numerous positions along the rooftops and alleys. The guards, hindered from their vision complications, were easily targeted between the two alleys. Each elf was hit by thin blowdarts multiple times at the least. The darts were filled with a sleeping agent that would knock the Lady's guard out for at least a half candlemark. Sicious would not dare kill a vyystichi, not willing to risk retaliation from one of Har'oloth's houses.

Bandits erupted from the shadows as the poison began to take its effects. The vyystichi's were already feeling very sluggish and were most likely going to be easily overtaken. As far as Anora could tell, she hadn't been hit. Would she have a chance to escape? Would Hanzi dispose of his opponent in time to save her?

Stay tuned!!!

[Hanzi Ambarando]

Hanzi's eyes narrowed, his breathing slowed- it was fight or flight time. The attack had begun and Anora's gaje bodyguards would not stand a chance. And approaching him certainly was one of their comrades. The choice was clear. Stand and fight or flee for his life. However, as a gypsy born to fire, Hanzi was never one to take the safe route.

"Anora!" He shouted, hoping to get her attention.

Now to deal with the hooligan.

Ataa is an art built upon reaction, but Hanzi realized that he had but a moment's worth of surprise on his side. First blood had to be drawn.

Hanzi quickly turned to face his opponent and executed a variation of the whip hand. His left hand stood poised to block and his right hand gripped his oaken walking stick. He stepped forward and struck out with the walking stick in a sword-like manner, a jabbing motion zeroing in on the young ruffian's throat. Hanzi liked his fights brutal and brief.

If successful, he'd launch himself into the fight and attack the backs of the bandits as they surrounded Anora.

If unsuccessful, he'd start blocking like heck and look for an opening.

[Anora Eventide]

From somewhere further Anora heard her name spoken with an Air'riela accent, it pulled her from her cloudy thoughts. Then with the airy sound of a bird beating its wings, a rain of darts pelted Anora's guard. The few that weren't initially struck began to move fast with bucklers raised. Her circle constricted around her, blocking her from harm. Anora watched between the spaces of their moving limbs as the darts deflected and struck true.
The guards moved, but some began to stumble drunkenly and peel away. A moment of decision was rushing on her, and Anora was almost too startled to see it. Despite her skirts and poise, there was a steel hand in her velvet glove. She was no warrior, but she was no cowering fool.

Fortunately, the steel hand took over in that moment of decision, propelling her into some form of defense as the Dark Elves wilted around her. She was not going to stay as they fell asleep at her feet.
The woman hastily plucked up a deflected dart and its remaining drug. When she rose, her legs pushed her into a run towards the voice and she gave an answering call.
"Hanzi!"

Running away was currently her wisest option, only a fool would plough headlong into trouble and a moving target was difficult to strike. She considered ducking into a shop, but wondered if it would get her cornered. At the moment, the gypsy's aid would significantly help matters.

[Kalenel D'Rinishad]

The thief that had attempted the attack on Hanzi had his body almost turned parellel to the ground as Hanzi's attack connected brutally to his neck. He landed in a heap on the ground barely concious, letting out a wheezing sound that might have the young gyspy believe he had shattered the man's adams apple. Whether it be a combination of luck and adrenaline, or something else, Hanzi's attack was a thing to behold. Although it wasn't a skillful manuever, it was brutal and effective, just like Hanzi like it.

Anora, on the other hand, was not so fortunate. As she looked around for an escape, she felt a horrid stinging sensation on her right buttocks. If she looked, she would see that it was a particularly large dart, shot by none other than Sicious himself. Almost immediently, she felt sluggish and sleepy. Before Hanzi could reach her, she swept off her feet by bulking bandit standing nearly 7 feet tall.

With all the dark elf guards now down and the Lady in the grasp of the bandits, what would Hanzi do? Sicious' attention had turned from him, due to his joy at having Anora finally in his bandit's hands. Would he proceed on into the heart of the enemy, or quickly hide and observe their movements?

Right before she fell into the poison induced sleep, Anora looked upon the snarling face of the bandit that held her. With totally blackened teeth and breath that could kill, the rogue let out a huge smile when he had her once again in the alley. "E'llo Lady, have a good sleep!", and with that, he gave Anora a big sloppy kiss on her lips. That would be her last memory till she woke up, and a pleasant one it would be!

[Hanzi Ambarando]

Hanzi played it safe, he ducked for cover. Outnumbered, a charge would be suicidal and would only play to the bullyish instincts of the bandit's. Anora might be hurt and who knows what else could happen. Hanzi would have to trail them back to their hideout and wing it from there. The gypsy way was never head on- rather it was silent and graceful. Hanzi would dance around these gaje, and bring them down one by one.

Hanzi would do the right thing.

Gypsys lived not from brute strength but from cunning and intelligence. He tried to peer over at Anora and catch her eye from around the corner to the alley. He waved as much as he dared without being seen.

Once the the bandits departed Hanzi would follow them. He would be friend to the shadows and would try his best to follow the group and not be seen. Hanzi would try to avoid all contact with this group, he had to know where they were going first.

Hanzi was thinking. I heard the Gaje bandit leader say something about sleep. None of this was likely very deadly, well, except his walking stick that is. Anora was not dead, but she was passed out. For how long? What about the guards? Well, Hanzi was no alchemist so answers escaped him.

All he could do is watch a little while longer.

[Anora Eventide]

And then misfortune struck, rather ignominiously Anora noted as she gave a quick hiss and pulled the dart from her flesh. Her pace began to slow as the soporific wave crested upward. Just as she was about to stumble, a tower of a man snatched her up forcefully.

A plume of vile carrion breath assaulted her senses, passing through equally foul teeth. In the fading moments of her consciousness she swung her arm and the dart she bore at her captor, not knowing if it struck true or clattered helplessly to the ground.

His adieu was met with a sleepy gypsy swear and his terrible kiss conjured a biting torrent of cold disgust.
Anora rarely recalled her dreams, but until she awoke, her visions were bloody.

[Kalenel D'Rinishad]

Hanzi's questions could not be answered right away as he took a look upon the escaping bandits. He was not noticed at all, and could clearly see the direction the group was headed. Following the groups was almost not an option, as they would surely have a few members take watch as they made their escape. They were the victors of this meeting, and suffered no casualties.

Yet one was injured...

The bandit Hanzi had waylayed was attempting now to rise to his feet, all the while holding his neck. He was coughing, but did appear to still have his voice. Perhaps a bit of interrogation would pry some information out of him?

A few dark elves were awakening now, despite their near unbearable headaches. They were going nowhere for about at least another ten minutes, leaving the bandits a easy escape.

Anora too could feel herself coming to albeit slowly. Perhaps she could muster the mental strength to awaken herself? The knowledge of where she was headed could greatly help her in case she found a way to escape.

[Hanzi Ambarando]

"Fethin' gaje scum!" Hanzi swore as he strode forward as if he were a hurricane of bad karma. He drew back his foot and aimed for the hurt bandit's ribs. His heavy hiking boots bore much force and hopefully break a couple ribs in the process. If there was any weapon visible Hanzi would make a play for it and snatch it.

He would then tackle the man down the ground and smash his face against the street. Not with killing force, but with a hey-remember-me? type of blow.

Hanzi would then turn the bandit's head in the direction of the passed out vyssie guards, pulling the man's head by the hair and keeping a knee in his back to secure the man to the ground.

"You have two choices right now friend," Hanzi whispered into the man's ear. "Show me to where they took her or we wait for those blades over there to wake up and they'll ask you where she is. I don't think they'll ask too kindly however, 10 guards probably belong to someone mighty more ferocious than me. I wonder how long you'd survive the torture.

"But let us be friends," Hanzi snarled and struck the man's head against the road again. "Show me where lady was taken and I'll let you go- no worse for wear, except perhaps a bruised ego. Better to have your life than to find out what your liver tastes like, no?"

Hanzi held firm in case the man decided to flee. He'd make the man show him the safehouse, to guard against the lies he'd likely tell.

[Anora Eventide]

Each jarring step felt like a rod to Anora's jaw. The overwhelming brightness of the world turned her eyes watery, and all she saw seemed to be a view from a bottom of a pond. As soon as her mind churned to life, she recalled one all encompassing thing: she was washed in a cold fury.

Her limbs were slow and some limp as if slept on at strange angles. Until they came fully to life she would bide her time, appraising what walls and sights were passing. The woman squinted and dared not open her eyes too wide, betraying her rising consciousness. Another dose of the drug would severely impede her ability to gather information for an escape.

Back in the streets, the Dark Elves were experiencing a more potent form of Anora's blindness, despite their veils. They stumbled and rose like drunken undead. The stronger among them made it to their hands and knees, and the very strongest managed to stand, using his spear as a staff.
Moans and various snatches of garbled phrases began to fog the air with the foul vyssie language. A snatch of common snuck in with phrases that involved "Dimitri", "Feth" and "painful death".

In the strongest Elf's clouded vision he spotted Hanzi gesturing towards them, a broken man under his boot.

[Kalenel D'Rinishad]

The beaten bandit layed upon the ground, quickly coming to the decision that talking was better than facing the wrath of Hanzi and the vyystichi. Spitting out a tooth or two before starting, the bandit told Hanzi the exact location of where they were taking Anora. By the end of their conversation, Hanzi knew their hideout was down in the basement of a well-known Southern Quarter bar. Fortunate for the bandit, the vyystichi were still rising and not able to begin their own form of interrogation.

From what Anora could register, she was taken through a dark doorway after being took through an alley near a bar. If she ever made it to the street on her own, she would likely have no problem navigating the streets to a safe location.

ooc: Quick question Anora, do you have control of the vyystichi?