[The Streets] Night of Tears

by **Fallon** on November 6th, 2014, 12:07 pm

It was during the waiting that there was little more than the long hum of silence. The sharpest intake of breath, the prolonged holding of it as eyes glared to the entrance of the alleyway without a thought. Thundering, shouting, roaring, the ever knowing that they could be upon them in any moment - blades bear and with murder in their eyes. And it was in that long waking stillness of nothing that Fallon was forced to bide her time. One smallest misstep, one tiny error on her part could prove not only fatal to herself but her cohort. Which was proving to be interesting in itself, it was twice she had come upon him now and all the while she was left wondering upon his exact reasoning of being within the city.

Duty, or something more personal? She did not know completely, but a level of unknown had to be kept in regards to their previous stint with slavers. Did identity have to be kept, or was it safe to reveal that aspect of her to a man who claimed to be build of honour and Sylirian justice. He was a knight she was a runoff, a traitor probably to some whilst one who was little more than unfit to another - a defector despite handing in the paperwork. Around her the hum of moaning voices clawed in her ears, the rising pinnacle of pain and torment reaching her. Death would come soon, and the long silence of decay would hug the streets for a time, and finally dissipate into the air. For this was Sunberth, and that was the law of the streets. Kill or be killed.

Slowly, Fallon peeled her head away from the wall, still staring out with Orvin bunched up close to her. Ears flat, his fur bushed out as he stared warily. Fingers gently reached down - blooded as they were - and patted him upon the head. She breathed, "Easy... Easy Orvin. Easy now..." Her gaze lifted to Markus then, a small step away as she peered through the opening. An incline of the head outwards, "I think we're safe for now. Petching..." A suck in of the air, she calmed the turbulence of the core and once more looked back to him. It was with a whisper she spoke, "Come on, this way should be clearer. Stay close and don't get lost."

There was no use getting wound up with the situation, discipline and self control was vital - to allow her temper to fray and to let emotions rule would only be her downfall. Stepping out the gap she gave a few quick steps out into the open, wolf on her heels as she glanced back and forth before pointing into one of the alleys - they would travel eastwards and closer towards the coast. From there it would be easy to split off and get away from things, at least that was what she felt was the case. There was the glance back again, checking he was at least trying to keep up.

Her expression was thoughtful, analysing and focused even in the dark. She dared not to think too hard on the patterns of reds that streaked across them so clearly. It was only when she managed to dart once more into shadow, cloak wrapped around her form, "Why are you here Andres?" It was less of a question and more of a demand, the stinging within her voice as she looked ahead. Her fingers remained gripped around the blade as she took a left, a momentary pause for noise before she moved on once more, "Really here? Knights send you to put your head into the lion's mouth? Orders to bring peace to a city of anarchy? Or something else?" She muttered another curse under her breath, "Petching gods. Don't need this. Not another head to keep an eye on."

by **Markus Andres** on November 15th, 2014, 4:49 am

Kvist didn't enjoy being trapped in the alcove. It went against his warrior's spirit, but this was the way he could keep the much smaller and frailer woman before him safe from these bastard thieves and bandits. Or had they been mercenaries hired to end the life of the Red Wolf in front of him. He didn't know which it had been. Slavers perhaps going for the one that might fetch a higher price in a whorehouse. Kvist shook his head at that thought. He wouldn't let that happen. Though he had questions for Fallon later when they had gotten out of this particular pickle. He held his breath as the men ran by. Luckily none seemed to stop. Which meant he could breathe a little easier now. The close proximity to his ex did give memories of what seemed an age gone by. In a place very different from these chaotic streets covered in the blood of vile men. What did he even begin to say to her? Would he have to explain he was with S'Essy? Or had she found another to keep her warm at night? There were many questions and not enough time to find a response to all of them. But he was glad to see that she was alive and technically okay. Comforting words to Orvin and then a glance in his direction. Emerald eyes looked back as he tried to shrug, but one arm was still clenched between him and a building, so only the left side rose. It was his way of trying to silently say he didn't know if there were any more thugs about. Kvist didn't bother whispering back and just did as he was told. She was the expert on the Sunberthian layout and if she knew a better route he was all for following her. Though he did note the use of clearer, rather than clear. As he came out from the shadows of the alcove he felt relieved as blood moved freely to his right arm. It was a blessing and a curse and the skin began to prickle under the armour and padding.

Kvist didn't notice when she peeked back at him as he was then casting a glance over his shoulder. Trying to make sure no substantial beings were trying to follow the two in the shadows. There were still distant screams from the men that Kvist had left alive. At least Fallon was wisely leading them away from those men the best she could. Gaze returned ahead in time to see Fallon dash into the shadows. The white fury following her and the knight followed into the shadows. Much harder to hide his presence though, but he did his best to follow in Fallon's stealthy footsteps. She was more suited for this kind of manoeuvres. That was about the time where Fallon decided stealth was no longer necessary as she asked him a question on the move. Kvist was too unprepared for the question to respond, head went over their backs one more time to ensure no one was coming running at them. Though he was doubting no one would be foolish enough to attempt to take the both of them on alone. They'd call for the rest and that'd be ample of warning for Kvist to resume the fighting stance that had caused plenty of their friend's death.

To his surprise, she continued. Demanding... DEMANDING! To know what he was doing in Sunberth. If it was related to the knights. She could ask in a less demanding tone and he might have given in. Said everything. Been open about his role in the Sunberthian politics. But she seemed far too narrow minded to accept that he was there for the very reason he had told Web and the Red Wolf in the past.

"Andres..." He paused as if he tasted on the word. Hardly could he believe her words. How cold and uncaring they were. "Really? We're at last name basis now, Fallon? " He sighed as he looked to Orvin. Perhaps there he might find a warmer response than he had with Fallon. Unfortunately they were still moving. He couldn't play with the lovely wolf-dog. She did not deserve to be told the truth once more. Not when her distrust was so thick.

"Thank you Markus, It was certainly pleasant that you saved me from these people tonight. I appreciate it a lot." He said with a voice dripping with unusual sarcasm from the knight. "Besides, why were those people so intent on getting to you? I swear, I have seen starving bandits break much sooner than those punks... Must have wanted their hands on you quite eagerly..." Kvist responded to her questions with his own. If she showed a bit of cooperation he might return the answers. "What happened before I came?" His voice was much softer. The carrot compared to the stick from before. Eyes still seeking the territory behind him as he kept half of his attention of Fallon. The woman was downright erratic to the knight. Back in the day he could have understood her... This day... She was almost a stranger to him. Which made it all the more awkward that he still liked her.

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by **Fallon** on November 23rd, 2014, 7:34 pm

"Don't call me that!" She snapped, eyes turning to burn at him. Her fingers clenched up, the faint popping crack of knuckles as she roughly inhaled. She held it, air filling her lungs, the internal fires rising up as she quelled them. Exhaling, the faint tremble of fear hissing out with it. She stopped for a tick to ground herself and her thoughts before she forced her feet onwards once more. Orvin gave a whine; a nudge to her fingers that she only responded with a pat to the head. Her thoughts slowly begun the process of coming together.

"I'm just..." She shook her head, eyes glazing and her expression going troubled as she took the knight in, "I am a danger, to you. Understand that," Fallon cleared her throat and looked at him squarely then, "Personal association with me will only land you into trouble. And pain. More so if you keep using that name openly." Sighed, and pushed onwards, eyes warily looking at the walls and alleyways as they moved. She would lead them back and away through, keeping her head low and making sure they both were safe to where ever they needed to be. She doubted however that it would be anywhere near by - she did not think of him as the sort to simply lie with the locals.

"Red Wolf, you've heard the name haven't you?" She kept her gaze ahead, hand upon her blades ready to draw, "That's why they wanted me. Association, reputation, level of state, they're all things here that mark you out against the rest. Ranks, the past, even of who you are back in whatever city you're from - doesn't matter here." She inhaled, "Whilst who you hang out with does. Try and remember that one, it's important." Regardless she kept her march onwards, attempting to keep a brave face among the warring chaos that made up Sunberth. For that was what she had to do now within this city, face the scourge with an iron fist and a sharp blade. Her jaw tensed.

"Don't get me wrong. I'm am grateful for you stepping in... just... concerned about your true intentions of being here. Confirmation to what I have learned," Her voice dropped down into a whisper, slinking almost as she hovered by the mouth of the alleyway. There was stillness as she checked it was safe to enter, before her form entered the shadow with the cloak of black around her. Her words however, continued to escape as a whisper, "Fearful you're going to bring a storm with you and that there will be merciless judging."

"Before you came?" Her head swept back and forth as she looked across the street. Life was absent apart from the cat lazing by a wall. She eyed it suspiciously, waiting for it to almost become animated and attack, but was left promptly hanging. It was with a gentle tap that she moved, metal clinking in her steps, "I was being chased down, hunted. Or did you mean further back?" She managed to release a snort of laughter and shook her head, "Of course you do. Of course..." There was a right at the street, the voices growing fainter as she established they were gaining further distance from her hunters, "Depends how far back you want to go. A dream ago and the lacking understanding of what one was getting themselves into. Wanting to band together, leade them to bring change and revolution to the city. Turn the rough stone into a diamond..." Fallon waved the thought away her eyes facing forwards. Determination filled her steps, her chin lifting as she let the throb of what she believed to be right filled her regardless, "I upset the wrong people, the wrong group, the wrong name. Now... they want blood. Revenge. Whatever."

"They're hunting a wolf, a red one," she finalised, "And they probably won't stop until they have to slink away to lick their wounds. Just need to hold out longer than them. Somehow. Petching gods hope so," Fallon frowned, deeper, firmer, "This way, we'll be in the clear then." She swallowed, cleared her throat, and pulled forth the rough, working tones she adopted with the persona of Bitzer. She gave a look back, serious, hard, but bubbling in the urge that she would rather have safety and well being for him - not danger. She did have some care for his well being after all, even if it was masked behind turbulence, "Guess that's a good enough answer for you now, tinner? Beware Bitzer the Red Wolf, or take a dance with a wild beast, your choice."

by **Markus Andres** on December 4th, 2014, 11:54 pm

The eyes widened a little when she snapped at him. Don't call her by her own name? Peculiar woman. Then again, Kvist had been using his middle name since coming to the city, so maybe there was a good reason for her shielding her name from public usage. He narrowed his eyes a little. She looked stressed, considered she had just been tackled to the ground and then fought for her life - it was to be expected. Bad memories undoubtedly played a factor in her erratic behaviour. But he wrote it behind the ear not to call her by her real name in public. Or anywhere for that matter. If she felt so strongly about it, no reason to antagonize her. But he was still confused about the matter, though he offered a shrug and a raised brow. Trying to say alright, play it off nonchalantly. Kvist took a deep breath, there was a difference between the two it seemed when it came to combat.

"I can take care of myself." Kvist responded calmly when she warned him that it would be dangerous. Though he pondered briefly if she had just threatened him. Seemed so. She had met him in combat before and the knight immediately pushed that image away. Had been a horrible day. Every bit of it had been one fiasco after another. Training had become a bloodshed. Sexy bath time had become a nightmare. There was a pause. A brief one as he watched her silently. She was red wolf? Of course she was. Who else. Those weapons. He had had his suspicions, but now it was entirely too clear that they were the same and that the only Red Wolf was his old flame. Her speech pattern. It was for his safety, once more, that she was concerned? Having an allegiance with her would put him in further danger. Kvist took a short shallow breath. As much as it pained him, if associating with her would endanger his reasons for coming to the city, then he'd would have to cut her loose. Not that his intervention this evening had anything to do with her and everything to do with the hostile environment in Sunberth. At home S'Essy waited for him. Undoubtedly worried about her warrior lover. Could he endanger his family and lover for the sake of Fallon?

It was a good question. And the woman did not give him quiet to think it through. New information. A confirmation of her being grateful, that was something at least. Then she carried on, voice lowered and it was only the stillness of the night that allowed him to hear enough of the words to understand. Again with her doubting his intentions. He felt like reaching out and slamming her against the wall of the nearest building. When had she become like this? If anyone was to distrust the other it was him.

"There is no storm coming. And unless you're at the epicentre of that storm, I will see if I can warn you." He whispered back as emerald eyes kept watch behind them. Still going through the city as silently as possible. Petch he hated coded talk, but at least he had gotten the hint this time. Though why she thought he would make an excellent scout for a larger contingent of knights baffled him. His work back there was proof enough that he was not cut out for such work. "Web knows why I am here, ask her." If she did not trust his word, then he didn't want to waste his breath trying to convince her. She trusted the web, let her sort the strands of truth from the imaginary lies she convinced herself of. Only then did Fallon go full erratic rambling mode. Kvist had understood much of Ball's rambling, but this was beyond him. She was chased. For crimes done against established crime lords. Or else the numbers lined against them would have been fewer. He was concerned for her well being. Not her physical one, that seemed to be in top shape considering the battle they had just survived, but her mental one. Stress must be getting to her.

"Already had a tussle with the Red Wolf and I could use the help of the beast in the future. A favour for a favour? Or does the wolf provide credit for old acquaintances?" Despite himself there was a tug at his lips as they formed one of his child-like smiles. In the clear... They were in the clear soon. Kvist had to return. A part of him begged him to return to the streets and finish those thugs, but he couldn't keep S'Essy waiting around for him all night. Seeing Fallon had reminded him of what he had lost in the past with his own absence in mind. Still, it was good to see she was still alive and... well wasn't the word he'd use. But she was alive. Though he might not be in a moment, but there was no helping it. "Sky~" Was all he said, to get her attention. "Wait up. Best we split now. I have a good idea of where we are and if we continue, I'll be going the wrong way. No doubt the spider has tracked down where I am staying, so if you need help, she can tell you." What came next was what might kill him. He hugged the smaller frame of the woman. The embrace was short, but still gave him a bitter-sweet feeling.

"It was good to see you again." The smile was genuine before it vanished under the hood of his cloak. What ifs played in his mind as he too disappeared into the shadows.

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by **Vanari** on January 8th, 2015, 9:36 am

Fallon

Running	+2 XP
Stealth	+2 XP
Leadership	+3 XP
Intelligence	+2 XP
Weapon: Kukri	+2 XP
Weapon: Tulwar	+2 XP
Unarmed Combat	+1 XP
Tactics	+1 XP
Dual Wield	+1 XP
Escape Artist	+1 XP
Interrogation	+1 XP
Storytelling	+1 XP
Navigation	+1 XP
Intimidation	+1 XP

Lores :

Markus

Intelligence	+5 XP
Intimidation	+1 XP
Acting	+1 XP
Subterfuge	+1 XP
Leadership	+1 XP
Weapon: Shield	+2 XP
Endurance	+1 XP
Bodybuilding	+1 XP
Interrogation	+2 XP
Rhetoric	+3 XP
Stealth	+1 XP
Tactics	+2 XP

Lores :

Notes :

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