What's A Little Blood? (Cinder)

[Aello]

6 Summer, 511 AV Aello was sitting in the center of a narrow alleyway. It was empty there, save for herself, and her sparrow, Yune, who was resting atop her bag. The bag was resting next to Aello, her father's old bow leaning up against it. Her eyes were closed; shutting out the sight of the tall wooden buildings that surrounded her, the lake and the canals. Soon enough, she wouldn't even be able to hear the water running against the side of the canal, or her bird chirping from time to time. Pretty soon, she would no longer be able to feel the cold metal of her cursed blade against her thigh; it would no longer send chills up her spine. Soon enough, she would be completely relaxed. Soon enough, she would be so deep into her meditation that nothing could bother her. All she had to do was keep her eyes tightly shut... Aello took in a deep breath, allowing the air to course down her throat and into her lungs. She held it there for several seconds, allowing it to fill every bit of her pale pink organ. She held it there until it stung, at which point, she let it out through her mouth with a gentle sigh. Aello waited a few seconds before taking in another deep breath, and repeating the process. Then another, and another, repeating the process over and over ten times. She could feel the rising and falling of her chest as she continued to breath, and push all of her thoughts from the forefront of her mind, and into the inner reaches. Aello kept on breathing for a few more moments before she imagined herself being surrounded with a warm, pale blue light, similar to the consistency of the auras she was so used to seeing. As she inhaled, she imagined the light filling her lungs, and as she breathed back out, she imagined the light coursing through her chest. She imagined it swirling around her lungs, and then delving deeper, towards her stomach, towards her heart, filling it with an unnatural sense of warmth. As she breathed in again, a few seconds later, she imagined the light moving even farther- back up her neck, and down past her diaphragm. Each time she breathed in, she took in more light. The light began to fill the rest of her body- her thighs, her head, the area below her knees. It was as though Aello were sitting in direct sunlight; that the buildings that surrounded her were not keeping her in the dark. It was all she was thinking about, the light, and how it made her feel. So very warm, so strangely safe... like a blanket for a small child. Aello continued to breath in, and then out. Her chest was rising and falling steadily, her heart was beating evenly. She could feel the light in her toes now. She could feel nothing other than an extreme sense of calm. She kept on breathing, and then, finally, opened her eyes. At first the world was a blur, but then it all came back into focus: she was still stuck in Rhysol's realm, Ravok. "At least that took your mind off things for a little while," she whispered, as she slowly got to her feet and glanced around the alley. No one seemed to be about. "At least it let you relax. Or at least, come as close to relaxing as you possibly could in this place." A small smile crossed Aello's lips as she looked down at her feet. It seems as safe a place as any to practice, doesn't it? she told herself, as her right hand made her way to her thigh. She could feel the blade even through her clothes; it was so very cold. The cold metal sent a chill up her spine; she still had to get used to it, how it would always be now. Cold like the mist; cold like the dead. A moment later, Aello had pulled the cursed dagger out of concealment. Her right hand wrapped around the hilt; her fingers pressing into it so tightly, that they were turning red. It is time, she told herself, as she held the blade uselessly at her side. It was pointed behind her; waiting to be forced into action.

[Cinder]

This was turning out to be an interesting city indeed. For the decades that he had traveled, it had been quite some time since he found such a place to spark his interest. It was crawling with a multitude of species, and better yet intriguing little specimens hiding out behind every nook and cranny of these stone walls. He wanted to explore more, now that he had been able to quench his thirst for a good hunt. For the moment his stomach was appeased, digesting the large meal from the previous day. He could still taste the dark skinned girl on his tongue. It caused a small smile to curve over the predators lips as he wandered through the city, finally taking the tour he had skipped yesterday. Cinder had a tendency to day dream often, though it was usually the recalling of a good hunt. He could hear the screams ricocheting off the walls of his mind. It was a shame he had to cut those vocals out short of the macabre symphony that she was creating. He couldn't have risked bringing attention to herself from anyone among the floating city or in nearby areas. He did have plans to stay for some time.

Not realizing that he had been snaking through different streets without paying attention, Cinder paused. His eyes had been wandering up towards the sky in his day dream, but now he brought himself back down to earth and looked around. This was a new part of city that he had yet to explore. Which of course made him wander how big the city was and exactly where had he gotten himself lost at. For a man who was so good at tracking down his prey, Cinder was often oblivious to keeping a good sense of direction for himself. Perhaps his stomach was the real brains of the operation working in this Dhani's body. He stopped in the middle of street and turned around looking for familiar land marks. Of course there was nothing. he had been around for two days now. He sighed, looking up into the sky and squinting, his red eyes turning down as he glanced behind him. People walked by, hustling in the busy street. Many seemed to be weaving in and out of shops, in with nothing, out with something. It gave him a good idea of what each shop held in case he needed to buy something.

Beginning to grow weary of the sight seeing, or more so growing rapidly bored at the silent wandering, Cinder decided to take a stroll down a quieter area to find a place to observe others rather than observing the buildings. His brain often repeated its same desire, echoing the need for combat and blood. While he wouldn't necessarily need to feed for the next few days, it didn't mean he couldn't start to track down the next potential prey. Sometimes it was more fun to lock his eyes on one person and push his way into their every day lives. He really had a bad tendency to play with his food, but there was always something far more enticing to him when he could watch as their expressions turned into horror and realization. A stretched out game of cat and mouse in a way.

Side stepping between two women he nodded his head in apology, giving them a small gentle smile as he turned his head away and headed towards the sides of the streets. Cinder walked down a smaller street and found himself in a maze of directions, looking for a less crowed area to sit and people watch. It was only when he had turned off silent street and into a small alley that he finally stopped in sight of something rather interesting. He brought his hand up to his mouth, index finger pressing against his slightly parted lips as he tilted his head in curiosity. There several yards in front of him stood a girl with her back to him. Wrapped tightly around her fingers was a dagger that seemed ready for action. What exactly was that girl up to? Perhaps practice? he couldn't be certain as no one else was around... except for him.

Glancing around he debated on whether he should just continue on to a slight more open destination to observe or stay. Wasn't he looking for something interesting, and had he not happened to wander into a rather abnormal scene. Cinder wasn't stupid enough to start something in the middle of a city, but at the same time it was a deserted enough that no one might notice. At the same time he had fed and wasn't looking for another large meal for the next few days. Would he senselessly kill just for the hell of it.

Wait... why was he thinking that at all. Of course he would. Cinder still remained where he stood rather than trying to sneak up on the girl. He wasn't a young fool who would jump into something without assessing the situation first. From his years of experience Cinder had learned to never judge a person out right, they could often lead a person into a dangerous trap.

Dropping his hand down and bringing his hands behind his back, he clasped his fingers together close to the blade hidden underneath his jacket. "A young woman standing in a silent alley with a weapon in hand, seems as if you might not be up to any good on this beautiful sunny day."

[Aello]

Aello's fingertips pushed into the hilt of the blade, testing its resistance to her; their flexibility and readiness to fight. A small smile had crossed her lips, and an amused laugh had passed through. Her eyes seemed to sparkle, even in the lack of light, as she glanced over her shoulder; to face the man that had just spoken to her. "Whoever said we were alone?" Aello called, as her eyes passed up and down Cinder's body. So very tall, and yet so very pale; it's as though he has been touched by the hand of Dira herself, she mused, as she finally turned to face him head on. She stood in silence for a few moments, simply letting him soak in the sight of her slender form; the blood that lined her blade. As she stared, her mind began to whisper, the man's a snake in disguise. Just like that woman who thought she could share your fire, all those many moons ago. There was a slight pause, he is contemplating whether or not to eat you... or to simply kill you for the sport, Aello's mind went on. Silly snake, he doesn't know he should be afraid of you... yet. Aello took a step closer to Cinder as her pupils dilated, and her smile widened. She had no problem playing along with the snake, should that be what he wanted her to do. We can always teach him... "And as for being up to no good," Aello went on, "it depends... would you like to fight me snake?" she asked, her voice rather cold. "For we both know that's what you are, that you're reaching for some sort of weapon, are you not?" she went on, with a small chuckle. The fool is more than likely wondering how you would know all of this. Aello took another step forward, as her heart began to pick up the pace, with each of her steps. She could hear it pounding like a drum against her rib cage. And when he fails to find an answer... something other than magic; perhaps he will run, Aello's mind went on. And how nice it will be to watch him slither away; to run from one he must have thought to be such an easy kill; a quick meal. Aello took another step forward. "That you thought you could win a fight against me..." Aello chuckled. "Fool, why don't we show you just what you have gotten yourself into? That is... if you don't wish to run from this alley right now." Aello's eyes sparkled menacingly, it was always so invigorating; to dance with death. To dance with a dagger in one's hand... to let blood run freely; and pool on the ground at one's feet. "Unsheathe your weapon, if you dare, and attack to the best of your ability. And may the Gods watch over you and give you luck. You're definitely going to need it," she said as she bent both of her arms at the elbow. Slowly, she raised her right arm, until her hand was dangling about eight inches in front of her chest. The blade was curled back towards her body, the tip resting just below her elbow. It was cold; like the coiled body of the snake she was about to fight.

[Cinder]

She was a brash woman indeed, ready to sink her own teeth, or blade into anyone it seemed. He stood his ground, rather than stepping closer to the girl who had moved closer to him. Her eyes seemed on fire with a certain passionate rage. He knew the passion, but not so much the rage. While a murderer, Cinder often tried to stay calm, collected. It helped to keep him from loosing his head, quite literally. Cinder didn't show an expression of surprise when she gave away his kind. Instead he let out an exasperated sigh, bringing his hand up to his temple and shaking his head. "Such bitterness towards my kind. People in this city are so rude." He dropped his hand away and shrugged smiling, "Perhaps we deserve such distrust." Cinder wasn't one to run from a fight. In fact he had relished in finding a new challenge. Whether he won or lost didn't really matter to him. He had been in fights in which he had to slump away licking his wounds and hiding out in his weakened state for days. It was always worth it though. The thrill of a good fight, to find someone who could be far more dangerous than him. He never failed to learn something new from a fight. Even if the lesson was about never underestimating ones opponent. Still, he had the feeling he was stepping into dangerous grounds. She might be smaller than him, but her tone wasn't of someone cocky, nor was it of something bluffing. "You are right about something though Miss Perceptive, I do have a weapon. You should understand though, a woman in an attacking stance, anyone with a weapon would be ready to reach for theirs." His fingers slid under his jacket as he slid the chain wrapped ten inch long curved dagger out. His fingers slid around the ball at the end of the chain and he released the blade, metal sparking against metal as it flipped down to the ground. cinder took a step back into a fighting stance as he whipped the chain up, the blade slicing through the air. His Hand twisted around pulling the blade closer until it locked between his fingers securely, the chain wrapping up around his lower arm. It was a fitting weapon for a snake. Not only did it allow the distance, but the way it moved and snapped was like a snake striking at its victims. The red slit eyes seemed to spark with madness. The sharp nails of his left hand clicked against his palm, waiting, not yet moving. He had the instincts of a snake, and when he wasn't hunting he wouldn't attack first. Waiting, coiled up until a person would step into their territory, a snake will wait to attack. There was no use foolishly leaping into a fight. He turned his blade back against his arm, ready to lash out, as he bent his knees. "I suppose we could play for now." He was waiting for her to make the first move, ready to move in any direction need be to avoid the knife as his fingers loosened on the blade, the large dagger ready to drop at any point and join into the fight.

[Aello]

Aello's smile widened. "Is that so? A woman... in a fighting stance when her arm is dangling uselessly at her side, and her back is facing her opponent?" she asked Cinder, as she took another half step forward. "Would it truly be a fair fight in such a situation?" she went on as she listened to the weapon's chain links clinking softly against one another, preparing themselves to be forced into action. She could just make out the gentle glint of his blade; silver, clean, without blood. As though it were fresh and unused. She was watching him; preparing himself to fight a battle he would never win. Snakes, always so confident in how they can coil and recoil. How they can spring out at you within a second and inject you with their poison, buy them time as it courses through your veins. Buy them time until you fall, and are forced to succumb to them... it's so very arrogant of them, isn't it? her mind asked, its voice coming through in a rather sultry, playfully amused manner. The girl gave little more than a slight nod, as she took another half step forward, closer to her opponent. Her eyes were fixated on his, never leaving the tiny slits that were his pupils. He is waiting for you to strike... waiting for you to fall into the trap he is so convinced he has lain. If only you could spring it and leave him so very defenseless... spill a little of his blood for your goddess. Make him run as cold as the dead... There was a slight pause as Aello considered what her mind was whispering, he's a snake; he's already so very cold... Aello's eyes flashed playfully as she took a step to the right; it seemed as though Cinder were tightening his grip on the chain; still waiting. He wants you to try and strike him. He is waiting for you to try and break through his defenses. He puts far too much confidence in the reach of his weapon in comparison to yours, and not in skill... "As you wish," Aello replied to Cinder's last remark, as she nodded slightly and began to step towards the right even farther, her legs crossing over each other before straightening out again as she stepped. Her heart was pounding. Where was the snake's weakness? Or did he not have an open spot? Was it merely his apparent sense of over-confidence that would destroy him in the end? Just go for the jugular, Aello told herself. Do what he would least expect. Aello gave a slight nod as she darted forward. When she was within striking distance, she began to raise her blade and twist her body towards the left at the waist, as though she would strike Cinder by dragging her blade towards his far shoulder. However, instead of trying for this rather predictable move, which he would more than likely block with his dagger and chain, Aello went further. She continued stepping towards his back, and quickly twisted her body around when she had gone past his shoulder, so that she would be facing his back. As she did so, she rapidly moved her right hand out towards the right side of her body, before bringing it towards the left. As she moved her arm, the blade shot out from its place against her skin. If Cinder failed to move, she would draw a thick line of blood from just below one of his shoulders to the next. As soon as her arm had gone as far as it would go, she would bring her arm back to the starting position, and back herself up, so that he could not retaliate. When she had gotten herself a safe distance away, Aello would turn herself back around, so that she may once more face her opponent. Hopefully that didn't make him bleed too much. We wouldn't want him staining our shoes... or falling this fast. For the game has only just begun, she thought. OOCOh... and in case it was not apparent, Aello is using auristics to figure most of this stuff out.

[Verilian]

Aello +1 Meditation +1 Auristics +1 Intimidation +1 Dagger Lores: Breathing in the Light, Picking a fight with a Dhani Cinder +1 Observation Lores: An Encounter with Aello You Question My Logic? : Any questions, send me a PM. Notes:Aw, you mean I don't even get to read a fight scene? Oh well...