(The Drunken Fish) Possibilities (Open)

[Eryss Waldu]

[Apparently the room he had asked for would need to wait until another time. No matter though, Eryss seeing the others accept the proposition of Reacher would become indifferent that man had blocked his initial desire to rest once the conversation had concluded. There were some jobs that just could not wait and this was understandable. Learning that he would be grouped with Cade, as well as the current recipient of his whimsical affections, Eryss would nod his approval, he liked to work with the devil he knew, and as Reacher turned to lead the group out of the Drunken Fish he would rise from his chair and follow behind him quietly.]

[On the way Eryss took the time to observe his would be associates. Already being well acquainted with Cade his attention shifted to the farm girl that he was interested in. Appraising her with eyes that burned with an intense malevolence Eryss had little to judge her upon besides looks, she was not unappealing in her own way, believing that her part in all of this would be as a distraction at best and a nuisance at worst. Until she became the worst he would remain as amiable towards her as possible though due to her association with Cade. Then there was the Rogue, Antar, and the woman who might have been mistaken as a thin man underneath her cloak until she spoke, Kiara, while Eryss hadn’t caught either of their names he regarded them in kind on the trip. Neither stood out to him particularly though from the way they both carried themselves Eryss imagined they had their particular talents that made them worth watching and well.]

[Of course he couldn’t forget about Craevan and the other woman, a Zith maybe or something else Eryss couldn’t say for sure, that rounded out the group. Out of everyone Eryss trusted the both of them the least, maybe it was the way Craevan carried himself and how attached to him he thought the woman was that set them apart, but Eryss would ensure he didn’t make the mistake of letting his guard down around them. In fact if someone needed to become his meat shield the tattered man was already deducing that it should be one of them though were his eyes to meet either of theirs all anyone would have seen was how his gaze examined their features closely.]

[When they’d reached their destination, assignments handed out and groups finalized, Eryss would glance towards the residential home that Reacher had tasked them to infiltrate while the man fled back into an alleyway until he was unseen. Somewhere inside was their prize. It wasn’t until they approached that Eryss could truly analyze the situation though. It was a two story house and there was a Guard, armed with a Spear, watching behind a three foot tall fence. Easy enough dilemma to remedy from his perspective though. Glancing over towards Cade and Corinth he remarked...

“Girl. Why don’t you go get his attention. Cade, I’m sure you can let yourself in once he’s properly distracted. Remember to get their attention. Don’t worry, I’ll be along momentarily.”

...it sounded like Eryss had an idea, Cade shouldn’t worry as he should have been well accustomed to his partners style by now, it would take a moment or two though. After he’d said as much to the other two he was grouped with Eryss, sitting on the bench, would fold his hands into his lap and begin to concentrate quietly for a few moments. On what was a mystery except to him.]

[Seated on the bench where they had all been observing the Guard stationed at the fence outside of the residential property Eryss seemed to have been in a deep state of concentration, things occurred around him but he seemed oblivious to them, he was building up to something and harnessing energy inside himself. Extruding djed beneath the tattered cloak he wore Eryss would have woven a thin layer over the tunic he wore beneath his tattered and worn robes. When complete the shield would be invisible and intangible but for all the things that were not its intended purpose, specifically the shield was designed to stop bladed weapons such as swords, daggers and maybe even spears if they were swung instead of used to pierce.]

[Unfolding his hands now that his shield was complete Eryss began to harness the rest of the djed inside of himself, his reserves drawn from the rage he some barely concealed sometimes and that sprouted inside of him like an ever burning and consummate spark, standing off of the bench as he did this and casually inspecting the others. By now they should have been ahead of him.]

[Observing the streets as he stood from the bench Eryss ensured that they were clear of passersby, he had some sense of subtlety, before moving towards the fence that barred entrance into the residential property. His hands held low beside him Eryss opened his palms as though he were beginning to pool an unseen substance into his hold, something tangible enough for him to mould by the way he handled it, he flexed his fingers and tensed as he moved ahead. In his eyes the unquenched hatred he felt for others began to build towards a pinnacle that would extend outwards to consume everything in a cleansing wash of flame.]

[Corinth]

Day 1 Summer 511 AV Distraction? Corinth freaked out a little. The entire walk over to the location Cor swore she would puke. What the hell have I gotten into?! Cor took a look at the gaurd...with the spear. When Eryss gave her an 'order' so to speak, she looked wearily at him then at Cade. She could see she didn't have time to play lost, pathetic, farm girl and it was time to toughen up and show her worth. How though?! Corinth thought quickly. Obviously she had some sort of beauty, that could be her weapon so to speak in this situation. Cor took one last glance at Cade and made her way as casually as possible to the gaurd. She tried to maintain composure though her entire body was shaking. She was given an easy task. Eryss didn't ask her to fight, all he asked for was a brief distraction. I can do this. "Um hello there..." Cor said sheepishly making what she thought was her best attempt at seductive eye contact. "Please sir, could you tell me the way to the seaside market? I'm terribly lost.." It could've been that Cor was a briliant actress after all or that her nerves got the best of her but Corinth could feel warm tears beginning to slowly stream down her face. Cor thought quickly, this could work for her advantage. "Ive lost everything please just tell me where to go..." Cor couldn't think of any more 'distracting' tricks. C'mon Cade...get me out of this!

[Cade]

Cade worried for Cor, knowing full well she was no combatant, no master of the magics or even a mistress of seduction. She was a simple farm girl about to get a taste of a different world and that was a brave task indeed. Cade could see her skin complexion go from normal to pasty white as they closed in on the house. She was nervous and her eyes kept glancing up to his, looking for support or a way out. There was not much he could do for her tho he tried before she engaged the guard, placing one hand on her waist and reeling her close as the mountain brought his face down to her level.

" I will protect you Cor......you will be fine. I promise" The words came as a deep toned whisper as the large man gave her a nudge toward her duty.

Corinth made her way towards the guard and began her performance, while Cade quickly and as silently as he could, made his way to the fence, a few metres from Corinth's position. He hopped the three foot fence with sword drawn and ready for action. A few more strides later and with out mercy the Barbarian savagely ripped his blade through the air, aimed for the guardsmen's neckline in attempts to decapitate the man. Ending the guards life quickly would be beneficial so they could advance on with out the alarms being sounded. The blood show for Corinth at that range would do no good for the beautiful girls fortitude, but this act had to be done and the night was still young. Cade new just as soon as his blade tasted blood, he will crave for more and this girl he has been trying to woe will see the other half of him...... the savage with in.

[Darren]

Boredom found it's way to back to the man on the other side of the room. He had to know what how that scroll ended, curiosity and boredom echoed in every breathe. He wasn't very fit to be a sentry and soon he found himself looking back on the scroll... and the other two individuals that were moving into the home. The man on the wall followed his gaze as he watched Antar pull an arrow back. The archer let the arrow fly before he could react properly as the arrowhead buried itself into the man's shoulder as he got up. He was sent back to the wall as the arrow pierced the hard leather protecting his shoulder. Crying a crude curse he quickly galvanized the others into action, shouting out every curse imaginable to the intruding pair. "You pecking son of a... grahhh! Intruders!" he spat as he pulled the arrow out of his persons. Multiple hisses of steel were heard as the two men in the front flicked their blades out of their scabbards. Meeting them head on wasn't the best of ideas as the closer to the group confronted Kiara. Using his shield as a weapon the man in front hid his body from the woman's blades as he tackled her to the floor with it. His short sword drew back menacingly, inciting her to move as he positioned himself over her. Behind him, his companion wasn't too far behind as he paced furiously at Antar. The man in the back kept his crossbow centered on Antar' trying to draw a decent angle between them, rushing to the side to position himself properly. injured but still able to try to catch Antar the man with the rapier, didn't hesitate as he tried to smack him with the hilt of his dirk. The loud crack that followed caused the man with the crossbow to cringe as he continued to try and center his bolt on Antar's chest. What was actually hit was the window frame as it crumbled slightly under the blow. Any flippant movements would be met with a crossbow bolt straight him the bowman thought as he was close to putting Antar in his sights. Outnumbered and without the element of surprise being utilized proper, part of the the flank group quickly found themselves at a severe disadvantage. The man with the rapier yelled as he moved his main weapon in an underhand motion. A thin circle of blood would reach through Antar's arm if he didn't react in time. Stepping back after the thrust he moved back as he adressed the woman in question. “Now... what to do with you?” he asked threateningly at Kiara. Meanwhile on the roof... The man with the short bow looked at the winged Zit incredulously. He blinked twice in confusion as his hand went to his quiver on instinct. “Sure thing... Erm, just keep your distance, you... whatever you are” he stammered as he took a hesitant step back. Granted Cass's ploy would have been successful if he hadn't heard a shout from below. Intruders? He thought as he took another look at the woman before him. He then heard a crumbling sound next to him as he saw Darian materialized a few seconds after. In an awkward movement the man pulled himself up and hurled a dagger underhandedly as he landed on his knees. The dagger went flying towards the guard, a clear four feet over his head as it sailed into the streets. By now the man on top was animated into action, pulling out an arrow before pulling it back to his full length. Granted their ploy would have been much more successful when his eyes were focused to the front but already that advantage was long gone. Instead they would have to look for another weakness the man had. "Stay right there. I dunno who you are, or who your friends are but I won't hesitate to defend myself" he stammered as he aimed his sights at Darian and then at Cass. Taking a sharp breathe he made his decision as he aimed it back on Darian. I couldn't possible deal with both of them he though silently as he suddenly eased the tension in his arm. "...I give up. After seeing what we had to take care of it really puts a bad taste in my mouth. Just go and help your friends and leave me” he pleaded as he leaned his back to the railing of the roof, leaving the pair then had a decision to make. They could take the door to the area below and help deal with the others but could they trust this man? Pausing to let them decide he pulled his arrow back to attention, not enough to cause much of a threat to them now but close enough to nock it back and release in a heartbeat. Watching the shady mage make his way past the street, he pursed his lips in annoyance as he saw him stop and crouch down. Means I have to watch him he sighed mentally as he kept his gaze leveled at the man. He didn't notice the advancing Corith and as she spoke to him the man jumped up in surprise to see it was a non descriptive farm girl that addressed him. His gaze drooped as he looked halfheartedly at her and the mage. Seems to convient they decide to bother be a bother to him he mused as he waved Corith away.”No go away" he muttered in a level tone. He was suppose to be guarding the area, not dealing with some pathetic woman. As tears started to form on Corith's face the man looked at her with irritation, “Laying it a bit thick there aren't we?" He asked before pointing to the more then obvious route to the ocean. “See that? Go to it?” he said straight faced as he grunted indignantly. Only when he heard the warning from inside did the man realize that he was in any danger. He saw Cade's approach half a fraction late as he pushed out the spear in front of him in a makeshift defense. That last second action saved his life as the wood bended and splintered under Cade's blade. Quickly losing his grip on the spear he abandoned it as he ran for the house. He was barely inside when a wave of fire singed his arm before he could slam the door behind him. The flash of fire Eryss threw parts of the front burning as the door was slammed shut. The man in front regrouped with the others inside, nursing his wound before shouting in a single breathe. "Two men in front, one sword, one mage, and one...farm girl or something" He gasped as he edged away from the door. The two in front looking to see what the disturbance was would push away and back off the flank group as they would form a line, three men strong with another in the back for support. "...Men, it's been a real bother to work with some of you" the man with the rapiers muttered as they stood at attention.

[Eryss Waldu]

[Occasionally he couldn’t control what he had begun to summon quite as well as he hope which explained why Eryss had released the wave of fire when he did, he had in fact only meant to let the energy to create such magic build within himself, it caused him to mutter briefly due to his desire to have had more of a surprise on his side. Indignantly he would continue to move ahead towards the, now burning, entrance to the house slightly behind Cade seeing as how the larger man would be better equipped to ward off a counterattack if it occurred.]

[Glancing toward the rooftop of the building as he moved ahead Eryss watched the windows, alongside the roof itself, half expecting that archers were hiding themselves until they had the opportunity to surprise the group and attack. One look back towards what he’d mistakenly done, lighting the front of the building on fire, after releasing a burst of his energy left the Mage with the sense that all subtlety of what was occurring had been lost. Maybe it was the belief, in his mind, that now that everything was out in the open that it no longer mattered and so Eryss resigned to become more creative with his spellcraft then he had otherwise intended.]

[Advancing on the house Eryss watched the rooftop only long enough to deduce that it didn’t appear as though anyone in the house was using it or any of the windows to attack at this time. He was sure that Cade had also been paying special attention to their surroundings and would alert him to the possibility of attack or any other disturbance. Otherwise though Eryss, advancing on the house had become quite focused on the task he had given himself, he walked towards the house until he was several meters away from the front door and able to feel the heat of the flames from the inadvertent fire he had created.]

[Eryss stood there, quietly, and oblivious to both Cade and Corinth now he held his right hand out towards the door with his palm wide. Emitting res from his open palm in the form of a gas that swirled until forming a spherical shape Eryss would control it, shape it and cause it to hover several feet away from his open hand in a near ethereal state while he willed it create an attraction between itself and the fire that was not burning the outside of the building. Using his control of the res Eryss had attuned it to attract the element of fire and draw it closer to the sphere of res that he had created, it was somewhat taxing and required focus for him but Eryss could do it, causing the fire on the building to seemingly begin to detach and hover closer to the sphere itself.]

[Imagine the sight, a translucent sphere hover from his hand and attracting the raw elemental flame burning the outside of the building. The Flame on the building acting as though it were the proverbial moth from another phrase and detaching itself from the house so that it can hover closer to the ethereal sphere that had been created. Growing. Nourishing itself and seemingly so. Building itself into a sizeable and deadly inferno that threatened to erupt outwards, held only in check by Eryss who willed the res he had made to attract the flame and merge it into one another to create a far larger manifestation of the element. It wouldn’t be long now.]

[What might have seemed like minutes was in fact moments and Eryss, looking on as he felt the building flame gathering around the res that hover mere feet from his hand, decided that it was ready. Igniting the res he had used to attract the rest of the flame Eryss hurled the enormous fireball, now much larger than anything he could conjure, away from himself and towards the door of the house. No control was necessary as the ball of flame merely had to shoot ahead into the door where Eryss intended for the maelstrom to blow the door off its hinges while the ball erupts as a veritable maelstrom in the same instant.]

[With any luck the eruption would send debris flying backwards and immolate anything directly behind, or within close proximity of the door, while creating quite a bit of confusion and chaos.]

[Now that he had thrown the enormous fireball Eryss recoiled his hand, it had been singed and blistered from the heat of the flames and their sheer intensity after having been gathered in such an amount, but he seemed less concerned about his wound than he should been. Almost as though this wasn’t the first time he had been burnt. Looking at his hand with distaste he stood aside, then Cade would hear him say...

“I’m sure there are men for you to kill in there. Group them together if you can, I’ll have your back.”

...all Cade needed to worry about now was that Eryss did lose his temper, his control, and send flames flying in all directions during the battle inside. Not that there wasn’t likely enough fire after he’d hurled that giant mass of flames through the front door.]

[As for Corinth, Eryss didn’t expect her to do much killing or fighting for that matter but if she saw the opportunity arise it would be helpful to them. When Cade moved ahead Eryss would follow him, always hovering at least a dozen feet behind him so that he had plenty of time to react if anyone made it around Cade and towards him. Otherwise Eryss, unless he saw an opening to strike, would very much do as he had said and guard his larger associate from anyone that made it around and tried to attack him from behind; Cade was quite good with that sword of his though and Eryss had hoped anyone behind the door would be disorientated and easy prey for him.]

[Corinth]

Day 1 Summer 511 AV Corinth hopped the fence and ran a safe distance behind Cade and Eryss towards the door. She was bewildered What the hell happened?! As Eryss began collecting the fire in his hands Corinth was scared and backed up a couple steps as to not get in the way of the consequences of one man holding such a mass of energy and flame. Cor knew she had no time to be scared. She pulled her small dagger from inside her boot and held it tightly. She had no idea what she would do, these were men, not foxes that she would be facing soon. She looked to Cade and Eryss for leadership. She knew no one expected great combating skill from her so she gave herself one job...survive. She didn't know how many would be inside and Cor hoped that the other four had everything a little more under control on their ends regardless of the rumbling they heard inside. When Eryss released his ball of fire Corinth found herself frozen momentarily. She heard Eryss tell Cade to group the men together and do his work but she didn't hear any command concerning herself. She stayed her distance. She would wait but what used to be a door and see what her next move would be after assessing the progress the rest of their group was making. OOCweak sauce move i know....

[Cade]

The barbarian sword in hand looked towards the flaming building in disgust. He swung his sword in hopes of blood and the coward took off, denying him the blood he craved. Through the flames and smoke he could see the frames of men and the calls of panic.... the noise of fear. His lips pursed in anger as his fangs lusted in rage. He was pumped for battle, the adrenaline rushed through his veins as his eyes focused through the flaming entrance with an inferno glare. Eryss need not to insist the savage be first, for he would have it no other way. He pulled a old cloth from his side pocket and doused it with the contents of his water skin. He placed the cloth over his face, tying it in the back to keep there while his hands were free for battle. The rest of the water he bathed in making his hair and skin wet in hopes of resisting some burns. He looked over his shoulder, back to his two companions:" Stay behind me..."

With that he rushed forward with great speed of a warrior with no signs of letting up as He neared the blazed entrance. " I COME FOR YOU CURS...........MY BLADE THIRSTS FOR YOUR BLOOD" The barbarian roared like a savage beast, both hands on his longsword as he thrusted himself into the mouth of hell, hell-bent for the slaying.

Though smoke blurred Cade's vision, he saw a body and instantly brought his sword down with all his might in attempts to cleave man. First impressions where everything, especially in battle and Cade wanted nothing more then for his enemies to fear him. The sound of sword impacting on meat was a great way to install such fear.

[Antar]

Uncaring to the danger, Antar foolishly disobeyed the one tactical rule of rushing in after the woman.
This only netted him, trouble and pain.
Especially as one enemy with a rapier tried to skewer him in the most inhospitable manner imaginable.
'Bastard Cur'.

Acting on instinct, Antar drew his kukri from his shoulder sheathe, turning the blade away with a desperate swat of the dagger's edge.
Whilethis stopped the immediate threat to his life Antar was rewarded for his fool-wit's courage by a swift sharp blow from an enemy's dagger pommel as it wrapped upon his face.
The blow dazed his senses enough for him to start seeing stars.

His momentum and instincts carried his motion to dodge though whirling him to place his back towards the safety of the nearest wall.

In anger and frustration as reinforcing units came in from the front, Antar kicked over the table and ducked down to one knee, placing himself in two-thirds cover, and drew the next arrow to fire at the line of waiting men as the barbarian charged blindly at them.

Pointing it ahead of the charging brute of a man, Antar let the arrow fly to watch it whiz towards the nearest one's kneecaps. If it it, one enemy might stumble into another. If it missed, it still served a good chance of hitting one of the enemy's fellows behind him.

[Kiara Killraven]

Kiara cleared the window seal and dashed for the man facing away from her. She had to get to him before he was alerted to their presence or or the surprise attack would be for naught. It seemed she was too late however. The man stood, moving with the speed of a trained soldier and put the shield between him and Kiara. With the shield blocking any attack she could have made she slowed down, looking for an opening to exploit. The soldier had other ideas. He moved forward quickly, slamming the shield into Kiara's body. After all the wideness of the shield alone was enough to disperse the blow and not cause much actual harm but it didn't stop it from causing her to lose her footing. Down she went, the impact against the floor knocking the breath from her lungs. Even as she attempted to force air back into them the soldier positioned himself over her, keeping her pinned to the ground as he pointed his short sword at her. The words he spoke infuriated her, the anger apparent in her eyes. Miraculously the man moved off her and backed up. Smoke from the fires outside were starting to move inside making it difficult to see. For Kiara this was a blessing. The house had already been dark, that is just how things were inside large and enclosed places with only candle or torches to light the vast rooms. Now with the smoke clouding the room and the special properties of her armor, she was nearly impossible to distinguish from the many dancing shadows that were being cast by the men. Hearing Cade crash through the door, she decided to use him as a distraction, moving in behind him so that she wouldn't be seen as he charged at the men. At the last second she would attempt to dart from her hiding place and score a hit with her daggers before the men realized they were fighting two combatants instead of just one large one.

[Cass]

Cass struggled to hide her grin. The man didn't know what she was! And she was barely disguising herself! But now was not the time to jump around in celebration. Darian and her had a job to complete. Once Reacher had paid them then Cass would have her own personal celebration. Cass remained still, deciding it would be best to lure the man into a sense of false safety by following his orders. Behind the man Cass could see Darian's head poking up over the rooftop. He was a quiet climber. Cass remained focused on her target, feeling certain they could get this kill. That feeling of certainty died, though, as cries of intruders came from within the house. Cass silently cursed knowing that unless the man was a complete idiot, their little ruse was up.

Before Cass could even blink the guard had seen Darian, a small blade had gone flying off into the streets below, and the guard now had an arrow strung and ready to fire. Cass's head whirled, quickly trying to come up with some kind of plan to get rid of the guard without getting shot or killed in the process. The guard's annoucement of not hesitating to kill only caused Cass to think faster. Their ruse had failed and now if they didn't act fast they both would just be two dead corpses. Just as Cass was about to leap head first at the guard he suddenly gave up. Cass quickly held herself back as the guard told them to move along and help their friends.

There are no friends within that pack, Cass thought at the mention of friends. But a new question quickly arose. Should she trust the guard? Reacher told them not to let anyone live. So this guard had to go. But merely resuming the fight could still result in her and Darian's death. No, they needed to be smart about this. Cass looked over at Darian. "Watch him. I'll go see how the others are doing." Her gaze drifted back to the guard. "If you betray us and kill him...you better hope your friends killed me too." Without wasting another moment Cass beat her wings against the rooftop to lift her body up into the air. A burst of annoyingly bright heat erupted towards the front of the house. Turning her back on the front Cass swooped down low before landing in front of the back door. Hoping that Darian was handling the guard alright Cass kicked open the door and stepped into the house. Smoke hit Cass right in the face, causing her to stop and cough.