Lupis roared loudly "idiots! they dare try and oppose me!" he was looking at a small letter which he had recently gotten. It said that a small mass of others had banded together in the town of Geovich. They seemed to be survivours of an attack that Lupis had set on them a couple of weeks ago and had since issused a challange to the lord, asking for a grudge macth. Lupis stared at the letter in anger for a few more secounds, then smiled, it was an evil smile, one that meant he was going to kill yet again "looks like i have some new cannon fodder for my minoins" he chuckled.

Nen was in her room with the window open. There would be no reason to leave the premises of her room today, for she had gotten no warning of mission or summons. The room was small, but it had all the necessities. There was a bed in the right corner next to the window, twin size, a rocking chair made of cherry wood across from it and a chest of drawers acting as a beside table also made from cherry. Nen was on the edge of her bed with her flute to her lips, playing a melody that came to her mind as she continued with it. Nen was experimenting with different harmonies, but every switch seemed as if it meant to be there. Her music was never choppy.
Nen shifted a bit and crossed her legs, the wind then poured into the window letting her hair fall across her face. Nen placed her flute down on her dresser, and made her way to untangle the hair that had strayed from her slack braid. She rearranged it into a high pony tail, hoping none would let lose when the next breeze hit. Nen then picked up her flute once more and was about to start playing again when there was a slight knock among her door.
"Yes?"Nen called out sweetly.

Raos sat in his room in near utter darkness the soft melodies of Nen's flute faintly reaching his ears in the otherwise silent room. How long had he been sitting here, he wondered, just trying to remember his past. Nothing came to him just the same blackness that filled this room, not even Nen's soft melodies could calm him from his despair. Only one thing remained about his previous life, his name. Raos Keizer is just a name however, what is a name without knowing the person behind it, without any memories just who was Raos Keizer. Day in and day out he tried to figure this out to now avail and today was no different, his feelings would have to be put aside however as he could here Lord Lupis' anger filled rants and roars drowning out Nen's peaceful melodies. Yes, Lord Lupis the man who Raos had sworn his sword to he took him in after he had forgotten everything. Lupis gave him promises that with time his memory would return, just how much time would it take. It mattered not right now as uncertainties had no place right now, Lupis would soon call for them and direct them once more and they would follow, that was an undeniable certainty.

In the dank of the Inn’s lobby so quietly positioned was another hunter of sorts. Of course none could have guessed that fate would draw such unlikely allies to the same rundown location, but then who was to decide such things anyway? Of course it wasn’t entirely luck, Shahid had been carefully tracking someone. An individual he heard shared a common enemy, and more importantly, they were said to possess some real fighting power.
He had spent the better part of three days within the confines of that dingy hole, waiting patiently to hear word on his subject. Talking privately to the homeless or the intoxicated, gathering hints and glimmers of knowledge here and there. He had been searching for the Reaper Slayer, though her exact form changed from rumor to rumor, the name seemed universal enough to rely upon. How strange that he would hear it this evening among the clamor of voices.

"Baam, I'm only going to be here for one night."

A smile crept over his ebony lips, she had come at last. Quickly he rose up throwing his arm dramatically in the air to catch the attentions of those about. With a proper bow he produced his lyre and announced with a clear and prompt voice.

“My friends… a song for those who have lost love.”

Calmly the drow’s fingers went to work moving with graceful poise, plucking and striking the strings of his instrument with a fluidity that showcased his familiarity with his song of choice. The melody that ebbed from those strings was serene and lonely, it begged of forgiveness and ached for happier times. A sad prominent requiem that washed all about the dark elf.
His pale blue orbs opened calmly watching Baam with a passive stare. If the feline was clever she could catch his innuendo, if not he would simply address her at another time. For now though the song required his attention, and as he wound through the final notes he could feel the hollowness of its melody fade off into nothingness. Sadness gripped him privately, he loved the song, but he loved it more when accompanied by a flute.

Most of his features were tucked beneath the veil of his mask, not that it mattered Shahid was well versed in hiding his expressions. Yet his unwavering gaze never left Baam once it had locked upon her visage. This alone was enough and her attention was well received, silently he congratulated her for being more clever then most. Time was a precious commodity and the sooner they could rally their collective strength, the sooner they could start undoing the Dark Lord’s work.
She was drawn in and with the diversion delivered it was time to start explaining. Of course his little stunt was unusual and garnished plenty of other onlookers and curious ears. There was a particular being that seemed engrossed in Shahid’s business. His next words would have to be careful, if the whispers of the streets were to be believed, The Reaper Slayer wasn’t the shy type. It was fine to be blunt or stubborn in the right situation, but obtaining a private meeting with said person may prove difficult yet.
He held onto her yellow eyes delving as deep as he could. Reading what would be gleamed from the topaz gems. Alert to any reaction, to the quiet nuances of physical communication. Being cautious to keep his own behind a masque of neutrality. Gambling on her curiosity to outweigh the strangeness of their meeting, and to hopefully accept what he was about to request next.

“My song only touches the lonely M’lady. Perhaps some company would do you well?”

Sure he hid the truth with sensuality. It was a bold move, but proved far safer then to beg for a secret audience. If the wrong ears caught what he really wished to discuss, it could end with the both of them laying gutted in some ditch. Worse still they could be turned over to Lord Lupis and who knows what bitter death waited in his vile keep.

“I promise to make it worth your while…”

Lupis, still smiling evily, walked over to the far corner of the room to an intercom type machine. It was quite ingenious, he had to say, the machine work as when someone spoke into the control tube the sound would be amplified through brass tubing until it gto to the rooms of his minions
"listen up! We have a grudge macth on our hands" his metallic voice sounded on the intercom "remember the raid on Geovich a couple of weeks ago? Well some survivors have risen up to take back what is suppsodly theirs... i need you maggots to go and teach them a lesson" he stopped the intercom message and sat down on one of the plush seats of his large room

The moment was tense and though it likely didn’t register there was a second of doubt. Despair threatened to take him when she took the hilt of her blade. Of course he didn’t respond, just kept her gaze. Making sure to keep his hands where they were, he didn’t wish to fight with anyone. Patiently he rode the storm, waiting for the threatening air to pass. When she relented he allowed himself a deep breath.

"Yes, company would be nice."

The very words he wanted to hear. She retreated deeper into the recesses of the Inn, and behind her the dark elf followed. Listening carefully to make sure no one else was going to try and eavesdrop. What Shahid had to share was important to him. Constantly his eyes were darting here and there, searching the shadows for any intruders tucked away in the hall. Call it paranoia but the careless were quickly dead in his personal experience.

The rooms of the Inn were far from unfamiliar, after all he had spent a few nights here before this chance meeting. He was somewhat disgruntled to find the feline’s room far more quaint and livable then his own. The only theory he could concoct was that the nicer rooms were reserved for the ladies. Not that it mattered ultimately, but it was the little things that tended to catch him. It was only a momentary distraction however as Baam shut the door and began the obvious questions. Ultimately asking for what anyone would in her predicament, the truth.
The awkward minutes passed by in silence Shahid was busy thinking through his words. Deciding in private what was to be revealed. He meant no offense to Baam, and oddly trusted her far more then what was safe already. Yet there were matters that he hadn’t entirely worked out, and secrets too dangerous or damning to explain right now. The stifled air was stagnant with its emptiness. It was long before he parted his lips to speak.

“Your reputation far exceeds you Reaper Slayer. I know much of you, for instance, I know that your common name is Baam. Many say it is a nickname given for your magical powers. Some say its because you dabble in alchemic explosives. There are many rumors and tales in fact that involve your name alone. I know you’re not what you appear to be on the surface, and I know that your seeking revenge.”

He paused only briefly tilting his head toward the right shoulder. Angling his long ears toward the doorway. Listening for any wandering footsteps to perch themselves at the door.

“I know of you from the overlooked. The homeless or the nomadic, especially children, often see and know far more then you would guess. With the exchange of my services I’ve been able to understand much. Of course finding you was difficult, I’ve been hounding your footsteps for sometime now…”

He stole a long breath gathering the will and courage to continue. The delivery was hushed and his voice softened. His stare gained an intensity and his stance was rigid, uncomfortable from the thoughts that plagued him.

“I… He took something precious from me. Lupis that is. When I heard the legendary Reaper Slayer also had it in for… I had to find you. Please-”

Quickly he cast himself upon one knee. His right arm extended to the floor bracing his body, his head dipped low in a bow so that the lengths of his hair overshadowed him.
“Please,” he begged. “I need your help. I can’t.. I can’t bear it.”

There was a voice over the loud-speaker. It was orders. The knock on the door subsided and whoever was there seemed to be pitterpattering off in another direction.

"Listen up! We have a grudge macth on our hands. Remember the raid on Geovich a couple of weeks ago? Well some survivors have risen up to take back what is supposedly theirs... I need you maggots to go and teach them a lesson"

Nen stood up to the sounds and gracefully danced over to the door, which she creaked open and stepped into the bustling hallways. Many of these so called "maggots" were scurrying about trying to find every bit of supplies they could before approaching Lupis or another guard about their specific orders. Nen, on the other hand, had all she needed and knew very well what her orders were going to be. She could either go carry them out without conformation, or speak with the head guard and be on her best behavior. Nen chose to speak with the head guard, she wasn't in the mood to be carrying out anything unless it was specified. Usually, though, she was not in the mood for anything. There was nothing to be in the mood for.
Nen approached Raos, knowing he would accompany her on this mission.
"Raos, my friend, we have been summoned. Would you please follow me on this mission?"

Lupis' order had been relayed, an attack on the remnants of rebel elements in Geovich. Why would they even challenge Lord Lupis again was the last beating not enough for them, had they not suffered enough already? It would be better to throw away whatever pride they were clinging to and submit, that would make it easier on them, would it not? Raos thought to himself as if to convince himself of the thought. A voice broke him away from his thoughts, Nen had been the one to call out to him asking him to follow her lead on this mission. Nen was a fellow subordinate to Lupis, an elf who if he remembered correctly was a reaper. Reaper... something about that word made him want to remember his past as if it was important somehow.

"Very well Nen, I differ to your leadership." he responded to her before he lost himself to his thoughts again.

"Very well, follow me." Nen did not even give Raos a second glance as she turned in the direction of the main hall. She decided to go to Lupis himself on what the best way of acting on this mission should be, since it has been a while since any action has been conveyed to them. Her steps were light and delicate, her feet barley left the wooden floor they stepped upon. Nen did not convey it, but somewhere deep inside her emotionless heart she was happy that Raos was following her lead once again. Their partnership has been successful in the past and should be more successful in the future.
Nen did not check once if Raos was actually following, for some reason she trusted him. Trust did not come easily to her so she hoped that it would not betray her this time. They reached a large door with hand crafted decal wrapped around every inch of its wooden surface. Nen took out her flute, she found it was easier than knocking with her delicate fingers. A kind but loud note escaped her flute and entered the doors, probably making many a man's ears ring.

Raos obeyed Nen's words and began to follow her like she asked. His harsh deep thumps against the wood causing them to creak as he walked were a sharp contrast to Nen's lighter than air steps as she seemed to almost glide atop the wood. Raos cared little if he was following or leading as long as the task got done it didn't matter much. He thought he wouldn't have made a good leader anyhow as he sometimes lost himself in battle. Nen reached the door to Lord Lupis' throne room, the doors were an expertly crafted mahogany, and she proceeded to reveal the flute that she was hardly seen with out and play a single loud note that rang through Raos' ears. The two subordinates dared not open the door themselves unless told to do so, or at least Raos himself wouldn't.

There was much enlightenment in Baam’s words. So much of the information Shahid had recovered was muddled or outrageous. It was through her response he was able to gleam some hard truths. He now understood the nature of her name, and more importantly that she possessed some kind of might. Her confidence assured that any boast could be well enforced. That was well, for the dark elf needed warriors to aid him on his quest.
He rose and took a bow of thanks, clasping his hands together in a style likely traditional for his people. Listening patiently as she wrapped up her questions. Of course he was prepared to answer what he felt was necessary. Once more he allowed some quietness take the room, listening for stragglers. Once satisfied the conversation carried on.

“I am called Shahid. The Martyr from the Black Sands. Take from that what you can, for now it must do. We are in no place to discuss my talents so openly. In fact there is too much to risk to even begin planning. So I have only one question. When are you leaving again?”

The quizzing was odd not to mention abrasive but he knew that danger lurked everywhere where Lupis’ empire controlled. Even a battered rundown Inn like the one they occupied could prove perilous. Tonight warranted caution.

He nodded in agreement with Baam for her traveling strategies. The light of the early morning had an enchantment on those who lacked the nocturnal instinct. Groggy minds and bleary eyes rarely stopped to question the comings and goings of others. It was a time of ignorance and peace, he loved the first dawn’s light for many reasons. The strange feline was surprising, but then in retrospect someone who was confident enough to hunt Reapers had to know a few things.
What needed to be discussed had already come and gone. He was ready to depart and what guard he possessed had been dropped. Calmly he went toward the door his hand outstretched to take the knob, when a knock ebbed from the other side. Fear came first, a survivalist reaction. His body swept beside its hinge, leaning against the wall. In silence he managed to free a single katana from its holster bringing its blade vertical beside him. He glanced to Baam nodding toward her letting the feline know he was poised to fell whatever stepped through the doorway.
Many thoughts deep and dark possessed his mind. Had Lupis found him? Had slavers finally discovered his healing arts? Perhaps they had found Baam and wished to kill her. Bounty hunters, Reapers, shock troops. There could be anything beyond that wooden frame. No matter what emerged into the room he was steadfast and set for battle. It was up to her to allow it access.

Lupis got up from the plush seat as he heard the single note from a flute, Nen's flute to be exact. He walked up to the door and opened it wide, surprising the guards which stood by the door.
"What have you come here for?" he asked, sighing. He though that these guys would know what to do to the small rebellion, it was a seek and destroy mission. Lupis had enough honour not to sneak on a target he thought to be unworthy of such a skill.

"What have you come here for?"
Nen placed her flute back in its pouch. She moved and curtsied slightly towards Lupis.

"I have come for direct orders for the lord himself, sir," Nen responded with delicate tones.
Nen had nothing to hide from him, though there was something odd about her going to him for orders. She then motioned to Raos, telling him to step foreward and pay his respects. Nen has a thing for power, and to abuse it whenever she does come across it. With Raos she had the delight to have him under her wing. This, to her, would be more than just a small joy in her life.