Linde Xe' Almna's Story

Lonán, stroking Hawk’s snout as he listened to The discussion of their current place to rest their head a few days, and the arrangements thereof only nodded. To say he was a bit sour about using up his entire purse was an understatement, and the fact he was getting hungry didn’t help lessen that mood. At least he’d have a room to meditate in, and perhaps clean and maintain his weaponry in too.

At the mention of Kyero’s Dagger, or at least the metal thereof, made him fill with a small hint of regret for his grandfather, who had heard of such metals but could only dream of creating something of it. His ‘Magnum Opus’ as it were. But dreams, the Old Wolf claimed were for those who didn’t work hard to perfect their skills. Lonán Mentally shook the memory from his head, as he unburdened hawk of his things and hugged him. ”Be good my friend, keep Bree from trouble. If anyone tries anything kick them or run.” He said quietly to him. The horse chuffed and shook his head to get him off. ”If it weren’t for me calming your attitude you’d be at Uncle’s Knackery. Ass.” He joked as he walked to the inn.

”And Yes, I agree we need to fill our bellies first and formost. Find someplace decent to eat and all that.” He commented, as his stomach began to growl like an angry tiger at the thought of it. He entered his room and began to set the things he carried down. He then set up anything unimportant for an alarm for intruders. He nodded to himself in satisfaction and looked about his clothing for something decent, preparing for the rest of the day ahead, with questions to possibly ask to Planning for the weeks ahead.

Linde nodded as the proposal was accepted.

"All right then. The girls and I will room together in the center room. You boys can take one room on either side."

Kyero nodded, pulling his hood down a little farther and entering the inn to quickly make his way to his room and shut himself in.

When Kyero was inside and tucked away, Linde helped move Aetrius and Okumi into the central room with her. They had Kyero's assistance in moving one of the beds over to accommodate three of them in one room. Once that was done, Kyero returned to his room to await the call to the meeting.

Linde and Aetrius had a conversation, with Okumi chiming in a tiny bit as well, about how to proceed. And the general consensus was that they couldn't do much of anything with all of their money spent on these rooms. Aetrius would have to take a bounty or two to find some cash while the others did what they could around this area to find anything they could about Kieran's whereabouts.

Aetrius described her for them so they'd know what to ask after, and then left them to find a bounty. Kyero as well decided to assist, but chose to go for more high profile targets. Given that he was the Red-Eyed Demon, it was what he lived for, essentially. Linde wasn't too happy about him killing anyone, but a bounty was a bounty. And it was fair work.

Kyero departed with Aetrius, heading for the nearest bounty hunter establishment to find the best work they could to help sustain their efforts here.

Meanwhile, Linde kept Okumi company. She helped her pick out another outfit for this trip, one a little more robust than the cute dress she'd gotten before. She wanted her to preserve her shrine maiden outfit as much as possible. So she got Okumi a simple kimono-like robe with a tiny bit of leather armor covering the breast/heart area. She wanted her to stay as safe as possible without attempting to look imposing or like a warrior. No need to draw unwanted attention to her. Not in this city.

When that was over, they both got together with Lonan to discuss what to do.

"While Kyero and Aetrius collect bounties, I think it would be prudent for us to get familiar with the layout of the city. I'll take Okumi with me to map out the area for us so we can plan emergency escape routes back to the inn, and so we get the gist of what's around us. Lonan, I want you to take Aetrius' description and inquire around the city as casually as possible. Try not to ask directly about her. Just drop hints in conversation about a woman of her description and see who bites. If you think you find someone who knows something, take a mental note of them and we'll send Kyero to investigate further when he comes back. Does that make sense?"

Lonán listened to Linde’s instructions implicitly and nodded. ”Ask around, inform Kyero of the ones who know something, do it discreetly. Understood.” He said, at the same time absorbing the description of Aetrius’ friend In the back of his mind. He nodded to himself and waited for another minute before he went out into the city with a “wish me luck” stated to the remaining people at the Prancing Pony.

Now if he wanted to find info and gossip while he was still fresh, he knew of only one place to wander to. In every city, be it capital or not, there would always be the gambling house. Gambling. He hated it but he also enjoyed the concept of it. A battle of luck, wits, and games. One would either know how to win and quit when you had soundly proven yourself good or you’re not so good and owe thirty thousand in debts, dishonoring yourself and your family’s honor, and screwing up your child’s chances of going to the military to attain greater honor.

Lonán was soundly familiar with the latter, and vowed to be a master of the former. Of course, whenever he decided to write to home, he only addressed his mother or The Old Wolf. He wasn’t on speaking terms with him anymore. The mere thought of him made him angry, his right hand quivering to draw out his sword in public and rant and rave-

”Stop. Take a breath. No need to get worked up or severely stressed.” He thought, putting common sense and the appointed task at hand. This woman named Kieran. It was then his eyes finally settled on the destination he wanted to see. A medium sized tavern known to also be a gambling den. Perfect place to start sifting for information on who they were looking for! Nodding to himself in affirmation to what he intended to do, the Saharan Warrior ventured towards it, where he could begin his intel gathering by first familiarizing the waters of the potential Gossip Trade....

---

From the day Okumi had met Linde, Kyero, Aetrius and Lonán, the days had moved by so quickly, it was all a bit of a blur. Perhaps she was having so much fun, time was going by faster? Or perhaps, it was something else entirely? Sitting in the Inn, alone for the moment as Linde had stepped out while everyone else had headed to work, Okumi thought back over the past few days travelling, recalling how she got herself into all this mess, and why she was considering such a risky plan. The first couple of days with everyone had been pleasant enough, Okumi hadn’t noticed it at that point. Maybe she was blinded by the novelty of being amongst so much company for a change? Clad in the white dress Linde bought her, Okumi partook in sitting and listening with the others, allowing time for her wounds to heal under Linde’s care. Now aware of Okumi’s condition, Linde was more than accommodating to the strange habits of the strange shrine maiden, and whether out of politeness or disinterest, the remainder of the group didn’t question her silence or the mask that she wore.

When the group finally hit the road to leave Atlum and head for Veilbrand, Okumi thought that it would be the end of such pleasant exchanges. After all, she was a shrine maiden, and though she appreciated the offer to head to Veilbrand, her home was here in the mountains. She’d already been away for two nights, so the chickens were probably restless. Still, it would be worth it – She’d been rewarded with a horse for her good deeds, and even though that wasn’t the most useful in her position as a shrine maiden, it would be another companion to amuse herself with once back at the temple. She’d have to think of a name for the fellow. Alas… That wasn’t to be. The sight that greeted Okumi and the group was not one of a simple and well-kept shrine, and as the group watched Okumi rush around exploring the debris and wreckage, it became pretty clear what had happened in her absence. The entire site had been razed, her shack burned to the ground; the small, stone structure for tributes and prayer snapped in two; but worst of all, the fields she’d cultivated and the chicken coop had been utterly destroyed. Nothing of hers remained. It was all gone. She’d lost her home once more.

Whether it had been the bandits from Atlum or another party, Okumi couldn’t be certain. Still, it left her heart heavy, and so it was with a solemn expression and the faintest of tears in her eyes, the shrine maiden accompanied the group to Veilbrand. Pity. She hated being pitied, but it seemed that was all she was good for. That and following death wherever it went. Okumi was an optimist, someone who always tried to see the positive in things, and this was no exception. Perhaps it was a sign to remain with her new companions, to explore further in the world? And yet… Something in the back of her mind nagged at her. Ever since that day, it seemed nothing but ruin followed her. She’d always thought that the plant she’d plucked had been cursed. Now, she wondered if perhaps it was her that was a blight on the world around her…

---

Travelling with the group, Okumi couldn’t help but marvel at how amazing they all were. All so strong in their own way. On one particularly notable day, she got to hear firsthand the hardships and strengths of the people she now called friends. Or at least… The ones that called her friend. Okumi appreciated their company dearly but… She wasn’t sure if they even liked her. Slowly, her insecurities continued to eat at her. She was something pitiable. Disgraceful. Perhaps they only kept her company because they felt sorry for her? These people… They were warriors. Fighters. Assassins. People that fought against such hardship and strived to make something of themselves. Even now, as they travelled, they had goals and aspirations not just for themselves, but for the world or their legacy. Lonán sought to bring acclaim and recognition of his family name, to become a warrior legend and perhaps something of a hero. Aetrius, for all her gruffness, showed a softer side; and hinted that perhaps she wanted to do more than just fight for a living, if her tale was anything to go by. Not to mention that they were already on a quest to save her sister. Linde too, wanted to help others. To be there for anyone in need, and had already proved that she was living by those ideals. Even Kyero, who didn’t share his story, was trying to be something more than a death-bringer, if Linde’s earlier conversation was anything to go by. Then there was Okumi… When it came time for her to tell a story, she looked downcast. Soon enough, everyone realized that she couldn’t really give much of anything, especially while riding. Linde played it off with an apology and a joke but…

It hurt. To have friends this close, sharing things so dear to them and yet… Why couldn’t she speak? It wasn’t that she didn’t have a voice, and it wouldn’t cause her that much discomfort to tell a story with her mask on, so why…? Why couldn’t she..? Why…? Squeezing the reigns of the horse tighter, Okumi clenched her eyes shut. She could have told them of her past. Gotten that off her chest, become closer to them. That would have been fair. So why hadn’t she? And why was she even asking herself questions she knew the answer to? She was unlike Lonán, Aetrius, Linde, and even Kyero. They all had something she lacked. They all endured hardships, but now? Now, they were living for something more than just themselves. Okumi couldn’t say that about herself. She wasn’t fighting to live. She was living to die. Justify it all she wanted, but knowing what she carried. The danger she posed to everyone around her, the safest thing she could do for everyone… Was die. But she hadn’t. She’d buried that deep down inside of her, played it off like she was living on for her family to try and continue their legacy, but really, she didn’t care about that. She never really had. The truth was that she was afraid. Scared to die, and scared of what death might bring. Guilt and fear was the only thing keeping her alive. That’s why… That’s why…

---

Ukron brought with it festivities and more sorrow. The cold weather was beautiful, but also bitter. Falling snow was such an ephemeral thing. Sitting by herself on a bench, Okumi watched people enjoy the songs and dance, smiling in vicarious appreciation as Linde and Aetrius shared a moment together. It was tender, sweet and warm, even in the chilly night. Okumi was happy for them. In fact, the spirited music even began to coax the reserved shrine maiden to act. She always did enjoy dancing and fun, that was the one part of being a shrine maiden that she’d truly loved. The traditional dances were a challenge, and something special to break up the typical routine. Perhaps, she could let herself go for a change, dance for a bit…? Sitting up, Okumi began to take a step to join them, before suddenly, she couldn’t help but start coughing. Turning away, she wondered if it was the cold getting to her. It wouldn’t do her well to get sicker than she already was. Still, she could feel something on the inside of her mask, so she’d need to clean it or swap to one of her fresh ones.

Deciding to do so before dancing, especially since she’d likely work up a sweat if she really got into it, Okumi moved out of sight to trade out the mask. What she saw froze her stiff, the girl stealing a glance to either side of her, but the laughter from the center of the town confirmed that everyone was distracted with their own activities. Trembling slightly, Okumi quickly changed out her mask, taking a moment to move over to one of the torches that lined the houses for the night’s festivities. Holding her old mask over the flame, Okumi let it burn to ash and vanish amongst the snow. There was no trace of what had been there, but that didn’t change what she saw.

That was the first night Okumi noticed blood in her mask.

---

Continuing to Veilbrand, Okumi continued to think to herself about a great deal of things. More than the people she was travelling with, what was it she wanted? She did want to help Aetrius find Kieran, that was true but… What then? What was her purpose in this world? Did she even really belong with the group? They could all fight so well and contribute so much, but Okumi… Didn’t. She felt like a bystander, simply there, existing rather than actually doing anything to help. Was this… Should she be using her time like this..? Okumi hadn’t mentioned that night in Ukron to Linde. That woman would simply pity and worry for Okumi more if that was the case. Not to mention… Glancing over to Aetrius as Linde told her ‘story’, the shrine maiden smiled. Those two seemed to be hitting it off well, flirting every now and then. To bring up her own issues would be inappropriate. She wanted them to enjoy their time together; not guilt those around her into spending more time with her. Besides, there wasn’t much that could be done. No, she’d rather her companions be happy, showing them the same courtesy they showed her. And beyond that, Kieran was the priority. Besides, it could have been a one off.

As Lonán laughed and everyone seemed to enjoy themselves from Linde’s antics, Okumi played the part and smiled as well. Yes, this was the right choice. Just like she’d decided back then. This was her burden to bare.

---

Watching Aetrius save the girl from the slaver was admirable. Once again, Okumi was reminded on how much of a different level Korriban was compared to her. The strength and speed of a true warrior was something not to be underestimated. When Linde decided to follow up however, Okumi watched in stunned silence. True, she agreed that there was nothing more despicable than… that. But… Even so… She could never bring herself to do something like what Linde did. Crippling that man… It was far crueler than death. In fact, in this sort of world, Okumi knew it was basically a death sentence. Not being able to defend or provide for oneself, especially a man of his nature… No one would care for him. Maybe he’d starve, or someone would end his life in a mercy killing but… The fear of death… Okumi knew it well. She didn’t wish pain or suffering on anyone. Perhaps that was her weakness but… She couldn’t stomach it at all. Okumi didn’t agree with slaughtering those bandits back in Atlum, and for similar reasons, she couldn’t condone what happened to the man in front of her. Low as he was. Glancing amongst Linde and everyone else, she saw their expressions. They were… Happy about it. Well, happy may not have been the right word, but they certainly didn’t have the twisted feeling in their stomach like Okumi did. Pretending to be amused with the scenery, Okumi was glad her mask hid her expression for the most part. It was becoming clearer to her how much of an outcast she really was. Her values were different, and she wasn’t as capable as the others. All she would do is hold them back. She… Didn’t belong.

In a daze as she thought through everything, Okumi remained silent as usual while she waited for Aetrius and Linde to go about their work, gently stroking her horse’s mane as she waited. It provided some comfort for the turmoil in her heart and mind. When they finally got to the inn, they all discussed the plan for finding Kieran and procuring funds, Okumi half-heartedly chipping in to the process. She’d been nothing but another mouth to feed. A sink of money and time. Not only that, but she wasn’t much use in work. She wasn’t strong, and not being able to communicate meant that there wasn’t much of anything she could do to bring income to the group. Despite her best efforts to refuse, Linde insisted on buying Okumi another outfit to suit the weather. Perhaps subconsciously, she’d noticed the cues in Okumi’s behavior caused by the dissonance in her mind? Regardless, Okumi felt even worse. Here they were needing to save money, and yet, Linde was still looking out for her. Okumi’s hand trembled. She felt useless. She hated that feeling. It reminded her of back then.

Later, Okumi and Linde headed out to map the town for escape routes to the Inn. Okumi was in charge of the drawing, which was easy enough. Linde easily could have done the task on her own, so this was clearly just a way of keeping Okumi out of danger and making her feel useful. She appreciated the effort but… Again, it didn’t sit right with her. Pity… Being useless… Okumi was sick of it. She was going to have to do something.

Waiting until nightfall was easy enough. After they were done with their tasks, Linde and Okumi went back to the Inn to wait for Aetrius’ return. Even though it was quite late, Linde was restless waiting for Korriban, possibly out of worry, but the two had clearly grown closer of the weeks travelling. In fact, Okumi was counting on that fact to get her opportunity. When Aetrius returned, performing the signature knock, Okumi let Linde answer the door. Seeing them make chatter, the Shrine Maiden moved up. After a series of gestures, starting first with taking hold of Aetrius’ and Linde’s hand to bring them together; then pointing in turn to Okumi herself, a spot just outside the door, and then the clock on the wall, making a ‘10’ sign with her hands, the Shrine Maiden intended to give the two some alone time in the room to catch up. She had no doubt they’d accept, even if they didn’t do much with it. Besides, both would know it was common for Okumi to take moments alone, given her condition. What they didn’t know, was that Okumi had no intention of just waiting there.

Heading out into the night alone would be foolish. A lone woman would likely be the target of unscrupulous people and at risk of so much. But that was what Okumi was counting on. It was impulsive, but she’d come up with a plan to help locate Kieran. What better place to do so then from the inside? After all, she’d worked out where the… ‘Seedier’ district was when she’d gone mapping with Linde. If she wandered around there, someone would try to lure her in, maybe kidnap her; and from there, it would be relatively easy to ask around the other slaves to find Kieran. As long as she made some sort of obvious mark or signal that the others could find; they’d be able to close in and rescue them, and best of all, all the money they’d earned wouldn’t have to go to the inn since she’d have saved them so much time. It was a flawless plan! And incredibly naïve. Oblivious to the dangers of such a town and the things people could do, Okumi had no idea what she was getting herself into. She didn’t even notice the men around her before a bag was over her head, and the world faded to darkness…

It was time to work.

As soon as he said farewell to Aetrius, he departed the Hunter's Cabin and slipped into the shadows of the city.

The sun was setting, and as the twilight engulfed Valoc Kyero reappeared from the darkness of the city's shadowy landscape near the edge of a building overlooking the slums. It was almost a literal divide between the two. On Kyero's side, the Noble sector. In front of and below him, the slums where the sector's refuse gathered to eek out a less-than meager existence.

Kyero's eyes glowed softly beneath his hood, scanning the world below for any sign of his quarry.

Slowly, as the sun descended further and the shadows overtook his position, his eyes flashed brightly and he disappeared into the darkness once again.

Abandoning his brown cloak in favor of his all-black outfit beneath, he moved through the shadows as if one of their own. There was no sound to his steps despite his weight and equipment. Several throwing daggers kept tight to his frame via leather sheaths and cloth underside to prevent creaking and groaning as it flexed and bent. His smoke bomb pouch, which he'd since filled with two extra, giving him three in total. Luckily they were small and made of a softer outer material so they didn't create much noise in the first place. He had a wrist band of poison darts around his right wrist, a series of star shurikens around a strap across his chest and back, and his Twin Daggers, made of orichalcum.

Despite its nigh indestructibility, the material itself was remarkably light weight. Each blade, 14" long from butt of the handle to tip of the blade, barely weighed more than two pounds in total.

Moving quietly through the darkness, he slowed his breathing and the light in his eyes faded, helping further cloak him in the void.

Slinking through the night, he observed the refuse of the slums. Their conversations. Their movement patterns and mannerisms. Their posture. Their skin tone. Their quality of their voices. Their physical ticks and quirks. And he began to see a pattern.

As he continued to sneak through the darkness, he happened across a group of men who didn't fit the pattern. Their clothing was not as ragged. Their voices clear and seemingly well taken care of. Their posture was taller and straighter. Their movements more coordinated and refined... These men weren't refuse.

Kyero sat quietly in the shadows, listening to their conversation.

"We have to do something."

"Yes. But what, exactly?"

"I don't know!"

"You never know."

"Mind your tongue!"

"It is but the truth. You are always the first to say we need a plan, but always one of the last to actually make one."

"I swear if you were not a business colleague-"

"You'd what, exactly?"

"..."

"I didn't think so."

"Gentlemen, please. We must focus on what's at hand."

This group was of noble status... That was certain with the way they were speaking with one another.

"The issue here is that there is a bounty on our associate's head. We need to find a way to get rid of it. If his business suffers because of this charade, ours will as well."

"Mm."

"Agreed... So what do we do?"

"We must find a way to remove the bounty. Perhaps killing the ones posting them?"

"That would draw attention to the bounty boards and we don't need that. Especially if we are unable to ensure all of the copies of the bounty are destroyed."

"Yes. A better plan would be to simply pay off the bounty hunter proprietors. Keep that bounty from appearing on the walls."

"But who knows how much that could cost! We should-"

Blah, blah, blah. Yadda, yadda, yadda.

Kyero was growing bored. This was one of the few things he actually despised about his work as an assassin... The listening to people like this go on about what they perceived to be "problems." Let one of them try actually living as a member of the city's refuse for a few weeks and see how they cope. But no. He needed to keep focused.

Their conversation eventually led them to the conclusion that they needed to meet with him. His name, evidently, was 'Kiltrap,' a rather interesting choice for a moniker. Kyero followed them to a residence further up the slums to the Northwest, near the very edge of the city and the walls. As they entered the residence, Kyero's eyes began glowing with a darker shade of red as he slowly disappeared, red glow and all, into the darkness of the night.

Inside the residence, the men from earlier walked up a rickety flight of stairs to the second floor where they entered a back room after a few rhythmic knocks. A pass code, no doubt. And as they all entered the room there was a soft whiff of air that went past them. They turned around, but there was nothing there. Just the empty hallway and the stairs. All the windows were closed.

"... Peculiar."

"Let's go."

They closed the door and moved to the back of the room, and there they beheld Kiltrap, as he was calling himself, sitting in a chair, wearing a cloak, and reading a book.

"Gentlemen... What can I do for you?"

His voice was deeper and more ominous than they'd previously dared to hope. He was their business associate, but they'd never met him in person before. He was also larger and more intimidating than they'd thought, easily being a man of 6' 7" in height and weighing likely 240+ pounds of muscle. A large and very imposing man.

"Kiltrap, I presume?"

"Yes... What do you want?

"We are some of your business associates. Perhaps you've heard of me?"

"What is your name?"

"Herald Gould. I run a-"

"A fence chain for thieves to sell their goods cleanly and without a paper trail, disguised as a local jewelry store in the Western district."

"Ah, so you do know of me?"

"Hmph. I know of your business. I was planning to take it over by the end of this year. But current circumstances have delayed those plans."

"Y-y-you were... What?"

"You heard me. Your business has potential, but you're not using it properly. It will become more profitable under MY control." He said, flipping a page in his book.

"Y-you... You slimey-"

"Mind yourself." He said, his stone cold ice-blue eyes appearing from beneath his hood.

"Even at this distance I could kill you in less than a second... Do not cross me."

The man shut his mouth, but tried to remain stoic and look unimpressed and unafraid.

............. This man... Kiltrap... Was he?

Kiltrap closed his book and stood to his full height, his head just inches from the ceiling.

"Do not waste my time, gentlemen. Though I choose to go into hiding for my own safety, my businesses are safe and secure despite this bounty. Even IF it were possible for someone to find and take my head, my businesses are set up to continue functioning without me."

... He has to be.

Kyero didn't know everyone in the organization, but there was a certain layer of confidence they all seemed to share. And this man had it in spades.

Now, see here! Your businesses, no matter your belief in their security, have come under fire. If the fall, so do ours."

"Because yours are poorly put together with nary a foundational platform to stand on. Mine shall endure regardless of what happens to me or what the opposition tries to do. Now, if you've nothing left to show me... Stop wasting my time."

"Nobody speaks to me like that and gets away with it."

The man pulled out a hidden flintlock pistol, cocked, the hammer, and took aim at Kiltrap's head.

"Either retract your crude statements, or prepare to die."

Kiltrap only smiled, and walked over to the wall on their left where he tapped his finger against the top of a bookshelf. He looked at the men with those icy-blue eyes, and his smile faded. His fingers curled around the bookshelf top, and he pulled back on it a little. A "click" was heard, and a moment later a smoke bomb, the same Kyero had used in the village to defend against the bandits, dropped from the ceiling to the men's feet where it went off and shrouded the room in darkness.

Kyero's vision went to absolute zero, but he still heard what followed. Kiltrap had moved in, killing the three men under cover of the smoke. Their screams were all cut short and silenced, and as the smoke cleared a massive pool of blood had filled the room near the entrance. The three men were laying there, all with their throats slashed open. With their carotid arteries and jugulars opened up, and their hearts pumping rapidly from fear and panic, they lost all the blood in their bodies in a matter of about a minute or less.

Kiltrap cleaned his blade casually on his pants, and sheathed it as he went to sit down and continue reading his book.

Kyero observed the man quietly from his corner, breathing quietly and slowly to reduce the glow in his eyes to nothing. He had to remain concealed. If Kiltrap rose and came for him, the battle would get very ugly, very quickly.

Kyero was around 6' 2" in height, but this man still towered over him at around 6' 7" with at least 40 pounds of muscle on him, if not more. He was fast, too. Kyero heard the sounds of the struggle and heard exactly three slices, all within about two seconds of one another. The fact that it was all from under the cover of smoke and from a distance of about fifteen feet from Kiltrap to their position...

There left no question.

Kiltrap was once a member of Te'i Sai, likely banished for malevolent practice or breaking one of Te'i Sai's tenets. As for his rank, there was little question of that either. Kiltrap had been a Master Assassin. His speed, calmness under pressure, and his efficiency all spoke to that.

Kyero, as the Red-Eyed Demon and having been trained by the Grandmaster himself, was the equivalent of a Master Assassin in terms of rank. But in terms of sheer strength and experience, Kiltrap had the edge. He was at least in his early 40's, and had a lifetime's worth of experience. Anyone could see that. Kyero was not going to be able to sneak up on this man so easily. And with as alert as he was, he was not tired or going to sleep anytime soon.

Kyero needed a new plan. He knew where to find him. Now he needed a better method of approach and execution... He'd need the other's help for this.

At first opportunity, Kyero left the building as Kiltrap moved to another room, and headed back to the inn to reconvene with the others...

-------------------------------------------

Meanwhile, back at the inn, Aetrius arrived and was allowed in by Linde after the knock code they established. When she entered, Linde saw right away that she was covered in blood, small cuts, and bruises. Okumi indicated she was leaving for a bit, but would be back. Linde nodded to her, and ushered Aetrius into the room.

"Please remove that bloodied clothing. I need to grab a few things." She said insistently.

Linde hurried to the corner where she left her tools and started rummaging around in her bag. She placed a few bottles next to her on the shelf, and then a vial of liquid. She grabbed her bandages, and a few pads for dabbing disinfectant, and then went back to Aetrius' side to set all her items on a stool as she sat down next to the bounty hunter.

"Just what did you get yourself into out there?" She asked, more rhetorically than anything else.

Because her wounds were slight, but numerous, Linde sat very close to Aetrius and pulled the stool into her arm's reach. Their hips were touching, but Linde didn't notice. She only paid attention to the fact that she needed to deal with these numerous small wounds. She brought out one bottle, popped the top, and dabbed a bit of the salve onto one of her pads and stared dabbing it on Aetrius' small cuts. They stung a little, but they also cooled the wounds immediately afterwards.

"So many marks... Do you do this to yourself on purpose?" Linde asked playfully with a soft chuckle.

She had turned towards Aetrius to continue her work, pushing the full flat of her leg against Aetrius' leg from hip to knee. She was so close now. Their faces were only around 1 foot apart as Linde examined all of the bruising and sighed.

"You really need to start picking fights you can win without taking so many hits." She chided.

Linde popped another bottle top, and brushed her fingers through it. She brought the salve up to the bruises and, very, very gently, rubbed it into Aetrius' skin. The effect would not take place for several minutes, but Linde assured her that it would help relive the swelling and help prevent it from aching the way most bruises did when you woke up the next day. She continued this for all the bruises she could see until only one remained... The bruise around her throat.

"Oh, Aetrius... What did they do to you?" She said softly to herself.

Linde had just enough of the salve left to finish this, but it was a bit slower than the others because of how large the bruise was and how much of her throat it covered. Linde started on the side closest to her, gently rubbing the salve into Aetrius' flesh with her index and middle fingers. The contact was so tender it was like being massaged by water. Linde slowly worked around to the front of the throat, leaning in a little in front of Aetrius so she could see, putting their faces about 6 inches apart. She then leaned forward, so she could see around to the other side of her neck which brought them within about 3 inches of each other. In fact, despite being completely unaware of it, she was now leaning far enough forward that her left breast was pushing against Aetrius' arm.

Linde's cheek was so close to Aetrius' face that she could feel her breath against her cheek. But she was so focused on her work that she didn't notice...

Finally, Linde completed massaging the salve into Aetrius' neck and leaned back to let out a soft sigh of relief.

"That should do, I think. But please, promise me you'll be more careful. As Kyero says: 'No matter how strong or skilled you might be, to approach without caution is to court death'." She said.

She walked over to the sink and began to wash the salve off her hands, looking at Aetrius over her shoulder.

"You're strong Aetrius. But I think you've become a little too confident in yourself for your own good, based on what I've seen so far. You should exercise more caution in the future. Otherwise these little cuts and bruises are going to turn into something much worse. And I don't know if I'll always be able to fix them for you."

When she was done washing and drying her hands, she walked back over to Aetrius and sat down next to her with a soft and gentle smile.

"Promise?"

Linde observed Aetrius in silence as she gave her response to her promise. She smiled when Aetrius said "Okay," but as soon as she started going into everything else Linde's heart sank. She wasn't sure if Aetrius understood the quote Linde gave her, and worse, it seemed she had found a way to justify and welcome these injuries. And that made Linde very, very sad.

Her face had sunk along with her heart, but when Aetrius apologized at the end a small smile crept onto her lips.

Linde remained perfectly still for a long time, just looking at her friend...

"Aetrius... I am not sure you understood what I was asking you earlier." She whispered.

She calmly walked forward towards Aetrius, and then sat down on her knees in front of her. She reached out and took Aetrius' hands in her own, setting them on Aetrius' lap. However, despite the gentleness of her gesture, her eyes became a bit more stern.

"I don't care about money. I don't care about whether or not you've done this before. And I don't care if you've taken crossbow bolts and lived."

Her hands squeezed Aetrius' hands a little bit tighter.

"What I do care about, Aetrius, is your well being. You're a warrior. Anyone can see that. You've lived through countless battles. You've received innumerable injuries. And you've overcome challenges I've yet to see or comprehend. But still... You are only human."

She gently lifted Aetrius' hands and turned them so they were palms to the ceiling, and set them on Aetrius' lap. She then placed her hands in Aetrius', palms down so her fingers were resting on Aetrius' wrists.

"All of what you have accomplished is wonderful, but at the same time they are part of your past. Part of what made you who you are up until this moment."

She slid her hands up, slowly and tenderly wrapping her fingers around Aetrius' wrists.

"Aetrius, you have become very dear to me in these last couple weeks. Even small wounds like these," she said while gently caressing Aetrius' arms and tracing the cuts and bruises with her fingertips, "can add up over time and cause irreparable damage to your body. All of these scars tell of your exploits, but they are also a build up of damaged muscles and flesh. The more scars you receive, the more easily you will be injured in the future because your skin and muscles can't cope with the continued degradation."

She stood up and leaned forward, bringing her hands up to rest on both of Aetrius' cheeks.

"As your doctor, and as your friend, please promise me you'll take better care of yourself and exercise more caution. Even the best doctors in the world can't fix an excess build up of scar tissue. If you keep disregarding your safety like this... One day you'll receive a wound I cannot mend... And if that day comes..."

Linde started tearing up, the first of several falling down her cheeks as her lower lip trembled and she lurched forward to embrace Aetrius. And in doing so, she smashed her chest into Aetrius', squishing her D Cup breasts against the poor bounty hunter's torso.

"I don't even want to think of the possibility of that day coming! I don't ever want to live to see the day you receive an injury I can't help you heal from! You or anyone else!" She cried, sobbing against Aetrius.

Linde became incoherent. She cried and gripped onto Aetrius for dear life. She sobbed and gasped for breath, trying desperately to speak through it. But it came out as a garbled mess of slurred words and sobs.

Finally, after a few minutes, Linde managed to calm herself down and her sobs turned into soft gasps for breath with a few sniffles mixed in. However, her hold on Aetrius did not waver. She subtly nudged her head towards Aetrius, her ear brushing Aetrius' neck.

"That day... Is my ultimate nightmare." She whispered.

A minute later Linde finally let go of Aetrius and stood up straight. She took in a few deep breaths, sniffling the last one and wiping her eyes. And... Smiled.

"Forgive me... I don't mean to get so emotional about this. But it..." Her lip trembled once again, but she fought it back and prevented more tears... But just barely.

"It really is my worst nightmare to see someone I know and care about in a state from which I can't help them heal. The more you let these small injuries build up, to say nothing of the larger ones..."

Linde took a single step back, her face slipping back into one of helpless fear of the hypothetical situation playing in her head.

"... The more likely my nightmare is to come to life." She said quietly.

Slowly, she covered her mouth with one hand and sobbed once more, fighting back more tears.

Linde wasn't expecting Aetrius to hug her back, let alone so tenderly. It warmed her skin and her heart, and she melted into the hug resting her head against Aetrius' shoulder. And then, Aetrius kissed her head. She felt her face flush, and Aetrius spoke so softly. Like a whisper.

Linde couldn't help but smile.

When she said she wasn't going to let someone else she loved be taken, Linde did not need a translator to understand what Aetrius just said.

Linde's hands, resting on Aetrius' lower back, gently moved in a small circle as her head came back and she looked Aetrius in the eyes.

She still had tear stains on her cheeks, but that smile she gave Aetrius... That calm, endearing smile...

"Thank you, Aetrius." She whispered.

Linde leaned forward, and planted a light kiss on Aetirus' cheek, and moved forward back into a hug. She didn't want to leave Aetrius' protective arms just yet.

Lonán walked through the streets and found himself back at the Prancing Pony. Before he did anything else, he went to the stables to check on Hawk and vent some of the slight frustration at being flirted at by a beautiful barmaid. Hawk took most of it, then blew a huff. Chuckling to himself he quietly made his way into the Inn and off to his room as quiet as he can. He thought he heard Aetrius speaking to Linde, but he decided not to invade on their conversation and do what he intended to do.

Meditate and let the rest of the frustration of being flirted by a stranger out of his system. He closed his room door when he entered and took off his shirt and reached into a pack as ater stoking his fireplace. He’d have some dried meat for his dinner after meditation. Pulling out two sticks of a distinct smell, almost a flowery honeyed scent, he lit the ends of them and set them on a small tray. He then stood up straight and stretched his arms upwards together then pulled them apart, then slowly took a cross legged sitting position, his right hand curling into a fist whilst his left peacefully rested on the closed hand.

”Heresta, In this battle to attain calmness, aid me.” He thought, as he began to breathe the scent deeply in, and slowly exhale. This meditation was made to last for another hour. When it was done, his plan consisted of eating his dinner, then resting his head and wait for the next day, assuming nothing came to interrupt him.

Linde smiled for Aetrius as she very sweetly offered her a piece of dinner, but before Linde could respond a knock came at the door. Linde wiped her tears and approached, asking after who was there. And through the door came Kyero's very distinct voice asking Linde to open it. She did so, and Kyero entered the room and removed his cloak.

He sat down on the floor, cross legged, and folded his arms as Linde sat nearby, watching him. Aetrius knocked on Lonan's wall, and Lonan made his way over. Once everyone was present, save Okumi... Kyero informed them of what he had found out.

"My target was located, but there is a complication... He was once part of Te'i Sai."

Linde gasped, covering her mouth.

"Given his bearing, speed, and efficiency in dispatching those who came to confront him about business, I can only conclude he was once a Master Assassin among Te'i Sai's ranks. He even used the same kind of smoke bombs I use. But the thing is... Only I have ever made this particular kind of bomb. For him to have duplicated it, he must have received the same training I did."

He looked to the others, around the circle.

"His bounty is eight gold, which would last us for a good long time. But if I am to kill him and fulfill the bounty, I'll need help. He's at least six feet, eight inches in height and has almost forty pounds of muscle on me. As skilled as I am, his age and experience will prove a challenge even for me. I learned the hard way years ago not to underestimate anyone, for any reason. And I know that I'll need all of you to help me bring him down."

He blinked, and looked around the group.

"Where is the shrine maiden?"

"Oh... She was with me earlier. But when Aetrius came home she left to give us time to talk. But... I haven't seen her since."

She turned to Lonan.

"Did you see her on the way in?"

Lonán was interrupted of his meditation, and so when he arrived at the meeting, he was well indeed without his shirt as he sat down and listened to Kyero’s hunt. Nodding every now and again. At the thought of eight gold definitely put the thought in his head that it might help him sift more information at the Gambling den. He nodded once more to affirm he’d help Kyero.

”Might have to squeeze in time between asking around but a share of that gold will go a long way.” He thought to himself. His thoughts were interrupted when Kyero asked a potential new worry. Their silent Shrine Maiden was noticeably missing. His eyes briefly widened at the thought of her absence. As Linde explained the last time she had seen Okumi Lonán wondered what she asked.

He tried to think of the right words to say, as his worry began to slightly bubble over, he found himself stammering. ”N-No, I don’t think so, I didn’t see her outside the Inn or anywhere on my route back here from finding promising gossip places... fuck This is not good.” whilst he may be jumping to conclusions, he however jumped to them out of concern and if his fears, that currently now pushed his encounter with Rose aside, were realized, they needed to find and rescue two people now.

Heresta’s Teeth. This became a whole new level of chaos.

As Aetrius announced her intention to leave and began to don her gear, Linde was on her feet almost immediately.

"No, Aetrius. This isn't the time for rash decisions."

Kyero rose to his feet as well.

"I agree." He said as he moved to the door.

"Leave finding Okumi to me."

"No. I will go look for her."

"Aetrius, please. The Demon inside Kyero's body protects him from mental fatigue which means he doesn't need sleep like we do. As well his basic senses are enhanced in darkness whereas yours are hampered. As well as you move in the shadows and as soft as your footsteps are, Kyero has literally been trained for this since infancy. There isn't a person alive who can find someone faster or move more stealthily through the shadows of our world than Kyero... Not even you."

Linde walked over and gently took her hand, hoping she'd see reason and let Kyero do what he literally was born to do.

"Please, Aetrius. Stay with me. With us. Stay and rest. We need you at your best to look for Kieran tomorrow. Kyero will find Okumi and bring her back to us before long. I promise."

She glanced towards the door.

"... Did you even notice his departure?"

If Aetrius looked towards the door, Kyero would be long gone. The door was creaky, the hinges not having been oiled in some time. It creaked every time it opened... Except when Kyero left moments ago. The door was wide open, and there hadn't been a single sound indicating his departure. No footsteps, no creaking door, no floorboards creaking under his weight... Nothing. He was just gone. And all of Aetrius' senses had missed it.

Linde slowly brought Aetrius' hand up and kissed it.

"Please trust in Kyero to find Okumi, Aetrius. You are not here alone, and you don't have to do everything yourself. We are all here to help you find Kieran. And we all have things we can do to accomplish our collected goals... Stay."

Linde's grip on Aetrius' hand tightened slightly once again, and she brought it up to rub it against her cheek with a slight blush in her cheeks.

Lonán was all for trying to go out and find Okumi, But the night was coming on and even though his meditation was still interrupted, he was going to eat his jerky and calling out and going to bed and he was about to voice that while Kyero voiced his going alone and Linde pointing out reasons why it was best. Lonan’s eyes widened when he looked at the door, his eyes widened at the fact that yes, the door did not even announce Kyero’s reason.

”By Heresta...” He murmured out before shaking his head. He watched as Linde kissed Aetrius’ hands and the latter finally relenting to stay, nodding to himself as he went back to his room, thoughts once more on that Barmaid that for the moment captivated him, he’ll most likely be more prepared for her charm the next day. He opened the door, and indeed, it creaked announcing his departure. This made the young Saharan chuckle as he left for his room.

The young man walked into his room, and ate his jerky, and lied down his head and waited for sleep to take him, the smell of incense relaxing him regardless of not meditating. He had a lot of things to do tomorrow. It was going to be a long two weeks for him that was for certain. ”Here’s hoping it doesn’t affect my sanity.” He thought as he closed his eyes and finally slept.

Kyero stole through the night, moving in the shadows as if part of their world. Not a sound was heard. No footsteps. No equipment jostling. Nothing. Just a dark mass moving through the night.

Kyero perched atop the inn, glancing down into the street for even the faintest sign of Okumi's passing. And his sharp eyes spied the faint glint of a lock of silver/white hair in the cobblestone streets illuminated by the moon. In a matter of seconds Kyero was on the ground and picked it up. He glanced at the inn, and then to this spot.

She came this way. But for what reason?

He looked down the street ahead, scanning the buildings and signs to see if anything would have caught the shrine maiden's interest, but he couldn't see anything.

She wouldn't have come here for shopping or food. She must have had another motive for leaving the safety of the inn. But what?

Kyero returned to the rooftops and continued to check the streets, finding another strand of her hair about a block and a half down. But this time, it was not the only thing he found. There were a few small bits of fabric too. Worn out fabric, but when Kyero smelled the fabric he took in a familiar scent and had to clear his nose. He felt the tiniest bit light-headed when he took in that scent. And he knew exactly what it meant.

Khilthruum Powder. A potent powdered sedative. Must have been inside the bag the fabric came from. So she was knocked out here... Where did they take her? He thought.

Kyero looked up towards the street and examined the ground very, very carefully. He knelt down in a near full squat, slowly inching along taking in every individual bit of cobblestone checking for any signs of a struggle or of dragging a victim, etc. But for the moment, he couldn't find anything. But there was one small clue as to the direction the men who took her had gone... A matching boot print from the dirt near where Okumi was taken leading into the shadier part of town.

Kyero's eyes flashed, and he followed the bootprint's direction into the darkness.

The hunt was on... And before long he would find his prey.

-- Meanwhile --

Back at the inn, Linde nodded as Lonan left. Once he was out the door, she jogged over to Aetrius and clasped her hand before she could make it to the bath room. She lifted it to her mouth to kiss it once more, blushing and smiling all the while.

"I didn't smell anything when you held me earlier, just so you know. And I'm glad you're going to stay and rest. Thank you."

She leaned up and kissed Aetrius' cheek before backing away bashfully and going to the kitchen area to wash her hands and start cleaning dishes from their meal.

-- Back in the City --

... Time ticked by, and Kyero stalked through the city like a ghost in the night.

Finally, after following several clues and hints as to where they might have gone, the trail went cold. Kyero looked around and saw what part of town he was in, and he knew there were more than enough people here who would have seen something. He just needed to find the right people to talk to.

He descended to the streets, and began to slink through the shadows until he found several people gathered around a crude fire pit beneath a bridge which crossed over the canal. They were talking about slaves. Where to buy them. Who the best traders were to buy them from. What to look for in the best slaves. And how to spot the most experienced slaves for their pleasure.

Jackpot.

Kyero snuck in close and waited for just the right moment... Three of them turned their heads one way, leaving the fourth vulnerable. Kyero grabbed his shirt, covered his mouth, and pulled him into the shadows before the others returned their gaze. Kyero dragged him quickly and quietly deeper and deeper into the darkness of the alleyways nearby before throwing him against the wall and squatting down over him letting the light in his eyes flash and churn right in front of the man. His voice was caught in his throat, and he couldn't scream for help. All he could do was stare.

In a lower, more ominous voice than usual...

"You speak of slaves. Tell me what you've seen today."

"I-I-I don't know wh-what you're t-t-talking about!"

Kyero's dagger flew through the air and slammed into the wall next to his head.

"... What have you seen today?"

The man stammered a few more times, and Kyero had had enough. He removed the dagger from the wall and slammed it through the meat of the man's thigh. Due to the blade's length, it cut straight through from one side to the other and into the cobblestone ground beneath them. The man screamed in agony, his cries echoing through the alleyways. But there would be no way to pinpoint or find him now.

"Last chance."

Kyero twisted the dagger a little, and the man finally seemed to find his voice.

"O-okay! We saw... GAAGH!!!... We saw several slaves today. Fine ones at that! Th-... They were... Being transported via horse carriage to a local Trademaster."

"Tell me what you saw of them."

"They were fine. Fine! Some of the most beautiful I've seen! Fresh. Unsoiled, even!"

"I am losing my patience..."

The dagger was twisted once again.

"Th-there- AAGHH!!!... There was a local girl. A commoner! Probably taken just today! Older and hand-me-down clothing! But beautiful in the face and body. Another was a noblewoman. Not from here. Taken from somewhere else! Maybe Triveila or something like that!"

"What else?"

"S-some kind of exotic beauty. Not from here. She had short white hair and had been wearing some kind of face mask. Another girl was the daughter of a Tailor who works here in the city. I know the man as a business associate. And then there was-"

Kyero's dagger was pulled free of his leg, but his hand shot out and choked the man to cut him off mid-sentence.

"Where is this Trademaster?"

He loosened his grip just enough for the man to speak.

"H-he's just... Ack... He's... A little ways North of here. Further into the city. Red roof. Gray sign that says 'Passion's Paradise.' Can't miss it."

"If you're lying to me..."

Kyero's dagger came up to the man's throat, slicing through a single layer of skin.

"I will end your miserable life faster than your mind can even recognize your body has died... Am I clear?"

The man nodded furiously, and Kyero let him go and was gone.

Now hot on Okumi's trail, and headed for this Trademaster, Kyero would soon have her back!