Saren Niordan's Story

Kilel Niordan

The mid-morning sun shone down on the crowded bazaar. The scene was reminiscent of the market places in cities Kilel had visited while in exile. Merchants hawked their wares, people haggled over prices, everywhere people bustled about. However, here there was an air distinctly more sinister than in the other cities, and there was also an apparent lack of children, this was not a city for families. This city was one of death, debauchery, and a distinct chaos. As opposed to the cities the exile had lived in before now, there was no rigid rule of law but for those put forth by the various criminal elements, spoken and unspoken. It was a situation that suited his goals quite well, an organized chaos.

Upon his arrival a few weeks ago, Kilel had been pleased to find out just how true the tales were about the city's complete lack of moral bindings. Anything went here, so long as it didn't upset the wrong people, or so long as no witnesses were left to tell the tale. It was quite easy for him to find work here, more than in any other city, someone wanted someone else harmed. The reasons did not matter, so long as the coin was good. Everyone, including himself had their own problems, it was their own duty to solve them by whatever means were most effective. If that interfered with others' lives well, that was just too bad wasn't it? They should have taken better care to stay out of the way. It had taken awhile, but he finally had a decent grasp of the city layout, and where one could and could not walk without undue trouble.

As a new arrival to the city, he had experienced difficulty finding work at first. However it did not take long for him to find that everyone needed a little help in one way or another in this city. It just so happened that the one way was usually a very good beating, and that another was oftentimes a permanent solution to a problem individual. There was just no shortage in the city, all he had to do was sit and watch. Price wars between merchants, fights between bar patrons, turf battles between different groups of some nature or another, disputes over love or ownership, all seemed to welcome the help of an outside...mediator.

Kilel was an interesting sort of person, one ideally suited for life in such a city. Banal matters such as morality, justice, and the like were of no concern to Kilel, there was a single driving force in his life, and it had no use for such worthless sentiments. There were few things in this life held real importance for him, though he had yet to reach the limits of what he would do for the sake of these few things.

And on such matters.... 'Where in the hell is he...' He had split from his brother, Saren, earlier that morning when the two had departed from their inn room in the Tavern District. 'How long can it take someone to get food...' These were of course rhetorical questions, he knew Saren wouldn't be able to just go and buy food. Honestly, it was a wonder his brother ever accomplished anything, what with his inability to resist flirting with any girl possessing a fair figure. And it just so happened that this city seemed to have more than its share of such women. Kilel was resigned to the fact that it would take considerable effort to keep his brother under control, he didn't want him causing too much trouble. It was an unenviable job, too much for even five men to handle, however this city was to be the final stepping stone in the plan, and as such he was willing to put up with his brother's more impetuous nature.

After a solid hour of combing the bazaar, he finally spotted Saren. He was flirting with a merchant, no surprise there, he never gave it a rest it seemed. Still, even as he thought that, he knew that was not entirely true. When it really came down to the wire, the do or die, there was no one he would rather have at his side than Saren, not even... He shook his head, now was neither the time nor the place for such thoughts. Walking up to the merchant stand he slammed his hand down on the counter in front of his brother. In a rough, impatient voice he said, "How hard is it to go pick up some damned groceries? We don't have time to play around, this isn't some fucking vacation!"

Saren

Saren still wasn't quite use to Daggerford, it was an usual place to be sure, law enforcement was little to none, even thieves and assassins walked around unhindered which was good in some aspects but quite concerning in others. The most peculiar thing to him though was the atmosphere of Daggerford, it seemed no matter what time of day nothing changed besides the amount of light beaming down from above. Sure, foot-traffic in certain areas fluctuated but it never stopped. That was a general rule but it was especially true in the bazaar where merchants constantly shouted over one another trying to make a living. One had to be careful walking around the bazaar though, some merchants were mere swindlers and as many merchants as there were, there just as many cut-purses also made their living in the crowded streets. Saren had been walking around for some time now, he had left the small inn his brother Kilel had decided to coop them up in before light had actually peaked its head. He never really slept much to begin with but this city made it all the worse. Besides, how long or when he slept meant little, morning or night made no difference to Saren and obviously Daggerford felt the same.

Saren smirked as he moved rather easily through the morning rush going from one stall to another and he had been at it for close to an hour. He was simply looking around and having his fun, picking up a few things here and there, paying for some and winning others. One particular stall caught his eye as he continued on his way though, one with fresh appetizing fruit being displayed and a beautiful woman was calling to those who passed by. He took immediate action, slipping between the mass of bodies and making his way to the stall. His eyes fell to the scrumptious round orbs for a moment, observing them carefully before finally moving to the the fruit. Immediately his attention was brought to shiny red apples stacked in one of the many wooden boxes placed upon the stall. He took one of the apples in his hand, it was firm and there appeared to be no flaws on its glimmering wax surface, it would be a treat indeed. But all treats were better if he received as a gift from a beautiful woman. This was a game Saren loved to play in order to keep himself entertained, flirt his way to free food and at times other services, never anything substantial but small things.

And so the game began. He looked up, apple in hand and smile on his face to the woman watching, most likely for any attempts of theft. His smile seemed to lower her guard, it was well practiced and his natural charisma helped, or so he liked to think. Then came the game of cat and mouse, tossing out a few compliments while not making it too obvious and goading the woman into reciprocating. It was working splendidly as well, Saren was well on his way to a free snack until... Kilel ruined it, scaring the poor woman behind the counter. "How hard is it to go pick up some damned groceries? We don't have time to play around, this isn't some fucking vacation!" Saren turned to look at his brother with a sigh, Yes, not a vacation, got it. Come to think of it I don't think I have been on a vacation in over fifteen years... It would be nice to take some time off for once, lay in bed for a week with beautiful women and good food. Saren didn't respond immediately, his daydreams keeping him occupied for a time. When he snapped back to reality he reached into his pocket and pulled out a small coin, handing it to the merchant.

A look of disappointment passed over his face as he gave her a quick wave and led his brother away, taking a bite out of the fruit, delicious sure but it didn't have that taste of victory he so enjoyed and it was all Kilel's fault. His brother almost seemed to enjoy limiting the fun he had, he made them stay in the same room at a small rundown inn, he kept Saren on an 'allowance' as it had come to be called, and at every turn Kilel was rushing him and ruining his efforts with women and denying him some most basic of luxuries. Sure it was true they had better things to do, killing people and earning money, and of course he had heard the plan a million times to, as Kilel put it, 'gather forces and seek revenge', but he preferred to enjoy the simple things along the way. Luckily it just so happened Daggerford was the absolute perfect place to do that with its beautiful women, a seemingly endless stream of work, and most of all opportunities unlike any other for people of their particular trade. All of this would no doubt get him and Kilel what they needed, it was just his way of going about things was always a bit linear, no room for the constant shenanigans Saren so enjoyed.

That said Saren loved his brother, family was all he had and if not for his elder sibling he would most certainly have been dead long ago, whether by jealous husband or in combat. Once they had walked away from the stall Saren spoke up, swallowing another mouthful of the juicy apple before speaking in a cheerful manner, "Relax brother, this may be no vacation but it is still morning and I have already picked up what we need so don't worry so much." He proceeded to pat the small bag he was carrying around on his back, the food was inside so all was well. Then again he had failed to mention the extra purchases he had made, two bottles of spiced rum, not that Kilel would complain if he was offered some but he was always cranky in the morning so it was best to wait until later.

As they continued to walk Saren ran his hand through his hair, still munching away on the apple and wondering just what the day would hold. In his mind the first priority was finding a woman to have conversation with, maybe go check out the guilds at long last and meet some of the members, his focus being on those of female persuasion. Kilel would no doubt have other options in mind though, to take on another job and if they did happen to peruse the guilds or anything of the sort it would be strictly business no doubt. Regardless of what the day held Saren began to hum as they walked, determined to enjoying himself even if Kilel was not.

Laeliana Regnatos

It would be to her surprise that someone took notice of her being; especially in a crowd livened by obscene perfumes, and voluptuous women. The apothecary could hardly think herself worthy of attention. With her hindering derangement, she could only be taken advantage of, and that was it. That was the only future that she saw for herself, even through the dismal spell of unshakable, and incurable blackness. Regardless of all that made her far below the steps of the renown, in secret, she was one of the best alchemists known to step feet into Daggerford. Perhaps not of the guilds, but the common citizens of Daggerford. That had yet to be determined. A person in sound mind would think more than once to come to her, and usually, she was the last attempt at gaining potions, toxins, narcotics, and the likes. Yet her pocket was not as grievous as the vendors that would proverbially, and proudly, paint their items with gold. Liana was no diamond among unpolished stone as she took to the streets of the bazaar each wake of the morning. She was awfully predictable; each path taken in the same, and every action having no contrast into the next day. None would bother her, not even the wretched-hearted men. The only names made for herself were The Blind Apothecary, or the Blind Girl. As she meandered through the crowds, people would ghost 'poor woman' upon their lips, or question her ability to be so out in the open.

Her loss of sight had not been a burden ill-fated to her in a womb, but one born by none other than an err on her part. In a moment of experimental mixing, two ingredients were coupled together that should never have been. Without precaution, she had gone ahead into stirring it, and with no warning it had caused her eyes to become horribly blurred. Hoping that slumber would wash away this unwanted ailment, she woke up with the belief that she had gone into the great beyond of the afterlife. Unfortunately, that had not been the case at all. Stumbling, like the whelp of a doe with slender and wobbly limbs, she descended the steps from her place of rest, to that of work. When she felt the sharp pain of her mistakened step, her mind awakened to the reality that she was henceforth blind. Not all was as hapless as firstly thought, for she knew each smell and feel of her ingredients. It was to the point where it was easy enough to accomplish her work without the need for true sight.

So thickly rolled the horrid odor of whetted desire, and bellies pregnant with frivolity. Her senses warned her that the way of the apothecary shop was far lost, and now she stepped into the ugly regions of the bazaar, nearing the maw of the tavern district. Knowingly, she turned on her heels and rerouted her steps back from whence they came. It was in this new direction that she would, deprived of a wary mind, near someone that held the veiled visage of quiet hands brimmed in gore and vile. Inwardly, the convolutions of her brain would bid her to turn around, or maybe even take flight without true direction. Still, she did not know a soul that would try to corner her into their misplaced wrath. There was no darkness that surrounded the girl on her exterior, as she was humbled by an overwhelming purity and devout neutrality. The only void of black inhabited those soft paling chestnut eyes. There was also a duo of men, both with lips smacking at one another like blood kin with fouled words; Kilel Niordan, and Saren Niordan. She would not pay them much mind, the writhing caution in her head telling her that it would not be very wise to do so. Thus, without much thought, she would just move between them, and hopefully she would go unwatched.

This man, Abel Beth-dagon, was a name that she would not know, if she knew anyone at all save for the plethora of vendors that were sweet to her. Sandals, by which its straps coiled at her elfin ankles in a crossed pattern, stopped short of where she wanted to be. Where she was, she did not know, only the voices of the vendors to comfort her in the way that she hadn't ventured from the Southern Bazaar. "Miss! Miss!" a small cooing rang out; Jacobs own. He ran toward her, shortened breaths heaving his chest. Bending at the knees, he placed hands upon them, "I have been looking all over for you. You shouldn't be out and about on your own. Not in your..." looking down to the ground below, "...condition. In all fairness, Liana, you are without sight. Your shop is not much more but a few steps away." He grasped the smooth planes of her plush palm, "Let's go before we get trouble, miss," the boy would add, eyes venturing toward the Niordan brothers, and furthered toward Abel. Something just told him that this was no place for her right now.

Deep inside, she knew this to be truth as well. With the nod of her head, she allowed herself to be once again guided.

As the crowd bustled around them, Kilel arched an eyebrow at Saren. "Relax brother, this may be no vacation but it is still morning and I have already picked up what we need so don't worry so much." Shaking his head, Kilel continued down the street with his brother. Sidestepping a woman who walked right through the crowd as if sensing it rather than seeing it, he remarked, "There is much work to be done still. We have to secure ourselves here, find...consistent work." He did not say more, even, or perhaps especially, in the city of thieves and murderers it was prudent to be discreet when discussing such things. Killing for small time individuals was okay work, but it would get them nowhere quickly. If they were to get into the city big-leagues, where there was gold and respect to be had, they would need to make a name for themselves with the guilds.

But how to go about such a thing? Kilel was fairly sure that the guilds weren't so desperate to kill each other that they would just take anyone who wondered through the door, that would be a foolish risk to security in a city where loyalty was something given to the highest bidders. He supposed that was the inevitable difficulty to be faced while living in a city like this. That said, he had a few ideas of where to look to start with. He had heard pirates might be in need of extra hands, though spending a good deal of time cramped on a boat with a multitude of louse-ridden simpletons was not something that particularly struck his fancy. As far as he knew, the bounty hunters' guild openly posted some bounties, so he could potentially take advantage of that, bringing in some bounties to increase his renown, while making some cash in the process. Tracking down fugitives in a city of fugitives would prove rather challenging though, and would require him to increase his knowledge of the streets far past what he knew now. The other option was to question the locals more thoroughly. He was sure the local apothecaries, especially those of the guild, would have some information on the two assassins' guilds in the city, though it would probably be extremely difficult to convince them to divulge any information on the operations of such dangerous organizations and individuals. Prostitutes were the other locals who he felt would be good sources of information. People tended to loosen up with their sexual partners, letting slip things they might not otherwise share. For the right price, he was sure they would be willing to share what they heard.

As Kilel finished contemplating their options, the woman who had passed through them earlier and a boy who was holding her hand turned to look towards him and his brother. Well, the boy looked at them at least, the woman didn't seem to be focusing on anything in particular. It seemed she was blind, though he wouldn't assume it just by looking at her. Though the boy definitely seemed to be the one leading her, not the other way around. It seemed as though they were headed towards an apothecary building. It would be worth checking out, later on perhaps. Beyond those two, there was an unusually well dressed woman entering the bazaar, he briefly wondered who she might be as he continued on towards the other end of the bazaar. This was much easier said than done. As the morning had worn on, the guild had become more and more filled with the humanity that inhabited the city. It was really a pain, pushing through the crowds while watching out for pickpockets and other unsavory types. This was rather difficult and bothersome since the overwhelming majority of the types here were unsavory. Finally though they made their way to the end of the bazaar where they found an archway separating two wards. They found themselves at the Southern Guild Ward.

Turning to Saren, Kilel said, "Come on, lets go check out the Southern Guild Ward. Word is they are one of the main power hubs in the city. If we make good progress today, you can take a break from working later." Truthfully, he couldn't keep Saren from goofing off if he was intent on it, but he hoped the promise of a later reward would motivate him to at least be somewhat productive today.

Looking through the archway was almost like peering into another world. There were far fewer people wandering about in this ward. There was a distinctly dangerous, unwelcome air about the place, more so than that which already permeated most of the island city. Looking around as they walked into the ward, Kilel decided to go through and check out some of the guilds, see if they had any promising work. One of the guilds he was particularly interested in Sethur's Hand. While he knew outsiders were not exactly welcome in this part of the city, he was hoping to at least get the chance to approach a member of that particular guild, preferably in a non violent manner. Though he had only been here for a short time, he had already heard from many people that they were one of the most powerful guilds in the city, and he felt it could prove worthwhile to at least check out the guild.

Saren

Saren hadn't really expected his words to soothe his brother, Kilel was as he knew nowhere close to a morning person and generally wanted things done his way, something Saren was quite use to. That being the case he had done as he always did and brushed it off knowing that, while Kilel may raise his voice at times, he had yet to ever take it farther or even enforce it, at least that much could be said for Saren. For others it was just a matter of what kind of mood Kilel found himself in at the time. So he didn't pay much mind, still humming a soft tune and letting his eyes roam about, not really focusing. That was until a rather beautiful woman passed right between himself and Kilel. His interested was peaked immediately, most any woman with a nice figure could arouse his interest but this one particularly so since she seemed rather strange. Not strange in the sense that she was weird in appearance but her movement and the air about her was unique to that of others he had encountered in Daggerford thus far.

"There is much work to be done still. We have to secure ourselves here, find...consistent work." Kilel as usual began going on about work and such, things that while being important interested Saren very little. Instead of being attentive to his brother, his eyes followed the person of interest that had just passed them by. He watched as the woman continued to walk a ways before being intercepted by a young boy of all things, a rare sight indeed within Daggerford, and while Saren did just hate to eavesdrop he found his curiosity overpowering. Unfortunately hearing what was being said proved difficult for several reasons, one because Kilel continued to walk in the opposing direction leading him farther away and two because the voices of merchants and customers alike drowned out the young boy almost entirely. Straining his ears allowed Saren to catch enough information though, managing to make out the name Liana and something about her being without sight. Perhaps it was not enough information to know her life story but it was plenty to satisfy his wandering curiosity. It was a good thing too or he would have been thinking about it all day because soon enough she was being led away, the boy only looking back for a moment to which Saren responded with a large smile and small wave before turning about and continuing to walk with Kilel.

It was only once his curious nature had been appeased that he turned his full attention back to his brother and the task at hand, finding as Kilel had called it 'consistent work'. Saren knew consistent work would be easily found in Daggerford, the city itself was full of people to kill and others who would pay for those services, a perfect place for the brothers to go about their trade. Of course they had one problem with that course of action and that was the guilds of Daggerford. While guilds could provide its members with ample job opportunities it seemed that they didn't like other people stealing their business, who would have guess. So, since the guilds in Daggerford seemed especially powerful it was fair to assume two lone men like himself and Kilel would not be allowed to simply do as they pleased for long. That left them with only two real options, one was to find a guild to associate themselves with, something he was sure Kilel would be displeased with until researching the best options thoroughly, or trying to muscle their way into some other guilds territory. Neither of these were exactly Saren's style and they sure as hell weren't Kilel's. The two brothers much preferred to stay out of sight, hidden from the eyes of anyone powerful enough to cause them trouble for convenience sake, but that just didn't seem to be an option in a city where people such as themselves were so numerous and influential. No, they would have to pick one or the other and if he knew Kilel it wouldn't be settled with something easy such as a coin toss, no, it would be an arduous process, of that he was certain.

Now despite the brothers having been in the city for a time Saren had not done any research on exactly which guilds were powerful or even which guilds would provide what he and his brother were looking for, he had only heard a few names at best. The research, or boring, aspects of their lives was something he left to his brother as he explored other parts of the city and had his fun. That meant while he knew the streets quite well he still knew rather little on the people who actually controlled them. Saren realized, as they approached an archway that separated the Bazaar and Southern Guild Ward, that Kilel would be leading him on a boring field-trip in search of the 'consistent work'. "Come on, lets go check out the Southern Guild Ward. Word is they are one of the main power hubs in the city. If we make good progress today, you can take a break from working later." Brother, trying to encourage me with promise of time off? Well I swear, you know me all too well. He hated to make himself look easy though and proceeded to let out a loud sigh and an elongated, "Fine..." Because who knew, maybe after a lifetime of never slipping anything past Kilel his excitement at the idea of having some time off wouldn't be so obvious.

His attempt at deceit aside he didn't hesitate after that, following Kilel into the ward and deciding to actually be a tad serious, walking at a decent pace and passing up the guilds that looked too small or unsuited to the needs of him and his brother. He stopped at a couple places, looking over each candidate with Kilel. There was a bounty hunters guild that had seemed alright until walking inside and seeing a bunch of rather idiotic looking men with the same guild crest punching the hell out of each other for what seemed like no reason in particular. Then a thieves den that had very amateur thieves, most of whom looked unreliable and untrustworthy even for thieves. It more or less continued like that for some time. Only a few guilds seemed to have experienced members and even fewer had promise. All of them had the same feel to Saren, they were all rather mundane.

He was getting restless, looking around at every little guild was boring and as far as making progress and earning himself some time off, as opposed to simply slipping away, there had been none. It was at this point he just stopped in the middle of the street and turned to Kilel. "Enough of this endless wandering, let us simply skip ahead of all the small fries because frankly I am bored beyond measure. Now I know you brother, you would not come looking unless you had at least one guild in mind already. So for the love of all things holy let us get to the real reason you brought us to the Southern Ward." When he was done he continued to look at Kilel without a care for who heard him or anything else for the moment, he was just ready to get on with the 'work' portion so he could move on to the more enjoyable bit before going mad.

Ventrizza Azyan

Morning had long since awakened the woman long before the sun reigned high in dreary skies. In her chambers, a thin sheet of white fabric was draped over her torso and chest, ending just short of her navel. Below that, her breasts were tapered with a cardinal bandage, ensuring that it was loose and properly fitted. While she often utilized her own body for her work, there wasn't much use in showing it off to everyone beneath the sheen of her top. After wriggling on a pair of harem pants, which bellowed and gave no hint of having either slender limbs, or robust ones, she threw on her leather bound sandals, and headed toward the Southern Guild Ward. Through the tavern district, then the bazaar, she was quick on agile feet, and skated easily through the hearty crowds in both places. The only hazard would be the thieves, however, she was sure that she could handle a petty swindler or pick-pocket should it take place. As of this very moment, the only armaments to adorn her figure were ringed melee fastened with loops upon her hip. The others had been left to idle at Sethur's Hand.

A dash of ruby locks tailed her as Ventrizza quickly pushed through the throngs of the southern bazaar, and her feet were cat-like and speedy. Against the hard cobblestone, her gait held the sound of a ghost floating in a silent dark corridor. The female was by no means an amicable spirit; shortened temper, a joyful antagonist. Most of the time, if she was not in the domain of Sethur's Hand, she found herself in the most lowliest tavern wrecking havoc on the men, or swindling merchants for their all-too pricey artifacts. The taverns were here most likely place, as she enjoyed a squabble or two with those of brawny make that think they could so easily pummel the 'fairer sex'. But she was small, and in comparison to those thickly built males with flanks of muscle pulsing at every finger lift, a diminutive stature had far more eye-fleeting movements.

Passing, finally, through the bazaar with no spilt blood, Trizza breached the threshold of the guild ward. Few lingered through these treacherous veins, and two set eyes upon some stranger was a rare sight. That was why, upon viewing the backsides of two men, she stopped momentarily. None of the opposing sex in Sethur's Hand displayed such audacity to wandering aimlessly instead of entertaining the ladies of the guild. The only thing that could creep upon her mind in regards to the pair, was that they were from The Rakkath's command. Now, this particular woman could be very brash and quick to act, which gave her trouble by the plenty. Her silently judgmental mind was the reason for her being so abrasive by nature. It was the unknown that got people killed in Daggerford; the inability to be cautious and fathom every possible outcome or motive of a person in close proximity.

Movement ignited in her quiet feet again, but slower was her pace this time. Listening carefully to their musings, she figured that they would make the attempt to get in with Sethur's Hand. Still, it was strange to her, for did word not get around that the leader abhorred the likes of men? Certainly they did not hear word of their power, as many could speak ill about a band of women wielding blades. Hazel eyes delved in a space further than the brothers, and she saw the visage of the guild's face. They were close. Too close for her taste. Thus, she maneuvered nearer to them, but stayed to their rear. In soft tremors of her vocals, she spoke with nothing but truth, "Word drifts that the leader of Sethur's Hand would detest the likes of men. If you are of The Rakkath, you are better off leaving this course."

She was sure that the woman that held power in Sethur's Hand would sooner maim the two men than accept them. It was best to forewarn them, rather than have to witness yet another down creature that would have to be cleaned up and dumped somewhere. Ceasing her movement, she was patient in regards to waiting for them to let off this course and turn around. Faces. Her eyes wished to settle upon faces, for one never knew who their next enemy might be. A name hadn't been spoke of either the wrathful leader of Sethur's Hand, or herself. Right now, she could hardly see it necessary, and it was just an extra step of precaution. Not that anyone knew the name of their notorious leader, only that she went by Noxia. "Go find another guild, or go back to The Achaz, as it would be arduous to convince Sethur's Hand of your allegiance." It was true. Noxia was paranoid about the spell of spies from The Rakkath's hands, as they were a glorious guild, and one that was not burdened by loss. Yet.

A part of her wished that they would be of The Achaz, and another hoped that their conquest in seeking out a guild was truth. Her mood was not soured with aggression this morning, but she could use the training.

Kilel had to hold back a smile as his brother reluctantly consented to his plan. While he couldn't really keep his brother in line all of the time, he could generally motivate him to do work for at least part of the day. Being Saren's older brother, he knew how to push Saren's buttons in much the same way Saren would push his own. Now it was time to put his brother's promised productivity to good use. They walked into the southern ward, looking to find what passed for suitable employment in these parts before his brother's interest began to wander too far. That also meant he would need to find something before too many attractive women went by, his brother was particularly easily distracted and enticed by their charms, though people who knew their past, Saren's in particular would wonder why that was still so. In his mind, Kilel briefly thought through some of the defining moments of his brother's life, events that made him who he was. And he understood where others did not, the motivations, events, and choices that made Saren who he was. It was inevitable, given what had happened, Saren could be no other person. Thinking on it for a moment, Kilel put that line of thought aside for another time. It would take more than an afternoon's idle thought to review the defining moments of his brother's life. And this was not a place he could afford to walk through in a distracted state of mind.

Looking through the guilds, trying to find one worth associating with was a dubious proposition at best. Some of these guilds seemed just as likely to stick a knife in someone as consider accepting them. In fact, most of them were like that. Low caliber bounty hunters and thieves. That was all that seemed to inhabit these parts. Wandering the ward for what seemed like a long time, even to Kilel, he began to wonder if they shouldn't give up here and search a different ward, especially if they could not locate Sethur's Hand. Since even he was beginning to question the point of continuing, it came as no surprise when Saren finally lost his patience. "Enough of this endless wandering, let us simply skip ahead of all the small fries because frankly I am bored beyond measure. Now I know you brother, you would not come looking unless you had at least one guild in mind already. So for the love of all things holy let us get to the real reason you brought us to the Southern Ward."

While Kilel understood his brother's sentiments, this was not the place for such outbursts. Drawing attention like that was a good way to get oneself killed in this city. Mindful of the attention the outburst drew, Kilel drew his brother into a side alley. He whispered urgently to his brother, saying, "Brother, I know you are impatient. But outbursts like that will only serve to draw unwanted attention to us, and that will get the both of us killed. I don't know about you, but I have no intentions of dying in this hellhole. But as it so happens, you are correct. Enough of this tedious wandering, I do have a particular guild in mind."

Since the two of them were new to Daggerford, they did not know many specifics of the two warring assassin guilds. From what he had heard, the Achaz was traditionally the most powerful guild in the city, however Sethur's Hand had now risen to the point where it was capable of competing directly with them, and now the other guilds were being pulled into a conflict between the two guilds of assassins. As it so happened, he had heard that Sethur's Hand was predominantly a female guild. Many of the individuals he had talked to discounted the clan's power solely on this alleged fact. However, Kilel recognized this as closed-minded thinking. If being composed mainly of women was true weakness, then the guild would not be one of the top two most powerful guilds in the city. While Kilel had no real leanings one way or the other in this conflict, he did have reasons for choosing to approach Sethur's Hand first. For one thing, they were certainly viewed as the underdogs in this battle, regardless of how strong they were, the Achaz had more renown and seemed somewhat more respected, just from what he had heard in his short time here. Hopefully, being underdogs they would be more inclined to accept the assistance of himself and his brother. Secondly, their would come a time when the brothers would need to step from the shadows to claim what was rightfully theirs. On that day, they would need all of the renown, fame, and respect they could muster. Being on the winning side was important to that, and being the ones to push an underdog to victory in this matter would help them garner far more respect than helping an already strong force put the underdog down. Lastly, he had to take his brother into account. Sethur's Hand was notorious for using womanly charm to gain an advantage. Given his brother's...tendencies, he decided it would be much easier to work with Sethur's Hand than against it. Though he would never admit to the last point aloud.

As Kilel was about to explain to his brother that he was looking for Sethur's Hand, a soft, low-pitched female voice floated their way. "Word drifts that the leader of Sethur's Hand would detest the likes of men. If you are of The Rakkath, you are better off leaving this course."

A wry grin briefly flit across Kilel's face as he remarked to his brother, not looking away from the direction the voice had come from. "Well speak of the devil. On your toes Saren, let me handle this. Make sure i don't catch a knife in the back in the meantime." He said in a slightly louder voice, "You may show yourself. We mean no harm here. We are not men of The Rakkath. Contrary to what you seem to think, we are here to provide a service, and perhaps to gain the good graces of this leader you speak of." As new-comers to the city, the brothers were yet unfamiliar with what the Rakkath meant. Though Kilel was fairly sure it was not good to be associated with it in this part of the city. He made a note to find out more about who or what the Rakkath was. It would surely pay to know about such dangerous references if he planned on staying alive for any extended time. Remaining on his toes, he waited for a response from the woman, whoever and wherever she was. He had been intentionally vague in his response to her as he was not in the habit of divulging concrete information to anyone who happened to call out to him. Still, he hoped this stranger could provide him with some information he could use. Though the part she had said about men was a little disconcerting. He hoped they weren't making a terrible mistake seeking out the Sethur's Hand guild...

A small chuckle rumbled deep within her chest as Kilel Niordan spoke. As she had been standing still, she allowed his words to sink into her ears. Still, suspicion lay at every corner of their vile city, and it was all the wiser not to trust anyone. At the same time, he had no real reason to weave lies, so boldly beginning to enter the devious threshold of a woman that would snare a man just to shed flesh from his bone. You may show yourself. We mean no harm here. We are not men of The Rakkath. "Why, I am right behind you. I am not hiding, just silently striding." It was hard not to find that fact that he thought she cowered in the shadows mildly amusing. What would he think her for? She was no doe, and he no ferocious lion. A slender build barely shrouded to leave much to the imagination, wedged in between the two men. Yet, she did not cease her movements there. Her figure parted from them at a leisurely pace, and a careless one. It would seem that maybe she was not afraid of drifting about among the cluster of guilds teeming with crime often dubbed too ugly for the feint of heart. Thankfully, she was not that type of female. Ventrizza held a thick air of relentless confidence, but she did not think for a moment that she would not be out-bested. Anyone could be.

As the Niordan brother continued to speak: Contrary to what you seem to think, we are here to provide a service, and perhaps to gain the good graces of this leader you speak of., she smiled with her backside steadily fleeting from them. "Ah, you wish to gain entrance into Sethur's Hand. That is, my friend, a very wise decision given your options. Mind you, there is no good grace about our leader. Though, now that I think about it," in mid stride, she turned to face them with an index finger imprinting upon her chin. A cheery pensive expression held onto her features, and she cast her eyes upward toward the endless skies, "there is a small problem that she would see quelled. Of course, it would be hard upon a good man's heart to commit such an atrocity." Her hip flexed outward, and she had a small sway stemming from her ankles. Shaking her head, she waved them off as she pivoted on her heel to face her destination once more.

"It may be too tasking of you. If you think that you could kill without question or second thought, then you may follow me. If not, turn back from whence you came and seek out other hazards." She recalled Noxia speaking of the mission before, but no one else would do it. Quite frankly, the redhead did not like to get her hands wet with the blood of the innocent. Perhaps these two men would see no care of it. They appealed to her as very new faces, not quite native to the city of Daggerford, much less Pathos. The individual she spoke of had nothing at all to do with the guilds as far as she, herself, could see. Yet unknowingly, she had catered to opposition for far too long, and that vexed Noxia to no end.

Ventrizza had no idea who this female was, and she really did not care to know. The best thing about her employ as that she did not need to inquire, nor dapple in the business of anyone around her. Instead, she did as she was bade to, and carried her tasks out flawlessly. If the pair trailed her willingly, they would be well on their way to getting their foot into the maw of Sethur's Hand. It was a stroke of chance. All they may get in is a foot before they are quickly booted out. Placing her hands idly behind her back, she wove fingers together and moved with a joyful countenance about her. There was no reason to be gloomy all of the time, and she was a generally jovial person. On the outside, anyway. These two men were advantageous to their cause, and she knew how to hone such gifts sent forth from the gods. That was what she was - a trickster, and an abuser of people's situations. It couldn't be helped. It was a dog-eat-dog world, and she was not going to be consumed by letting merits just pass her by.

She just didn't want to get handed the job, really. It was better that they do it than herself. That is... if they chose to follow.

Saren

It wasn't really a problem to attract attention as far as Saren was concerned, in fact he rather liked attention as it tended to make things interesting. He had other reasons for not worrying as well, mainly because, outburst or not, he knew that he and Kilel could handle themselves, it was proven fact. Yet Kilel being overly cautious, or responsible, though Saren preferred to use the first description, dragged him into a side alley. He even went as far as to speak in a whisper, like anyone really cared much about what they had to say. Saren couldn't help but sigh, still listening but with a look of boredom plastered on his face. "Brother, I know you are impatient. But outbursts like that will only serve to draw unwanted attention to us, and that will get the both of us killed. I don't know about you, but I have no intentions of dying in this hellhole. But as it so happens, you are correct. Enough of this tedious wandering, I do have a particular guild in mind." Yes, because dragging us into an alleyway doesn't make it easier for assailants at all... What a wise decision. Sarcasm aside he didn't yell again but neither did he whisper, he simply spoke in his normal calm voice, granted there was a lack of the usual enthusiasm. "Well then what are we waiting for, if you have a guild in mind I am sure there is good reason for it. Should we not just head straight to the guild in question?" It was a rhetorical question but he spoke it seriously, his impatient side not quite understanding the point of wandering around when Kilel had an idea in mind from the start.

Kilel of course didn't get to the point quite quick enough, before he could speak further on the issue of which guild they were here to investigate his attention was dragged away. The faint sound of a voice catching his brother's attention, and while he didn't much care if someone was nearby Saren couldn't help but hear it as well. "Word drifts that the leader of Sethur's Hand would detest the likes of men. If you are of The Rakkath, you are better off leaving this course." Oh, the leader of Sethur's Hand detests men, first I have heard of it, though I haven't been paying all that much attention. Can't particularly blame her now can you, women are so much better. It does make me curious though... Saren smirked amusing himself with thoughts of the Sethur's Hand leader being some sort of kinky man-hating fiend, whipping the men under her command into shape quite literally and other such thoughts. It was one of those situations where while he knew he should take it seriously he just couldn't. It wasn't that he underestimated the guild either seeing as he had heard the name, although he knew almost nothing of it, and when a name comes up often enough in the idle chatter in Daggerford it indicates a certain renown.

Unfortunately Kilel didn't seem to find humor in the situation as Saren did. No, instead he turned towards the voices point of origin with a grin that usually meant trouble. "Well speak of the devil. On your toes Saren, let me handle this. Make sure I don't catch a knife in the back in the meantime." And why would you catch a knife in the back... Whoever it is was just issuing a warning, not that dastardly a deed. Saren knew words wouldn't stop Kilel's one track mind so he didn't bother voicing them. To Kilel it was no doubt showtime, time to try and learn more about Sethur's Hand. Knowing this Saren didn't make a move, he simply leaned back against the stone wall of the alley and kept his eyes on Kilel, keeping a lax lookout but not reaching for a weapon or even pretending to put himself on guard. He honestly didn't feel the intent of an ambush, it was a warning, harmless. The fact was that especially for assassins and thieves warnings were only issued if a fight was to be avoided. It was when there was no warning you had to be careful.

"You may show yourself. We mean no harm here. We are not men of The Rakkath." Yes brother because we both know that simply saying you mean no harm has a lot of merit, especially in this city... "Why, I am right behind you. I am not hiding, just silently striding." Saren was a bit surprised to see a very attractive and scantly clad woman pass right between himself and Kilel. Still, he made no move, only watched, his eyes roaming her body with no shame. In his mind anyone wearing such revealing 'armor', if it could even be considered armor and not just clothing, invited people to look. He felt inclined to like the woman right off, she seemed so very relaxed despite him and his brother, not that people really had a reason to fear them but it was nice, it revealed more about her than one would think. Of course her clothing, or lack thereof in so many places, didn't hurt.

"Contrary to what you seem to think, we are here to provide a service, and perhaps to gain the good graces of this leader you speak of." Kilel simply continued to talk, whether he enjoyed the sight of the woman as much as Saren did was uncertain. What was certain was that Kilel, as always, was keeping things strictly business. Saren did find it ridiculous that after the warning Kilel continued on to say they wanted to gain the good graces of the leader of Sethur's Hand. It almost made Saren laugh, how his brother talked about the good graces of someone who apparently disliked men to an extreme degree. It kind of destroyed any hope of good graces, if there was any to have in the first place. Of course, none of that much mattered, Saren found a challenge fun. As it so happened anything fun only came with a bit of effort. Saren would put in the effort if need be, and wouldn't mind checking out Sethur's Hand despite the disadvantage of being a man. In fact he was excited about the benefits of such a guild. That was, if the leader disliked men so much it implied that the guild was full of women and that was the best news he had heard since arriving at Daggerford, a guild comprised mainly of women... It sounded like paradise.

"Ah, you wish to gain entrance into Sethur's Hand. That is, my friend, a very wise decision given your options. Mind you, there is no good grace about our leader. Though, now that I think about it," Saren with great effort heaved his mind out of the gutter, his thoughts focusing back on reality, to the woman who, by this point, he assumed was part of Sethur's Hand. "there is a small problem that she would see quelled. Of course, it would be hard upon a good man's heart to commit such an atrocity." A problem that could be hard upon a good man's heart, I suppose it is lucky that we are not good men... Though atrocity does give me concern, makes the possibilities all so dark. Of course with the concern came curiosity and at that point Saren was in, he was ready to go check out the guild and see what this mission could be that would be so hard on a good man.

"It may be too tasking of you. If you think that you could kill without question or second thought, then you may follow me. If not, turn back from whence you came and seek out other hazards." Oh and there is our invitation, how lucky. Saren had been sold on visiting Sethur's Hand some time ago and with an invitation and possible work he was not about to hesitate now. He knew Kilel would be up for a visit as well, the man couldn't say no to a possible job offer, especially if it bought him favor with the leader of a guild he had his eyes on. So Saren just smirked, pushing himself off the wall and patting his brother on the back. "Come on now, let's make haste, you know, progress and all that." He shot Kilel a grin as he quickened his pace in pursuit of the beautiful guide. He would rather follow her as closely as possible, and he began speaking to the woman enthusiastically as he approached, "We will most certainly be joining you, no doubt we will find something of interest if we do. Besides, wouldn't want to miss the opportunity to arrive with one of Sethur's Hand's own beauties." His confidence was definitely strong, in fact it never ceased and although he knew it would have been wise to reign it in with all of the information he had, he wouldn't, that would be no fun. Besides, believe it or not, some people found him charming, and he seemed to grow on those who didn't, so best start clawing away at their barrier early.

"Why, I am right behind you. I am not hiding, just silently striding." Kilel's head turned sharply, looking over his shoulder to see the woman flow out from in between himself and Saren. How had she managed to get behind him? As she walked, glided rather it seemed, he noticed that she was a very attractive woman, and he suppressed a sigh as he could already tell Saren had eyes for the girl. There really was no helping him sometimes. Still, he was not about to get distracted by the woman or her feminine charms, he focused intently on her, already trying to get a read on her and her techniques. The shatterpoints were there, in every building, technique, and person, he just had to find them.

"Ah, you wish to gain entrance into Sethur's Hand. That is, my friend, a very wise decision given your options. Mind you, there is no good grace about our leader. Though, now that I think about it," The mystery woman was moving as quietly as anyone could, Kilel reckoned neither his brother nor himself were a match for her in terms of sheer stealthiness of foot. Still... Hmm she seemed rather confident in the Hand. But was it too much? Over-confidence was a fatal flaw in many, he even saw it in himself from time to time, despite his best efforts to squash it. Time would tell. And of course he had figured as much, murderers were not typically predisposed to having good graces, but it never, or at least it didn't often, hurt to try. He knew his brother hated the way he did things like this, approaching most things in a manner Saren called..."Strictly business." Well, confidence was key in this city. People here, master assassins in particular he figured, could take any sign of weakness as a reason to kill them. That being the case, he would continue to keep things, "Strictly business," never a moment of doubt, weakness, or hesitation apparent in his demeanor or his words.

Turning to face them, the woman struck a bit of a pose, and Kilel was certain that her confidence was not fake or inflated, it stemmed from genuine ability. He would need to be careful around this one, though that went without saying he supposed. "there is a small problem that she would see quelled. Of course, it would be hard upon a good man's heart to commit such an atrocity." If their had been any doubt before, it was banished now, this woman was without a doubt a member of Sethur's Hand. Saying nothing, Kilel allowed the woman to continue. "It may be too tasking of you. If you think that you could kill without question or second thought, then you may follow me. If not, turn back from whence you came and seek out other hazards." It appeared that the woman wanted them to kill someone. Shocking coming from an assassin, he thought sarcastically. Still, it was probably the girl's mission, and now she was handing it off to them. Whether as a test, or because she didn't want to do it herself mattered not. To Kilel, any job was worth doing if it advanced him closer to his endgame. If she was too lazy or weak of body or mind to get the job done herself, well then he was happy to take the burden from her. If the girl was not careful, she would find herself surpassed by the Brothers Niordan in no time at all. Ambition and drive were key after all.

Saren of course needed no motivation to go following after the attractive female assassin. Despite his prior thoughts and his ambitions, Kilel wasn't apt to move so hastily as his brother. It was entirely possible that they were walking into a trap, or perhaps some other sort of untenable situation. Still, confidence was key. When Saren patted him on the back saying, "Come on now, let's make haste, you know, progress and all that." Kilel nodded with a slight smile, saying, "Of course, only one chance to make a first impression." Still, as he followed the two back towards the Bazaars he kept a wary eye out. It would not do to die here after only having lived here for a few weeks. Though he was confident he and Saren could handle whatever situation they were thrust into, he wondered what Sirius might be up to. They could sure use him here as Saren was already trying his best to get them in hot water with his advances.