Raiding Narda

[Vavrinec]

Vavrin shrugged. "Fun? Oh, I have an entirely different idea of fun and it has absolutely nothing to do with Galbatorix," she remarked, half-jokingly. She shaded her eyes from the sun and watched as the crowd of townspeople cleared upon Onyxia's landing. Much like frightened sheep. "Hmm, hopefully the ship gets here in one piece... Shouldnt be too hard to persuade a few people."

[Nihael]

"There should be a place where these Captains drink away their time on land. Shouldn't be hard to find one there."

Asking a few questions from nearby sailors, Nihael quickly found out the location of a popular haunt of bored Captains. Heading into the tavern, he was quickly enveloped by the smell of ale and smoke. Heading over to the closest relatively clean Captain he could see and tapped him on the shoulder.

"How would you like to render the Empire a great service?"

Not even looking up from the beer he was nursing in his hands, the man simply stated for Nihael to, "piss off".

"Bad choice." Grasping the man by the throat and lifting out of his seat into the air, Nihael calmly watched the man as he writhed and flailed, trying to get Nihael to release him. By now, everyone in the tavern was watching the proceedings with shock.

Turning to Vavrin, he spoke, his voice not even registering any strain from holding the man up, "You might want to take a few steps back."

Looking back at the man, face blank, all he seemed to do was blink, but the effects were clearly visible. In the millisecond in which his eyes were shut, the Captains head exploded, sending bone fragments and brain matter in every direction, splattering the floor, ceiling, walls and occupants, except for Nihael. The "shrapnel" stopped a dozen centimetres or so from his body, freezing for a moment, before falling to the floor. Letting go of the headless corpse, it fell to the floor with a thud, blood gushing out in spurts, from the area where the man's head no longer connected to his body, with the dying beats of his heart.

Turning to the remainder of the occupants of the room, he spoke once more. "Would anyone care to render the Empire a great service?". Met with silence, he pointed to two men, who reluctantly stepped forward. "The two of you are to set sail in one ship to Narda, make sure that you have enough sailors to split your crew and man two ships at once. There is a ship you are to collect. You will no it when you see it, as it is the only thing left. Go now. I will know if anything has been taken, and the consequences will be less than desirable." Glancing at the corpse on the floor, he looked at the Captains one last time before exiting the building, preceeding the two men who ran out of the tavern to round up their men.

"Well, now we just have to wait for the Twins to return and we can be on our way. Any ideas what we can do in the meantime?"

((You called them Danny instead of Yin and Yang... -Danny))

[Vavrinec]

"Impressive," Vavrin said a few paces back, glancing at the bloody spectacle."Now, how about you and I leave this place for something more upscale?" She smiled slightly and led the way past the frightened onlookers as they exited the tavern and emerged back onto the streets.

After a bit of walking past many stores including an apothecary and a trading outpost, Vavrin spotted the ideal place to unwind. It was another tavern, nestled between more well-to-do shops. Anyone could have easily passed it without a second glance, it was a tavern who's reputation spread from the few local regulars, like an heirloom passed down from father to son. Unlike the smokey, stale pub they had been inside earlier, this one was the complete opposite. A small engraving of a rose adorned the top of the door. Grasping the large silver door handle and pushing her way inside, Vavrin was pleased.

The inside was cozy, grand dark wood paneled walls and a few candles hanging from polished wrought iron fixtures in the ceiling. The lighting was dim, but the air was clear and smelled mostly of wood and leather. There was a bar, a few tables with chairs, and many booths tucked in the dark corners. Partitions separated patrons from others who wished not to be overheard engaging in questionable conversations. Vavrin scanned the room, only a few people inside nursing ale or wine, reading or mumbling softly.

"Let's sit there." Vavrin took Nihael's hand and led him to one of the vacant booths. Sliding in, she hailed the barkeep with a flippant beckon. Within moments the greying prim barkeep with a severe left part in his hair was at their booth, inquiring as to what they'd like to drink, reciting a full list of assorted beverages and refreshments.

[Nihael]

Sliding in after Vavrin, Nihael set himself into the booth. Listening to the barkeep list off the available drinks, Nihael appreciated the comfortable leather of the booth. "Shall we go with a bottle of wine?" Looking over at Vavrin questioningly and getting a positive reaction, he looked to the barkeep once more. "A bottle of your finest red." He watched the serious little man walk off, to get a bottle and a pair of glasses. "I wasn't aware such a place existed in Teirm. Once again, you surprise me. Do you have any other tricks hidden about your person or knowledge or talents I should know of?"

[Vavrinec]

The man returned shortly with a bottle of red wine and two delicate crystal goblets. He silently set the glasses down in front of them and began to pour the deep-hued liquid. Once he had finished, he nodded and attended to one of the other patrons, then vanished behind the bar.

Vavrin stretched her legs under the table, and paused to think how best to answer his question. "Hmmm. I suppose I could tell you some of my other talents, but I'd much rather show you firsthand," she said with a grin that was anything but demure. She slid over so that she was much closer to Nihael and lowered her voice. Her leg brushed against his as she spoke. "Perhaps after that, you'd be so kind as to show me some of yours. Seems fair, does it not?" Vavrin took the goblet in her hand and swirled the dark red wine, her eyes not leaving those of the Rider's.

[Nihael]

Once again, Nihael found himself enraptured by Vavrin's eyes. For an indeterminable time, he found himself staring into her eyes, mind blank and the only other thing he managed was shallow breath. Coming to his senses, he tore his eyes away, hiding his actions by taking a sip of wine. Looking back at her, he brought his own eyes to hers, careful to not look to deeply into them. "Sounds like an excellent idea." Draining his glass, Nihael placed it down. "Has anyone ever told you that you have a captivating smile? It has such a sense of barely-suppressed malice, I have never seen anything quite as beautiful as it." Nihael could feel a certain 'electricity' around the two of them, he could feel his limbs crackling with them and knew the 'inferno' in his eyes would be blazing, always a sign when he was extremely interested or enjoying himself immensely. Needless to say, it is a rare occurence.

[Vavrinec]

"You charm me," she said, smiling at his words and taking a sip of her wine, placing the goblet back on the table. Vavrin could feel herself being even more attracted to him by each passing second. No longer did she want to restrain herself and no longer did she want to deny what she felt - desire that constantly gnawed at her insides like a hunger and lust that plagued her thoughts despite all her focused efforts to suppress them. Vavrin had long since grown weary of fighting such feelings and had no intentions of doing so any longer. "Do you know how inexplicably attracted I am to you, Nihael? Because right now, all I can think of is how much I want you, and how much I want to do this..." Vavrin placed her hand on his chest as she leaned in, and kissed his lips softly.

[Nihael]

Nihael quirked an eyebrow as he listened to Vavrin speak. He realized which direction things were moving in but still found himself unable to determine what his next action should be. In a moment, the decision was made for him. Momentarily stunned, Nihael found himself unable to react. His carefully constructed and maintained composure was shattered by a single event. Gradually he relaxed and responded, leaning forward into the kiss.

[Vavrinec]

Vavrin's hand trailed down Nihael's toned chest and around his waist. She kissed him deeper, and it was sweeter than any wine could ever wish to be and it's intoxicating effect on her was even greater. Maneuvering in the booth proved itself to be a bit tricky, though she pressed her body against his as much as it would allow. Part of her wanted to pull away for a second and blast the table to cinders so she could position herself in his lap. Such an act wouldn't be appropriate for a tavern of high sophistication, but who cares? Normally, she wouldn't. Vavrin thought twice about it only when she remembered they had rooms upstairs should such an occasion call for it. She continued kissing him, slowly bringing her hand down his waist to his thigh, giving it a squeeze.

[Nihael]

Nihael could see that the cramped room was frustrating Vavrin as well as himself. Eager for more room to more freely apply his ministrations, he broke from the kiss and leaned towards her ear. "Perhaps a room would be more comfortable. Shall we rent one and head upstairs?" He returned his lips to hers, greatly aware of the hand resting on his thigh.

[dannylam4]

How long until we arrive? Yang asked.

Not long, Yin replied, still standing in the crow's nest. It's a very windy day, an hour at the most I believe.

Too long, Yang replied, playing with his sword in boredom. With a quick slice, he cut off the railing of the ship and watched it fall into the water. This boredom will be the death of me.

Wishing the shade were here to entertain you? Yin said with a laugh. He grabbed a rope and then jumped off, swinging down quickly and dropping onto the deck. What few crew members were left gave Yin and Yang a weird look, seeing their odd movements and reactions without the talking. We could speed things up with a... sacrifice.

Yang looked over at Yin and nodded. Do it. Yin smiled and walked away to the cabin for... preparations.

[Vavrinec]

Vavrin kissed Nihael more, eventually pulling away, if only for a moment."Mmm, you read my mind." she purred with a wicked grin. She moved her hand a bit higher and kissed him again, sucking on his lip. She pulled away and swiftly slid out of the booth, making her way to the front counter near the bar and waved over the barkeep. Again, the prim little man shuffled in his own frantic way upon seeing the two of them. He looked at them through his hooded eyes expectedly, eager to grant any wish or request. "We find ourself in need of a room. I trust you have one ready and waiting, dont you." It wasnt a question, more a demand in her tone of voice. The man nodded, avoiding her dark gaze and turned his back, fetching a tiny silver key from the glass display behind the bar. She held out her pale hand and he placed it into her palm very gingerly, as if to touch her would cause physical injury to himself. "Up the stairs, to the left, third door with the silver knob.." "Thank you. Payment later." she said, not wanting to waste another minute. Vavrin slipped the key to Nihael, and headed up the stairs.

[Nihael]

Nihael followed Vavrin, his eyes glued to her sensuous form. Taking the key, he followed her up the stairs, taking them three at a time. Catching up to her at the door, he gave her a quick kiss before stepping back and producing the key in his hand. "Allow me." With a few twists of his wrist, the door stood wide open. He took a couple long strides into the room and leapt onto the bed, landing on his side. Looking over at Vavrin, still by the door, he 'smiled'. Something that ould easily be taken for a feral grin. " I do believe this will be perfect for our needs."

[Vavrinec]

Vavrin flashed her pointed teeth in return, slamming the room door shut with the heel of her boot, not taking her eyes off of his. "It is most suitable. Now our range of movements shall not be restricted," she said with a smirk, gliding effortlessly across the room and over to where Nihael lay. Vavrin crawled up onto the bed, settling on her knees close beside him. "Now, let us shed the barriers that seperate us." She longed to be granted access to more of the Rider's flesh, and to be freed of the clingy articles of clothing that barely concealed her modesty by his own capable and strong hands.

[dannylam4]

Yin walked down the stairs and to the bottom deck. The oars sat on the floor, unused at the time but wet from their use earlier. The men sat nervously on their benches, tired and unrested. "Good morning men," Yin said, his cool voice echoing through the bottom deck. Some of the men looked up nervously at him, others twitched at his voice and kept their eyes down. "It's your lucky day, you will no longer be slaves to the oars. Take a break and go up the deck."

The men looked around, questioning Yin's motives but unsure what the harm was. After no one moved in a moment, Yin pulled out a dagger and held it against someone's throat. "Do you not want your break, gentlemen?" he asked. The men stood up quickly and walked up the stairs and stood at the deck.

The preparations are set, sire, Yang said, standing on the crow's nest. A slow gust built up and took the sails, pushing them forward. Yang jumped out of the crow's nest, hitting the ground and cracking the wood. He brushed off the dust and walked forward. "Good morning, men... are you all rested?"

Yang reached into his pouch and removed a single ruby. The written ancient language surrounded the ruby in white. Yang held it into the sky, the light hitting it and making the words shimmer. Sacrifice.

The man collapsed in a second, the group losing their energy and dying. The gust slowly built up and then grew faster until it drove the ship at an incredible speed. Yang looked at the ruby and then tucked it back into his pouch.

You're bleeding again, brother, Yin informed Yang. Yang wiped the blood from his nose on his hand and looked at it.

A small sacrifice, he said, his voice slightly weak. I'll be in my cabin. Wake me when we arrive, brother?

[Nihael]

Nihael came down the stairs with a satisfied look on his face. Reaching his hand into his money-bag, he randomly withdrew a handful of coins and placed them, on the counter. "I am sure this will cover the costs of the drinks, the room and the damages."

As they left the building, he turned back to Vavrin, "I don't suppose the Twins will be back by now. Shall we go to the docks and see?"

[Vavrinec]

"If we must," she said, placing particular emphasis on the last word, glancing at him from the corner of her eye, a faint smirk playing on her lips as they walked together through the streets. Vavrin was finding herself a bit distracted, and did not want to even think of anything else, least of all the Twins. By now, she could care less if they had arrived or not.

Nevertheless, they made their way to the docks. Vavrin kept very close to Nihael's side as she stood there, waiting and keeping an eye out for any approaching barges and ships. She shifted the dark crimson curtain of hair from her eyes with the back of her hand and waited as patiently as possible, not saying much as the water below danced in the dwindling late afternoon sun.

[dannylam4]

Yin stood on the crow's nest, hand held against the rope and pushing forward, leaning over the edge. His pitch black eyes stared blankly in front of them. He spotted a building, a few leagues away but approaching quickly. He released the rope, falling forward and flipping through the air, landing on the floor with a wood splintering crack. He dusted off his pants and straightened himself. He shifted his weight and then waved his arm. The wind changed with a hard push, adjusting the ship to go slightly to the left. Yin looked forward again, watching the docks. He dropped his arms, the wind pushing forward once again and sending them straight towards the dock.

Yin removed the staff off his back and started walking towards the cabins, the staffs tapping against the wooden floor with every step. He walked down the stairs slowly and turned, opening the doors to the cargo bay. He walked past the winery, hands running against the bottles but leaving them be. Continuing forward, he entered the room with large wooden boxes. His fingers ran against the side of the boxes, skipping a few and then stopping at one. Removing the lid, he examined the contents. Leaning his staff against the wall, he slowly unbuttoned his shirt.

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With a loud knock on the door, Yang slowly stirred awake. He grabbed his clothes and quickly dressed as the knock on the door became more impatient. Sword in hand, he pressed his hand against the door before opening it. Have we arrived? Yang asked as he opened the door. Yang looked at Yin with a curious eye. You changed your clothes?

Yin was dressed in a sleeveless shirt, a hole in his shoulder sleeve making it look like it had two straps. It fit him snugly, tight around the stomach but looser at the top. His pants were white with black leather straps wrapping around his legs, 6 in count on each leg. On his hands were a pair of white, fingerless gloves, and a white ribbon tied to the top of his bow staff. I bring you a gift as well, he said, placing a pile of black clothing on the chair.

Yang grabbed some of the clothes and examined it. The cargo? Yang asked.

Yin nodded. The lord always provides, he said, referring to the king. Yin slipped on a long white coat that stayed above the floor by half an inch. He flipped the collar down and pulled the coat tighter, the coat too small to fully close. With compensation, of course.

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The wind slowed a mile from the dock, blowing lightly enough to keep it going, but slow enough so the ship entered the dock without hitting the port. A wooden board slipped out of the door and hit the dock with a loud thud. Yin walked out slowly, staring up at the sky. He continued forward until his feet touched the dock. Good afternoon, he said, eyes still on the sky. He lowed his head slowly and looked at the two with blank eyes. How was the wait?

[Nihael]

Nihael watched the ship slowly maneuver its way into the dock and come to a gentle stop. Soon there was a flurry of movement as workers scurried around to tie the ship in and lower the plank. Soon enough, a newly-garbed Yin headed across the plank.

How was the wait?

Nihael thought of the woman next to him and the new scars on his back. "They were, eventful", he said with a smile. "I see you managed to make it without too much trouble, and some new clothing, aswell. Did you rip your shirts again? Makes one think that you either like having them cut, or you are poor fighters." His smile widened. "Well, will Yang be along soon? I'd rather this not take more time than it should."

[dannylam4]

I figured it was time for a new change, Yin said, watching the soldiers unload the boat. He held his staff tightly, wrapped with fresh bandages. Yang will join us shortly after the ship is emptied.

Yin stepped off the board, the staff tapping the floor as he moved. He has some... unfinished business with the captain, he said cooly. He kept his eyes on the unloading crew, waiting for them to finish. Have you two figured out a course of action yet?

One of the "hired" crew walked over to Nihael, keeping his eyes down. "We're done unloading the ship..." he said quietly. Yin looked back up at the deck of the ship.

"Then I'd suggest you get away from the ship," Yin said.

Yang stepped on the board leading to the dock, white eyes scanning the area. Sleeveless, his long shirt underneath stuck out from under the cloak, white leather wraps against his arms making his muscles more profound. The collar on the black shirt stood straight up, reaching past his mouth and covering the end of his nose. His black pants were simple, save the exposed hole across the front of his knees, held partially closed by string. He walked down the board, metal from his boots clanking slightly as he moved. He stood in front of Vavrin and Nihael, looking through them and inhaled slightly. Behind him, the ship shimmered red as the deck split open and flames flooded through. You two have been busy... he stated.