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[P] A Slave's Worth [Complete]; Shalia
Topic Started: Tue Jun 21, 2011 5:56 pm (1,061 Views)
Seele
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Oppression hung in the air like a miasma, dampening the spirits of every individual in the construction site. Workers swarmed over the area like ants on carcass, completely focused on the completion of their tasks despite the harsh midday sun. Feet trudged in the dirt, sending up clouds of dust that coated every visible surface and forced the workers to cough almost constantly. Posted evenly around the perimeter of the area were guards, burly men wearing mismatched suits of armor ranging from scuffed leather to heavy steel plates. All of the guards bore thick cudgels that they kept in their hands, piercing eyes scouring the work zone for any sign of trouble or discontent. Several of the men also possessed long leather whips, although they kept them coiled and hooked from their belts. Many of the cudgels and whips still had dark brown stains along their length, suggesting recent use. Although most of the guards were more heavily muscled than the men doggedly working in the pits, none of them offered to help the builders. They simply stood there, watching the silent and devoted effort of the builders to complete their task for the day.

Of course, they were all slaves, so their devotion was probably feigned. That fact would bother most mortals, but Seele was anything but typical. He thrived on the resentment he felt from the slaves here as they endlessly toiled, working towards making his plans a reality. The tall elf watched the proceedings from a cool spot of shade, arms crossed, a small, unreadable smile on his face. He was a strange sight to behold. His skin was extremely pale, almost translucent in the light of day. Of course, there was very little skin visible to notice this. He was covered from his neck down by a voluminous velvet cloak, the soft black fabric tattered near the edges from years of use. A wide-brimmed hat was perched on his head, shading his face from the glare. Golden eyes gleamed from a thin face with high cheekbones. Seele’s ears were pointed like the rest of his kind, although his silvery hair was just long enough to cover the incriminating tips.

The elf turned from the construction area, focusing his attention on the man to his right. When Seele had violently taken over this business endeavor a few scant weeks ago, he had been forced to cull the ranks significantly to root out insubordination. Alyx was one of the few who had survived the brutal elimination process. He was not particularly clever or cautious; he simply possessed no moral scruples, and would complete any job so long as he was paid. As Seele had “acquired” the wealth of his former employer, Alyx had been the first one to pledge his services to the sorcerer. He was relatively tall for a human, with a thin frame and features that suggested a life behind of desk instead of wielding a weapon. His fine tunic and leggings reinforced that appearance, as well as the manicured goatee he wore. His voice was too unctuous for the elf’s liking, but his efficiency in this project was unrivaled. “We’re on schedule, sir. The men have learned that escape attempts are futile with your… special gifts.” Seele’s smile broadened as he recalled the first breakout attempt after his takeover. Three slaves had made a run for it when the elf had been touring the premises, obviously believing their slavery had ended with their last master’s life. He had made sure to fix this opinion. He could still remember the screams as his enchanted blades tor the trio apart, shredding their skin and flesh in a maelstrom of flashing metal. No, there had been no attempts to escape since then.

Alyx continued with his spiel, unaware of the elf’s bloody thoughts. “The first two pits are the appropriate depth, so now we’re reinforcing the floors and starting to construct the stands. The other pits are still being duyg out of the ground, but that should be completed within a week.” Alyx scratched at his nose, staring at the thick stack of papers he held. “Since you assumed control of the project, we’ve had no more problems with guards or workers disappearing. We should complete the entire project within… Two months, I’d say.” The human looked up at the men slaving away, a thin smile on his lips. “You are a much more efficient master than Cronally ever was, if I may speak the truth. Fear seems to keep the vermin in line.”

”It tends to do that.” Seele chuckled softly, walking with his second-in-command away from the silent workers. Fear had also kept the hired beaters in line, and many of Cronally’s old associates had been more than willing to work with the elf after he showed them what had happened to the obese slaver. Seele nodded to Alyx as he walked away from the construction site, trusting his men to keep the project moving smoothly. The elf walked by himself through the ruined streets, his cloak swirling from his rapid gait.
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Shalia
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She had not returned to Taras since she had been here with Kaess. Those memories were not exactly overly fond ones. But then again, nor were any memories that included the idiot of a half-dragon. Even though she had not exactly wanted to help in the rebuild of Taras, she was curious about how the city was looking. Humans did amaze her in how they always managed to survive somehow and rebuild what was destoryed. Was it bravery or stupidity that kept them going?

As she came to a certain section of the city her eyes suddenly blazed with rage. She looked down on the workers. To an untrained eye they may just think it was a normal crew, but she knew better. She could see the fear in the workers eyes even from this distance, and the smug way the task masters walked around. They were slaves.

Nothing could anger Shalia more, than a slave master. The monsters did not understand what it was like to be on the other end of that whip. In her eyes any man who felt they could step upon another in this fashion deserved death.

She made sure she kept a far enough distance not to draw any attention to herself as she scanned the scene with her fierce lavander eyes. What she was looking for was one who kept himself apart, someone who seemed like he was better than anyone else. She was looking for the slave master. Then she spotted someone speaking with an elven man. Then elf seemed to give orders and then walk away. There was her target.

She remember the section of the city the man was heading towards from her last visit. She walked quickly to take a route that would intercept his path. A smirk crossed her face as she saw that she was not standing about 100 feet away from him. She did not out right attack just yet, she wanted to make sure he truely was a slaver before she removed his head from his shoulders. She stood there in silence for the time being glaring at the man.
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Seele
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Although he had not been a slaver for long, Seele already had a multitude of plans to enact with his newfound workforce. The fighting pits would be his gift of corruption to the city. The elf could still recall the thrill of the grand Taras Arena, the exhilaration that had consumed him when battling in the dirt-packed arena. Great battles had been fought there for decades, and the gladiator sports always drew a large crowd. His fighting pits would do the same thing, but so much more. It would serve as the nexus for gambling circles, pickpockets, sell-swords, and incorrigible nobles. The rebuilding of Taras was taking the city in a decidedly pretentious and righteous direction that the sorcerer abhorred. Many of the benefactors had focused on rebuilding hospitals and residential areas before returning the city to its prior glory, but Seele’s goal was not returning life to the city. He would give it a gift of corruption, an establishment too promising to cull, but too dangerous and seedy to be proud of. He had come into possession of many more slaves than he had anticipated, including several teams of gladiators, their battle skills already honed by years of illegal fighting across the land. He could use these men as both fodder for other combatants and champions in their own right. The slaves would draw all sorts of narcissistic champions and fighters to the pits. And of course, there would be profit too. Seele had uses for that revenue, and he had no doubt the fighting pits would prosper beyond his wildest imaginings.

Despite his musings, the elf still noticed that his path was now blocked by a female figure around a foot shorter than the elf with fiery red hair. Her eyes were an unusual shade of violet, and they stared at the elf with an intensity that suggested this was not a chance encounter. Although she was very slim, she was clearly athletic as well, and her stance suggested she was no stranger to combat. This was confirmed as Seele drew closer to the woman, his sharp eyes scanning her warily. She wore a scale breastpiece with an easy grace that worried the elf, and a weapon hilt protruded from her belt. He slowed his own pace, coming to a halt a dozen feet from the woman. Although he did not reach for any weapons, Seele still readied his defenses both magically and physically. His arms were hidden by the folds of the velvet cloak, but he held them loosely at his side, fingers curled slightly. He had been beset by a pair of cutpurses earlier this week, and knew that a slew of capable bandits and highwaymen now called the ruined city their home. If this woman intended to slit his throat and steal his money, she was in for quite a surprise.

”May I help you, milady?” Seele’s voice was amiable and courteous, with none of the anticipation or wariness that he felt evident in his tone. He flashed a charming smile at the woman, golden eyes gleaming with feigned friendliness ”Do I know you from somewhere? I must admit, I am so forgetful when it comes to remembering people…”
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Shalia
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The man was calm. Was his calmness an act or from confidence? Either way she knew she should not underestimate this man. Slave masters always seemed to have a trick or two up their sleeves.

"I have a few questions for you," she said. "I want the truth. If you lie well...lets just say you won't be talking afterwards."

She turned to full face him, but kept her distance. She made sure he could see that she was well armed. Two katana hung on her belt. One shealthed in a red scabbard with golden flames etched into it. The other in a pale blue scabbard with silver flames. A third sword, Lighter Heart, hung on her back.

"First question, those men I saw you watching over. They look to be slaves, and don't try to lie about that. I know a slave when I see one," she began. "What is your connection to those slaves? Are you their owner?"

For now she tried not to seem *too* threatening. She wanted the truth out of him, but did not want to make it too clear that she would kill him if he was a slaver. But then she also knew that attacking him out right might not be a wise idea. She had no clue what this man's powers were.
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Seele
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Seele’s expression did not betray any of his anger or surprise at her words. No one should know about this operation yet… He made a mental to remind Alyx that they were trying to be subtle, in case any paragons wandered across the project and decided to intervene. Maybe having the beaters hidden, or with less obvious weapons… The woman possessed at least three weapons that the elf could see, Seele smiled sadly, nodding at the woman. ”You are most perceptive, milady. Those are indeed slaves.” His voice was remorseful as his mind raced, trying to figure out the best way to avoid a confrontation here. They were still too close to the work zone; if she was actually skilled enough to carry through with her threats, then there was a potential they could damage his property in the fight.

He slowly reached up to his left cheek, making sure that his movements were not taken as threatening. He dug his fingernails under the patch of fake skin he had affixed there. He slowly pried the material off, revealing the elaborate brand on his cheek. ”But in the end, we are all slaves, milady. I am indeed their master… but I have an owner as well.” The elf gestured to the symbol on his cheek as if it branded him as a slave. It meant no such thing, of course. The mark was actually a brand from a demonic spirit that allowed him to summon creatures from the Abyss at a whim. However, those who were not well-versed in demonology were unlikely to know the truth of the symbol’s meaning.

”Master Cronally rewards service, and he decided years ago that I am better suited to leadership than indentured labor… So I am granted a small degree of freedom.” He shrugged absentmindedly, as if his status as a possession did not bother him. He kept his golden eyes fixed on Shalia, gauging her reaction to his next words. ”Why, milady? Are you interested in purchasing a servant? Although these men are currently unavailable, I am sure Master Cronally has items for sale that would interest you…”
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Shalia
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Shalia smirked a bit when she saw the anger and suprise in the man's face. She had been correct in her assumption that she had just wondered accross a slave pit. The man was wise enough not to try and deny that fact. If he had, she would have likely just have beaten him to a pulp until he told her want she wanted to hear.

Then the man started to explain that he was a slave himself. A slave in charge of slaves. This was something she was not unfamiliar with. After all, she had been a fairly high ranking slave herself due to her battle skills. That was how she had been able to became her master's personal slave and guard. And what had led to his death.

Anger flashed in her eyes again and they narrowed when he showed her his mark. He seemed to be trying to make her believe it was a slave mark. But she recognized the demonic symbols woven into the mark.

"I thought I told it would not be wise to lie," she said in a hissed tone. "That mark is nothing from this world. It is demonic. Did you really think you could fool me with that? I am a tiefling, born and raised in the hells. Don't try and play me for a fool."


She took a threatening step forward but did not draw her blades just yet. "It seems like you have some explaining to do," she said. "Why is a demon mark inked upon your face? Is there any truth in what you have just told me?"

She had a strong feeling that this was the slave master and that all she had heard was a lie. And what would come next also would likely be a lie. But, she would play along with whatever he said. She did not just want to kill this man, because the next person would just take over. No...she needed to find everyone of power in this place and end all of their wretched lives.
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Seele
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Seele grit his teeth in frustration. What sort of travelling swordswoman knew the intricacies of the demonic script? The elf refused to give up yet. ”Ah, you are very knowledgeable, milady. But Master Cronally was not my first owner. I was a thrall to a Kyton demon by the name of Gehrin for half a century.” The elf extended one arm, rolling up the sleeve of his dark tunic. Underneath his forearm was wrapped with a thick, spiked chain, the barbs digging into his own flesh. Red blood shined on both his pale skin and the metal links. An unholy aura seemed to emanate from the chains. As Shalia watched they shifted, tightening their grip on the elf’s skeletal limb. Seele wince with pain as one of the twisted barbs pierced his flesh, a flesh rivulet of blood streaming from the wound.

”I have been cursed to carry this reminder of my servitude, even after my master’s demise during the recent… turbulence.” Seele rolled down the sleeve once more, hiding the demonic chains. If she truly had knowledge of demons, she would recognize the twisted mark of a Kyton demon. ”Gehrin was responsible for both this brand and my fetters. He sold me to Cronally mere days before his demise… And now the chains are impossible to remove.” Seele’s haunted expression was no lie; he had been bound to a Kyton demon for decades, and not by choice. He had originally received both the chains and the brand while in its service. He had not been a slave, but neither had he had complete control of his own body. Although he missed the power that accompanied his demonic infusion, he relished the freedom

”Please, milday, may I depart now? I have other business to take care of…” He pointed nodded at the woman, indicating her threatening stance. ”I apologize if I have offended you somehow, but your bearing is beginning to frighten me…”
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Shalia
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The man had a believable enough excuse. Although she still did not buy it completely. For all she knew he could just be spinning some more lies to save his own life. Or...he could be telling the truth. She knew what demon slave master's were like and had seen slaves change hands many times in their lives. It would not be an uncommon thing for this man to have been a demon's slave and then sold to the current master.

Also the mark on his face did check out. It was the symbol Kyton demons used. She was thankful that her master never scrawled the mark of a balor on her, like he did so many of his other slaves. He deemed her far to valuable to mar her looks with a vile symbol.

Shalia relaxed her stance and put her hands to her sides, close to her weapons but not in a overly threatening way.

"Your story is believable enough," she said. "Though just barely. And what business is this you speak of? I would be interested in meeting your master. It seems like this operation is not yet known to many...but could easily become so. Perhaps I could offer my services in keeping others from discovering this place before the proper time."


Of course she did not really want to protect the operation. Instead she wanted to get close enough to find the ones pulling the strings, and remove them.
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Seele
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The woman finally relaxed, and Seele could barely contain a sigh of relief. Her wariness was starting to grate on the elf, and when that happened heads tended to roll. Literally. He relaxed as well, still smiling at the strange woman. “I’m glad you believe me, milady. I don’t believe I would hold a candle to you in combat!” He chuckled with a deference that inwardly made the sorcerer writhe, but he knew a lifelong slave would be incredibly docile and easily intimidated. He had already begun to shift his body language to be less confident and more timid, as if he were used to received commands and obeying them without question. A good bluff only worked if you were constantly working to reinforce the lies. Seele had been always been adept at lying, but he knew he could not keep this act up indefinitely. He would need to find a way to distract or get rid of this woman, and soon.

”I am quite glad that you are interested in our operation… However, I am afraid you will not find Master Cronally here.” Seele turned and began to walk back towards the work area, knowing that she would probably follow him. ”He claims the air this far north does not agree with him, so he usually stays out of Taras. He will not be present until the project is complete.”

The elf pondered the woman’s demeanor as he talked. She had been incredibly angry when confronting him, but much of that rage had faded as he spun his web of lies. She obviously harbored a strong distaste for something about the operation. He had assumed she was anti-slavery at first, but she now seemed interested in the business. In fact, she was so interested in it that she offered her services. Seele had no doubt she was a skilled warrior… But something seemed wrong with her offer.

Seele turned back to make sure the woman was following him. ”The Master has been gracious enough to give me control of most of his business endeavors here in the city. I am, therefore, currently in charge of the construction, as well as our other stock in the city.” He watched her carefully, wondering if she was a spy or a freedom fighter. ”If milady is truly interested in the business, she will be dealing with me. There are several positions open. Would you object to taking orders from a slave?” Seele forced himself to grin in a bashful manner. ”Oh, how rude of me… I have forgotten to introduce myself. My name is Seele, milady…?” He paused noticeably, giving the woman a chance to proffer her own name.

Although he was playing a dangerous game, the elf felt a surge of adrenaline course through his veins. This woman was clearly dangerous, and her intentions were as obscure as Seele’s own, but there was still a thrill in manipulating others that sustaining the elf better than any meal.
Edited by Seele, Wed Jun 29, 2011 6:12 pm.
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Shalia
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Shalia watched him closely as he relaxed. He did take upon a look she was use to seeing in life long slaves. But if he were the slave owner...he would know that stance all too well as well.

She had now obtained a name from him. But was this his real name, or another lie he was trying to spin? Well if she were to keep up her own set of lies, it was time to play along and return the favor.

"My name is Shalia," she said. She saw no point in giving a false name. It was not like she was well known in the area. Also a fake name was just one more thing to keep straight in a web of lies.

"It is a shame your master is not around," she said. "It would be far easier to deal with him directly. But I know how such things work, and will take what I can get. I use to be part of a slave operation in the hells. My job there came to an end when I became trapped in this world with no means of return. Unlike many of my other kin, who spend all their time trying to get back to the land of fire and brimstone, I have decided to instead make my way in this world so ripe with opportunity. When I saw this slaving operation, I decided to check it out."

The best lies, had a grain of truth. And all off what she said was true, save for the small fact that she had been a slave. And that she was trapped in this world because she had killed her master in this land.

"So what work would you have for one who wields both fire and blade?" she asked.
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”Well, lady Shalia, the pleasure is all mine.” Seele’s voice was unctuous and friendly, as if he only existed to serve her needs. The elf felt some of his rage at his diminutive bearing fading from the thrill of the falsehood. Manipulation was one of the subtler acts of corruption that had been impossible for him to perform when bound to the Kyton, and he relished the opportunity to further his skills. After all, if he failed he could simply kill the woman. He had hidden enough bodies in the ruins of Taras to know no one would be shocked by one more.

Seele mused on the best way to place Shalia into the operation. After all, she was clearly not to be trusted, not yet. He still had no viable explanation for her anger upon confronting him, and that worried the elf. Neither did he want to lose the opportunity to keep an eye on her. If she slipped away now, that anger could come back to haunt him in a million little ways. Nothing could actually halt the project, but her interference could slow the work pace drastically. ”As a matter of fact, we do have a vacancy that your… skills could quite easily fill. Just a few weeks ago, two guards were found with their throats slit.” Seele neglected to mention he had slit their throats himself in an effort to reveal who was in charge of the operation. His interference had led the former work supervisor, a man named Mikel, to lead him directly to Cronally. The slaver had died painfully, and Seele had taken over.

”We have yet to find replacements for them.” Seele’s eyes took on a grudging respect as he scanned the woman from head to toe again. Her muscles were well honed, and the blades sheathed at her waist intrigued him. They were ostentatiously decorated, but perhaps their color schemes had more meaning than mere appearance. ”Of course, we would first have to test your claim as to your ability to wield fire and blade…”

By this time the two had returned to the work site. Alyx looked up from his workspace at their approach, frowning slightly. Seele dared not call out to the man, knowing his tenuous story would fall to pieces at the slightest bit of dishonesty. ”Snell, if I could borrow you for a moment?” One of the guards near Alyx grunted his consent and walked out to meet them. He was one of the few overseers who held a weapon besides a cudgel and whip, with a notched shortsword hanging from his belt. He was just as tall as Seele, a full foot taller than Shalia, and heavily muscled. He wore a thick leather cuirass, the protective material scratched in a multitude of places from near-misses. He nodded respectfully to the elf, eying his companion with a leering smile.

”Lady Shalia has expressed interest in joining our ‘team.’ I need you to test her combat abilities. That is, if milady has no objections?” Seele’s eyes coolly slid back to regard Shalia, his voice taking on a stricter tone. ”This is business, after all. I am afraid I cannot hire you if you cannot demonstrate your ability to fight.”
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Shalia
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((OOC note: This will also be where Shalia discovers her Ashen Touch for the Burning Fist task))

So it seemed that there was an opening in the guard duties, that was convenient. But she was also one who did not put any trust in things being convenient. Shalia was not surprised at all when Selee requested a demonstration of her power. She stood then as he looked her over, obviously seeing by her build and stance that she was an adept fighter.

She looked over when Selee summoned a man named Snell. Her lavender eyes looked the man over with a passive gaze. He was built well for a human and that sword of his sat comfortably on his hip. So this seemed to be the one to ‘test’ her. She highly doubted a mere *human* could be of any real challenge to her. After all she was use to fighting demons and devils.

She took note of how the big man acted around the elf. He was respectful. That was a sign that Selee was indeed in charge around here. But she would still have to find out how powerful that authority really was.

“I have no objections,” she said cooly. “Although I cannot guarantee the condition I will leave your boy in. I do not fight humans often. I am much more accustom to fighting stronger beings.”

That comment got Snell to glare at her. Obviously he did not take kindly to her pretty much calling him weak. She smirked, she had a feeling this one would be easy to insult and force into a blind rage. Often times people underestimated the power of a good biting insult in the middle of a fight.

Snell drew his sword and charged at the small tiefling. She reached behind her back and pulled out Lighter Heart. The sword came up just in time to parry the man’s blow. She exchanged a few blows with him to test his skills. He was good, she had to admit that much. But she still knew that she was better.

His skills did surprise her for a brief second when he performed a quick upward strike that ripped Lighter Heart from her hands and sent it flying up and over her head. But surprise only lasted a split second. She side stepped as he trust forward, next thing she did was bring over fist and slam it into his face. The look of shock and pain was amusing as the blow sent him flying to the side with much more force than one would expect from such a small woman. A crack could be heard as his jaw broke. Shalia smirked, she had just punched him with a blow that matched a dragon’s strength.

It was time to get serious. She drew the blades from her sides. As the twin katana’s came out of their sheaths the magic was revealed. The one from the red and gold scabbard burst into burning hot flames, the one from the blue and silver, soft blue freezing flames. Snell shook his head as he regarded her again. It was then that Shalia noticed a black smudge across his face that looked like…ash? She glanced down to her hand that had struck him and noticed the black residue on her hand as well. Was this the sign Kaess had spoken of? She made a mental note to go visit the half-dragon once she got the chance.

She looked back up and calmly watched Snell as he charged her. With grace and agility of one fighting all her life she parried and dodged every blow. She gave him glancing blows every so often when he left himself open. The man roared out in pain as she either burned or froze his flesh with each strike. The battle became a dance for her, grace, power and skill combined into a deadly combo.

Finally she knocked his blade out of his hand and with a powerful kick knocked him to the ground. Crossing her blades for form a ‘X’ she place one blade on each side of his neck. The man gulped as he felt hot and cold steal next to his venerable flesh.

“Too easy,” she said. “You’re not even worth killing.”

She stood up and sheathed her swords. The tiefling the turned to walk away from the man towards Selee awaiting to hear what the elf said. Snell, did not seem pleased with being insulted and embarrassed in such a manner. He retrieved his sword and charged at Shalia’s exposed back. In one fluid motion Shalia turned and lifted a hand. She spoke a single arcane word and a small ball a fire shot from her and exploded on Snell. Shalia watched with a cold uncaring expression as the man burned in her fire with a blood curdling scream. Moments later the scream died out, and nothing was left but the man’s charred body on the floor.

Shalia looked over to Selee. “Sorry about that. But I do not take kindly to those to attack me from behind. Perhaps that will be a lesson to anyone else to tries such a tactic on me in the future,” she said in a dangerous hiss. It was clear that she was not a woman to anger. “And it would appear I have made yet another opening in your company.”
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Seele briskly walked away from the duo, returning to Alyx’s workstation. The man looked at Seele’s revealed brand, raising an eyebrow. “Where’d you find that hellcat?” The elf snorted, turning to watch the duel with a practiced eye. Snell was more of a brute than a swordsman; he treated the sword like a club, but his size and strength made even that dangerous. Seele spoke softly, making sure that the woman could not hear his words. The fight also provided a nice diversion, so she would doubtfully notice anything suspicious in his behavior. ”She hunted me down, for some reason. Right now, she thinks I’m working for Cronally and seems a little too interested in our operation. Keep it that way. I want to keep her close.” Alyx snorted, but nodded his assent. The elf watched as Shalia fought the larger human with a single sword at first. Although Snell managed to disarm her at first, she retaliated by slamming her fist into his face, slamming the man backward with a force disproportional to her stature.

Alyx looked up from his paperwork as the fight continued, restlessly stroking his goatee. “You’re playing a dangerous game, sir…” The woman had unsheathed dual katanas, magic gleaming along their steel. Each burst into flames, although one burned bright orange and the other had an unnatural blue color. She relentlessly attacked the guard, beating down his defenses with the enchanted weapons. Seele leaned forward, anticipation in his eyes. There was no doubt that she was more skilled with the blades than Snell. Within a few moments she had disarmed the man and brought him to the ground, her blades ready to slash his throat open. The elf was surprised when she did not take the opportunity, instead turning and walking towards him. Perhaps she thinks showing mercy will get her on my good side…

Snell rose quickly, staring at the woman with rage. He picked up his sword, but looked at Seele before attacking. The elf nodded imperceptibly as he began to speak. ”Well done, Lady Shalia!” The guard charged at her back, roaring incoherently due to his shattered jaw. The woman turned, gesturing with one hand. Seele felt the pull of magic as she cast a spell, flames licking her fingers. A ball of intensely hot fire shot from her hand, exploding against the guard’s chest. The sickly sweet smell of burnt flesh filled the street as the fireball bored through Snell’s chest, instantly incinerating his heart. With an agonized scream the guard collapsed, the flesh around the hole burnt to a black crisp. There was a perfect silence across the work zone as the other guards tensed, reaching for their clubs.

The tension was broken by a loud clap. Seele continued to do so, a small smile curling his lips. ”Very well done indeed, Lady Shalia. I shall remember your dislike for attacks that lack chivalry.” The elf’s smile broadened slightly at Alyx’s blank expression as he stared at the burnt corpse, knowing his right-hand man was probably calculating the cost of hiring a replacement. ”Very well. You’re hired… and your first task will be finding a place to dispose of the body.” Seele stared at her, a degree of amusement in the golden eyes. ”It would be unfortunate if the guard’s attention was drawn to this location due to a corpse left out in the open…”
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Shalia
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Cold lavander eyes watched Selee as he spoke. It was likely becoming more clear to him that her demeanor did not change much at all. It was as if she were perpetually in a bad mood. And knowing she was around slavery, put her into a slightly worse mood than usual.

Also she was finding Selee's current actions somewhat odd. He was holding himself differently now than he had earlier. He had seemed so timid when she had approached him in a threatening manner. Now he applauded her for torching one of his guards. His whole demeanor just seemed off for one who was a life long slave.

True she knew life long slaves, like herself, could hold themselves with authority. She was a prime example of that. But she had been raised as a battle slave and was ment to think independently and hold herself in this fashion. And she knew that a slave like herself was a rare case.

Without a word to the elven man she walked over to the corpse. Her face was calm and unchanging as she grabbed a hold an unscourched part of his tunic. She lifted the large body with ease and walked off with it. From the last time she had been in Taras she knew it would be easy for find a place for the body.

The body was place in a hidden ditch and would likely never to be found. Shalia then returned to the work place to see what else she could find out as a new guard here. A little over an hour had passed in her abscence.
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Seele
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Seele had taken advantage of Shalia’s absence to inform the other guards that they were to still follow his commands, but treat him as if he was a servant of Cronally’s. Few of the brutes had the mental capacity to question why the elf was making such an odd request, but they unanimously agreed with his plan. After all, the sorcerer was the one who paid them now, and they had seen how he treated the slaves that attempted to escape. Seele’s cruelty was the stuff of legend, and no one who had witnessed it was willing to cross him without an army at their back. Seele returned to his workstation, waiting for the woman’s return. Even if her true motives were in opposition to his own, her martial skills would provide a useful bonus to his workforce. Furthermore, the slaves in the pits had seen the entire encounter, and were now as terrified of Shalia as they were of Seele himself. She had mercilessly slain a grown man effortlessly. If her goal was freeing the slaves, she would have a difficult time convincing them she was not dangerous and could be trusted.

Shalia returned almost an hour later, the body gone. Seele nodded in greeting to her, once more pondering on her reasons for accosting him earlier. The woman seemed to be in a perpetual irate mood, although she had shown a spark of anger when they had first met. He had very little time to think about this new morsel of information, because a group of ten men had followed Shalia towards the work site. Seele quickly stood and left his desk, fingers balling into tight fists. “Welcome back, Shalia. I might have more use of your skills than initially anticipated.” He continued to walk past her, stopping with his hands hidden in his cloak. ”Excuse me, gentlemen, but this is private property. I would prefer it if you did not trespass here.”

“Quiet, pointy ears.” The man spoke in a low grumble, closer to a growl than the Common tongue. “We don’t want to hear none of your excuses. We know all about you and Cronally and you ‘private property.’” He was a giant of a man, almost eight feet tall and with bulging muscles that suggested a life of manual labor. He held a battleaxe like it was a toy in his massive fingers, but its edge had a wicked gleam to it. “You have my brother in that pit of yours, and I want him back.” His companions were less physically imposing than the speaker, but all of them held weapons, ranging from sickles and gardening tools to scavenged swords and lances. They began to spread out in a thin line, advancing on the lone elf.

”Lady Shalia, if you would be so kind, I do believe these men need to be expelled from the premises.” Seele’s eyes narrowed, flashing gold. He summoned a tendril of shadowy power, wrapping it around himself. Cause Fear. The advancing men stopped in their tracks, eyes going wide as the spell spread out from Seele, touching their minds with dark fingers, warping their perception of him. Several of the men went pale, blood draining from their face as they stared at the elf in undisguised abhorrence and terror. He made sure that the miasma did not affect the other guards or Shalia, only influencing the trespassers. ”I believe the two of us will be sufficient to repel this unlawful transgression.” Still, he did not reach for a weapon, just staring at the men with a calm, amiable expression.

“Like hell you will!” One of the men sprinted towards the elf, his anger allowing him to bypass the effects of the spell. Seele smiled and pivoted as the man stabbed his lance at the elf, the point of the spear coming within inches of the elf’s torso. One hand emerging from his cloak clutching a fighting knife, the blade gleaming as he slashed it in one smooth motion. The crossguard was in the shape of a raven with its beak open, and the length of the blade was etched with arcane runes. Without a moment’s hesitation he plunged the dagger deep into the man’s neck, instantly severing his jugular. The man’s momentum carried him several steps past the elf, his fingers dropping the lance and going to the gaping hole in his throat. Blood bubbled out of his mouth as he collapsed to the ground, his lifeblood pumping out into the dust. Seele did not even look at the corpse, his golden eyes focused on the huge man who was obviously their leader.

”Leave now, and you may keep your lives. I will allow no one to disturb Master Cronally’s operation.” Seele removed his other hand from his cloak, revealing a second knife in that hand, identical to the first. Blood dripped from the point of his first dagger, splashing on the ground. His words had no effect, and the men charged at the elf and Shalia, weapons raised. The elf made sure to keep his newest employee in sight, unsure if she would truly fight on his side or would joint his assailants. If she betrays me now, I will simply kill them all… A manic light entered his eyes as he sprang forward, knives a silver blur.
Edited by Seele, Tue Jul 5, 2011 4:36 pm.
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