The Assassins

[Stalzyn]

In the small town of Fairhollow, deep in one of the rataways street was an underground organisation. Gradiner's creed as it was called. The Creed was known throughout the land as the most dangerous organisation ever created. Its members comprised of skilled men and women from varying races and class.
Gladiner who started the organisation decades ago is now refered as one of the top dogs of the brotherhood. The half dog half man that is Gradiner has once written a code and it was accepted into the assassin rule book.
Gladiner's creed is now the most sought after when it comes to assassination and infiltration.

 

[Stalzyn]

CHAPTER 1: Two sides of a coin.

In the Ratways deep beneath the town of Fairhollow, the senior members of the Assassins Guild gathered at the traditional time in the grand hall of their faction, to receive their latest tasks from the guild master. Gladner the half fox half man.
One by one, he dispatched the leather-clad thieves assembled there to the four corners of the province, with orders to plant, infiltrate, sabotage or kill whichever official or citizen that had recently crossed the guild, or crossed others with the means to pay the Creed to act on their behalf.
Last of the assassins to be addressed was a man who stood alone at the back of the hall. He held himself tall, strong and aloof in the shadows; he stood still, his poised demeanour and the dark, well-worn leather armor he wore rendering him almost invisicible in the gloom.

 

[Stalzyn]

"Emerald." Gladiner called his name. "I have a special assignment for you. We've had word that the Jarl of Riften has increased tax price by 60%. The people have cried out and a noble citizen has seeked the help of the Creed. To do what it does best."
Emerald smirked. He knew how these things worked. A noble won't just hire a reputable costly creed like Gladiner's just because he wishes to see the people happy. No, not when such nobles included Kelmane Brin.
"What does he want Gladiner?" he asked, using his name for emphasise. He was the only one that could call him by his name, for the guild master took him like the son he never had
Gladiner folded his hands together and sat upright
"Kelmane claims the Jarl received an unsubstancial shipment of jewels, as a tribute from the palace of Morthal keen to open up a trade agreement with his town. He claims his security provided the cargo safe passage to the Jarl who has denied him a share of the lot. He wants us to relieve the Jarl of the burden of those jewels."

 

[Stalzyn]

Emerald arched his brows. He rested his weight on his hands that he had placed on the table, leaning forward he questioned in a low tone. "Since when did we become thieves Gladiner?"
"Since the first day you raised up sword to steal a man's life." Gladiner replied evenly.
Emerald nodded, without speaking and made to leave with his task. He had joined the guild when he was eight and had been trained by Gladiner himself. Now at age twenty-six, he still claim to need no woman's touch. In an effort to clear cobwebs from his head, he seldom fall to pleasing himself or paying a tavern wench. But it has always been that. Him and his hands alone. He needed no distraction in form of affection or love as they call. He needed no woman.
"One more thing Emerald," Gladiner called, stopping him. "I want you to take someone with you. The lady that turned in two weeks ago. She has shown great promising talent and skill and i feel she will need some of your coaching to excel. Besides in this mission, you'll need a partner."

 

[Stalzyn]

Emerald turned and fixed Glander with a hard stare.
"The Snow-haired elf? The rookie? You aren't serious. She's a greenhorn. She'll get us both killed, besides you know i don't do partners."
"And neither does she. You too have a lot in common and i believe you'll both learn a lot from this mission." Glandur smiled and called the name of the woman to a group of juniors who had huddled together away from the main proceedings.
A young woman, tall and lithe, seemingly looking 24 from Emerald's guess. She wore a cloak over her head but her bountiful chest was clearly a difference in the brown robe she wore over her leather armor.
She carried an alluring enticing atmosphere. Though her steps were sure, true and defined. From his assessment, she was a strong-willed fellow.
She walked to him and the guild master and bowed respectively to Glandur, then a slight nod of greeting to Emerald as senior entitiled.
Emerald eyed the rookie, contempt glistering nakedly in his eyes.
"So what's the name?"

 

[LittleSprite2]

She had watched the comings and goings of those around her and did not like that she had been singled out for this task, it was too soon in her own opinion but what did she know, she had been informed before the gathering that she was to accompany one of the better assassin's on a mission.

She had told there leader she had no wish for a partner and would rather continue her training so that she could go out on her own, but he had insisted and making it an order with her being so new unless she wished to leave the guild she had no choice in the matter.

She bowed respectfully as she approached nodding to the one who would become her partner, she noted his contempt giving him a board look a slight smirk touching her lips as she arose from the bow. " Ashwyn" around her neck was what looked to be a brown bandanna but in truth it was a mask she could bring up to cover her face when out and about. That was all she said before turning her attention from him ignoring him completely to listen to there master address them both.

She stood 5ft 4 innches high weighing around 125 pounds she was slender and yet stronger than she looked. Ashwyn had been a huntress before coming to the guild, she had alot to learn but was willing.

 

[Stalzyn]

"Ashwyn" the snow haired girl replied him. Then turned to face Gladiner even though he hasn't started talking. "Is she ignoring me?" Emerald couldn't help asking himself. "Oh please do that all the way." he wished.
"Their is a certain Jarl that we want assassinated." the Guild master started, his gaze only on Ashwyn. "Your partner Emerald here, has all the details you might need." he then turned to Emerald who was still scowling for reasons more than just the news of a partner. "This is a map of the Jarl's palace and the stationing of her guards. You have four days to complete this mission. Goodluck."
Emerald nodded and collected the map. He leaned closer as he did and in a low tone said, "next time allow me do introduce my name."
Straightening back up, he turned and started for the exit. "You owe me this one Gladiner." he said.
"Come on kid. Keep up." he told her while striding purposefully as if unaccompanied, she half-jogging to keep up.

 

[Stalzyn]

Outside the main gates of Fairhollow, they paid a wagon to carry them discreetly as far as the mountains to the west, and then they disembarked to continue on foot. As they watched the cart disappear away down the trail, he explained thay they would take a short cut he knew across an abandoned pass through the hills, from where they could sneak into Riften the back way, without attracting unwanted attention.
"Ever killed before kid?" he asked ignoring her earlier comment when he called her kid.

 

[LittleSprite2]

For the most part she did in fact ignore him speaking only when she had to do so finding him both arrogant and annoying, she had kept up with his strides as he exited the room easily enough and only out of respect for his higher rank answered him at all.

She followed his lead as they left the wagon behind watching it go, thinking it unwise to use a familiar path keeping ones pattern the same when hunting a more intelligent being such as this Jarel who would have guards and the like was not always wise.

Had they been attacked or had assassins before now they would have scouts in the area but then what did she know. Had she killed before.. yes she did not answer his question preferring not to think on thos times.

" i would like to see the map please, i need to understand the lay out as much as you, i also think we needs double check to make sure the guard patterns have not changed, and to discuss our route of escape. "

 

[Stalzyn]

Her eyes became distant when he asked her that. It seemed to Emerald that she was not happy about her past and current actions.
"i would like to see the map please, i need to understand the lay out as much as you, i also think we needs double check to make sure the guard patterns have not changed, and to discuss our route of escape. " she said.
That wasn't what he asked her, that wasn't what he expected to hear. Emerald grumbled inaudibly about how discipline have left the creed.
It was full summer, and they were sweating as they troddle up the hills in their leathers, his worn and well-shaped to his strong and little muscular figure from years of use, hers new and still shiny.
Emerald turned to her, his face trying desperately with a dry smile to hide the anger he felt towards her while his emerald orbs betrayed him.
"You shouldn't for a moment think yourself my partner. Here, you're on a training and like all juniors must prove yourself to me. So far you've done nothing but disappoint me." he told her.

 

[Stalzyn]

"You're here to learn, not get in my way all in the name of partner. If i was to show you the map, you'll start suggesting routes and tactics even though you've never infiltrated Falkreath. All in ignorance, and acting ignorantly is stupidity. One of the greatest things that can kill an assassin." he finished not so calmly.
Turning from her, he continued his stride up the deserted path.

 

[LittleSprite2]

"have it your way" was all she said if and when he turned back to speak to her he would not see her, for like most elves she had the ability to move swiftly as well as silently and seem to simply vanish as if she had never been, like the morning mist with the rise of the dawn. Not a leaf, branch or twig out of place nor did there appear to be any tracks that someone of any lesser skill than his own would dicern.

She had no intentions of what ever none sense he had spouted off he did not want her help he would not get it, but nor was she going in blind with no way of knowing what she was getting into let alone the lay out of the area or how the guards moved.

That would get her and him killed as well foolish arrogant male.. they had 3 days left unless she calculated the distance wrong..

A few hours later she was sitting in the market square eating an apple on the back of a cart with a few others who came and went laughing joking as if she had known them for ages, her hair was braided and her hood was down.. tho with her looked as if they were apart of a traveling acrobatics group who had been summoned to entertain the Jarel and the people over the next few days.

She had joined them proving she could juggle daggers, do acrobatics as well and sing the singing was what they wanted most but she would aid in the other acts as well... Other entertainment in the form of slaves were brought to be presented to the jarel as well.

 

[Stalzyn]

When Emerald looked back and did not see Ashwyn, he just shrugged and continued his trek up the hill, unbothered and with a contented smile. He whistled a rhyme he had learnt when he was on the street.
She leaving didn't matter. She would've eventually stood in the way of things. She was beautiful yes, and enticing yes, but also stubborn and useless.
From the mountain pass, Emerald entered the woods. He used a tunnel there that led to an abandoned dry well inside the palace old garden. Following the map, Emerald headed off towards the back entrance of the palace, his eyes dashed to and fro as he hurried towards the door. Very much aware that at any moment someone might just come our from one of the corners or overgrown reeds and without the cover of darkness he'll be easily spotted. Thus ending his reputation as the unseen hand of death.
He reached the door and heaved in relief. Opening it he nodded with a smile. As indicated in the map, he was now in the kitchen. All he had to do was feign trusted servant.

 

[LittleSprite2]

Ashwyn preformed with the acrobats for the Jarels entertainment, walking a rope high in the air, doing flips and tumbles among other feats with many of the others she was not the only entertainer she had borrowed a change of clothing from the troop that had her dressed in the style of a Genie light blue in coloration with white trim and some gems for adornment.. her hair was pulled up into a high ponytail to keep it out of her eyes as she preformed.

Later would be singing and music from her vantage point high above she noted Emerald sneaking through the gardens and purposely slipped drawing gasps a few screams and oos and awws as she caught hold of the rope by her hand and flipped herself back up on it.

Making sure to keep the guards attention on her.. she made it to the safe plat form after that and bowed to the crowd. The next act took over and she climbed down to join thos on the ground.. the group had been given permission to bed down inside the keep tonight after the entertainment.

She could seduce a drunk guard into leading her around.. she wondered how he was fairing.

 

[Stalzyn]

As he neared the kitchen door, it opened and a servant stepped out. The man stood transfixed for a moment staring at Emerald who stared back equally. Now coming to his senses and about to shout out, Emerald covered his mouth with his palm and with speed and precision got behind the man and slit his throat.
Hiding his body where it won't easily be found, Emerald puts on the white shirt and grey pants that the servant wore and made for the kitchen.
Blending in was easy as their were many busy servants in the kitchen that were not interacting.

 

[LittleSprite2]

Ashwyn after the performance was laughing with others around her relaxing some it appeared she was drinking but was not. She had flirted with some of the guards, and had watched there movements as well as activity saw which ones remained close to the leader at all times on a regular basis and rotated out.

She hid her distaste of the slaves that were brought forward and presented for the Jarel to look over. To any observing it would look as if she did not care ether way.

Emreld had wanted to know about her past, well that was her secret and none of his concern. Sitting here however during this time was not, by any means easy for her to do in the least.

She noted that while 90% of the guards were enjoying the show and getting very drunk, the other 10% actually guarding the leader did not.

They would not be so easy to get around, but she felt she could take a few of them if the rest of the garrison were drunk enough.. or.. a slow smile came to her lips as a plan formed.

She needed to see them fight how they handled themselves.. there was not enough time for that however one more night remained before they had to complete there task, one way or another.

 

[Stalzyn]

The long waited opportunity finally came. Food and drink was to be served to the Jarl and his guest, and disguised as a servant of the royal palace, Emerald followed with the others to serve.
As were cups were filled, Emerald couldn't help but chuckle, noting how easy it was to poison the both guests and guards. The sleep potion's spell was not immediate and Emerald took the liberty to wait. Enjoying the beautiful rich delicasies of the Jarl's household.
He picked up a roasted lap of...well he didn't know the animal, must be a pig, no a dog. Well he didn't really care. Emerald picked up the meat and chewed on it, he half closed his eyes for a moment, enjoying the spicy taste of the meat.
He glanced at the guards around the Jarl. The dozen of them has refused to taste the wine, all day they stood, with a scowl on their face. Well at least he'll have to flex his muscles a little before the mission is over. He wondered if he should look for Ashwyn, to warn her against drinking.
"I'll just have to carry her."

 

[LittleSprite2]

Ashwyn spotted Emerald among the servants, but gave no indication that she had. She became more mindful of her surroundings and the people near her as they ate and drank. Emerald grabbed a peace of food to eat a bold move considering the Jarels guards were not getting plastered along with everyone else.

What ever he had done it would be hard for the others to tell if it was drink, or drug which caused people to begin passing out here and there.. Ashwyn had not had anything to drink she rose slowly pretending to stumble and sway as if she had.

She moved slowly to the opposite side of the room from Emerald so that she had a clear line of sight did she need it and begin positioning herself to give him aid if he didn't get himself captured in the process.

 

[Stalzyn]

The music was now nearly at an end. The guests that were not in a daze were making their ways out of the palace, one even bumped Emerald's shoulder as he passed. And as he did his shirt swayed a bit, one of the guards near the almost drunk Jarl noticed the dagger at his side when his shirt shifted.
What the hell would a servant be doing with a dagger?
Emerald closed his shirt back, as he glanced around again, he noticed the suspecting gaze of the blonde guy. Their gaze met and the blonde guard suspicions were confirmed.
Emerald pulled a sword from one of the drunk guards and expertedly threw it directly to the chest of the guard.
He drew his dagger and sent it flying to the Jarl's heart. "Mission accomplished." he said to himself.
Now unarmed and surrounded, Emerald knew his luck had run out.

 

[LittleSprite2]

Damn.. he had gotten caught if she reviled herself now she would only be caught with him, she would have to wait and free him. She thought about leaving him but knew that she could not return without him.

She watched the guards that did not take Emerald away seeing them check the Jarel to see if the leader yet lived. They were summoning a healer and taking the body from the room, she could tell from the position of the blade and the amount of blood as well as the shallow gasping gerggling breaths that the leader was in fact at deaths door.

One guard noticed she was still stumbling and narrowed suspicious eyes her way until he saw her slide down the wall and pass out as many others had. He walked over to her to check and see if she were asleep.

Ashwyn was not but she was able to pretend rather well at being so even as he poked prodded and roamed his hands over her form until he was satisfied before rising and returning to the others taking the assassin to the dungeons to await his exicution.

 

[Stalzyn]

Emerald opened his eyes to the sound of water dripping upon cold tile. His head still ached badly from where a guard had struck him.
His wrist hurts as well, and in a bid to wiggle it, he discovered how red raw it was. Thanks to the chains around it.
He blinked repeatedly, wanting his eyes to accomodate to the semi darkness in the cell. He struggled to stand on his feet, almost losing his footing as the ground was still slippy.
"Well i guess my stars are becoming deem. Must be the partner thing." he lamented with a dry smile.
On hearing footsteps approaching the cell, the famous thief straightened himself for the inevitable.
"If you have come for my head, do make it quick. This place reeks." he spoke out as he tried to make out who was at the door.

 

[LittleSprite2]

"A tempting offer however i think Gladiner might have a thing or two to say if i only bring back your head." Ashwyn said as she opened the cell " do keep your voice down we've not much time."

She was dressed in the attire she had first worn upon meeting him weapons and all. She swiftly and quietly unfastened his chains. She looked him over for injuries he looked a bit battered but it did not appear anything was broken. " how badly are you damaged? "

She handed him his weapons and went to watch the door giving him time to work the circulation back into his wrists and prepare.

As he approached she moved out into the dimly torch lit hall. There were no guards in sight she had taken care of them on her way through. However when the others came to change shifts they would be discovered.

" We must hurry. the leader is dead your aim was true, they will come before day break for you, the guard will change over soon. "

The troop she had joined had already packed and left having been ordered to do so by the captain of the guard. She had left with them and then come back as soon as it was dark enough to risk it.

 

[Stalzyn]

"Great! I find myself now indebted to a junior." Emerald mumbled to himself as he followed her closely behind out of the cell and through the hallway.
"So just out of curisity, you're feeling very good about yourself right now aren't you?" Emerald asked cockily as he took the weapon from her.
As she walked infront of him, he couldn't tear his gaze from the unintentional seductive sway of her backside.
He chuckled softly wondering for a moment what it'll be like to get to know her intimately.
"Ah brat!" he sighed. It's of no use. At the end of the day one of us will get hurt and the other will be left with haunting memories.
On approaching a bend, Emerald held her arm, stopping her from moving further. She made to protest why he had held her back but Emerald's palm was already on her mouth.
"Shh!" he motioned with his finger.
"So now that the Jarl is dead. Who do you think will be next? You know he never had a child." came an approaching voice from the otherside of the bend.

 

[LittleSprite2]

Ashwyn shrugged her shoulder at his initial statement she had no urge to crow with accomplishment nor had any feeling of cockiness as he called it. She was simply doing what must be done. She heard him mutter something which sounded like brat as they made there way down the corridor.

Paying no heed as she tried to listen for any approaching, she felt him pull her arm, stopping her from moving further as he did so she looked up at him questioningly. His hand over her mouth angered her she supposed he must have thought she would ask what he was doing.

Her free hand had already drawn a dagger from her belt loop and it was pointed in his direction out of habit.. for a split second she was tempted to bite him.

she heard his whispered "shhh" and nodded as he gestured with his finger. Slowly she slipped the dagger back in place and listened.

How had he heard them when she had not.. these were not a part of the guard change over they had at least 10 minuets left.. She waited to see what he wanted to do, she studied him a moment and could see why many talked of him with awe or even in some women's cases desire.

It would never work one of them or both would get hurt.. what was the guild master thinking to put them together...

 

[Stalzyn]

Emerald mildly noticed her dagger slid back into the sheat by her side.
"Are you a stranger, a fighting contest will be held and the winner will ascend the seat. I might even enroll as a contestant." another voice replied th first.
From their shadows coming out the bend, Emerald noticed they were armed.
He gripped the sword tighter and charged into the bend.
Slash, and groans, clacks of metal and body slumping to the floor.
Hunkered on his knees, Emerald was removing his sword from one of the dead guard's side. He heard footsteps behind him and without turning said.
"Remind me next time not to hold your arm. I surely don't want to get pierced involuntarily." Emerald cleaned the blood of his sword and stood.
"We should make for the kitchen, its the way i came in, and should lead us outside of the city." he suggested calmly, not wanting to order her around, because now, he now had a certain degree of respect for her.