Mirage
Queen's Army
Posts: 249
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Post by Mirage on Aug 31, 2007 19:28:41 GMT -5
Mirage watched the door of the tavern, wary of all who walked through it. She hoped that no one would recognize her. Mirage let her thoughts wander through the past months, back to the assassination of the king and then farther, to the day her mother had died. She lifted the glass of red wine to her lips and took a sip, once more watching the door, yet still her mind wandering in the past.
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Post by Daemon [Naryae] on Aug 31, 2007 20:35:55 GMT -5
So far the day had not gone well. I could feel their eyes one me, the servants of Waefae, that is. Many of the old king's loyal men had found their way into the wizard's grasp, and I knew there was more than one among them who remembered me, their favorite traitor. Just as my luck would have it, someone with a big grudge had gained a seat of power, and had tossed a few of his minions my way. Similarly, I had found little sympathy among the refugees, the old members of the revenge. They seemed to hate me with as much passion as the old king's men did.
How wonderful.
The idea of joining the Grey Company had crossed my mind numerous times the last few weeks. With the dangerous shadows drawing ever closer to me, I could sense there were few who could shelter me from the inescapable doom inching ever closer. One day I was going to be walking down the street; busy, empty, it wouldn't matter, I'd soon feel the cold bite of a dagger in my heart, or somewhere more painful, and the image of a cloaked figure would be the last image to cross my fleeting vision. It seemed the only thing I could hope for was that someone would avenge such a thing, or at least so justice would be served. With the way I lived my life, that seemed to be far from the truth, though.
That, perhaps, stung more than my imagined blade.
I slipped into a seat at the bar, ignoring the others around me and caring little about who saw me. It was gonna happen one way or another, I told myself, don't fight it. I knew I would, in the end. Fight it, that is. Defend myself. It was in my nature, stubborn to the last. I would fight until all the blood had left my body, or until my little demonic intruder accepted defeat and let my tortured soul go into oblivion. I feared the former was more likely.
I raised hand, calling for a drink, my free hand drifting into my pocket. I small smile graced my hidden lips as I felt the satin handkerchief. They had insisted I carry something that declared I was part of them, and since I'd refused armor, they'd given me this. A simple handkerchief, with the emblem of the Queen's Army on it. Yes, I wasn't sure if I'd made the right decision, but what did it matter? I could simply betray them if I desired. I'd done it before. Twice, actually.
The drink was slid into place before me, my gloved hand lazily catching it and holding it there. I didn't lift my hand to remove my mask, but closed my eyes and smiled. How foolish, I should have thought of that before I'd ordered, now I had wasted money.
Though I could just take it off.
I almost cringed at that thought, my hand running over the black fabric. Just like the Grey Company, this, too, had come to mind often lately. There were always memories that came with it, though. Leazra... Kalia... Ailiana. The lovely ladies who had, for a short time, graced my life. I wanted to find them again, to see them again. Each one held a special memory and meaning to me, and I wanted to know there were still alive, that my curse of death had not reached such sweet ladies. Was there more than a feeling of companionship here?
Questions without out answers should be left like that.
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Mirage
Queen's Army
Posts: 249
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Post by Mirage on Aug 31, 2007 20:50:48 GMT -5
Mirage straightened up as a mysterious man walked into the tavern. There was something familiar about him. The scent of magic struck her full in the face, and she flinched. Mirage watched as he signaled for a drink. Once he had received it, he did not take off his mask. Her eyes narrowed as her memories took her back to her days among the Revenge. Daemon.... it had to be him, who else would wear a black mask? How easy it would be for her to just slip a dagger between his shoulder blades and into his heart. Why should it be harder for her to kill this traitor than to kill her father? Why should she feel any remorse for killing him anyways? So what was stopping her from doing just that?
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Post by Daemon [Naryae] on Aug 31, 2007 21:16:34 GMT -5
A new set of eyes rested on me, and I turned my face towards the girl seated next to me. Did she look familiar? I wasn't sure. More than likely she was just curious about my mask, most people were, but something seemed a bit more... sinister.
I ignored her, turning back to my un-touched drink and sighing. I could sense the barkeeper was itching to ask why I hadn't drunk anything, but with a dark glare her was quickly turned aside, moving off to serve a friendlier face, and leaving me alone with my stalker. Her eyes felt like they were boring into my very soul, and I began to suspect that maybe I was important to her in some way.
I don't suppose you're one of those nice people who doesn't have any intentions to harm me and just likes staring at elves until they get uncomfortable and start talking. Or is this some sort of new torture device? Annoy your victim until they talk...
I grumble, not terribly in the mood to entertain some random stalker lady. I eyes her unhappily, spinning my drink across the table from hand to hand, and spilling more then a little of the drink.
... or until they pummel you to death.
I added, deciding to play the defensive card.
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Mirage
Queen's Army
Posts: 249
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Post by Mirage on Aug 31, 2007 21:22:31 GMT -5
"Daemon, it surprises me that you have forgotten what I look like, considering that it was you who betrayed me several years ago," Mirage replied in a cold and unfeeling voice. The part of her that was a shade was coming out. She glared at him even harder and took a sip of her wine. She set it down and stood up, drawing her great black sword as she said, "So shall we finish this where we left off or not Daemon? A duel to the death perhaps?"
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Post by Daemon [Naryae] on Aug 31, 2007 21:32:29 GMT -5
Several very rude and offensive expletives crossed my mind, more then one emerging from my mouth. With a sigh I locked away from her, swirling the brink in my mug half-heartedly. I'd come in here to relax and forget my problems, not walk into a so duel over something that happened years ago. I mean, years here. How old had I been? I don't remember, but I was stupid, and I was greedy, and I was scared. Scared for my life. I knew that the King had had a warrant out for my capture. Not for my death, my capture. When you're captured...
I didn't want to think about that, because I remembered it well enough without having to actually think on it. I remember the day I had changed sides. The King had insisted I spend a day int he dungeons, so I understood the horribly fate that had awaited me, if I had not chosen to follow him. That was why it look years of servitude and killing before I worked up the nerve to leave.
Why aren't you dead? That would make this so much simpler.
I groaned, pushing back from the bar and looking up at her. Her blade seemed especially cold in this light, and I wondered how much it would hurt. Would she strike me in the heart? Would she strike me in the stomach, and take pleasure as I writhed, dying, on the floor? Would the bartender allow any of this?
Apparently, since he was in the corner, hiding from the blade like I wish I could.
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Mirage
Queen's Army
Posts: 249
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Post by Mirage on Aug 31, 2007 21:37:09 GMT -5
"You know me Daemon, and I know you. Give me one good reason why I shouldn't kill you," Mirage said harshly. Why am I stalling? Just kill him. He betrayed you to the king. Mirage thought. It hadn't been like this when she had assassinated the king. That had been easy, why was this so different. "Tell me why I should spare your life, and maybe I will reconsider my wish of killing you, though that is unlikely."
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Post by Daemon [Naryae] on Aug 31, 2007 21:44:28 GMT -5
I stared her down for a few moments, my eyes narrowing, mind thinking hard for an answer. What could I say? I thought myself as worthy of death as she did, so why did I feel the need to offer and excuse? My demon screamed at me to kill her, run my blade through her and drop her to the floor. I ignored him. He was so weak these days, I could feel him loosing control. That should have felt good, I know, but, that issue with him holding my emotions was a bit of a set-back, you know? It just felt... normal to me, that he was fading away.
Rage. He bombarded me with it, thrusting dark memories and old arguments at my mind, trying to push me to kill, but I only shook my head, shoulders rising with a quick laugh under my breath. How pathetic.
I turned away, running my finger over the brim of my glass, the search for an excuse abruptly ended. I knew I had to say something, that there were words that I wanted to speak, but couldn't.
I'm searching for people, and if I'm dead that's kind of hard to do, you know?
I muttered, letting my mind, and words, run free, unchecked.
I don't care much for excuses, so do what you want. Just... watch your back. The Queen's Army isn't above attacking a refugee like you.
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Mirage
Queen's Army
Posts: 249
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Post by Mirage on Aug 31, 2007 21:48:34 GMT -5
"The Queen's Army? Will you betray them as you betrayed me? It is because of me that she is on the throne. Looking for someone, aren't we all?" Mirage said as she locked her gaze in his eyes. "I've spent years looking for you, and now I have found you."
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Post by Daemon [Naryae] on Aug 31, 2007 21:57:42 GMT -5
To bad you didn't stick around to clean up your own mess.
I growled, casting her a dark glance.
And get over yourself, that was years ago. I've betrayed plenty of people, and don't pretend like you haven't either. I do believe killing your own father falls into the betrayal category, no?
I added, finally pushing he glass aside. I notice the once occupied seat next to me was oddly vacant, and, though the bar still buzzed with noise, many eyes were watching the sword-wielding girl, edged in fear as they wondered how much action they were gonna see to night. I was sure that the bartender was only concerned about the mess we might make.
Give me a word of that "it was for the good of he country" dribble and I'll give you a bloody nose in return. the second he died you tucked your tail between you legs and ran as fast as you could, just like me, right? Maybe we're more alike then you want to admit.
Gee, someone is jaded, isn't he?
My own thoughts almost made me laugh. What made is worse was that I remembered the time when they did.
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Mirage
Queen's Army
Posts: 249
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Post by Mirage on Sept 1, 2007 20:25:16 GMT -5
Mirage glared at him angrily. "It was not for the country! He murdered my mother and brother Daemon, and you know it!" she shouted. "I am nothing like you! I would never betray those whom I would have called friends. Thanks to you and my father, I no longer trust anyone!" Mirage hissed coldly, her face mere inches from his. "You would run too if an entire army was now out to kill you, wouldn't you?" Mirage placed her sword on his shoulder against his neck, "Now will you fight me, or shall we stand here and argue over who is worse?"
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Post by Daemon [Naryae] on Sept 1, 2007 21:29:01 GMT -5
I smiled, running my fingers over the bridge of my nose, amazed at the absurdity of this entire encounter. I guess I'd been running for so long, I'd forgotten exactly who I was running from. Each new enemy took the foreground, and she had been pushed further and further from my mind. The memories were fresh in my mind now, playing over in my mind. Maybe a more effective torture then anything the king could have come up with.
I had had a response for her first two comments, but the third choked me up with a mixture of laughter and a feral growl. My eyes flashed red as I indulged in the rage my intruder pushed forward for my use.
Kill her, kill her...
Guess what darling, an entire army was, and still is, after me. In fact, I used to have two armies after me. I still do, between Waefae and you refugees. Even after be scattered and destroyed, you Revenge fools can't let anything go, can you? Loyal to your lost causes until the end.
I growled at her, my hand clenching the bar top's edge. I could feel the wood starting to splinter beneath my hold, pieces poking through my black gloves.
And, in light of that, I'd rather accept neither of the options you've put forward. I'm rather tired of fighting and killing and running and hiding, and would like to enjoy my drink in peace. You see, as you so kindly pointed out, I'm a real jerk, and am to blame for your own insecurities to some degree. Such thoughts and memories and best drowned by a good mug of ale.
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Mirage
Queen's Army
Posts: 249
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Post by Mirage on Sept 1, 2007 21:40:03 GMT -5
Mirage looked at him in stunned disbelief. However the anger still remained bowling deep inside of her. She took a deep but shaky breath. Daemon was really beginning to unnerve her, something she had thought he could never do. But now she found herself looking in a mirror of what she was becoming, so bent up on her personal vendettas... She pushed that thought aside, the part of her that was shade taking control and over ruling any sense of guilt. "Shades do not relinquish a personal vendetta against anyone," Mirage hissed, hatred dripping in every word she spoke.
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Post by Daemon [Naryae] on Sept 1, 2007 21:47:48 GMT -5
I let out a deep, long sigh of frustration, anger, confusing, sadness, and fear. All of those, bottled up in one expression. Frustration at her for keeping at this, and myself for having been such a idiot when I was younger. Anger at everything, and everyone, for being so messed up like it was. Confusion about what to do, how to react, and what to say. Sadness that something might happen here I would regret, like much of my life had p[played out. Fear because I always felt it, every moment, hidden away deep inside. I said I had no emotions, but there were somewhere, waiting to escape. Tonight, perhaps?
Neither do dead men.
I muttered, standing up and looking her in the eye, daring her to make a move. I had succeeded in calming her down, or at least making her back off, and here I was heightening the situation again, daring the climax to come and make her drag out that sword.
But we both know you are neither. At least entirely, that is. As sweet as it is that you are so ready to embrace your shade heritage, let's not forget there's some human swimming around in that revenge-bent soul of yours.
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Mirage
Queen's Army
Posts: 249
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Post by Mirage on Sept 1, 2007 21:51:23 GMT -5
"SILENCE!" Mirage shouted at him. She was frustrated, just wanted to kill him. "The part of me that is elven is no longer.... that died when I saw what my father did to my mother and brother, what you did to me." With that she lunged at him, black sword leading.
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