Liars and Cheats [Elia!]

Hama Valon, the city around the Grey Tower.
Forum rules
Welcome to Hama Valon! The aptly named 'mountain guard' is the city that has grown up at the gates of the Grey Tower at the western edge of the Two Rivers. Like all cities, there are quiet quarters with pleasant inns, such as Elman's Creek, which used to be the nearest village when the Tower was young, but was absorbed as the new city grew; its Band of Brothers Inn is still a favorite relaxation spot for many of the Tower's denizens. And again, like all cities the world over, there are less pleasant places--narrow, nameless streets that house hells and other houses of ill repute. Most of the city falls somewhere in between, with hawkers crying their wares in the streets, respectable shopkeepers ready to serve you, and petty cutpurses happy to follow you.

Novices, Soldiers, and drin'far'ji must be accompanied by a chaperon when outside Tower walls or they risk being picked up as runaways and duly punished.
Post Reply
Sunny
"Knife of Dreams"
Posts: 3757
Joined: July 18th, 2014, 3:23 am
PC: Jaryd Kosari
SC: Dakson Torellion
TC: Finn
QC: Owen Andarin

Liars and Cheats [Elia!]

Post by Sunny » February 10th, 2017, 3:31 am

Dakson Torellion
Flesh met flesh with a satisfying thud before callused fingers wrapped roughly around a bare forearm and dug in. Dax felt his fingernails split skin and looked up, baring his teeth at his opponent before his grip tightened even more. Bone ground on bone and the stranger yelped a curse, throwing his entire weight at the sellsword. “Bad idea, mate,” the Tairen commented, shifting and twisting so the man’s own movement took him to the ground.

The Blademaster twisted to land atop his prey with a growl akin to a rabid dog, fingers wrapping around his throat. Shadows danced through the Gaidin’s vision as his knee crushed into the other man’s back, his hands reluctantly peeling away from soft flesh to wrap into sweat-damp blonde hair. Then he yanked the stranger’s head back and slammed it into the pavement. Once, twice- he felt something crack and the man went limp. The sellsword wasted no time on false sympathy; instead he pushed himself forward, rolling to face the ring.

The crowd had thought it great sport, six men with weapons against one without. The fighters themselves had laughed about it before agreeing, their eyes shining at the prospect of easy gold. Naive of them. Idiotic, even. In the circles of Tanchico it might have been an entertaining game of cat and mouse with little danger of surprise. However, the fools had chosen to fight in Hama Valon, where any drunken ragged beggar might be much more than he appeared. Such it had been in this case, and they were finally beginning to realize it.

Blood trickled down his upper arm; Dax wiped it, then scrubbed his fingers over his breeches as he watched the pair in front of him. The first three had fallen quickly, serving as little more than human shields for the Gaidin as he faced the others. The fourth had dealt some damage in his desperation, but retribution had been rapid and lethal; even now, Dax could sense the fallen warrior being pulled away to safety. Would he live? Do we care, little brother? Jem laughed. No. The last two were wary and fast; one carried daggers, the other a sword.

The Tairen bided his time, shifting every so often to keep both men in his vision as he tugged the bandages about his forearms a little tighter. His knuckles had already bled through the rough white cloth, but the wraps were not intended to protect his hands. No one in Hama Valon would face him if they knew what he had earned. Better for him to hide the dark ink on his forearms; then he could fight until his breath ran ragged and his body screamed for rest.

What he had earned? The thought drifted back unbidden. Dax scowled and spat a sour taste out of his mouth. All he had earned was death, though the common folk of the world remained unaware of that fact. Gaidin trained to die, after all; it was their entire purpose in life. Sacrificial lambs to the slaughter in the service of men and women who had more power and life than a normal man could dream of. They had so much, and yet somehow it was never enough to satisfy. There had been a time when the inevitable sacrifice seemed worthwhile, but that had proven to be as much a lie as everything else in his life.

As if sensing his thoughts, two more men pushed their way into the ring. They were larger than he and carried steel-studded cudgels. The Tairen cursed under his breath, his gaze raking the crowd that had gathered. He didn’t find the person he sought, but another face did jump out. Pale, beautiful, disdainfully distant… his head tilted despite himself as he met the woman’s green eyes. What are you doing here? A moment later he tore his attention away. She could not help him. He needed the woman who had arranged the fight.

At last he found her, dark-haired and sour faced, in sharp contrast to the beauty of the woman whose gaze he could still feel. The dark woman gave him a bland look as their eyes met. “Fight or you do lose your coin,” she called, her Illianer accent heavy. Dax bared his teeth at her, then shrugged acceptance of the change in rules. Everyone cheated, everyone lied; if he could count on anything, it was that. You’re learning. Dax growled in response.

His attention returned to his opponents. The four men had split, circling him like carrion eaters, their presumed victory evident in the way they carried themselves. Dax arched an eyebrow, spat again, and went to meet them. Where before he maintained an air of drunken shock at his success, now the heron spread its wings, shrouding him in darkness. A manic grin spread across his face as he ducked and wove, dodging weapons and blows as if made of water, hands and feet lashing out into every possible opening with inhuman speed.

Everyone cheated.

Everyone lied.

Everyone.

----

Cool air over wet skin paired with silence brought the sellsword back to himself. He blinked, shaking his head a little as he looked around. It felt as if an eternity had passed, and yet he could tell it had only been moments. Disgruntled people handed gold to those who looked both delighted and repulsed by their win. The woman who had arranged the fight knelt next to one of the larger men, seeming torn between cursing at him and cursing about him as her hands pressed a blood-stained cloth tight against his side. The scent of tabac and sweat and stale beer were heavy on the air, and lurid light from the lanterns cast long, jagged shadows across the circle.

Dax did not find what he sought in the milling mass of people, though he hardly dared admit he had been looking. After a moment of hesitation, he strode back to the edge of the open space, crouching to retrieve a cloth from the pile of things he had left there. Someone passed him a leather purse and a mug; Dax downed the beer without a word, counted the gold and shoved it in his pocket, then went about scrubbing himself clean of sweat and blood. There was little he could do for scrapes and cuts he had received, but he had had worse, and they would heal well enough in time. Then he tossed the rag aside and began to push himself back to his feet.

She stood not more than two spans away, her delicate scent reaching his nose even through the stench of the fight. The Gaidin’s look traveled up from the hem of her well-tailored dress, lingering appreciatively over the perfect curve of hip and waist. His lip caught between his teeth as his gaze took in the rise of her breasts, and by the time he came to a full stop on a familiar pale face, his blue eyes were smoldering. She regarded him with steady serenity, two elegant fingers pressed against a perfectly curved bottom lip that rested beneath breathtaking features that seemed both youthful and wise. The way her hair glowed like flames in the lamplight made up for her ageless face; Dax wet his lips, and tossed caution to the side.

Why settle for a barmaid who smelled like sour milk when there were so many better games to play? The Gaidin had little to lose, and much to gain. Without a trace of hesitation he took her free hand in his and bowed, his teeth flashing as he looked up at her. “Elia Sedai,” he said, his tone both respectful and warm. “You take a man’s breath away with your beauty.” His fingers were rough to the touch, but his grip on her hand gentle as his lips lightly brushed pale skin, then released her entirely. “To what do I owe-”

Someone in the crowd stumbled; someone else cursed and lashed out. A moment later a brawny figure stumbled and fell, his full weight crashing against an arm Dax had extended to shield the Indigo without thought. The Tairen wrenched his hand back, tossing the stranger away as if he weighed no more than a child’s toy. He snapped a curse when the man would have returned, then turned back to face Elia. “This place is about to get rowdy,” the Gaidin told the Aes Sedai, glancing around critically. “It would be my honor to take you somewhere less dangerous.”
Image Image Image Image
False alarm- there's still a song for me; I'm just about around to sing it
There's still a chance for me...and I'm still here singing.

User avatar
Craig
Librarian
Posts: 2613
Joined: November 20th, 2015, 10:29 am
PC: Ravak t'Sha'hal Darrow
SC: Elia Darrow
TC: Zarayne
QC: Farah Kattan
Location: Scotland

Re: Liars and Cheats [Elia!]

Post by Craig » February 13th, 2017, 5:49 pm

Elia Darrow [font=Lora name=Lora]"If someone puts their hands on you, make sure they never put their hands on anybody else again."[/font]
The raven watched in silence.

She stood on the fringes of the fight, not wishing to disturb the spectacle. On the edges, in the shadows, her ageless face was not so apparent at a casual glance. So everyone ignored her, and she could focus fully on the bloody mêlée. She was not at all squeamish at the sight of blood, and she'd long become accustomed to the sounds of breaking bones. Still, in spite of that, the way the Tairen disassembled his opponents took some getting used to.

When the brawl was over, she gently glided towards the centre of the room as the crowd dissipated. Decency should have led her over to the combatants left lying in pain on the floor, but the cut of her turquoise silk dress sashayed towards their opponent instead. Through the throng she was able to spot him downing a pint whilst counting a hefty coin purse. This was nothing akin to the disciplined training that occurred in the Warder Yards. True violence had been unleashed here, and it seemed like he bore more than physical scars.

Green eyes widened, hopeful of the possibilities.

Elia waited for Dakson to notice her presence in the vanishing crowd. When he did, he regarded her in the way only brave men dared. Long lingering looks took in her legs and her waist and breasts. He seemed roaring to pounce as his eyes met hers, and the feeling was beginning to be reciprocated.

His fingers was coarse and callused, a near mirror to her own unblemished skin. His grin was not entirely honest; the need on his face couldn't have been more clearly signposted. Yet, with what must have been great restraint, he acted with a good deal of honour. It may have been accepted as genuine, if not for the lust in his eyes.

A moment later there was a commotion. Dakson barred one of the fight's patrons from crashing into her, disabling him with ease. It seemed like a key had turned and he was locked back into Gaidin mode once more. "It would be my honour to take you somewhere less dangerous."

"Of course," she murmured, as she let him escort her from the building. He watched every direction at once, blue eyes missing nothing as he led them into the night. There was still a milling mass of bodies in the accompanying streets, but nothing occurred as Dax led her away to safety.
---- Safety ended up being a tavern well known to anyone trained in the Grey Tower: the Band of Brothers. As Dakson held the door open for her, she gave the room a quick scan. A small group of three novices seemed recognisable, but Elia wasn't here to mete out punishments. Instead she located a table for two against one of the walls, and waited for Dakson to join us in the chair opposite.

She took one of his hands in both of her own, taking great care not to touch any of the raw skin exposed during his fight. He had sustained other injuries in the bout, but neither those nor his knuckles seemed to bother him in the least.

"I can Heal you, if you like." The first word between them since the warehouse. "I am a competent Healer, even if I'm not Yellow. I promise to be gentle."

He shook his head, maybe not trusting his tongue to remain civil. Elia was in little doubt about why he'd chosen the Band of Brothers over any of the other drinking dens in the city. They had cheap rooms, and they didn't make a fuss if their guests were Asha'man or Aes Sedai. His plan likely consisted of getting a few -- maybe several -- drinks into the both of them, then suggesting they simply rest here instead of staggering back to the Tower drunk.

Elia loved playing games. But she was also a woman with needs.

"Maybe we could retire somewhere private." Elia's tone left little doubt what her words truly meant.
Image Image Image Image
Craig's Tracker ❖ Librarian
Elan wrote:Of course, the problems with observing a chain of command arise when the one in command decides to do something unspeakably idiotic, like taking off on his own for no discernible reason in the middle of enemy territory.

Sunny
"Knife of Dreams"
Posts: 3757
Joined: July 18th, 2014, 3:23 am
PC: Jaryd Kosari
SC: Dakson Torellion
TC: Finn
QC: Owen Andarin

Re: Liars and Cheats [Elia!]

Post by Sunny » February 19th, 2017, 5:25 am

Dax
Dax sat across from Elia Darrow, for the moment wrapped in silence. His body tingled, his mind blurred, the fight replaying in his mind again and again. Through it all he could still see the Aes Sedai, still appreciate her beauty and react to her proximity. She is looking at my hands as if they were tools. The detached thought skittered through his head for a moment and then vanished, pushed away by the touch of her fingers.

She wanted to Heal him. For a moment he considered it; to be free of the weariness that dragged at his bones would be wondrous. It would rid him of other things, too, however; if she took the weariness, she would also take away the blur of alcohol, the mind fog of the fight he had just won, and the lust that had caused him to speak to her in the first place. He didn’t think she channeled, but fire raced up his arms nonetheless, leaving him powerless to speak. Insead, the Tairen simply shook his head.

A moment later the Gaidin shifted, cupping the Shienaran’s small hands in his. His thumbs ran over her palms with a practiced teasing touch as he examined her face. What are you doing? The part of him that belonged to Jemis was loud, so loud, screaming to be noticed over the curve of the Aes Sedai’s lips. Trouble! The instant Elia spoke, his brother vanished as if he had never existed, an entire new world of possibilities opening as the Gaidin contemplated the invitation that had been offered him. For the Indigo to be so forward meant a number of very interesting things.

Dax’s lips twitched up in an easy smile, his fingers lightly brushing up beneath Elia’s sleeves as he leaned closer to her, blue eyes warm and intent upon hers. “By all means, love, lead the way,” he murmured, his tone smoky, low, as teasing as his fingers on her skin.

Lead she did, and without much delay. They slipped out of the common room, up the stairs, and into one of the small chambers kept for travelers. Silence held them captive; what more could be said, after all? They both knew what they wanted, and that desire had little to do with the other’s personality. Small talk seemed rather out of place under the circumstances.

Once the door had closed, Dax reached for the Aes Sedai, unceremoniously turning her to face him. The gesture was rough, but the hand he used to cup her cheek was not. “Are you certain?” He asked, his thumb tracing over the woman’s bottom lip. She gave him an inscrutable look before she nodded. That was all the Tairen needed; he shifted enough to press their mouths together, his caress unexpectedly gentle. His lips lingered on hers, teasing and warm, almost playful in his exploration and caresses. He knew he played with fire yet the flames were beautiful and the smoke tasted sweet.

His hands found her buttons, and hers tugged at his laces. Clothes were cast away, hairpins removed, jewelry carefully set aside and forgotten as he watched fiery tresses curl about the Aes Sedai’s shoulders and chest. The sellsword’s fingers tangled in fine red locks as he kissed her again, mesmerized by the silken touch of her skin against his. Soon enough he guided her to the bed, his lips moving to explore ever more interesting parts of the Shienaran’s pale body.

---

Trouble. The thought rang in his mind again as they lay spent on the bed afterward. What in the bloody Light are you doing, Dax? He turned a little to look at Elia out of the corner of his eye, and realized he hadn’t the slightest idea.
Image Image Image Image
False alarm- there's still a song for me; I'm just about around to sing it
There's still a chance for me...and I'm still here singing.

User avatar
Craig
Librarian
Posts: 2613
Joined: November 20th, 2015, 10:29 am
PC: Ravak t'Sha'hal Darrow
SC: Elia Darrow
TC: Zarayne
QC: Farah Kattan
Location: Scotland

Re: Liars and Cheats [Elia!]

Post by Craig » February 21st, 2017, 1:12 am

Elia
Time had all seemed to blur together in a fast flowing stream, starting at the brawl and ending in the bed at this very moment. Elia lay on her back in the darkness, one hand idly resting on Dakson's middle. The temptation to run a fingernail over his stomach and chest called to her, but so did sleep. She stretched out her hand further, took a hold of the Tairen's arm, and pulled him into a hug. The feel of someone cradling her with their body was an instant relaxant, and she fell asleep long before her partner did.

---

Elia woke slowly, the memories of last night coming back to her in a slow trickle. She recalled stumbling onto the fight, stumbling into Dakson, leading him back here...

The Shienaran didn't feel the Tairen's presence. She reached backwards even as she rolled onto her back, but found only empty sheets. They weren't even warm with his heat. Gone. The word floated around her head accompanied by a keening loneliness. Elia didn't care about the sex, as enjoyable as it sometimes was. What she wanted was the intimacy that could be gleaned from her partners. Holding hands, playful kisses, a simple hug: those were the gestures that kept her sane and reminded her that she was desirable. With Emmond untethered, there would never be another man she could share her life with, so all that remained were the tender moments in between the wild abandonment of lust.

Alone and unlikely to be disturbed, Elia let herself sob until the tears ran out.
Image Image Image Image
Craig's Tracker ❖ Librarian
Elan wrote:Of course, the problems with observing a chain of command arise when the one in command decides to do something unspeakably idiotic, like taking off on his own for no discernible reason in the middle of enemy territory.

Post Reply
meble kuchenne na wymiar cennik

Who is online

Users browsing this forum: No registered users and 11 guests