July 07, 2004
The Death of Eliss Mao
The Common Room of The Dragon's Head Inn
What was once the Northern half of the common room of this Inn is now the main room, the Southern part now 'outside' and littered with debris. The inner room doesn't fare too much better, though a roof and four walls still protects it from the elements. The couches and chairs still are gathered about the fireplace, though looking considerably worse for wear. Gashes and stains of blood distributed across the fabric. The first step of the stair case is missing, though it is still traversable to lead up to the floors above. Several of the tapestries still remain on the wall, hanging oft times at a lopsided angle and only by one nail. A single solitary lantern hangs from the side of an upright post providing, along with the fire, the illumination for the room.
[ Exits: south up ]
A couple of cloaked figures sitting at a shadowed table near the entrance to the Inn lean in close. Exchanging quiet words with each other, the taller of the pair passing a shaded glance over towards the bar area.
Crossing his arms over his chest, a tall dark-headed man begins to make his way to the bar, sitting upon an empty stool. He faces the rest of the room, eyes still peering around curiously, though he doesn't speak or acknowledge anyone else's presence.
A crimson-haired human continues to watch the bar carefully, his eyes gazing over every part of it from his vantage point in the south-western corner. His arms remain crossed for a moment or two, before one of them drops down idly to his weapon, the hand lying there idly on the pommel.
A bronzed muscular man sighs and takes another sip of his ale. He clenches and unclenches his calloused hands.
A slim, young woman seems to come out of her reverie a little, looking more curiously around at the patrons now. Her eyes rest for a minute on a crimson-haired human sword, and she smiles a little, as if to reassure her self that she is safe here. Taking in some newcomers to the inn a little more fully, she smiles softly at a bronzed muscular man.
Eventually, the taller man pushes his stool sharply away from the table at which he sits, a drunken nudge given to his companion before he heads over to a slim, young woman. "Hey missy. How bout showin' a lonely boy a bit of a good time hmm? I've got a fair amount of gold ... "
Glancing out the corner of his eye, a bronzed muscular man notices the slim young woman's smile.
"How about you watch your mouth, sir?" a slim, young woman speaks, her voice measured and polite, but her hand noticeably hovering near her ankle sheath.
His upper lip curling a bit, a crimson-haired human haunches down slightly as he watches the taller man approach a slim, young woman. He doesn't make a move to stop him, but he does switch hands on the pommel of his weapon, now prepared to draw the sword. He remains silent save for the noise he makes as he takes a step forward.
A lean woman turns a hard gaze on the man approaching a slim, young woman. "I hope you're not bothering Mistress Arlena, my friend," she murmurs, voice just loud enough to carry her words. "It would be a shame if you were interrupting the young lady from her thoughts or planned on causing trouble."
A tall dark-headed man watches the tall man as he moves across the bar, though he is too far to hear the words that are being exchanged.
A bronzed muscular man lifts his left leg and pushes the nearest chair on his left away from the table. He nods to the woman and asks "Would you care to sit down and join me?".
"Offering to wash my mouth out with your tongue? Why thank ye- miss. I accept. But really, ye've got such pretty eyes.. want to fuck?" At this the man laughs uproarishly at his own joke, the others in the room ignored.
She rises from her seat near the fire, grabbing her bag. Smiling gratefully at the lean woman for her support, she turns to the a bronzed muscular man, saying relievedly, "I thank you sir." Hearing the mans brash comment, a slim, young woman blushes furiously, stumbling a little on her way to the bronzed mans table, but saying nothing.
A crimson-haired human watches a slim, young woman and the man attempting to solicit her services very intently, though he does glance at the table from which the tall man came from every now and then to check on his partner.
A bronzed muscular man stands up as the young woman comes over to his table. He nods his head, "it seems like you need a drink, my treat, what would you like?"
"Ahh, the lady prefers the more subtle approach. Come -here- miss. Sit at -my- table. Then can we fuck..?" He pauses, again to laugh at his own joke, seeming to find himself horrendously funny.
A lean woman rises fluidly from her seat, taking two steps to put herself face-to-face with the tall man. "I said, it would be a -real-shame if you were bothering our young friend." Her tone is all sweetness, but her eyes are hard. "Spend your coin elsewhere. Maybe you could find a little mint leaf to take care of your breath, hey?"
Edging her way carefully past the loud mans table, a slim, young woman answers the bronzed man, "Most kind sir - wine, if you please."
Sighing a bronzed muscular man beckons the young lady to sit. "Ignore him ma'am, he isn't worth it, bartender, wine for the fine young lady".
Having slidden a few feet closer from the bar, a tall dark-headed man now hears the words the man says. He shakes his head a few times, a somewhat disgusted look coming over his face, "What else can ye 'spect in this 'ellhole of a city?" he grumbles to himself.
"Oh sorry miss.. but you're really not my type. I like myself at least a little bit of class..." The tall man turns his head to the side, looking around the lean woman to eye the back of the slim, young woman, "And a bit of ass.."
A crimson-haired human keeps himself at the ready, his weapon still fully sheathed, however. He remains silent as he watches the exchange, generating a bit of tension into the room.
A slim, young woman smiles thankfully at a lean woman, but her eyes show a hint of fear, suppressed in a practised and calculated way. She pauses on her way to the a bronzed muscular man mans table. Turning to eye the tall man she says, "And affronts like that are the only way you can get it hmm? I show no surprise." Her lip curls back.
Glancing over at the drunk once more, a bronzed muscular man walks over to his table and says " the lady obviously isn't interested friend."
"That's all right, I like my men with a little brains," a lean woman replies easily, "and a little less hideous, for that matter. Go back to your table. Maybe your companion'll keep you company for the night if you pay -him-. I doubt anyone would for less than your weight in gold, but it's worth a try." She eyes the shorter of the two men with as much contempt and distaste as she viewed his partner.
Upon hearing the woman's response his banter, a bronzed muscular man grins. And walks back to his table.
A slim, young woman stares levelly at the man, before saying in a low voice. "Before the guard I say this - touch me, and feel my knife between your ribs. Fair warning."
"I'd rather a front like yours..." The tall man leers, his right hand coming up to draw his thumb and forefinger along the line of his moustache. Midway through this piece of grooming, a flash of silver flies through the room, the point of which lands dead in the middle of his forehead. He falls to the ground. Dead.
A bronzed muscular man gestures to the woman, "Please have a seat ma'am, I could use some company".
A slim, young woman screams as the tall man slumps to the floor before her.
A lean woman whips around to find the source of the flying knife, as she simultaneously bends to grasp the hilt of her own dagger, sheathed on her right ankle.
A bronzed muscular man gasps as the man falls over onto the floor. Saying a quick prayer to the gods, he knees down near the body.
A tall dark-headed man crosses his arms over his chest, watching the man fall dead, a smirk comes across his face, a sort of amused look taking hold of his facial expressions.
"By Cymur!" a crimson-haired human says softly as the weapon lands in the solicitor's forehead. He glances around furtively for the source of the blade, his sword easily sliding out of its sheath. "Everybody get to cover! Whoever threw that, show yourself!" He shouts over the screams from the various patrons.
A bronzed muscular man backs away, nervously glancing around the room.
Nothing can be seen in the room, not a flicker amongst the shadows nor any weapons drawn amongst the patrons. A few give the body a weary look though apparently such deaths happen often enough here so as to not draw /too/ much attention.
A slim, young woman looks to be in a sheer panic, as the mans blood seeps around her boots. She is crying openly now, the stress of her day showing in her shaking sobs.
A tall dark-headed man sits back down upon his stool, casually looking around the bar, examining the dark corners and the southern doorway.
Upon seeing the young woman's distress, a bronzed muscular man gently guides her to his table.
A lean woman pulls the dagger free, gripping it firmly in her left hand. Unable to find anything that could qualify as a threat, she expels a long breath and relaxes slightly, right forefinger stroking the length of the blade.
A crimson-haired human takes two long bounding steps and is over the body, and subsequently near a slim, young woman. He bends down slightly, whispering to a slim, young woman. "It's all right, yah aren't in danger." He continues to spin around, grimacing as he does so. "Ah say again, show yerself, -now-!" He raises his voice again, his features hardening.
A youthful female Seari steps through a couple of the patrons, her form becoming visible again as she moves from behind where a crowd had been gathered. She approaches the body of the man, kicking it idly with the side of her knee high boots. "Not good."
A slim, young woman takes a seat beside a bronzed muscular man, removing her dagger protectively from its sheath and wielding it in her hand. She smiles gratefully at a bronzed muscular man and a crimson-haired human.
A lightly skinned, gangly fellow cackles insanely about the death of the moustached man as he leaves south.
A bronzed muscular man Sits down beside the young woman and slides the wine over to her. "I think the worst is over now, lets leave this mess, to the guards."
Trying to calm the young woman down, a bronzed muscular man tries some small talk "My name is Kang and I'm an apprentice blacksmith, nice to meet you. What is your name?".
"A noble. Heh, quite a prominent one too. Dying on your watch Lumen, there likely will be questions asked. Particularly considering the number of you muckraking them earlier." a youthful female Seari says, calmly and evenly. She stares down towards the vacant eyes of the corpse.
A slim, young woman wipes feebly at her tears, her eyes darting paranoidly into every corner in the room. "I am Arlena." The absence of title and family name is noticeable and purposeful, her tone suggesting that perhaps this is a small test for a bronzed muscular man.
A lean woman glances at a youthful female Seari, dagger still in her hand. "And who'd suggest that, face to face, I was able to throw a knife into the middle of his bleeding forehead? That thing missed the back of my head by inches."
"Yah." is the only response a crimson-haired human gives to a youthful female Seari, his body visibly tensing further. He leans over towards her form and whispers into one of her ears, his eyes blazing intensely. Afterwards, he straightens and says a bit more loudly. "Yah, just great."
Lumen whispers to Zarika, 'Is he here?'
"And yet now, you wield a weapon..." a youthful female Seari drops her eyes down to the tip of the blade a lean woman holds. "Not planning murderous intent there are you?"
"Mah job, madam, mah job." a crimson-haired human says to a youthful female Seari as he straightens fully. He takes in a deep breath as he looks around the inn again. "Ah think we'll just 'aveta get 'is body ovah to 'is family, an' Ah'll 'ave ta file a report on it to..."
"So you'd be suggesting it, then," a lean woman replies, not answering her question. "And in a place like this, you'd need precious little evidence to convict a refugee, wouldn't you, Officer Lumen?" Her eyes never leave a youthful female Seari, even while addressing a crimson-haired human, nor does her grip on her dagger slacken.
"Nice to meet you Arlena." a bronzed muscular man glances at the dead body again and sighs. "Well, how long have you been in this fair city? I've been here almost two years, but rarely get out. My master over at the smithy has been working me quite hard. He thinks I show some promise one day in weapon making." Blushing at his ranting, he scratches the back of his head with his right hand."
A youthful female Seari withdraws sharply back from the whispered words of a crimson-haired human. The shock of his words enough to distract her from any further jibe she was going to give a lean woman. "Elbahn... do you really think this is _his_ style? Gods." Then several pauses between words: "No. He. Is. Not. Here."
"Nice to meet you Arlena." a bronzed muscular man glances at the dead body again and sighs. "Well, how long have you been in this fair city? I've been here almost two years, but rarely get out. My master over at the smithy has been working me quite hard. He thinks I show some promise one day in weapon making." Blushing at his ranting, he scratches the back of his head with his right hand.
The sound of armour clad boots thumping against the floorboards of the southern room announce the entrance of two guards, one a tall, and equally broad man in a white tabard with a silver crest, the other a shorter man, though senior in years as well as rank; a Sergeant. They quickly glance around the room before the sergeant turns to address the other guard present, the crimson-haired human. "What's 'appenin'? We 'ere a screa-- Bloody 'ell! Is tha' Eliss Mao?" He asks.
A slim, young woman "I have been here but a few days; a refugee like many..." Her introduction is cut short by the sudden entrance of the guards.
As the guards enter a lean woman steps a few paces back from the body and from a youthful female Seari, though she still refuses to take her eyes from the woman, even as she bends to replace her drawn weapon.
A lightly skinned, gangly fellow takes a seat at the couch.
A slim, young woman seems to feel safer with the entrance of the guards, sheathing her dagger and dabbing away the last of her tears with the back of her hand.
"Really why, what happened. Like I said I don't get out much, so I barely hear any gossip. My master is a hard man to get into a conversation." At the guards entrance a bronzed muscular man visibly relaxes. "Thank the gods, finally order is here."
A crimson-haired human looks up quickly at the approach of the other guards. "Ah, a murder. Noble." The man steps over the body to approach the two guards, walking over to the one that wears the same tabard as him, the one that spoke. "'e was attemptin' to solicit that woman's, ah, services" He gestures to a slim, young woman "when a dagger came from nowhere an' struck 'im in tha 'ead. Nothin' Ah coulda done ta stop it." The man purses his lips slightly as he finally remembers there was another part to the guard's words. He glances over his shoulder.
The taller of the two guards who now all but block the exit to the south eyes the lean woman as she slips her dagger away. He then starts to approach the corpse, glancing down at the hilt protruding from the centre of his brow.
A youthful female Seari nods once, a wayward curl falling from behind the right of her long elongated ears. She smoothly slides a dagger out of it's sheath and using her foot, rolls the back onto his stomach. She plants the heel of her boot upon the small of his back and leans down. A quick flick of her blade tearing the shirt - and with enough skill it is only the shirt that tears - to reveal the prominent tattoo of a styled rose that runs up the centre of his back.
A slim, young woman smiles softly at a bronzed muscular man, watching the guards with a nervous curiosity, hearing her name. Regaining her usual composure she takes a clam sip of wine.
"Eliss Mao. His family will be grieved. Three children. One just a babe in the mothers arms." a youthful female Seari says, her words lowering in tone to show a hint of perhaps, sadness? Her eyes suitable drop down to the ground.
A sharp intake of air is audible from a lean woman as a youthful female Seari identifies the body. Her eyes, still fastened on the other woman, are slitted with suspicion and bemusement.
A bronzed muscular man returns the young woman's smile. "Looks like this mystery is still unclear. I wish I knew what that tattoo meant. I think I remember hearing about that name. Maybe he was one of my masters customers, but it is hard to remember with everything suddenly going on.
About to intervene as the seari takes her dagger to the corpse's back, the tall guard suddenly realises her intent, and calling back to the two sergeants he says. "Aye, as she says, Eliss Mao, no mistakin' 'is mark, I say, no mistakin' 'is mark... There'll be 'ell over this an' no mistake.".. Hearing this the sergeant who entered only recently spits a foul curse before snapping toward the crimson-haired man. "Right so ye let 'im die then, right in front o' ye? Bloody oath - fine, where's tha body o' the murderer?? Least tha' may quell any calls fer yer 'ide from 'is family." He says, as he starts peering around for a second corpse.
A crimson-haired human takes in a deep breath, raising his chin and sticking his chest out slightly. "Ah could not apprehend a murderer." is all he says, as he swallows harshly.
A bronzed muscular man listens intently to the guard as he talks. Remembering he is just a stranger still after so long , he concentrates on the young woman and his drink which he continues to sip.
"Of course, it is obvious who did it." a youthful female Seari muses, her slim leather clad body drawing gently down into a crouch. Her movements retaining the grace of her fae ancestors. If she notices the attempted approach of the guards, she makes no indication of such.
"So....ma'am, why and what were you fleeing from. If you need to get something off your chest, you have my ear." a bronzed muscular man smiles warmly to the young woman
Glancing down nervously a bronzed muscular man says "I am sorry for all the questions, but when I get nervous I tend to talk and rant."
A slim, young woman raises an eyebrow at the female seari, awaiting further comment. Turning to the bronzed man she replies, "I do not wish to seem ungrateful for your kindness, but until such time as I deem otherwise, my business is my own." Her voice holds no malice, just a friendly warning.
Realizing he was fast approaching crossing the line a bronzed muscular man takes a long swig of ale. "Sorry about that maam, like I said it's just how it is. I completely understand, and I won't ask anymore."
Brushing a few strands of hair out of her dark green eyes, a lean woman's interest shifts over to a crimson-haired human's predicament. For once, a youthful female Seari is going unheeded.
Attempting to change the subject a bronzed muscular man says "Nice weather, huh? Looks like it might rain soon."
The look of angered disbelief on the sergeants face is so acute it is almost as if someone had carved the look into his features with a chisel and hammer. "YE BLOODY USELESS ARSE OF A MAN.." He bellows, and appears to be restraining himself from striking at the crimson-haired man. "So ye say ye din' 'ave the murderer, yet ye were over the bloody body, leavin' this exit open fer anyone ta vanish frum.. Yer reputation for bein' a skirt chasin' fool dun nearly do ye credit.. Get out o' me bloody sight an' pray tha Captain' is in a good mood when 'e finds out or ye'll be the corpse 'anging from tha gallows fer this.. Now get out." With that the sergeant steps away from the door, dismissing the crimson haired man as much by the way he turns from him as with his words.
A slim, young woman face softens. "I do not wish to seem rude. I am a cook and a craftswoman in this city. I am unmarried, and I am usually not quite so defensive. It has been a hard day..."
A crimson-haired human takes the tirade with a hardened face, though he does not stand at attention as the two are of equal rank. Without responding, he nods once to the sergeant, and leaves.
"One of the three." a youthful female Seari states, though it seems that no one is longer paying attention to her. "My uncle.. such a kind hearted soul. Was like a father too me.. really.. Sure, he chased the ladies a bit, but it was all fun for him.. he never actually did anything, just saw it as a laugh." A long and depressed sounding sigh is released.
"I am sorry for your loss." a slim, young woman says softly to a youthful seari. "I am sorry it ended like that...I had no intention or wish for this to happen..." Her eyes softly search the female seari, for any sign of anger.
A bronzed muscular man says "I completely understand ma'am. Sometimes my tongues waggles before my brain catches up. I should be the one to apologize, I sometimes come across to strong. Please forgive me and don't worry any more about it."
A bronzed muscular man says "So your a cook, well if your looking for a job, maybe I could see if my master can ask around."
Clearly still enraged, the sergeant turns his attention to the private, scowling as he snaps: "Well? Go get sum sorta sheet frum upstairs an' we'll use it as a stretcher to carry the corpse out o' ere." The private snaps to attention, nods and without even consulting the barman he quickly makes his way to and up the stairs.
A slim, young woman smiles sweetly at a bronzed muscular man. "Let us just forget it and start afresh." Off his comment, she adds "I am not a cook by trade, but it is what I will do here - for now. You master has connections in this town?"
"Right, none of you lot are actually interested in WHO did it?!" a youthful female Seari raises her voice, her tone having a hysterical edge to it, the comforting words of a slim, young woman seeming to have had little or no effect.
A slim, young woman rises from her table to place a light hand upon a female seari's shoulder. She says nothing, seemingly thinking there is nothing more to be said. However, her eyes seem to echo the woman's sentiment.
A lean woman turns again to face a youthful female Seari, still silent, still doing her best not to call attention to herself. One of her hands is clenching and unclenching slowly.
Walking further from the door toward the female seari, the sergeant states flatly: "If'n ye 'ave any clue then I'd be willin' to 'ear it. Did ye see tha' one who threw the dagger?" He glances fleetingly about the room, before commenting: "No 'opes 'e'd still be 'ere mind.. Not if'n 'e 'as any wits about 'im at all."
Looking at the seari, a bronzed muscular man says "I'm just a simple apprentice. As you notice I'm not even armed. I didn't see anyone as my back was turned. I do with I could be more help, but I'm a foreigner in this strange land."
A flaxen-haired male seari Vendir hesitates at the entrance to the common room. Hearing the hustle and bustle of the patrons therin he decides to stand for a moment to listen. A hand travels habitually to his chin which strokes his thin goatee for a moment before moving back down to drape on his rapier pommel.
A youthful female Seari 's shoulder muscles tense, before slowly starting to relax, her upper body slumping a bit as she says, "It was the three.. you know of the Nine right? I mean, who in their right mine would not. The destruction of them brought about by the war between the Nine and Mao is not unheard of in the right circles.. well, three members.. three of the elite members broke off and swore revenge. All this week this has been happening. My older brother - Thein, died three days ago."
A bronzed muscular man Seeing that this seems to be more than a simple murder. He turns slightly towards the Seari woman.
A slim, young woman still says nothing. She returns to her seat, her gaze resting on a lean woman who had so valiantly supported her. She gives a thankful smile.
A flaxen-haired male seari just now noticing the body of an obviously murdered man to the north. He shrugs his shoulders and reaffirms his grip on the rapier pommel straightening his posture and lifting his chin up as if preparing for the theatre.
The private returns from above with some bedding folded over his arm. The sergeant doesn't notice however, his attention lies fully on the seari woman as she speaks. After a moment he asks: "Ye saw any o' em? Clear enough to identify the murderer?" He sounds hopeful.
A lean woman catches a slim, young woman's smile and flashes a reassuring one of her own back at the girl. Her eyes flick for a moment to a bronzed muscular man and back, and gives a slim, young woman a tiny wink before her attention returns to the body and a youthful female Seari's story.
"No.. but everyone knows what is going on. Head out of your office for a couple of hours and into the underground. You'd find out sure enough..." a youthful female Seari releases a second long sigh, her eyes pressing closed for a moment, "He had a babe.. three kids and one of them was jus' a wee babe. And poor Alishille... If you will excuse me, I need to bring word to his family."
Smiling at the young woman, a bronzed muscular man says "I do thank you for your company, miss. But unfortunately I should be going. I have to get up early and get some orders done for my master. I hope everything works out for you. I hope to see you again. If you are bored come by and visit me sometime, I will be one of the smithy's."
A slim, young woman smiles happily. "I would be glad to, sir."
A bronzed muscular man reaches into his pockets and puts some coins on the table. Nodding towards the young woman "Remember my offer for an ear and friendship if you ever want it. My pa always used to say you can never have too many friends."
A slim, young woman nods briefly, seeming a little distant. "Thank you for your company, it was much appreciated."
A flaxen-haired male seari is carried in from the south on a calculated and long gait. His posture is proud and rigid and his left his is affixed to the pommel of his gleaming weapon. He takes a moment to view the scene before him, not making any reactions towards the realm of surprise, but more careful consideration. He glances around for a moment at the occupants taking in each face as if attempt to divulge their level of guilt in this crime. "What of this?" He says in a grave, calm tone. "What's happened here?"
A bronzed muscular man smiles, "I am glad miss, have a nice night, and see you soon. Anytime miss, anytime. "He waves good-bye.
The sergeant sight, frustration clear. He beckons for the private to come closer as he says: "Aye, right then.. Best clean this up, then go report it to tha captain." The pair waste little time laying the rolled bedclothes on the floor and lifting the corpse up and onto them.
A youthful female Seari passes a brief glance over a flaxen-haired male seari on her way towards the entrance of the Inn, her gaze glaring as usual as it meets the form of the Seari. She does not slow her steps heading out the door and promptly onto the street.
A youthful female Seari passes a brief glance over a flaxen-haired male seari on her way towards the entrance of the Inn, her gaze glaring as usual as it meets the form of the Seari. She does not slow her steps heading out the door and promptly onto the street.
A slim, young woman removes her boots, examining sadly the bloodstains upon them from her previous unfortunate stance beside the deceased.
Having placed the body on the bedclothes, the two guards grip each corner firmly, before hoisting the whole mass up and slowly making their way backward, toward the exit, and beyond.
A flaxen-haired male seari gives a visible and almost forlorn sigh as Zarika passes him by. Noticing then the guards here a flaxen-haired male seari puts on a scowl. He passes up the entirety of the crowd not giving much more then a glance to the body before coming to the bar, without more then that a burly man with a shiny, bald head understands to place three short-glasses filled with brown liquid right in front of him.
Posted by ShadowSiege at July 7, 2004 09:02 PM