The Living Contract [Rayne and Loki Aesir]
<h1 id="title">Elliquiy Role Playing Forums</h1>
		<h2 id="linktree">Play-By-Post: Bondage, D/s, S&amp;M =&gt; Bondage: Exotic Solos =&gt; Topic started by: Rayne on 28-11-2011, 08:13:24</h2>
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				Title: <strong>The Living Contract [Rayne and Loki Aesir]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Rayne</strong> on <strong>28-11-2011, 08:13:24</strong>
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				<em>‘Father, I hope all is well. The money you sent last we wrote was very helpful. An altercation with a bear robbed me of my first sword, and I am thankful now I did not take the family one as you suggest. If I had, it would be at the bottom of a cliff by now, stuck in the carcass of the bear that attacked me. I was amazed enough when I managed to stab right through to its heart, but I was not expecting it be so difficult to pull out again. The bear would have dragged me over the cliff with it when it fell if I had not relinquished the sword in the creature’s dying moments. Anyways, no use dwelling on the past. I have a new iron sword now that is as well crafted as the last. Oh! The other day I managed to clear out a small bandit encampment. It was not easy work, but I feel proud knowing the travelers in the area will no longer be bothered by these thieves. The jarl was also very thankful, and paid me a handsome sum. At this rate, I won’t need a monthly allowance any more. I’m sure you never thought your daughter would make her way like this, did you? I know you didn’t… but know that I am happy, and enjoying this life… even if the inn beds aren’t the most comfortable things. Your loving daughter- Aria Delacourt’<br></em><br>Smiling, she signed the letter and folded it up, sealing it with the family crest wax seal. She could hear the lute of the bard out in the main room still playing. The walls of the inn were not particularly thick. Other than the music, she could hear drunken laughter, and the soft patter of rain on the roof overhead. Weeks ago, all this noise would have kept her up, but now she was used to it, even found it soothing. Getting up from the desk, she stifled a yawn, feeling exhaustion seeping into her limbs. Her armor hung in a corner, the leather recently clean, and her sword was already tucked beside her bed, ready to be taken up at a moment’s notice. She walked over to the bed, setting her letter down on the end table where she wouldn’t forget it and picked up a brush, running it through her long golden locks. As a nord, she was fair skinned, with honey blond hair and dark blue eyes. She was tallish for a woman, at five foot seven, and thin, especially now since she began to adventure. She wasn’t thick and hulking like some women soldiers she had seen, but she had some muscle now, after much hard work. But it was still clear she was a noble’s daughter. Her nightgown she wore was of the finest quality, and she bore no scars nor signs of hardship. She was a beautiful woman, highly sought after even now as she traveled. And she took care of her appearance, even now at the end of a long day of fighting off wolves and other vicious wildlife, when all she wanted to do was sleep.<br><br>A moment later, she set down her brush and climbed into bed, grimacing at the uncomfortable bedding as she settled down. Even though it was uncomfortable- she was asleep in moments, too exhausted to care.
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				Title: <strong>Re: The Living Contract [Rayne and Loki Aesir]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Foxfyr</strong> on <strong>29-11-2011, 01:39:42</strong>
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				“You cannot be serious…”&nbsp; The rough voice typical of a Khajiit speaking the human tongue added to the distain behind his remark.&nbsp; This new contract he was just presented was not only unprecedented within recent history of the Dark Brotherhood, but it also perverted the very nature of their family in M’Ravirr’s mind.<br><br><em>”I know what you’re thinking and I agree with you completely.&nbsp; Unfortunately that does not change the precarious situation we find ourselves in at present.&nbsp; Nobody could have foreseen the Camonna Tong abandoning their isolationistic ideals for the sake of expanding their power in other territories.&nbsp; Everybody was caught flatfooted and now they have a modest foothold in Skyrim’s underworld.&nbsp; As it stands now, it is only the head of the House Delacourt who is keeping enough pressure upon them to hinder their progress.&nbsp; He has refused bribes and ignored threats, leaving the Tong with only one more logical option since dealing with him directly would only cause more opposition to fill the void he left.&nbsp; They’re going to break his will by going after his only daughter.&nbsp; We are close to discovering the identities of the Tong’s command structure, but we need more time.&nbsp; Once their attention and resources aren’t being diverted to keep the law at bay, they will come hunting for us and that will be a losing fight for our family.&nbsp; Regardless of what may come natural to any assassin, Aria Delacourt must survive these trying times for our fate is tied with hers.”</em><br><br>Although still displeased with the contract, M’Ravirr could not deny the severity of the situation and knew what must be done.<br><br><hr><br>It was unnervingly easy to locate his mark; after all, how many noble women take up the life of an adventurer?&nbsp; The Khajiit may have the home field advantage in Skyrim, but it was clear that he had not been the only one asking about Aria.&nbsp; There was no doubt in his mind that the hit was going down tonight, but he would be ready.&nbsp; Identifying the noble Nordic woman was easy despite the abundance of them in their homeland; she was the only one who looked just a little too refined in contrast to the leather armor upon her frame.&nbsp; From there, it was just a matter of sticking to the darkness of night to remain undetected from both Aria and her would-be assassin until the moment to act presented itself.<br><br>M’Ravirr watched through the bedroom’s window as Aria went about her nightly routine after several minutes of scrawling in parchment.&nbsp; Despite the voyeuristic potential of watching a beautiful woman in a vulnerable environment, the Khajiit’s mind remained emotionally detached and calculating.&nbsp; It wasn’t until she went to bed that he disabled the latch that locked the window and crept into the small bedroom with all the lithe grace one would expect from a feline before closing the window and curtain and crouching in the small space between the desk and the wall.&nbsp; Between his black Brotherhood armor and depths of the shadow in that portion of the room, M’Ravirr might as well have cast invisibility upon himself.&nbsp; The better part of an hour passed before the door of the room opened slowly at first.&nbsp; Once the malevolent intruder was assured Aria was asleep, he darted through the doorway and closed the door with neigh inaudible click of the latch.<br><br>For several more moments, the man stood in still silence as he waited for his eyes to adjust to the dark room.&nbsp; The Dunmer was at a significant disadvantage when compared to the Khajiit's ability to see clearly in the darkness.&nbsp; Still M'Ravirr waited until the opportunity to execute a quick and precise kill to avoid any struggle that would only complicate things.&nbsp; Once the dark elf's eyes had adjusted, he stalked over towards the Nord woman's bedside unaware that another assassin was positioned directly behind him.&nbsp; Instead of drawing his weapon, a orb of green glowing energy appeared in his palm which caused Aria to awaken, but not before he hit her with the paralysis spell that rend her fully conscious and entirely immobile.<br><br>The green magical energy encompassed the woman's body while providing a very faint illumination to the room that shown eerily off her assassin's malicious smile as he drew his Orcish dagger.&nbsp; <em>"For such an important mark, you made this too easy on me."</em><br><br>Before the Dunmer could bring his weapon to bear, M'Ravirr utilized his moment of overconfidence to strike like a poised serpent.&nbsp; In one swift strike the Khajiit clasped his hand over the man's mouth and drew his head back while the dagger in the other hand slit a deep gash in his throat.&nbsp; There hadn't been time for the Dunmer to struggle, his body going limp before his mind had a chance to clearly register what had just happened.&nbsp; M'Ravirr guided the assassin's limp body to the ground for Sithis to claim yet another soul into the void.&nbsp; Before the faint illumination of the dying man's spell wore off, the Khajiit made it a point to make a show of sheathing his weapon and placing a hushed finger over his lips.<br><br>"You are in great danger and I have been sent here to ensure your safety."
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				Title: <strong>Re: The Living Contract [Rayne and Loki Aesir]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Rayne</strong> on <strong>29-11-2011, 04:54:33</strong>
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				Aria was sleeping peacefully as the Dunmer approached her. Good adventurers were probably light sleepers, prepared for the chance that somebody might sleep up on them, especially out in the wild. The thing was, Aria was not –yet- a particularly good adventurer, and had spent most of her life in a safe village where nothing short of people shouting in a panic would wake her up. <br><br>However, a bright shining light also worked in meeting that end, as the green glow caused her to stir. Grimacing, she lifted a hand to shield her eyes, only just focusing on the man before her when the spell struck.<br><br>And it sunk in that she was being attacked. Her eyes widened as she fell back against her pillows, completely immobile. All she could do was watch as he pulled out a knife. He was going to kill her?! But no- another man, a Khajiit, came out of nowhere and suddenly slit the first man’s throat, killing him instead! She couldn’t believe what she was seeing, that this was really happening. Was this man sent by her father, a secret bodyguard? It would be just like him...<br>Feeling her limbs suddenly capable of movement she let out a sigh of relief and sat up, staring down at the dead dunmer. <strong>”What’s your name Khajiit?”</strong> She asked, as she grabbed her sword and got up. She made a face, moving around the dead body, and moved to her armor, quickly pulling it on. He said she was still in danger, which she supposed meant it was time to leave. <strong>”And who sent you?”</strong> She asked. She kept her voice down, but didn’t seem in too much of a rush to trust him. She was leaving, clearly this in was not great protection… but whether she went with him, if he wanted her to go with him somewhere, still remained to be seen. For now, she focused on putting on her armor... maybe to avoid freaking out over her near death experience. <br>
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				Title: <strong>Re: The Living Contract [Rayne and Loki Aesir]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Foxfyr</strong> on <strong>29-11-2011, 18:08:55</strong>
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				The Khajiit was pleased that Aria managed to maintain a level head despite her brush with death and was sensible enough to arm herself. It was something most people, especially pampered nobles, were rarely capable of accomplishing. <strong>“You may call me M’Ravirr and I am here at the behest of The Night Mother.”</strong> His keen night vision allowed him to see the uncertainty upon her face, especially once he openly announced his affiliation with the Dark Brotherhood. <strong>“You are wise to be wary of strangers this night, but rest assured if I had wished your demise all I needed to do was nothing at all. There is much I need to tell you, but this location is not secure and I do not know if this man is working alone. I have prepared a safehouse nearby where we can speak freely. Travel to the south gates and wait for me there while I make sure there isn’t another assassin waiting as a contingency. Be sure to stick to the shadows and don’t draw attention to yourself; for an arrow can kill just as effectively as a dagger. Go now, Aria Delacourt. I will see to it that no harm will come to you as long as you follow my instructions.”</strong><br><br>As he spoke, M’Ravirr made his way to the window and propped himself upon the sill. She didn’t have time to ask further questions or debate his orders before he climbed up to the roof where his bow and quiver were waiting for him. He watched with arrow notched as Aria made her way out of the city, moving rooftop to rooftop so he never lost line of sight with the woman while keeping an eye out for anybody that took too much interest in her.
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				Title: <strong>Re: The Living Contract [Rayne and Loki Aesir]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Rayne</strong> on <strong>29-11-2011, 22:30:39</strong>
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				As she tightened one of the straps on her leather armor, it became clear her hands were shaking. She was working hard to keep it together, and for the moment, still succeeding. She got her armor on over some clothes, then pulled on her boots and sheathed her sword. She then picked up her shield, fitting it in the hook on her bag that was on her back. However, hearing the words ‘night mother’ gave her brief pause, her heart skipping a beat. The Dark Brotherhood was protecting her?! Shit, shit, shit. There had to be something here she didn’t know, then. Perhaps she was only alive to get to her father, or… it was hard to imagine what the Dark Brotherhood might want with her. She didn’t know much about them. All she knew was they weren’t the sort of people one wanted to mess with. Except she didn’t want to die. If he had information-<br><br>While she continued to try and think this over, he was talking. Telling her to meet him. For now… for now she supposed that was as good an idea as any. <strong>”Who are these-“</strong> She started to ask- but he was already out the window, disappeared into the night. She frowned, not liking this one bit, but after a moment she turned and left the room. The main tavern area was quiet, the hearth glowing with soft sleeping embers. She slipped quietly through the area, keeping an alert eye to the shadows now, and crept along till she was outside.<br><br>Her father’s court wizard had taught her a few small spells- healing, candlelight, and night eye. She cast it now, and suddenly the shadows were not such a problem to see in. She crept along, making her way to the south gate as instructed. She felt shaky and scared, but continued to manage to keep it together.
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				Title: <strong>Re: The Living Contract [Rayne and Loki Aesir]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Foxfyr</strong> on <strong>30-11-2011, 17:59:18</strong>
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				Much to the assassin’s relief, there had been no other individuals walking the streets save for the occasional town guard on night watch that he still did not discount. Fortunately, they passed her little more than a fleeting glance before carrying on with their duty of maintaining the peace. As she crossed the archway of the open town gate, M’Ravirr secured his bow to the quiver on his back and leapt the short distance from the building’s rooftop to the low town wall. Satisfied that there were no immediate threats, it was time for him to take measures to shake any possible pursuers. As he jumped down the low battlements, the muffled shifting of his leather armor alerted Aria to his presence in the nearby shadows. The ease she had in finding him in the darkness was all the evidence he needed that she was utilizing some simple illusion magic. <strong>”Good, night vision will help you in this next leg of our escape. Follow me and do your best to keep up.”</strong><br><br>Again, without giving time for further discussion the Khajiit took off into the nearby overgrowth leading her far off the main road. His pace was a balance of stealth and speed, scaling back his efforts enough to what he believed Aria capable of matching. He wouldn’t be as confident that their evasive maneuvers were working had he not had a green adventurer with him, but it came with the territory of guardian. It would just have to be something he would need to get used to during the course of this contract. After about ten minutes of that pace, M’Ravirr found the small fissure in the mountainside just big enough for a person to fit through. Glancing back to reassure himself that Aria was still with him, he signaled their destination before sliding though the opening and beckoning her to follow.<br><br>The interior was considerably roomier that one would expect by looking on the outside, if they would have even noticed the entrance at all. Large enough to accommodate a small group of adventurers comfortably left ample space for the two sleeping rolls at either side of a fire pit that had burned down to red hot embers that provided faint illumination to the room that was still warm from the fire it had once been. Once Aria entered their safehouse, M’Ravirr grunted with effort as he slid a nearby human-sized boulder over the sole entryway of their cave. To assuage the red flags in his contract’s mind that would have surely arisen from the notion of being trapped with another assassin far away from any assistance, M’Ravirr overtly disarmed himself by setting his weapons against the cave wall. From there he walked the several paces away to sit next to the fire pit before drawing back his hood to reveal his Bengal tiger features. <strong>”We are as secure as we are going to get, so we can now speak freely. As I’m sure you have plenty of questions for me, I’ll answer for you whatever I can.”</strong>
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				Title: <strong>Re: The Living Contract [Rayne and Loki Aesir]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Rayne</strong> on <strong>30-11-2011, 19:41:52</strong>
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				Aria kept to the shadows as best she could, but she didn’t want to draw attention to herself either. Every time she drew even with, and passed, a soldier, her heart raced a little. Her father made it well known their hold would side with the stormcloaks in the impending civil war, but she had found most people in this little town did not. She wouldn’t put it past these assassins to be able to talk the guards into doing away with her.&nbsp; Not knowing who these assassins were, she realized she had to expect anything from them. <br><br>Reaching the gate, she paused, her hand on the hilt of her sword. When she heard M’Ravirr show up, she jumped a little, almost drawing her sword as she turned to face him- she only relaxed a little when she saw who it was who had snuck up on her. <strong>”Where are we-“</strong> She was about to ask. However, he yet again set out without allowing any questions to be asked. Aria scowled at his retreating figure, then shook her head and sighing hurried after him.&nbsp; She wasn’t the quietest moving through the forest- but she did manage to keep up with him. Not that it was easy. She had stuck mostly to the roads in her travels. This traveling off the beaten path didn’t always offer a clear way. She probably would have lost him, if not for the spell allowing her to see in the dark.<br><br>Still, even with the spell, she almost didn’t notice the cave until they were right on top of it. Looking at the small hole, she grimaced. She did not particularly love caves- they made her feel claustrophobic. But she supposed that was better than dead. Muttering unhappily, she slipped into the cave after him, looking around the surprisingly roomier space inside. Two bedrolls were already laid out, and a fire was waiting for them. He had been prepared. <br><br>Hearing rock grating against rock suddenly, she spun around, watching as he pushed a rock right over the entrance. Shit. Her hand went to her sword. Maybe he <em>had</em> waited to kill her, much easier to hide a body when it was already in a hidden location- but before she could even complete the suspicious thought, he began to disarm, and she sighed, her shoulders slumping as a look of exhaustion flickered over her features. She hated this. It had been nerve wracking enough sometimes on the road, worrying a bandit or animal might get the jump on her. Now she had assassins to deal with? She had wanted a little adventure, not a death sentence. <strong>”Alright…”</strong> She thought a moment, then went over and sat down across from him at the fire. <strong>”I suppose I’m correct in guessing that these people want me dead to get at my father? I haven’t done anything yet of worth to make enemies out here, so that is the only reason I can think of for people to want me dead. What I want to know, though, is why they want to get to my father exactly? What do they want that cannot be accomplished in going after him? Also, who are these people? I thought the Dark Brotherhood was the only assassin group for hire…”</strong> She cut herself off, realizing she was babbling and waited for him to explain. 
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				Title: <strong>Re: The Living Contract [Rayne and Loki Aesir]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Foxfyr</strong> on <strong>01-12-2011, 04:14:29</strong>
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				M'Ravirr was glad to see that his display of non-hostility helped put Aria to ease.&nbsp; At least as much as one could expect for somebody who was nearly assassinated just a short while ago and was now trapped in an isolated location with yet another assassin.&nbsp; When given the go-ahead, he listened patiently for Aria to finish the flood of questioning that she had been holding back as a result of him not giving her time to let them out earlier in a more orderly fashion.<br><br><strong>"You are correct in your assumption; it was intended that you would be made an example of in order to break your father's resolve.&nbsp; Have you ever heard of the organization by the name of Camonna Tong?&nbsp; I wouldn't be surprised if you hadn't, they're a crime syndicate that holds much influence in Morrowind.&nbsp; Though, until recently, they never really left the shores of their homeland for much more than smuggling runs.&nbsp; For whatever reason, they have abandoned their isolationistic views in an attempt to expand their influence here in Skyrim.&nbsp; Presently, your father is the only one among the noble houses that sees them for the threat they represent.&nbsp; Furthermore, he has the insight needed to know that they are not yet rooted in Skyrim and this may be the only opportunity to block their attempts to attain power.&nbsp; Without him pressuring the Holds into taking some sort of action, the Camonna Tong will face little resistance.&nbsp; Sure they could attempt to kill your father, but that would only add credence to his claims and cause people to take his warnings even more seriously."</strong><br><br>The Khajiit let out a chuckle that sounded slightly menacing when twisted by his inhuman tongue.&nbsp; <strong>"I wouldn't go so far as saying my family is the <em>only</em> group of assassins in all of Tamriel, or even Skyrim for that matter.&nbsp; No matter how hard we try there will always be local bands of cutthroats popping up in some backwoods town, but we make it a point of deterring competition wherever it arises.&nbsp; Unfortunately, Morrowind is proving difficult to establish a strong presence even after these past few centuries.&nbsp; Perhaps that is one of the reasons the Camonna Tong is setting out to stake claims in new territories."</strong>&nbsp; M'Ravirr shrugged idly.&nbsp; <strong>"Regardless of the reasoning behind their actions, your father and my family share a common enemy.&nbsp; One that neither of us can fight on our own.&nbsp; Even if it isn't your father's intentions to do so, he is giving us time to follow their chain of command so we can sever the vital links until it can no longer support itself.&nbsp; In a way, ensuring your safety is not only in our best interest, but it can also be regarded as an expression of gratitude for your father's assistance in this matter.&nbsp; Whether or not he is aware that he is doing so is immaterial to the end result."</strong>
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				Title: <strong>Re: The Living Contract [Rayne and Loki Aesir]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Rayne</strong> on <strong>01-12-2011, 06:19:01</strong>
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				She listened to all this in silence, shaking her head when he originally asked her if she had heard of these ‘Camonna Tong’. She had not. Really, it was enough that she even believed the Dark Brotherhood had existed before now. Quite a lot of people did not. But she had heard her father talking about assassins, when she had been training to become an adventurer. She had always thought those conversations about assassins were about the Dark Brotherhood, not a new threat.&nbsp; She remembered he had seemed more tense, right before her departure. But… she had always thought it was because of her leaving. He hadn’t wanted her to go. Had he suspected this might happen? Had he been trying to keep her safe at home? Ever since her mother died from a bandit ambush while she had been out riding, he had always been very protective of her.<br><br>And now she was huddled in a cave, hiding from assassins. Maybe he had been right to worry. <strong>”So… what do I do now? Sit here and wait for you guys to get rid of them? Help you go out and fight them? Do you know how large a force might already be here in Skyrim?”</strong> She asked, fidgeting with a buckle on her leather armor. She didn’t want to sit, hiding in a cave, waiting for them to find her for days or weeks on end, but she wasn’t sure it would be so smart to go out looking for trouble either. She knew she wasn’t as experienced a fighter as trained assassins would be. Maybe she should head back home…<br><br>The thought made her frown. She didn’t like the idea of running much either. Damn it… she didn’t know what to do. <br>
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				Title: <strong>Re: The Living Contract [Rayne and Loki Aesir]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Foxfyr</strong> on <strong>01-12-2011, 18:05:51</strong>
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				The Khajiit waited stoically as he gave Aria time to mull his answers over in her mind. It was certainly a large amount to drop on somebody out of the blue, especially when they had no idea of the storm that had been brewing around them the entire time. Even he, an individual who had spent his entire adult life serving his Unholy Matron, felt a little uneasy with the turn of events. He was sure he would have felt more at ease on the hunt with the rest of his family; instead, he was trying his hand as a protectorate of an individual where failure could not be an option. The tables have turned and he was now the hunted. Of course, as any gamesman who sought to hunt a saber cat knew, all it would take is a simple mistake or an act of carelessness to turn the tides once again.<br><br>Once she had a chance to fully digest the first round of information, she sent another volley of questions toward him. M’Ravirr took several moment of contemplation before replying, weighing up his options thoroughly before choosing his words. He had not planned much past the next night or two, schedules and elaborate planning was all too easy for a skilled assassin to utilize as a weapon against their mark. In order to avoid detection and minimize their presence, they would need to remain unpredictable with loose plans that could fluidly change in an instant. <strong>”I dare not stay at any location, including here, for more than a few nights at a time. One thing you should be aware of when dealing with skilled assassins is that every safehouse has a shelf life, no matter how secure or remote it may seem. No defense is flawless and it is only a matter of time before we find a chink in the armor big enough to fit a dagger. There is no telling just how large the Camonna Tong’s presence is in Skyrim; they deal in a wide variety of criminal enterprises that range from smuggling to kidnapping to murder. Fortunately, we don’t need to find every member, just the critical individuals who facilitate the organization’s activities. In truth, there is no telling how long it could take my family to complete their mission; it will very likely take several months.”</strong><br><br>An amused smile traced along M’Ravirr’s maw revealing a thin line of his carnivorous teeth. <strong>”There is a silver lining for you in all this. You sought the life of an adventurer; well you’re now enrolled in the expert courses that will provide the experience you need to gloat with the best of them… That is, of course, we live long enough to do so.”</strong> In their line of work, dark humor came as naturally to most Brotherhood assassins as taking another’s life in cold blood since both yielded a similar sense of satisfaction in their twisted minds.
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				Title: <strong>Re: The Living Contract [Rayne and Loki Aesir]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Rayne</strong> on <strong>05-12-2011, 02:55:02</strong>
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				Every safehouse had a shelf life… so that meant they would constantly be on the move. She wasn’t sure if this was good, or bad news. On the one hand, it meant not being stuck in this small cave forever… but on the other hand, it meant constantly re-exposing herself to find a new location. All in all… this news was not really sinking in well with her. She hadn’t asked to get tangled up in all this, and she didn’t know if she wanted to put her life in the hands of a total stranger. True, he had saved her once already… but really, she was supposed to drop everything and completely change what she was doing in her life because he said so? And it didn’t sound like he even knew all that much! For all he knew, that could be the only assassin, or there could be one waiting outside for them to leave right now.<br><br>Scowling in thought, she was still trying to think through this when he cracked a joke about the stories she could tell after this was all over.&nbsp; <strong>”Who the hell said I ever gave a damn about having stories to gloat over?”</strong> She snapped, the night’s events finally getting to her as she saw him smiling, like this was all just a big game. To him it probably was, a game between two different groups of criminals, and she was a random pawn. Glaring at him, she shook her head, her hands clenching. Anger was better than fear, she decided. <strong>”I had a hard enough time fighting a bear a few days ago, how am I supposed to survive against some skilled assassins? I just wanted to escape getting married off to some arrogant jarl and have adventures.”</strong> She would have said she didn’t want anything to do with this, that she’d just go home and let the guards protect her… but before she spoke, she paused, realizing how whiny and pathetic that would sound.<br><br>Letting out a sigh, she lowered her head, running her hands through her hair as she squeezed her eyes shut. She wanted this all to just be a bad dream, to wake up from it any minute… but she knew that wasn’t going to happen. She had to face this… she just didn’t know if she was strong enough. Actually, she was pretty sure she wasn't. She was just the daughter of a noble. People had been telling her her whole life she couldn't protect herself out in the cold world, and they were turning out to be right. 
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				Title: <strong>Re: The Living Contract [Rayne and Loki Aesir]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Foxfyr</strong> on <strong>06-12-2011, 18:30:50</strong>
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			<dd class="postbody">
				M’Ravirr’s expression never wavered from one of casual amusement for the current situation even as Aria snapped at him. He was the sort to never get involved with a heated verbal exchange, especially with strangers. Either his unwavering cool in the face of hostile aggression would instill a sense of unease in the other person or they would take things to a point where he would achieve retribution where there would be fewer witnesses. Only the worst offenders lost their lives, the Khajiit was fair by his standards; usually he would be appeased by simply taking the individual’s tongue, digits, or eyes depending on the severity of their sleight against him. Perhaps not the actions of an entirely sane individual, but what can one expect from an organization that idolizes a literal corpse?<br><br>Of course, M’Ravirr also knew that Aria was simply reacting to the sudden frustration of her current peril and wouldn’t hold it against her even if it became directed at him rather than her situation. Therefore, he remained patiently silent until she had an opportunity to get those thoughts off her mind so she could recompose herself. <strong>”Do not discount yourself so readily, for it is no small feat to fight such a powerful animal alone and at close range for anybody. Truth be told, most assassins I know would struggle just as much as you had with the very real chance of not coming out the victor. In fact…”</strong> A deviant smile spread across his maw again that hinted at a rather juicy tidbit of knowledge as he leaned toward her slightly as though revealing a closely guarded secret. <strong>”I’ll let you in on something that few people realize. In a fair fight between an assassin and any decent fighter, I’m willing to wager nine times out of ten it will be the assassin that falls. Our true lethality lies in exploiting our opponent’s moment of weakness with a single, highly effective maneuver to kill them quickly and with minimal struggle. You saw it for yourself just minutes ago when I dispatched your would-be killer to the void with no more effort than if he had been a defenseless drunken transient.”</strong><br><br>The simple reminder of his most recent kill caused the feeling of pride and accomplishment in such a beautiful execution to flood through his body. With a contented smile, he laid back upon his bedroll before continuing. <strong>”What one wants and what one receives in this life rarely go hand-in-hand; it’s all a matter of making the most of what you’ve been dealt. To be honest, you are better off with me at your side instead of a whole fortress stocked with armed guardsmen. Such soldiers live the life of routine day in and day out which dulls their senses, making them complacent and an easy obstacle to overcome. Meanwhile I have insight to the minds of those that wish you to do harm that will hinder their plans and reduce their ability to catch us off guard. Without those vital tools at their disposal, they are little more than armed thugs.”</strong>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: The Living Contract [Rayne and Loki Aesir]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Rayne</strong> on <strong>15-12-2011, 05:34:14</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Aria wasn’t sure what reaction she had expected or wanted from him. Maybe she wanted to provoke an argument, wanted to have a reason to yell at somebody. She didn’t like feeling like this, in over her head and utterly confused. But he didn’t provide an argument to engage in. Instead… more jokes. Or was he serious? She frowned softly, glancing at him as he smiled, and wasn’t sure. He didn’t seem to take any of this too seriously. Maybe he was pulling her leg, or maybe she was more afraid of these assassins than she needed to be…<br><br>But even if they were only good at the element of surprise… how was she supposed to stay on guard twenty four seven for who knows how long? One slip up could still cost her her life, even with him at her side. Though… she supposed he was right in that he was better than the guards back home. Most of them were pretty old, that or drunk and lazy. A trained killer probably was a better body guard, no matter how strange that was.<br><br>Still… while she knew that freaking out like this really wouldn’t help, or change anything… that didn’t mean getting over it and just facing this situation was any easier. She gazed at him for a moment laying back, so relaxed in his bedroll and just felt angry all over again.&nbsp; <strong>”Easy for you to say.”</strong> She muttered to herself under her breath. They weren’t after him, after all, just her. If he decided, he could just bail out. Even if this was important to his organization, he’d still probably favor his life over hers. Who wouldn’t? Heroics didn’t seem like something common to assassins anyways, she thought, sighing. Now she was just being bitter and hostile. She almost wished one of those assassins would show up, just so she could direct all these emotions towards the right people. Funny that she could be scared, and yet at the same time want to go kick their ass.&nbsp; 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: The Living Contract [Rayne and Loki Aesir]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Foxfyr</strong> on <strong>15-12-2011, 18:39:25</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				The Khajiit’s pointed ears twitched as he faintly picked up the words she muttered under her breath. <strong>”You’re right. I’ve lived like this for so long that the possibility of my own demise is no more off-putting than inclement weather or the annoying buzz of an insect flying by one’s ear. My actions are guided by Sithis’ will and I have no reason to fear when he comes to claim this loyal servant. Until that day comes, I shall continue my work for the good of my family.”</strong><br><br>No more affected by the somber topic of one’s mortality than if he had simply been exchanging pleasantries, M’Ravirr sat up from his bedroll and made his way towards a backpack leaning against the nearby cave wall. He continued with a new line of conversation as he casually rummaged through his pack. <strong>”If you wish I can offer you whatever pointers I can, but I imagine the difference in our skill sets will limit just how much use you will get out of it.”</strong> After a moment, he found the bundle of common clothing he had packed away for when they would travel. Glancing over his shoulder towards Aria, he shot her a casual grin, unsure if she was still able to see him in the darkness of the cave. <strong>”Wouldn’t do us any favors if I wore my work attire in broad daylight, would it?”</strong><br><br>Setting the bundle atop his pack, he begun unfastening the leather shrouded armor that had been secured to his frame starting with the boots and arm wrappings. Even as he got to the armor upon his torso, the only amount of modesty he shown in the action was that he still remain facing away from the woman. Once the clasps were undone, M’Ravirr pulled the armored top up and over his head. Although covered with a light coat soft fur, the toned leonine muscles of his back still managed to stand out. More apparent than that, however, were the countless lines of various length that marred the perfection of his coat where fur gave way to scar tissue. It could be easily inferred that the Khajiit had been through more than his fair share of combat, a few of which suggesting survival by only the slimmest of margins. Loosening his leggings, he had just begun to lower them when he paused for a moment to cast another glance over his shoulder, wondering if he had simply imagined the feeling of being watched.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: The Living Contract [Rayne and Loki Aesir]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Rayne</strong> on <strong>16-12-2011, 04:47:53</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Of course Aria had forgotten the sharp hearing that all Khajiit possessed. She wasn’t around them very often, after all. Still, she felt a moment of embarrassment, and blushed a little as he addressed her remark. Hearing that he did not fear death, though… well all she could really do was shake her head in amazement and disbelief. This was certainly not the case for herself. She wanted nothing to do with death, with Sithis. Not for a many number of years yet. There was still so much she wanted to do.<br><br>Seeing him get up again, she glanced back over, watching curiously as he went to the wall. She hadn’t even noticed the bag sitting there until that moment. At his offer for pointers she hesitated, thinking a moment, then shrugged. But, he was turned away, she realized, and stumbled out an answer. <strong>”Um, yea sure. Any help is better than nothing.”</strong> She decided. She thought he might pull out a book or journal of pointers for her to read, but instead he had a new set of clothes in his hands. As he glanced back her way, she realized why and looked away. <strong>”No, it probably wouldn’t.”</strong> She agrees, feeling a little awkward but trying to hide it. Of course there wasn’t a separate area in here to go to for changing clothes. And while she couldn’t read in the light of the cave, the fire provided enough light that she could see him well enough. Which was why she looked away. Maybe a killer didn’t have much modesty. He didn’t seem to be bothered by anything really. But she was raised in the court, and knew it was improper to watch.<br><br>But he was right there, and before she could think about it, her gaze flicked back. She was not some innocent child. This was not the first time a man had stripped in her presence, she had had a small number of lovers in the past few years. But of course she wasn’t interested in him like that… and yet she found herself sneaking a glance.&nbsp; His boots and gauntlets were gone by now, and as she watched he removed his upper armor. The sort of armor she wore allowed for a tunic to be worn underneath, but she saw his did not. She also saw he was covered in scars as he removed it. The sight nearly made her gasp, but she caught herself. Still, her eyes widened, taking in the sight of his numerous scars, more than she had ever seen on any one person, with the exception perhaps of a few battle hardened veterans back home. <br><br>She stared at the scars for a moment, not repulsed but fascinated instead. She was sure there must be a great number of stories behind them. She didn’t want to have stories such as those to pass on herself, but she was curious to hear some of his. After a moment, she looked past the many scars, and saw how muscular he was. For a moment she imagined those muscular arms wrapping around her.<br><br>Then she blushed and looked away, surprised by the images to flash through her thoughts. Luckily, she looked away just in time not to be caught staring, though with her sitting close the flames he might notice the redness of her cheeks and make the connection. Aria kept her gaze lowered to the fire, one of her hands fidgeting with a frayed corner of her tunic, not meeting his gaze- even though she was curious to look again she realized.&nbsp; 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: The Living Contract [Rayne and Loki Aesir]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Foxfyr</strong> on <strong>16-12-2011, 18:06:57</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				It was easy enough for M’Ravirr to notice Aria’s unease with the way she fidgeted with her tunic and refused to glance at him. That was hardly the first time he garnered such a reaction whenever he revealed his body to another. The thought she was blushing in response to a fleeting romantic fantasy had never crossed his mind. Instead, he read her reaction as being that of typical repulsion or pity at the sight of the scarring upon his back. The Khajiit had mixed feelings of them himself; on one hand, they were medals representing a successful contract despite perilous obstacles, but on the other, they represented a moment of carelessness on his part.<br><br><strong>”I must admit,”</strong> He began, redirecting his gaze ahead of him towards to cave wall as he continued to undress. <strong>”you aren’t anything like I had expected you’d be.”</strong> With a light rustle of leather clothing, the assassin’s pants came off along with the heavier undercloth that acted as a buffer between them and him. Again, the only amount of modesty the Khajiit maintained was facing away from Aria, but it did nothing to prevent a clear view of his backside and legs that were sculpted of lean leonine muscles devoid of the scarring that shown on his torso and back. He casually begun tending to his light armor, making sure it was clean and folded neatly for storing while he continued his line of thought without looking back to Aria. The Khajiit was as comfortable in his fur as he was in any normal attire and thought nothing of his nudity even in the presence of another.<br><br><strong>”You’re not the first young noble I came across who set out for adventure. However, you are the first who seems to be doing so in earnest. Most head out adorned in the best gear they could afford, surrounded by all sorts of enchantments, and accompanied by a handful of armed escorts who do all their dirty work while they receive all the glory. What’s more, you are one of the few nobles who haven’t talked down to me outright simply for being Khajiit. Granted, knowing my identity as an assassin can be humbling…”</strong><br><br>M’Ravirr finished tending to his armor and set about unbundling his clothing so that he could once again get dressed. <strong>”Either way, I want to thank you for addressing me as an equal rather than a septimless merchant or untouchable servant.”</strong>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: The Living Contract [Rayne and Loki Aesir]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Rayne</strong> on <strong>16-12-2011, 20:12:05</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				As he spoke up, Aria glanced back up to him again, mostly out of habit to look at a person who was speaking. But of course, he had just removed his pants. Once more she found herself staring, wondering fleeting how his fur might feel. Unlike his shoulders, this part of his body was free of scars, allowing her to observe his muscular figure more easily. She couldn’t believe how at ease he seemed, naked in her presence. Of course he probably thought she would keep her eyes to herself. Thinking that, she forced her gaze to move back to the fire as he continued to fold up his clothes. <br><br>Keeping her gaze to the fire now, she listened as he spoke, eventually shrugging at his remarks. <strong>”My family already has glory, and suffers for it. Getting more is the last thing on my mind.”</strong> She remarks. She thought for a moment on the other half of his observations. True, she would admit it partially <em>was</em> the situation that had her follow him so willingly, but it wasn’t just that. <strong>”And I guess I was raised differently than most nobles. Since my mother was not alive for most of my childhood, my father had an Argonian woman named Milah watch after me. She taught me it was only the truly weak that bullied or talked down to others, because it was only those people who needed to make themselves feel stronger. If one is truly strong they don’t need to prove it. Being Argonian, she’d also tan my hide if she ever saw me judging another just based on race.”</strong> She smiled a little, shaking her head at her last remark. Over the years she had gotten into several fights with the local boys for making fun of her caretaker. <strong>”I guess she made me into a bit of an idealist.”</strong> Aria admits, knowing she must seem like some silly dreamer. She knew racism in Skyrim was the norm, rather than the exception. Sometimes it was blatant and cruel, other times it was unspoken age old rules, like keeping Khajiit traders outside the city. Milah had always made her question it, even though most seemed not to.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: The Living Contract [Rayne and Loki Aesir]</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Foxfyr</strong> on <strong>16-12-2011, 21:37:30</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				M’Ravirr listened with a thoughtful expression on his face while Aria revealed a portion of her past as he dressed. The attire he had chosen out was about as mundane as it gets; a little better than what most Khajiiti peddlers wore, but hardly anything that would be considered fashionable. Once he had donned his new outfit, he placed his armor into his pack before returning to the pit of smoldering embers sitting with his legs crossed and palms on his knees. When she finished a warm smile was upon the Khajiit’s maw, albeit made only slightly menacing by the sliver of sharp feline teeth that shown between marginally parted lips. <strong>”You certainly are one-of-a-kind, Aria, and it will be those values that will help protect us through all this. The Dunmer we are up against are notorious for their bigotry, so the last thing they will be looking for is a Khajiit and a Nord travelling together as long as they look like companions rather than a hired escort. Though, it goes without saying that you will need to assume an alias for a time.”</strong><br><br>Up until he had gotten this opportunity to know her, M’Ravirr had been dreading this assignment. Now, he was actually looking forward to it and recognized her personality alone was worth protecting even if it wasn’t for her status or tactical value. Assassin he may be, but that doesn’t prevent him from identifying a good person when he meets them. It was something that reaffirmed his faith in the Night Mother’s decision to protect her; she knew which lives were worthy of the void and dispatched her children accordingly. M’Ravirr now got some insight into the idea that any who attempted to inflict harm upon Aria were among those who were worthy sacrifices to Sithis. His enjoyment of her company shown in the way the tip of his tail lazily rose and fell from the floor at his side.<br><br><strong>”All the same, it would still be wise to hone your senses in preparation for the days that lie ahead. I think the most important of these is making you as light of a sleeper as possible. It will be a difficult talent to train since it is something you must learn on a subconscious level. That said, you should know that in order to do this I will be waking you throughout the coming nights. This may involve touching in the beginning, until your subconscious is able to pick up on the sounds of my approach. Just know that I will not harm you as we go through this training; you’re bound to find it unsettling, but know that you are safe and it is something that is necessary.”</strong>
			</dd>
		</dl>
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