Post by The Blade's Shadow on Jan 9, 2013 4:46:04 GMT -5
Talon made certain the bodies had floated their way down the slow waters, placing the blades he had wrenched from their vital areas back into their holsters with trained speed and precision, leaving the girl to wait and rest for a few moments as he scaled the buildings to fetch the last of his weapons. The way he saw it, they wouldn't check the roofs for some time, time enough for him to do what his strangely lucid, human mind told him to and come back to dispose of them. Even if they were found, he left no direct evidence save perhaps a few skin flakes.
Finally he brought his time above ground to a close as he entered the sewer for what would be the long haul in the end. With as much care as a fairly heartless assassin could muster, he hefted the strangely grabby woman into his arms with a quiet grunt and began his march out of Noxus' sewers with a mixed bag of sensations he'd not felt in a very long time. A disconcerting cocktail of appreciation for his life not being robbed from him by a split-second of carelessness, remorse for everything his choices meant to the limp female draped across his arms and a genuine lack of direction regarding what he would do after his most immediate goal had been completed to satisfaction.
The long walk through the waterways gave the assassin ample time to become furious with himself for the show of weakness. His facade of icy superiority and disdain had returned once he'd found himself outside the city limits yet he still took one step after another toward his goal. Every thought he spared to attempt to dissuade himself was met with an all encompassing denial from the strangely child-like voice from earlier. He thought himself mad as he began his trek across the green lands on the outskirts of Noxus.
When the mountain trail, the last step before his destination, appeared before him, he allowed a silent curse to pass his lips. If this lunatic of a woman did not appreciate his gesture he would be certain to take back the life he'd been trying so hard to give her. Each step along the unstable, gravelly path came marginally slower than the last until he finally came to his destination, rogue beads of sweat falling from his chin to her stomach to match the look of supreme dissatisfaction he had. The stone temple was here, exactly where every brief he'd had had said it would be.
He felt his vigor renewed by the proximity of his journey's end, half-running to the door to give it a swift kick open, barking a command to the inhabitant as it swung open before him. "Vladimir! If this woman dies in your care, I end your overlong life with as much gore as you bring to it."
Post by kevinxsenpai on Jan 9, 2013 5:26:14 GMT -5
Vladimir sat a mere thirty or so feet away from the duo, he was enjoying a steak dinner, simply dripping with the bovine's blood. He cut and ate a piece before turning to the assassin. "Oh Talon, what sorts of trouble have you brought to me this time?" Vladimir was no stranger to Talon, the assassin would regularly bring interrogation victims that he had been a bit too rough with. He then looked at the young woman blood soaked in his arms. He rose from his seat and walked over to the two, relieving Talon of her. Vlad took her and laid her down on a nearby couch. He inspected her, he found no open wounds but was certain she had lost plenty of blood. He moved his lips close to hers, the two never actually touching, as a current of blood made its way from his body to hers. He stood after the transfusion was complete, putting a hand on his head, taking blood was pleasurable, while giving blood always made his head ache. "That should keep her alive..." Vlad walked away to soak a rag and came back to lay it across the woman's forehead. "She had no internal wounds as far as I could tell, the new blood will be good for her." He turned back to Talon. "So why is it she is so important to be kept alive, hmm Talon? Does she hold some sort of vital information? Is she your secret lover? Please do share the details." Vladimir smiled as he stood in front of his cloaked "friend"
Post by The Blade's Shadow on Jan 9, 2013 18:35:52 GMT -5
For one of the few times in his life, Talon had removed his armblade and tied it about his waist while Vlad worked his strange magics, watching him work without a noise. He'd seen the process several times, though every other time it hadn't bothered him quite so much as it did now. When the Crimson Reaper was finished, Talon was standing not far from the pair, arms across his chest, brows knit in confusion though covered by his hood.
When the hemomage spoke to him, Talon broke from his trance like state of thought to look back at him. "Do I question what you do with those children who stumble too close to your home?" He shot back, giving Vlad a glare. Such was their rapport and while the glare was spiteful, it was as 'friendly' as a glare could be. For as quickly as it came, it left. Talon's attention turned back to the resting girl.
"She was compelled to save my life for whatever reason. I must know why. If the answer I receive is not deemed adequate, you have my permission to reclaim what she holds of yours and do whatever it is you do with your victims." His words were given out of respect, he still needed the man's services and would into the future as well, though it didn't stop him walking over to the food that had been neglected and something, anything, that wasn't drowning in cow blood. A small potato was what ended up in his gloved hand, shortly thereafter in his growling stomach.
"How long until she awakens, Vladimir?" Bleak words, lacking any particular inflection, as though his ability to care had once again evaporated. The chirping was back again, on the edge of his mind, sowing disquiet in what was normally his only haven. What it meant was lost to him, but he could not dislodge them from his mind.
It felt oddly cold, even in his grasp. Despite the warmth he might offer her, she felt the chill of darkness surrounding her as she was carried by the assassin towards an unknown destination. Her unconscious frame hung limp in his hold, with no fight left in her for the moment. Frail, and utterly vulnerable to whatever his plans may have been. Had he wanted to end her, he could have just dumped her somewhere to die, or drowned her with such ease. But instead, he took her somewhere most unexpected.
The sensation of something warm would fill her. She didn't know what was going on, her mind receded into an unconscious state, resting in darkness as blood was transferred to her with such ease. The cold feel of someone standing over her, the sensation of someone so close to her face, it hadn't quite stirred her but somewhere she knew it was happening. Something inside her recognized the 'aura' that drew closer.
As the blood seeped into her system and replenished her body with necessary life essence, a sharp inhale would fill the immediate area before she'd start to stir. Determined to live, her mind and body fought to bring her back to consciousness, aspiring to wake and discover that she still had life in her. Those ethereal violets flickered open, wincing back from any light that may present itself to her sensitive eyes. She'd turn her head, her hand lifting shakily with her knee drawing up to settle her foot flat against the table. Her hand shielded her eyes until she could focus, squinting them faintly before slowly focusing on -- Talon.
A confused look spread across her features, not understanding fully why he had spared her. The last clear thing she remembered was him bidding her farewell, and yet here she was alive. Vladamir was the next to find her focus, her eyes growing wide as she'd clumsily scramble up and fall off the other side of the table onto the ground rather comically.
Post by kevinxsenpai on Jan 9, 2013 19:47:22 GMT -5
Vladimir was used to Talon's cold stares and always took them lightly. "Oh you know the fates of those children, hahaha...Their life essence is always so tasty, so young and full of energy." He licked his lips thinking about the last time a Noxian child had come near the temple. He then listened to the rest of Talon's story as the assassin went to rudely eat some of the dinner he had prepared for himself and it seemed a few guests. He looked at the woman's clothes and could tell she was not from Noxus. "A foreigner almost gave up her own life for the likes of you? Strange...very strange indeed." He watched as she began to breathe and lift her hand before stumbling to her feet. "Well it looks like she is-" He would attempt to grab her as she fell over the table, though he was a bit too slow. He watched her hit the marble floor with a light thud. "-up..." He walked over to her and would help her to her feet before pulling out a chair for her at his grand dining table. "Here, rest, eat. I have already filled your body with my blood, let me fill your stomach with my food." Vladimir would uncover a few platters of various meats, vegetables, breads and any other sort of food one could imagine. He then went back to his seat before speaking to them again. "Fill your stomach as well Talon, I had planned a dinner for three, but sadly the two girls didn't last long enough for dinner...annoying brats..." He cut into his steak, blood pouring out of the hunk of meat. He looked up again. "I assume the two of you will be staying the night here?"
Last Edit: Jan 9, 2013 19:50:03 GMT -5 by kevinxsenpai
Post by The Blade's Shadow on Jan 9, 2013 21:01:26 GMT -5
Talon quelled the urge to belt questions at the girl the very moment she fell from the table, taking another bite of Vlad's food from his plate as he moved the patient to her seat. From the rush of battle and carrying a body most of the way across Noxus, from the stress and internal dilemma he faced, he was starving. When he was offered a seat, he took it, following his natural reaction to sit as far from the head as possible. Something he'd picked up having spent time around the Du Couteau family. He was simply a commoner, if that, and regardless of the time he spent with them, he would always be just a commoner.
He kept his head down and his gaze averted from everything but the food, reaching out quickly to take what he felt he could eat and devouring it quickly, used to the mostly alive state of the food Vladimir tended to have in his home, having been here time and again. When he'd eaten his fill, he looked first at Mai and then to his host. "Is there any news of late from Noxus?"
His eyes darted back to the girl for a moment, only now pulling his hood back to show his face, exposing his brown hair and matching eyes. It felt odd, exposing himself in such a way to a stranger, made still more odd by the fact that his life had been spared by her. He had no time to think about it and resumed eating in an attempt to dissuade the irritating chirping in his head. He had to be going insane. Perhaps a life of killing had finally broken him. It provoked a snort of amusement and derision from from.
He only now answered Vlad's question, as he emptied his plate, giving his captive a cold stare as he spoke his response. "It has yet to be decided. I'll question her when she has eaten. If it goes into the night, we shall be staying as long as is necessary. If I dispose of her, I'll be leaving you the body and departing immediately. I'm certain you'll use it as you see fit." His address was heartless, throwing the idea of killing her around as though it was nothing more than a chore that would have to happen.
He reached out to take a roll in hand and began to speak as he moved it to his mouth to take a bite. "If she flees, empty her, I cannot be bothered."
What had she gotten herself into? Those violet orbs flicked from Vlad, to Talon, and back to Vlad as her nimble frame darted away from his offer to assist and quickly staggered up to her feet of her own accord. Adrenaline pumped through her, dulling the sensations she felt rumbling up through her very being as she heard him speak of filling her with his blood.. His Blood. As it hit her what he had said, she'd heave in disgust, turning her head away from the two to wretch and heave trying to un-fill herself of the life essence. It was of course too late. He'd given her life, as much as she hated to admit it. The idea such a creature would give her his blood just made her all the more sickened at him.
She'd turn back, and skirt her way around to the chair he had offered making sure to stay as far from the two as she could. Suspiciously eyeballing the seat, and then the food as Vlad sliced into it spilling the red liquid with ease. Another gulp, it hurt so bad to swallow as she watched them go to eating.
Her hands briskly went about patting herself down as if ensuring she was all in one piece still, given how disturbed the whole scene was making her. Full lips parted, and closed again with her brow knitted in confusion. She reluctantly, perhaps like a scared animal, shifted back and forth, drawing ever closer to the seat. Her stomach was grumbling loudly, which added no sense of relief to how much she really did need to eat.
As the two discussed her fate, she'd settle into the seat and paused, looking in shock towards Talon.
"The hell?" She said with mild irritation growing on her features. The Ionian woman gave him a bit of a glare, her hand snaking out to grab the nearest thing of untainted bread she could find before starting to consume it. She didn't even bother to stop eating as she spoke, seeming to devour the offered food as if it were the first meal she'd had in days, "Y'know.." She said as she'd wipe her hand across her lips, "Not that I'm not grateful you saved me and all but--" Taking another bite, she'd swallow and chug the nearest drink - hopefully not blood, "It's kind of dickish to just nab me with the intention of just killing me later anyway." An eyebrow arched up slowly as she leveled her eyes on Talon. "Unless you intend to do other things... pervert."
Post by kevinxsenpai on Jan 9, 2013 22:43:38 GMT -5
Vladimir was happy to see the woman so energetic, or he was until she almost vomited on his marble flooring. He ate in silence until she finished speaking. He smiled as she accused Talon of implying lewd acts. "Don't worry dear, I would never force such things upon you, or anyone for that matter. They always agree willingly." He giggled as he finished his sentence, taking a short look at the foreign woman. He looked at her clothes soaked in blood. "You know, I do think the crimson splatter looks nice on you and all, but i'm sure you'd prefer some clean clothing, at least until your current outfit is washed. I have a multitude of choices for you." He chuckles. "Some of my guests left them here...and I don't think they'll be coming back for them."
Post by The Blade's Shadow on Jan 10, 2013 0:14:04 GMT -5
Talon shot the girl a glance while she ate and spoke at once, his own meal hastily devoured without a single missed bite. He spoke flatly, the usual dripping malice that pervaded his speech missing. It was certainly not warm, not by any stretch of the imagination, but it was still a change. "If you'd like to think of me as a pervert, go ahead. You will never know the answer now."
What he neglected to mention was why he didn't bother to affect any kind of inflection. He'd had been far too preoccupied with his thoughts to even consider anything remotely close to what she had suggested, being something he'd all but forgotten was within his grasp. He flicked a single crumb from his lip and turned his hazel eyes away from her suspiciously, quickly considering and forgetting the idea. It held no appeal.
None.
That said, he brought his focus back to her, what she was eating. He seemed impatient, evident from the fact that he'd begun to draw blades at the table after having cleared a space to place them down. He started with his thrown weapons, cleaning them off with a well worn cloth and tending to the edge's sharpness once each of them had been polished. The small handheld blades were next, given the same care as the ones that came before them.
"I didn't kidnap you simply to murder you at a later date. But you know what I've done. You can prove it. I can't have that." Once more, his words were flat and he'd left out that he wasn't certain if there would even be a reason or a way to not simply kill her.
He turned to Vladimir as he freed the large blade tied to his waist, tossing the small bloodsoaked rag to the Reaper, only to take out another, much more ornate cloth to clean his precious armblade with, being absolutely certain to inspect every inch of the muted metal, specifically made not to reflect much light. "Vladimir. Noxus. Is there word?"
Mai looked disgusted with Vlad as he mentioned her looking good coated in blood. An eyebrow twitched with the narrowing of her eyes, settling them harshly upon the man. She'd scoff, and rise not daring to eat more than she needed to get by. It was never a full stomach for her, just enough to keep moving. Being full made people sluggish.
She thought about how to respond to Vlad's offer, but felt a little sick at the idea of wearing his victim's clothing. Instead, she'd straighten her filthy clothes slightly and shake her head before boldly starting to close the distance between herself and Talon.
"If I'm going to be trapped here.. You may as well just tell me where I can clean my clothes, and I guess... take a bath." A glimmer in her eyes as she shot a look towards the two men, "Don't think I wouldn't make your lives miserable if you peeked in on me, either." As if she was sure they'd try something devious with her. Her fingers stretched then towards Talon, testing the waters as she - shakily - settled her hand on his hair if he had allowed it. Seeing how much this man would tolerate from her as she tried to figure out the best way to get herself out of this unwelcome situation.
If she were lucky enough not to get slapped, or stabbed, or who knows whatever Talon might do in response, she'd move behind him a bit and linger there. In truth - she'd much rather die swiftly like the thugs that attacked her, then by the hand of Vladimir. Healing her or not, the man terrified her more than Talon, his words not in the slightest bit reassuring her of her safety around him. Or his intentions.
"Vladimir.." She repeated as if she hadn't known his name. "I've heard of you.." Her positioning behind Talon, if she could manage it, was even more-so important now as she recognized the rumored monster's name. ". . .what have you gotten yourself into, girl.." She muttered to herself.
"Hands off." She said as she straightened, trying to look somewhat intimidating. Though she was quite petite for a human woman. Her 5'3-5'4 frame had little to be scared of. In truth, she was far more reliant on her speed then her strength. And her little, magic origami, nestled carefully out of view within the edges of her obi and kimono. "He may be offering me to you if he doesn't like something about me, but I'll fight you to hell and back if you try anything." A venomous tone enriched her voice, with those eyes glaring dangerously at Vladimir.
Post by kevinxsenpai on Jan 10, 2013 2:03:57 GMT -5
Vladimir turned his attention to Talon as he asked about Noxus. "No actually, i haven't heard anything about the place. You know i rarely go there, the women are much prettier in Zaun. Always using some sort of chemical to improve their looks. It always leaves a fowl taste in my mouth, but the events leading up to it are always worth it." He tilted his head at talon now. "Why do you ask? Has something occurred that concerns me?" He pocketed the cloth that Talon threw to him, he would clean it whenever he had the time.
His head quickly snapped towards the woman whose name he still did not know. "Trapped? You're free to leave whenever you wish, I won't stop you...I can't say the same about Talon however. Anyways the bath is..." The sound of shifting stones could be heard as Vladimir pointed to a door that would open at his command. "over there, just follow the red tiles." Every few of the whites leading to the bath would soon turn a crimson red. "Oh, you've heard of me? Good things I ho-" He was cut off as she showed a bit of aggression. He hated to be interrupted more than anything, but for such a frightened woman he would let it slide this time. His teeth began rubbing against each other as a way to relieve his anger. "When you're done with your bath, more red tiles will lead you to where you will be sleeping" He smiles at her trying to be as friendly as possible. "If you need anything, just call me where ever you are. This place echos like no other."
Last Edit: Jan 10, 2013 2:04:38 GMT -5 by kevinxsenpai
Slender fingers combed through the dark brown locks flowing off of Talon's head, caressing ever so slightly before she'd pull away to turn and look at the path leading into what was said to be the bath. She'd withdraw herself from his personal space, leveling a long gaze upon Vladimir, and Talon before she'd opt to make her way through the opening. It wasn't ideal, but she didn't really know what else to do in this situation.
Mai trailed a bit, then paused to glance back at Vlad. Forcing herself to nod in thanks towards him - despite wanting very much to just run away and forget about everything she had seen in the last twenty-four hours.
She'd slip in through the opening and make her way to the bath area quietly, taking a moment to wait and ensure she had her privacy to clean up without being disturbed by them, or anyone else who may happen to stalk Vlad's home.
Post by The Blade's Shadow on Jan 10, 2013 17:14:23 GMT -5
Talon's expression tightened a bit, a show of anger though not at Vlad, whom his eyes were locked on. His body froze as well as a hand came to rest on top of his head, eyebrows knitting into a single line over his eyes. He was not okay with being touched, with someone, especially someone he was intending to question and potentially kill. That it happened when he was cleaning his blade irritated him even more. He remained still until finally she left, a look of supreme annoyance growing on his face.
Now alone with Vladimir, he looked down at his hand and grimaced, having gripped the blade of his weapon a bit too roughly in his anger and opened his finger upon its keen edge. The pain brought him back, cleared his head, allowed him to refocus on the task at hand without the distractions of the more human mind that kept trying to emerge.
The assassin pushed back from the table quickly and flicked the blood toward Vladimir, taking a single handheld blade in addition to his armblade, leaving the rest upon the table. "It's time. If someone shows up, keep them out. You know the drill. I don't feel like spilling anymore blood." He spoke as his body began to melt out of vision, pulling the hood he forever wore over his head before he finally vanished.
Time passed, fear ran high, cold words got exactly what he wanted, until Talon returned with a look of mild confusion hidden under a false, sadistic grin. The smaller blade flipped through the air as he returned and buried itself point down into the table.
"Noxus will change, Vladimir. The Noxus that should be will thrive or die." It was as though he hadn't skipped a beat, answering the count's question impassively, while he sat again to continue caring for his beloved weapon, the steel that was everything that made him who he was.
Post by kevinxsenpai on Jan 11, 2013 21:13:04 GMT -5
Vladimir did as he usually did when Talon came to visit, he locked all the doors, sealed all the windows and had a thick red mist conceal the temple. This would keep most away from his home. When Talon returned from wherever he went, Vladimir had made himself comfortable, he sat himself in front of his fire place, a fresh log was already cracking, he drank from an expensive looking glass what looked to be some expensive looking wine. He turned to Talon as he reappeared, listening to the man. "Change for Noxus you say?" He didn't seem to interested with the conversation until his next few words. "The world? What sort of changes are you talking about, hmm?"
Post by The Blade's Shadow on Jan 12, 2013 15:18:06 GMT -5
Talon's face was drawn and his hood was pulled low over his eyes, obscuring most of his face in shadow, something he was realizing just how eternally grateful he should be for the existence of. Shadows had always been a refuge, a safe place to think, to plan. So it was no surprise when, rather than take a seat in front of the fire, the assassin leaned against the side instead, watching the light waver on his host's face intently. His body was little more than a black blob with muted glints of steel in the low light, suitable for the message he was to deliver.
"Yes. It starts with Noxus. True strength, strength of desire, not deceit and lies, will rule. The masters of bladework shall take back what is rightfully theirs. Once Noxus has progressed, gotten past the foolish in-fighting and squabbles, their eyes will be set higher." There was an air of reverence to his words, to the ideals they held. Before he continued, he crossed the floor and retrieved his cleaned and cared for weapons, slipping them into their various homes once again.
"The League, as well as their lies, are set to fall." Talon said, finally taking a seat facing the fire now that he was armed. "And when they do, the strong will once again be free to live."
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