Post by The Master Tactician on Sept 23, 2013 12:39:07 GMT -5
May 29th, 23 CLE
In the early hours of the evening, perhaps before Marcus had stirred from his daytime slumber, there came a rapping, tap-tap-tapping upon the windowpane. Beyond the curtains firmly closed, the noise of an avian messenger repeated on the glass. It was an urgent rhythm, relentless, and when the vampire finally rose to throw open the windows into twilight, a raven hopped inside. A neat roll of parchment encircled its leg, secured with twine. It held this out to the note's intended recipient--and on the parchment, written in an austere, authoritative hand and signed with the green-wax stamp of High Command were the words:
M. Lee
Your presence is expected at Darkbourne Hold at precisely twenty three hundred hours this Thursday, May the 29th. Tell no one of your summons. Bring with you the tools of your trade and a traveling cloak--no more, no less.
[/i]
The seal shone briefly in the half-light of the evening as Marcus' eyes drew to the bottom of the page--and afterward the parchment burst into emerald flames and fell to ash. The raven, having seen to its delivery, took off through the open window, past the fluttering curtains and into the overladen summer sky. Her wings beat black; she gave a caw. And in the distance loomed the mountain: that guardian skull looking down over all Noxus.
It was a assignment from the Grand General himself--and the rumbling thunder, the heaviness of stormclouds in the sky outside, mirrored the intensity of this summons...
Post by Marcus Lee on Sept 23, 2013 12:55:03 GMT -5
Marcus looked blankly at the space where the letter had been. The grand general had summoned him. His whole body shook with a blend of excitement anticipation and fear. Marcus had obviously made the right move somewhere down the line for the leader of Noxus to take notice of him. Marcus peered downstairs, making sure his sister hadn't come back from vacation while he was asleep. The hours creeped by slowly as he awaited for his time to appear at the Darkbourne hold. When the clock struck 10:30 Marcus collected his armor and donned it. His cestus was slightly muddied and didn't seem to shine right for such an auspicious occasion. As he headed up the mountain path he retrieved a piece of cloth and attempted to clean the caked blood and dirt stains, but it proved futile. He approached the looming building, as thunder cracked overhead the very forces of nature seemed to be anticipating this alongside Marcus. He was escorted inside to where the Grand General awaited him. For a moment Marcus was awe struck by his presence, but soon discipline kicked in and he saluted his leader and spoke "I am here as you requested Grand General, sir."
Just because I'm an assassin doesn't mean I can't have some fun, I'll be alive for a long time after all.
Post by The Master Tactician on Sept 25, 2013 0:11:48 GMT -5
Silhouetted by his office hearthflame, the Master Tactician seemed no more than an imposing shadow, one fist bent behind his back, the other resting on the mantle--until he turned. Marcus' Raedsel escort took up his place at the door as emerald eyes sprang to life upon the shade of their nation's leader, piercing the gloom to study Lee as he lifted his chin. His hellish bird hopped onto the mantelpiece to watch as well, her eyes pinprick echoes of her master's.
After a brief inspection of the cloaked man, the Grand General responded, "Of course you are." His voice was low, but carried a palpable power, a quality like static electricity that caused hairs to stand on end as it lingered in the air. "I have an assignment for you."
He stepped away from the hearth and the shadows about him weakened. Emerald eyes shone still behind his leather helm. He did not limp, but strode with purpose until he stood a few feet from Lee, clasping his hands behind his back. "You will journey west alongside my associate." The great black bird took flight from the mantelpiece and fluttered over to perch upon her master's pauldron, graceful wings beating in the dark. Her master's smirk narrowed his gleaming eyes. "You'll work well together, I think. He is equally fond of the night."
A single graceful finger extended to stroke the general's fiendish familiar's neck feathers. He ran his tongue over his over-sharp incisors, then continued. "You will escort Katarina DuCouteau from Demacian territory and back to Noxus. You will meet her at the abandoned shack in the north-eastern countryside; your companion will direct you. And soldier." Emerald eyes flashed briefly, illuminating the assassin's face in their cruel glow. "If you encounter Talon--if she attempts to contact him--you will kill him."
Post by Marcus Lee on Sept 25, 2013 1:47:35 GMT -5
Awe once again struck Marcus as Swain strode to him, the childlike happiness filled him once again, the same as when the letter came into his possession. An assignment from the Grand General. Marcus could hardly hold back his smile. He snapped back to the moment as the details were presented to him. Katarina... Marcus had met her a few times before, never actually spoken too her. But Marcus most definitely knew of her. Talon. The name struck him as well. Another assassin from Noxus, if he was to be expected to be seen. Marcus knew that he would need to be on his best during this assignment. It seemed simple enough, Escorting Katarina from Demacian territory back to Noxus, but if that was the case, Katarina would most likely simply be by herself and wouldn't need escort.
"Speaking of escort..." Marcus jumped as he realized that he had spoken his thoughts out loud. "Sorry Grand General, I was just curious on who you were referring too. Sir." He let his gaze wander the room. "Are they here with us, or am I meeting them at the rendezvous point?" He let his thoughts wander on who it may be. Before realizing he forgot to say sir. "Sir." He coughed out of embarrassment. The nerves were getting to him now. But once the assignment started he would not let himself get distracted. "I'm sorry Grand General sir. I must seem very undisciplined at this moment. But I assure you I will be at my best as always on the assignment. Sir." He stood at attention, raising his chin in pride.
Just because I'm an assassin doesn't mean I can't have some fun, I'll be alive for a long time after all.
Post by Master of Shadows on Sept 29, 2013 18:45:01 GMT -5
From the shadows behind Marcus a pair of crimson eyes opened, an intimidating form melted from the darkness a chrome faceplate obscuring the face behind it as the Shadow Ninja silently judged the vampire. He seemed... Eager, to put it kindly. The eyes flickered to Swain, quietly wondering why this person above someone more, well, more. Just as silently as he emerged, he would step forward now barely a foot away from Marcus, "You will be traveling with me." A cold, near detached voice sounded.
Zed the Master of Shadows stood behind the vampire, shadows seemed to twist and move around the ninja completely under his control. He remained silent after announcing his presence, keeping his thoughts on what would be his traveling partner to himself. They way he seemed to grovel in the Grand General's presence was pathetic, disdain for the vampire was already there, though, well hidden behind the chrome face mask that obscured his features in a shroud of shadows.
Post by The Master Tactician on Oct 11, 2013 23:29:05 GMT -5
Marcus would have his work cut out for him, proving himself to the Master of Shadows--but what were Noxians if not dedicated to the establishment of self-worth? The vampire had proven his capacity as an assassin in the past, but never had an assignment of this magnitude to bear. To journey by night into enemy lands, to escort one paragon of Noxian skill and prepare for an encounter another, an enemy of the state with nothing to lose--and kill him if he did--was a challenge that, if met, would set the vampire apart from his peers and mark him suitable for a different type of training: that which only the Master of Shadows could provide.
Seeming to pick up on Zed's disdain, the Master Tactician allowed himself a smirk. "Loyalty," he said, "is a valuable thing." The words were articulated purposefully, precisely, intended to bear a tailored meaning for everyone present. "Wouldn't you say, Shadowmaster?" Emerald eyes locked with red for a moment before he continued. "Talon has proclaimed himself an enemy of Noxus--and it behooves us to keep him from contact with Madame Du Couteau." Green eyes flared in the dark, the only visible signal of the Grand General's conviction--though the tone of his voice was grim enough to indicate the gravity of this mission. "I want him dead. And I want Katarina back here and still able to speak. If she attempts to escape your custody, however, you will disable her."
He bent one arm behind his back and eyed the pair up and down in shrewd assessment. If Lee failed to establish his worth, he would at least prove a suitable distraction for Zed to complete the mission.
Post by Marcus Lee on Oct 12, 2013 22:33:54 GMT -5
Marcus shifted his gaze to the man behind him, shadows enveloped him, wrapping him in the darkness. Marcus tried to read his body language, contempt was the first thing that came to his mind, he was judging Marcus for his shameful display, and he had every right too, but that was simply a guess. His attention shifted back to his leader. Four crimson eyes now met his two, Marcus waited until Swain was finished speaking before regarding Zed once more. "It will be an honor to work with one with your prestige in the shadows Zed. A silent challenge was issued in Marcus' eyes, the crimson of his own eyes emitting a fierce sense of pride. Once again he found himself barely able to suppress a smile. Truly Marcus had made an impression, if Talon had not betrayed Noxus Marcus was sure he would be the one in his stead. But he was chosen next. He would give his all to success, and if it was needed, he turned back to his leader. "I will lay down my life for Noxus." Crimson eyes met emerald for a second time. Fierce determination shining brightly in the gaze. He only had one more question for each of them, the question for the master of shadows would come later. But the question for his grand general would be now. "Are we to leave tonight sir?"
Just because I'm an assassin doesn't mean I can't have some fun, I'll be alive for a long time after all.
Post by The Master Tactician on Oct 13, 2013 14:29:47 GMT -5
A smirk of pleased smugness met the assassin's proclamation. The great bird upon Swain's shoulders smoothed down her chest feathers as her master's authoritative voice issued forth with but a single grim command. "At once."
Post by Marcus Lee on Oct 14, 2013 22:33:40 GMT -5
Marcus saluted his leader, the same determination filling his eyes. "Of course sir." Marcus nodded to Zed as he made his way from Darkbourne Hold, he knew the Master of Shadows would be behind him in a few moments, so he made his way onto the streets. He began a breakneck pace through the streets, easily dodging civilians as he raced through the groups. Albeit they were small groups at this time of night, but it still would have been difficult for one without the training Marcus had. But he soon grew tired of the crowds, instead vying to leap from roof to roof after he passed the grand walls of Noxus. He was intent on finding and bringing Kat back, the thought of fighting a Champion of the League was equally exciting to him however. His heart raced with his feet as his pace reached an even momentum as trees whipped past his features. He pulled a mask from his small pouch on his belt. It had an opening for his mouth and fangs to come forth and drink the blood of his victims. next he pulled down hood, where it hooked up to the bottom of his mask creating a psuedo cowl of sorts. It covered his features enough that if he needed to travel in the day he would not instantly evaporate. He grew curious to if the Champion was behind him or next to him, so he quickly surveyed his surroundings as he dodged shrubbery and trees alike in the dense forest.
Just because I'm an assassin doesn't mean I can't have some fun, I'll be alive for a long time after all.
Post by Master of Shadows on Oct 19, 2013 5:31:37 GMT -5
At Marcus' comment to him, Zed simply stared back, having not spoken when Swain asked about loyalty.Zed did not acknowledging the silent challenge issued by the vampire, only believing him to be a fool if he wanted to turn this into a game. Zed would not play along, the shadow ninja believed the creature before him was simply a tool of Swain's and until he proved himself otherwise, he would be treated as such. Expendable.
Once Marcus had left their presence Zed turned his eyes back to Swain, "He is like a puppy." The tone of his voice conveyed clearly the dislike he held for the vampire already. The Master of Shadows then took a single step back, shadows swarmed his being to obscure his form. Within moments the only thing recognizable were the glowing crimson eyes that soon disappeared too, seeming to evaporate into the darkness.
Out on the streets of Noxus, Zed easily flitted across the rooftops, his eyes trained on the vampire studying his every movement, how he ran, how he jumped, how he weaved through the crowds before he took to the rooftops too. It was clear he had been trained, but even so, Zed was easily capable of keeping pace should have wished to be any closer than what he already was.
Once they left the walls of Noxus and entered an area filled with shrubbery and trees, Zed would be unable to be seen as Marus surveyed the surroundings.
Post by The Master Tactician on Oct 19, 2013 11:29:59 GMT -5
A chuckle met the ninja's proclamation, cold. As Zed began to fade away, the Master Tactician answered, "All wolves were pups once." He folded his arms over his chest as his associate faded into and, for a moment, allowed his gaze to linger upon the spot were Zed had stood. Eventually, he turned on his heel, cape swishing behind him, and strode from the darkened room.
Post by Marcus Lee on Oct 24, 2013 17:22:36 GMT -5
4 Days Later
Marcus approached the hut, this was the meeting place. This small unassuming hut on an abandoned farm. The wheat had been sown in the fields then left to grow, as it had here. Its golden color shone softly in the moonlight. As Marcus snuck himself through the wheat field. He felt his hunger naw at him. He sat still for a moment, surveying all around him to make sure no one was near. His ears heard the rustling of the wheat in the soft wind. But nothing else. He decided it was fine for him to fill his hunger now. A glass tube rose to his lips and the crimson contents fell into his throat, filling his blood lust for the moment. He had more than enough for the rest of the trip. Even if they were delayed for a few days. Which they shouldn't be. All three of the group should be fast enough to reach Noxus in the same 4 day period which it took Marcus and Zed to reach this spot. Marcus had rarely seen the man on the trip. But he knew this was on purpose. Marcus had decided the first day that he didn't need the company. After all, he was almost always alone on missions before. It didn't matter to him now. The only time Marcus rested was during the day. He would kill a small animal and cook it, leaving half of it every night for the champion he was travelling with. Whether or not he took it was his choice. But none of that mattered now, that was past, this was now. The glass tube reached his belt once more, and he slinked quietly too the entrance of the hut. When he reached the door he pushed it open slowly, scanning the inside of the dark hut for any trace of the woman he was sent to escort.
Just because I'm an assassin doesn't mean I can't have some fun, I'll be alive for a long time after all.
Post by The Sinister Blade on Oct 24, 2013 18:04:03 GMT -5
Katarina watched the man approach the cabin from a fair distance off. It was obvious that despite his effort he was not a professional. Many thoughts went through her head. Was he a scout from Demacia looking for her? Was he a vagrant looking for somewhere to stay? Or was he her escort? She debated the possibilities and he got closer. She was fairly certain it wasn't a Demacian Scout. Surely if they were sending scouts this far out they would have been around sooner. The vagrant wasn't much of a possibility. While not on her level he obviously had some training. But her escort? Really? She would have thought she would have had a red carpet escort for the completion of this mission. But then again this was Swain. She wasn't sure what she had done but he didn't seem to like her very much. Of coarse the feeling was mutual but still...she had went above and beyond this time.
With those thoughts in her head she thought of playing with the man a little. She crept silently from her hiding place and shunpoed behind the man and had her dagger at his throat before he could realize what was happening. "Now who might you be wandering around on such a dark night. It's dangerous to be out alone. Never know who might be lurking." She whispered the words into his ear. It served him right for just creeping up like some thief in the night.
Post by Master of Shadows on Oct 24, 2013 18:27:33 GMT -5
Zed had been watching Marcus these past four days like a hawk, the shadow ninja rarely needing sleep. His training allowing him to stay awake an alert for extended periods of time without sleep, but this had been a rather dull trip. Zed's dislike for the vampire causing him to keep at a distance at all times making it seem that Marcus was alone while traveling, this served two purposes; one, it meant Zed didn't have to be around the puppy-like vampire. Two, it meant he could stay to the shadows and keep an element of surprise should anything arise where Zed would need to intervene. Like now.
In a flash, Kat had used a shunpo and appeared behind Marcus, blade at his throat leaving him at the mercy of the Noxian assassin. Zed's disdain for Marcus only grew, the foolish idiot had allowed himself to be jumped so easily. Remembering what Swain had said, "All wolves were pups once." Zed assumed the Master Tactician still had use for the creature of the night. Zed felt he should save the pup so that he may become a wolf...
Zed moved forward from his position in complete silence, like a ghost he flitted down through the fields using the darkness of the night to shroud himself making him all but invisible to the naked eye. Crimson eyes burning like smouldering coals fixated upon the assassin as she taunted Marcus, surely not all Noxians were such fools. She had left herself open from behind. Even now as Zed moved, a shadow clone split from his being, before moving unseen into the darkness leaving Zed an escape route should this be a trap to lure Marcus' allies into the open.
Noxian trained assassins... Ha.
A solid, toned arm wrapped in black snapped around Katarina's throat from behind, the force of the arm crushing her windpipe cutting off her air supply while a sharp point would dig into her lower back just upon the spine. "Your words ring true, Katarina." Zed's cold voice would sound, the pressure upon her throat would increase, "Release the boy." he commanded, the point of his arm blade against her spine suddenly inched forward applying more pressure showing he could easily paralyze her from the waist down if he so wished. He could easily disable her, as long as she was still capable of speech he had free reign to disable her as he wished should she defy him.
Post by The Sinister Blade on Oct 27, 2013 21:39:55 GMT -5
The hand that wasn't holding her dagger immediately went to the arm at her throat but he had both the leverage and strength to keep his grip. Yes she was sure it was a him women didn't have arms like that. Her emotions rapidly switched between anger, embarrassment and fear. Sloppy sloppy sloppy Kat. If it looks to easy it usually is. Her father would be so disappointed. After the big victory she hadn't taken this simple looking encounter seriously. Things like that got assassins dead.
As the man behind her spoke some of the fear left her. It was Zed. Damn arrogant bastard that he was. Though in this instance she deserved it she supposed. She flourished her knife in her hand then put it in its sheath. She had to struggle to breath and it meant talking was rather difficult but she managed a gasped. "Well hello there Zed. Fancy meeting you here. So happy to see you to."
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