[IC] Love is a Noose [ Kru & Cara ]

[NightlordKrusnik]

Taris wiped the blood from his blade on the dead man’s cloak. “It’s nothing personal,” he told the corpse, “just business. I actually thought you quite the drinking companion. Just a shame you slept with the wrong man’s wife.” He turned away, into a patch of shadow, letting the darkness envelope him, caress him. Within moments he was miles away stepping out of another patch of shadow in one of his safe-houses. Another job done, and done well, it was time to report and receive his pay. He pulled the cover from a tall standing mirror and plopped indolently into a pile of cushions in front of it. “Master,” he called. The mirror image swam and morphed, in a few seconds became more akin to a window as the master of the Assassin’s Guild came into view.

“You’re late, Taris.”

The assassin smiled sardonically, perhaps unwisely. But he had always been reckless. “Apologies Master, but I don’t believe I had a time limit on this kill. I felt he deserved one last drink before my blade bit, that’s all.” Taris brushed a bit of stark white hair that was tipped with black out of his eyes. His own skin seemed a darker black still than the tips of his hair. Indeed like most Shadow Elves he seemed to almost absorb light rather than reflect it. “So what’s the new job?” he asked, knowing his master wouldn’t be so concerned about the time if he hadn’t already needed Taris for another job.

For a moment the man said nothing, and when he finally did speak he let a hint of his anger through. “You are arrogant Taris, you take unnecessary risks. Should have killed him and been done with it. But you are right in that I have another, very large assignment for you. You get to kill royalty.”

Taris perked up, interest piqued, all looks of lazy arrogance gone. Royalty. The ultimate marks. Just the thought sent a hunger into his eyes he could not hide. He uttered only a single word, “Who?”

His master smiled, and for a moment one could see how Death herself could be the man’s lover. “Three Dukes, their immediate heirs, a rather well connected Baron, and… Prince Kentaro.”

The assassin’s hunger deepened. “Give me the details.”

“A Royal cousin seeks to pave the way for his ascension and has given a timeline of two months. There is a tournament festival starting tomorrow on the Royal Estates, that will be your initial in. Feel free to enter a competition, if you must, there will be an archery contest. From there you will have to find your own path. We have agents within the Palace, keep vigilant and you will know who they are. Rumor has it that Princess Aera is not satisfied with her marriage to Kentaro, one of our agents will surely know more, and you may be able to use that to your advantage.”

Aera, that was a name Taris knew. “I’ve met her briefly, years ago. Quite a talented thief she was, managed to nab my belt pouch while I was helping the Thieves Guild give the run-around to some new members back then. Shame, though, she would have been very well known in the underworld had she not married the Prince. Woulda been nearly as rich too, I’m sure.”

The Guild Master did not look happy at this news. “Would she recognize you?” he asked.

Taris shrugged, “I doubt it, we never really talked, and this was several years ago.”

The man still didn’t look happy, but nodded. “If you are questioned before you can solidify an alibi, ask to be taken to the Royal Spymaster, he owes us a few favors. You well know all elves in the realm are regarded with suspicion by the humans, your kind especially. But the Princess seems your best bet to gain a more solid reason for a continued presence in the Palace. And one last thing Taris: the Princess is a secondary target. She is not well liked by the rest of Kentaro’s family but her marriage gives her a claim she could still make after his death. Hers is not necessary, but there’s a bonus for you if you eliminate her as well once she’s outlived her usefulness to you. Now prepare for tomorrow.”

Taris sat back in his cushions, a slight smile playing across his lips. Tomorrow would be the first of many good days, he thought.

[Carantathraiel]

Many miles away, high above the city, a woman leaned out of the window, her ebony hair loose from her braids and swaying in the gentle breeze. It was early in the morning and the air was crisp and fresh. Aera loved this time of day. When the world was shifting from dark to light. It was, to her, the edge of a blade or a coin. In the dark, where she was bred and born into, was her birthright. But the light had become a home when she lost her own. She now lived in the middle, unable to shake off the dark but unable to step into the light. 

"My Lady?" came a small voice from inside the room. Aera turned and smile. "Yes?
"Shall we ready you for the day? You are expected downstairs to see the men off."
Aera sighed and came from the window, her feet light on the carpet. "Don't see why. They don't exactly care about me and my appearances."
She waved the small woman aside, insisting that she didn't need help to get dressed. Absently, she pulled on a long gown that flattered her figure of a gray-blue color, turning only so she could have help with the buttons up the back.
"Don't say that, my Lady. We adore you as our princess."

Aera smirked. "I appreciate that, Paytin, but there's no need to lie to me." The horrified look on the girl's face made her halt. Relectantly, Aera sat before her mirror and handed the girl her hairbrush. It was no use to be cruel to the poor thing. "I only mean that I hear the whispers. I know what they call me. The 'Evlen Whore', the 'Usurper', and the 'Tainted'. My favorite." she added, cocking her brow.

While Paytir brushed and pulled her hair into some design or another, Aera let her thoughts wander.
She did not fit here. She was an elf, not a human. Not only that, but she had blood ties to the elven clan that had been murdering and ransacking the city for centuries. And they knew that. It didn't matter that her own clan was peaceful and never left their forest. Just the fact that the ancestors of the two clans had once suckled the same breast was enough to mark her a pariah.

"Does it matter, though? If his Grace loves you?"

Aera didn't answer, but stared into her reflection. A symmetrical face as white as snow looked back. She had hair as black as night that shone in blue hues under the light. Lips small and rosy. And eyes, dark eyes, that were the unnatural color of violet. Her pointed ears jutted out from her head. Aera was beautiful, by the human's standards, but she often felt more of an oddity than anything else. And, more often than not, she felt her husband, Kentaro, loved her for simply being rare. And not in the good way.

[NightlordKrusnik]

The sun was rising, and Taris pulled the curtains closed to keep the damnable thing out of his safe-house. His purple-flecked red eyes would always hate the light of the sun, because of his nocturnal blood. He’d lost the whole night carousing with his previous mark, but he wasn’t fazed. He pulled out a small bottle from a nearby cabinet opening it and taking a small sip. The potion rushed like fire down his throat, invigorating him, reviving his tired mind and muscles. He could go days without sleep using the potion, though to do so could be dangerous.

A bath first, he thought, discarding his dirtied robes and stepping into the next room where a steaming tub lay ready. His mind wandered as he rinsed off the grime of the previous night. I wonder if she would remember me, even though we hardly met. Aera was very pretty, wasn’t she? Taris shook his head, his long, horizontal, pointed ears swaying just slightly with the movement. Best not to go there right now. His master was quick to say his biggest weakness lay in his arrogance, but Taris knew better, and the irony of the thought did not escape him. But no, his biggest weakness was a beautiful woman. One would be the death of him, he was sure of this, and had accepted it. He finished his bath and stood, water still gleaming on his jet black skin, causing his muscles to stand out more clearly. As well as his scars.

He took a moment to dry off, before opening a cabinet and selecting a pair of ash-grey trousers and tunic. After putting those on he selected a white bowman’s cloak with a loose, wide hood that accommodated his ears. He retrieved his prized bow and quiver last, before closing himself in the dark of a closet-sized room. Once more the shadow welcomed him into its embrace allowing him the freedom to travel between shadowed places. He emerged in the shadow between two shops, mere steps away from the Palace gates. Once inside he could easily explain his presence as a contestant or servant of the Spymaster should the need arise, but there was no need to walk the streets in daylight, under the hated sun and gathering the stares of a people that hated him for his races crimes, not merely his own. He found it amusing, being hated for raids he’d never had a part of, them not knowing the extent of the crimes he HAD committed.

Taris made his way towards the gate.

[Carantathraiel]

Aera descended the stairs in grace, her hair pinned up in faint coils, held together by jeweled needles that sparkled in the daylight, her dress reaching the floor. Behind her a few paces walked a few maids, waiting to help at once, should she call on them. 
Aera hated it.

At the base of the stairs stood her husband, standing among a small gathering of men, all dressed in riding gear. Kentaro turned his bright grey eyes on her and beamed. "Good morning, my love." he took her hand and kissed it. "You look stunning, as usual."

Her smile was genuine. "Thank you, dear." She leaned in. "I missed you last night."
Kentaro looked away. "Ah, yes, I'm sorry. I was helping with preparations for today and was rather tired."
Aera nodded. More excuses. "Well, I wish you luck on your hunt. And can't wait to see you at the tournament."

With great cheer and shouting, the group of men, some dozen of them, all friends of the Prince, walked out to enjoy their morning.
His mother, Queen Lilith, made toward her, and Aera instantly felt uneasy. Its rare, she'd learned, for any woman to like her son's wife, but it was certainly harder when the wife was a horrid elf who would probably slit your son's throat. Aera smiled and curtsied politely. "A fine day to you, my Queen. Your son looks very excited about the hunt."

"Hm. Yes." Lilith agreed. "I still don't think they should have gone, what with the preparations still to be made for later today."
Aera nodded awkwardly. "And how is the Princess Risa? How is she?" 

Kentaro's younger sister was quite the character. She was rather polite to Aera, but, as Aera discovered quickly, it was only because Risa was sure Kentaro would be disowned for marrying her, and would be happy to take over as heir. Despite the fact, Aera enjoyed her company, although it made her sad to realize she was that desperate for a friend.

"She's getting herself ready for the tournament."
"Oh, yes. She does take a very long time to pick out a gown."
The Queen turned and eyed Aera. "Perhaps you should try to do the same." With that she turned and walked off, leaving Aera curtsying with a blank smile on her face.

She sighed, wondering what now. She supposed she'd have to go upstairs and change. Perhaps letting Paytin dress her would be wiser.
In a few hours, the men would be back and hopefully she'd be able to get some time alone with her husband before the archery tournament at noon.

[NightlordKrusnik]

Taris stepped aside quickly as the dozen or so riders thundered out of the gates, to the cheers of those inside the walls. A hunt, if he had to guess, given the look not only of the steeds but the riders as well. He nearly laughed, for he recognized Prince Kentaro at the head of the party. It would be too easy to nock an arrow, pull back, and his greatest target would be eliminated...

But that was too easy. An assassin like Taris couldn't bring himself to take so simple a shot. No challenge begat no pleasure. And to be sure, Taris enjoyed his work.

The guards at the gate we're busy enjoying the sights, women rather, but not so distracted that they could fail to notice an armed, ebon-skinned stranger approaching the gate in the pale morning light. Immediately they leveled halberds at his neck, and the bigger of the two barked a challenge, "Where do you think you're off to, Dark Elf?"

A small inward bristle at the name, the assassin merely smiled. "Good morning, fellows," Taris said jovially, "I hear there is to be a tourney today and I've come to participate. As you can see I've brought my own bow..." The guards only growled at him. The assassin's smile faltered, "I assure you sirs, that I am here by invitation. The Royal Spymaster is expecting me." That did it, he could see by their faces. The smaller one lowered his weapon by a degree and nodded to his partner. The big one shouldered his own halberd and gestured inside, "You come with me, we'll see if you're telling the truth."

Taris nodded graciously and fell into step alongside the big man, carefully keeping his hands neutral and in sight. The Palace was a labyrinth to the unfamiliar, Taris would need to learn the layout if he wanted to make the kills here. His mind wandered a bit, though his eyes took in every detail. What name did she know me as back then? Mycah, wasn't it? He smiled to himself, it seemed he couldn't get the Princess out of his mind.

After several minutes of walking, the guard stopped in front of a pair of imposing solid oak doors, banded in iron. He pushed open one of them and motioned the Shadow Elf forward. Inside stood a tall sinewy man bent over a set of maps. He turned around when the guard cleared his throat, cocking an eyebrow in question. The guard cleared his throat again, "Sorry to bother you sir, but this Dark Elf says he is here at your invitation."

Taris stepped forward and clasped his fist over his heart, giving a small bow and muttering, "Milord." When he straightened a symbol glowed faintly, briefly, on the back of his hand. The Spymaster turned and grabbed a pendant, tossing it to Taris with an air of boredom. "I'm busy at the moment, come see me after the banquet tonight. In the meantime, wear that pin, and you should have no more trouble from the guards."

Taris bowed again and gestured to the, now respectful, guard that had brought him here, "Lead the way."

[Carantathraiel]

Aera stood in her doorway, the young Paytin a few feet before her with a lost look in her face. "My Lady?"
Snapping out of her thoughts, Aera looked at her. "I'm sorry." she said simply, offering no excuse. She stepped forward and allowed Paytin to undress her from the gray-blue dress and grimaced at the sunny yellow silk one. "Must I?" she asked. Paytin took on that look of horror again and Aera shook her head, defeated. "Very well, then. I want to get to the library."

Dressed, she excused the little maid and made her way downstairs. Her ears caught the sound of something that intrigued her. She glanced up and was instantly confused by the sight of an elf being led by two of the palace guards. "Don't think you're welcome here, Dark Elf, just because you got a pretty trinket from our spymaster. You're still a filthy creature." Said one.
"Oh, come on. He wants to participate in the tournament! I say let him. Though it is dangerous; accidents can happen. Arrows go astray. If only the Elven Whore wa-"

"Excuse me." Aera interrupted. The three of them whirled around and dropped to their knee, the elf the only one not embarrassed by her sudden appearance. "I shouldn't have to warn you that speaking with such carelessness will eventually lose you your posts."
"We're sorry, my Lady." "Forgive us, my Lady." They said. 

Her violet eyes were dark with annoyance. "And you." She directed her attention to the elf between them. He wasn't any relation to her, which meant he wasn't an immediate threat. But it was known everywhere that elves were hated in this city. What was this fool doing here? "What's your business, my friend?"

[NightlordKrusnik]

Taris looked her up and down, just once. The dress she wore did not fit with her body, she wasn't a human. No, she would have looked much better in pale blues, something that fit better to her lithe elven form. For that matter she would have looked better in nothing at all, but such thoughts were dangerous distractions in this place. He looked into her eyes, good, there was no recognition there, and sought permission to rise. Granted by a nod, he rose, and found himself of equal height with the Princess.

"Your Highness," he began with a smile, "I have business with the Spymaster, but it seems he is busy at the moment and has asked that I meet him after the banquet. In the meantime, I had sought to take my measure against the finest archers in the realm." Behind Aera, a handmaid stood nervously glancing him over, hovering between fear and interest. Taris gave her a small smile and she timidly adjusted a small brooch on her clothing. The corner of the Shadow Elf's mouth twitched just slightly at the sight of the brooch, and his master's words came back to him. Agents inside the palace indeed, he thought. Bringing his attention back to Aera, he bowed slightly, "Is their anything else you require of me, Your Highness?"

[Carantathraiel]

"And what is your name, Archer?"
Taris lifted his chin slightly in response. "Taris, your Highness. Taris of the Western Valley."

She stared for a long moment, regarding him with a practiced blank face, until she gave a forced smile. "I am sorry to hear our friend is unable to receive you, Taris of the Western Valley. And after such a long journey." She had known he couldn't be from around here. He was a blend of nothing from around here, his dark skin rather different from her cousins. Although his build was similar, even if he didn't reach their unnatural eight foot stature. 
And she couldn't help but notice other things, but refused to allow her mind to linger on them.

"Well, I welcome you, as you'll find no welcome elsewhere." Her expression was still blank but her eyes flashed darkly for a moment. "If you grow tired of meandering, I'll be in the library. It's on the second floor of the east wing." 

She bent and ended their meeting, turning without another glance to glide down the hall, her annoying train of followers at her tail. 

It would be at least another two hours before her husband and his friends returned, covered in dirt, dragging a boar or stag between their horses. So that gave her two hours, at least, to wander the library, amusing herself with histories and old songs. She longed to go with them. Or at the very least have the option to join her friends in a hunt. I'd need friends, first. She thought bitterly. They wouldn't notice if I vanished for a while. maybe I could go down into the tunnels. 

She hadn't seen Envy and the orphans in almost a year, now. Since marrying Kentaro she'd been forced to spend her time here, making appearances and curtsying and eating like some stuck up snob. Aera loathed it. If she had the choice between all this extravagance and cleanliness and the dark and dirty tunnels of the theives den, she'd much rather the latter. 

Opening the door to the library, she turned and smiled as politely as she could to the three maids that followed. "I would prefer you stay here. If I need anything, I'll call. Until then, do whatever you please. Just no visitors." Closing the door again, she turned with a sign and sat heavily in one of the cushioned chairs, wanting a few moments of peace before she picked up a book. 

[NightlordKrusnik]

Taris watched her go appreciating the grace of movement, if not the gaudy dress. Still if the dress had one good point it made it easy to imagine her in something better, or nothing at all. Upon leaving the Palace doors, he quickly slipped out of sight of the guards and into the nearest shadow. It was very bright by now, and the shadow wasn't very dark, so it took a little more effort to shift into the Shadow Realm. When he emerged, he was on the second floor of the castle, down the hall from the library. Only one of Aera's handmaidens remained, the one with the brooch. Perfect.

He made his way to her, raising his fist, and the symbol on it. She straightened a bit and nodded, surreptitiously glancing to make sure they were alone. “Greetings, guild-sister,” Taris said casually when he reached her. “You must be the agent our master told me about. What’s your name?” He coolly gazed over her, she was young, but not too young. She realized she was staring at his body, and quickly raised her eyes to his with a blush.

“Paytin,” she answered, “and you have to be Taris… Master warned me about you, but I still didn’t think…” She trailed off, and to make matters worse the elf moved right up against her, pinning her against the door. Her hand came up, but less to push back than to explore the contours of his body. Taris laughed a bit and stepped back, leaving Paytin breathless and flushed. “You are cruel,” she said.

Taris chuckled, “You’re right, I’m sorry. I assume this is your test, haven’t yet had a contract?” She nodded. “I need an excuse to be inside the castle for a couple months. And I heard a rumor that the Princess isn’t happy in her marriage, think I could take advantage of that?”

Paytin’s face darkened, “That’s putting it lightly. Kentaro doesn’t even touch her lately. I mean, she seems to love him, but now he barely gives her any attention. He just wanted the exotic, but now that the dazzle is over, I don’t know. He… he needs to be in control, needs a woman to fear him to get any pleasure... and she willingly goes to him, and he can’t stand it. So he goes, elsewhere.” She quieted at the last sentences.

Taris scowled, “Did you, and he…” She nodded and replied, “I had to, or risk losing my cover. I...” Paytin faltered again and the elf continued for her, “A lowly maid can’t deny a prince, right? Was he, was it your first?” A bit personal, perhaps, and unusually concerned for him, but he always had a soft spot for pretty girls.

As it was, she shook her head and her voice became fierce, “No, no he didn’t get the satisfaction of taking that from me!” The girl took a breath, “But that was months ago, now he goes to a brothel in town every few days, one that caters to his unique tastes. But you wanted to know if you could use Aera. I’m not sure honestly. People call her ‘Elven Whore’ behind her back, but she’s always stayed faithful to Kentaro, gods only know why. But I can tell this at least, she’s lonely. At the very least she could use a friend.”

Taris smiled, “Thank you Paytin, I’ll be sure to tell our Master that you helped me.” He kissed her cheek and stepped back into a shadow behind a suit of decorative armor, amazing the girl as he melted away into the darkness.

He came out in a corner of the library gasping, the castle was warded against Shadow Walking, and Taris had to spend far more energy to travel such a short space. He could handle it, but it explained why he had a hard time entering the shadow outside. He’d thought it was just the amount of light at the time. The assassin stared into the shadow again, using it as a window to other areas of the library, at least the ward didn’t protect against scrying the shadows. Aera was in another corner of the library, just reading, and the rest of the giant room was empty. Taris scaled a bookshelf, and made his way on the tops of the shelves until he could see her. For a long time, he just watched her, wondering how he was going to make his next move.

Finally he hopped down behind the bookcase, slowly walking around it into her view. Aera smiled slightly as he saw him and rose from her seat. “Your Highness,” he said quietly, bowing over to kiss her hand. If he let it linger a moment or so longer than was proper, well…

[Carantathraiel]

Aera cool eyes stared, her face blank. Damn that girl, she thought. I say no visitors and she lets in the elf. Probably figured i wouldn't mind. His lips so close to her skin, she could feel his warm breathe on her flesh. With effort on her part, she pulled her hand away, lifting her chin. "Taris. So you've found the library after all." She stepped back, putting space between them, and motioned for the seat across from her, sitting back down in her own. "Please, sit." He looked reluctantly at the chair behind him before, instead, taking the seat beside her, pulling off his quiver and bow and setting it beside him on the floor. Aera's lip twitched.

"I find you have awakened my curiosity." Aera said, trying harder than she should to keep her eyes on his black face, rather than... anywhere else. "Elves are hated in this city, thanks to my dear cousins, the Kartaians. And yet here you are. You just marched in here, head held high, announcing that you're here for the tournament." She folded her legs and leaned back, studying him. "I admit, I feel a bit of envy at your confidence."

Something passed over her face in that moment, a shadow of an emotion, but nothing else. Just as quick, it was gone, her practiced porcelain expression back in place. That's where I know him. She thought.

She continued. "Part of me wants to believe you're here for another reason." Her eyes lowered just for a second, as she glanced over his muscles and clothing, before she looked up and met his eyes. Such eyes, her thoughts wandered, noticing the purple.

[NightlordKrusnik]

Taris smiled at her, letting a small chuckle escape. He leaned back in his seat, "Confidence, eh? I wish i could say it was that, but no. I fear i'm a fool for being here, but I find myself unable to resist archery competitions, they are a passion of mine. Among other things." His eyes flashed over her body at the last words, locking on her face. For a moment he had an image of a pale hand against a black chest... that was right. He'd almost forgot about the Sun's Curse, rumor was she was the first in many years to be born with it. Taris took a glance at her gloved hands, according to his people's legends, the Moon Elves used the ability against his people in the war that split their races long ago. Still, something to be said for a dangerous woman. Taris let his body relax into an air of quiet self-assurance, his eyes sparkling.

"Part of me wants to believe you're here for another reason," she told him and her eyes locked into his. The assassin grinned again and let his fingers trail over her arm for a moment. "Actually," he began, "I do have business in the castle and city for a couple of months. I had actually hoped you might want some company while I was here. For my part, I find you a wonderful companion." It was a lie, Taris was enchanted by her. Damn, she's gorgeous, he thought, and her skin is just... "I'm sorry if I seem forward, Your Highness, it's just, beautiful women entrance me... and I've never met anyone as beautiful as you..."

[Carantathraiel]

A flicker of annoyance danced across Aera's face, her dark eyes narrowing, as she watched him look her over like a piece of meat. Though, somewhere, in the back of her mind, she enjoyed it. It was nice to know that at least someone found her attractive. Her husband certainly never looked at her like that. But that was no excuse to be eyeing her with such boldness.

Uncomfortable as she was under his gaze, she didn't move, holding her body still, the only change was the the quickening of her heartbeat, visible in the hollow of her throat. 
Company. He said. As determined as she was not to let this strange elf get into her thoughts, that got her thinking. She did want company. So rarely was she able to escape the palace and visit with her friends, she was often stuck here for days and weeks, with no one but the maids for company. But him? Now, Aera let her eyes wander over him, hoping her expression was as blank as ever and not giving away her attraction. He seemed full of himself. Like he was Yuelric's gift to women, and any woman would gladly lay back and welcome him with open ... arms.
She inhaled. It probably wouldn't do good to encourage him and let him stick around. But she did desire a friend.
Her thoughts went over to Envy. Her dear beloved Envy. He had always been just as cocky and big-headed, and she was able to put up with him with no issue.

"Very well." her voice was collected. "I won't mind your company, but mind you, I wont take kindly to your flirting." As flattering as it is. "I am faithful to the Prince, and intend to remain that way."

[NightlordKrusnik]

Ah, it seemed Paytin was right, she was determinedly faithful to the Prince. Taris gave an internal sigh, but kept his smile firmly in place. "Of course, Your Highness. Please forgive me, I forgot myself. Please believe it was not my intention to seduce you away from the Prince." Yes it was, and i'm going to kill him as well, he shook the thought out of his head. Such thoughts had no place here. If she wouldn't let him warm her bed, at least she hadn't had him thrown out. It was enough for now. His eyes met hers and a genuine smile lit his face, "But i hope you wouldn't begrudge me my opinion on that dress. It just seems so... human. Something grey or blue would fit you much better."

From outside in the yard an enormous cheer went up. Taris looked to the nearby window and hissed in pain as the sun seared his eyes. He took a moment to blink the spots from his eyes, damn but he hated the sun. Had so much time passed already? "It seems your husband has returned, Milady." Was that a flash of disappointment across her face for a second? "I fear that I must excuse myself for the time. I have things I must attend to for the tournament. With your leave of course." He bowed over her hand once more, this time leaving a carefully measured kiss.

"Of course, Taris, perhaps we shall see each other at the banquet tonight? Good luck to you in the tourney," Aera said.

Taris gathered his bow and quiver, and gave a last bow with a flourish. "Thank you Your Highness, I eagerly look forward to tonight," he told her, before stepping back around the bookcase, and pushing through the wards into shadow.

[Carantathraiel]

With Taris gone, Aera looked down, sharing his opinion on the dress. I wonder what he would have thought of the one I put on first. She pursed her lips and stood, bothered at the fact that, for a moment, she'd wanted to change again, just to please him. Ridiculous. She left the library and headed downstairs to see what her husband had brought home.

Outside Kentaro was sitting on his horse in the courtyard, his hair silvery in the sunlight, his cheeks red with drink. He watched as his comrades jumped off their own horses and circled the cart that carried the great deer they'd brought down. He enjoyed hunting. There was something about chasing after a living creature, knowing it was going to be the last thing it did, if you had your way. 

Kasca, the dark haired, dark eyed young man who had the honor of being Kentaro's best friend, walked his horse to stand besides Kentaro's. "Here comes your wife." 
The prince looked, spotting the elf walking down the palace steps. He put a fake smile on his face as she stopped to speak to Risa. "I was hoping she would stay in during the day." he grumbled behind his smile. "She never liked the sun before."

"Oh, I'm sure she learned to put up with it for her love for you." Kasca leaned in. "If you let me tire her out at night, she would stay in all day, I promise you." Kasca leered at Aera, his mind still in hunting mode. 

"Easy, Kasca." Kentaro warned. He may have lost interest in the elf, but not enough to let others make jokes about pleasing her in front of him. He was the only one that got to touch her. 

"When was the last time you kept her up all night, my Lord?" Kasca asked, giving his friend a dark look. "You're never going to get a child off her if you never mount her." He sneered. "Or maybe its not her that's the problem."

"Enough." Kentaro snapped. He got off his horse and walked toward his wife and his sister, smiling at them both.

"Good hunting, I hope, Brother." Risa grinned as Aera curtsied before him.

"Shut it, Risa." He kissed Aera's hand and she smiled at him. Risa and her damn pokes at his whoring. Risa shrugged with a tilt of her head and walked off, leaving Aera and Kentaro alone. "How was your morning, Love?"

Aera thought about Taris, his hard body and his dark skin. And his eyes. Why couldn't she get over his eyes? "It was quiet." She stepped closer to him. "I was wondering if I might go and visit the others, soon. You know I miss them and love them." She added quickly, noticing his annoyed look. 
"I know, my sweet, but you're needed here." And letting you near that elf is out of the question. "I'm sorry, but no."

Aera kept her face blank as her heart sank, when one of Kentaro's drunk friends threw his arm around the Prince. "Morning, Princess!" He shouted, red faced. "Kenny, my boy, we'd best get upstairs. Your father's game starts soon. We want to be pretty for the *hic* pretty women."

With a nod to his wife Kentaro and the men went inside. Aera stood where she was, ignored by the group of servants bustling about to get the deer inside and prepared and the stable boys dealing with the horses. Her eyes were on the gate. She could leave. Right now. Go visit her friends in the tunnels and be back before the tournament. No one would notice her absence. 
Knowing Kentaro's wrath if he DID find out made her turn and head back into the palace, following the mud the men had dragged in.

[NightlordKrusnik]

Taris glared out of the shadow he hid within. First the Prince made too easy a target leaving for the hunt, and now he returned drunk. The elf almost buried an arrow in his heart out of sheer frustration. But no, the assassin decided, he would find a way to rattle him, to terrify the bastard. It was just a matter of finding the right moment. Still flowing through the shadows, he moved to another shadow closer to the Prince so he could hear the conversation between him and his friend.

He quickly wished he hadn't. The man beside Kentaro was asking when the last time he mounted Aera was... and offering to take care of that for him. Taris wouldn't mind that himself, but in pleasure, if nothing else, he put himself second. This man, from the way he said it and the leer he gave, like she was just a piece of meat, something to possess, was trash. By the Lady he hated humans sometimes, Taris at least had a code of honor, of sorts. Aera had approached by then, a younger girl that bore a striking resemblance to the prince beside her, and they greeted the man. A sister then, and Taris had to smile at the verbal jab she directed at her brother.

After a short exchange Kentaro and his friends walked off towards the castle, leaving Aera alone. She stood there for a moment, naked longing on her face as she looked at the gate. Go, Taris thought, but she turned and followed after the men. The Shadow Elf sighed. A missing Princess, even an Elven one, would cause a fair bit of stir within the castle. At least that’s what he told himself.

Taris finally stepped out of shadow behind a row of tents shortly before the sun had reached its zenith. The crowds had finally filled into the stands, and a dull roar of murmurs became constant companion. The archery competition would begin soon he knew, but he had one last thing to do before he joined the other contestants. He waited another second before reaching out from behind the tent and pulling a young girl behind it with him. Paytin would have screamed had he not clamped a hand over her mouth.

“Taris,” she said once he lowered his hands, “what are you doing? Has something happened?”

He shook his head, “No, no, Paytin nothing. I just needed some information, about a man that went hunting with Kentaro, he has dark hair and eyes…”

“Kasca. The man’s a pig, even worse than the Prince, if you can believe it. Thinks that a woman’s place is on her back… Why? You need to kill him too?”

Taris scowled, “The idea has crossed my mind.” 

Paytin looked at his face, and decided not to push the matter. Instead she pushed a loose strand of hair out of her eyes and said, “Kentaro takes him out on his little whoring trips into town. You might get them both in a nice little package, if you plan it right.” A smile lit her face.

The elf’s brow furrowed, “You may be on to something there. Any chance you know where this brothel is?”

At that the smile faltered, but not by much. “Not at the moment, but I could by tonight. You’d be amazed at what some guys let slip after a little bed-play. I know just the guardsman too…”

“Spare me the details. But I’d appreciate it.” He handed her a small note, “This is where I’m staying, it’s a small inn, room 8. The innkeeper is a friend to our guild. Find me there when you have the information.” Paytin nodded and rushed off to finish her errands. Taris reached inside his hood and pulled a mask of cloth out to cover his lower face, tying it to strings inside the hood. He pulled the edge of his hood down lower to keep the sun off and made his way to the archer’s range as trumpets started a fanfare.

[Carantathraiel]

Inside again, Aera was met by another maid, one she didn't recognize, and motioned toward the dining hall. When Aera gave her a questioning mount, the maid explained. "The Royal Family will head down to the tournament together, my Lady. When the Prince is back downstairs, you'll head out."

Hiding the shock from her face Aera turned and followed the maid. So I'm actually part of the family, now? That was new. Normally they went out without her and she had to arrive alone. The Queen and Princess Risa were there already, chatting happily about which of the knights and contestants they thought would win. She approached them and stood silently off to the side, not wanting to interrupt them. Risa graciously invited her to converse with them. "Aera, tell me." She waved the elf over. "Who do you think will win?"

"My Prince, of course." She said automatically. Taris, of course. She knew an elf's skill in archery, and there was something about Taris that said he meant business.

Risa made a face. "I doubt that one. Kasca got him drunk again, so I'm putting my coin on Haxfur." Haxfur was one of the newer knights, and Aera could tell Risa had a sweet spot for him, and he her. He was rather charming, even she could admit. Ruddy hair and green eyes, he had stolen the hearts of many of the women, and of course he set his sights on the princess.

When Kentaro came downstairs, out of his hunting clothes and in his formal archery attire, he took Aera's arm and they went out. It was a short walk to the tourney grounds, where a large wooden structure rose, the back decorated in summer colored tapestries. Kentaro walked the women, Aera on his arm, to the dias in the center of the wooden platform, before taking his leave to join the other contestants. 
They waited for a bit before Lilith raised her arms and the crowd fell silent, some of the commoners cheering and calling her name from the far sides. "It is my joy to welcome you all to our summer archery tournament. May your hand aim true and your arrows fly straight!"
The women sat as the tournament herald began reading the lists. Aera sat and half listened, wondering who they'd set up against Taris.

[NightlordKrusnik]

Taris calmly listened to the herald read of the pairings for the first round, each round to be the best of three shots, with the targets moved further back between each round. The elf was in the last pairing against a hedge knight of little repute. He took his place when their turn came, offering the other man the chance to shoot first. He was a big man, smug in the face of this skinny elf that was his opponent. The knight drew back, and let fly his arrow, which stuck in the fourth ring. There was a mixture of laughter and cheering through the crowd, and Taris smiled behind his mask.

He set himself into the archer’s “T” and quickly drew both his bow and breath. The arrow flashed out and thunked into the bull’s-eye. A chorus of jeers came from the crowd, undercut by a cheer from the elves from the small Grey-Quarter of the city. The relatively small crowd was cordoned off from the stands, instead occupying a section far down the side of the archery field. Taris gave a bow in their direction, and took his second shot, his opponent’s shot having only hit the third ring. Another bull’s-eye for the elf. He could see the rage building his opponent. The man was nearly shaking with it as he took aim once more, and this time his arrow didn’t even hit the target. In fury the man snapped his bow over his knee and stalked off the field to the sound of raucous laughter. Taris lazily took aim, his last shot finding its place just outside the bull’s-eye, in the first ring. With a flourish, he bowed to the now wildly cheering elves to the side, before turning back to the raised stand where the Royal Family was sitting and bowed once more, his red eyes catching Aera’s purple ones, even from this distance.

The closer targets were carried off the field as the herald read the second round pairings. Once more the assassin took his position. This time his opponent was a rather young knight named Haxfur. The women in the crowd went wild as he stepped up and took his shot. The distance had doubled, from fifteen paces to thirty, but the arrow found a mark in the third ring. Taris gave a nod of respect to his opponent, who had the grace to return it, and positioned himself when he was interrupted by a shout from the Royal stand. When he looked he saw the young princess leaning back from her mother, who nodded and stood.

The entire crowd fell silent when she raised her arms, “Attention my people, but we all know the skills of an elf with the bow. As an act of fairness, I ask our contestant, will you accept a five-pace handicap?”

The crowd cheered at this, and his own little cheering section stayed wisely silent. To boo the queen was never wise, anywhere. The assassin bowed low gesturing with his bow, and servants sprinted to the field to move his target. Once they were clear, he nocked his arrow, and took aim. This time he placed his shot in the exact same spot as his opponent’s. Haxfur’s looked darkened only a moment, but he grinned and took another shot, this time hitting the first ring. A massive cheer went up, and Taris took aim again. Once again he placed his shot in the same place as his opponent’s arrow. Now Haxfur openly scowled and took his last shot, hitting the edge of the bull’s-eye.

When he stepped back, he paused next to the elf, “Nobody can mimic two shots by accident, so I know you did that on purpose. Take your shot elf, and be quit of this mockery.” Taris bowed his head a moment, “My apologies, ser, the mockery was not directed at you.” He straightened and drew his bow. This time he was not playing, and he sunk his shot dead center. The crowd erupted in boos, many women throwing curses his way. Again he listened to the herald read the lists, and smiled behind the mask.

His next opponent was Kentaro.

[Carantathraiel]

Aera watched as Taris flew through his opponents with the ferocity of his arrows, finding it hard to hide her smiles. No one was going to like this, not at all; an elf kicking the asses of every high ranking knight in the lists. But Aera found it rather satisfying. To see an elf so brazenly do what she didn't have the courage to. 

She blanched when the herald announced he'd be shooting against her husband. Why, she couldn't be sure, but smiling and rooting for your husband when you want to see him taken down by elfkin... the fact that she wanted Taris to win bugged her. Not wifely thinking. 
"You need a walk." a smooth voice cooed behind her ear. Without looking, Aera knew who it belonged to and smiled. "Take one."

Thankfully, there was a small break in the tournament to move the targets and keep the contestants hydrated in the heat. Aera was glad for this. She stood, glancing behind her only to find her friend had vanished. She curtsied to the queen and princess, announcing that she needed a walk, and exited the dias.
It was a very short walk to a small space on the outside of the tournament tents, among some trees in the shade. Aera stepped into it and waited for a moment before she turned around. Standing before her was an unnaturally tall figure clad entirely in brown cloak; everything hidden. It was a customized hood that had flaps and netting in the hood so that the whole of the face could be hidden, while the wearer could still see through the lace, while no one could see in. 

Aera's face brightened in a drastic way as she smiled at her friend. "Enlor`Lei." She greeted him in elvish as he pulled the straps from his face. There was a face she'd missed dearly. His dark bluish grey skin was shining in the heat, the sweat beading on his forhead. His narrow red eyes smiled at her as he bent to embrace her. "My dear friend, I've missed you so much."

"And I, you, Treasure." Envy replied, pretending to wince as she pinched him for the nickname. "How long has it been since you've been to visit?" 
Aera's expression saddened. "Not since the week before my wedding." She glanced around to see who was watching. "It will be our anniversary in a few months time."
Envy's sweet face stared at her. "You're so unhappy." he observed sadly. He took her into his arms, resting his chin on her head. "I am so sorry, my friend. It pains me to see so much hurt in your face." 
Aera rested against him, working hard not to break down. It was easy when she was facing mortals all day, not to fall apart and cry. But in the arms of a beloved friend, it was very hard. "Thank you for not rubbing it in, the fact that I should have stayed and been with you."
He laughed, the sound echoing in his broad chest. "You still can. We can run away and I will bed you from here to Carantathraiel."
Aera stepped back and pinched him, once again smiling.
Envy's already cloudy face darkened. "Alas, my Treasure, I am not here just for social reasons." He took Aera's gloved hands in his, holding them close to him. "As much as I've missed you, I've come only to warn you."
A crease in her brow, Aera frowned. "About what?"
"Something dark lurks within the city. My sources all say the same. Though none can say what."
Her eyes widened. Envy had spies all over the city, he always knew what was going on. 
He shook his head, taking her chin in his hands. "Don't get all worked up, you know we're able to handle it." Aera breathed. "As soon as I learn anything, I'll get word to you." He turned his dark head as the herald cried from beyond the tents that the contestants were readying once more. "You'd better return. Go watch that horses ass of a husband of yours." 
Before she could object he bent and kissed her and in the blink of an eye he was gone, lost among the people and trees. Aera ran his words over in her head for a moment before hurrying back to her seat to watch Kentaro shoot against Taris.

[NightlordKrusnik]

Taris made his way to the shade of a nearby tent. The sun was killing him. Literally killing him in fact. His kind were meant to stay in the shadows, out of the sun and lighted areas of the world. His eyes burned and his skin tingled, even beneath hood and cloak. The elf looked around the field at servants running back and forth, bringing the other contestants water to cool off. None came near him however, and he sighed. It seemed the powers-that-be wanted him off balance. He glanced to the dais where the royal family was seated, but couldn’t find Aera.

The assassin pulled his hood down further, and looked through the shadows for her. It didn’t take long, he found her just outside some tents beneath some trees. Seemingly from nowhere a brown-cloaked figure joined her, and a genuine smile lit her face. Enlor`Lei, he’d have to remember the name when he gave his report. The man in the cloak removed his mask to reveal he was sister clan to Taris, though Taris’ own clan hailed from far more distant lands. They began speaking. In elvish, he thought to himself, how long has it been since I’ve heard, since I’ve spoken my native tongue? After a moment it became clear he was eavesdropping on a very personal moment for Aera, and he felt somewhat guilty. Wait, what? Why should I feel guilt? I’ve seen more personal moments than this…

Despite that he let go of the shadows, and raised the lip of his hood. He quickly registered that someone was waiting just outside the tent, and called out, “Enter.” The figure’s shadow jumped and quickly stepped inside. She was just a little waif of an elf, and Taris could very nearly smell the tunnels on her. A thief then, or at least an initiate. She was nervous, and held a pouch in her hands. “What is it, little one?” he asked in elvish though it felt somewhat strange on his tongue. She looked up, and held out the pouch, which he could now identify as a waterskin, “From your fans, Master Archer, we wish you luck in the tournament.” The girl bowed and started to exit the tent, pausing by the flap. She turned back, “Please win.”

Taris smiled, “Of course, milady.” She giggled and ran off, leaving Taris alone. He always was good with kids. After pulling out the stopper he took several long draughts from the skin, and dumped the other half over his face to cool the burn of his eyes. He could hear the herald calling for him and the Prince to step forth, and he readjusted his hood before stepping back out into the hated sun. The Prince was already waiting, and he could see that his target had been moved back a few more paces. Glancing at the dais, he could see Aera had returned to her seat. Taris bowed low to Kentaro, who merely sneered. The elf could smell the wine on him, and was further disgusted with him. The Prince’s first shot hit only the fourth ring. 

Taris had had quite enough. From someone that was said to be a skilled huntsman to only hit the outer rings, he must be quite drunk. And he refused to consider that the other contestants were more inept than a drunken royal, they must have thrown their shots wide. Not Taris, he pulled his own bow, sighted down the shaft and let fly. The arrow sank several inches into the target, right on the edge of the bull’s-eye. He nearly spat on the ground, held in check only by the knowledge that such an action would surely land him in the dungeon. Kentaro’s next shot didn’t even hit the target. Taris scowled behind the mask, his second shot slicing in beside his first. The Prince was frowning in confusion, visibly pulling himself together before his last shot. The third arrow at least hit the outer edge of the first ring. The assassin wasted nothing, he’d already beaten the man, but still he drew, his final shot sinking near the very center of the bull’s-eye.

The crowd was almost silent, at this elf that had so soundly beaten their Prince. Even Taris’ new fans kept still. The Dark Elf bowed low, “Well shot, Your Highness.” The Prince opened his mouth, and closed it, the elf had just given him a chance to retain his dignity. He curtly nodded in response, and the elf rose and turned away to where the little elf-girl was waiting with another water-skin. The near silence became a low thunder as the crowd began to mumble to each other as the servants collected the used targets. It was to be the last round, the only opponent left was Kasca.

[Carantathraiel]

Aera watched the matched with a blank face, but her heart was beating and she felt uneasy. As hard as she tried to push Envy's words to the back of her mind so she could focus on the match, it was difficult. If Envy didn't know what it was or what dangers trailed after it..... Envy knew everything. The fact that he had no idea scared her more than his words. 

The sound of Kentaro's second shot brought her forth from her labyrinth of thoughts and she focused on the match. His shot missed the target entirely and his sister groaned beside her. "Who is that elf? Why did we let him join in?"
"He's a guest of the Spymaster." Aera answered unprovoked. Risa glared at her. Of course you would know him, her expression said. 

Taris shot again and ended the match, but Kentaro took his final shot, obviously trying to compose himself and magic the wine from his blood. This wouldn't make an enjoyable evening. Already drunk and angry with the banquet coming up. Aera selfishly hoped that he wouldn't make it to her chambers tonight.

With the third and final shots, Taris defeated Kentaro and the whole crowd was silent. Aera made no move. As glad as she was that her new friend had won, it also meant her husband had lost. 
Slowly the crowd began to applaud, and Aera was the first of the royal women to stand and applaud the victor with kept expression. Beside her her good-mother and good-sister rose and began clapping, their faces just as practiced. The three of them knew Kentaro would be angry. Was, angry, no doubt. 
They sat back down and Aera watched Taris as he drank from a skin from a theif she didn't recognize. The thought made her sad. She really did need to visit them again.

When the herald called that Taris would be up against Kasca, Aera felt free to exhale with relief. Kasca, hardly as drunk as his friend, would make a much better rival to the elf, though there was still no question as to who will win.