The Not-So Austen Bookclub discussion

There are a group of assassins, who have sworn their allegiance to Viruir - their master, whom they obey, but have never glimpsed. On his orders, they work undercover, watching the members of the aristocracy of the kingdom and killing when necessary.

Viruir has plans. For a long time his presence, and that of the assassins has remained a guarded secret - as well as the fact that Viruir has placed a spy amongst the King's court. But certain members of the court are starting to become aware. And Viruir's feared enemy, whom he never expected to hear of again, makes an appearance.

This enemy goes by no name and no gender, but issues a command to those in the service of the Light to place themselves in the King's court and to stop Viruir's assassins before they complete Viruir's master plan.

Two groups of assassins.
Good vs evil.
A kingdom to save.

State:
- Your name
- Your place/occupation (assassin, member of court, royalty)
- If you're an assassin please specify your side (Evil/good)

______

Mine:

Name: Varice Eveans
Type: Assassin (good)

Name: Orion Quiros
Type: Assassin (Good)

Varice Eveans:

"Goddess, Lipolia, does it have to be so...vibrant?" I stared at the ballgown with distaste, its formidable appearance a stark contrast to my sober grey gown and black cloak that settled comfortably on my shoulders.

"You must fit in, mistress." Lipolia was a maid of few words, but a fiercely loyal one. She alone looked after my needs and she alone in the village knew my true identity. "The One has given you a great honour."
"The One has severely overestimated my abilities," I replied smoothly, watching her pack my things. "An assassin I may be, but a frivolous court piece in glittering finery I am not."

Lipolia shook her head. "You will succeed."
"I know not what it is I must succeed at."
"The One will reveal all in time." Lipolia was not just any maiden plucked from a simple village to serve me. She had spent many years in the Convent of the Goddess...she had even heard the blessed voice of The One itself.

The One was a mystery to those who knew of it. Genderless, all knowing, it was its job to keep order and balance in the kingdom. Lipolia had been sent to me when I was young; I'd been taken to the Convent and trained in the art of killing.

Poisoning. Swordmastery. Archery. Daggers. Assorted weaponry. Subtle body points where you could press and render total unconsciousness. I learnt them all as well as horse riding, dancing, sports and other ladylike pastimes. And then I was sent to a village to sit and wait for the One to send me my life's mission.

I had spied on the village's going-ons, though secretly fuming that I must wait. Lipolia had been given hers at the age of two and twenty. The One had deemed her a teacher of the arts and it was her job to instruct and serve those whom the One revealed to the Convent.

And now my mission had been revealed. I was to journey to the King's court on the 'morrow. I left Lipolia to her packing and strode smoothly over to the window, watching the simple village life below with a smile on my face.

Soon. Soon my life would truly begin.

Orion Quiros

I rolled over in my bed to the loud sound of a dog barking. I groaned, not wanting to leave the warmth and comfort, then realised what day it was.
A wet tongue scraped across my face and my hazel eyes snapped open, reaching across to the giant black and white husky and rubbing it behind it's ears. It jumped up, placing it's heavy paws on my chest and knocking the wind out of me.
"Ekko." I wheezed. "Down, boy."
The dog obediently stepped down and ran in circles in the small room.
I took the metal gauntlet from my bedside table and strapped it onto my right wrist, feeling safer immediately. I sat up.
I tensed my right forearm and a small blade shot out of the gauntlet. I relaxed and it slipped back in, completely hidden from view.

"Orion! Come down for breakfast! Remember what is happening today?" A voice called from downstairs. Judging by the tone and pitch, it was a short woman in her fourties.
"Yes mother!" I yelled back, rolling my eyes.

I slipped out of bed and changed into my clothes: a new white tunic with a white and red striped vest, and black pants tucked into knee high brown leather boots. On top, I wore a white and red robe which fell to my thighs and a thick belt.((Basically the clothes Ezio wears)) I slipped two daggers into my boot and strapped my daggers to my side and back. I adjusted my short beaded necklace and ran down the creaking stairs, with the husky bounding at my heels.

As I sat at the table tucking into a small meal of porridge and half-listening to my mother interrogating me about the items I've packed, a little girl stepped gingerly down the stairs, rubbing her eyes.
"Ivory!" Mother beamed at her little girl and wrapped her in a hug. Ivory returned the hug and sat next to me, eating.
I grinned at my sister and ruffled her light brown hair.
"Come on, Ivory, say 'good morning' to your big brother." I urged.
Her pale blue eyes looked at me sleepily and she smiled, "Good morning."
I was shocked, she usually didn't say that to me until after noon. But then again, today was a special day.

We sat in silence as we ate. "Mother," I broke the silence. "Am I to take Ekko with me?"
She smiled answering easily, "Whatever you think, dear. You are eighteen years old now and old enough to make your own decisions. And Ekko is your dog so you can take him."
I shook my head, "He's OUR dog." I corrected. "So you have some say."
She smiled and Ivory blew out her cheeks. Then they finally came to a silent agreement.
"Take him with you."

I grinned and finished off my breakfast.I looked at this half of my family. My father was working busily so he couldn't be here then. I heard a shout and looked outside. My big brother was standing outside holding two horses steady, one a beautiful white mare and the other his steady brown drafthorse.

I grinned and went to the door, ready to leave. I touched the doorknob and was suddenly tackled from the back. I heard quiet sobbing.
"Don't turn around." A soft high voice told me. I smiled gently and turned, crushing my little sister in an embrace.
"When will you come back?" She cried.
"Soon." I patted her head. "I'll visit as soon as I can. I promise"
I turned back and opened the door, flooding the room with a wash of light.
"But you know, I am an assassin."

Is this from a series? Which one?

Name: Princess Aurora De Quave
Type: Royal Assasin (I'm not sure if I can. Oh well)

(((It's not from a series, Booknut made it up.)))

Awesome!
Royal Assasin it is :D

And she's good :P

(((Yeah I thought it was a series too so I was googling around trying to figure out what it was coz it sounded awesome. Then I PM'ed Booknut and asked.)))

I assumed, but wasn't sure :P

Rachel wrote: "And she's good :P"

(*laughs* Aww, guys - thanks! This is a mix of assassin-inspired material (My Fair Assassin series, Assassin's Creed, etc.) so we can have a storyline we can work as many characters as we want into :D)

WOW...i am amazed by the high standard of writing. How do both Booknut and Aurora do it??!! not sure if i can contribute anything similar...*frowns* :) x

Lucinda wrote: "WOW...i am amazed by the high standard of writing. How do both Booknut and Aurora do it??!! not sure if i can contribute anything similar...*frowns* :) x"

Aww thanks Lucinda! Your writing is amazing! You put so much detail and your posts are always so cool to read!

Shhhh Hamza! I meant that they were both good :P

( I like the roleplays in this group. My narrative writing has improved just from participating in the Hogwarts Roleplay)

^^ Me too. My characters Aurora Keziah (Hogwarts RP)and Orion Quiros (this rp) are actually the main characters in a story I'm writing and I've been trying to practise their seperate personalities. These roleplays have helped a lot.

Varice Eveans:

I awoke to a pre-dawn sky, the edges of which glowed a dull crimson scattered with light pinks that curled around flecks of gold. Rummaging in the drawer of my nightstand, I found my well-worn set of beads, bringing them with me as I walked over to the window. In the form of a necklace the wooden beads, each a brilliant cobalt colour, were the size of my thumbnail and I fingered each one...closing my eyes and praying to the Goddess for strength and for protection on my journey.

After my prayers, I washed my face in the cool water of my wash basin and fixed my long brown hair - braiding each side separately before joining the two braids together midway into a single braid down my back that brushed my lower back.

Next, I changed into the clothes Lipolia had laid out for me the evening before - a shirt of deep blue that smelt of lavender over which I wore a black leather tunic, matched with soft black pants and black boots.
Knives were strapped to my lower legs, two in the lining of my boots, one under each shirt sleeve on my arms and of course the visible dagger that was strapped to the belt around my waist. The lockpicks were pinned securely into the folds of my braid and I slipped a few into the secret pocket inside the tunic.

A soft knock sounded at my door and I pressed my ear to it before I opened it, letting Lipolia inside. She raised an eyebrow and I nodded, saying, "I listened for the rhythm of your heartbeat. It was steady, composed. Also, your tread was soft, a woman's."

"Be sure to hear their voice first," she added, handing me my bag which I carried by my side at all times. "I packed you food, water and other supplies which you may need."
"Thank you." I accepted the bag.
"Be sure to pray to The Goddess every day, mistress - sacrifices may be hard to do whilst you are in your new role, but they would not go amiss. I placed a few ingredients into the bottom of the bag in case you have immediate need to brew a concoction of any kind."

I nodded and bowed from the waist, holding my hand over my heart. Lipolia, though she had always served me and taught me, had treated me like a daughter. And she was the closest thing I had to a mother, yet it would be rude and unseemly to show direct affection, as the codes of the Convent dictated. "Thank you. I will miss your companionship."

"Guard your mind, Varice." She hardly ever called me by my name, but when she did I had learned to heed her words. "And guard your heart."
"My heart?" I smiled at her warmly, shoving my hands into gloves, over which I placed a web of flexible metal that shimmered as I flexed my hand. "There is no danger of me losing it, nor of it being hurt. I have all I could ever ask for in life. My mission is not like an ordinary woman's."
"Do not underestimate the world." Lipolia smiled gently at me. "You are beautiful, Varice. You are talented. You attract attention-"
"I am stealthy, Lipolia, I-"

She held up a hand and I silenced myself. "You are stealthy but you must learn to fade into the background - no, I mean that you must become like others. Resist the urge to shine your natural spark. Do not be you. Because that is what will get you killed."

I secured my cloak around my shoulders and gave Lipolia a wry smile. "I'm the Goddess' assassin, Lipolia. I am the one that does the killing. Besides, I will not be alone." I was to meet the others once I arrived at court, and it would be fun trying to guess who was an ally and who was a foe.

Hamza wrote: "Pfffttt all of us know booknut is more than good."

:D

Orion Quiros

I felt a cold hand slap my face and I sat up quickly, slamming my head into the forehead of my big brother, Adrian. He clutched his forehead and groaned, pulling me into a headlock.
"What was that, Little brother?" He scolded. "Is that any way to say 'good morning'?"

I grinned and tackled him onto the grass, punching his stomach playfully. My robes were slightly damp from the night sleeping on the grass.
We had ridden a long distance the day before and we were getting closer to the village. Our home on the farm was almost a sixteen hour ride to the village and we were getting close.

The siberian husky bounded to us, happy as usual. He has run along us the entire ride and was excited about the change in scenery. Adrian pushed me back suddenly and jumped back to avoid getting slobbered on. Ekko jumped up then got bored and assaulted me instead.

"What food is there?" I asked, my stomach rumbling.
He stood and went to the horses, who were grazing quietly. He reached into the large saddlebag on his drafthorse and pulled out a large roasted chicken and fruit.
We ate them cold and threw some chicken to Ekko.

Adrian handed me a kiwifruit and said, "I didn't pack a knife."
I raised my eyebrows and made an amused face. He laughed when I tensed my arm. My hidden blade shot out of my gauntlet and I used it to cut the fruit.
I grinned.

When we finished eating I mounted the white mare and Adrian mounted his horse. I flicked up my hood, which covered my eyes and spurred the horse into a trot. My brother followed.
I looked back and whistled at Ekko, who was chasing an orange and white butterfly. His head shot up and he quickly ran after us, his tail carried high over his back.
"Let's go, brother." Adrian ruffled my hair and led the way.

We galloped onward, the wind in our faces, until we reached the outskirts of the village.
We stopped to give the animals a rest, then walked slowly into the town, blending with the other horse-riding travellers. My robes looked similar to the townsfolk, which came in handy. We stopped at a building which seemed important. This was the place.

Adrian smiled faintly, "This is where I drop you off, Orion."
I held my hand out and he shook it firmly.
"Yes, yes. Get lost already." I joked.
"Take care, don't get scared like when you believed in the monster in the cow barn."
I scowled, "I was seven years old!"
"And take care of Zeph and Ekko." He reminded.
"Zeph?"
"My beautiful mare, Zephyr." Big brother pointed at the horse I was riding.
"Yes, yes. Stop worrying like mother, I'm an assassin." I said impatiently.
I slapped his horse lightly on the hindquarters. It started turning. Adrian held his reins.

"Remember, nothing is true..." He trailed off, waiting for me to finish his words.
"Everything is permitted." I said firmly. I watched him ride back toward home and dismounted my horse. Ekko sniffed the air and took in the unfamiliar environment. I rubbed his head.
We had arrived at the meetingplace.

Varice Eveans:

I rode hard through the damp, the morning cold settling over my face and the exposed skin of my neck, not looking back at the village which I had resided in for four years, or at the woman whose absence sent a pang of regret through me with every thump of the horses' hooves against the grassy ground.

I stowed my feelings under key and lock, picturing a stone. A cold, flat stone. Stone couldn't feel emotion. I managed to school my features, adjusting my posture as I rode, going over every possibility in my mind for the meetingplace. This could be a trap. There could be archers in the trees, daggers or even an armed force that could easily overcome me. But I was as prepared as I could be and it felt good to be out of the cottage. Free. And finally doing what I was meant to be doing.

The meetingplace was, thank the Goddess, only half a day's ride from my village, at a town that was busy enough that an assassin could go unnoticed, but also an assassin's nightmare...heaps of people, crowds, no sense of direction and noise. It was extremely difficult to find an enemy in a town. Finding allies would be probably just as difficult.

I thought over what I knew of my allies as I dismounted my horse, nearing the town's outskirts. I was meeting two of them here - both male and both with probably unsurpassable egos, if they were anything like the dominating, 'mark my territory' males I had spied on in the village. The others I would meet at the palace itself.

I walked into the town and was hit by the smell of foods - it was midday and the sun had risen high in the sky, the air thickening with heat and mixed scents and spices. I stayed calm and moved swiftly through the crowd, holding tightly to the reins of my horse, eyes scanning their faces...and necks. Beads. I fingered my own which were hanging around my neck. The others wore them too. Unless this was a trap and then I would gladly use their beads to strangle the life out of them.

Suddenly I paused, stepping to the side and slowing my pace. A young man with hazel eyes and windswept brown hair was sitting atop his horse a fair few feet away and I spotted beads sitting against his collarbone. His gauntleted hands gripped the reins, his body signalling that he was waiting and alert. He stood out - though he was dressed like the locals, he was too alert, always watching. Most of the people had their heads down, or were busy working.

I tapped my fingers against my horse's saddle, thinking. My fingers curled and the steel web that encased them sprang into a steel trap that could scar a face and rip the skin off a hand at my will. I flexed my hand back and the steel settled back into a gauntlet-like web.

Was this a trap? My eyes scanned the surroundings and I watched the young man once more, before grabbing a leather sling out of my cloak pocket, slipping my pre-scrawled message around a stone and tying it tightly with rope. Grinning to myself, my face covered by the hood of my cloak, I let the stone fly...landing it precisely in the young man's lap.

Time for the fun to begin.

Name: Princess Rosaline el Carquest
Nickname: Rose

Resides in the palace of Capriole that is within the Kingdom of Caprice. Daughter of King Haden of the West.

Assassin: Bad

Works in secret as Virur’s spy within the high Court and has power over the court & in the palace.

Princess Rosaline al Carquest

Tilting my head I took note of the time on the ornate chiming golden clock whose hands were together pointing on midnight, and made my way over to the tiny window. Pulling back the heavy dark blood red velvet curtain I was met with blackness with a sky that possessed not a single star or even a shining moon, and I smiled to myself. Contemplating on what was already set to be a perfect evening for bloodshed I then set about hastily acquiring my weaponry from a nearby mahogany draw. The small grey stone chamber was illuminated by a crackling fire within a wrought iron grate that was encased within a harsh granite hearth close to the door. Once the weapons were tied onto my person, marching purposefully over to the grand four poster Tudor bed I grabbed the emerald cloak and concealed myself in the copious amount of abundant material which trailed along the floor.

This night would turn red under the stillness of the dark sky, and as I pulled the hood over my head to shield my identity I turned my mind to the task ahead of me. Leaving the sanctuary of my chambers I slithered soundlessly along the dark stone passageways, making my way to the upper levels of the palace and the West side where royalty slept peacefully. Once I had reached the Eastern door I took a flaming torch from its cavity and pushed open the creaking wooden entry, stepping into the depths of the castle.

“DING…DING”

Turning to my left I saw the grandfather clock by the wide bay window, with its hands chiming at quarter past the hour. Standing alone in the middle of the drawing room with light flooding in from a broad window along the facing wall, I felt a slight chill run down my spine within the eerie setting. My master had instructed me not to dawdle as time was precious, and so heeding to those words I made haste to reach the allocated chamber before one o’clock.




Whilst I serenely scuttled along the deserted corridors and passageways and down winding stone staircases, I was constantly on the alert to any sounds from behind and also ahead. Capriole was an ancient fortress where many individuals resided including both the living and the dead they say, thus I was cautious as who knew what lurked in the dark places. By the time I had reached my destination the flaming torch that I was carrying had almost diminished, and so placing it out of the way I took hold of the circular handle. Whilst letting myself into Lord Devonshire’s chamber one could see my reflection on the stone wall, where in the shadows I swiftly plucked a dagger that was fastened under my cloak and held it before me. Muttering under my breath I made my way into the dignitary’s chamber, with my eyes glinting and a look of pure maliciousness across my fine features.

“For the good of all” …

Orion Quiros

I jolted in my saddle as a stone landed in my lap. I picked it up slowly, pretending to brush something off my robes. I felt it in my hand and by touch I could pick up bits of information. Without reading the note I dropped my hand by my side where Ekko was and let him smell it. He sniffed at the stone eagerly.
"Find and point." I muttered. The husky glanced around and twitched his nose then finally lifted one front paw, his tail raised high and pointed his nose at a figure sitting atop a horse. My eyes swept their face, which was hidden my their cloak, then down to their neck. Around their neck, there was a string of beads which matched my own.

"Good boy." I said to Ekko, and led my horse through the crowd, towards the figure.


(((Sorry for the short post, my mum's calling me for dinner.)))

Aurora de Quave

I am Princess Aurora Elina de Quave, next heir to the throne at seventeen, and a constant target for gold-lusty men and blood thirsty killers. My family has sat on the throne for over ten generations, and we can just say that it hasn’t been a clean ride. Most of the deaths in my ancestry were bloody- assassinations, executions (that was only one though), those who had Fallen in war and the occasional choking up of the sick red liquid that oozes through our mortal veins, signifying an inevitably painful and drawn out death. The last one befell my grandfather, King Xashij de Quave, may the Goddess bless his decaying body and keep alive his spirit. He was known as one of our most gracious kings.

So, due to the particularly bloody history of my family, I chose to even out the playing field. I wear a crown on my head and carry two poisoned daggers around my ankles, a small hand knife, sheathed in the back of my dress and- well I won’t reveal everything...

I have been trained in the art of death since the age of fourteen, trained by the best assassin there is, and can name fifty ways to kill a man with only a piece of string. But most of those are cruel and I at least have the moral decency to be quick and clean when dealing out the cards of Death.

Of course, one can’t simply turn into an assassin; I have a reputation to uphold. Nobody knows about me, save the few great killers that I occasionally work with. My life continues quite normally (and boringly if you ask me) with lessons, meetings, audiences and other political affairs. But at night, I store away my grand dresses, replacing them with the rich, deceiving colours of the night, designed to cloak me from unwanted eyes and protected me from unnecessary recognition. I get out my beautiful array of knives, daggers, poisons, bows, swords, darts and other weapons that would make my sisters faint. With royal gold, you can afford to get the best.

I’m a princess, an assassin and I’m- Oh Goddess! I’m late!

Princess Rosaline al Carquest

Sunlight flooded into my chamber and across the satin sheets where I lay, as I awoke with the dawn of a new day and the screams that would be echoing down the west wing corridors. As my eyes flickered open I lay there with a smile across my face, arising from the bed and making my way across to the window. Peering out behind the curtain and through the diamond shaped panes of glass I noted that everything was going to plan, as I glanced at the distressed court members and array of servants who were running to and fro in the Eastern courtyard. There faces depicted that of terror and fright, as news of Lord Devonshire’s death was spreading throughout the palace.

“Tap…Tap…Tap…”

A gentle tapping at my door interrupted my daydreaming, as I turned from the window replacing the musty curtain. The chamber was exactly as I had left it so as to not cause suspicion, as upon returning in the early hours of the morning I had also undressed whilst removing the blooded weapon which was now safely stored away under lock and key. I was my master’s most devout follower and one who was in a most fortunate position, having access to a lot of power within the Kingdom of Caprice. I adhered the master’s every word and instruction, as much for him as for my own safety being someone so highly recognized and respected within Court and the palace. I was in constant danger and so vigilance at all times was key.

“Please do enter”

Draping a long red cloak around my shoulders I turned to then face the maidservant who had entered the room, carrying upon her person a rolled up scroll of parchment. She curtseyed and muttered ‘my Lady’ under her breath before swiftly turning to leave me alone once more. Crouching down by the empty fireplace which was surrounded by thick black soot, I carefully unraveled the scroll to reveal its contents within. Once read I set about getting dressed and pulled the material cord by my bed, to ring for a servant who I would ask to fetch my horse. Whilst hurrying around busily I took a moment to glance down at my letter once more, and skimmed over its message.

“My Lady Rosaline al Carquest, I thank you for your loyalty. It is time for you to rejoin the court and be present there this afternoon, as I have arranged a very special gathering.

Your cousin Princess Aurora De Quave shall be also present alongside you at the Golden table, as well as several other individuals whom are most devoted to the Assassin’s creed. A Varice Eveans is traveling from the North to meet with you there, along with two other members of the Unit; a Joseph Mandrake and also a Orion Quiros.

As you know these members are in effect loyal to myself but they lack the social impact that you will have in court, and so I beg of you to be present today and act in my stead.

Viruir.”

Once ready I nimbly threw around my shoulders a velvet purple cape and rolled the scroll back up, shoving it into a hidden pocket. My emerald, off the shoulder gown was appropriate for the occasion that trailed along the ground, the material concealing the sturdy leather riding boots beneath. I shook my head and cackled to myself at the letter that I had just read, finding it acutely funny.

“The fool! If he knew who’s side I was really on he might think twice about trusting me so much. One day his arch enemy shall come forth and crush my master’s spirit into dust, for Viruir thinks that he is all powerful…the deceiver shall become the deceived!”


...

Princess Rosaline el Carquest

Galloping across the open land on top of my black stallion Titan, I surveyed the Kingdom whilst the wind whistled through my long flowing hair and my robes billowed out behind me. Nearing the court and the outlying small hamlet of Huron, I made sure as to conceal my head once more with my hood as Titan trotted down the dusty path towards the townsfolk. Small dwellings carved out of wood made up this little community within acres of green pasture, and as I neared my destination my horse could feel the tension above him and so began to nervously jog along the path whilst flaring his nostrils and showing the whites of his eyes. The simply dressed townspeople turned their attention towards the unfamiliar stranger coming towards them, and I held my breath whilst I tried to remain calm even though I was extremely nervous as all eyes became locked onto me.

The Golden hall of Dent loomed on top of the Southern Mountain standing formidably, surveying all below and just glancing up at it made my stomach churn. The high court was held within those halls and so I continued to make my way along the winding, sandy track in the direction of those bleak, harsh mountains ahead.

“Shhh…calm!”

Suddenly a dog came bounding in front of me startling the stallion that reared up in fright, hence I shouted out trying to calm him down and as I did so my hooded cloak fell from across my face. An abundance of thick brown curls flew around my face as those surrounding me began to recognize the vision before them, hence by the time I was able to sit into the saddle again I looked up to meet the eyes of various peasants who had their hands covering open mouths. This was the worst possible outcome that I could have expected, but then it was always a slim chance that I had coming here and not being recognized. I spun around with Titan’s hooves slipping in the wet muddy dirt, to see a middle-aged man coming towards me waving his arms in the air.

“Make way! Make way for her Royal Highness Princess Rosaline el Carquest….move out the way!”

I rolled my eyes heavenward as the crowd began to part and cursed under my breath, the dog that had run off. Needing the leather reins through my hands I kicked the stallion beneath me in the flanks, so that he took off up the hill at a brisk canter. As I turned my head away from the cluster of people out of the corner of my eye I spotted a male and a female on horseback that had an item upon them that startled me and awoke me back to my senses. The Master’s dutiful assassins all wore a simple necklace of beads, which one was supposed to pray on to the Goddess herself. I smirked as I made my way directly to the Golden hall and thought to myself how fooled they all were, taken in by Viruir’s plight. No, I might be leading a dual personality at the present but when the time came I knew which side I was on, and that side was not with the master….

Varice Eveans:

A dog. My questionably amicable ally - both descriptions being questionable - had a strange idea of how to endear himself, to be sure. I shook my head and twisted the band that circled my wrist, a snaking metallic rope shooting out and twisting itself in the dog's collar, halting the dog mid-jump. The dog sniffed the air and growled, before settling down at my command.

I retracted the rope and knelt down, raising an eyebrow at the dog before me. It was gazing at me, knowing it should pounce, but being in the Convent had allowed me time to associate myself with such animals. I held out my palm, and the dog snuffled it...giving me a look that clearly said this wasn't finished, before settling down on its haunches again.

"Good dog," I murmured, watching as the young man cracked his reins and made his way through the crowd, conspicuous as ever, over to me and his dog. Though what kind of assassin risked being given away by having such a creature follow him around, I couldn't guess. I had been taught to work solo - the less noise, the less variables left to luck and the less people, the better.

"Ekko - here, boy!" The young man was close now, but I kept my hood up, using the time to commit his appearance to memory and to visually find all his hidden weapons. The dog got up and returned to stand by the young man's horse.

Six. I could spot six weapons thus far, barely noticeable but still there. Broad shoulders indicated he'd been trained or at least was not a stranger to physical labor - hands were callous and dirt smudged his left cheek and had settled in the ridges of the skin covering his knuckles.

A village boy at first glance, or even a squire - perhaps studying under a master craftsman in the town. But the scar just below his jaw, his shrewd gaze and his hidden weapons told me better.

Orion Quiros

I stopped my horse next to the hooded figure, who, on closer inspection, was a woman. I didn't say anything, just stood there silently.

I swept my eyes over the woman, picturing all the areas which could harbour hidden weapons and my eyes settled on her glove. It glinted unnaturally, as if it had a layer of metal. But when her hands moved, she seemed to have no trouble.
The only thing I could think it could be was something similar to the armour we give the warhorses. It is a very thin but very strong layer of special metal that my father crafts. When hit from one side, it is very sharp and painful but from the other, it feels like there is nothing.

I kept my face inpassive. This could be a trap. But- I looked down at Ekko, who was prancing near my horse's hooves- if it was a trap, he would've picked up something.

I looked again at the woman's face, her eyes hidden, and memorised her other features.
At home on the farm, in my spare time I had been taught many different languages to communicate with passing travellers. Italian, French, Japanese, Spanish.

Then I spoke,
"O namae wa nan desuka?" I spoke in Japanese, my words meaning "What is your name?"

Varice Eveans:

I smirked at the young man.

"No merece tu preocupación," I replied in Spanish. In other words, "Not worth your concern." I switched to English. "I am impressed by your grasp of Japanese, but unless you believe that one's loyalties and character are to be judged by one's language, you will gain nothing from your casual banter."

His expression was unreadable, as he replied, "Have you a better idea as to how I can decide on whether you are friend or foe?"
I smirked again. "You could always ask what my favourite colour is in Italian. I am sure that will be most useful." He scowled, obviously disliking the mockery.

Aurora de Quave

Some assassins like to cover themselves up completely, try to slip through the streets without attention. I'd much rather dress like a normal gypsy, possibly a little more provocative, but hey, no one even gave me a second glance. Because it's so normal.

A black veil covered my lower face and bright, tight clothing made sure that no one would dare look any closer than necessary. The princess would never be seen in such a outfit. No one ever suspects a thing.

I passed a couple and smiled, hearing the the banter of other languages, knowing they were who I sought out.
"Bonjour mes ami." I said en francais. (Hello my friends.) switching to english I said, "Do you also get the letter? This must be quick, I'm to be back at the Castle in an hour."

Orion Quiros

How annoying can this woman be?
"I'm sorry but, there is only a certain amount of times one can call another 'you' or 'excuse me' before becoming agitated." I frowned.

A gypsy dressed in bright clothing entered my view. I stared at her, not knowing who exactly she was. Even with her clothing and friendly way of speaking, she seemed authoritative and I resisted the urge to bow at her feet.

Varice Eveans:

I sighed, my patience fraying - first, the highly-strung male and now this young woman who also insisted upon speaking in tongues?

"Yes," I said. "I do believe we also got the letter - otherwise it would be awfully convenient for the three of us to have the same beads, not to mention be gathered at the same place." I gestured to the young man, saying to the girl, "We were just trying to decide whether we were friends or foes."

"I see," she said, pursing her lips, only slightly visible due to her veil. "Well do hurry up about it - I have not got all day."
The young man bristled at this. "This is not a trifling matter."
"Of course not," I said, rolling my eyes. "But playing guessing games is so much fun!"
"You mock me," he said, gripping his horse's reins.

"Bravo!" I smiled at him, even though the cloak hid most of my face from view. "The gentleman gets it at last!" My smile fled in an instant and I continued, "I dearly hope you are a foe, sir, because I would hate to have an ally who cannot be swift in determining a person's intentions."

"And you can do better, I suppose?" he asked, anger lacing his voice.
"You are both allies," I said smugly. "The woman," I gestured to the gypsy who remained silent, "is of royal roots or of high background because her disguise is overly elaborate and slightly immoral, meant to direct the onlookers attention and thoughts away from her refined accent. She also has weapons on her person...four, maybe five to be precise. You, sir, are of village origin - that horse is not yours, though it knows you, and you also have weapons on your person. I found six."

I fell silent, letting the knowledge sink into him.

Aurora de Quave

"I've already decided. I like you both, not so much as to trust you, but enough to tolerate you. I am Princess Aurora Eline de Quave, an honour to meet you both." I smiled. "It's nice to finally have some intelligant company."

They both tipped their heads in discreet respect as to not draw attention.
"The honour is ours." Said onee them, I knew not their names

"Who are you?" I asked.

Varice Eveans:

Intelligent company? I raised an eyebrow at this but kept my silence. Then the Princess tilted her veiled head to the side, and asked, "Who are you? Both of you?"

I thought quickly...I knew deep down that these two were both allies - but I had seen allies quickly turn to dangerous foes in the space of a breath. Should I trust them with my true name? But something told me that if I could not trust these two, then I may as well kiss farewell to the entire mission.

"I am Varice Evean of the Goddess, Princess," I replied, seeing the young man's eyes widen slightly at the mention of the Goddess. Being of the Goddess meant that I had been trained by the One's chosen women at one of the convents in the kingdom. The title could only be earned after a minimum of five years at a convent, having passed every course.

Orion Quiros

I sighed. That woman, Varice, would be the death of me. I didn't tell her what I knew about her as it would give me a disadvantage. I didn't have six weapons, and I was proud of the fact I managed to hide eight more than she could find. Even though I the closest market to home was a quaint village, I lived at a large farm far from civilisation. Zephyr, the horse, was indeed my brother's. I was slightly impressed with the training she had had, even though I would never admit it.

I frowned, then put on a convincing smile, changing my attitude completely.
"My name is Orion Quiros." I introduced quietly. I decided I would try to befriend this group, as I would be working with them.

Varice Eveans:

Orion - like the constellation?! I noted his change in attitude and was immediately wary. Someone who went from irate to amicable at a second's notice was a person of volatile nature. But I nodded in acceptance of his introduction anyway.

"Ecstatic to meet you both," I said, turning around and easily mounting my horse, shifting in the saddle. "Now that we have all exchanged pleasantries, can we please be off? I have heard of an inn a few hours ride from here. We can spend the night there and plan our disguises and stories before leaving for the palace."

Aurora de Quave

I smiled, almost seeing the thought of contradiction and suspicion running behind my companion's eyes.

I turned to Varice, "Of the Goddess? You are lucky to have had the chance." I made a quick mental note to trust this stern, yet sarcastic woman. "I envy you immensely."
Turning to Orion, I smiled knowingly. "I think our frient was wrong. You carry more than six but less than twenty? Well disguised weapons, good job. And I'll assume that you have more power than you're letting on." He smiled a wicked, gleaming show of teeth. "I need a drink." I announced. "Are there any pubs near by? We're starting to draw attention, we look too strange together here. But at a tavern, surrounded by drunken men, we shall have more privacy than we should need."
Orion said there was a good one down the road and lead us there.

Orion Quiros

I grinned at Varice, noticing her reaction to my name. My mother had indeed named me after Orion, the Warrior. She often spoke about how the name fit me well and others agreed with her.

I took comfort knowing the exact number of weapons I carry is unknown to the others.
I led them to a tavern I knew from the times my brother took me on our trading route.
I dismounted my horse at the front of the pub. Ekko bounded to me when I called and I patted his neck.
"Now to check if it's safe." I smiled at my companions.
"Iku." Go.
The dog immediately trotted inside the tavern and re emerged quickly, swishing his tail three times.

I gestured to the tavern, "It's safe. Ladies first."

Varice Eveans:

I ground my teeth at this infuriating Princess. A pub? Had the beads around her wrists and her intoxicating perfume addled her senses? I had offered a perfectly acceptable suggestion, to ride to an inn, but obviously this Princess craved more than speed.

A pub was not like most people would believe, perfect for privacy. In fact, that is where one is bound to come across spies, poisons can be slipped into drinks and we would look less strange if we simple left!

The princess led the way and I fell in beside Orion. I kept my silence, infuriated that I was stuck on my life's mission with two persons such as them. Orion glanced sideways at me, saying, "You seem awfully quiet."
"You should try being silent some time, sir," I replied crisply. "It allows one to meditate on ones words before one speaks."
"Why do you insist upon being so abrupt?" he asked, raising an eyebrow.

I remained silent and urged my horse forward, ahead of him. Arrogant man. I wished I was back with Lipolia - even back at the Convent. How were we to save a kingdom with such a motley group - stopping at pubs and taverns along the way?

Varice Eveans:

"It's safe," Orion said, opening the door to the scent of fermented drinks, sweat and grime and a roar of noise, part music, part conversation. "Ladies first."

The princess smiled coyly at him and entered the pub. I dismounted from my horse, but stayed by its side, walking it over to the side of the pub and staying put. Orion hesitated, before coming over to me.

"Why are you not coming?" he asked.

I ignored him and lifted back my hood, patting my braid to make sure it was still intact.

I did not care for secrecy, so the hood was pointless now I had found the allies. I noticed Orion staring and snapped, "I am not one for pubs. You may enjoy the filth and promiscuity it has to offer - I for one will stay here and wait."

Orion Quiros

I sighed. She's so... difficult.
"Yes yes, Varice of the Goddess, got all that." I started pushing her to the door. She yanked herself away from me and stepped back to her horse.
I sighed, "I understand your reluctance to enter this tavern but as an assassin, you must adapt to different situations. And if you have any better ideas which include all of us being in the same place, feel free to negotiate."

I looked into her eyes sincerely. I was giving her a choice. Still, it was irritating how I, an eighteen year old, was more flexible than her, who seemed older.

Varice Eveans:

He was treating me like a unruly child! True, I was only seventeen and most likely younger than he, but that gave him no right to try and persuade me to go into the pub. I could not put words to why I would not enter it. After all, he spoke truth - it was an assassin's job to adapt to places and I had been in such places before. But something felt wrong.

He was gazing at me, his expression sincere. For an egotistical male, he was not all bad, I admit. But even he could not persuade me to go against my gut feeling.

"I am truly sorry, Orion," I said, speaking soberly to him for the first time since we'd met, looking him in the eye. I shook my head and looked away. "But my heart tells me that there is no good in this place. I cannot explain it without sounding crazed. Perhaps I am merely lacking in sleep, but there is something wrong here. Go in, if you like. I will stay here in case you need me. Goddess be with you."

Orion Quiros

I sighed and turned to enter the tavern.
"Perhaps you will change your mind in the future." I stroked Zephyr's face and told her to stay outside. I knew she would obey as she was trained well by my brother. At the door I glanced back but Varice was standing her ground.

I made a hand movement to Ekko and he understood my command.
He sat on his haunches and waved cutely at the woman. She looked amused. I whistled and the siberian husky followed me into the tavern.

I was immediately buffeted by the smell but eventually got used to it.
I quickly took in the room and was hit by a wave of nostalgia. It wasn't different to the last time I had visited. The music was played by a hired travelling bard. The Princess was surrounded by a few males who were flirting shamelessly.

"Orion!" The bar-keeper called, holding his arms out for a friendly man-hug. "You have grown so much!"
I patted his back and pulled back.
"Antonio, I haven't seen you in years."
He grinned, his teeth yellowed and crooked. "Have a drink!" He held out a frothing beer. "I'll pay, so don't worry!"
I smiled and held my hands up apologetically, "I do not drink, Antonio."
He made a sad face. "Are you sure? It's free of charge."
I shook my head again and grinned, "Remember this though, I will treat my brother and you will pay."
"No no! One time only! Now let me show you to your room!" The bar-keeper laughed.

Varice Eveans:

It grew dark...and cold. I hugged my cloak around me, fading into the side of the pub as the workers - merchants, stallowners and others - returned to their homes, swinging lanterns that flickered fiery light across the pavement and looming shadows onto the walls, and pushing carts. As I hid, I grew aware of voices from the alley beside the pub. I flattened myself against the wall, listening.

"...the owner's gotta debt to pay." The voice was harsh, uncivilised. "He'll come through. A locked door, a few drinks...he'll have them a ready to take and deliver."
"How'd we know they're the ones he sent us for?" The second voice was younger, wavering with uncertainty.

"Because of them beads 'round their necks." I inhaled quickly, though silently. They were speaking of us. I knew something was amiss! "He sent us for them - one of the messengers was intercepted at Connington and the message relayed to him. They're to be killed. Alive they're too dangerous."

I stopped listening and began to think quickly. What could I do? Go inside...but then I could become captured too - not that I underestimated my skills, or the others', but I would not leave it to chance. I whirled as the door to the pub opened, light spilling onto the doorstep. Ekko trotted out, following a ruffian of a ginger cat,

"Ekko!" I hissed, not believing my luck. I thanked the Goddess and then clicked my fingers, getting Ekko's attention. "Here, boy! I need you!"

Orion Quiros

I saw Ekko run outside to chase a cat but I didn't mind, he always came back, no matter where he was. And the way he was trained was so he didn't follow the instructions of anyone that he didn't know. Also, different commands were in different languages. 'Stay' was in french, 'go' in Japanese, 'sit' in Italian, just to name a few.

Antonio, the bar-owner, opened the second door on the left of the second floor. I scanned the room. Two single beds, one bookshelf, a bedside table and a tall wooden closet.
"Here is your room, I hope you feel comfortable. If you need anything just ask me."
I smiled and thanked him. He leaned in and spoke in a whisper, "Take care of yourself. Nothing is true..."
"Everthing is permitted." I whispered back, surprised.
Antonio grinned and lowered the collar of his tunic. I glimpsed a string of beads before he covered it again. He grinned.

He left and I stepped into the room. I looked out the window into the alley below and I saw Ekko with Varice. I chuckled, thinking of how the dog would give her a hard time if she tried to give it a command. I went inside and sat on the bed. I had a bad feeling but I couldn't understand the reason why.

Aurora de Quave

"Dear Lady, tell us your name, whisper it in my ear so that only I may know the secret of your lips." Such was the way of men, espescially sad men that drank to satisfy themselves.
"No, tell me!" yelled another.
"Marry me!" screamed a third.
"Sweet beauty, love me!" And those were the usual comments flown at me. I made eye contact with Orion, he smirked and disappeared into a room.
I sighed, touched the cheek of one man in false affection. "I must go." I waltzed off, away from the and entered the room, hearing arguments, insults and fists flying, all because of me.

"Something's up." I said, as soon as the door had closed.

Varice Eveans:

I noticed Orion peer from an upstairs window and felt a great sense of urgency. The dolt could not fall asleep now! I knelt before Ekko and switched to French, saying, "Howl, Ekko - awake Orion and howl, boy!"

And howl he did. Long and resonating, the howl sent shivers down my back. Hopefully Orion would look out to see what the matter was. I saw a tree beside the pub and grinned. When he opened the window I would climb the tree and enter the pub through the window. I mentally checked my weapons. I would need to be ready for anything.

Orion Quiros

I didn't look up when the Princess entered the room. I clutched my stomach which felt like it was going to explode with anxiety.
"I know." I looked at her, feeling a bit better knowing I wasn't imagining anything.
"I can't figure it out." I frowned and looked out the window again. I brushed a hand through my brown hair.

I suddenly heard Ekko howling, calling for me. I opened the window and looked outside.
Varice jumped up a tree and climbed towards my window and I knew something was up.
"Shizukani! Venire, Ekko!" Quiet! Come! Ekko stopped howling and entered the Tavern again. I slipped my hand into my boot, where two throwing knives were strapped, ready to attack if anything happened.

Aurora

Sensing danger, I unsheathed the two poisoned daggers from my ankles. "It's about time we had some fun. I was starting to get disappointed."

Varice Eveans:

I raised an eyebrow at the princess. "Dear me, you had best put those away before you harm yourself - you had best stun them with your outfit, not your wit." The princess rolled her eyes. I unfastened my cloak so it wouldn't inhibit my movement and took out two daggers and flexed my hands so the steel trap sprang into being.

"What is that?" asked the princess.
I grinned, waving a hand at her. "That, princess, is the reason they will be cautious not to sake hands and be civil, for fear of losing them."