Quest LFG: Link Participants: @Eldhi , @Surrechis ----- Hidden: Arcania Oh dear, it seemed she had gotten herself into a bit of a pickle here. As it turned out, the nobles of Stokbon didn't take lightly to the minor fact that her so-called 'Pyromancy' isn't a real one, quickly turning from fans to haters in one fell swoop. Pssh... those damned snobs, why would it matter whether her flames were the products of chemistry or the arcane? They both produced similar results! As long as she gave them a good thrilling fire show, why would they care? Seriously, she just couldn't get them. However, the fact still stood that some overzealous sort went as far as to send death threats and actually putting a bounty on her head. By the Gods, come on! Didn't they have anything better to do than sending assassins after a humble stage performer? Oh right, they were nobles, she conceded her point. One thing was clear, she couldn't stay in Stokbon any longer, it would be suicide. She must leave the capital city as soon as possible. However, she knew that if she took so much of a step outside the inn, she'd find a blade stabbed through her chest. Thus, the redheaded 'pyromancer' decided to hire a pair of guards by consulting her contacts. She grew up in the streets, she knew people, hopefully, they didn't decide to turn on her as well. "...!?" The performer was thrown out of her thoughts when her room's door was knocked, taking a few deep breaths, she strolled over there, her heart thumping. Please let it be the hired guards, please let it be the hired guards... "Yes?" Arcania spoke out but didn't unlock the door yet. She pursed her lips, gulping heavily once. "The dazzling flames burn bright." A voice answered from the other side, prompting a heavy relieved sigh from the redhead. Thank the Gods, it was the code she gave to her contacts for whoever they hired to prove their allegiance. Nodding to herself, Arcania opened the door, welcoming the pair who would shield her from harm. --- Earlier... "This is the place." A white-haired girl clad in knightly armor with a longsword strapped to her back looked up at the inn's building. She went over her quest's assignment for a moment before turning to her petite Faerin companion who shared a similar shade of locks and eye color as her but lighter complexion, "Okay, Surrechis, remember the cipher."" Eldhi winked, "Let's do this."" then took steps forward to the enter the inn. @Surrechis
Surrechis followed behind Eldhi, making sure to keep an eye behind for any unwanted stalkers. She doubted that anyone was following but it never hurt to be cautious. Room 221, on the second floor was where Arcania apparently was. Truth be told, she was nervous about the job. Considering the cramped quarters of the city and relatively unwatched roads, the amount of potential ambush places was overwhelming. Still, not the time to be having doubts. Signalling to Eldhi to wait for a moment, Surrechis walked up to the innkeeper and bought a night's stay at one of the second floor rooms. Of course, she was planning on leaving as soon as possible but it did give her a valid excuse to be at the second floor. Eldhi and Surrechis reached the room without incident, and as far as she could tell, without any followers as well. Eldhi knocked on the door and gave the cipher, the door swung open and Surrechis saw their client for the first time. Arcania was a fairly tall with red hair and eyes. Quite distinct, which would be good for show business but not when trying to avoid assassination. Both of them were quickly ushered inside the room. Once inside, Arcania gestured for them to sit before saying, "You have no idea how relieved I am that you're here.The assassin hasn't quite figured out where I am but it was only a matter of time. As you can see, I'm not exactly hard to pick out from a crowd." Surrechis figured that introductions were in order. She wasn't sure if Arcania knew their names or not and there were a few things that she needed to sort out. "Greetings miss Arcania, my name is Surrechis and my associate here is Eldhi. As you know, we are here to escort you safely out of Stokbon. However, there are a few things I must ask. First off, what do you think of the name Vesta? It would be inadvisable to call you Arcania in public, this would let us call out to you if needed. Second, do you have anything to cover your features? If you do not I have a spare cloak in my bags, although that may be a bit small considering my size." Arcania sighed with relief, glad that her bodyguards were taking the job seriously. The whole situation seemed a bit ridiculous, with nobles hiring trained killers against an entertainer. Did they seriously not have anything better to spend their money on? "Vesta huh? It will do for now. As for your second question, I do have a hooded robe in my bags to cover my hair but it still leaves my face exposed. However, with that cloak of yours that problem could be easily solved" Arcania reached into her bags before slipping the robe on and drawing the hood. As she said, while her hair was mostly covered, her face was on full display. She gestured for Surrechis to hand over the spare cloak she mentioned earlier. Surrechis, seeing no reason not to, gave her the cloak. Arcania fashioned the cloak into a makeshift mask. It did a fantastic job of concealing her identity while also looking incredibly conspicuous. "Well, what do you think? No one will recognize me as long as I keep quiet." "While you are correct in that it would hide your face, it is quite... noticeable. If I may miss?" With Arcania's permission, Surrechis undid the mask before adjusting the robe. While it wouldn't hold up at all to close inspection, it would let her blend into a crowd more. Surrechis glanced towards @Eldhi before asking her to explain their current plan and route.
Blazing red hair, fiery irises, the statuesque woman standing before them was no doubt the (in)famous Arcania. She looked every part the pyromancer she was, except for the fact she had no grasp of the arcane, giving an unfortunate ironic twist on her name, appearance, and theme of performances. Eldhi could understand why the fans were angered, they felt lied and cheated but there was no amount of justification to warrant sending hired killers after her. "For now, Milady, but it is ill-advised to stay here for any prolonged period of time." "Yes, I am Eldhi Arc, Paladin and faithful of Tyl. By my life, any foul assassins who dare to strike us will find themselves on the sharp end of my blade." The Knight confirmed the Faerin Bard's introduction. While Surrechis and Arcania discussed on the issue of concealing the latter's eye-catching features, Eldhi took an overwatch role, keeping an eye on the door and windows for any suspicious signs. Things may be calm now but there was no telling when the shadows would strike. The Paladin returned to her companion and escort, now Arcania's hair and face were properly covered while passing off enough as a traveler. She also saw the performer had packed her belongings, they weren't much for easy travel, she likely only packed what was essential to her and leave the rest behind. Such a shame but worldly possessions meant nothing if one was no longer among the living. "Your contacts have given us a route to escape, Milady." Eldhi took out a scroll, revealing it to be a drawn map of... Stokbon's sewers, complete with scribbles and notes leading to just outside the metropolis. "The route should take us into a rendezvous point just beyond the city limits where a carriage will be waiting to take you to out of Falderen." "Uh... underground, through the sewers?" Arcana didn't look too happy about that, she rose from humble beginnings to fame and fortune, never would have she thought she'd return to go there again, but fate was always a fickle mistress, she guessed. "Yes, I am afraid this is the quickest and safest way for our situation, Milady." She paused, "I will stay close to you and be your shield. If the enemy should strike, their claws should meet my armor first. My comrade will take point, her small size and keen senses will alert us of any possible threats." Eldhi huffed, phew, she got all that right, playing the role of a Paladin was hard especially when she must start using big words but fun! Compared to homeschooling, Ellie preferred to learn through this game, no arguments there. "Do you have anything else to say, Surrechis? If there's nothing else, I say we depart now, Milady Ar-... I mean, Vesta." Eldhi asked as she eyed the two females, one of statuesque height, the other of petite adorable stature.
Surrechis shook her head before leading the way. She wasn't a big fan of the sewers plan either but it was better than walking out of the front gates. Thankfully, they would not need to swim in the contents or anything that crass. Nobody seemed to question what the trio was doing, which was good. The less attention they drew, the better. Before she stepped out into the village proper, she took a moment to compose herself. Calm, elegant and collected, her face was a mask to any outside observers. The walk through the city streets was nerve wracking. While they were quite deserted, the occasional late night street walker filled the situation with tension. Luckily, none of the people they encountered attacked them. However, things only got even worse when they had to abandon the city streets and make their way through the back alleys and corridors. There was a plethora of nooks and crannies for an assailant to potentially hide behind. While on the streets Serruchis would occasionally glance behind and make meaningless small talk to check that the two following her hadn't been silently taken behind her back, she found herself completely silent in the maze of buildings. At long last, they reached what would be their entry point into the sewers. Giving one final glance around the area just to be safe, she found no one besides her companions. Letting out a small sigh of relief, Surrechis opened up the manhole cover and was about to climb down when something below grabbed her and pulled her into the shadows. @Eldhi
"Then let us depart." With her cue, the all-female red-eyed trio left the inn together. With Eldhi staying close to the disguised performer and Surrechis taking point, they trekked their way to designated sewer access. The moon reigned above and while it seemed to be a poor choice traveling in the night while one was being hunted by assassins, Arcania was sure she couldn't stay even a night longer here. She must leave Stokbon tonight or die. The choice was incredibly obvious. Trudging through the streets, alleys, and corridors, Eldhi was ever at the ready to brandish her blade upon the slightest sign of threat. However, nothing of note spring up so far. She didn't like it, it was quiet, far too quiet. The silence was tense enough that the Paladin preferred for the assassins to make their appearance now so she could smite them and be done with it. Those damned rogues likely knew about this, they were looking for the perfect chance to strike... then again, there was also the possibility of the nobles resigning on their vindictive endeavor. One couldn't know for sure and this frustrated the knight. Soon enough, they arrived at the first milestone in their escape plan. Just behind a cluster of buildings was a network of alleys connected by a small opening in the center. The manhole to access the particular sewer section that'd lead outside the city was there. Giving a nod to Serruchis, Eldhi stood by the performer. It was then the darkness decided to spring its claws. "...!?" Two pairs of red eyes widened as the petite silver-haired Faerin suddenly vanished from her spot, dragged down by an unknown assailant, there was no way Surrechis would accidentally 'fall' just like that, someone deliberately pulled her in! Brandishing her sword in full alert, Eldhi turned her gaze here and there in an effort to spot ambushers! ...however, none came. "Surrechis!" Arcania gasped, already making steps toward the manhole, held back only an armored hand on her shoulder. "M'am, it's a trap!" Eldhi gritted her teeth, clever bastards, taking them out one by one. "I hate to say this but... your safety is our first priority, we both knew what we are risking by accepting the jo-" "Oh sod it, girl! We can't just leave her in there!" The redheaded performer snarled back, if she was a Felis, she would be baring her fangs at the Paladin right now, "You may be my bodyguard but that doesn't mean I can't defend myself!" She wasn't some pampered noble girl in a gilded cage. She grew up in the streets, eating scraps for food, having to fend for herself every single moment of her waking hours. She survived until today for a reason. Taking a deep breath then growling, the anger was practically radiating from the tall woman as she unpacked a particular bag, filled with a dagger, potions, tonics, and fire grenades. She had enough! If those nobles wanted a pyromancer, she'd give them exactly that. "Come on, we'll beat them in their own game!" Driven by frustration, anger, and unrelenting determination, Arcania led the way as she literally jumped down into the manhole. "..." Eldhi had no choice but to follow suit, it was quite obvious there wasn't anything she could say to change the fiery woman's mind. Besides, she was right, she wouldn't be able to live with herself if she left Surrechis to certain death. Working her Illumancy, the Paladin cast protective barrier over Arcania and herself, the buff also served as a source of light, allowing them to see in the otherwise pitch-black sewers.
The first thing that Serruchis felt after impacting with the sewer's floor was an arm around her eyes and the flat of a blade to her throat. From the situation, she could conclude that Arcania's contacts were not as trustworthy as she thought. There was a slim chance that this was just a raving madman but she doubted that considering how perfect the timing and area was. There was some faint yelling from outside the hole and for a moment it was silent. Sudden noises caused the blade to press even tighter against her throat as two large thuds slammed into the sewer, no doubt it was Arcania and @Eldhi. Giving away her voice, Arcania instantly started to yell some demands and threats. Surrender, let the girl go, etc... While they may have bended the will of the weaker, the assassin was stalwart and showed no emotion. That was ... unfortunate, any hope of the situation being played off peacefully was instantly dashed. She didn't really see a way out of this outside without resorting to the darker arts. Although she was fairly inept from a lack of practice, it was better than waiting for this powder keg of a situation to explode. Serruchis' eyes began to darken and she muttered, her two allies barely able to hear over the ambiance of the sewers, "Miss Eldhi, miss Arcania? Please avert your eyes, this will be unpleasant." Her captor seemed to realize she was planning something and tried to flip the dagger around to slit her throat. Alas they were too slow to do so. Serruchis's hands, already having a grip on the assassin's arm began to pulse with baleful energy as she channeled the power of decay to try and rot their arm off. Not very pleasant or clean but that was Malefimancy in general.
The pair of Paladin and Performer landed in filthy ground of the sewers, their light and the echoes of Serruchis' voice allowed the two to zero in on her location. "Tch..." Arcania clicked her tongue while Eldhi gave a concerned stare as the assassin held the petite Faerin, holding a glinting dagger against her throat. "Yo-..." Eldhi was just about to make her demands, be chivalric, be a knight! "Let the girl now, you piece of shit!" That was when the redhead of the group interrupted her, snarling like a tigress at the unknown figure holding Surrechis hostage. "It's me you want, motherfucker!" Oh come on now, When Eldhi would ever get the chance? This seemed to be a thing by now. The Paladin only gave her a momentarily look of disappointment. "Hmm?!" That was when her instincts flared up as she quickly turned and parried a thrown object with her blade, the dagger clattering against the wall and on the ground. There were more of them! She knew it, it was obviously a trap, no matter, she'd deal with them right here, right now! Meanwhile, at the same time, the assassin holding the Faerin was in for a nasty surprise as the seemingly frail girl worked some kind of vile magic. Not liking it one bit, he decided to just kill her there since they already got Arcania where they wanted. However, massive agony struck him before he could slit the damned Fae's throat. "Aaaaaaargh!!" The malevolent magic coursed through his arm, rotting skin, flesh, and bone as his left arm disintegrated into blackened dust, forcing him to let the Faerin go. He fell onto his ground, clutching the shoulder of his missing arm. --- Hidden: Music However, the fight for Arcania's life was just beginning as two more assassins showed up from behind the wounded one. "Heh... nasty, but you got spunk, girl, I like it." The performer cracked her neck, grinning, "My turn now, I'll show them fire!!" The redhead fished out one of the vials strapped to her belt and drank it, buffing herself with increased speed, agility, and endurance. Next, she took another vial and doused her dagger with it, lighting it up in arcane fire. Arcania wasn't just a performer, she was a bona fide Alchemist and Elixir Combatant, how else could she perform all those pyromancy tricks? "Burn, scum!" Arcania sprinted forward. "By the Light of Tyl!" Behind her, Eldhi did the same. Both of them had their share of opponents, leaving the third one for Serruchis to handle. The one with the missing arm? He was incapacitated enough to be no longer a threat factor.
Surrechis grimaced as the man's arm was annihilated, the rank stench of rotting flesh combined with the sewer's smell nearly making her retch. Still, she was free to escape as he no longer had a grip. And likely never would have one on anything else, a grim thought coming to her mind. She just barely managed to scramble away from another assassin's strike before retreating behind Eldhi and Arcania. Despite the tricks up her sleeve, Arcania had only managed to barely match up while Eldhi was holding her own just fine. The clash of blades and sounds of battle filled the sewers as Surrechis struggled to catch her breath.The maleficent spell had taken a lot out of her, still, she couldn't just do nothing. Taking a deep breath, Surrechis began to sing. The song was of a storm that had struck in the middle of a pitched battle. Both sides were torn to shreds by each other and the natural disaster, at the end, only the two commanders were left alive. A well known yet not so popular song due it its implications. However, a bit of magic infused into the song empowered her allies to strike faster. They would find themselves able to wield their weapons as if it weighed nothing. The buff just barely managed to start tipping the fight in their favor as Arcania managed to land a flame infused strike into her opponent's chest, setting him ablaze and ending his life. Out of breath by the end of the song, Surrechis turned to see how @Eldhi was faring.
The bout continued in the sewers, right under the nose of the citizens above. The third assassin going after Surrechis found himself halted by the fight between his cohort and Arcania as the small Faerin took shelter in-between the redheaded performer and the white-haired Paladin. Well, no matter, their target was the fake pyromancer anyway. Grinning underneath his hood, he backed his comrade. Arcania soon found herself facing against two foes at the same time, pushing her back. As for Eldhi, she continued to exchange blows with the assailant. Her opponent was faster but she was tougher. However, the stalemate was worrying for the Paladin as her duty was to protect Arcania. With her whole attention forced on her foe, she couldn't check up on them. From what she gathered from the sounds of battle behind her, Arcania was still alive... for now. By Tyl! Grant her an opening already! --- Then... beautiful haunting melodies echoed within the walls of the sewers, a song of battle and war, a tale of soldiers fighting to their last breath, an ode of bravery, courage, and death. The magic laced in Surrechis' voice reached into her party's ears, empowering them, lifting them. Both Eldhi and Arcania took the song to heart as they both flashed a grin, something the assassins didn't like, at all. "Be sundered, agent of darkness!" Eldhi cried, moving faster than she ever before, even faster than the rogue as she made a clean strike at his dagger arm, cutting it off with her illuminance-edged blade. The Paladin didn't even let him scream as she swung down her longsword, making a powerful cleave at his forehead, slaying him. After turning one assassin into a crisp with her fiery dagger, a swift stab boosted by Serruchis' song. Then, Arcania fished out a small bottle filled with swirling red liquid as she threw it at her remaining opponent, dousing him in fire. "Yes, burrrn!" The contract killer panicked as flames enveloped him, eating away at his clothes, skin, and flesh. This allowed Eldhi to charge in - having finished off her own foe - and end his misery by decapitating him with a clean swing of her blade. His burning body fell down, his separated head rolling away. After that, an eerie silence fell on the sewers... except for the fearful whimpers of the last surviving hitman, the one whose arm was rotten off by the Faerin's baleful powers. "Well, what are you going to do with him?" Arcania shrugged as she twirled her dagger, "This shithead tried to use you against us, I'll let you decide his fate."
Seeing that most of the threat was gone and her aid was effective, Surrechis relaxed. Upon hearing Arcania's inquiries, she gave a slight shrug and said, "While I would not mourn for his death, he could make for a sort of messenger. A warning to any future assassins sent after you, it could deter some of the more careful ones from pursuing the contract. On the other hand, revenge is a powerful motivator and he could very well come to take it..." Arcania seemed to ponder the advice a bit before coming to a decision. She put the dagger to the man's throat and slit it. Loose ends could often come to trip you up one day. Seeing that the final assassin was dead, Surrechis addressed her companion and charge, "You two should go on ahead, I will clean up business here. There is no need to worry, I will be fine, no one after my head unlike you, Ms. Arcania." Turning to the corpses, Surrechis started to gather them push them into the wastewater below. Not the most elegant or clean to hide their tracks but it was effective. Climbing up the sewer's ladder, she made her way to the inn. She had paid for a room after all, shame to let it go to waste. Speaking of waste and dirt, she needed to find some place to clean her clothes and clean up. Surrechis wasn't too concerned about not being paid for the job instantly, she could always meet up with @Eldhi, Arcania's street contacts or the entertainer herself somewhere down the line. For now, she was grateful that she survived through the night without a major injury.
With a gurgle from his cut throat, the disarmed assassin finally joined his comrades in the afterlife. "Haa..." Eldhi sighed, silently relieved that the Faerin made the wise decision. There was no reason to let him live, he'd only return to bring more trouble, evil must be vanquished right then and there. "I think that's all of them." The Paladin examined the sewers, the eerie silence still there along with the stench smell of sewer wastes mixing with blood. "Oh, not coming with us?" Arcania raised an eyebrow but very well, they shouldn't run into any more trouble from here on out. "Alright, thank you, you have done your job, I'll make sure you get your rewards." After helping the Faerin with taking care of the bodies, Eldhi joined with the performer, watching Surrechis climbed out the sewer. Let's move on." The Paladin urged, the sooner they left this place, the better. --- Later... The carriage's horses trotted, carrying the vehicle away from Stokbon. Arcania's waving hand from its window was the last sign she would see of the tall woman before the Paladin turned, taking a deep breath then exhaling. She had done a good job today, she protected an innocent from those who wished her harm. After giving a short prayer to Tyl, her Elysid patron, the Paladin trekked back to the Capital, preferably using the road this time. Time to turn in the Quest and give Surrechis her share of the reward, but not before a much deserved warm bath.
