Seeking of the Butcher

[Mariana Xiechai]

Whew! Well, I'll be filling in the spaces with plain text, as well as the reactions of both characters. As before, you're all welcome to do so as well, with whatever your character might be thinking about these events. There are more logs to go with what happened, and I will filter through and post them as I have the time. Thanks again to all who participated! 

[Mariana Xiechai]

This question has come up, and perhaps I should specify that the views of the characters (Evirea or Barsidious) regarding the personality traits, flaws, or positives of another character are not necesarily MINE. The entries are written in a third person limited, meaning that they are tainted and heavily laced with their views. As if you were looking at the world through their mind or perspective. So if they say or think something bad about a character, that in no way makes the thought accurate or true. Thank you kindly

[Phantomboy86]

lol, guards need to learn to have ears. Wearing a helmet all the time has deafened them.

[Mariana Xiechai]

(18:09:41) Travosh says: You asked, and as such I appeared

(18:10:55) Evirea appears to be curled up against the temple, her back pressed into the corner. Quite disheveled, her bandages have bled through, and her eyes are wide and owlish. "Hello Mr. Travosh," she says softly. "We have a problem."

(18:11:32) Travosh says: By the looks of it, yes

(18:12:57) Evirea nods once. She keeps speaking, but she doesn't stand up, and she just stares off into space. "The killer knows my name," she says quietly. "And that clamod accused me of having killed...there was another killing. She told the guard that arrived it was I who did it, and now apparently I'm being hunted by the guard as well."

(18:13:23) Travosh says: So it was as I theorized... and Clamod?

(18:13:27) Travosh says: All enki look alike to me.

(18:13:48) Evirea says: Miomai.

(18:15:23) Travosh says: Ugh...

(18:15:23) Travosh says: Why a guard would listen to that babbling idiot is beyond me

(18:16:13) Travosh says: I suppose now would be the time to cite my experiance dealing with mob diplomacy

(18:16:13) Evirea leans back against the temple wall and shakes her head, her eyes clenching shut. "I attempted to explain that, but it seems, as usual, the guard consists of little more than a numerous conglomerate of trepor's dung."

(18:16:34) Travosh nods. "Unfortunately."

(18:16:38) Evirea slowly opens her eyes and looks over at Travosh. "Diplomacy?"

(18:16:54) Travosh says: I'm an ambassador and councillor for a reason.

(18:17:45) Evirea lets out a low, quiet sigh. "If you could subdue the crowd, I would be grateful. They're likely still on the plaza. I need to get rid of this ridiculous accusation so that I'm only being chased by one entity, not two."

(18:18:01) Travosh says: Were you there upon discovery of the body, or did you stumble across it later?

(18:18:51) Evirea shrugs a shoulder. "I found it. That Sacho was not long behind me. And an elf, who arrived around the same time."

(18:19:44) Travosh says: Was it murdered with a dagger?

(18:20:42) Evirea nods. She reaches into her travelsack and pulls out the dagger, wrapped in cloth. "It was him. His methodology, the same devolving of the corpse. It turned to dust. Unraveled, if you will. And of course...the letter."

(18:20:54) Travosh says: Perfect.

(18:21:00) Travosh says: That poison he's been using takes time to work

(18:21:11) Travosh says: and if you had been the killer, it would be impossible for it to take effect so quickly

(18:22:20) Evirea nods her head. "I know," she says. A faint smile flickers on her lips, but she stays squatted up against the wall. "I can honestly say this is not the first time I've had to deal with these idiot guards. Even when they do bother to lift a finger, they do more harm than good."

(18:22:43) Travosh says: I'll go to the plaza and see who I can see about getting you named innocent.

(18:22:53) Travosh says: Do you care if I lie and say you were with me at the time of the murder? you may as well have been.

(18:23:27) Evirea nods again. "Not at all," she says. "You're perfectly welcome to lie."

~~~~~~

(18:40:10) Travosh says: You will go to the guards and inform them of your lies.

(18:44:22) Ketta giggles

(18:44:23) Oele frowns, not liking how Travosh talks to her friend and scared that she might get taken from her again. She glides off the chair and walks a few steps towards those two. "Leave Lazarene."

(18:44:23) Lodisto grabs up a steamed clacker leg and smiles as he bites the shell and sucks the meat out.

(18:44:39) Sanrai says: ah!

(18:44:52) Sanrai says: Someone who knows how to eat them!

(18:45:10) Lodisto is chewing but still adds, "It's a feast!... wondephooolll."

(18:45:57) Lodisto smiles to Sanrai. "Ooh... I don't waste time when it comes to clacker legs."

(18:45:59) Miomai purses her lips together as she tries to figure out what to do now. She certainly can't leave Oele alone here. The approach of Oele and the entrance of Evirea doesn't help matters, and the hamster in her head has to work overtime to come up with a decision. She suddently rushes past, or rather tries to rush past travosh and snatch up the ylian in her arms before anything bad could happen to her.

(18:46:23) Travosh simply moves to intercept

(18:46:40) Lodisto tears a hunk of bread of the end of the loaf.

(18:46:51) Sanrai says: I tend to use Ketta's method.

(18:46:53) Lodisto winces at the clattering upstairs, "What you suppose is that all about...?

(18:47:05) Lodisto turns back to Sanrai, "Ketta's method?"

(18:47:14) Sanrai nods.

(18:47:23) Evirea appears to be watching this with a relatively impassive. She merely watches the scene, and says nothing, having walked right past the guards outside just as she figured she'd be able to.

(18:47:51) Sanrai picks up a leg...

(18:48:06) Ketta says: Um..there was a murder...at least, the body was left in the plaza earlier...

(18:48:07) Miomai knows she can't beat Travosh and yells out to the girl, "Oele rrrun!"

(18:48:19) Travosh doesnt really care if the girl runs, seeing as she wasnt important

(18:48:39) Lodisto squints to Ketta, "Murder... in the city."

(18:49:16) Ketta says: Yes...permadeath...

(18:49:47) Miomai backs away from Travosh slowly. Her eeys flick from klyros to ylian quickly as she assess each action.

(18:49:58) Lodisto sighs again, "This has got to end...

(18:50:01) Travosh is ready to snap into action should Miomai move somewhere he doesnt like

(18:50:08) Evirea sighs very softly, her hands idle at her sides. "Lazarene," she says, her voice surprisingly calm.

(18:50:08) Ketta says: There was a dagger, and when it was removed, the body turned to dust...

(18:50:10) Oele completely freezes where she is, not able to understand what she should run from and not wanting to have another friend of hers sacrifices for her.

(18:50:14) Travosh says: Nothing bad will happen if you simply walk outside, and tell the guards you lied.

(18:50:26) Lodisto says: permadeath...

(18:50:44) Evirea says: "We only want you to confess to the guard that your testimony was false, do you understand?"

(18:50:51) Ketta nods

(18:50:51) Lodisto repeats as he chews the bread, "...dust..." He shakes his head and takes a swallow of the red.

(18:51:18) Lodisto says: Was there anything about the dagger... that... did it cause the permadeath by itself? Or... have a crafting mark on it?

(18:51:19) Sanrai sips on her drink as well.

(18:51:53) Miomai believes Travosh about as far as she could throw him, while he's electrocuting her. She simply freezes right in her spot, seeing as how the girl is still around and could get hurt also.

(18:51:53) Ketta pours wine into her mug, an elaborate stein, and takes a drink

(18:52:26) Travosh says: I wont hesitate to drag you out there, but It would be easier if you just walk.

(18:52:51) Travosh says: If you need proof I wont take action, Allelia here can easily tell whether or not I kill you after you tell the truth.

(18:53:03) Ketta shakes her head "we don't know...but it is the second time recently..."

(18:53:19) Lodisto turns one ear backwards to the upstairs events and one toward Ketta with a raised eyebrow. "The second time?"

(18:53:27) Oele decides she is better off when she is close to Miomai, since she doesn't want to be separated again. She tries to squeeze past Travosh to get to her friend.

(18:53:40) Travosh allows it, he is not after Oele after all.

(18:54:17) Evirea carefully strides forward and stands a few paces away. "Lazarene, I need you to go outside and simply tell the guard that what you said was false. After that, you can go back to whatever it was you were doing before, and nobody will hurt you. Clear?"


(18:55:51) Evirea squints and puts her fingers against her head with a scowl, leaving some bloody prints behind as she pulls it away.

(18:56:18) Miomai's eyes widen as the girl approaches. She shakes her head vigorously, "Nope nope Oele! Stay away." This is the most emotion she's shown all night, and it is one of clear panic. Panic for the safety of the girl she cares dearly for. With eyes darting among the three, she speaks to Oele clearly and conscisely. "Oele, please head upstairs okay? I'll be right ovah. Just give me a minute."

(18:57:05) Travosh says: The girl is even more safe than you, I've no interest in her. Now will you go peacefully, or do I have to drag you

(18:58:08) Miomai continues to act in a way that clearly shows she doesn't believe one word of Travosh's when it comes to anyone's safety. Her concern is clearly for the girl.

(18:58:35) Travosh's hands begin to glow faintly, one hand brown, the other red


(18:58:52) Evirea turns and gestures towards the door, arching a scaly brow as she does. "Go on, then," she says. "Go tell the guard you lied.

(18:59:29) Oele raises her head to have her eyes directed at Miomai's face. She reaches with her left hand out to Miomai, not sure to reasure whom, herself or Miomai. "Won't get hurt." She turns around and her attentions seems to be divided between the magic on Travosh's hands and her friend.


(19:01:18) Miomai shakes her head, "Nope, I won't get hurt," she lies, though probably subtlly enough that Oele doesn't notice it. "So just get going upstaihs and I will bring up some food. Okay?" As long as Oele is near, she ignores the klyran.

(19:01:52) Travosh casts a strength on himself and begins to try and grab Miomai's arm, whatever spell in his right left uncasted for now


(19:04:34) Miomai pulls back from Travosh's attemped grab, but this only puts her into a corner. She looks at him and says, "give me a second," with plenty of annoyance in her voice.

(19:04:36) Evirea utters a quiet sigh. She's tired, quite obviously, tired of the entire run-around, and simply waits to see whatever might occur. She flicks a glance at the child, but seems to believe well enough that Travosh has no reason to hurt the ylian, and isn't overly concerned about it. "Lazarene. The guard. Go," she says. "Follow Travosh, it will only take a minute."

(19:05:53) Travosh says: You may not follow the girl, but she can go. I don't care one way or the other what Oele does.

(19:06:09) Oele needs a while to get to a decision on what to do. She decides to be a obedient girl and takes a few steps away from Miomai, though she doesn't go upstairs, partly cause she doesn't know where to go and partly cause she doesn't want to leave completely.

(19:08:47) Miomai watches Oele head towards the stairs and is satisfied that the girl at least has gone the opposite direction she needs to go. She looks at the despicable klyran and says, "fine," in a quieter, level tone. She looks at them both carefully, suspiciously, as she walks slowly towards the door.

(19:09:12) Evirea moves without a word outside, nothing particularly threatening in her gait.

(19:10:10) Travosh says: Don't think about lying again. I've got witnesses in there.

(19:10:11) Evirea glances at the guard and raises a brow at him, while he presumably simply stands there, staring back. Probably they haven't gotten the decree yet, who knows.

(19:11:03) Jefecar "Yes, Citzen?"

(19:12:11) Miomai approaches Jefecar slowly and looks at the enki for a few long, tense, moments before starting her confession.

(19:12:43) Jefecar listens intently, bringing out the notepad all guards seem to have, ready to jot notes

(19:15:15) Miomai looks down at the ground then back up at Jefecra before fomulating her response. 'I...have something to tell you." She folds her paws together, and provides a nice, dramatic pause.

(19:16:44) Jefecar "Well, out with it!"

(19:18:06) Miomai quickly points to Evirea, "She's got a daggah that the guahds want! She's keeping....." it takes her a few seconds to think of the word, "uhm...evidence!"

(19:18:20) Travosh says: Like you are, Miomai?

(19:18:23) Travosh says: Do not lie again.

(19:18:41) Jefecar does not take any action just yet, but does put one hand on his weapon. "Is this true, klyran?"

(19:19:07) Evirea isn't quite sure which klyran he's addressing.

(19:19:14) Jefecar is looking at Evirea.

(19:20:05) Evirea lets out a soft sigh. "No. What is true is that miss Lazarene here made a statement that I was a killer, and gave false testimony to the deed."

(19:22:00) Jefecar "Then what was all that talk about your lying, miss fenki? You don't seem very sure of yourself."

(19:22:53) Travosh says: It would be impossible for my compatriot here to be the killer, as she has been with me most of the morning and left to find this body.

(19:26:16) Miomai never said she was lying. "The othah guahd was theah, at the fountain. Sacho said she had a daggah." she points to Evirea again to emphasize who has the dagger. "She's got the daggah that killed the lemur."

(19:27:16) Jefecar "Is this true Ma'am? "

(19:28:43) Evirea narrows her eyes at Miomai. "I am using the dagger for an investigation, one that I have been pursuing for precisely two years, three months and sixty seven days. Yes, it's accurate that I took the dagger for evidence. Though, if you're so eager to have it to alleviate this stupid and nonsensical accusation, and further put a damper on the entire ordeal, fine." She tosses a cloth-wrapped dagger at the menki's feet. "Here."

(19:30:26) Jefecar picks it up "Leave investigations to the real guards, not vigilantes. We can't do our jobs with everyone on the street getting in the way."

(19:31:14) Evirea's eye twitches, but she says nothing in reply. "Now, as to the matter of false testimony?" She gestures to the clamod.

(19:32:07) Jefecar "I will talk to Issym and make sure she knows."

(19:32:29) Travosh says: Good. Hopefully you can make use of the knife and find this man yourself.

(19:32:52) Miomai ignores Evirea's prodding and rubs her paws together, "That cleahs it all up!" She begins to back away slowly.

(19:33:28) Evirea re-grips her travelsack and adjusts it. She doesn't care about Miomai at this point, and makes no move at all to stop her. Her expression is distant, and her mind is on other things.

(19:33:29) Jefecar looks at Miomai "And dont EVER lie to the guards again."

(19:35:41) Travosh is tempted to punish Miomai for trying to break her promise, but decides thats best done away from two guards

(19:36:13) Miomai looks at Jefecar cross eyed, wondering how this ever happened, but she doesn't care, her mind switches quickly to Oele and she runs off.

~~~~~~~

(19:36:43) Evirea takes a breath. "I need to speak with you, Travosh."

(19:37:45) Travosh nods

(19:38:28) Evirea only turns, and moves away, clearly expecting him to simply follow.

(19:40:21) Evirea takes a seat on the bench and looks down at her hands. Her brow furrows as she studies the bloody trails they've left on her tunic. "Now we have another issue. The killer knows me, but I do not know the killer."

(19:40:33) Travosh says: So it was as I guessed?

(19:40:53) Evirea actually chuckles at that, an ironic sound. "Unfortunately," she replies simply.

(19:42:15) Travosh says: Suppose that goes to show you something about listening to others.

(19:43:04) Evirea only shakes her head. "I have captured twenty nine. Not all a severe, certainly, some of them known for more...petty things. And I've done it alone. It is not in my nature to be discovered, or to trust the word of another. It is also in my nature, to assume I am anonymous."

(19:44:37) Travosh says: Should probably work on fixing that.

(19:45:56) Evirea gives a shrug. "At any rate, his letter leaves me to think he knows more about me than just my name."

(19:46:35) Travosh says: Unfortunate.

(19:47:32) Evirea grimaces. "And if that is an accurate assumption, we can also assume that he knows in a way that I am vulnerable...moreso than most, to his methods."

(19:48:09) Travosh says: is he aware of me?

(19:48:27) Evirea shakes her head. "I do not believe so, no. He has no reason to think I'd join up with someone."

(19:48:44) Travosh says: Good, then he isn't as all knowing as he would have you think

(19:49:23) Evirea smiles very faintly at that. She looks at her hands again, and watches as some of the blood on them trickles down and drips to the cobbles between her feet. "Thank you for your help, Mr. Travosh."

(19:50:32) Travosh says: Heh, you would be surprised how few thanks I get. Or unsurprised. Either way, he knows who you are and that means he's using you for something

(19:51:15) Evirea closes her eyes. "Yes," she says, in a forcefully level tone. "That would be a logical assumption, and considering what he's done thus far, it's not difficult to deduce what that might be."

(19:52:06) Travosh says: Have you any idea whether he wants to attack you as some grand finale, or just wants an audience?

(19:54:38) Evirea continues to watch the blood flow slowly. "No idea," she admits. "Though I'd imagine the latter, personally. He seems to enjoy invoking panic, as it helps him in his goals. I'd imagine it's little more than a knowledge that I've been following him, and exposing my expertise to others, and killing me. Well...Hm. It doesn't really matter either way, does it?"

(19:55:25) Travosh says: 'Spose not, never know what might come in handy to know.

(19:55:44) Travosh says: We could always resort to my previous idea of bait

(19:56:49) Evirea chuckles. "It would seem that now, I happen to be the ideal bait."

(19:58:24) Travosh says: Or if he would have you be the watcher, myself. But we need some way for him to want to target either of us

(20:00:11) Evirea shakes her head. "He goes after people who are well known in this society, and I'd imagine, well loved. He WANTS to cause a stir, but to remain anonymous as he does it." She glances over at the klyros and raises a brow. "What are your thoughts?"

(20:01:42) Travosh says: Unfortunately while I'm moderately known, I am certainly not loved.

(20:03:14) Evirea manages a smirk at that. "I find that so incredibly difficult to believe," she says, only a hint of irony in her tone.

(20:03:33) Travosh says: Yes yes sarcasm. Either way, we need some way to draw him out

(20:04:15) Evirea only sobers, and nods her head. "We do," she agrees. "And I suggest we use me to do it, though if he's already after me that suggests he's merely taking his own sweet time about it."

(20:05:18) Travosh says: And as to how we accelerate his timing?

(20:08:18) Evirea shakes her head and stands slowly. She starts to pace, one hand behind her back, the other rubbing at her headfin. "I don't know. Threaten exposure, perhaps? Make him think we're on his trail just as much as he is on ours?"

(20:09:39) Travosh says: a good idea, but how?

(20:11:05) Evirea sighs again, keeping up with her pacing. "I don't know," she admits, and this only seems to further agitate her. "I...I don't know."

(20:11:24) Travosh says: Have you any way of getting him to view a message?

(20:11:50) Evirea pauses. "Not that I know of, but he seems to like the fountain. We could leave it there. Write one and...leave it."

(20:12:43) Travosh says: I suggest we name a race.

(20:12:55) Travosh says: You thought he was either ylian, diaboli, or ynnwn yes?

(20:13:20) Evirea nods. "That's accurate."

(20:13:52) Travosh says: I don't think he could be a ynnwn. They are often quite enormous, and you never mentioned him being tall

(20:14:49) Evirea shakes her head. "No. About six feet believe, he was male, and his skin had no fur. Unfortunatly I couldn't distinguish more from that after I tossed the...corrosive agent at him."

(20:16:02) Travosh says: Wait, skin? You saw skin?

(20:17:05) Evirea nods. "Badly damaged, bloody, and only a flash. I couldn't discern pigment, it was just enough to get a quick glimpse and basically assure it was neither klyros nor enki."

(20:18:08) Travosh says: Bah... Could've told whether or not it was a diaboli by skin. And with a hood and cloak you can't tell whether he had horns or a tail

(20:19:37) Evirea smirks for a fleeting moment. She stops pacing and turns to look at Travosh for a moment. "I suppose you could have, but that's a bit beyond us now. Perhaps only the implication that he is known, would be enough."

(20:20:29) Travosh says: Ah wait... Most Diaboli left our plane though.

(20:21:26) Evirea shakes her head. "And yet I know of more than a handful. Silly, really." She gives another shrug.

(20:23:00) Evirea turns her head and looks about herself for a paranoid moment. "You know, it really puts a damper on the situation. This. Knowing that he knows. I don't like it, not one bit. Nothing has gone according to plan, and believe me, there was a plan."

(20:23:19) Travosh says: The best laid plans of yulbars and men...

(20:23:44) Evirea chuckles. "A fount of quotes and knowledge now?"

(20:24:13) Travosh says: You like to read yourself, so don't be so sarcastic

(20:25:01) Evirea arches a brow. "I wasn't," she says simply, but a small grin forms on her face. "And I don't like to read. I love it. My father was a librarian."

(20:25:11) Evirea says: Maybe it's passed down in the genes.

(20:26:34) Travosh shrugs. "If I had to guess, I would say ylian. its the most probable."

(20:27:26) Evirea nods. "Most numerous, matches the hieght and presumed skin type. Yes. Ylian. So we suggest we know that bit about him. Not that intimidating, since we're surrounded by Ylian. Though they can't top enki."

(20:28:02) Travosh says: Having any detail at all on him may startle him

(20:29:41) Evirea steps away from Travosh. "Alright. I'll work on writing a letter, and I'll pant it." She looks up at the tree, and then leans her head against it. "I'll inform you when I've done as much."

(20:30:57) Travosh nods. "Good, hopefully he will make some move we can catch him on."

(20:31:55) Evirea returns the nod. "Hopefully," is all she offers, though her body language suggests she's not thinking with any amount of optimism.

(20:37:03) Evirea taps her boot on the ground for a moment. "Mr. Travosh, what is your motivation for going to all the trouble to catch this killer? I suppose it's logical...after all, he's in a place where he could hurt your associates."

(20:37:50) Travosh says: Boredom.

(20:38:23) Evirea raises both brows. "Boredom? You're...quite serious."

(20:39:40) Travosh says: Would it be better to just let him carry on as he does?

(20:40:05) Travosh chuckles. "For all the terrible things you would hear about me if you asked others, I do a remarkable amount of good."

(20:40:12) Travosh says: Pity is all utterly unnoticed.

(20:40:45) Evirea shakes her head. "No, certainly not, it's just I don't typically run into those who put the effort into it." She turns around and studies Travosh closely. "What else have you done, recently?" She inquires.

(20:41:37) Travosh says: Recently I assume means before I joined you on your escapade?

(20:42:22) Evirea says: "That would be accurate."

(20:43:17) Travosh says: Well, you know about my run in with an enki at the ball

(20:43:34) Travosh says: and I've been tracking down a man who's been harassing Dannae. I actually believe I know who now, but I cannot find the blasted girl.

(20:44:47) Evirea tilts her head. "Dannae? I spoke to her not too long ago, maybe a week. I was...well, if I see her, I'll direct her to you. What's been causing issue for her?"

(20:45:52) Travosh says: A man repetedly assaulted her in her place of business, while a mysterious other appeared to say he could make it all go away if she let him become co-owner of the Den.

(20:45:58) Travosh says: If it sounds obvious to you, that's because it is.

(20:46:47) Evirea gives Travosh an incredulous look. "She didn't seem quite that depleted of mental facilities last I saw her, but then again she also strikes me as somewhat naive. Dangerously so."

(20:47:47) Travosh nods. "That's unfortunately correct."

(20:48:04) Travosh says: but i have damning evidence that even she has to see this time.

(20:49:00) Evirea nods. "I believe it," she says, simply. "Currently, I'm waiting to see if she contacts me. Again, if she does, I'll let you know." She smirks slightly. "You can pounce on her with your evidence."

(20:49:17) Travosh says: Why would she contact you anyways?

(20:49:35) Evirea gives a shrug. "I did a favor for a friend of hers, one of her sisters."

(20:50:12) Travosh says: Ah. good

(20:51:11) Evirea nods. "Hopefully it works, if not, well. Not much good done, eh?" She smiles, only for a moment, before her expression again turns grim. "I should contact her and inquire."

(20:51:36) Travosh says: Can't hurt.

(20:52:30) Evirea gives her head a dip. "Well, thank you again." She raises her hand to offer a shake, a formal and usual gesture, but then realizes that as covered in blood as it is that's not a very pleasant notion and drops it back to her side. "Contact me if you discover anything."

(20:52:57) Travosh says: Shall.

[Phantomboy86]

*Travosh takes a bow "And that is how a guard is done."

PAY NO ATTENTION TO THE YULBAR IN A GUARD OUTFIT.

[Tessra]

I was wondering how Jefecra became Jefecar.  Travosh playing a menki. how delightful.

[Mariana Xiechai]

Barsidious hummed a jovial tune to himself as he strapped the dead body of the Lemur to the fountain. After a moment, he decided that being too terribly consistent would eventually lead to massive public boredom, so he opted for simply plopping the corpse down beside the fountain for some unlucky soul to find. Positioning it so that the glistening dagger stood in stark contrast against the noble image of Laanx, he crossed the loose and lifeless hands over its chest and reached up to close the dry, clouded eyes. The face was tear-streaked, as was usual. He typically didn't put out such a fresh kill, but the time was drawing near, and he needed to up the stakes quickly. That meant more bodies, more panic, more general state of disillusioned hysteria for the public...

Standing, he smiled lovingly at the inanimate sack of flesh that was Ametes. His killing had been a simple one too. Simple procedure for the simple minded. Which was alright enough by him, he was perfectly glad of the brief respite. Eager to put his plans into motion, he only allowed himself to admire his work for a relatively limited amount of time, before he stooped down and placed his letter beside the body, turned, and walked away from the fountain.

A whistle was sounding from his lips as he slipped silently into an alleyway, and removed his beloved mask. He quickly stored it away, along with the dusty and somewhat tattered ensemble he had donned for the momentous occasion, and stuffed in into the confines of his travelsack. Concealing it loosely beneath his scarlet robes, the man walked further into the alley and made his way aimlessly into the stink of the sewers, frowning slightly as the grime sloshed on his boots and at the hem of his outfit. He'd have to clean it again. Couldn't have that while mingling with the rabble, after all. Would conflict greatly with the general image he was trying so very hard to personify. Cleanliness lent a sort of refined air to him, which of course in the long run tended to help dispel the suspicion that he was a possible suspect for certain transpiring events.

Admiring the general masonry of this place, it occurred to Barsidious the silly notion that so much work had been put into carving out the stone and hardened clay of this structure as a fancy repository for fecal matter. What a strange world it was, in which people put so much effort into taking care of their own waste, yet at the same time did little to nothing about the metaphorical rot of their own souls. It both disgusted and fascinated him, really. It was mostly the former, but the effects of the latter kept him from going stark raving mad.

There was one unpleasantry he should take care of, he knew. It could no longer be avoided. As he turned into his makeshift workspace, he headed for the charred bits of wood at the center of the dank and musty-scented room. He gave the dead fire a kick, and revealed the dull throbbing glow of the live embers still beneath. Stooping down, he quickly tossed some more wood onto the fire, adding fodder so that it grew higher, and higher still. His hands moved to take off the robes he wore, so that he stood in nothing but a pair of dark trousers, staring down at the lively flames. Unraveling the shoddy bandaging he'd done to his arm, he studied the chemical burns that marred his skin with a distinctive frown.

They were noticeable. Far too noticeable. One little sighting and Evirea would be able to point at him, dancing merrily and exclaiming, “It's you, it's you! I've found you!” Not that she would probably be quite that enthusiastic about such a discovery. From what he understood she was of a far more reserved breed, and he understood quite a bit about her. And, while he was leading her along with baited hook, he wasn't about to loose his lead in the race by making stupid mistakes.

And healing the burns was certainly out of the question. Can't have a sniveling Crystal Way mage running their mouth about this rather novel injury they took care of, can we? The fingers on his good hand curled around the robes that were now sprawled beside him, and he stuffed a large portion into his mouth, humming a merry tune to himself once more as he clenched his teeth down upon the fabric.

“And a-trollopin' through the field we go, a merry merry chase. A wonderful thing, it is, it is, a merry merry race. Over the hill and under the tree, I'll catch up to you, but never you me, and on and on and on we'll go, a spiraling maddening spree. Unto a glorious, splendorous end, shall fill us all with glee!”

The words cycled over and over in his head as he shoved his arm directly into the fire. It began to bake instantly, filling the small interior of that room now with the acrid smell of burning hair and flesh. His humming quickly became a muffled screaming, and a swearing, but still he held that arm within the fire, letting it roast clean the ruddy marks left by Evirea's acidic weapon. And then, tears still glimmering in his eyes, he jerked his arm back out, and studied the sooty, bleeding skin with happy approval. Agony forgotten in light of the greater good accomplished, he stood up and moved to his table, whistling once more.

“And a-trollopin' through the field we go, a merry merry chase. A wonderful thing, it is, it is, a merry merry race. Over the hill and under the tree, I'll catch up to you, but never you me...”

[Mariana Xiechai]

* Mariana Xiechai snickers. "Yes, yes, Travosh's guard impersonation was most excellent."

Personally I think a little yulbar in a guard uniform would be downright adorable though 

* Mariana Xiechai pauses a moment to admire the idea of poor Travosh having to stoop to the level of playing as a menki...and cackles with glee.

[Jilata]

[Returning to the RCD after seeing the dead body]

(23:34:45) Ketta says: ...and then he left me this...
(23:35:02) Chraz says: Luckily an Idiot. A real profesional would have grabbed your glyph pouch first
(23:35:10) Haraun scratches his cheek "Hmmm.. nice?"

(23:35:11) Telena returns behind the bar, having no expression on her face. Her thoughts seems like they are somewhere else.

(23:35:35) Ketta nods to Chraz "Oh, he took a few things...and some trias.."
(23:35:57) Sanrai nods.
(23:36:12) Chraz says: I meant that Sanrai could still cast something at him

(23:36:12) Ketta notices Telena's return "Is everything okay, Telena?"
(23:36:30) Haraun's head turns to her, too, after that question.

(23:36:34) Korumak says: I hear some of the Azure arch mages can trace a Glyph... dont know how true that is

(23:36:38) Sanrai looks at Telena.

(23:37:44) Ketta takes a sip from her mug "I was out cold...and then tied and blindfolded...I didn't have a chance to get a spell off.."

(23:37:46) Telena fixes her eyes at Ketta as she hears her name. "Huh? Yes I am fine. I just saw a dead body on the plaza. Permadead. The second permadead person I know of."
(23:38:01) Sanrai says: ah!
(23:38:06) Haraun sits more upright "Who was it?"
(23:38:13) Sanrai says: who?
(23:38:19) Chraz jaw drops
(23:38:31) Ketta stands up in shock "What?"
(23:38:59) Telena rubs her head. "I don't know that person this time. Merchant maybe. Male."
(23:39:35) Korumak says: So much for two theories
(23:39:46) Korumak says: just down to well 1...
(23:39:53) Chraz says: hu... I've only heard the head of the house of Purrty left Yliakum permanently..
(23:40:20) Korumak says: Well more like disbanded
(23:40:59) Sanrai says: umm.
(23:41:09) Haraun watches Telena for some time to ensure that she's as fine as she can be after such an encounter, looking often to the door though.
(23:41:14) Ketta says: Oh? Who was that, Chraz?
(23:42:02) Chraz says: Hmm... was before I came to Hydlaa, I heard there was a big service carrying her to the well
(23:42:48) Ketta says: Oh, my...how sad...
(23:43:38) Telena says: "This one fell to ashes and was blown away."
(23:44:06) Korumak says: It fits the motive of the person...
(23:44:09) Chraz says: Tell... never heard such a thing. Red magic?
(23:44:13) Ketta nods to Telena "The same as the other one..."
(23:44:27) Famiel loses interest in drinking the rest of his beer he sets it back down on the table then puts up his feet kicking the beer off the table making more room for his feet
(23:44:28) Haraun says: Which other one?
(23:44:44) Korumak says: now that we know why, all thats left is the who and how
(23:44:59) Chraz takes a big sip to calm down
(23:45:06) Telena nods at Ketta's words. "So I heard..."
(23:45:22) Ketta says: Wasn't there a fenki not long ago? The same thing...
(23:45:45) Chraz says: A fenki?
(23:45:52) Korumak says: Aye that one a bard, this one a merchant, so he's not targeting specific, but in general...
(23:46:15) Korumak says: he or she is makeing a point with the public displays
(23:46:51) Korumak says: to be honest its been something i been griping about since i arrived here
(23:47:40) Chraz says: Pardon, I just got the picture that somebody died, but not it sounds more like a killing?
(23:47:54) Sanrai nods.
(23:48:00) Telena says: "Killing. There was a knife in the chest."
(23:48:10) Haraun looks at Telena as he returns the mug and says quietly to her "Haraun will have a look outside to be sure everything is fine around the den."
(23:48:17) Chraz says: And then he crumbled to ashes?
(23:48:20) Korumak says: Its all boils down to how people see the death realm... where I was born, when you where dead... thats it, short of a very powerful clearic and a gods permission thats it your dead
(23:48:32) Telena nods and takes the mug. "May your path be protected."
(23:48:40) Ketta says: Yes...and whoever is responsible is sending the message that they have the power to do this thing...
(23:48:47) Korumak says: who ever this is that did it, wants people to know that the door doesnt always swing back
(23:48:48) Haraun waves to the others
(23:48:59) Korumak says: its not about the power
(23:49:04) Famiel says: Maybe we should go with him?
(23:49:10) Korumak says: There sending a statement...
(23:49:30) Chraz says: I hope its not Dakkru herself that is offended....
(23:49:30) Korumak says: If it was about the power, he would have chosen a more prominate powerful person to do that to
(23:49:31) Famiel says: I will head out front aswell
(23:50:09) Ketta says: Maybe we should go and have a look, sis?
(23:50:21) Sanrai says: Yes, I think so.
(23:50:40) Telena sighs. "I am not sure if there is much left to see."
(23:51:07) Sanrai says: At least we can find out who and why....
(23:51:20) Korumak says: you want to find who did it, find out who made thoes daggers...
(23:51:33) Telena shrugs. "Not sure you will find out anything."
(23:51:33) Korumak says: ... (shakes head)
(23:51:34) Chraz says: Point taken
(23:51:41) Ketta gives a wave "..then we'll probably be back shortly..."

(23:52:05) Korumak says: Elves...
(23:52:24) Chraz says: Guess you need to count your mugs, Telena
(23:52:51) Telena raises an eyebrow. "We always miss some Chraz. What is with elves Korumak?"
(23:53:22) Korumak says: You try to explain things to them, and there more interested in seeing things than hearing the explination
(23:54:09) Korumak says: You say 'oh this persons sick' and before you can say common cold, there half way to Oja by then
(23:54:12) Telena laughs softly. "I am not sure if only elves are like that."
(23:54:47) Korumak shugs, "Just seems more noticable with them"
(23:55:02) Korumak sips his beer
(23:56:32) Chraz snickers
(23:56:38) Telena says: "Maybe." She picks an empty mug up and starts cleaning it. "I was never really close to an elf yet."
(23:57:15) Korumak says: almost half of my female friends here are elves... and everyone of them is like that
(23:57:43) Telena grins. "There has to be some truth then."
(23:58:05) Telena smiles to Karnath. "Welcome! Would you like to have a drink?"
(23:58:57) Karnath lighty smiles "Yes, please. A cider mug would be great"
(23:59:58) Telena nods and takes a clean mug, turning around to pour the cider. "I just got fresh one." She turns back and hands the cider to Karnath. "That will be 30 tria please."
(00:00:25) Chraz says: Say tabei, you found something?
(00:00:26) Telena says: "Thank you. Enjoy your drink."
(00:00:31) Karnath says: Thank you, Telena, as usual.

(00:00:37) Telena looks to Famiel, waiting for his answer.
(00:01:37) Famiel says: Nothing for me thank you
(00:02:04) Telena blinks. "I wanted to know if you have any news."
(00:03:20) Famiel looks down from the balcolny "Nope i didn't see anything while i was out there, rather cold so i hurried back inside"
(00:03:48) Famiel wiggles his toes on the rail
(00:04:38) Korumak sips his beer
(00:05:00) Telena says: "I did expect it. Since that guy fell to ash or dust already."
(00:06:06) Chraz says: if the word spreads... some people who choose a visit to Dakkru lightly may reconsider...
(00:06:35) Korumak says: That is the whole point of the displays
(00:07:12) Korumak says: Its the only logical explination for both events
(00:07:29) Telena says: "Or someone is just being crazy."
(00:07:55) Korumak says: Crazy is often a shifted point of view.
(00:08:10) Famiel picks up the pan flute on the table and starts to blow through it from right to left, left to right slowly
(00:08:53) Korumak says: If you where trying to make people fear death again... you wouldnt go after high profile people, but intentionaly choose victums from all walks of life
(00:09:33) Korumak says: High profile people and its "oh a personal grudge match"
(00:10:12) Telena shrugs. "Could be. Still I am not sure if that is the culprits intention."
(00:10:13) Chraz says: hmm... but aiming a higher ranks may help to spread the news faster - if I put me in this twisted way of thought
(00:10:47) Korumak says: Think about it, remember Kisoji, if we found him like that, what would people think...
(00:12:25) Telena snorts. "They probably would be happy that that guy is gone. Judging from the stories I heard about him."
(00:12:38) Korumak says: They would think its a "Vendetta" or a "Challenge to the SPC" etc....
(00:12:42) Korumak says: exactly
(00:12:50) Chraz nods...
(00:13:19) Korumak says: But you hit the no bodies, the ones people rarealy hear of, of no social status... then people start asking why?
(00:14:00) Chraz says: call the guards, the onix dagger is getting out of control?
(00:14:17) Telena says: "But then, why those people? Why not you or me?"
(00:14:32) Korumak says: No if it was the Onyx daggers they would be targeting someone, might also insite a guild war
(00:14:55) Korumak says: Well to be honest I known, and so is my viewpoints on the death realm
(00:15:15) Chraz says: Sorry, I meant that as a reaction from the crowds
(00:15:26) Korumak says: my guess that the secound reason of his targeting thoes people is a flippant dis reguard for the death realm
(00:16:10) Korumak says: since i didnt know either of the two i cant say for sure on that part so that part is still a guess
(00:17:34) Korumak says: Plus I'm also save in guessing the process was some how alchamy... due to the fact he or she left the dagger behind
(00:17:47) Korumak says: at least the first one, and I'm guessing the secound time too?
(00:18:00) Telena says: "The first victim... The fenki... she had been in the Den a few times." She nods. "The second time as well."
(00:18:26) Korumak says: so the sorce of what is doing it isnt the dagger it self but more than likely something coating it.
(00:18:56) Telena says: "I guess so. If it was poison it has to get into the body usually."
(00:18:58) Korumak says: So who ever this person is, they have alcamy skills, and a motive...
(00:19:20) Kaerli says: Greetings Telena.
(00:19:30) Korumak says: All thats left is the 'who' and each death brings more clues
(00:19:51) Kaerli says: So...what is this death we speak of?
(00:20:15) Korumak says: Another final death left in the square
(00:20:20) Kaerli says: Wow. Brazen.
(00:20:21) Chraz says: But could some poison affect the ways of Dakkru?
(00:20:23) Telena smiles at Kaerli. "Welcome!" She shrugs. "I don't know. The permadead person I saw on the plaza earlier."
(00:20:36) Kaerli says: Who was it, if I may ask?
(00:20:45) Korumak says: IT has to be alcamy... bit more than a simple poison
(00:21:31) Kaerli says: Greetings...Geriah, is it not?
(00:21:40) Korumak says: a merchant by Telena's description
(00:21:48) Kaerli says: A merchant, eh?

(00:21:51) Geriah seats himself at the other end of the table, nodding a greeting to everyone, particularly focusing on Kaerli. "Good memory. I'm not as keen on names - what was it again?"
(00:22:00) Kaerli says: Kaerli, Kaerli Stronwylle...
(00:22:20) Geriah says: Kaerli. Alright. Sorry about that. We'd barely spoken that night... ah, how've you been though?
(00:22:31) Kaerli says: Doing well, as for you?
(00:23:04) Geriah says: Not bad. Having trouble finding someone that I'd given a job. Not that it was too important, but... ah well.

[here the talk changed completely and is not on the topic of the permadead person anymore]

[Mariana Xiechai]

(16:35:36) Ariletar passes under the doorway, nodding a greeting at Ambrere, before angling towards the bar.

(16:36:10) Barsidious refocuses his attention on the man at the door with distinct curiosity. Seeming to have forgotten about the fenki's issue, he suddenly turns away and moves to claim an empty table for himself.

(16:37:11) Ariletar exchanges a quiet word and coin with the bartender for a glass of beer. He turns, as though to approach the table now occupied by Barsidious. "A fine morning, isn't it?" he asks, casually.

(16:38:50) Barsidious glances over at Ariletar, his visage the image of casual calm, perfectly collected. "That it is, far as I can tell. Warm weather. Clear skies." A plastic smile creases his face.

(16:39:59) Ariletar sets himself unbidden into the unoccupied seat across from Barsidious, setting his mug on the table. "Yes, the skies were exceptionally clear today. I hope they remain, but I expect it may be a bit more...cloudy this evening."

(16:41:31) Barsidious glances casually at the mug, and pulls a bottle out of his own bags. He swirls its contents and uncorks it, bringing it to his lips for a long drink. "I suspect as well," he replies. "But as they say, there's always the calm before the storm. And once it passes, even more clarity than there was before."

(16:42:14) Ariletar squares his focus evenly on Barsidious, speaking as before. "I'd certainly hope so, yes."

(16:45:36) Barsidious's eyes crinkle again, smiling just as brightly as before. A coldness is present, however, beyond this practiced visage, and he sets his bottle aside. He leans forward to slightly descrease the space between them. "It will be," he says, with certainty. Promise.

(16:46:52) Ariletar tilts his head back, taking a sip of his beer from his mug. "He will expect proof, you know."

(16:49:18) Barsidious lets a chuckle vibrate in his chest. His hand digs around in his pocket, concealed deeply within his robes. He tosses a small, tightly bound sack across the table at Ariletar, letting it land with a thunk against the wood. "Proof," he says.

(16:50:18) Ariletar slowly reaches out for the bag, unlacing the tie loosely enough to peer inside briefly. He nods once, as though satisfied, and re-fastens the bag's seal, sliding it back across the table. "Fair enough."

(16:51:18) Barsidious chuckles again. "I've another delivery on the way. This one should prove to be considerably promising. You may tell him that everything is properly in order, and that he has nothing to fear. I have plenty of motivation to complete my task."

(16:52:56) Ariletar steeples his fingers against each other, and nods slowly, gaze fixated on the man across from him. "He excepts nothing less," he says, simply, in answer.

(16:55:21) Barsidious's fingers reclaim his bottle of liquor, and he again brings it to his lips. He downs a large draught, at least a quarter the contents in one drink. "We both know that our motivations differ, but you've done your job." He waves his hand. "Simply assure him that every care is being taken. He'll have what he wanted, and I shall get what I need."

(16:57:15) Ariletar chuckles once, the sound more of a grating cough, than an expression of any sort of mirth or amusement. "Yes, we do. He'll make sure you get what you need. If everything's settled, then..."

(16:58:37) Barsidious waves his hand dismissively. "Yes, yes, well and settled. You may return to his heel and inform him of what's been going on. Do give him my gift with a smile, won't you?" He gestures to the bag and smirks faintly. "Farewell."

(17:01:12) Ariletar snakes his hand out, and picks up the bag once more, fastening it to his belt. He laughs once again, gratingly, at the man's words, simply walking out, without a further word.

[Suno_Regin]

Oh no, I ruined the discussion

[Mariana Xiechai]

Shame on you, Suno.
SHAME! 
(Tehe  )

[Aramara Meibi]

whoah what's this pray tell? more layers? 

* Aramara Meibi grabs her *<<*Bronze Pickaxe*>>* and starts digging.

and by the two goddesses please post the exchange between miomai and barsi from last night. that deserves to be laser etched in platinum and hung in the hall of fame wing of the hydlaa museum.

[Phantomboy86]

  I never played a menki, I assumed the guards were so stupid they had an actual yulbar in their ranks. 

[Mariana Xiechai]

It would be a lie to say she wasn't at least somewhat out of sorts. And who wouldn't be, following the events that had occurred over the past few weeks? Her cover was so horrifically shattered that there really wasn't a point in maintaining it any longer. So she'd shed it like so much dead skin, just like the necrotic skin that had been left on her hands. Come off like mutated gloves it had, really disturbing when one thought too much about it. She mumbled obscenities to herself as she quickly applied the honey-egg-white combination that Teshia woman had had concocted for her. Not only did that gods forsaken killer know who she was, but now, because of the workings of that downright neurotic clamod Miomai, the guards actually believed she was the killer! Her! Hah!

I'm damn glad they booted me out of their service. They've been a driveling mob of incompetent blockheads for longer than the government has been alive. All brawn, no brain. Their bloody helmets are probably constricting oxygen to whatever gray matter might actually exist between their ears.

Of course Travosh had done some talking and had finagled the fenki into confessing that her testimony had been a lie. Not that it should even have been necessary; from what she understood the woman was a widely known lunatic. But of course, who cared about actually catching the one doling out True deaths when you could just pin it on somebody and avoid public unsettling? The moment that guard had walked onto the scene the whole thing had just about toppled in on itself and collapsed in a dreadful, chaotic display. Not only had she taken the letter, the one that could have been used as further evidence aimed at finding the killer, but thanks to that nincompoop Sacho, she'd almost gotten her hands on the dagger as well.

Wasn't about to lose that too, she scoffed, and pulled it out of her bag. She'd tossed a duplicate at that iron-clad menki and he'd taken the bait without question. Again, hardly shocking, and it served her purposes perfectly. Really, it was like tossing meat to a bunch of dogs and then watching them fight ravenously over it.

Leaning her head back against the tree, Evirea carefully unwrapped the dagger and looked at the dark metal. There were the dried bits of blood and poison on it, just as she'd suspected, and honestly with the combination of the letter there really wasn't much she could test about it. She already knew it was the killer's, especially with the abrupt disintegration of the Lemur. And of course, as par to her recent run of luck, a giant group of gossiping bystanders had been there to observe the entire ordeal, confounded clamod Sacho included. Who, in his state of brilliance, had ultimately been the one to lose her her letter. Not to mention that he'd read the thing, and now knew her real name.

I should just reactivate the poison on this thing and kill myself with it, she mused, rotating it this way and that. It would be a preferable end than dealing with this rabble.

She knew that was a lie, of course, and that she was really just being an overly emotional twit. But she figured at this point she'd at least earned the right to have a fit, a blessed moment of hysteric, illogical fuming. Truth be told, each body was like a personal blow to her. It was a reminder that she'd failed this stranger. She hadn't been there to stave the approach of the dagger, hadn't been there to ensure that their family wouldn't have to wander around in black mourning clothes for months as a result of their untimely demise. She didn't want anyone else to die. Every single person that did, stranger or not, rattled her further and further, shoving her ever closer to the edge of her sanity and self-control.

You're a bastard, you know that, she thought, glaring heatedly at the dagger tip. A good for nothing, scum, lowly, disgusting bastard. What gives you the right to take someone's life? What gives you the right to make the decision to stop their beating heart, their steady breathing? Who died and made you a god?
Stabbing the weapon into the grass beside her till the lush green foliage reached the hilt, she brought her tender, still-healing hands up to cover her face. The scales were soft and supple, which wasn't at all natural, but she was used to this. It had the rather troublesome side effect of having to touch every surface she encountered like it was white hot and flaming, though. Most bothersome.

Setting her mouth in a grim line, the klyros stared at where she'd driven the dagger deep into the soil. She imagined what it would be like to drive it straight into the killer's heart. To plunge it deep and see the light slowly leaving his eyes, to watch him die with a look of open-mouthed shock, and to smile as his fingers unclenched. Maybe she'd even wait until his corpse reached a pleasant rigor mortis before she finally set it on a pier, drenched it in alcohol, and lit a celebratory bonfire.

The anger at her situation was growing, compounded further as her thoughts carried on along this vindictive train. Yanking a strip of blank paper from her journal, she began to scrawl a letter in a sloppy hand, as the emotion in her chest caused a trembling in her fingers:

Your intellect is hardly worth merit. Nothing you could possibly say will steer me from my course of action. I can assure you, for every life that you take, I'll lob off a limb, before I kill you. I'll make your skin look like it was driven though with shards of glass. I shall put into use every piece of knowledge I have to make you suffer, signal every nerve ending to screaming. You may know my name, but I know your race, Ylian. It's only a matter of time before I target who you are, and believe you me, you will pay for every life that you have taken.

Her breathing rate had increased considerably, to a ragged, harsh sound. The shaking in her hands made an audible rustling in the paper. It occurred to her that the letter was somewhat outrageous, and that this was the first time any of her rather unwilling clients had gotten under her skin so effectively. It probably had something to do with being so exposed to the general public. She felt naked without the front of her disguise. She'd never been trapped in such a situation where she could literally be grilled about her failures or successes. Just recently she'd had to tolerate it plenty from that dunderhead Icerra, asking all of these overwhelmingly idiotic questions about her motives for trying to catch the killer. Wasn't that obvious? Who wouldn't, if they had the capacity as she did, try to stop such events from occurring? What other motivation could she possibly need for bringing the man to his knees, plucking out his eyes, wresting his heart from his chest, lopping his head off his shoulders...

Shocked out of the musings by the graphic images they produced, the idea that the kore had a point crept slowly up her spine, like a shiver from a rush of unexpected cold. Could it be possible that what spurred her actions was in fact an emotional ramification of her traumatic history? Surely not. She was above such things, after all, and had proven it time and again as she made her way through case after case. Her purpose and goals were perfectly clear, clear as the crystal itself, and she didn't need some stupid excuse to justify them. She possessed no niggling voice in the back of her head that told her she needed to redeem herself from her own failures. There was no guilt in her conscience about what had happened years ago. The haunting image of her mother's head staring up at her with wide white eyes, the red of blood leaking slowly from her tear ducts and staining her corneas, had absolutely nothing to do with her lofty pursuit of these criminals.

Clenching her eyes shut, Evirea forced the gruesome picture from her mind. She leaned forward and took several deep breaths, instilling in herself the usual artificial calm that she managed to carefully fabricate throughout her daily life. The letter she planned to plant at the fountain before the killer could make his next post-tortuous delivery crinkled in her fist, and she pressed her knuckles against the lids of her eyes until she saw sparks in the darkness behind them. After she'd collected herself, she stood to her feet, her gaze angling downwards towards where that knife stood innocently and harmlessly planted in the ground by her feet.

“I won't let you win,” she rasped at it, quivering as her oath was made. “I swear on my life, I won't let you win.”