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<Diya> ::the day has been one of those unpleasant rainy days in Marsember where all the rain does it make things more humid, and it shows no signs of letting up. A scrim of grey clouds flickers over the city and a penetrating, steady rain washes down, stripping everything of color:: <Aeryn> ::A gentle knock is heard at the door:: * Kevil crosses Tarri's small apartment to peer out the window. With a nod, he opens the door to admit Aeryn. * Diya has changed from his typical Alani-bright clothing to borrow a few things from Kevil that are a little more appropriate to sneaking about. To not be tempted, he is not armed. * Aeryn removes his cloak and shakes the majority of the water off it before entering. Under the cloak he's wearing his usual dusty black. No weapons are obvious, but two smallish leather pouches hang from his belt. <Aeryn> Nice weather we've got for tonight * Kevil is neatly dressed in plain, charcoal-grey clothes. He is, as always, unarmed, though a gaudy silver ring adorns the finger next to his wedding bands. He grins at the weather. "Miserable for the docks, but a boon for an evening jaunt..." He picks up a short length of leather and ties his hair back. * Diya understands more Common now than he speaks. {Diya always liked the rain. He is still not used to it. He does not know, however, that it needs to be quite *this* enthusiastic about it.} * Aeryn checks to make sure his pouches are secure and won't flop around. His fine black hair is tied back in a neat ponytail. <Aeryn> I understand that you've had more than a little experience in matters of stealth like these, yes? <Kevil> ::grins at Diya:: {I would not complain if we could merely stroll and pretend to celebrate the Lady's Festival, d'va?} ::to Aeryn:: My dearest friend when I was young was a very fine thief. He taught me a few tricks. * Diya makes an aimless sort of gesture. {Diya is more at home letting his bondmate scout for him, but as he does not have one -} A brief spasm of pain crosses his hawk-like features {- then he will have to do as Master Amrad taught him.} <Aeryn> ::wryly:: Well, my training has mostly been in the area of the forests. I find myself capable enough concealing myself from a mere orc, or using the rooftops, but more... <Aeryn> ::looks at Diya uncomprehendingly:: This may be a slight problem. <Kevil> ::nods sympathetically to Diya:: Your bondmate would not appreciate the rain in any case. ::to Aeryn:: That should be sufficient to our purpose tonight. <Diya> ::below, in the streets, a patrol wanders by. Based on their crude laughter and loud voices, they appear to be human mercenaries, many of whom have flocked to the Demon Dragon's banner:: <Kevil> Ah, yes. I had forgotten. ::he draws a breath, grimaces, and recites a short incantation. Grimacing again, he touches two fingers to the base of Diya's throat.:: That will last you a few hours, n'shava. * Diya bows. "Diya thanks heartwing..." His voice, stretched and changed magically, does not seem to mesh up with the movements of his mouth. * Aeryn recognizes the tone, if not the words, as that of a spell being cast. His eyes widen momentarily. "You are a man of many talents, friend Kevil." <Kevil> ::grins and bows:: When one spends so much time in the company of those so talented, one can hardly avoid learning a few things. <Aeryn> ::grins back:: In that case, I shall have to meet more of your friends. My skill in that area has been somewhat limited, unfortunately. My village had few spellworkers, even among the rangers. <Kevil> ::glances around the small apartment:: Are we ready to depart, then? <Aeryn> ::checks himself one last time:: I believe so. Shall we leave? <Diya> ::glancing at Kevil:: Is heartwing going to bring along the goddess's aids? Diya does not know if they will be needed or not. <Kevil> ::pats a pocket:: I have them. Let us hope they are not needed. * Aeryn looks from one to the other. <Aeryn> What's this? * Kevil smiles grimly. "Our wife is a priestess. Her goddess granted us certain assistance, in her name." <Aeryn> I see, and I agree--let us hope we will not need them. * Aeryn goes to retrieve his cloak * Kevil opens the door and gestures for the others to precede him. * Aeryn steps out first, eyes sweeping the length of the street. <Diya> ::the streets are ill-lit because of the rain which has put out many of the street lamps. The patrols of both human and orcish units man the streets at random intervals. Excessive noises or lights in buildings occasionally merit an investigation. On one street, they catch a glimpse of several dispossessed citizens standing in their night-things while a band of orcs search their dwelling:: * Aeryn steps on the staircase railing, reaches overhead, and hauls himself up onto the rooftop. * Kevil glares at the orcs, then grunts quietly and turns away to lock the door. He gives Diya a quick smile, then reaches up for the roof edge and pulls himself up carefully. * Diya , not so at home on rooftops, keeps to the streets, slipping from shadowy alley to shadowy alley. Occasionally he looks up to mark his progress against the more athletic pair. * Aeryn follows Kevil's lead carefully, noting where the more experienced Bard places feet and hands. * Kevil moves slowly, watching the streets below for patrols. Once or twice, he signals Diya to avoid guards in the next streets. * Diya backs into the shadows, closing his eyes to prevent reflection of light. * Aeryn watches the passing orcs, elven eyes alert for the slightest sign. <Kevil> ::When the orcs have passed, Kevil whistles softly, and jumps lightly to the next roof.:: * Aeryn waits a moment to be sure, then follows, removing his hand from the pouch it had strayed to * Diya glances upwards and murmurs under his breath about heart*wing* taking things too literally. * Aeryn lands lightly on yet another roof, secures a handhold, and watches Kevil leap the next gap. He jumps it himself a moment later, landing in almost the same spot the Bard had occupied. <Kevil> ::Ignorant of Diya's grumbling, Kevil continues along the roofs. He stops frequently to make sure Aeryn is still with him, and that Diya is keeping pace below.:: * Diya pauses in one alley for a long time. He tilts his head, then moves slowly towards the back of the trash-strewn corridor. * Kevil - about to move on - stops at the edge of his roof to watch Diya. * Diya whistles a brief bird call, highly incongruous to these swampy surroundings, but brief enough that it will hopefully not be noticed, then kneels in the trash:: * Aeryn stops on the roof opposite, looking down. <Aeryn> ::scans the alleyway, trying to see what the desert Ranger stopped for:: * Diya moves a few pieces of trash and uncovers a half dressed, shivering child. * Aeryn throws his cloak down to Diya, hoping that it's still dry enough to be warm. Then he moves to the roof at the mouth of the alley to keep a lookout. * Diya looks up and gestures gratefully to Aeryn, wrapping the child up and speaking very quietly to him. * Kevil glances around, then settles into an almost unnatural stillness as he waits for Diya. <Diya> ::blinks a few times, then nods. He reaches into a pocket and pulls out a few coins. Even with the army, gold is still gold. He hands the coins to the boy, then whistles again, and moves on:: * Kevil smiles faintly, then stands and jumps to the next roof. * Aeryn stops long enough to catch the child's attention and throws something down to him. Then he jumps the gap to where Kevil had been, and continues after him. <Diya> ::the Magic Academy - once such a trial to certain psionic headmistress's, and has since been closed down upon the army's arrival - is well-guarded by both human troops and orcs. Strange lights flicker deep within the school's windows:: * Kevil pauses near the Academy, eyeing the lights and obviously considering a brief investigation. * Aeryn leaps the roof to land at Kevil's side. "Now, or when we get back?" <Kevil> ::considers:: On our way back, I think. That might be the orc-mages. <Aeryn> ::looks at the guards:: Well, something important, at least. Definitely worth a look, if we can get past them. <Kevil> ::nods, then turns to scan the rooftops, plotting the best route around the heavily-guarded building.:: <Aeryn> Back the way we came, maybe? <Diya> ::several streets later, they pass a riot in progress. Getting around the rioters and the orcs who are attempting to subdue them takes a great deal of time, but they manage to get around without too much trouble. The orcs are guarding and attempting to keep safe one of the food-caches around the city. Supplies have been tight and certain staples have been in very high demand. Several citizens lay unmoving in the streets, but it seems the hostages are doing their jobs well, as no orcs lay dead:: <Kevil> ::shakes his head, and points out a route that will lead them in a rough arc around. He looks down to catch Diya's eye and indicate the change of course:: <Diya> ::several streets later, they pass a riot in progress. Getting around the rioters and the orcs who are attempting to subdue them takes a great deal of time, but they manage to get around without too much trouble. The orcs are guarding and attempting to keep safe one of the food-caches around the city. <Diya> Supplies have been tight and certain staples have been in very high demand. Several citizens lay unmoving in the streets, but it seems the hostages are doing their jobs well, as no orcs lay dead:: <Aeryn> ::muttering:: {So much for the curfew...} * Kevil closes his eyes and his lips move in what appears to be a short prayer before he moves to circumnavigate the riot. * Aeryn waits a moment, his eyes lingering on the unmoving citizens. Then he checks to be sure none of the orcs are free enough to look in his direction before following the Bard. * Diya drops his hand to where his swords would normally be, muttering angrily, then follows, casting a look back several times, his red-hair a dark shimmer against the blackness. <Diya> ::the walls surrounding the dock-ward are plinths of blackness in the night. Their tops are patrolled by orcs, and the gates are shut and barred:: * Kevil pauses as the dock comes into view and catches his breath, his dark eyes watching the walls as he breathes. * Aeryn stops in a shadowy spot, eyes on the guards. <Aeryn> ::his hand drops to his left side, as if searching for the swordbreaker that normally hangs there:: * Kevil beckons Diya to climb up and join them. * Diya nods, then carefully scales the side of the building, using an overhanging drainage pipe. He is quite wet when he reaches the rooftop. <Kevil> ::helping Diya onto the roof, his voice low:: Three sets of eyes are better than two... Did you go swimming while I was not watching, sunshine? * Aeryn grins tightly <Diya> ::in a hushed voice:: Diya sent the boy to Master Rhys. His mother was taken in the first raid and the boy has no home or food. ::he sighs:: Diya hates this, he does. <Aeryn> ::smile changes to a frown:: Nor do I. I dropped him one of these. <Kevil> ::nods:: As do I, n'shava. ::he cracks a faint smile:: It is worse, perhaps even, than a Ven'hedi raid, d'va? * Aeryn opens one of the small pouches to display a handful of pieces of dried beef jerky * Diya shudders, rubbing briefly at a thin scar on his left palm. "Diya wishes he could fly... he does not see how heartwing intends to get closer." <Aeryn> ::closing the pouch, he continues to watch the patrol of the guards:: <Aeryn> Hmm. <Aeryn> Would either of you care for a swim? Or do you think they have thought of that already? <Kevil> I expect the river-side gates will also be guarded. <Aeryn> I must admit, I had not expected such vigilance from orcs. <Kevil> ::nods, counting the numbers atop the wall:: Their general has inspired them, it seems. <Diya> ::in a low voice:: Diya wonders if perhaps the human troops might... be more interested in a profit? Diya's brother often has been known to pay people to look aside. ::he makes a slightly distasteful face:: <Aeryn> Well, all of those, ::indicates the drydock:: probably won't be interested. And those are the ones that count. <Kevil> ::doubtfully:: They *are* mercenaries. ::eyes Diya:: How much coin have you, sunshine? <Aeryn> Is it likely that there are more orcs inside? Or do these ones patrolling the walls double as guards for both within and without? <Kevil> ::shakes his head:: I could not guess without getting closer. * Diya pulls out a pouch and hands it to his mate. "Diya tries to think ahead. He is not very good at it, but he does try." The bag, when opened, reveals a good sized double-handful of platinum coins and small, bright gemstones. "Diya hopes heartwing does not mind..." * Aeryn eyes the small fortune, and smiles at Diya. "Well, that would probably bribe *me*. Can't speak for an orc, though." <Kevil> ::raises an eyebrow at the stash, then grins at Diya:: {You might apply to become one of the Father's Children.} * Diya looks a bit dubious. "Diya thanks heartwing for the compliment." He rolls his eyes extravagantly. <Aeryn> Think you that some few of them might give chase to a stranger, showing up at this hour? Or are they more likely to shoot first? <Aeryn> A bribe is a worthy attempt, but you will have to get close enough to tell them that. <Kevil> At night, they are likely to be suspicious. ::he eyes the dock:: Getting close is not the problem. Figuring out who will take the bribe *is*. <Aeryn> Offer the wrong person, and he kills you out of hand? <Kevil> Or worse, yes. <Aeryn> ::shakes his head:: I am unlearned in this area of human association. * Diya points down near the far east of the wall where three human mercenaries appear to be patrolling the water's edge for swimmers. "Diya thinks that group is small enough to handle, should things go amiss." <Kevil> ::eyes the group:: And not orcish. They did not expand their threat against the hostages to include their human allies, did they? * Aeryn grins. It is not a nice grin. <Diya> Diya would not care to see if they hold the letter or spirit of the law... ::he grins tightly:: <Aeryn> ::sighs:: This close to the docks, three bodies would probably be enough for them to consider the spirit, at least. Elsewhere, however... <Kevil> No... We will attempt simple bribery first. ::without waiting, he crouches to grab the edge of the roof, and flips over the side of the building.:: * Aeryn mutters an elvish curse at Kevil's sudden decision, and follows him over the side * Diya looks around, then follows, shaking his head. * Aeryn drops to the floor and then melts into a deep shadow, keeping a sharp eye on Kevil <Diya> ::the three human mercenaries are dressed in identical leather armor and carry finely-crafted long swords. They appear to be watching the shore, and occasionally telling tall tales. In other circumstances, they might seem to be ordinary adventurers:: <Kevil> ::When the others join him on the ground, Kevil winks and whispers another incantation. He blurs and shimmers, and refocuses in the shape of a woman. "She" is very comely, but covered with grime and wrapped in rags that seem to insist on offering glimpses of smooth flesh underneath. "She" grins at Diya and Aeryn:: A distraction, so they do not look too closely at faces, d'va? <Diya> ::grins:: Heartwing is always beautiful... ::his fingers twitch:: <Aeryn> That you have little to worry about. Having them offer you something else may be! ::grins:: <Kevil> ::winks at Diya and grins at Aeryn:: Then I might be able to separate one from his companions. I will take any opportunity the Bright Lady sends my way, in this. <Diya> ::nods:: Diya thinks he and Sirocco here ::he gestures to Aeryn:: should remain out of sight while heartwing makes his attempt. <Aeryn> I agree. ::a flash of steel is seen:: And I will be ready in case this 'discussion' goes the wrong way. Not that it is likely, given your looks. <Kevil> ::laughs softly:: We shall see. ::bats "her" eyelashes:: Be ready to defend my honor, then. ::takes the pouch from Diya and sorts out the gems, leaving the coins in Diya's possession.:: * Diya grins again and pats "her" backside as she swishes off. <Aeryn> ::to himself:: {Yes, a man of many talents.} * Kevil tosses Diya an unreadable look, then approaches the trio of guards with a sultry and yet timid gait. <Guards> ::the three snap to alertness and one drops a hand to his sword:: And who attempts to pass, this night? ::his voice is oily and oddly polite, not carrying very far:: <Kevil> ::cringing back half a step:: Darla, m-my lords... Please, don' hurt me... <Aeryn> ::whispered:: He's good. *Very* good. <Guard> ::takes a step away from his companions with an easy gesture:: Come here, dear, and we can talk about it... <Aeryn> {Bingo.} * Diya grins at Aeryn. "Sirocco has no idea how good... Diya's loves are the greatest..." <Kevil> ::moves forward again hesitantly, not *quite* close enough for the guard to grab "her" before stopping to bob a quick curtsey.:: <Guard> ::looking her over:: And what might you be doing out after curfew, my dear? Such a pretty little thing... someone's sure to misunderstand... <Aeryn> {Gullible Human.} He fell for it. <Kevil> ::shakes her head frantically:: Please, m'lord, don'... ::eyes his sword fearfully, licking her lips:: I've nowhere to go. My home burned, in the first days, an' my ma an' sisters were taken... * The Guard gestures towards the small group of mercenaries. "We might be able to spare you a little... dinner." <Kevil> ::looks at the other mercenaries briefly:: P-please, m'lord, I only was hopin'... I only want t' know 'bout my kin. ::she bites her lip:: I- I can pay... <Guard> ::a gleam in his dark eyes:: We're fond of the word *pay*, dear... ::takes a step towards her:: <Kevil> ::gropes in her rags and pulls out a gemstone. She holds it out in her open palm, obviously fighting to control her trembling:: * The Guard takes another step forward, catching her slender wrist in one hand. "Don't shake so much, dear... I won't hurt you..." With a sharp tug, he pulls the "girl" into his embrace. In a much lower voice... "Not unless you want me to..." <Kevil> ::gasps as he pulls her close, folding her arms quickly close to her chest:: I- I meant the sparkle, m'lord, please... I've never... ::looks down shyly, pulling tentatively away as if to test the guard's strength:: <Guard> ::keeping his grip:: Well, a little sweetening on the deal, dear... you *are* out after curfew... ::he pockets the gemstone:: Just a little sweet, and maybe I could... help you out... find your mum... <Kevil> ::looks up at him quickly, then bites her lip and looks away again, relaxing somewhat:: I- Not *here*, surely...? <Guard> ::with a crude snigger:: Shy, dear? ::tilts her chin up to look down at her face:: * Aeryn stands there silently, watching. <Kevil> A little... ::meets his gaze briefly, then looks around frantically, focusing finally on the shadows where Aeryn and Diya wait:: Just- over there, m'lord? Where it's not so... so *open*? * The Guard casts a look back at his companions. He says something in a slick, oily language and laughs. The other two nudge each other and one makes a quip in the same tongue. The implications are obvious in the tone of voice. <Aeryn> ::whispered:: {Come on. Come over here, king in your imagination} * Kevil memorizes their words, and repeats one back to the guard with a terrible slurring accent. "What's that mean, m'lord?" <Guard> ::back to the girl:: Just a promise, my sweet... nothing for you to worry your head over... ::he slides one hand down the girl's hip as he turns her towards the shadows:: Let's go someplace private... * Aeryn waits until the guards are all looking at Kevil, and then slides noiselessly to the side where he won't be seen as the ensnared one approaches. * Kevil shivers, but allows the guard to lead the way back toward the shadows. <Guard> ::presses the girl against the side of the building, one hand circling her neck, the other pawing eagerly at the girl's ragged shirt:: * Aeryn checks to see if the other two guards are watching, and then glides silently over to the foolish one. * Diya swears under his breath, his fingers curling in sudden anger. He restrains himself, however, watching until Kevil signals. <Kevil> ::looks over the guard's shoulder as if to reassure herself that they're hidden from the other two guards, then meets Diya's eyes with a quick wink:: M'lord...? Can you really help me find my kin? * Aeryn turns his back on the pair, leaving the honors to Diya. He watches the two guards instead. <Guard> ::pressing his mouth against the girl's throat:: I can check on them, dear... make sure they're well... a little extra money, and I can make sure they're given extra food... my brother, he's working in the kitchens inside. <Kevil> ::pulls back, feigning uncertainty and groping within her rags for Nacheyla's truth-telling stone:: Have you truly been inside, m'lord? You'd not... lie to me, would you? * Aeryn steps back into the shadows, unsure of what Kevil is doing and not wanting to spoil it by being seen <Guard> ::nods:: I been inside... we take turns, you know... guarding inside and out... I seen the hostages... no one's been executed yet, but a few been beaten, for an escape attempt, I think. * Aeryn clenches his hands until the knuckles go white at that piece of news. <Kevil> ::eyes widen:: Not my ma?! <Guard> ::soothingly, peeling back the girl's rags to show off a bit of her chest:: Don't know, my dear, you haven't told me her name... <Kevil> ::softly:: Charity. Mizzus Charity. An' my sisters, and my nieces, just wee babes... <Guard> ::thinking:: Charity... charity... ::he peels the shirt down even further, revealing the girl's breasts:: The pockmarked woman? With that... ::looks at the girl closely:: Yeah, I guess she *could* be your sister, couldn't she? <Kevil> ::looking away, her chin trembling:: They're all prettier than me, m'lord, I know, but... Are they all right? They've not been hurt? <Guard> ::nods:: They're fine. No one's hurt 'em. Your sister, she's a fine-looking woman... caught my captain's eye, I admit. * Aeryn spies the gem in Kevil's hand and wonders what it is. <Diya> ::under his breath:: Oriole... <Kevil> ::softly:: {Raindrop}? ::nods:: She's the prettiest of us all, even after the babes... ::bites her lip:: Has your captain... I mean... ::she glances at him and looks down again:: I mean, it was a hard birthing, m'lord. She's not yet healed... <Guard> ::with a disgusted look:: Nah... damn Woundwort won't let anyone touch 'em, less the populace acts up. Says it's bad policy. What's a damn orc know about "policy"? <Aeryn> ::under his breath:: {More than you do. Much wind pours from your mouth, human!} <Kevil> ::closes her eyes briefly in relief, then speaks timidly:: I don' know, m'lord. But... but surely there's girls enough out here, m'lord? <Guard> ::grins down at her:: For me, leastways... ::covers her mouth for a moment with a rough kiss:: Did you... *want* me... to take care of your sisters for you? * Aeryn grinds his teeth together in frustration. <Guard> ::leering at her:: A bit of extra food, maybe some blankets... maybe water for a bath? I can do that... and maybe you can come back a few times, and we'll... share some privacy? <Kevil> ::cringes from the kiss, then allows it lest he changes his mind about being helpful. She does pull her shirt back together, however, and change out Nacheyla's truth-stone for an ordinary gem:: I... ::shivers:: Please, m'lord. They're my kin... <Guard> ::nods:: All right, dear... I can't entertain you too well tonight anyway, I'm on duty. Orc's'll have my hide, if I get too distracted... but you come back ::thinks:: three days from now, and we'll... go somewhere private. * Aeryn steps back deeper into the shadows. <Kevil> Th-three days... An' you'll see to my kin in the meantime, m'lord? <Guard> ::with a mocking sort of bow:: I will, indeed, dear... ::flashes the gemstone at her:: I'm a man of my word... ::he slides his hand up her leg as he pulls out of the bow:: <Kevil> ::steps back coyly:: I keep my bargains, m'lord. Three days. * The Guard grins, then, with a jaunty salute, he steps back and heads towards his little group. * Kevil waits until the guard is back with his friends and bragging before sagging against the wall with a sigh and letting the illusion dissolve. * Diya slips over to Kevil's side. "Heartwing was *fantastic*!" * Aeryn waits until the three have gone back to their regular patrol before coming out of the shadow and moving over to Kevil. <Aeryn> ::bow of profound respect:: Friend Kevil, you are truly a {Master of your trade.} * Kevil puts an arm around Diya's waist. "The things I do..." He spits on the ground. <Aeryn> You will get your own back in three days, I do believe. And your loved ones will be cared for better until then. * Diya puts one arm around his mate comfortingly. "Diya knows... but heartwing must not forget all that has been discovered. Oriole is well, and the orc-general keeps tight discipline. It is good to know these things." <Kevil> ::grins at Aeryn:: Thank you. And I would have done far more to learn as much and do what could be done for them. ::he draws a breath:: Though I very much doubt my illusion would hold up to everything our mark desires. I must do some research, in the next days. <Aeryn> ::looks startled:: You're not telling me that you actually could...! <Aeryn> I didn't think magic was powerful enough for that! * Diya looks up as the clouds start to break up. "Diya thinks perhaps this conversation might be more safely held at home..." <Kevil> ::laughs:: Not I, no. My magic is not so strong. Though I have known mages who *could*. ::glances up at the sky:: Va. Back to the rooftops for us, friend Aeryn. <Aeryn> {Coming...} * Aeryn leaps up after Kevil. * Diya sneaks along below them in the streets, keeping a wary eye out. * Kevil moves in silence, watching their surroundings and the street, but apparently lost in thought. <Diya> ::as they approach the street where Tarri's flat is, an orc, deeply hidden in shadows, reaches out and grabs Diya's arm:: Little late for a stroll? * Aeryn slips quietly off the rooftop into the alley, behind the orc. * Kevil nearly stumbles to a halt on his rooftop, his eyes widening. He hesitates, then follows Aeryn over the side of the building. <Orc> ::pulling his sword and pointing it directly at Diya's chest:: Don't even try it, bark-eater. We've been waiting for you to come home. ::he gestures and a small squad reveals themselves to have been hiding all around the stairway to the flat:: * Kevil takes a very deep breath and presses himself into the shadows, his lips moving in a soundless curse. <Orc> ::another Orc reaches into the shadow and pulls Kevil out:: We know your numbers, songbird. ::shoves him towards Diya:: Don't get cute. * Aeryn leaps for the roof edge above him. <Kevil> ::curses again, out loud this time, and spreads his hands to show them empty:: <Orc> ::pressing the sword closer to Diya's chest:: You want him to die, elf? By all means, run away... * Aeryn releases his grasp, and falls to the ground. <Kevil> NO! ::he takes a half-step, then falls back as Aeryn drops back to the ground:: <Orc Captain> ::chuckling and pulling a long-tailed knout from his belt:: We'll consider this a *warning*.... ::jerks his chin at them:: Up against the wall... * Aeryn gets up slowly and moves over to the others. His pouches are missing. <Orc Captain> ::gestures to one of his guards:: Search 'em. * Aeryn stands against the wall and puts his empty hands out. * Kevil eyes the knout, then Diya, then reluctantly turns toward the wall, brushing one hand down his shirt and over his face tiredly before putting it flat against the wall. <Diya> ::the orcs break into pairs to search their captives, confiscating weapons and money and anything else that looks of value. They tear the three men's shirts off to bare their backs:: <Aeryn> {this is not going to be pleasant...} <Kevil> ::his jaw works and then sets, and he nods:: * The Orc Captain winds up with his knout, then proceeds to flog all three men until they are soaked with blood and fallen to their knees in pain. * Aeryn passes out from the pain. * An Orc kicks the half-elf in the stomach once, after he slides into unconsciousness. "Weak creatures..." After a while, the beating stops. <Orc Captain> I'd advise no more adventures, human... ::he sneers, then directs his troops down the street:: Have a good night... * Kevil whimpers and spits Nacheyla's stones into his shaking fist, then crawls painfully to check on Aeryn. "Fethi... M'iadara fethi." * Diya hisses, too much in pain to do more. "Sons of Ven'Hedi dogs..." He swallows hard, then goes to help Kevil with Aeryn. * Aeryn regains consciousness, only to nearly pass out again. {Aaah! GODDESS DAMN IT!} <Diya> ::in a soft voice:: Hush, Sirocco... Diya and heartwing will care for their friend... <Kevil> ::relieved to find Aeryn still breathing, he sighs and laboriously stands:: Can you stand, or should I go wake the Corporal to help you? * Aeryn gets slowly to hands and knees, anger lending him strength. "For no better reason than to spite them, easily." <Kevil> Ha. HOld on to that. ::he looks at Diya, then begins to painfully climb the stairs to the flat. <Diya> ::looking over his friends:: Diya thinks one of Oriole's potions would be of help... he does not think they should heal all their wounds, but Diya, at least, will not be able to work tomorrow, without some help... * Aeryn slowly gets to his feet, swearing in elvish all the while, and after assuring himself that the orcs have gone, goes to retrieve his pouches <Kevil> ::hoarsely:: I think you are right, n'shava. Inside, first. <Diya> ::gingerly, Diya helps Kevil up the stairs, his dark eyes full of pain and anger:: <Aeryn> ::picks up the pouches and follows them, limping and wincing at every move:: |
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