Planning lives (Alex)

[Teyrn Landon]

Silence swept across the city of Denerim as it had become a late night, only the barking of dogs and drunken men and women could be heard throughout the streets and the guards who were stationed on duty, most stood watch even some had fallen asleep. A great mist was surrounding the city; one which had arrived as the warmth air had begun to heat up the land. It was the perfect opportunity; Teyrn Landon had been plotting with his Queen earlier that day and now as most people had gone to sleep it was time for him to do his things. One which needed discretion and secrecy, as his and his Queen`s plot where not to be heard by anyone. It included an assassination attempt, one which they both had wished a long time, although they had never dared to try before now. Alistair was soon to travel north, and it would be the best if he would pass away on such a long and dangerous journey. It would give the Queen what she wanted, but most of all it would give what Landon desired, more power. If he could place his Queen and lover upon the throne of Ferelden without Alistair as King, he himself could become a King if she chose to make him one. It would be perfect, Landon thought to himself and he was excited to plan the plots against Alistair.

Earlier in his life Landon had served as a noble and warrior under the command of Teyrn Loghain of Gwaren, but after his death, Landon had been given his position as a close lover he had become to Anora the Queen, Loghains daughter. They both shared much in common, although it was their hatred for Alistair who held them most together, that and their passion for each other. Teyrn Landon had been given Gwaren and the position as the General of Ferelden`s army, while also having become the personal advisor to the Queen, one highly valued by her.

Walking the streets at night, Landon was dressed in his fine noble clothing but hid it under his black cloak, which easily covered his appearance and face. Walking alone he approached the shipyard of Denerim, a silent and a dangerous place at night, but Landon was sure he could handle himself, as he had been claimed to be one of the greatest swordsmen of the land. Along with him he kept his sword close in the scabbard at his belt, and as he approached his destination, he made sure no one was following him, looking around curiously before walking further into the shadows. It was time to meet his appointment, the mercenary he had hoped to speak in silence with.

[Alex]

The silent streets were empty - abandoned by the people. The moonlight glittered on rooftops, reflecting it's light to sides of the buildings. Alex leaned on a wall, holding a dark cloak around himself. It was cold, so cold that night, that Alex was freezing although he had his regular clothing plus the additional dark cloak. He examined the wall's textures while waiting his client to appear. It had tiles placed on top of each other, and the moonlight made it glimmer ghastly - except from one spot. From afar it looked just like a mere shadow, but it was Alex. "The perfect disguise", he thought.

Alex heard silent steps from the main street. He made sure to not move an inch, raising his gaze and spotting a shadow moving on the streets towards the spot he was standing on. "That must be him.", he thought, and moved slightly to give away his position. Slowly he reached with his hand under the dark cloak, grabbing the hilt of his fine sword, feeling the elegant inscriptions carved on it. He smiled a cold, dark smile - the kind of a smile that would make a normal man feel chills moving up his spine, but Alex knew that this client of his wouldn't be impressed.

He had to try his best this time - finally a contract worth to be serious about!

[Teyrn Landon]

Noticing a movement in the shadows, Landon quickly understood that the man he was going to meet already was there waiting. As Teyrn Landon approuched in his hooded black cloak, he slowly reached out his hand with a purse of gold toward the stranger. "My men tell me that you are one of the best mercenaries around, I suppose I can trust you to do me a favor...?" Landon asked with a whispering voice as he awaited the stranger to accept the payment and the task which he would present him. If the stranger simply took the purse and ran, Landon would more that easily know how to handle him as he was not afraid of being ripped off, most those who did had fallen victim to Landon`s skills and sword.

“You may know why I have come, but I suggest we find ourselves a more less opened place to talk further business.” Landon continued and suggested, hoping for them both to find a closed room where none could hear them speak, even they already were in shadows. Landon had come to not only present the ask plotted with his Queen, but had also come to ask of a mission of his own, wanting to assure that he one day would become King of Ferelden. Looking around carefully and curiously, Landon hoped no one watched and heard them speak, as he knew the entire shipyard could be crowded by other criminals as well, perhaps even Orlesians spies whom worked for Empress Celene.

[Alex]

Alex raised his gaze up to the sky, thinking what it might bring down upon him. Stars were shining perfectly, the sky was clear. He sniffed at the air, but then suddenly sneered hard. "Damn sewers", he thought angrily. Then turning to his client, he sneered at the money pouch illuminated by the moonlight. It stood out in the darkness, making Alex wonder how long would it take for someone watching to see it. Then, turning to meet the man's gaze, he said: "Not so fast with the money, please. I want to hear what this contract is about before accepting it. How about we move in that house behind you? I rented it for this night, it's empty and quiet there. Safe." He beckoned Landon to follow him as he began moving towards the house.

[Teyrn Landon]

As the mercenary denied taking the purse of money before hearing the mission, Landon withdrew it and placed it somewhere safe within his cloak and in return he nodded and spoke with a low voice. "Very well." Agreeing to go somewhere quieter where others could not hear them speak and plan, and it was what he had hoped for. Looking around carefully with his face hidden beneath the cloak, Landon watched to see if someone was following him, it seemed there was none and so he continued, following the mercenary into the building nearby, a house which was both dirty and grim looking, a sort of place that was mostly used to keep cargo within. Although as he and the mercenary went into the house, a shadow moved in the distance outside, revealing his or hers presence, someone very skilled was following.

Stepping inside, Landon looked around and could see boxes with supplies, but as he walked further in he noticed a table, a few chairs and a simple bed. It was not much, but it would do for the plans Landon had to speak of, and once they were inside he turned his gaze to the mercenary in front of him and spoke after reassuring himself that it was safe to plot. “I have come to ask a favor of you, one who will surly drown you in gold should you succeed.” Landon said and looked around once more, throwing the purse of gold on the table, before revealing the mission he had intended to give. “I want you to kill the King of Ferelden…he will soon travel north and it will be the best opportunity to strike once he has left, make sure he does not return home and that he dies and you will be rewarded.” He continued in a cold manner of speaking.

[Alex]

"King of Ferelden.. Alistair." Alex received a little shock when he heard the target, and although still managing to look calm, his eyes wandered off to the sides of the building. Replaying the words in his head, he laughed: "King of Ferelden?" Turning his eyes to meet Landon again, he continued: "Wish to be the new king, eh? Well, well, I can grant you that - for the correct price. And that money there - He pointed his finger at the coin purse - is not enough." Smiling a cold smile, he thought for a continuation. He chuckled when he came up with one. "And how do you think I am supposed to even get close to the King? I know my limits. I'm the best man you could hire, and even the best man you could ever get doesn't know how to get close to the King. Solve that problem, and I can think about this."

He leaned backwards, putting his arms akimbo and taking a solid stance.

"Well?", he said ridiculingly.

[Teyrn Landon]

As the mercenary demanded more money from Landon and pointed at the purse of gold that already was on the table, the Teyrn sneered a little to himself as he did not wish to spend that much money, but of course if the mercenary wanted more he would get it, as long he would manage to kill the king. “Hmm…of course, the purse is just your first payment. You will receive more, once you have done the job.” Landon spoke seriously as he looked at the purse, then back at the mercenary. “Is it not your job to think of how to kill your target?...if you want my opinion I can gladly give it you.” He said as he rubbed his chin thoughtfully.

“The best way for you to kill him I think, would be to join him north as a part of the ship`s crew, gain his trust. Now…I believe they will make many stops on their way, and Alistair has even revealed that they may seek harbor in Kirkwall. That I think would be the best place for you to make your entrance. I will also send Alistair two guards with him, who holds loyalty to me and Anora of course…should you need the assistance then they will provide it.“ Landon spoke calmly and a serious tone as he wondered what the mercenary thought about the matter, it was a good plan and he hoped he would accept it. However there was something else he also wanted the mercenary to do, something Landon had not planned with Anora…something personal.

Taking a few steps further into the room, while keeping his gaze on the floor, he continued. “And there is something else…perhaps if it is not too much. Once you are in Kirkwall, please bring this letter to the Templar order belonging to Lord Seeker Lambert. I am sure they will appreciate knowing what it says.” He said with a smirk on his face, as he handed the mercenary the letter, a letter that lied about Anora`s reputation, one which told that she and Alistair had been hiding Blood Mages from the Templars. As he gave the mercenery the letter, he hoped that once the Templar and Seekers got to know what was written, they would come to Ferelden and perhaps cease Anora for hiding Mages, a crime that the Templars and Seekers surely would not tolerate. And once Anora and Alistair would be gone from the throne, Landon would have the opportunity to usurp the throne.

[Alex]

Alex held his tongue for a moment, thinking did he go too far with his demands. As Landon mentioned an another task that Alex would have to do, he couldn't hold it anymore. "I think that we can consider it a deal, Landon.", he said with a slightly mocking tone. He let Landon know that he knew something little about him. He proceeded to smile cautiously to Landon, continuing: "However, I don't want any mistrust between us. My name is Alex, and I come from a small human port called Pearlmouth. If there's any information you want to know about my plans, just ask me." Alex glanced incisively at Landon. "Or hit me with a letter, if that's more your style." Alex moved to the window even though he had just finished asking a question. Looking out from the window, he noticed a couple of things: Firstly, the night was even darker than before. Secondly, the moon was gone - the streets were even darker. And thirdly, he noticed that some of the shadows had changed place. The shadow by the doorway opposite of Alex was in the same place. But the shadow next to it was gone... "Damn it!"

Alex turned towards Landon, preparing himself for anything. Moving close to him, he muttered to his ear:
"There's something wrong in here. The shadows have changed places. Someone's outside, and trust me, it's not a rat."

[sayahotd]

Ky had been sent by the Empress Celene to do a job. It was very important that she find out any information she could to help her one true friend. In Ky’s eyes, failure was never an option when it came to her Empress. She would rather die than feel like she did not do everything she could to ensure Celene’s happiness. Ky had found out information for Celene many times when they were in Orlais. The Empress did not like to put Ky in danger, but Ky would hate the idea of putting Celene in danger even more. Ky could handle herself and was a very precise person. Her particular skill was with a bow. She went everywhere with her bow. It was particularly beautiful and was given to her by Celene herself. It was also particularly deadly in her capable hands.

Ky had been tipped off that Teyrn Landon may have some interest in Celene, but she had never expected this. If this man was really planning what she thought he was, Celene would be devastated. This was not good and Ky shifted to hear the men talk more. As she did she heard, "There's something wrong in here. The shadows have changed places. Someone's outside, and trust me, it's not a rat."[/i] Ky stopped in her tracks and slowed her breathing. She was definitely between a rock and a hard place. Now she could either try to stay hidden or launch a counter attack. She would have the advantage being outside with her bow, but there was also a good possibility she would not get out alive. That was her main objective here or else all the spying was for nothing and Celene would not know the plan.

Ky tried to barely move and equipped an arrow in her bow. She would wait there to see what happened, but needed to think of a strategy or else she would be in a predicament that she could not get herself out of. She sat still and held her bow at ready. She could sit like this for hours if needed, for she was a servant, and she had learned how to block out most pain.

[Teyrn Landon]

Getting to know the name of the mercenary and where he came from would certainly help Landon trust him, and it would make it easier for him to track him should Landon need to contact him or should Alex fail the mission, that was if he told the truth. Teyrn Landon was a man of little patient and he did not like failures; especially failures that could make him look like a traitor and could cause his death. However as soon after as Alex moved to the window and discovered a presence nearby, Landon grew weary when he was told about it. It angered him that someone had followed, but if someone was there, Landon and Alex would make sure the spy did not escape; it was a matter of life and death. If Alistair got to know about what Landon had planned, then things would grow badly not only for him, but both of them and that also for Queen Anora.

“Handle it!” Landon whispered and commanbded back to Alex as they stood close, still hiding his face from not being seen by anyone who was watching, even the spy probably had noticed who he was already. Teyrn Landon would not take any chances, and if there was someone, then Alex should hunt the spy down and capture or kill the one whom had seen and heard them talk.

[Alex]

A silent shadow passed by the door as it softly slid open, moving in the shadows as if one of them had decided to take shape and move away from its position. Very unnatural for a regular shadow, but the unnatural shadow in question did not care - what he did care for, however, was an another unnatural shadow in the area. The two played a deadly game of cat and mouse, both staying in the dark but with no hope of seeing each other. Only the moonlight illuminated the city; it reflected from anything that was made of metal or stone, although it was not clearly sightable from stone. But the unnatural... bah, fine, Alex spotted it easily - he was used for this sort of work. He knew this well, and smiled smugly, forgetting his duty for a short while. This feeling was however disturbed greatly as he slowly reached out his hand closer to his sword that was supposed to hang there in its scabbard. "Oh shit," thought Alex, "I must've left it on the table inside," he added in his mind. Soon his thoughts turned to more pressing needs: "What other weapons do I have on me?", he asked himself. He recalled he had a pair of throwing daggers, and the great smith Alcantar of Orlais had made them; and an iron dagger he had of the same origin. So in other words, he was still capable of killing his opponent, this mysterious spy - probably sent by the King or by his friends. Well, he (or she, Alex added in his mind) should reveal himself soon, no man could keep quiet for longer than a few minutes...

However, as time passed by while Alex awaited for a sound that would reveal his adversary's position, he grew anxious - there was no sound. Minutes had passed by, and still there was no sound. "Surely no man...!," he thought, but now a whole new thought appeared in his head, almost filling it. The spy perhaps wasn't a human, he or she could also be an elf, which would also explain this silence. It was well possible that his position would instead be revealed to the spy, if he or she were to be an elf, since they had keener senses than humans did. Alex followed his senses the best he could, and drew out one of the finely crafted throwing daggers, letting it hang from between his thumb and forefinger. Then he sprang up from his hiding place and sprinted the short distance to the building, taking cover behind it. It was a dead end; the wall covered the whole distance for the next twenty or so meters, and there was just only one gap in the wall. There was a two-meter tall gate of iron on that gap there, and it was currently locked. Alex stood by the side of a stone building, leaning on it and listening sharply for any movement. The spy could not leave without making a sound, he or she could not leave without alerting Alex, but Alex couldn't move anywhere from his cover either - Alex wasn't so stupid to maintain hope that a spy wouldn't carry any ranged weapons. Nowadays such people were rather focused on ranged attacks, which Alex found rather funny - he even knew one. Honovi was her name, and the two were like a brother and sister. Suddenly the possibility caught him - what if this spy here was Honovi? "No, no, it couldn't be. She would've told him, surely, she is a woman of honour - she has never kept anything important concerning our jobs to herself, and neither have I.", Alex thought actually quite satisfied.

He dragged himself back to reality and concentrated on his errand again, this time more confident about himself. It was a draw, a draw of wits and a draw of strength as it appeared to Alex, although it was actually nothing short of that.

[sayahotd]

As she sat lifelessly perched on some crates by the window, she could hear the men shuffle inside. Her bow was pulled back and she was set with her back against the wall. She huddled down between the crates so that she was hidden by the shadows, but it also made it so that she could not see to her sides. She breathed so lightly, so slowly, that her heart rate was reduced also, and the world around her seemed to keep pace. Her arm felt a little warm from holding her bow so still, but she still did not move.

She soon heard busting below. It seemed that someone was running, most likely for cover. She could not see anything around her. The crates below her stacked almost like a stair case, except there was one on each side on her. She could only see darkness below and the moonlit sky above. Ky knew that the man Landon was talking to must be after her now. This was time to think of an escape plan. She was originally supposed to be gathering information on paper. She had technically failed her mission, but at least she had overheard the plan. If she could, all she would have to do was make it out alive now. Ky would get that information to Celene somehow, but she didn’t know how.

As she thought about a plan, she stared up at the moon. It oddly looked the same as when she lived in Orlais. Ky had been in many dangerous situations there, but none as critical as this. As she looked upward she noticed something. The roof was right above her head and the ledge would be easy to get ahold of. It would be a bold move, and she was sure her enemy would have a ranged weapon, but it seemed to be the only way out. She could take the man head on, but she was slightly weak in the strength department. She was fast and she could endure a large stretch of physical torment. She wsa deadly accurate, but when it came to packing a punch, she failed. So Ky gently set her bow down and tried to be as quiet as possible. She took a breath, closed her eyes, and swung herself suddenly upon the roof. She hoped the man did not have great reaction time. She only had a couple seconds to get away, but anything could happen.

[Alex]

There. He heard it, rustle behind the corner, just as he had expected. The spy was sure now running for his life, attempting to escape the hunter. Alex had to tread carefully, though, as he might turn from hunter to the hunted in a microsecond if he were to fail this little stunt. With just a moment's time to react, he sprang out from behind the corner quickly and quietly, but the sound was still enough to be heard, and Alex played with the thought of footsteps behind him or her as he or she ran frightfully away. He appeared just in time to have a peek at her - yes, it was a she, Alex was sure of it now - and quickly jump on the roof through the same route the spy used. He walked up the roof to the top, calling for her. 'Come out, please! I know you're here. It's so cold out here - I have no idea why I'm after you in this weather!'A persuasive grin rose on his face as he spoke softly but with a pitched voice, scanning the rooftops and the ground with his eyes.
'You might want to know that your master - or mistress - already knows about this. You are out here on a suicide mission, spy! We are those you should trust, not her! She is vile, evil and manipulative. Please, come over here. We want to help you.' The persuasive smile dropped from his face and turned into a serious, worried expression.
'Really, we do not want any quarrels with you. Please come back here so that we can settle this like intelligent people.' Alex had all the time used his voice masterfully to convince his opponent, but he hadn't thought for a moment that she would trust what he said. The much more hard-to-spot, more dangerous trap was in that she would be lured into a false sense of escaping the place alive. He would get her to try for a slip, and when she would, he'd catch her and crush her. Alex reviewed his weaponry subconsciously as he continued looking for her, listening all the time; on his right hand he had his throwing dagger safely between his fore finger and middle finger and on his left hand he had nothing; but it rested on the handle of his dagger safely hid in the clothing. The second throwing dagger was just underneath his waist in a leather sheath which was camouflaged by his dark clothing that perfectly fit the landscape.

Alex reassessed the situation quickly, still concentrating mostly on searching for the spy. 'It's darker than ever now. That must mean that now is the darkest hour before dawn; and the moon is going down. Soon we will see the sun rising from the East, which is from my right. I have to make my way there to prevent her from escaping towards that direction.' He discarded the plan soon, for he didn't have the time to complete it or think about it. And soon, Alex felt strangely at peace, although he was in the middle of a serious chase. Relaxing during a tight chase might prove a deadly mistake, but he decided to stay relaxed from the outside - it didn't hurt him to do so. Perhaps this would convince her that she could slip from him, but which, in reality, was not possible in any way. It wasn't really easy to think when you're being chased, and every intelligent mind, like an elven or human mind, works the same way. As he clutched the throwing dagger tighter, he checked if it was still hidden from view. It was.

Tension grew, however, and while Alex looked calm and relaxed from the outside, he began to feel irritated. He prepared himself for anything; for a surprise attack, for a slip, or perhaps both. What could she do other than wait until she thinks she could slip away? There's no other way our minds work, for when cornered we only see the most obvious escape route. Still, Alex felt that this spy was not ordinary in any possible way of thinking, but what did it hurt to keep an eye on all routes - even the most obvious ones, which would be to spring up and try to run for the next rooftops and down - if you could?