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Down twisting streets and winding alleys, Xanthippe trailed her prey, molding to the shadows and ghosting through the crowds to remain unseen. It had been at least two hours now that she had been following the traitor known as Kyros, and still, she had managed to gather very little of interest. No clues as to where he’d been hidden away, no inklings as to why he’d hidden in the first place. This was getting exhausting, but Xan was on a mission, and she did not mean to leave empty-handed.
Take one of his hands, and you won’t be.
Perhaps in time. Not here.
When did you turn into such a coward?
I’m not a coward. I’ve simply learned the art of discretion.
…Coward.
Rolling her eyes, Xanthippe tuned out the prodding voice and focused on the task at hand. Unfortunately, following him like this was yielding no results, and the young woman was quickly growing bored. Perhaps if she could speed along the process, get into his head more directly, she’d have answers. After all, they’d met face-to-face now. If she approached him all innocence and charm, maybe she could gain the advantage.
So, that’s what she decided to do. Of course, it had to be done subtly; she had no desire for him to know how long she’d been following him. The last thing she wanted was to raise his suspicions, not when she had him practically within her palm. Glancing quickly from behind the wall where she hid, she locked in on his position with a nod. Standing at the merchant’s stall with what looked like fruit in his hand, she could see him fumbling for the purse at his belt and smiled. Here was her opportunity.
Hurrying over to where he stood while simultaneously doing her best to appear as if she wasn’t hurrying, Xanthippe brushed against him while subtly tugging at the string that held his purse to him. When it dropped to the ground, the woman hid her smile and replaced it with a look of surprise instead. Snatching it from the dirt with a feigned expression of concern, she offered it out to Kyros with a tentative smile. “My apologies, sir. I believe this is yours.”
Taking a moment to look at his face, her eyes lit, as if with sudden recognition. “Hey, wait! Weren’t you down at the beach the other day? When the Colchians arrived?” Furrowing her brows like she sought to place him, she nodded. “You were! Kyros, right? What a coincidence running into you here!”
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Down twisting streets and winding alleys, Xanthippe trailed her prey, molding to the shadows and ghosting through the crowds to remain unseen. It had been at least two hours now that she had been following the traitor known as Kyros, and still, she had managed to gather very little of interest. No clues as to where he’d been hidden away, no inklings as to why he’d hidden in the first place. This was getting exhausting, but Xan was on a mission, and she did not mean to leave empty-handed.
Take one of his hands, and you won’t be.
Perhaps in time. Not here.
When did you turn into such a coward?
I’m not a coward. I’ve simply learned the art of discretion.
…Coward.
Rolling her eyes, Xanthippe tuned out the prodding voice and focused on the task at hand. Unfortunately, following him like this was yielding no results, and the young woman was quickly growing bored. Perhaps if she could speed along the process, get into his head more directly, she’d have answers. After all, they’d met face-to-face now. If she approached him all innocence and charm, maybe she could gain the advantage.
So, that’s what she decided to do. Of course, it had to be done subtly; she had no desire for him to know how long she’d been following him. The last thing she wanted was to raise his suspicions, not when she had him practically within her palm. Glancing quickly from behind the wall where she hid, she locked in on his position with a nod. Standing at the merchant’s stall with what looked like fruit in his hand, she could see him fumbling for the purse at his belt and smiled. Here was her opportunity.
Hurrying over to where he stood while simultaneously doing her best to appear as if she wasn’t hurrying, Xanthippe brushed against him while subtly tugging at the string that held his purse to him. When it dropped to the ground, the woman hid her smile and replaced it with a look of surprise instead. Snatching it from the dirt with a feigned expression of concern, she offered it out to Kyros with a tentative smile. “My apologies, sir. I believe this is yours.”
Taking a moment to look at his face, her eyes lit, as if with sudden recognition. “Hey, wait! Weren’t you down at the beach the other day? When the Colchians arrived?” Furrowing her brows like she sought to place him, she nodded. “You were! Kyros, right? What a coincidence running into you here!”
Down twisting streets and winding alleys, Xanthippe trailed her prey, molding to the shadows and ghosting through the crowds to remain unseen. It had been at least two hours now that she had been following the traitor known as Kyros, and still, she had managed to gather very little of interest. No clues as to where he’d been hidden away, no inklings as to why he’d hidden in the first place. This was getting exhausting, but Xan was on a mission, and she did not mean to leave empty-handed.
Take one of his hands, and you won’t be.
Perhaps in time. Not here.
When did you turn into such a coward?
I’m not a coward. I’ve simply learned the art of discretion.
…Coward.
Rolling her eyes, Xanthippe tuned out the prodding voice and focused on the task at hand. Unfortunately, following him like this was yielding no results, and the young woman was quickly growing bored. Perhaps if she could speed along the process, get into his head more directly, she’d have answers. After all, they’d met face-to-face now. If she approached him all innocence and charm, maybe she could gain the advantage.
So, that’s what she decided to do. Of course, it had to be done subtly; she had no desire for him to know how long she’d been following him. The last thing she wanted was to raise his suspicions, not when she had him practically within her palm. Glancing quickly from behind the wall where she hid, she locked in on his position with a nod. Standing at the merchant’s stall with what looked like fruit in his hand, she could see him fumbling for the purse at his belt and smiled. Here was her opportunity.
Hurrying over to where he stood while simultaneously doing her best to appear as if she wasn’t hurrying, Xanthippe brushed against him while subtly tugging at the string that held his purse to him. When it dropped to the ground, the woman hid her smile and replaced it with a look of surprise instead. Snatching it from the dirt with a feigned expression of concern, she offered it out to Kyros with a tentative smile. “My apologies, sir. I believe this is yours.”
Taking a moment to look at his face, her eyes lit, as if with sudden recognition. “Hey, wait! Weren’t you down at the beach the other day? When the Colchians arrived?” Furrowing her brows like she sought to place him, she nodded. “You were! Kyros, right? What a coincidence running into you here!”
Kyros had felt uneasy for hours now. He'd been out in the forest outside the city proper all that morning - a routine he'd developed lately that allowed him to practice his skilled fighting dance without prying eyes on him, and so he could gather herbs and plants for certain concoctions he was working on. But Ever since he'd returned to the city, he'd felt eyes on him. He'd wondered seemingly aimlessly for a while, trying to ditch whatever tale the Creed had set on him today - for no matter Fotios' claim of being able to keep the Creed of Kyros' back, the fugitive knew that no noble or city guardsmen was a match for the ones he'd lived among his entire life. But nothing Kyros did seemed to flush out any pursuing Shadow Walkers, so he'd told himself he was being too paranoid and had proceeded to the market to get some food and possibly buy some herbs he'd not been able to locate in the wild. Food first, however, as his stomach was growling something fierce. He'd worked up quite a sweat with this morning's workout.
Holding some apples and grapes in one hand, Kyros reached for his coin purse at his hip only for it to fall from his fingers. His eyes narrowing he turned to pick it up from where he'd heard it fall, only to have it handed to him by a woman behind him. He eyed the blond carefully, reaching for the small bag. "Yes... thank you." he said. She looked familiar. A light of recognition lit up her face and when she called him by the moniker he was known for now, he tilted his head. "Of course. Xanthippe. Servant to the Leventi family. I remember, now. It's... a pleasure to see you again." He turned away for a moment and paid for his food and moved away from the stall so as to get away from the growing line. Kyros was still very uncomfortable in crowds. He looked to see if the girl was going to follow him. He wasn't really up for company, but perhaps if she followed it would give him an opportunity to speak with her more, try to garner information about the Leventi household. Fotios had much too much an advantage over him.
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Kyros had felt uneasy for hours now. He'd been out in the forest outside the city proper all that morning - a routine he'd developed lately that allowed him to practice his skilled fighting dance without prying eyes on him, and so he could gather herbs and plants for certain concoctions he was working on. But Ever since he'd returned to the city, he'd felt eyes on him. He'd wondered seemingly aimlessly for a while, trying to ditch whatever tale the Creed had set on him today - for no matter Fotios' claim of being able to keep the Creed of Kyros' back, the fugitive knew that no noble or city guardsmen was a match for the ones he'd lived among his entire life. But nothing Kyros did seemed to flush out any pursuing Shadow Walkers, so he'd told himself he was being too paranoid and had proceeded to the market to get some food and possibly buy some herbs he'd not been able to locate in the wild. Food first, however, as his stomach was growling something fierce. He'd worked up quite a sweat with this morning's workout.
Holding some apples and grapes in one hand, Kyros reached for his coin purse at his hip only for it to fall from his fingers. His eyes narrowing he turned to pick it up from where he'd heard it fall, only to have it handed to him by a woman behind him. He eyed the blond carefully, reaching for the small bag. "Yes... thank you." he said. She looked familiar. A light of recognition lit up her face and when she called him by the moniker he was known for now, he tilted his head. "Of course. Xanthippe. Servant to the Leventi family. I remember, now. It's... a pleasure to see you again." He turned away for a moment and paid for his food and moved away from the stall so as to get away from the growing line. Kyros was still very uncomfortable in crowds. He looked to see if the girl was going to follow him. He wasn't really up for company, but perhaps if she followed it would give him an opportunity to speak with her more, try to garner information about the Leventi household. Fotios had much too much an advantage over him.
Kyros had felt uneasy for hours now. He'd been out in the forest outside the city proper all that morning - a routine he'd developed lately that allowed him to practice his skilled fighting dance without prying eyes on him, and so he could gather herbs and plants for certain concoctions he was working on. But Ever since he'd returned to the city, he'd felt eyes on him. He'd wondered seemingly aimlessly for a while, trying to ditch whatever tale the Creed had set on him today - for no matter Fotios' claim of being able to keep the Creed of Kyros' back, the fugitive knew that no noble or city guardsmen was a match for the ones he'd lived among his entire life. But nothing Kyros did seemed to flush out any pursuing Shadow Walkers, so he'd told himself he was being too paranoid and had proceeded to the market to get some food and possibly buy some herbs he'd not been able to locate in the wild. Food first, however, as his stomach was growling something fierce. He'd worked up quite a sweat with this morning's workout.
Holding some apples and grapes in one hand, Kyros reached for his coin purse at his hip only for it to fall from his fingers. His eyes narrowing he turned to pick it up from where he'd heard it fall, only to have it handed to him by a woman behind him. He eyed the blond carefully, reaching for the small bag. "Yes... thank you." he said. She looked familiar. A light of recognition lit up her face and when she called him by the moniker he was known for now, he tilted his head. "Of course. Xanthippe. Servant to the Leventi family. I remember, now. It's... a pleasure to see you again." He turned away for a moment and paid for his food and moved away from the stall so as to get away from the growing line. Kyros was still very uncomfortable in crowds. He looked to see if the girl was going to follow him. He wasn't really up for company, but perhaps if she followed it would give him an opportunity to speak with her more, try to garner information about the Leventi household. Fotios had much too much an advantage over him.
Xanthippe’s smile was sweet and open, even if her thoughts were increasingly murderous. Threats, unfortunately, would do her no good at the moment, though; just because she knew who he was didn’t mean he had even the slightest inkling of the identity that connected them. She meant to keep it that way, at least until the moment she watched him bleed out under her. Perhaps then she’d reveal her identity, let him know the monster he had crossed. It was highly… unconventional… for a member of the Creed to reveal their identity, much less the Shade herself, but the fact that he was alive now wasn’t exactly conventional either, was it? If Lord Fotios could bend the rules, then surely so could she.
“The pleasure is all mine, Kyros,” she replied, even as she almost choked on the name. The name she gave him. The name he betrayed. Falling into step beside him, she accompanied him through the market without asking if he’d like her company or not. It didn’t matter if he liked it. Now that she’d revealed her presence, he was simply going to have to tolerate her tagging along.
Tear out his heart in the street. That would teach him a lesson.
How many times must we talk about subtlety?
Subtlety is boring. The marketplace flowing with blood sends a message.
And what message am I supposed to be sending?
That no one crosses you and lives.
Well, you have a point there.
“I didn’t get the chance to speak with you much the other day,” she said as a segue into her real purpose. Small talk was never really small talk with Xan; every question she asked, every word she spoke served a purpose. Her purpose today was very clear—she would know whatever there was to know about this bold-faced traitor. And eventually, she would use it all to crush him.
“Are you from Taengea?” she went on to ask, her tone friendly and non-assuming. It was a normal question to ask of someone you didn’t know well, even if she already knew the answer. She was more so curious to find out if he would be truthful. “It’s such a beautiful country, isn’t it? I can’t imagine growing up anywhere else.”
She watched him sidelong as they walked, searching his face for any signs of unease or discomfort. So far, he simply appeared tired, and she supposed he ought to be after traipsing through the city all day. She knew how much he’d walked today, after all. She had followed him the whole way.
Nothing cures exhaustion like death.
Not yet. I want to take my time with this one.
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Xanthippe’s smile was sweet and open, even if her thoughts were increasingly murderous. Threats, unfortunately, would do her no good at the moment, though; just because she knew who he was didn’t mean he had even the slightest inkling of the identity that connected them. She meant to keep it that way, at least until the moment she watched him bleed out under her. Perhaps then she’d reveal her identity, let him know the monster he had crossed. It was highly… unconventional… for a member of the Creed to reveal their identity, much less the Shade herself, but the fact that he was alive now wasn’t exactly conventional either, was it? If Lord Fotios could bend the rules, then surely so could she.
“The pleasure is all mine, Kyros,” she replied, even as she almost choked on the name. The name she gave him. The name he betrayed. Falling into step beside him, she accompanied him through the market without asking if he’d like her company or not. It didn’t matter if he liked it. Now that she’d revealed her presence, he was simply going to have to tolerate her tagging along.
Tear out his heart in the street. That would teach him a lesson.
How many times must we talk about subtlety?
Subtlety is boring. The marketplace flowing with blood sends a message.
And what message am I supposed to be sending?
That no one crosses you and lives.
Well, you have a point there.
“I didn’t get the chance to speak with you much the other day,” she said as a segue into her real purpose. Small talk was never really small talk with Xan; every question she asked, every word she spoke served a purpose. Her purpose today was very clear—she would know whatever there was to know about this bold-faced traitor. And eventually, she would use it all to crush him.
“Are you from Taengea?” she went on to ask, her tone friendly and non-assuming. It was a normal question to ask of someone you didn’t know well, even if she already knew the answer. She was more so curious to find out if he would be truthful. “It’s such a beautiful country, isn’t it? I can’t imagine growing up anywhere else.”
She watched him sidelong as they walked, searching his face for any signs of unease or discomfort. So far, he simply appeared tired, and she supposed he ought to be after traipsing through the city all day. She knew how much he’d walked today, after all. She had followed him the whole way.
Nothing cures exhaustion like death.
Not yet. I want to take my time with this one.
Xanthippe’s smile was sweet and open, even if her thoughts were increasingly murderous. Threats, unfortunately, would do her no good at the moment, though; just because she knew who he was didn’t mean he had even the slightest inkling of the identity that connected them. She meant to keep it that way, at least until the moment she watched him bleed out under her. Perhaps then she’d reveal her identity, let him know the monster he had crossed. It was highly… unconventional… for a member of the Creed to reveal their identity, much less the Shade herself, but the fact that he was alive now wasn’t exactly conventional either, was it? If Lord Fotios could bend the rules, then surely so could she.
“The pleasure is all mine, Kyros,” she replied, even as she almost choked on the name. The name she gave him. The name he betrayed. Falling into step beside him, she accompanied him through the market without asking if he’d like her company or not. It didn’t matter if he liked it. Now that she’d revealed her presence, he was simply going to have to tolerate her tagging along.
Tear out his heart in the street. That would teach him a lesson.
How many times must we talk about subtlety?
Subtlety is boring. The marketplace flowing with blood sends a message.
And what message am I supposed to be sending?
That no one crosses you and lives.
Well, you have a point there.
“I didn’t get the chance to speak with you much the other day,” she said as a segue into her real purpose. Small talk was never really small talk with Xan; every question she asked, every word she spoke served a purpose. Her purpose today was very clear—she would know whatever there was to know about this bold-faced traitor. And eventually, she would use it all to crush him.
“Are you from Taengea?” she went on to ask, her tone friendly and non-assuming. It was a normal question to ask of someone you didn’t know well, even if she already knew the answer. She was more so curious to find out if he would be truthful. “It’s such a beautiful country, isn’t it? I can’t imagine growing up anywhere else.”
She watched him sidelong as they walked, searching his face for any signs of unease or discomfort. So far, he simply appeared tired, and she supposed he ought to be after traipsing through the city all day. She knew how much he’d walked today, after all. She had followed him the whole way.
Nothing cures exhaustion like death.
Not yet. I want to take my time with this one.
'Are you from Taengea?'
Kyros furrowed his brows but did not look her way as he walked along the rows of merchant stalls, biting grapes off the bundle in his hand. "No," he said carefully. He'd managed to mostly avoid answering questions of where he was from - and only being vague when he was forced to answer. "I suppose there is beauty in it." Better than the endless sands of Egypt, he thought silently. Xanthippe was going to be an inquisitive one, he could already tell. Perhaps he could turn that into divulgence if he asked the right questions of his own. "How long have you worked in the Leventi home?" She'd already indicated she'd grown p here. How much of that was as a retainer for the Leventi nobles? Start simple, save the more prying questions for later... perhaps after he'd gained some semblance of trust from the girl.
Kyros still didn't giver her any more than a glance, though he was fully aware of her every move. He ducked into a booth full of little wooden trinkets. He looked them over, taking his time like he was looking for something in particular. After many minutes, he finally chose one, a small carved horse about half the size of his palm. The horse was reared back, standing on his hind legs with his front legs poised high in the air. He stepped up to the merchant, paying for the wooden item. He turned and offered it out to Xanthippe. "A thank you, for returning my coin purse." He suspected she may have had something to do with it falling from his belt in the first place, but he didn't mention that.
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'Are you from Taengea?'
Kyros furrowed his brows but did not look her way as he walked along the rows of merchant stalls, biting grapes off the bundle in his hand. "No," he said carefully. He'd managed to mostly avoid answering questions of where he was from - and only being vague when he was forced to answer. "I suppose there is beauty in it." Better than the endless sands of Egypt, he thought silently. Xanthippe was going to be an inquisitive one, he could already tell. Perhaps he could turn that into divulgence if he asked the right questions of his own. "How long have you worked in the Leventi home?" She'd already indicated she'd grown p here. How much of that was as a retainer for the Leventi nobles? Start simple, save the more prying questions for later... perhaps after he'd gained some semblance of trust from the girl.
Kyros still didn't giver her any more than a glance, though he was fully aware of her every move. He ducked into a booth full of little wooden trinkets. He looked them over, taking his time like he was looking for something in particular. After many minutes, he finally chose one, a small carved horse about half the size of his palm. The horse was reared back, standing on his hind legs with his front legs poised high in the air. He stepped up to the merchant, paying for the wooden item. He turned and offered it out to Xanthippe. "A thank you, for returning my coin purse." He suspected she may have had something to do with it falling from his belt in the first place, but he didn't mention that.
'Are you from Taengea?'
Kyros furrowed his brows but did not look her way as he walked along the rows of merchant stalls, biting grapes off the bundle in his hand. "No," he said carefully. He'd managed to mostly avoid answering questions of where he was from - and only being vague when he was forced to answer. "I suppose there is beauty in it." Better than the endless sands of Egypt, he thought silently. Xanthippe was going to be an inquisitive one, he could already tell. Perhaps he could turn that into divulgence if he asked the right questions of his own. "How long have you worked in the Leventi home?" She'd already indicated she'd grown p here. How much of that was as a retainer for the Leventi nobles? Start simple, save the more prying questions for later... perhaps after he'd gained some semblance of trust from the girl.
Kyros still didn't giver her any more than a glance, though he was fully aware of her every move. He ducked into a booth full of little wooden trinkets. He looked them over, taking his time like he was looking for something in particular. After many minutes, he finally chose one, a small carved horse about half the size of his palm. The horse was reared back, standing on his hind legs with his front legs poised high in the air. He stepped up to the merchant, paying for the wooden item. He turned and offered it out to Xanthippe. "A thank you, for returning my coin purse." He suspected she may have had something to do with it falling from his belt in the first place, but he didn't mention that.
If Kyros thought he could throw her off target so easily, the man was sorely mistaken. Xanthippe was like a hound when it came to the relentless pursuit of her prey; she would not stop until it was dead, or she was. And Xan certainly had no intention of dying any time soon.
“Oh, you’re not? Interesting. I thought I detected a bit of an accent,” she went on, glancing at him from the corner of her eye. “Where are you from, then?” It was not such an imposing question, not for a person who had nothing to hide. But Kyros did. She knew he did. How far would he go to keep it hidden?
At his own question as to her origins, she offered a simple smile. “I have been in my lord’s employ nearly my entire life. I was but a babe in arms when he brought me home to his wife. My gratitude for the life he has given me has kept me there ever since.” There. Xan had no shame in where she came from, nor any reason to hide it. It was her esteemed honor to work for a man like Lord Fotios, and she would cry it from the rooftops if she could. “I mostly tend to his daughter, Lady Melina. She’s a precious thing. The jewel of the Court, as far as I’m concerned.”
There were very few who would agree with Xanthippe on that account; with women like Lady Selene and Queen Theodora in the public’s eye, few would ever pay attention to the mousey Melina. But Xan knew better than them. Xan knew the real value of her lord’s daughters. After all, he sired them. That alone put them above all others.
But she was losing her focus. None of that mattered right now. Only the traitor did.
Kill him before he takes advantage of your lord. Before he takes advantage of the girls.
My lord said I must be discreet. He is alive for a reason.
And how long will that reason last?
I don’t know, but his heart is mine when it runs out.
Trailing after him to the wood carver’s stall, she took his offering with a nod of thanks. A carved horse that nestled perfectly within her hand. “My thanks. Kyros.” The name continued to offend her, the name he betrayed by merely drawing breath. “It could only be better if there was a horn on its head.” Gently stroking down the horse’s face, she smiled and tucked it within her own purse.
“You say you’re not from Taengea, yes? Have you had the chance to explore much of Vasiliadon yet? It is a beautiful city. I’d be happy to show you some of the more spectacular sights, if you like. It’s always nice to have a friend in a new place.” And I can keep an eye on you in the process. Her smile never faltered as she extended her offer. Of course, Lord Fotios didn’t need to know she was offering such an invitation; though, even if he did, she wasn’t going to do anything. Not yet. Not until the moment was right.
And when it was right… well… she would just deal with the consequences then.
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If Kyros thought he could throw her off target so easily, the man was sorely mistaken. Xanthippe was like a hound when it came to the relentless pursuit of her prey; she would not stop until it was dead, or she was. And Xan certainly had no intention of dying any time soon.
“Oh, you’re not? Interesting. I thought I detected a bit of an accent,” she went on, glancing at him from the corner of her eye. “Where are you from, then?” It was not such an imposing question, not for a person who had nothing to hide. But Kyros did. She knew he did. How far would he go to keep it hidden?
At his own question as to her origins, she offered a simple smile. “I have been in my lord’s employ nearly my entire life. I was but a babe in arms when he brought me home to his wife. My gratitude for the life he has given me has kept me there ever since.” There. Xan had no shame in where she came from, nor any reason to hide it. It was her esteemed honor to work for a man like Lord Fotios, and she would cry it from the rooftops if she could. “I mostly tend to his daughter, Lady Melina. She’s a precious thing. The jewel of the Court, as far as I’m concerned.”
There were very few who would agree with Xanthippe on that account; with women like Lady Selene and Queen Theodora in the public’s eye, few would ever pay attention to the mousey Melina. But Xan knew better than them. Xan knew the real value of her lord’s daughters. After all, he sired them. That alone put them above all others.
But she was losing her focus. None of that mattered right now. Only the traitor did.
Kill him before he takes advantage of your lord. Before he takes advantage of the girls.
My lord said I must be discreet. He is alive for a reason.
And how long will that reason last?
I don’t know, but his heart is mine when it runs out.
Trailing after him to the wood carver’s stall, she took his offering with a nod of thanks. A carved horse that nestled perfectly within her hand. “My thanks. Kyros.” The name continued to offend her, the name he betrayed by merely drawing breath. “It could only be better if there was a horn on its head.” Gently stroking down the horse’s face, she smiled and tucked it within her own purse.
“You say you’re not from Taengea, yes? Have you had the chance to explore much of Vasiliadon yet? It is a beautiful city. I’d be happy to show you some of the more spectacular sights, if you like. It’s always nice to have a friend in a new place.” And I can keep an eye on you in the process. Her smile never faltered as she extended her offer. Of course, Lord Fotios didn’t need to know she was offering such an invitation; though, even if he did, she wasn’t going to do anything. Not yet. Not until the moment was right.
And when it was right… well… she would just deal with the consequences then.
If Kyros thought he could throw her off target so easily, the man was sorely mistaken. Xanthippe was like a hound when it came to the relentless pursuit of her prey; she would not stop until it was dead, or she was. And Xan certainly had no intention of dying any time soon.
“Oh, you’re not? Interesting. I thought I detected a bit of an accent,” she went on, glancing at him from the corner of her eye. “Where are you from, then?” It was not such an imposing question, not for a person who had nothing to hide. But Kyros did. She knew he did. How far would he go to keep it hidden?
At his own question as to her origins, she offered a simple smile. “I have been in my lord’s employ nearly my entire life. I was but a babe in arms when he brought me home to his wife. My gratitude for the life he has given me has kept me there ever since.” There. Xan had no shame in where she came from, nor any reason to hide it. It was her esteemed honor to work for a man like Lord Fotios, and she would cry it from the rooftops if she could. “I mostly tend to his daughter, Lady Melina. She’s a precious thing. The jewel of the Court, as far as I’m concerned.”
There were very few who would agree with Xanthippe on that account; with women like Lady Selene and Queen Theodora in the public’s eye, few would ever pay attention to the mousey Melina. But Xan knew better than them. Xan knew the real value of her lord’s daughters. After all, he sired them. That alone put them above all others.
But she was losing her focus. None of that mattered right now. Only the traitor did.
Kill him before he takes advantage of your lord. Before he takes advantage of the girls.
My lord said I must be discreet. He is alive for a reason.
And how long will that reason last?
I don’t know, but his heart is mine when it runs out.
Trailing after him to the wood carver’s stall, she took his offering with a nod of thanks. A carved horse that nestled perfectly within her hand. “My thanks. Kyros.” The name continued to offend her, the name he betrayed by merely drawing breath. “It could only be better if there was a horn on its head.” Gently stroking down the horse’s face, she smiled and tucked it within her own purse.
“You say you’re not from Taengea, yes? Have you had the chance to explore much of Vasiliadon yet? It is a beautiful city. I’d be happy to show you some of the more spectacular sights, if you like. It’s always nice to have a friend in a new place.” And I can keep an eye on you in the process. Her smile never faltered as she extended her offer. Of course, Lord Fotios didn’t need to know she was offering such an invitation; though, even if he did, she wasn’t going to do anything. Not yet. Not until the moment was right.
And when it was right… well… she would just deal with the consequences then.
‘Oh, you’re not? Interesting. I thought I detected a bit of an accent,’ she went on, glancing at him from the corner of her eye. ‘Where are you from, then?’
Kyros pursed his lips, his grey eyes narrowing just a bit.. Persistent one wasn’t she? “Nowhere in particular. I… moved around.” His tone was non-committal and then he’d quickly attempted to divert the conversation back to her by asking about her tenure in the Leventi Household as he’d been browsing the many merchant stalls. He tried to keep his expressions stoic and not give anything away as he listened to the servant girl speak of growing up in the care of the Leventis. He wondered what had prompted Fotios to take in a baby. Had she been orphaned? If Xanthippe had grown up in the household, there was a large possibility that she had overheard many things in her time in the Taengean lord’s home. But it also sounded as if this girl was loyal and felt she owed the Leventi family her life. Which could make getting information out of her more difficult. Jewel of the Court. Quite the praise that.”
He'd come across the little wooden horse then and offered it to Xanthippe as a gift. A ‘thank you.’ She seemed to accept it, commenting that she wished it had a horn upon the creature’s head. ”Well, not everything can be perfect. That would be boring.” He smirked as he turned away from her, leaving the wood carver’s stall and heading on his way along the rows over merchants. Still, the girl trailed after him.
’You say you’re not from Taengea, yes? … It’s always nice to have a friend in a new place.’
The mercenary spared a look Xanthippe’s way, one brow lifted as he considered her seemingly innocent offer. Why was she so eager to ‘help’ him? Had his new master sent her to keep an eye on him? Surely the powerful lord could employ someone better suited than a servant girl? ”I have explored the city a bit. But… I suppose it would be a worthy endeavor to allow a native such as yourself to show me around. Seeing the city through the eyes of someone who obviously loves her home could be quite beneficial.” He stopped walking and turned to face her more fully, putting a smile on his face that seemed to transform him. He’d employed this smile a could times before, since entering this new life of his. He found it made women more open to the possibility of spending time with him – preferably alone for more enjoyable activities. He didn’t let this side of him show often though – mainly because he was still learning this new found freedom to interact with the general public. To be his own person. To be Kyros. ”Please, show me your Taengea, Xanthippe,” he swept an arm out to the side, indicating for her to lead the way.
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‘Oh, you’re not? Interesting. I thought I detected a bit of an accent,’ she went on, glancing at him from the corner of her eye. ‘Where are you from, then?’
Kyros pursed his lips, his grey eyes narrowing just a bit.. Persistent one wasn’t she? “Nowhere in particular. I… moved around.” His tone was non-committal and then he’d quickly attempted to divert the conversation back to her by asking about her tenure in the Leventi Household as he’d been browsing the many merchant stalls. He tried to keep his expressions stoic and not give anything away as he listened to the servant girl speak of growing up in the care of the Leventis. He wondered what had prompted Fotios to take in a baby. Had she been orphaned? If Xanthippe had grown up in the household, there was a large possibility that she had overheard many things in her time in the Taengean lord’s home. But it also sounded as if this girl was loyal and felt she owed the Leventi family her life. Which could make getting information out of her more difficult. Jewel of the Court. Quite the praise that.”
He'd come across the little wooden horse then and offered it to Xanthippe as a gift. A ‘thank you.’ She seemed to accept it, commenting that she wished it had a horn upon the creature’s head. ”Well, not everything can be perfect. That would be boring.” He smirked as he turned away from her, leaving the wood carver’s stall and heading on his way along the rows over merchants. Still, the girl trailed after him.
’You say you’re not from Taengea, yes? … It’s always nice to have a friend in a new place.’
The mercenary spared a look Xanthippe’s way, one brow lifted as he considered her seemingly innocent offer. Why was she so eager to ‘help’ him? Had his new master sent her to keep an eye on him? Surely the powerful lord could employ someone better suited than a servant girl? ”I have explored the city a bit. But… I suppose it would be a worthy endeavor to allow a native such as yourself to show me around. Seeing the city through the eyes of someone who obviously loves her home could be quite beneficial.” He stopped walking and turned to face her more fully, putting a smile on his face that seemed to transform him. He’d employed this smile a could times before, since entering this new life of his. He found it made women more open to the possibility of spending time with him – preferably alone for more enjoyable activities. He didn’t let this side of him show often though – mainly because he was still learning this new found freedom to interact with the general public. To be his own person. To be Kyros. ”Please, show me your Taengea, Xanthippe,” he swept an arm out to the side, indicating for her to lead the way.
‘Oh, you’re not? Interesting. I thought I detected a bit of an accent,’ she went on, glancing at him from the corner of her eye. ‘Where are you from, then?’
Kyros pursed his lips, his grey eyes narrowing just a bit.. Persistent one wasn’t she? “Nowhere in particular. I… moved around.” His tone was non-committal and then he’d quickly attempted to divert the conversation back to her by asking about her tenure in the Leventi Household as he’d been browsing the many merchant stalls. He tried to keep his expressions stoic and not give anything away as he listened to the servant girl speak of growing up in the care of the Leventis. He wondered what had prompted Fotios to take in a baby. Had she been orphaned? If Xanthippe had grown up in the household, there was a large possibility that she had overheard many things in her time in the Taengean lord’s home. But it also sounded as if this girl was loyal and felt she owed the Leventi family her life. Which could make getting information out of her more difficult. Jewel of the Court. Quite the praise that.”
He'd come across the little wooden horse then and offered it to Xanthippe as a gift. A ‘thank you.’ She seemed to accept it, commenting that she wished it had a horn upon the creature’s head. ”Well, not everything can be perfect. That would be boring.” He smirked as he turned away from her, leaving the wood carver’s stall and heading on his way along the rows over merchants. Still, the girl trailed after him.
’You say you’re not from Taengea, yes? … It’s always nice to have a friend in a new place.’
The mercenary spared a look Xanthippe’s way, one brow lifted as he considered her seemingly innocent offer. Why was she so eager to ‘help’ him? Had his new master sent her to keep an eye on him? Surely the powerful lord could employ someone better suited than a servant girl? ”I have explored the city a bit. But… I suppose it would be a worthy endeavor to allow a native such as yourself to show me around. Seeing the city through the eyes of someone who obviously loves her home could be quite beneficial.” He stopped walking and turned to face her more fully, putting a smile on his face that seemed to transform him. He’d employed this smile a could times before, since entering this new life of his. He found it made women more open to the possibility of spending time with him – preferably alone for more enjoyable activities. He didn’t let this side of him show often though – mainly because he was still learning this new found freedom to interact with the general public. To be his own person. To be Kyros. ”Please, show me your Taengea, Xanthippe,” he swept an arm out to the side, indicating for her to lead the way.
Still, he evaded her questions, her jaw tightening just the slightest bit. Even if she already knew the answers, it frustrated her that he would not give them. Then again, it had been ingrained in him since childhood that such revelations were not to be made. At least his time among the Creed had taught him something, even if it wasn’t loyalty.
Xanthippe let it drop for now; there was no need to raise his suspicion, particularly when she already knew the things about him that she really needed to know. This was all just a game now, a game of what else she could learn, how else she and her lord might use him, before he laid on the ground beneath her and begged for mercy. Then, he could see what she was. He could know her. And he could know what it was he betrayed.
There was a hint of a smirk about the corner of her lips as he commented on the world’s lack of perfection, nodding in agreement. “Boring, yes. And we wouldn’t want that. Who wants to live in a boring world? Certainly not I.” Though, Xanthippe’s world could hardly be described as boring. The seemingly demure handmaid lived a double, if not triple, life, and there was always some… excitement to tend to. It just happened to be Kyros’s misfortune that he was her current fixation.
When he agreed to let her guide him around the city, her smirk deepened to a smile as she dipped into a polite curtsy. Perfect. The closer they became, the better she could keep an eye on him and ensure he did not further betray the brotherhood that raised him. The more she could learn about the turncloak, the better off they all were. And if she learned something… bad… perhaps she might even convince Lord Fotios to let her kill him sooner. Wouldn’t that be delightful?
How many times must we tell you that you can just kill him now?
I cannot. Stop arguing with me.
Insolent girl.
Exactly as you taught me to be.
The smile Kyros turned on her hardly had the effect he might have wished, even if her lashes demurely brushed her cheek like it did. Better to let him think he could melt her rather than anything else. She was not a normal woman, and normal methods of seduction were hardly apt to work on her. There were many things she would do to get closer to him, to find out what he knew and what his intentions were, but there were few she found so abhorrent. She was not above sleeping with men to learn their secrets, per say, but given what he was… well. Perhaps she would let him think he stood a chance with her, and then when the time came, he could be… dealt with.
“Excellent,” she said with an almost childish clap of her hands. She had not expected him to agree then and there, but if he wanted to take a turn about the city now, she was not opposed. “Come along, then. We’ll head down to the docks.”
Leading the way, she did her best to keep her pace slow and patient, matching the speed of his steps. “So, where have you been, then? Anywhere you’d like to return? I’d hate to bore you too quickly.”
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Still, he evaded her questions, her jaw tightening just the slightest bit. Even if she already knew the answers, it frustrated her that he would not give them. Then again, it had been ingrained in him since childhood that such revelations were not to be made. At least his time among the Creed had taught him something, even if it wasn’t loyalty.
Xanthippe let it drop for now; there was no need to raise his suspicion, particularly when she already knew the things about him that she really needed to know. This was all just a game now, a game of what else she could learn, how else she and her lord might use him, before he laid on the ground beneath her and begged for mercy. Then, he could see what she was. He could know her. And he could know what it was he betrayed.
There was a hint of a smirk about the corner of her lips as he commented on the world’s lack of perfection, nodding in agreement. “Boring, yes. And we wouldn’t want that. Who wants to live in a boring world? Certainly not I.” Though, Xanthippe’s world could hardly be described as boring. The seemingly demure handmaid lived a double, if not triple, life, and there was always some… excitement to tend to. It just happened to be Kyros’s misfortune that he was her current fixation.
When he agreed to let her guide him around the city, her smirk deepened to a smile as she dipped into a polite curtsy. Perfect. The closer they became, the better she could keep an eye on him and ensure he did not further betray the brotherhood that raised him. The more she could learn about the turncloak, the better off they all were. And if she learned something… bad… perhaps she might even convince Lord Fotios to let her kill him sooner. Wouldn’t that be delightful?
How many times must we tell you that you can just kill him now?
I cannot. Stop arguing with me.
Insolent girl.
Exactly as you taught me to be.
The smile Kyros turned on her hardly had the effect he might have wished, even if her lashes demurely brushed her cheek like it did. Better to let him think he could melt her rather than anything else. She was not a normal woman, and normal methods of seduction were hardly apt to work on her. There were many things she would do to get closer to him, to find out what he knew and what his intentions were, but there were few she found so abhorrent. She was not above sleeping with men to learn their secrets, per say, but given what he was… well. Perhaps she would let him think he stood a chance with her, and then when the time came, he could be… dealt with.
“Excellent,” she said with an almost childish clap of her hands. She had not expected him to agree then and there, but if he wanted to take a turn about the city now, she was not opposed. “Come along, then. We’ll head down to the docks.”
Leading the way, she did her best to keep her pace slow and patient, matching the speed of his steps. “So, where have you been, then? Anywhere you’d like to return? I’d hate to bore you too quickly.”
Still, he evaded her questions, her jaw tightening just the slightest bit. Even if she already knew the answers, it frustrated her that he would not give them. Then again, it had been ingrained in him since childhood that such revelations were not to be made. At least his time among the Creed had taught him something, even if it wasn’t loyalty.
Xanthippe let it drop for now; there was no need to raise his suspicion, particularly when she already knew the things about him that she really needed to know. This was all just a game now, a game of what else she could learn, how else she and her lord might use him, before he laid on the ground beneath her and begged for mercy. Then, he could see what she was. He could know her. And he could know what it was he betrayed.
There was a hint of a smirk about the corner of her lips as he commented on the world’s lack of perfection, nodding in agreement. “Boring, yes. And we wouldn’t want that. Who wants to live in a boring world? Certainly not I.” Though, Xanthippe’s world could hardly be described as boring. The seemingly demure handmaid lived a double, if not triple, life, and there was always some… excitement to tend to. It just happened to be Kyros’s misfortune that he was her current fixation.
When he agreed to let her guide him around the city, her smirk deepened to a smile as she dipped into a polite curtsy. Perfect. The closer they became, the better she could keep an eye on him and ensure he did not further betray the brotherhood that raised him. The more she could learn about the turncloak, the better off they all were. And if she learned something… bad… perhaps she might even convince Lord Fotios to let her kill him sooner. Wouldn’t that be delightful?
How many times must we tell you that you can just kill him now?
I cannot. Stop arguing with me.
Insolent girl.
Exactly as you taught me to be.
The smile Kyros turned on her hardly had the effect he might have wished, even if her lashes demurely brushed her cheek like it did. Better to let him think he could melt her rather than anything else. She was not a normal woman, and normal methods of seduction were hardly apt to work on her. There were many things she would do to get closer to him, to find out what he knew and what his intentions were, but there were few she found so abhorrent. She was not above sleeping with men to learn their secrets, per say, but given what he was… well. Perhaps she would let him think he stood a chance with her, and then when the time came, he could be… dealt with.
“Excellent,” she said with an almost childish clap of her hands. She had not expected him to agree then and there, but if he wanted to take a turn about the city now, she was not opposed. “Come along, then. We’ll head down to the docks.”
Leading the way, she did her best to keep her pace slow and patient, matching the speed of his steps. “So, where have you been, then? Anywhere you’d like to return? I’d hate to bore you too quickly.”
Kyros couldn’t believe his luck as the small blonde girl gave a curtsey and a smile lit her face. Though there was something in her eyes that didn’t quite match the smile she offered. He pushed that thought aside though, preferring to focus on the fact that she was seemingly so willing to spend time with him. He didn’t particularly want the company, but he did wish to learn some things about the Leventi household that he could use against the man himself when the right moment presented itself. He needed to find the upper hand with the clever lord that had entrapped the deadly assassin in his employ. This man was determined not to be under the thumb of nobility for long.
The mercenary nodded at her suggestion to head to the docks to start their little tour. ”Sounds splendid.” He was careful not to let his dry sarcasm seep into his even tone. It was difficult. The maid seemed to be quite giddy and almost childlike in her excitement at the idea of showing him around the city, and Kyros was not sure what to do with that. He felt into step alongside young woman, his strides long but leisurely. He would play the part of the tourist taking in the sights of the grand Taengean capital. Soaking in the hustle and noise of the life going on about them. Kyros turned his head from a baker and his stand to look at Xanthippe when her chipper voice broke their brief silence. He pursed his lips as it thinking about how to answer her question. ”I have visited very few places, to be honest.” he lied, making his tone seem thoughtful and somewhat regretful. ”I have not been feeling very… sociable of late. I have enjoyed many mornings along the beach or in the forest outside the city. And of course the market after midday.” He glanced over his shoulder back the way they had come, the last stalls of the bustling market thoroughfare already well behind them.
Actually, he had visited a few other places. He’d spent days watching the gates of the palace. Learning the schedule of the guards posted there. He’d snuck over the wall of the arts school a couple times to listen to a particularly enchanting harpist. He’d taken stock of a few of the estates of the more well off nobles living within the walls of Vasiliadon. Including the Leventi home, though he hadn’t dared get close enough to get an idea of the activities of those living there. And, of course, the tavern where he lived in a room at the inn above.
But Xanthippe didn’t need to know all that. ”I give you my word I shall not get bored so easily.” He flashed that smile again, a spark in his grey eyes. No… if he could wrangle even the tiniest bit of information out of this girl, something he could use, he would indeed not get bored.
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Kyros couldn’t believe his luck as the small blonde girl gave a curtsey and a smile lit her face. Though there was something in her eyes that didn’t quite match the smile she offered. He pushed that thought aside though, preferring to focus on the fact that she was seemingly so willing to spend time with him. He didn’t particularly want the company, but he did wish to learn some things about the Leventi household that he could use against the man himself when the right moment presented itself. He needed to find the upper hand with the clever lord that had entrapped the deadly assassin in his employ. This man was determined not to be under the thumb of nobility for long.
The mercenary nodded at her suggestion to head to the docks to start their little tour. ”Sounds splendid.” He was careful not to let his dry sarcasm seep into his even tone. It was difficult. The maid seemed to be quite giddy and almost childlike in her excitement at the idea of showing him around the city, and Kyros was not sure what to do with that. He felt into step alongside young woman, his strides long but leisurely. He would play the part of the tourist taking in the sights of the grand Taengean capital. Soaking in the hustle and noise of the life going on about them. Kyros turned his head from a baker and his stand to look at Xanthippe when her chipper voice broke their brief silence. He pursed his lips as it thinking about how to answer her question. ”I have visited very few places, to be honest.” he lied, making his tone seem thoughtful and somewhat regretful. ”I have not been feeling very… sociable of late. I have enjoyed many mornings along the beach or in the forest outside the city. And of course the market after midday.” He glanced over his shoulder back the way they had come, the last stalls of the bustling market thoroughfare already well behind them.
Actually, he had visited a few other places. He’d spent days watching the gates of the palace. Learning the schedule of the guards posted there. He’d snuck over the wall of the arts school a couple times to listen to a particularly enchanting harpist. He’d taken stock of a few of the estates of the more well off nobles living within the walls of Vasiliadon. Including the Leventi home, though he hadn’t dared get close enough to get an idea of the activities of those living there. And, of course, the tavern where he lived in a room at the inn above.
But Xanthippe didn’t need to know all that. ”I give you my word I shall not get bored so easily.” He flashed that smile again, a spark in his grey eyes. No… if he could wrangle even the tiniest bit of information out of this girl, something he could use, he would indeed not get bored.
Kyros couldn’t believe his luck as the small blonde girl gave a curtsey and a smile lit her face. Though there was something in her eyes that didn’t quite match the smile she offered. He pushed that thought aside though, preferring to focus on the fact that she was seemingly so willing to spend time with him. He didn’t particularly want the company, but he did wish to learn some things about the Leventi household that he could use against the man himself when the right moment presented itself. He needed to find the upper hand with the clever lord that had entrapped the deadly assassin in his employ. This man was determined not to be under the thumb of nobility for long.
The mercenary nodded at her suggestion to head to the docks to start their little tour. ”Sounds splendid.” He was careful not to let his dry sarcasm seep into his even tone. It was difficult. The maid seemed to be quite giddy and almost childlike in her excitement at the idea of showing him around the city, and Kyros was not sure what to do with that. He felt into step alongside young woman, his strides long but leisurely. He would play the part of the tourist taking in the sights of the grand Taengean capital. Soaking in the hustle and noise of the life going on about them. Kyros turned his head from a baker and his stand to look at Xanthippe when her chipper voice broke their brief silence. He pursed his lips as it thinking about how to answer her question. ”I have visited very few places, to be honest.” he lied, making his tone seem thoughtful and somewhat regretful. ”I have not been feeling very… sociable of late. I have enjoyed many mornings along the beach or in the forest outside the city. And of course the market after midday.” He glanced over his shoulder back the way they had come, the last stalls of the bustling market thoroughfare already well behind them.
Actually, he had visited a few other places. He’d spent days watching the gates of the palace. Learning the schedule of the guards posted there. He’d snuck over the wall of the arts school a couple times to listen to a particularly enchanting harpist. He’d taken stock of a few of the estates of the more well off nobles living within the walls of Vasiliadon. Including the Leventi home, though he hadn’t dared get close enough to get an idea of the activities of those living there. And, of course, the tavern where he lived in a room at the inn above.
But Xanthippe didn’t need to know all that. ”I give you my word I shall not get bored so easily.” He flashed that smile again, a spark in his grey eyes. No… if he could wrangle even the tiniest bit of information out of this girl, something he could use, he would indeed not get bored.
“Well, then, I suppose that gives us plenty of options, doesn’t it?” she replied when he said he hadn’t been many places, listing off the few he had visited. That was a lie, she knew, it was all a lie. She had ordered him here for reconnaissance before the attacks on the circus, and as far as she had been informed, he had done that job well.
Lies, lies, lies. Everything he said was a lie. His very existence was a lie. At least it was only temporary; a gift and a curse alike bestowed by her lord. If only Kyros knew how easily that gift could be taken back…
‘I give you my word I shall not get bored so easily.’
“Delightful,” she enthused, offering a sweet smile of her own. “I am not always the best conversationalist, I will admit. Good to know I won’t immediately make you run for the hills.”
But if he did run, she could chase. Lord Fotios never said anything about that. Besides, she thought he needed a right and proper scare after what he’d done. She’d be happy to be the one to give it.
Focus, Xanthippe.
Yes, sorry.
In her catlike glee with the mouse caught right in her paw, it was difficult for the woman to maintain her concentration, to remain focused on the task at hand. It was not time to chase him or hurt him. She had to make friends with him, convince him she wasn’t a threat. Give a little, so she could take a little. After all, she was a pretty young thing with a plush smile, why shouldn’t he trust her?
The walk down to the docks would have been pleasant had it been with another man, but the fresh air was nice, at least. The briny scent of the sea mixed with the fish merchants’ wares might have been overpowering to some, but she liked it. It was the smell of home, even if the water… well, the water she could do without. She didn’t like the water.
“Are you hungry, Kyros?” she asked as they passed a food stall with roasted strips of mullet and cod sizzling on skewers over an open fire. The sight and scent alike were enough to make her mouth water, and what better way of making friends than feeding her companion? People always liked the ones that fed them.
Selecting a couple kebabs for herself, she looked over at the man with a cocked brow as she held out another in offer. “My treat, if you want some. Taengea has delightful seafood.”
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“Well, then, I suppose that gives us plenty of options, doesn’t it?” she replied when he said he hadn’t been many places, listing off the few he had visited. That was a lie, she knew, it was all a lie. She had ordered him here for reconnaissance before the attacks on the circus, and as far as she had been informed, he had done that job well.
Lies, lies, lies. Everything he said was a lie. His very existence was a lie. At least it was only temporary; a gift and a curse alike bestowed by her lord. If only Kyros knew how easily that gift could be taken back…
‘I give you my word I shall not get bored so easily.’
“Delightful,” she enthused, offering a sweet smile of her own. “I am not always the best conversationalist, I will admit. Good to know I won’t immediately make you run for the hills.”
But if he did run, she could chase. Lord Fotios never said anything about that. Besides, she thought he needed a right and proper scare after what he’d done. She’d be happy to be the one to give it.
Focus, Xanthippe.
Yes, sorry.
In her catlike glee with the mouse caught right in her paw, it was difficult for the woman to maintain her concentration, to remain focused on the task at hand. It was not time to chase him or hurt him. She had to make friends with him, convince him she wasn’t a threat. Give a little, so she could take a little. After all, she was a pretty young thing with a plush smile, why shouldn’t he trust her?
The walk down to the docks would have been pleasant had it been with another man, but the fresh air was nice, at least. The briny scent of the sea mixed with the fish merchants’ wares might have been overpowering to some, but she liked it. It was the smell of home, even if the water… well, the water she could do without. She didn’t like the water.
“Are you hungry, Kyros?” she asked as they passed a food stall with roasted strips of mullet and cod sizzling on skewers over an open fire. The sight and scent alike were enough to make her mouth water, and what better way of making friends than feeding her companion? People always liked the ones that fed them.
Selecting a couple kebabs for herself, she looked over at the man with a cocked brow as she held out another in offer. “My treat, if you want some. Taengea has delightful seafood.”
“Well, then, I suppose that gives us plenty of options, doesn’t it?” she replied when he said he hadn’t been many places, listing off the few he had visited. That was a lie, she knew, it was all a lie. She had ordered him here for reconnaissance before the attacks on the circus, and as far as she had been informed, he had done that job well.
Lies, lies, lies. Everything he said was a lie. His very existence was a lie. At least it was only temporary; a gift and a curse alike bestowed by her lord. If only Kyros knew how easily that gift could be taken back…
‘I give you my word I shall not get bored so easily.’
“Delightful,” she enthused, offering a sweet smile of her own. “I am not always the best conversationalist, I will admit. Good to know I won’t immediately make you run for the hills.”
But if he did run, she could chase. Lord Fotios never said anything about that. Besides, she thought he needed a right and proper scare after what he’d done. She’d be happy to be the one to give it.
Focus, Xanthippe.
Yes, sorry.
In her catlike glee with the mouse caught right in her paw, it was difficult for the woman to maintain her concentration, to remain focused on the task at hand. It was not time to chase him or hurt him. She had to make friends with him, convince him she wasn’t a threat. Give a little, so she could take a little. After all, she was a pretty young thing with a plush smile, why shouldn’t he trust her?
The walk down to the docks would have been pleasant had it been with another man, but the fresh air was nice, at least. The briny scent of the sea mixed with the fish merchants’ wares might have been overpowering to some, but she liked it. It was the smell of home, even if the water… well, the water she could do without. She didn’t like the water.
“Are you hungry, Kyros?” she asked as they passed a food stall with roasted strips of mullet and cod sizzling on skewers over an open fire. The sight and scent alike were enough to make her mouth water, and what better way of making friends than feeding her companion? People always liked the ones that fed them.
Selecting a couple kebabs for herself, she looked over at the man with a cocked brow as she held out another in offer. “My treat, if you want some. Taengea has delightful seafood.”
Kyros tried to trail behind the girl a pace or two, to watch her, learn her mannerisms. But she never let him get behind her, and he never let her get behind him. There was something about this Xanthippe. Was she holding a secret? Or was he reading more into things simply because of his own past? Because there were secrets that he would rather not come out about himself? Who he was – who he’d been? Who he was working for now? Either of these things could mean his death; it’d already been proven that Kyros was a survivor… even when he didn’t mean to be.
With neither of them, letting the other have an advantage of position, they were forced to walk to the docks side by side. The crisp air wafting in off the sea provided a nice breeze, even during this time of year the air here was warm. Still, it was nothing compared to the heat of the deserts of Egypt where he’d grown up. He’d learned of the Greek cultures in his training with the Creed. He’d learned how to blend here. Learning and seeing were two entirely different things. It was an adjustment, to say the least. Kyros was contemplating the differences between the two worlds, when Xanthippe’s voice pierced his thoughts.
’Are you hungry, Kyros?’ He cocked his head and silently watched her petite frame as she approached a food stall with meat selections prepared and ready to be eaten. She took two kebabs and held a third out to him. ’My treat… The cautious mercenary pursed his lips a moment. It was unlikely she would have poisoned the food. He was right here next to her and she’d hardly taken time that could have been used for such a devious task. There’s no way for the girl to have known ahead of time that he would accept a tour of the city this day – as such a prearranged trap could not have been set. Both of their coins came from the Leventi coffers, and Kyros certainly preferred to keep his coin when possible. He took a deep breath through his nose and let it escape in a rush as he stepped forward to take the stick of meat from her hand. ”Thank you.” he said with a crooked smile. It did smell quite mouth-wateringly delicious. He brought the food to his nose, as if he were savoring the smell of it, but in truth he was trying to detect the scent or sight of any herbs that could have poisoned it. Kyros had spent years studying the properties of plants. Mind you, Egyptian native plants were different than those of Greece. But he there were similar ones. And he was studying these native plants in his spare time, and learning quickly.
Kyros detected nothing out of place, though he knew there were some poisons that could not be detected. He cautiously took a bite of the meat. The flavor danced across his tongue delightfully. ”This is very good. What is your favorite seafood? I have found that I am particularly fond of crab.”
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Kyros tried to trail behind the girl a pace or two, to watch her, learn her mannerisms. But she never let him get behind her, and he never let her get behind him. There was something about this Xanthippe. Was she holding a secret? Or was he reading more into things simply because of his own past? Because there were secrets that he would rather not come out about himself? Who he was – who he’d been? Who he was working for now? Either of these things could mean his death; it’d already been proven that Kyros was a survivor… even when he didn’t mean to be.
With neither of them, letting the other have an advantage of position, they were forced to walk to the docks side by side. The crisp air wafting in off the sea provided a nice breeze, even during this time of year the air here was warm. Still, it was nothing compared to the heat of the deserts of Egypt where he’d grown up. He’d learned of the Greek cultures in his training with the Creed. He’d learned how to blend here. Learning and seeing were two entirely different things. It was an adjustment, to say the least. Kyros was contemplating the differences between the two worlds, when Xanthippe’s voice pierced his thoughts.
’Are you hungry, Kyros?’ He cocked his head and silently watched her petite frame as she approached a food stall with meat selections prepared and ready to be eaten. She took two kebabs and held a third out to him. ’My treat… The cautious mercenary pursed his lips a moment. It was unlikely she would have poisoned the food. He was right here next to her and she’d hardly taken time that could have been used for such a devious task. There’s no way for the girl to have known ahead of time that he would accept a tour of the city this day – as such a prearranged trap could not have been set. Both of their coins came from the Leventi coffers, and Kyros certainly preferred to keep his coin when possible. He took a deep breath through his nose and let it escape in a rush as he stepped forward to take the stick of meat from her hand. ”Thank you.” he said with a crooked smile. It did smell quite mouth-wateringly delicious. He brought the food to his nose, as if he were savoring the smell of it, but in truth he was trying to detect the scent or sight of any herbs that could have poisoned it. Kyros had spent years studying the properties of plants. Mind you, Egyptian native plants were different than those of Greece. But he there were similar ones. And he was studying these native plants in his spare time, and learning quickly.
Kyros detected nothing out of place, though he knew there were some poisons that could not be detected. He cautiously took a bite of the meat. The flavor danced across his tongue delightfully. ”This is very good. What is your favorite seafood? I have found that I am particularly fond of crab.”
Kyros tried to trail behind the girl a pace or two, to watch her, learn her mannerisms. But she never let him get behind her, and he never let her get behind him. There was something about this Xanthippe. Was she holding a secret? Or was he reading more into things simply because of his own past? Because there were secrets that he would rather not come out about himself? Who he was – who he’d been? Who he was working for now? Either of these things could mean his death; it’d already been proven that Kyros was a survivor… even when he didn’t mean to be.
With neither of them, letting the other have an advantage of position, they were forced to walk to the docks side by side. The crisp air wafting in off the sea provided a nice breeze, even during this time of year the air here was warm. Still, it was nothing compared to the heat of the deserts of Egypt where he’d grown up. He’d learned of the Greek cultures in his training with the Creed. He’d learned how to blend here. Learning and seeing were two entirely different things. It was an adjustment, to say the least. Kyros was contemplating the differences between the two worlds, when Xanthippe’s voice pierced his thoughts.
’Are you hungry, Kyros?’ He cocked his head and silently watched her petite frame as she approached a food stall with meat selections prepared and ready to be eaten. She took two kebabs and held a third out to him. ’My treat… The cautious mercenary pursed his lips a moment. It was unlikely she would have poisoned the food. He was right here next to her and she’d hardly taken time that could have been used for such a devious task. There’s no way for the girl to have known ahead of time that he would accept a tour of the city this day – as such a prearranged trap could not have been set. Both of their coins came from the Leventi coffers, and Kyros certainly preferred to keep his coin when possible. He took a deep breath through his nose and let it escape in a rush as he stepped forward to take the stick of meat from her hand. ”Thank you.” he said with a crooked smile. It did smell quite mouth-wateringly delicious. He brought the food to his nose, as if he were savoring the smell of it, but in truth he was trying to detect the scent or sight of any herbs that could have poisoned it. Kyros had spent years studying the properties of plants. Mind you, Egyptian native plants were different than those of Greece. But he there were similar ones. And he was studying these native plants in his spare time, and learning quickly.
Kyros detected nothing out of place, though he knew there were some poisons that could not be detected. He cautiously took a bite of the meat. The flavor danced across his tongue delightfully. ”This is very good. What is your favorite seafood? I have found that I am particularly fond of crab.”
Xanthippe watched hungrily as Kyros bit into the fish, the hint of a smile lingering around the corner of her mouth at his reaction. “I’m glad you like it,” she said at his favorable reaction, noting the initial caution he had assumed at her offer. He had accepted it, though, even if he was wary, and that was good information to have. He ought to distrust her, but if she could make it so he didn’t… well, then, that would make things so much easier, now, wouldn’t it?
“I like prawns,” she replied when he asked after her own favorite. “The fresher, the better, of course. My mouth is watering just thinking of it.” Carefully pulling a bit of cod off her own skewer, she popped it in her mouth with a soft sound of enjoyment. “But this… this is delicious. Perhaps I ought to come down to the docks more often, if this is what they’re selling down here.”
She was very well fed in the Leventi manor, but seafood fresh from a street vendor was its own experience. Perhaps she might even convince Lady Melina to come down here with her one afternoon to sample the various stands; she was sure her mistress would take just as much delight in the fresh fish as she did. In fact, she would suggest it as soon as she returned home. They could even come down here again tomorrow if her ladyship was up for it…
Xanthippe, you are losing your focus again.
Yes, sorry. This is… excruciating. I hate pretending to make friends.
I know. But it’s important. Pay attention. Make him trust you. Be his downfall in the end.
The gods were right, of course; she needed to maintain her attention on the task at hand. Shoving all thoughts of Melina and seafood to the back of her mind, she turned back to Kyros, opening her mouth as if to speak. Before she could say anything, however, her attention was soon drawn by a movement in the corner of her eye—a man subtly hanging off to the side, but still noticeable. She pretended to ignore him for the time being, unwilling to draw further attention to herself and her companion, not until she was sure of what was happening.
“Keep your eyes forward, do not look behind you,” Xanthippe said, her tone casual as if she was speaking only of the weather. She took her own advice, her gaze fixed forward as she took another bite of her fish and continued in her slow, meandering walk across the planks of wood beneath their feet. “I am not totally sure, so keep quiet, but I think we are being followed.”
There it was, another movement in the corner of her eye, this time from the other side of the dock. Perhaps there was even more than one of them, and why shouldn’t there be? A single man and a delicate-looking woman, they were easy targets. “That man, standing by the docked ship. I think he’s one of them.”
The side alley.
“There’s another in the alley behind the stall we just left. They’re going to try to corner us and get us alone.” Why she would have knowledge of such tactics, she didn’t say, but hopefully Kyros would trust her. If he wanted to get out of this alive and intact, he would. While she would delight in his perishing, she wanted to be the one to do it, not some back alley brigand.
“Do you have a weapon on you, Kyros?”
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Xanthippe watched hungrily as Kyros bit into the fish, the hint of a smile lingering around the corner of her mouth at his reaction. “I’m glad you like it,” she said at his favorable reaction, noting the initial caution he had assumed at her offer. He had accepted it, though, even if he was wary, and that was good information to have. He ought to distrust her, but if she could make it so he didn’t… well, then, that would make things so much easier, now, wouldn’t it?
“I like prawns,” she replied when he asked after her own favorite. “The fresher, the better, of course. My mouth is watering just thinking of it.” Carefully pulling a bit of cod off her own skewer, she popped it in her mouth with a soft sound of enjoyment. “But this… this is delicious. Perhaps I ought to come down to the docks more often, if this is what they’re selling down here.”
She was very well fed in the Leventi manor, but seafood fresh from a street vendor was its own experience. Perhaps she might even convince Lady Melina to come down here with her one afternoon to sample the various stands; she was sure her mistress would take just as much delight in the fresh fish as she did. In fact, she would suggest it as soon as she returned home. They could even come down here again tomorrow if her ladyship was up for it…
Xanthippe, you are losing your focus again.
Yes, sorry. This is… excruciating. I hate pretending to make friends.
I know. But it’s important. Pay attention. Make him trust you. Be his downfall in the end.
The gods were right, of course; she needed to maintain her attention on the task at hand. Shoving all thoughts of Melina and seafood to the back of her mind, she turned back to Kyros, opening her mouth as if to speak. Before she could say anything, however, her attention was soon drawn by a movement in the corner of her eye—a man subtly hanging off to the side, but still noticeable. She pretended to ignore him for the time being, unwilling to draw further attention to herself and her companion, not until she was sure of what was happening.
“Keep your eyes forward, do not look behind you,” Xanthippe said, her tone casual as if she was speaking only of the weather. She took her own advice, her gaze fixed forward as she took another bite of her fish and continued in her slow, meandering walk across the planks of wood beneath their feet. “I am not totally sure, so keep quiet, but I think we are being followed.”
There it was, another movement in the corner of her eye, this time from the other side of the dock. Perhaps there was even more than one of them, and why shouldn’t there be? A single man and a delicate-looking woman, they were easy targets. “That man, standing by the docked ship. I think he’s one of them.”
The side alley.
“There’s another in the alley behind the stall we just left. They’re going to try to corner us and get us alone.” Why she would have knowledge of such tactics, she didn’t say, but hopefully Kyros would trust her. If he wanted to get out of this alive and intact, he would. While she would delight in his perishing, she wanted to be the one to do it, not some back alley brigand.
“Do you have a weapon on you, Kyros?”
Xanthippe watched hungrily as Kyros bit into the fish, the hint of a smile lingering around the corner of her mouth at his reaction. “I’m glad you like it,” she said at his favorable reaction, noting the initial caution he had assumed at her offer. He had accepted it, though, even if he was wary, and that was good information to have. He ought to distrust her, but if she could make it so he didn’t… well, then, that would make things so much easier, now, wouldn’t it?
“I like prawns,” she replied when he asked after her own favorite. “The fresher, the better, of course. My mouth is watering just thinking of it.” Carefully pulling a bit of cod off her own skewer, she popped it in her mouth with a soft sound of enjoyment. “But this… this is delicious. Perhaps I ought to come down to the docks more often, if this is what they’re selling down here.”
She was very well fed in the Leventi manor, but seafood fresh from a street vendor was its own experience. Perhaps she might even convince Lady Melina to come down here with her one afternoon to sample the various stands; she was sure her mistress would take just as much delight in the fresh fish as she did. In fact, she would suggest it as soon as she returned home. They could even come down here again tomorrow if her ladyship was up for it…
Xanthippe, you are losing your focus again.
Yes, sorry. This is… excruciating. I hate pretending to make friends.
I know. But it’s important. Pay attention. Make him trust you. Be his downfall in the end.
The gods were right, of course; she needed to maintain her attention on the task at hand. Shoving all thoughts of Melina and seafood to the back of her mind, she turned back to Kyros, opening her mouth as if to speak. Before she could say anything, however, her attention was soon drawn by a movement in the corner of her eye—a man subtly hanging off to the side, but still noticeable. She pretended to ignore him for the time being, unwilling to draw further attention to herself and her companion, not until she was sure of what was happening.
“Keep your eyes forward, do not look behind you,” Xanthippe said, her tone casual as if she was speaking only of the weather. She took her own advice, her gaze fixed forward as she took another bite of her fish and continued in her slow, meandering walk across the planks of wood beneath their feet. “I am not totally sure, so keep quiet, but I think we are being followed.”
There it was, another movement in the corner of her eye, this time from the other side of the dock. Perhaps there was even more than one of them, and why shouldn’t there be? A single man and a delicate-looking woman, they were easy targets. “That man, standing by the docked ship. I think he’s one of them.”
The side alley.
“There’s another in the alley behind the stall we just left. They’re going to try to corner us and get us alone.” Why she would have knowledge of such tactics, she didn’t say, but hopefully Kyros would trust her. If he wanted to get out of this alive and intact, he would. While she would delight in his perishing, she wanted to be the one to do it, not some back alley brigand.
“Do you have a weapon on you, Kyros?”
They’d walked in silence for a few minutes, each silently enjoying the skewered meats. It all seemed… odd to him still. Being out in the open all the time. Unmasked. The noise of still got to him sometimes. The need for words to communicate with others… he found himself wishing for the simplicity of silence. The hairs on the back of his neck tingled. He narrowed his eyes, glancing around, made it look like he was simply looking toward the dock vendors. He felt like he was being watched. He’d had that feeling all day, and had spotted nothing. He was getting paranoid. That had to be it. With the Creed holding a mark on his head, and Fotios basically owning him… It was stress. He’d been in the city too long.
His thoughts were interrupted by Xanthippe’s voice. Her entire demeaner seemed to have changed suddenly. ’Keep your eyes forward, do not look behind you. I am not totally sure, so keep quiet, but I think we are being followed.’ Ky narrowed his eyes, but did keep his posture forward; instead he tapped into his years of training with the Creed to gain a deeper awareness of his surroundings. He spotted the seemingly random movements of no less than three men. An unstrained man wouldn’t have spotted their movements – movements that circled them and shifted in tandem with each other. ’That man, standing by the docked ship. I think he’s one of them. There’s another in the alley behind the stall we just left. They’re going to try to corner us and get us alone. Shit. That meant there was four of them. Possibly more. Wait. ”How did you know about the one behind us?” She hadn’t looked that way. And neither had he, though with the way the others were moving, he suspected as much. But how had a simple maid servant deduced all of that? What was she hiding?
’Do you have a weapon on you, Kyros?’ Of course he did. More than one, in fact. Hidden within his boots, and strapped to him under his clothes. With threats dangling over his head of late, Ky was never without a way to fight. Though he didn’t need a blade to do that. It just made it easier. But he was on the alert now, and he wasn’t going to give away all his secrets. Not unless he had to. He did however have a pair of long daggers visible on his belt. He’d commissioned them just a few weeks ago. He wore them openly so that maybe if he was attacked, his opponent would believe he was unarmed if they managed to get them out of his reach. They would underestimate him. ”I do. My daggers.” he told her. His fingers itched to have them in his hands, but he refrained, instead he finished off his meat, casually shifting their slow meandering direction towards the mouth of an alley up ahead. The last alleyway before the open are of the docks where the ships were anchored. ”When they close in, you would do well to stay behind me.” Were these men after him? Had someone figured out who he was, or had Fotios decided he didn’t need his services after all? Or were they after the girl? If she’d been raised in the Leventi manor, perhaps someone thought to use her as leverage against the noble. To use her for information as Kyros had thought to do himself.
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They’d walked in silence for a few minutes, each silently enjoying the skewered meats. It all seemed… odd to him still. Being out in the open all the time. Unmasked. The noise of still got to him sometimes. The need for words to communicate with others… he found himself wishing for the simplicity of silence. The hairs on the back of his neck tingled. He narrowed his eyes, glancing around, made it look like he was simply looking toward the dock vendors. He felt like he was being watched. He’d had that feeling all day, and had spotted nothing. He was getting paranoid. That had to be it. With the Creed holding a mark on his head, and Fotios basically owning him… It was stress. He’d been in the city too long.
His thoughts were interrupted by Xanthippe’s voice. Her entire demeaner seemed to have changed suddenly. ’Keep your eyes forward, do not look behind you. I am not totally sure, so keep quiet, but I think we are being followed.’ Ky narrowed his eyes, but did keep his posture forward; instead he tapped into his years of training with the Creed to gain a deeper awareness of his surroundings. He spotted the seemingly random movements of no less than three men. An unstrained man wouldn’t have spotted their movements – movements that circled them and shifted in tandem with each other. ’That man, standing by the docked ship. I think he’s one of them. There’s another in the alley behind the stall we just left. They’re going to try to corner us and get us alone. Shit. That meant there was four of them. Possibly more. Wait. ”How did you know about the one behind us?” She hadn’t looked that way. And neither had he, though with the way the others were moving, he suspected as much. But how had a simple maid servant deduced all of that? What was she hiding?
’Do you have a weapon on you, Kyros?’ Of course he did. More than one, in fact. Hidden within his boots, and strapped to him under his clothes. With threats dangling over his head of late, Ky was never without a way to fight. Though he didn’t need a blade to do that. It just made it easier. But he was on the alert now, and he wasn’t going to give away all his secrets. Not unless he had to. He did however have a pair of long daggers visible on his belt. He’d commissioned them just a few weeks ago. He wore them openly so that maybe if he was attacked, his opponent would believe he was unarmed if they managed to get them out of his reach. They would underestimate him. ”I do. My daggers.” he told her. His fingers itched to have them in his hands, but he refrained, instead he finished off his meat, casually shifting their slow meandering direction towards the mouth of an alley up ahead. The last alleyway before the open are of the docks where the ships were anchored. ”When they close in, you would do well to stay behind me.” Were these men after him? Had someone figured out who he was, or had Fotios decided he didn’t need his services after all? Or were they after the girl? If she’d been raised in the Leventi manor, perhaps someone thought to use her as leverage against the noble. To use her for information as Kyros had thought to do himself.
They’d walked in silence for a few minutes, each silently enjoying the skewered meats. It all seemed… odd to him still. Being out in the open all the time. Unmasked. The noise of still got to him sometimes. The need for words to communicate with others… he found himself wishing for the simplicity of silence. The hairs on the back of his neck tingled. He narrowed his eyes, glancing around, made it look like he was simply looking toward the dock vendors. He felt like he was being watched. He’d had that feeling all day, and had spotted nothing. He was getting paranoid. That had to be it. With the Creed holding a mark on his head, and Fotios basically owning him… It was stress. He’d been in the city too long.
His thoughts were interrupted by Xanthippe’s voice. Her entire demeaner seemed to have changed suddenly. ’Keep your eyes forward, do not look behind you. I am not totally sure, so keep quiet, but I think we are being followed.’ Ky narrowed his eyes, but did keep his posture forward; instead he tapped into his years of training with the Creed to gain a deeper awareness of his surroundings. He spotted the seemingly random movements of no less than three men. An unstrained man wouldn’t have spotted their movements – movements that circled them and shifted in tandem with each other. ’That man, standing by the docked ship. I think he’s one of them. There’s another in the alley behind the stall we just left. They’re going to try to corner us and get us alone. Shit. That meant there was four of them. Possibly more. Wait. ”How did you know about the one behind us?” She hadn’t looked that way. And neither had he, though with the way the others were moving, he suspected as much. But how had a simple maid servant deduced all of that? What was she hiding?
’Do you have a weapon on you, Kyros?’ Of course he did. More than one, in fact. Hidden within his boots, and strapped to him under his clothes. With threats dangling over his head of late, Ky was never without a way to fight. Though he didn’t need a blade to do that. It just made it easier. But he was on the alert now, and he wasn’t going to give away all his secrets. Not unless he had to. He did however have a pair of long daggers visible on his belt. He’d commissioned them just a few weeks ago. He wore them openly so that maybe if he was attacked, his opponent would believe he was unarmed if they managed to get them out of his reach. They would underestimate him. ”I do. My daggers.” he told her. His fingers itched to have them in his hands, but he refrained, instead he finished off his meat, casually shifting their slow meandering direction towards the mouth of an alley up ahead. The last alleyway before the open are of the docks where the ships were anchored. ”When they close in, you would do well to stay behind me.” Were these men after him? Had someone figured out who he was, or had Fotios decided he didn’t need his services after all? Or were they after the girl? If she’d been raised in the Leventi manor, perhaps someone thought to use her as leverage against the noble. To use her for information as Kyros had thought to do himself.
Xanthippe was glad to see his years in the Creed had served him well as Kyros went on alert, though apparently not as well as they should have, considering she was the first one to notice the brigands. Then again, she was the Shade. It only stood to reason that her senses would be more sharply honed than his. They had to be.
‘How did you know about the one behind us?’
“Call it luck,” was her vague reply, unable to entirely hide the smirk that tilted her lips. Perhaps, with an answer like that, he would even think she was somehow involved, but there was little that could be done about it. She would soon prove that wasn’t the case, and in a way, this rather unfortunate incident would actually serve in her favor. She could show Kyros that much more quickly she was on his side. Nothing like a bit of spilled blood to bond two strangers.
She asked if he had a weapon on him and he responded in the affirmative, the young woman nodding in satisfaction. Good. She thought it almost impossible that he wouldn’t, but she’d been surprised before. It was going to be at least four against two of them—they would need whatever weaponry and advantages they could take.
Following after Kyros, she wasn’t sure if she approved of this tactic of backing them into an alley. On the one hand, it would give them a smaller area to defend and make it harder to be taken by surprise. Their backs would be protected, and there would be only one direction of attack. However, this tactic would also corner them and make it near impossible to retreat should the fight turn out of their favor. For the time being, though, she kept silent and went along; even if this wasn’t necessarily the best option, it would give her an idea of how Kyros planned things and how he fought. There was advantage to it, either way.
‘When they close in, you would do well to stay behind me.’
Nearly laughing at that, it was only through will alone that she managed to keep a straight face. Typical man, assuming her weakness and stepping in as her protector. Xanthippe was quite sure she could do a much better job of defending him than he could her, but it was better he didn’t know that for now. Let him underestimate her. Let him make false assumptions. It was easier to gain his trust that way.
That wasn’t to say she wouldn’t fight when it came to it; she would simply wait until it became necessity. She’d rather see how well Kyros fought first, to know what it was she would be facing on the day she killed him. She could learn his weaknesses, learn how to exploit them. Truly, it was as if the gods themselves had their hands in this.
Perhaps we did.
I ought to thank you then.
Thank us when they’re dead.
As they made their way into the alley Kyros chose, Xanthippe stayed behind him as he had advised, fingering the hilt of her dagger through the fabric of her chiton. She wouldn’t draw it yet, but she would be ready for the moment she had to. Though she hated not to immediately join the fun, she reminded herself of the benefit of sitting back and watching. Patience and a steady hand. That’s all she needed.
Xanthippe stood at the ready, a sharp blue gaze scanning ahead as they waited for the men’s inevitable approach. “On your right,” she cautioned her companion in a low voice, subtly nodding toward the man casually walking away from a nearby ship. “And your left.” Icy eyes slid toward the second one who approached, whistling innocuously as she saw him reach through the fabric of his tunic. “He’s going for a weapon.”
No sooner than she said the words, the first man was on them, a blade ripping into his hands as he stood toe-to-toe with Kyros. “Your purse and your girl,” he demanded in a snarl, gaze narrowing as the others who followed started stepping into his shadow. “And there won’t be no more trouble than there has to be.”
Liar.
“He’s lying,” the handmaid whispered, just loud enough for only her companion to hear. Even without the god’s whisper, she could tell just by looking at him, the violence in his gaze that a simple concession would not be enough to placate him. “They’re going to try to kill us, whether we cooperate or not.”
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Xanthippe was glad to see his years in the Creed had served him well as Kyros went on alert, though apparently not as well as they should have, considering she was the first one to notice the brigands. Then again, she was the Shade. It only stood to reason that her senses would be more sharply honed than his. They had to be.
‘How did you know about the one behind us?’
“Call it luck,” was her vague reply, unable to entirely hide the smirk that tilted her lips. Perhaps, with an answer like that, he would even think she was somehow involved, but there was little that could be done about it. She would soon prove that wasn’t the case, and in a way, this rather unfortunate incident would actually serve in her favor. She could show Kyros that much more quickly she was on his side. Nothing like a bit of spilled blood to bond two strangers.
She asked if he had a weapon on him and he responded in the affirmative, the young woman nodding in satisfaction. Good. She thought it almost impossible that he wouldn’t, but she’d been surprised before. It was going to be at least four against two of them—they would need whatever weaponry and advantages they could take.
Following after Kyros, she wasn’t sure if she approved of this tactic of backing them into an alley. On the one hand, it would give them a smaller area to defend and make it harder to be taken by surprise. Their backs would be protected, and there would be only one direction of attack. However, this tactic would also corner them and make it near impossible to retreat should the fight turn out of their favor. For the time being, though, she kept silent and went along; even if this wasn’t necessarily the best option, it would give her an idea of how Kyros planned things and how he fought. There was advantage to it, either way.
‘When they close in, you would do well to stay behind me.’
Nearly laughing at that, it was only through will alone that she managed to keep a straight face. Typical man, assuming her weakness and stepping in as her protector. Xanthippe was quite sure she could do a much better job of defending him than he could her, but it was better he didn’t know that for now. Let him underestimate her. Let him make false assumptions. It was easier to gain his trust that way.
That wasn’t to say she wouldn’t fight when it came to it; she would simply wait until it became necessity. She’d rather see how well Kyros fought first, to know what it was she would be facing on the day she killed him. She could learn his weaknesses, learn how to exploit them. Truly, it was as if the gods themselves had their hands in this.
Perhaps we did.
I ought to thank you then.
Thank us when they’re dead.
As they made their way into the alley Kyros chose, Xanthippe stayed behind him as he had advised, fingering the hilt of her dagger through the fabric of her chiton. She wouldn’t draw it yet, but she would be ready for the moment she had to. Though she hated not to immediately join the fun, she reminded herself of the benefit of sitting back and watching. Patience and a steady hand. That’s all she needed.
Xanthippe stood at the ready, a sharp blue gaze scanning ahead as they waited for the men’s inevitable approach. “On your right,” she cautioned her companion in a low voice, subtly nodding toward the man casually walking away from a nearby ship. “And your left.” Icy eyes slid toward the second one who approached, whistling innocuously as she saw him reach through the fabric of his tunic. “He’s going for a weapon.”
No sooner than she said the words, the first man was on them, a blade ripping into his hands as he stood toe-to-toe with Kyros. “Your purse and your girl,” he demanded in a snarl, gaze narrowing as the others who followed started stepping into his shadow. “And there won’t be no more trouble than there has to be.”
Liar.
“He’s lying,” the handmaid whispered, just loud enough for only her companion to hear. Even without the god’s whisper, she could tell just by looking at him, the violence in his gaze that a simple concession would not be enough to placate him. “They’re going to try to kill us, whether we cooperate or not.”
Xanthippe was glad to see his years in the Creed had served him well as Kyros went on alert, though apparently not as well as they should have, considering she was the first one to notice the brigands. Then again, she was the Shade. It only stood to reason that her senses would be more sharply honed than his. They had to be.
‘How did you know about the one behind us?’
“Call it luck,” was her vague reply, unable to entirely hide the smirk that tilted her lips. Perhaps, with an answer like that, he would even think she was somehow involved, but there was little that could be done about it. She would soon prove that wasn’t the case, and in a way, this rather unfortunate incident would actually serve in her favor. She could show Kyros that much more quickly she was on his side. Nothing like a bit of spilled blood to bond two strangers.
She asked if he had a weapon on him and he responded in the affirmative, the young woman nodding in satisfaction. Good. She thought it almost impossible that he wouldn’t, but she’d been surprised before. It was going to be at least four against two of them—they would need whatever weaponry and advantages they could take.
Following after Kyros, she wasn’t sure if she approved of this tactic of backing them into an alley. On the one hand, it would give them a smaller area to defend and make it harder to be taken by surprise. Their backs would be protected, and there would be only one direction of attack. However, this tactic would also corner them and make it near impossible to retreat should the fight turn out of their favor. For the time being, though, she kept silent and went along; even if this wasn’t necessarily the best option, it would give her an idea of how Kyros planned things and how he fought. There was advantage to it, either way.
‘When they close in, you would do well to stay behind me.’
Nearly laughing at that, it was only through will alone that she managed to keep a straight face. Typical man, assuming her weakness and stepping in as her protector. Xanthippe was quite sure she could do a much better job of defending him than he could her, but it was better he didn’t know that for now. Let him underestimate her. Let him make false assumptions. It was easier to gain his trust that way.
That wasn’t to say she wouldn’t fight when it came to it; she would simply wait until it became necessity. She’d rather see how well Kyros fought first, to know what it was she would be facing on the day she killed him. She could learn his weaknesses, learn how to exploit them. Truly, it was as if the gods themselves had their hands in this.
Perhaps we did.
I ought to thank you then.
Thank us when they’re dead.
As they made their way into the alley Kyros chose, Xanthippe stayed behind him as he had advised, fingering the hilt of her dagger through the fabric of her chiton. She wouldn’t draw it yet, but she would be ready for the moment she had to. Though she hated not to immediately join the fun, she reminded herself of the benefit of sitting back and watching. Patience and a steady hand. That’s all she needed.
Xanthippe stood at the ready, a sharp blue gaze scanning ahead as they waited for the men’s inevitable approach. “On your right,” she cautioned her companion in a low voice, subtly nodding toward the man casually walking away from a nearby ship. “And your left.” Icy eyes slid toward the second one who approached, whistling innocuously as she saw him reach through the fabric of his tunic. “He’s going for a weapon.”
No sooner than she said the words, the first man was on them, a blade ripping into his hands as he stood toe-to-toe with Kyros. “Your purse and your girl,” he demanded in a snarl, gaze narrowing as the others who followed started stepping into his shadow. “And there won’t be no more trouble than there has to be.”
Liar.
“He’s lying,” the handmaid whispered, just loud enough for only her companion to hear. Even without the god’s whisper, she could tell just by looking at him, the violence in his gaze that a simple concession would not be enough to placate him. “They’re going to try to kill us, whether we cooperate or not.”
Kyros was on high alert now, more so than he had been before, and didn’t need the servant girl telling him where the advancing adversaries were coming from. He was still questioning how she had spotted them to begin with. ”I see them,” he said through gritted teeth, his hands hovering close to the daggers on his belt. She warned of a weapon – he’d already seen the man reaching. But then time for words were over. The first man was standing toe to toe with the assassin, a knife in his hand and calling for a surrender of coin and girl. ’He’s lying,’ came a whispered warning. ’They’re going to try to kill us, whether we cooperate or not.’ Kyros slipped a hand behind him and flicked his hand to silently motion for Xanthippe to move back and keep quiet, never taking his piercing grey gaze off the scum before him. The second man came to stand just behind and to the right of the first, pulling a small mace from a loop on his belt. Kyros felt more than saw the approach of the third and fourth of the thug’s companions, above them, on the roofs of the buildings to either side of the small alley. Clever. But they would have to do better than that. ”There won’t be any trouble,” the former Creed member told the one challenging him. ”You and your friends have one chance, and only one, to turn around and walk away with your lives.”
’That kind of talk is what gets people killed,’ the challenger laughed, and thrust his blade towards Kyros, belly. But the shadow walker had been trained well and had rightly predicted the man’s move. With seemingly unnatural speed, Kyros stepped back, leaning his upper body back and out of reach of the advancing knife. IN the same motion he caught the man’s weapon hand at the wrist, putting pressure with a skilled grip that rendered the hand useless and caused the man to drop the knife. In the assassin’s other hand appeared a finely sharpened dagger, held in a reverse grip, which Kyros put to use by swiping from right to left between himself and the attacker. A thin red line appeared on the man’s throat as Kyros shoved him backwards into stumble into the second man; he was gasping and gurgling for every breath of air and trying to stem the flow of his life blood now pouring from his throat.
One man had been so quickly and cleanly dispatched, but the fight was only beginning as the two men above leaped from their perches. Kyros drew his other dagger, a matching blade to the first and spun to meet the newest arrivals.
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This character is currently a work in progress.
Check out their information page here.
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Kyros was on high alert now, more so than he had been before, and didn’t need the servant girl telling him where the advancing adversaries were coming from. He was still questioning how she had spotted them to begin with. ”I see them,” he said through gritted teeth, his hands hovering close to the daggers on his belt. She warned of a weapon – he’d already seen the man reaching. But then time for words were over. The first man was standing toe to toe with the assassin, a knife in his hand and calling for a surrender of coin and girl. ’He’s lying,’ came a whispered warning. ’They’re going to try to kill us, whether we cooperate or not.’ Kyros slipped a hand behind him and flicked his hand to silently motion for Xanthippe to move back and keep quiet, never taking his piercing grey gaze off the scum before him. The second man came to stand just behind and to the right of the first, pulling a small mace from a loop on his belt. Kyros felt more than saw the approach of the third and fourth of the thug’s companions, above them, on the roofs of the buildings to either side of the small alley. Clever. But they would have to do better than that. ”There won’t be any trouble,” the former Creed member told the one challenging him. ”You and your friends have one chance, and only one, to turn around and walk away with your lives.”
’That kind of talk is what gets people killed,’ the challenger laughed, and thrust his blade towards Kyros, belly. But the shadow walker had been trained well and had rightly predicted the man’s move. With seemingly unnatural speed, Kyros stepped back, leaning his upper body back and out of reach of the advancing knife. IN the same motion he caught the man’s weapon hand at the wrist, putting pressure with a skilled grip that rendered the hand useless and caused the man to drop the knife. In the assassin’s other hand appeared a finely sharpened dagger, held in a reverse grip, which Kyros put to use by swiping from right to left between himself and the attacker. A thin red line appeared on the man’s throat as Kyros shoved him backwards into stumble into the second man; he was gasping and gurgling for every breath of air and trying to stem the flow of his life blood now pouring from his throat.
One man had been so quickly and cleanly dispatched, but the fight was only beginning as the two men above leaped from their perches. Kyros drew his other dagger, a matching blade to the first and spun to meet the newest arrivals.
Kyros was on high alert now, more so than he had been before, and didn’t need the servant girl telling him where the advancing adversaries were coming from. He was still questioning how she had spotted them to begin with. ”I see them,” he said through gritted teeth, his hands hovering close to the daggers on his belt. She warned of a weapon – he’d already seen the man reaching. But then time for words were over. The first man was standing toe to toe with the assassin, a knife in his hand and calling for a surrender of coin and girl. ’He’s lying,’ came a whispered warning. ’They’re going to try to kill us, whether we cooperate or not.’ Kyros slipped a hand behind him and flicked his hand to silently motion for Xanthippe to move back and keep quiet, never taking his piercing grey gaze off the scum before him. The second man came to stand just behind and to the right of the first, pulling a small mace from a loop on his belt. Kyros felt more than saw the approach of the third and fourth of the thug’s companions, above them, on the roofs of the buildings to either side of the small alley. Clever. But they would have to do better than that. ”There won’t be any trouble,” the former Creed member told the one challenging him. ”You and your friends have one chance, and only one, to turn around and walk away with your lives.”
’That kind of talk is what gets people killed,’ the challenger laughed, and thrust his blade towards Kyros, belly. But the shadow walker had been trained well and had rightly predicted the man’s move. With seemingly unnatural speed, Kyros stepped back, leaning his upper body back and out of reach of the advancing knife. IN the same motion he caught the man’s weapon hand at the wrist, putting pressure with a skilled grip that rendered the hand useless and caused the man to drop the knife. In the assassin’s other hand appeared a finely sharpened dagger, held in a reverse grip, which Kyros put to use by swiping from right to left between himself and the attacker. A thin red line appeared on the man’s throat as Kyros shoved him backwards into stumble into the second man; he was gasping and gurgling for every breath of air and trying to stem the flow of his life blood now pouring from his throat.
One man had been so quickly and cleanly dispatched, but the fight was only beginning as the two men above leaped from their perches. Kyros drew his other dagger, a matching blade to the first and spun to meet the newest arrivals.
For several long moments, Xanthippe stood back like a good little girl as directed and watched him fight, though there was none of the fear on her face that would’ve graced the expressions of so many others of her gender and station. Instead, there was a cold calculation there, chilly blue eyes flicking between Kyros and the attackers as she watched him go on the attack. She could tell from the way he moved how thoroughly he had been trained, and it was a training he obviously still practiced. When the time came for her to dispatch him, it would not be an easy fight.
She did not involve herself in the fray until the other two jumped down and the third advanced, cursing softly under her breath. While she would have loved to watch her companion single-handedly take all three brigands down, she didn’t want him dead by any other hand but her own. He had proven he could easily deal with one man, but three at once? However skilled he was, she wasn’t willing to take the chance he would be defeated.
Smooth as butter, her dagger was pulled from beneath her chiton, wielded in a practiced hand. Pushing forward so that she and Kyros both now blocked the alley from further intruders, she took on the third attacker as she left Kyros to deal with the two who had jumped from above. As Xanthippe strode forward with the knife clutched between her fingers, her adversary laughed right in her face, a big enough distraction that even the other two paused to look.
‘Little kitty thinks she has claws. Come on little kitty, you want to play?’
A cold smirk tilted her lips in response, though she did not speak. She was not the sort to exchange barbs during battle—it was a waste of time and valuable breath. He could taunt himself into his grave as far as she was concerned; his words rolled off her like water. It was nothing less than what she’d heard before, prior to slitting out the last tongue that dared to speak it.
Level heads prevail.
As do silent ones.
Xanthippe took advantage of the man’s amusement to slash across his hand, causing him to drop the knife it clutched. ‘Son of a—' Roaring, the man went to punch her with the uninjured paw, but Xan was prepared for such a counter. Ducking easily under the wide arc of his fist, she slammed her own into his stomach, using her foot to sweep his leg out from under him in the same move.
Breath stolen by her punch, he crumpled to the ground, and Xan didn’t even bother taking the time to gloat. Slashing out with her knife again, a neat line was drawn across his throat. Stepping back to avoid the blood staining her gown, she raised a brow at the red waterfall that rushed down the front of the man’s chiton. The look of surprise on his face as he died was comical, and she even allowed herself a laugh as the light slowly died in his gaze.
Her opponent defeated, she stood back again to watch Kyros deal with his own pair, standing at the ready should she need to intervene again.
This character is currently a work in progress.
Check out their information page here.
This character is currently a work in progress.
Check out their information page here.
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For several long moments, Xanthippe stood back like a good little girl as directed and watched him fight, though there was none of the fear on her face that would’ve graced the expressions of so many others of her gender and station. Instead, there was a cold calculation there, chilly blue eyes flicking between Kyros and the attackers as she watched him go on the attack. She could tell from the way he moved how thoroughly he had been trained, and it was a training he obviously still practiced. When the time came for her to dispatch him, it would not be an easy fight.
She did not involve herself in the fray until the other two jumped down and the third advanced, cursing softly under her breath. While she would have loved to watch her companion single-handedly take all three brigands down, she didn’t want him dead by any other hand but her own. He had proven he could easily deal with one man, but three at once? However skilled he was, she wasn’t willing to take the chance he would be defeated.
Smooth as butter, her dagger was pulled from beneath her chiton, wielded in a practiced hand. Pushing forward so that she and Kyros both now blocked the alley from further intruders, she took on the third attacker as she left Kyros to deal with the two who had jumped from above. As Xanthippe strode forward with the knife clutched between her fingers, her adversary laughed right in her face, a big enough distraction that even the other two paused to look.
‘Little kitty thinks she has claws. Come on little kitty, you want to play?’
A cold smirk tilted her lips in response, though she did not speak. She was not the sort to exchange barbs during battle—it was a waste of time and valuable breath. He could taunt himself into his grave as far as she was concerned; his words rolled off her like water. It was nothing less than what she’d heard before, prior to slitting out the last tongue that dared to speak it.
Level heads prevail.
As do silent ones.
Xanthippe took advantage of the man’s amusement to slash across his hand, causing him to drop the knife it clutched. ‘Son of a—' Roaring, the man went to punch her with the uninjured paw, but Xan was prepared for such a counter. Ducking easily under the wide arc of his fist, she slammed her own into his stomach, using her foot to sweep his leg out from under him in the same move.
Breath stolen by her punch, he crumpled to the ground, and Xan didn’t even bother taking the time to gloat. Slashing out with her knife again, a neat line was drawn across his throat. Stepping back to avoid the blood staining her gown, she raised a brow at the red waterfall that rushed down the front of the man’s chiton. The look of surprise on his face as he died was comical, and she even allowed herself a laugh as the light slowly died in his gaze.
Her opponent defeated, she stood back again to watch Kyros deal with his own pair, standing at the ready should she need to intervene again.
For several long moments, Xanthippe stood back like a good little girl as directed and watched him fight, though there was none of the fear on her face that would’ve graced the expressions of so many others of her gender and station. Instead, there was a cold calculation there, chilly blue eyes flicking between Kyros and the attackers as she watched him go on the attack. She could tell from the way he moved how thoroughly he had been trained, and it was a training he obviously still practiced. When the time came for her to dispatch him, it would not be an easy fight.
She did not involve herself in the fray until the other two jumped down and the third advanced, cursing softly under her breath. While she would have loved to watch her companion single-handedly take all three brigands down, she didn’t want him dead by any other hand but her own. He had proven he could easily deal with one man, but three at once? However skilled he was, she wasn’t willing to take the chance he would be defeated.
Smooth as butter, her dagger was pulled from beneath her chiton, wielded in a practiced hand. Pushing forward so that she and Kyros both now blocked the alley from further intruders, she took on the third attacker as she left Kyros to deal with the two who had jumped from above. As Xanthippe strode forward with the knife clutched between her fingers, her adversary laughed right in her face, a big enough distraction that even the other two paused to look.
‘Little kitty thinks she has claws. Come on little kitty, you want to play?’
A cold smirk tilted her lips in response, though she did not speak. She was not the sort to exchange barbs during battle—it was a waste of time and valuable breath. He could taunt himself into his grave as far as she was concerned; his words rolled off her like water. It was nothing less than what she’d heard before, prior to slitting out the last tongue that dared to speak it.
Level heads prevail.
As do silent ones.
Xanthippe took advantage of the man’s amusement to slash across his hand, causing him to drop the knife it clutched. ‘Son of a—' Roaring, the man went to punch her with the uninjured paw, but Xan was prepared for such a counter. Ducking easily under the wide arc of his fist, she slammed her own into his stomach, using her foot to sweep his leg out from under him in the same move.
Breath stolen by her punch, he crumpled to the ground, and Xan didn’t even bother taking the time to gloat. Slashing out with her knife again, a neat line was drawn across his throat. Stepping back to avoid the blood staining her gown, she raised a brow at the red waterfall that rushed down the front of the man’s chiton. The look of surprise on his face as he died was comical, and she even allowed herself a laugh as the light slowly died in his gaze.
Her opponent defeated, she stood back again to watch Kyros deal with his own pair, standing at the ready should she need to intervene again.
