Welcome to Desamarai

[Psyche]

Storming into the room formally occupied by his father the young king tossed aside the crown and cloak, ice forming on the golden prongs, this was just terrible, how the hell had this happened. Lord Montgomery, one of his biggest supporters, had been discovered for his rather odd preclusions. It seemed the idiot had taken the rather adulterous wife of one of a young noble known as Harold Faust. He had overlooked the lords curious fetish for torture knowing that he only took the waifs from the street that no one would notice, so why had he gone so far as to take someone of such high standing. The idiot was to be his priest when the masses realised that he was their true messiah, now he had to find someone else and start his plans over. The rage was boiling over within him, ice was creeping along the walls and floors as if encircling the delusional King. This was the worst, but, at least he had discovered the Lord’s idiocy before he could truly impede his plans. He strode over to the throne like chair within the room, used for personal audiences with those of high enough standing and spun on his heels dropping into the seat. What to do, what to do, he didn’t enjoy being placed in this position but, no matter he only had to find someone more capable to lead the masses and preach his will for when the time came. Maybe if he offered the Lords position to Faust, the man was certainly qualified enough and young enough to be influenced, alright he was his senior by a few years but, so was pretty much everyone of rank in this kingdom having succeeded his father rather young, by his own volition and planning of cause.

Sighing he looked down and saw something he had missed, a letter with a wax seal. He recognised it instantly as a letter from Dainyis, the seal that of the Bone Cult, a new premonition perhaps. Picking it up he broke the seal, too arrogant to even consider that Dainyis may betray him and try to kill him, and opened up the letter. He skimmed the letter, disappointed at first, what he had hoped to be a prophecy that would lead him closer to his goal turned out to be nothing more than a letter of some encounter one of her catchers had, had. Yet as he read on his excitement and annoyance increased, it seemed that the hunter had picked up young Eleanor Faust’s body, so they were to blame, but, surely then she would have simply disappeared. Alright her body had not been found, or at least not in its entirety, but, the arm which had been clutching onto the damning evidence, a chain holding the seal and coat of arms of the Montgomery family, with such a death grip the fingers had to be broken to release it had been found near the estate. As he read on he realised what must have happened. It seemed someone else had been hunting the maiden and for this particular reason no less. Included in the text was a brief yet helpful description of the being that had claimed the arm as its prize. There was nothing he could do about Montgomery now; however, he could punish the scoundrel that had caused him this head ache. Calling his messenger he ordered that a notice go up that read.

‘Able bodied men required for a mission of the utmost importance, report to Marakai Castle, those successful in their task shall be handsomely rewarded.’

Now all Eliakim could do was sit back and wait for one to answer his call and seethe over what trouble this single man had caused him, albeit unknowingly.

[atakai]

Atakai awoke in his bed in the barracks and sat up. He did not remember much of last night nor did he particularly care. He squinted his sore eyes at everyone else who stood in a semi circle around the wall. "Whats going on? A game of circle jerk and I was not even invited?" He said sarcastically. Atakai took the time to get up now and stretch just as he got a reply. "No idiot. A royal messenger put up a job offer"

That got his attention. Atakai pushed his way through to get a better view and read over the messege. "You know I hate. They never specify on the reward. Last time I did a job like that I did not get a single coin" Atakai nodded in thought and agreement with the voice behind him. Doing bussiness with royalty was dangerous bussiness. Especially here. Atakai had heard storys of the king. Mostly how wonderful he was a few others how he was not one to tolerate failure.

Atakai looked around and saw no in in any particular rush to jump on this opportunity. He read over the messege again and finally made a desision. But before he went to the castle Atakai had to clean up. First impressions are always important and he did not particularly want to stand before royalty looking like a bum and smelling of a tavern.

Clean shaven and wearing a fresh set of new cloths Atakai headed to the castle. Upon explaining why he had come the royal guards demanded that Atakai yield his weapons. This of course took a considerable amount of time because of all the throwing knives and other hidden blades. When it was all done and said Atakai left a pile of weapons in the gatekeepers guardhouse giving it the look of a butcher shop.

This was his first time in the castle and even though he was escourted by armed guards Atakai took the time to admire the lavish setting. Exquiste art and statues. Buetiful tapestrys depicting the history of the land. There was no end to it. A guard remained behind with Atakai while the other left to notify the king.

Atakai crossed his arms and tapped a boot on the copplestone floor in boredom until his eyes came to rest on a open door. He looked at the guard and got a nod. Atakai went over to the open door and saw it was a taxadermy room. It looked like the king was a hunter. Or perhaps his father before him. It was very impressive until he saw the head of dragon on the wall.

He had seen enough and quickly pulled his head out and closed the door. It was then Atakai truly realized just how tactful he would have to be.... if not perhaps it would be his head on that wall.

[Psyche]

It had been but a night yet, Eliakim was already annoyed that he had not yet received one man who was willing to take up his challenge. That being said as he prepared for the day ahead a knock came at the door and with a sigh he awaited the call through the door. All the serfs in his employ knew never to enter his private room lest invited to, paranoid about safety many thought, it was just he was tired of disposing of those who stumbled upon his plans, banishing them to the catacombs of the Bone Cult. However, as the messenger shouted through the door, a smile curled his lips; the sadistic grin soon vanished though, not being one to show his pleasure or displease so openly. Striding to the door, he flung it open, the serf closing the door behind him and scuttling away, the young King met the guard at the end of the corridor. The man stepped in line with his king, knowing stepping behind or in front of him would lead to a certain demotion and even death. They moved through into the audience hall, well one of them, this one set aside for the more clandestine meetings like this one. Ornately decorated, with dark oaks and red carpets it was more like a humbling study and not the more extravagant golds and silvers in more formal areas of the massive Castle, it had in fact once been his father’s study but, Eliakim saw little use for such a thing, having found many more secluded and easily concealable rooms throughout the palace which were more suited to his purposes. However, this room served its purposes, open and spacious, it was hard to hide and easier to watch those who were welcomed into it, making assassination by most means impossible.

As he stepped into the room he saw the man, his head poked into the trophy room, a place which he left be, why collect such meaningless things but, he couldn’t destroy it without raising suspicions. The man was slightly shorter than he but, seemed to have the build of a warrior, which wasn’t all that encouraging, however, it was best not to make assumptions, that was the downfall of many a great man, like assuming ones child was not capable. Clearing his throat, Eliakim didn’t care how the man was dressed, he himself in a clean white silk shirt, black breeches, not wanting to seem to official in this setting so those who saw this meeting with outside eyes would not guess what was truly going on, stepped into the room, asking in a friendly tone, meant to feel warm and truthful.
“Ah yes, the trophy room, a relic from the days of peace from whence my Mother and Father ruled, of course once she passed my father had little time to hunt but, I have not the heart to change such a place filled with the memories of a much happier time, a time I hope to return this great country back to one day.” The lies and deceit came from his tongue easily, his body relaxed and his tone taking on a somewhat sorrowful hint at times made it all read as true when it could not be farther from how he truly felt or thought.

“But, we are not here to discuss times of yonder but, rather the petition I had my messengers place. I must say I am rather disappointed that so few seem willing to take up this challenge, you good sir seem to be the only one so far. Yet, great deeds need but, only one man so I am told.” Turning he walked to the centre of the room where a pair of comfortable padded chairs had been placed around a small table. Taking a seat he turned to the man and waved his hand at the seat opposite, an offer for him to be seated if he wished.
“Let’s dispense with the formalities for now, I’m sure you know who I am but, this meeting cannot exist if you get my meaning good sir. I hate to admit it but, my best seem unable to sort out this problem. Yet...” He stopped and seemed to looked thoughtfully over pointed fingers at the man before continuing in a more serious tone.
“Before we continue any further I have to warn you that although the mission is important, my involvement and the request has to remain secret at all costs and of course, I need to know if you are prepared for what this mission may entail for, it may very well cost you your life. Are you so prepared?” This was the crutch of things, this man seemed to be the only one prepared to take on this mission but, he also had to be prepared to die in the course of doing so if it came to that, after all something that the King’s men couldn’t sort out would not be a job so easily done or without great risk.

[atakai]

(Blah, I'm tired)

At last Atakai had met the one he had come to call 'the enigmatic king' At first glance Atakai determined that the storys did the young king no justice. He was not scary, nor did he carry a air of forboding that some claimed. Atakai listened to king Eliakim talk and followed him into the center of the room.

Atakai almost laughed at being called sir. "My king, I have been called many things in life but never sir. With that said he took a seat in the padded chair opposite of his royal client. Atakai was just as eager as Eliakim to get straight to bussiness.

Waiting politely Atakai crossed his arms and leaned back in the chair. "Sounds simple enough. Now we just need to work out a means of payment and the details of what you want me to do Men like Atakai were so predictable. What a poor world it would be if there did not exist warriors who sold there loyalty and sword for gold.

Atakai pointed to what looked like a bottle of wine on the table. Without even waiting for a reply he took the bottle and pulled the cork out with his teeth and poured the bottles contents into a glass.

Atakai drank the glass of redwine and isntantly looked at it. "Perfectly aged he thought. The thought was fleeting as he looked to the king. "So is this a assasination?" It only made sense to him. Any wise king would hire a sellsword. If they got killed or even captured there would be no real proof or evidence leading him to the king. Atakai started to count off his fingers. "If so I am going to need names, maps, as much information as you can give about the target"

[Psyche]

Leaning back in his chair he gave the man an amicable smile, somewhat glad that he seemed unperturbed by what he had said and seemed even comfortable enough to help himself to the bottle of wine on the table, well, fairs fair, it was placed there to entice him anyway. An assassination huh, well not necessarily, there was many ways this job could be completed each of course came with a different price of course; he was no fool after all. Crossing his arms he sized up the man, now content that but, one person had answered his request, that was all he needed.
“Well then...” he frowned and one of the guards stepped forward to whisper in his ear. “Atakai assassination is of course and option but, let’s deal with the preparations for what you are about to undertake first.” Raising his right hand into the air he snapped his fingers and a beautiful looking servant girl stepped forward, wearing a rather revealing form of dress that the king had witnessed on his travels her midriff was exposed and the long dress stopped at ankle one side and the middle of her thigh on the other. She was but one of the girls he used to enchant his guests making them more comfortable and somewhat less observant of what he himself was doing or saying. The girl placed a large sack upon the table and winked at Atakai before retreat backwards respectfully her head lowered. Having given his guest time to collect himself once more Eliakim cleared his throat to speak once more.
“This is going to be difficult, after all my best men have failed to do as I ask so consider what is on the table as mere provisions for the mission you must undertake. That there bag contains 500 gold pieces, which should be sufficient for any expenses you may incur during the commitment of your duties. I will also supply you with one of our finest steeds and anything else you feel may be necessary to complete the task that I am about to set you.”

Eliakim’s eyes continued to watch the man, taking note of his reactions before he continued on with the description of the task ahead.
“The job I have in mind could be completed in many different ways and yes assassination is most certainly one of them, although the reward for such an action would be less than what I was initially going to offer since it is a less favourable outcome in my view.” Sitting up straight he looked Atakai right in the eyes and allowed just enough time to elapse for the tension to become slightly uncomfortable as if warning against such an action if it could be helped.
“As I’m sure you are aware, a certain Lord within my court has been caught doing some rather unspeakable things to the women of my land and has even taken the wife of a fellow noble. His guilt was obvious but, the reason behind why he had become so were not so. However, having spent some time with him, trying to figure out what had driven him to his deranged acts I heard of a shadowy figure. A man, or so I thought at first, who introduced the Lord to the pleasures of the evil he committed. This black cloud, this being of corruption needs to be cleansed from these lands so not to spread its dark stain any further.” Eliakim then sighed and dropped his head before falling back into his seat looking exhausted, the weight of the world apparently weighing heavy on his shoulders.

“And yet no matter how hard they looked my men could not find him, he seems to be extremely skilled at concealing his presence yet there are some things we know. The first is he is definitely no man but, a demon in our form. Human for all apparent appearances he wears a patch to hide the hideous demonic eye but, like any demon he seems to relish our blood. Standing tall, over 6ft he can manipulate his flesh, turning hands into talons to tear through flesh, he dresses as a pauper and seems adept at hiding among the masses unnoticed. By now he has probably found his next victim, whether to manipulate and turn into another like Montgomery or to feast upon. The last thing that I may be able to tell you which should be useful is the name by which he called himself, Mastema.” As he had spoke the king appeared to become more and more drained, as if the search for this beast was weighing on his mind and causing him an immeasurable amount of grief and worry for his constituents. Finally he finished his voice flat but, filled with a carefully played pleading tone so to appear at his wits end but, not weak.
“So what I ask you is for you to locate this beast. When you do you can call in my men to take over, or if you feel capable capture him yourself, brining him here alive so I can deal with him personally to discover what other atrocities he has committed and who else he had corrupted will net you your greatest reward. Of course if his death is unavoidable at least it will be an end to the terror he can cause.” Having finished with the description of what the job entailed he looked at Atakai through hooded haunted eyes, his act as a worried king should have been quite convincing.

[atakai]

(Your good. Really raising the bar for me. Lets see if I can match you)

Atakai felt confident enough about the job. At least for now. He watched the king intently as a guard leaned in to wisper in his ear. He brushed it off until the King resumed speaking again. Atakai did not remember giving out his name. If his new client knew his name then more then likely the king knew he was a wanted war criminal in every country except for his.

If Atakai had learned one thing over the years it was to not trust anyone. He was a bit tense now but kept it hidden, ready to spring into action if this bussiness deal went sour. He listened and watched the king suspitiously. Ignoring the women completely as she placed the bag on the table. Of course after opening the bag the kings goal of distracting him won out. Being what he was Atakai suffered a weakness of his dragon side. The love of shiny metal. He became totally engrossed at the treasure he almost stopped listening.

He could not help but chuckle to himself at the mention of a horse. What need did he have for a horse? But for now Atakai decided to say nothing. Having a horse would help to disguise him better as just another human. Happy with the bags contents Atakai tied it back up and fully gave the King his attention. "So this brat wants him or her alive?" He thought. "Great...." Atakai had learned capturing ones prey unhurt was always harder then killing. The thought made him remember a old saying. It was easier to build bridges then to tear them down.

Had Atakai been a weaker man he would have been unerved by the kings hard gaze. Alas he was not but instead matched him with intensity. The King got his point across. He wanted the person alive. Atakai was losing intrest now as the King started to talk of politics. Personally Atakai had no intrest in it. Politics was alot like sex. It always came down to screwing others.

His attention was recaptured again at the information of his prey. "A demon? Oh hell...." He thought. For the first time he actually considered that backing out now would be a smart choice. What was gold worth if you were not alive to spend it? In the end he figured success was greater now that he at least had detailed information on the guy.

Atakai was done and stood up quietly to lift the bag of gold and shoulder it. He turned his back to the king but did not walk away. Instead Atakai spoke in his emotionless voice that unerved most. "In the game of chess you let the pawns go first.... I will interfere if your men fail" With that said he departed just as quietly as he came. He intended to be enigmatic and it seemed he did that well enough without giving out to much information about himself.

Finding the demon would not be hard. Atakai did not care what the king said. No man, even a demon in human form could walk around unoticed. There were ways of getting information on the streets. Of course that required greasing some palms with coin especially since he had no influantial friends in this country like crime lords. Say what you will about scum like them. But nothing went on without them noticing. Even new faces to the city.

Atakai just hoped his prey was still here. If he had to wander out of this kingdom things were going to get complicated very fast.

Atakai met a guard outside and stared at him for a moment. "Well? I was promised a horse. Are you just going to stand there? Or perhaps you will think of doing your job sometime today?" The guard mumbled under his breath but did as he was told. Atakai followed the guard to the royal stables and despite his earlier doubts was actually impressed with the pure black horse. "Impressive animal" Atakai thought after examining it.

He turned his attention back to the guard and waited before he spoke. "Well?" The guard rolled his eyes. "What now" Atakai held out his gloved left hand. "My personal effects....." He very well could not leave without them. Mumbling again the guard returned with Atakais weapons. The guard dumped them unceromoniously onto the ground but kept the mercenarys sword in his possesion.

The guard examined the dragon head hilt with ruby red eyes as Atakai was busy putting his blades and daggers in there propper place. The guard pulled the sword out of its leather sheath and was taken aback. A black blade? He had never seen much less heard of such a thing. Its craftsmenship was unmatched to anything he had ever seen. If only he knew. It was a shame really that Atakai swore never to use it again. The guard examined the runes on the flat of the blade while wondering what it said.

Having finished putting his weapons away Atakai took the sheath out of the guards hand. "Like it?" He asked coldly. The guard nodded his head without even taking his eyes off of it. The mercenary slammed the leather sheath back over the blade and yanked it out of his hands with a smooth clean motion. "Good, because if you touch it again I will kill you" Atakai then put the blade behind his back and positioned its leather harness across his chest. "Its for your own good. It has spilled the blood of countless innocents..... a honorable guard like yourself would not want that to stain your hands would you?" The guard backed away and left quicky now not wanting to be in the presence of the blade he now deemed as 'cursed'

Atakai grumbled under his breath as he put a foot in a stirrup and swung onto the saddle of his new horse. "Weak minded fool" True the blade had spilled the blood of innocents. But not countless. And then again Atakai thought. Who was to say who was innocent and who was not? There were none in this world without sin or darkness in there hearts. The good people were those that resisted it. He sadly, lost to that darkness long ago. It was a hope of his to reclaim his 'humanity". A small hope it was though.

[Psyche]

The guard simply looked at the man and clicked his fingers, two serfs came round the corner dragging behind them two a pitch black stallions, nothing but muscle and by the way it took two men to wrestle them in the right direction rather strong, hooking them up to the gate mechanism the huge door began to open. The guard wondered over to the horse upon which Atakai sat and stroked its hide saying bitterly.
“This beast here is Stavros, he’s the fastest among the horses we stable here bar the Kings personal steeds. It Kills me to give him to scum like you but, the boy’s word is la...” The man’s eyes opened wide and he turned to the servants who had just brought the horses out. A knife stuck out from the guard’s back as he gasped for air nothing but the gurgling sound of blood could be heard as he dropped to his knees and died.
“Nobody speaks of our lord as such” the two said almost robotically. Looking over Stavros with curious eyes and up to Atakai they each bent down and took an arm of the guard and began to drag him off. Yet before they left they turned to Atakai and once again spoke in eerie harmony.
"The man you search for, there are reports he is in Samaisor. However, his form and name are as fluid as the air; do not rely on what you have been told. Good luck, good sir.” Turning they left without saying another word, silently dragging the corpse away. In the study the mercenary had left Eliakim simply sat with a cold, cruel smile on his face waiting for his chance to take revenge on the one who had ruined his plan, or punish the idiotic mercenary who thought he could return empty handed. Both would be fun but, he knew which would be more satisfying. Now he only had to wait and see what happened and contemplate what his next move on the lordship front should be to appease his people.

[atakai]

Atakai frowned at the news. "this is just perfect" He thought. "Now I have to travel across the plains to Gulva and find a ship to take me across the great water. He watched the strangers drag the corpse away and squeezed his heels into the horses flanks. No this would not be easy at all. So much for getting soldiers to help him capture the demon. And if that was not worry enough he would have to dodge bounty hunters once he got across the sea.

His prey had a headstart on him so Atakai decided to depart as soon as possible. When he reached the city gates Atakai stopped the horse. He really wanted to see Zjain again before he left. But sidetracking to find her seemed as if it would take to much time. Ever since they met he could not get her out of his head. He grunted as he made a desision and kicked the black stallions flanks sending it into a gallop.

He decided to leave. Atakai figured Zjain was probably on her back for some other random stranger right now. That thought in itself put him in a sour mood.

[Lyra]

It was a breezy day and Zjain was on guard duty for the gates, looking more out to the Opellvaan Mountains on the horizon than at who was passing through. The wind whipped her hair about, the two long black tails that danced a little then fell back to her red-coated chest.
She checked back down every now and then, to feel like she was actually doing her job, but hardly ever took in who was actually passing by.
She was more lost in thought, her narrow eyes squinting against the bright sun and the clear sky.
Again she was racked with that bitterness, that all-pervading unhappiness that plagued most moments of her life. She needed something to drown it out again- it had been nearly a week since the man she'd met in a tavern had laid her to bed, it had been several days since she'd smoked a little opium to relieve her pain.
In a dream that night she'd taken some of that drug, she'd been there again by Araem's bedside, where she'd spent long hours watching him draw his last breathes. And though the sheets moved with troubled breathing, though the pillow was pressed down by a head, no one was there.
Atakai, for whatever reason, had been there as well, even though he'd been a long time ago, the time by which Zjain forgot most men she took. He'd told her gruffly to walk away but she didn't and she woke up.
Zjain ruminated over this, unable to get the image out of her head. She looked over again, and blinked. Because there he was on his horse, riding it out the gates.
His back was too her, he was leaving fast. She stretched out a hand to him, calling out weakly, "Atakai!"

[atakai]

Atakai perked his head as he heard his name faintly. Slowing the horse he turned around and saw the very person he was thinking about. Trotting over he stopped the horse and smiled. "Hey. I was just thinking about you Zjain" He managed to say it right. But the name still felt strange rolling off his tounge.

He was never one to let loose strings go untied when he left places. But Atakai did not exactly know how to go about things in this particular circumstance. His hands got figity around the leather reins as was his habit when nervous. "I have to leave this country for awhile on a job. I, I would be lieing if I said you have not been in my thoughts these past couple of days" Not knowing what else to say Atakai reached up around his kneck and took the necklace from around it.

Atakai held it in his gloved hand and popped the amulat open. The old gears inside came to life and soft sad chimming music came from it faintly. He listened for moment then closed the amulat and examined what he assumed was his family emblem on the cover. A golden Wyvern. As a boy he often fantasized about his origens. He Laughed softly to himself at the thought of being a lost heir to a noble family or perhaps even royalty. What dracarien in this world ever held a postion of power? He thought. "none what so ever

He extended his hand with the necklace to Zjain. "This was my mothers. It is my most prized possesion as I do not remember her. I want you to have it. At least until I get back." There was a pause. "Then we can spend a little more time with each other"

Atakai kind of hoped he would recieve something from her in return. He had heard tales of the exchanging of gifts. A token of her favor would help keep his spirits up on this long journy he may not even return from.

[Lyra]

Zjain looked up at him on his horse, wide-eyed confused.
O, why didn't he go away, he was stuck in her head and kept reappearing in her life in the oddest, cruelest way.
He was nervous, she could tell that, but why?
He had to have known she was but a slut, a degenerate with a habit of satisfying herself wantonly, breaking hearts. But he thought of her, did he?
And now he was holding out an amulet, a token that sang a small song to her and she wasn't sure what to do. It distressed her but she was compelled to take it. The chain hung off the edge of her hand as she closed her fingers around it, closing off it's noise.
Desperately, she tried to think of something to give back to him. But all she had was this jacket, and she needed that and he wouldn't be able to wear it anyways. It was too short and slender for a man. As for her brooch well...that was at home. and she could never give that up to anyone. Anyone.
She opened her lips to speak, looking at the ground.
"I have nothing to give in return, Atakai, but-"
Then an idea occurred to her, a flush turning over in her cheeks. "No, I do."
She drew a knife from her side and pulled at one of her pigtails. Carefully, she sliced off a lock of black hair and, keeping it neat in her hand, tied it into a knot so it wouldn't fall apart. Carefully, half-embarrassed, she handed this to him.
"Is this good enough?"
Why on earth was she doing this?
She was only going to have to take more men in his absence. She was too afraid to face this world herself, she couldn't do it like this.

[atakai]

For some cruel agonizing seconds he held out his arm with the gift. Already he was losing his nerve of giving up his most prized possesion. And to to what? A common whore? He knew he could not change was she was no more then her trying to change him other then what he was. Atakai was a man without anything to look forward to in life. His very time in this world was spent walking the road of horror, sorrow, and death. In a way this act was not selfless. He just wanted something to look forward to coming back for. He knew very well she would probably bed countless men while he was gone. He hoped perhaps she could give him back his lost humanity. He knew, false it may be. It was all he could hope for now.

Finally as she took the amulat and ceased its song he let out a relieved sigh. Atakai cocked his head as she started to cut some of her hair. He took it and put it away somewhere safe. "Not quite what I was expecting..... a thankyou would have saficed." [/b]he bowed his head and added[b]. "Fare thee well my lady" He was abviously jesting and pulled the reigns to turn the black stallion. Until we meet again...."
With that he resumed his flight to the great plains that surrouned the capital. And there his humanity woud be tested when confronted with the evils of life he knew all to well. But often then not turned a blind eye too.