The Vale of Shadow (Part 4)

[veraka]

It was an amussing sight; a mighty aasimar warrior and a great winter wolf followed a small cat as it led the way to the comrade in arms, Zek.

Veraka trailed Eli as she led the him and Aurora to Zek. Weaving in and out of various building's when they came upon a reasonable small one that looked no different from the one's around it; the only difference was Aurora could here muffled sounds from inside of it. She looked to Eli, and posed her question if Zek was in there or not.

[Zekafae]

When they arrived at the building the muffled sounds were more of zek 'nicely' placing the militia together bound and gagged in a near painful manner. This made escaping the binds a process in which they would have to debate about doing. With that settled away, he moved to the leader whom was tied to a chair with a small oil lantern burning right near his face. The rest of the room was pitch black, he was waiting for the man to fully come too before the interrogations begin. Eili moved towards the partially open door and peered inside and saw the scene. Looking back she motioned with a flick of the tail to follow. She'd move quickly inside to sit next to him, it seemed the two were inseparable.

[veraka]

Veraka entered the dimly lit room, Aurora right behind him. Lucky for both of them, they each had darkvision, otherwise the room would have a been a pain to see in.

Looking to what the ranger had done with the goons, and nodded his approval to the ranger.

Veraka looked to the leader, or he guessed was the leader, who groggily woke up. The aasimar locked eyes with the human, who immediately said, "So, it's you two who beat the fey'ri; strange you're not dead yet."

"Shut up and answer the fucking question, before I decide to let my wolf use you as a rag-doll."
Aurora barred her teeth at the goon, but she seemed to be smiling, in a very malicious way.

[Zekafae]

Zek was already bored with the man, which was not good for him. Taking one of his daggers he cut the man's arm where there were fewer blood vessels, but of course plenty of nerves for pain." I am quite sure I can find a means to keep you alive several hundred years, while I abuse you to the brink of death daily. But I am an impatient man. Answer my question, and I might let you live. Where is the Albino elf, and where did she take the female drow?" His tone was flat, and he had no problems with torture." Do not make me crucify you. I know how to make you hurt. You don't want me to let my comrads take care of you. They have a lot of pent up energy to unleash." Moving back to where he was he sat back down." Don't tell me the truth, I'll personally hunt your family down, bring them here, and I will make you speak."

[veraka]

Veraka noted how the man refused to howl in Zek used his dagger on his arm; the aasimar did notice the subtle signs though.

[i:33ylg2y5]This is gonna have to take up a different approach if we're gonna get him to talk[/i:33ylg2y5] the aasimar thought to himself.

The man breathed heavily as he took the pain, though not easily.
Upon hearing about the albino elf and female drow, he got a slight smirk on his lips.
"The albino one; 'ave no idea where she is; but I do take pity on the one you're looking for. If the demoness was anything to compare, the albino one'd be Lady of the Nine Hells." Aurora growled at him, to no effect. Veraka bit his lip thinking of Inrii. Thinking back to their little sarcastic but humorous moments in time made him ball his fists.

"Well; you're more than welcome to and hunt ma family down; no idea where they may be, I've no idea, though I'd like to ya try and find 'em." He laughed manically at the two.
It was at this that Veraka felt the berserker want to come out and [b:33ylg2y5]show[/b:33ylg2y5] him the definition of pain; his eyes went crimson red, and a low, throaty growl came from his mouth. However, he held the berserker in check, unless of Zek decided to let him on the asshole. At that moment he wasn't feeling like a paladin; more like his old barbarian self.

Opening her mind to the ranger only, Aurora said simply; [i:33ylg2y5]Ranger, let the big man vent; I think you might like the overall results.[/i:33ylg2y5]

[Zekafae]

Zek nodded to Aurora and just smiled as he motioned to Veraka" You have the floor comrad. I believe, he needs an education. Now, if my assessment is correct, We're free to play with the prey right?" Looking back to the man." See.. we can play hard too. As for hell? You have no idea what you are speaking of." Looking to Aurora" Want a piece too, or shall we watch?" He looked to eili and thought for a moment. Before watching the show to take place." Have fun"

[veraka]

[i:1dtpsbue]Oh I think I stay back and watch; I don't think I'm gonna want to get in his way; oh and Zek, be ready to tighten down the noose on the others. If I know where this is going then those ropes are gonna be broken, and I don't mean by a blade,[/i:1dtpsbue] was all she said as the super-ticked warrior merely walked up to the man and repeated Zek's question.

"You call this Hell, Drow? I've met wenches who wer. . ." He was cut completely, followed a howl of pain, pure and guttural,escaped his mouth.
The berserker-fueled, hate-seething Veraka had reached under the man arms, and, with his enhanced, and brutish strength, lifted him through the bonds that the ranger had created for the goons. Whatever pains the fool had felt by Zek's rope and noose skills did the trick, partially.

"Now, WHERE IS SHE!" the aasimar roared as he slammed the idiot on the ground.

"You have no idea where she would do you?!" he crowed, laughing in an illusion pain-killer. Gritting his teeth, Veraka said, "alright how about this."

With that he slammed an armored boot into the man's back, grabbed his adjacent arm and started lift it up, bringing it up at a 90 degree angle, the man whooping and howling at the same time.
"Where is she," he repeated, slowly starting to press the raised arm over the man's back.
"What's it matter to youAHHHHHHH!" he reeled in pain, as Veraka pressed his arm down farther and farther, his shoulder joint creaking in protest.
"Wrong answer," Veraka growled lowly, pressing the man's arm fully down to his spine, which was followed by an audible 'SNAP-CRACKKK!'

The fool rolled over howling incoherently, grasping at his broken/dislocated shoulder.
"Let's try this again," the aasimar growled, wrenching the man up to his height; "where is ALYA!!"
The man made the mistake of spitting in Veraka's face; the aasimar slowly raised his arm up,whipped the spittle off, and then said "strike two."

Throwing him on the ground, Veraka raised a boot to his chest, and brought it down over one of the man's shins; a slight 'krack', which was immediately followed by the man blabbering something odd, crying while he did it.
"What was that; I can't HEAR YOU!" the aasimar bellowed, pressing his boot harder and harder onto the mans cracked shin, further breaking the bone, but not completely fracturing it.

He wailed in pain, begging Veraka to stop, he didn't. Veraka, teeth gritted, continued to push, stepping on the wailing fool's shin. He stopped, and the man said "ohh, oww, thank you. . ."

He didn't finish as the aasimar roared in outrage, his eyes flashing crimson-red; Veraka smashed the man's shin inward, but more towards the knee joint, effectively snapping a large chunk of bone off between the crack and joint.
"You ready to come clean, you ugly fierfek?" Veraka growled gutturally.
"HAhAHa, you'll never find your friend," he laughed maniacally, as if the laughter would drown out the pain.
The aasimar then lifted the laughing fool off of the ground and unsheathed one of his tantos, his rage spiking.
At this Aurora perked up, but remained silent.
"I've been meaning to find something to test my method of hide skinning an animal, just never found an appropriate test bed; how about you?" Veraka seethed, bringing the tanto dangerously close to the man's eye; the fool replied by trying to head bash the aasimar.

"Alright, suit yourself," he growled, then thrust the knife into the man's good armpit, the tanto tip penetrating out the end, near his neck, but not hitting the jugular, and coming out right behind the bone.
"And this is how one would skin a fucking retard," Veraka growled, then with a mighty roar of rage, he yanked the knife forward. The bone dislodged as the tanto caught the fool's upper humerus. The wicked edge then slid off the dislocated bone and cut its way through tissue. With a grunt, Veraka sawed out through the mans muscle. The arm was left hanging limp, attached only to the shoulder upper muscle. Blood poured from wound. Tossing the fool to the ground, "Aurora," was all the aasimar said, and then the winter wolf ice-blasted the arm and part of the asshole's body.

Turning to the other goons, the aasimar advanced on the others; one wimpering militiamen finally blurted out; "ALRIGHT! Alright; Please, I've a family, I want nothing to do with this; my children starve, what else am I supposed to do?"

Veraka squatted down in front of him; "Tell me where I can find the albino elf, or who would know more about her?"

"Our captain, at the barracks; he's usually the one who takes bribes from her."

Veraka got up, looked at the rest of the fools with his aasimar vision, then turned to the ranger; "and that is how you scatter the roaches."

Continuing, "give him enough money for a two months' trip for a family, I'll pay you back later; and then see him out."
Turning back to their informant; "get you and your family out of this city, NOW!"

[Zekafae]

Zekafae nodded and made sure the binds on the others were tightened. When they were secured, he watched the show that follows. He nodded to the answer they finally got. Taking a bag filled with platinum he untied the man and set in his lap and spoke" That wasn't so hard now was it? This is enough money to survive for a few years comfortably for you and your family. Get them out of here, and never return to this city. So the barracks? Sounds good. now go." He moved back and looked to Veraka" I like your style. Don't worry about paying me back. I consider it an act of mercy. Lets go to the barracks, and have a conversation with this captain. Lets make him feel like his blood is burning."

[veraka]

"Glad we see eye to eye on that," Veraka said as the young militiaman who'd gave them their answer nodded his confirmation on the location, and went out, looking for his family. He had no doubt that those two were going to raise the Hells on Daggerfalls; he had no idea how close he was on that assumption.

"As to your idea, yes, let us see him in pain," the aasimar growled, still majorly pissed off.
"Oh and ranger," he reached into one of his belt pouches, and pulled out an odd white crumbling block of something. Aurora sniffed and pulled back immediately, her eyes watering. She looked up to Veraka, who merely handed it out to Zek; "raw salt tends to be a good starter if you really want the blood to literally boil. Normally I'd ask for round two, but something tells me that I'm gonna be needed to deal with all the idiots that are on the way to the dumb [i:27th3x79]aruetesse[/i:27th3x79]. Do me favor and use this first before you settle on any more of devious methods."[/i]

[Inriiaynrae Jaelre]

((hey yall....i got internet for today....i miss getting to 'hang out' lol. but with everything, its been rather busy...oh, and we have a record, first to get to part 4 and the story gets better...))


Another blow hit her in the gut. She gasped as all the air was pushed out of her and she fought to draw in a breath from both the blow and gag. As soon as she recovered from it, she let her head hang again, eyes closed, and then she slipped back into unconsciousness.
Inrii's mind kept replaying various nightmares, from the attack a couple years ago to what Alya might do to her.
the young drowess was barely hanging on, and growing more and more desperate. there was no way to escape. She was always being watched by several men, and she had already tried everything she could think of. Play dead, play ill, flirt with the guards, pretend to sleep, scream, not scream. When she refused to eat the few scraps they tossed her, they shoved the slightest bit of morsels it down her throat. When she refused to drink, they shoved it down her throat, too. She was probably one of the most resourceful people, but this... was simply impossible.
Inrii wasnt the same girl. her ebony skin had lost some of its luster, her hair tangled in clumps and now dull as well as dirty. her wirst her raw and basically open wounds.

for a few hours they dropped her to the floor, allowing the blood to recirulate. the pain was ignored as she shoved it with everything else. If she hadn't been so determined to get her revenge, she would probably have been lost already. during the few moment of clarity, she wondered and thought of her companions. but it only brung pangs of dispair. had they even survived? she believed so. it would take alot to remove them. but then again, she had been taken so easy by the bard. maybe she was as [i:2ynmnsse]weak [/i:2ynmnsse]as before. Inrii promised she wouldnt be [i:2ynmnsse]helpless[/i:2ynmnsse] again. yet here she was.
and where was Zarstra her first real friend? had Alya gotten her? the mental link between them was either blocked or gone. maybe the lizard had escaped or even was with the others. then Inrii remembered the mask she purposely dropped. had been able to figure out that it was hers and use it to find her, or even found it at all?
the more she thought the more she felt like giving up. but something or someone was helping her to hold on, whatever it was.

Zarstra had tried for hours to comminicate with Inrii, yet nothing, just the same silence as before in the cage. the lizard had even attempted to find a way to break out, to no avail. Alya had been smart in putting up a magic dispeller around the lizard.

Alya paced the room. she was still trying to figure out what happened to Neriah, not that she cared, but more for the fact of the powerful ally she had been. A short thick male knocked on the door bringing her from contemplations. she growled and opened the door with a mental command.
"what?" she said with a scowl on her face and coldness in her eyes.
"word from the asset," the blind dwarf said gruffily.
"very well," she said calmly and waved him off.
he stood their till he sensed her hands moving in the complex pattern of a spell and quickly left.
Alya walked to the opposit side and waited as another door opened. a drow male entered; his dress was simulair to Inrii's, jet black simple leathers and a velvet half mask. Amber eyes piered from the shadow inshrounding his face. his skin more charcoal grey than the usual. he threw his hood back and bowed to Alya, a mop of stark white hair with a streak of blond fell around him.
Alya sat down in a comfy cushioned chair and crossed her legs. the males eyes lingered a moment on her 'feminine charm' she had almost always displayed with her low cut top, before looking boldly into her eyes. He knew what she was, a Masked Traitior, and powerful in the clergy. but he was a Darkmask and he did not fear nor would be intimidated by the female.
"Mistress," he started not caring to take a seat as he crossed his own arms.
"I am told you have word?" she said seductively, moving slightly more forward to place an arm on the back of the chair. her thighs were now uncovered for the most part. her foot moved as she waited in anticipation.
"just as you suspected. they are in town still."
a smile crept as she absorbed the information like a strong drink.
"Neriah?"
he nodded, as a lewsidiuos smirk edged on his own face. she caught the look and knew what he was thinking. Alya stood up slowly and walked to the Darkmask, her hand laid on his shoulder and another on his chest. she leaned in and whispered into his ear. his face stayed the same, but his eyes glowed in anticipation now, especially as her finger rubbed down his abdomen. she turned and headed to her room. the male followed. he knew exactly who he was dealing with. for it was a game they played often.

after a few hours, Alya made her way twords the center of the enclave. she hated the heat of the firey orb. the dessert to the west and the lush green land on the east, the Dersertmouth Mountains were a great place for a temperary base, particualry since Raven's Claw was all but gone. they werent to far from the town but the place was well hidden and procted by the Masked Lord's power.
the oak door stood several feet taller than the bard, tho she was rather short, even for her race. inside was a beaten gold mask hanging up above a large carved obsidian bowl and fire pyre. a husky male stood next to the bowl, his back to Alya. a copper haired male sat down on a dias waiting for her.
"have fun with Alak?" he asked condesendingly. the male was also dressed in the cerimoinious garb of a Darkmask, and the nightscale armor appeared to swollow light.
"maybe we should have a go then if your so jealous."
He scoffed and stood up, motioning her twords the bowl.

[Zekafae]

He nodded some and looked to Veraka." I have ideas for that already..." Taking the salt he shook his head slightly." If I wanted blood to boil, I have other ways. But this will be useful." He put it in a pouch of his completely dry and closed it up." Well shall we begin hunting?"

[veraka]

Veraka chuckled darkly, his eyes still glowing crimson red, "I believe the old saying is 'Who's hunting who?' Yes, let's track down this bastard, and our pyro-crazed drowess."

With that, the aasimar followed by the others, headed out and into the city. It didn't take long for them to find the barracks, if it could even be called that. Looking more like a run down shack that'd been refurbished, the enraged warrior stepped up to the door. . .

Inside, one of the militiamen got up to head home and hopefully, not have a fight with his wife. He knew that his relationship was going sour and his family was only being held together by the fact that he was the only source of income.
He sighed and placed his hand on the door, when it suddenly came off it's hinges and sent him sailing into the wall, stunning him to near unconsciousness. A towering dark-armored warrior entered the room with a bastard in his hand and his shield raised, saying 'knock, knock!'.


Aurora looked to the ranger; [i:2ocj9sx1]alright, Zek, let the juggernaut do his work. Your turn at the torture plate, and when you find that bastard do let me hear him scream,[/i:2ocj9sx1] she barred her teeth as to emphasize her point.

[Zekafae]

Nodding slowly he just smiled watching the scene." At times, I envy his strength. I'm no slouch, but still." he mused watching the door come off the hinges." They.. need a carpenter." A sick sense of humor. Hearing Veraka he chuckled mentally then looked to Aurora. [i:14kvqa9l] You must be so proud right now of him. Oh you'll hear him scream, it'll make you shudder. Ever hear a man scream like a little girl?[/i:14kvqa9l] he smirked to that and leaned lightly against the wall waiting patiently for his turn while letting Veraka have his turn. Eili sat there watching. [i:14kvqa9l] Please tell me you're not going to flay him alive and rub hot salt in the wound are you? And lets not think about sulphur... I can handle the flaying but the salt? Of course this should be fun to watch. [/i:14kvqa9l]

[veraka]

Veraka tossed the idiot in his iron grip into another militiaman, sending them both to the floor. He didn't even draw his sword as the first of many goons came in, sword drawn.

The aasimar raised his shield up high, hearing the clang of metal on metal. Bringing his free arm around, he nailed the man in the ribs with an low-in punch. The man doubled over, while Veraka grabbed his shoulder and brought his knee up into the militiaman's stomach, and finished him off with a solid, well-placed head-butt. The fool stumbled backwards, and fell onto his ass.

The next idiot came in howling; the aasimar charged him, shield-bashing his face in. He went down, clutching a bleeding nose and lip. Veraka howled and continued his grueling work.



[i:36q9tf5v]Oh yes, like any cub, he grew very impressively; I firmly believe that had his magical abilities not been discovered right after he found me, he would have excelled as a bouncer of tavern,[/i:36q9tf5v] she paused, then nodded; [i:36q9tf5v]as to making the fool scream, yes I've heard girls squeal; I would be most impressed if you were able to up that one.[/i:36q9tf5v]

Veraka finished up his brawl, most of the militiamen were nursing wounds that would take months to heal, provided they got outta town in time. The aasimar stood there, among a good twelve unconscious or moaning bodies and motioned to Zek with his head; "alright ranger, time to bring the pain."

[Zekafae]

He chuckled some hearing the sounds." He would, a tavern I would not go into I assure you." Hearing Veraka finally he moved inside, the sounds of his boots heard alittle above the groaning men." Very nice work. Now... Which one of you is the captain here. Now that we have your attention...." he held up a hand and moved over grabbing a man by the ankle and dragged him into the center of the room." ah ah ah, now where do you think your going piggie." Forcing him into a chair with a force belying his frame he tied him in tightly to already cause discomfort.

Taking a blade he removed the shirt from the man's body. As he sat there he moved a lantern over to the table next to them." Now.. you heard the legends of how malicious we Drow can be correct? I'm sure you have, having worked with an albino one and all." Coating the dagger of his in one of his toxins quietly he slashed the man's arm open." Feel the burning? That is the poison entering your veins, it will burn and burn and burn. And the faster your heart beats the more it'll burn. Now, that I have your undivided attention sirrah. I will ask you some questions, answer wrong and I will make you wish your great grandfather was never born. Got it? Good. Now where is the pale one known is Ayla? Where is her hide out outside of the city? And where did they take the female Drow? I'll let you take a moment." He moved to the table and took the piece of salt out of the bag and set it down on a place and set the plate over the lantern to warm up.