Private Tales Serpents Beneath the Salitran Sky | Salitra

A private roleplay only for those invited by the first writer
Liana nodded at Laru's words. His voice just drew her in even with the small amount of speaking he did.

Her eyes shifted back to Neh'rai and she stood gracefully and moved closer before kneeling down, her butt coming to rest on her feet. Liana held the woman's strange gaze and stayed silent.

Liana knew she was special. She knew she was different. She had not known that people with friends like these three women would be interested in her. The real questions were who were they and why were they interested in her? What did they want her to do with her gifts?

Laru'Dahl
 
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"Allarahn has been a plight on this city since long before the days of the Empire..." she said as Liana came near. She reached to cup the girl's countenance in warm, soft hands once she was settled, and carefully she turned Liana's face just slightly one way, and then the other. Finally, she offered a kind smile beneath her mask and withdrew, saying,"have you heard of the lady Medja? She has been appointed the Empress Regent by the god-emperor himself - he who was foretold..."

One of her hands slowly drew upward with her palm faced up. Her fingers started to subtly and slowly dance, and behind her a sandy substance began to rise in a string up out of an ornate urn, and it floated near to them and began to slowly swirl between the two. Neh'rai's companions had by now started to softly hum. The surround seem to grow darker, and the sparse candlelight grew brighter.

"For generations, we Abtati have suffered," the substance, which by now had become clear was a spice, or perhaps a variety of spices mixed together, continued to swirl. The aroma was rich, almost intoxicating. She continued, "but now we know a prosperity we have never known. We are wholly grateful to our emperor, but in the flames of his righteousness, another has risen who has shown us favour..."

As she spoke, images took shape in the swirling spice. They showed of her vague tale, finally ending in the image of Medja.

"There are many serpents beneath the desert sun. Some strike blatantly with piercing fangs," her eyes drifted to Laru'Dahl, then back, "and others bite gently, unfelt, but their poison runs deep - a venom of deceit... we need to know we can trust you, my dear."

She reached for her covering and pulled it away, and then she drew in a long breath. Deep into her lungs she pulled the spice before them in its entirety. She threw her head back, slowly, and her eyes fell shut as she experienced something clearly quite euphoric. Then, her head shot forward and her eyes snapped open, the golden glow shining far more vibrantly than before.

"Show me who you are," she declared, grabbing the girl again and pulling her in to a full and passionate kiss before breathing into her the spice to usher in that euphoria, and open her mind.

 
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"Have you heard of the lady Medja?"

Liana nodded. Of course she knew who Medja was. Medja was who she wanted to work for. It was the only thing she wanted, honestly. She wanted to use her gifts for the big games. She watched the sand flow from the urn and suddenly wanted to run. Magic like this scared her. It was unknown and the unknown was not something that Liana liked.

The sand came to float between them and she finally realized that it was not sand at all. The smell. It was deep and inviting. Liana wanted to reach a hand out and pluck some from the swirl to try it for herself. The spice shift into images and Liana smiled. She was mesmerized by the beauty before her and then it was gone.

No, not gone. Neh'rai had breathed it in. She had inhaled it and Liana was jealous. It was such a strange this to feel jealous of but she had wanted to try the spice so bad and now it was gone.

"Show me who you are."

Liana opened her mouth to speak and found that her lips were against Neh'rai's. The kiss was like nothing she had experienced before. It was so beautiful and so perfect. How had she had ever kissed anyone before this? What shams those were.

The spice flowed into her and she let out a soft moan of pleasure as the euphoric feeling washed over her.

Her entire life flowed through her mind for Neh'rai.

What little she knew of her parents, her childhood in the orphanage in Ragash. The moment she found out that she had the ability to tell when people were lying as well as an advanced photographic memory. How she used those talents to make money. How she left the orphanage in search of more. Her many years working for Allarahn and all the information she had recently found on him.

Laru'Dahl
 
Neh'rai withdrew with a long and yearning breath, and closed her eyes as Liana's story unravelled itself for her to know and understand. Hers was a sad story, and though unique as all were it was joined with many in its tragedy, and Neh'rai felt sorrow for her. This girl was not Abtati, no, but after this experience they'd shared with one another she would be seen as kindred by Neh'rai and her sisters, ever and always welcome wherever they may be.

A gentle hand came to brush carefully across Liana's cheek, and Neh'rai whispered, "you are far from your home of Ragash..."

Laru'Dahl waited patiently throughout the entire happening, and recalled quite vividly his own first experience with Neh'rai. It was difficult to describe the sensations that the spice ushered in, but he remembered it was as though every sensory output his body understood was completely overloaded, and all that was left was his mind to absorb and enjoy. He remembered her saying that the experience was always different, that some might only feel sensations while others may see visions or hallucinate - but always was it an absolute height in pleasure and comfort. There was no simpler way to unlock someone's mind.

After a time, while Liana was still taken by the spice's effect, Neh'rai had turned her attention to him and nodded. She had seen the honesty in her heart, and the merit of her talents. This one was to be of use to the Empire.

Liana ​
 
Liana wished she could accurately describe what she was feeling. It was the most euphoric feeling she had ever experienced. One strange thing she saw during this journey through her mind was two babies. One baby had the necklace she wore laid across her body in a swaddle and the other baby had a similar necklace. Was that her? Who was the other? What strange visions...hallucination...whatever it was.

She saw other things but that was the only thing that stood out enough for her to remember or care about.

She had no idea how long it was until she finally came down from the high of pleasure and happiness but the room came back into focus. Liana was slightly woozy as she looked at Neh'rai and then at Laru.

"Well...am I who you were looking for?"

Laru'Dahl
 
Though it was impossible to tell behind his mask, he was smiling. He was glad Liana was who Neh'rai had spoken of - she had a way of seeing things before they happened. Before, she'd told Laru'Dahl that she'd seen a girl in a place, a tavern perhaps, and she was to be assaulted by four individuals - hence his mentioning of that detail before. Such a thing could have been any number of people in a variety of circumstances, but Neh'rai's confidence in the matter was more than enough for him. Liana was the one.

"My gifts..." Neh'rai started, speaking slowly, "...and the gifts of my sisters, they are great. But they are borrowed, and come with cost... your gifts however, are natural."

"There is no unmasking your ability - no uncovering it with wards, there is no squandering it with spells.. you would be invaluable to the Divan, and answer to Medja as one of her Hands... should you pass her tests of course..."

Liana ​
 
Liana beamed at Nah'rai and then Laru in turn. All she had ever wanted was to serve Medja and now that was something that could actually happen.

"What if that is not what I want?" She asked as she tried to school her features. It didn't work. There was still a smirk there. "And how did you know who I was and what I could do?"

Liana was going to take advantage of Laru actually speaking and ask some more questions.

Laru'Dahl
 
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"You may remember an individual named Rala'Kep..." Neh'rai started, smiling and playfully waving away Liana's notion of potential wants. The Abtati knew her better than that now. To be a part of this, to be a part of them, this is what she wanted. She continued, "... for a great while now, Rala'Kep has reliably and steadily shared with us many things... but his greatest discovery my dear, was you."

Remembering Rala'Kep would certainly be no chore for her, but perhaps realizing his significance would be interesting. The man would have never displayed any inkling of treachery toward Allarahn. He likely garnered very little attention from his peers, ever diligent and unseen in much of his work. But one like him had to work exceptionally hard to obtain information, and retain it. But if she was his only find in all his time amongst Allarahn and his cohorts, then he had done well enough.

Laru'Dahl leaned a bit closer and said, "he told of you to Neh'rai..." he smiled, still hidden, "even the Red Sun himself is aware of you now... he will likely wish to take you to the Emperor, when you come with me to Ragash."

Liana ​
 
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Liana had always liked Rala. He was quiet and he did his job. As long as you get your shit done, you were okay in Liana's book...well...as long as you get your shit done correctly. She had no idea that he was anything other than one hundred percent loyal to Allarahn.

"How interesting," she breathed out. "I would have never guessed that he was unloyal. I suppose that is good for me though," Liana smiled at Neh'rai.

Her attention turned to Laru and she had to remember to close her mouth. The Red Sun knew who she was...breath in breath out... "Holy shit..." she said with a smile. How her life had taken a crazy turn.

Laru'Dahl
 
He nodded, "one like yourself does not go unnoticed, it seems..."

From seemingly nowhere, clay vessels floated to each of them. Within was a refreshing drink of water, of which Laru'Dahl did not partake. He simply grabbed the offered beverage and set it aside cordially.

Neh'rai started to speak again, saying, "loyalty is an interesting thing, Liana... most are loyal only to the winning cause, but many lose sight of what that is," she sipped from her cup, "do you know what it is?"

Liana ​
 
Liana took the cup that was meant for her and took a sip as she listened to Neh'rai.

"To me, it is the side that wishes for a better world and does not murder children..."

Her voice had grown significantly lower as she finished that sentence. Allarahn had been using orphans to run information and errands. There was nothing wrong with that, of course, but then he would kill them once they had completed their purpose instead of paying them.

Liana had very few morals but you did not fuck with children and you really did not fuck with orphans. If she could have gotten to Allarahn, she would have killed him.

Laru'Dahl
 
Of course, because of what had transpired between them, Neh'rai was quite certain she'd known Liana's answer. She had, and she smiled and likewise sipped from her drink before saying, "it so happens the Empire feels the same... our Lord Gerra supports any cause dedicated to helping all children. He seeks a better world for all, but especially them. I..." though there was no obvious reason, her voice trailed off and one of her eyebrows rose curiously. Her eyes turned to Laru'Dahl, and she said, "really now," a false gasp, clearly in amusement, "Laru'Dahl I am surprised with you... to be followed?"

Laru'Dahl's head canted just so, and in a fluid movement lacking any sense of panic, he stood. He turned to the door, and listened. Quiet for a moment. Then his arms crossed and he pulled free two short swords, and started toward the door. He glanced back to Liana, and then pulled the door open and stepped outside.

Outside, coming down the alleyway from either direction, were about a dozen men armed with swords and knives. They weren't close enough to attack yet, but they would be upon them in moments.

Liana ​
 
Liana moved as quickly as Laru had. She drew her short sword and her dagger, one in each hand. She stepped outside into the alleyway and cursed.

"Well, fuck me!" Liana said and then looked at Laru. "I hope you know what you're doing, Laru!" She winked.

The men were looking very irritated and they were ready for a fight. A deadly one. A dozen of Allarahn's men versus two.

They had this. She hoped.

Laru'Dahl
 
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Allarahn wasn't fucking around.

Luckily, neither was he.

"I hope you know what you're doing, Laru!"
​
He spared her a momentary glance. The subtle nod of his head. And then he turned away and, surprisingly, hurled the sword from his left hand toward their oncoming foes from the southern direction. He expected this to accomplish nothing other than serve as a distraction. He quickly followed through with a step, pulling from his side a knife which he promptly hurled toward one of the men. It planted itself in the man's neck.

The men ran to draw in now, and Laru'Dahl pulled another item from his seemingly endless repertoire - a smoke bomb. He hurled it to the oncoming men and in a brilliant flash it exploded and dispersed a great deal of white smoke which quite thoroughly blinded all those who were caught up in it. By some unseen force the smoke was pushed and pulled through the alleyway, temporarily shrouding them from all of their attackers. But, while Laru'Dahl was protected from the effects of this item with his mask, Liana was likely not.

Quickly, urgently, his hand reached and grabbed hold of her arm.

"Quickly," he said, hoping his voice would soothe any panic that likely sprang up with his abrupt grasp, and then he urged her to follow him.

He'd pull her dangerously close to a few of their foes, only nearly passing by and making it past to run faster away from them. He tossed a second little device to further blind their pursuers before they ducked around the bend... and then they were free of their assailants - for the moment.

After a moment for a few breaths, he said again, quickly, and gestured for her to following him further down the street. At the far end there was a tavern, and something else... transport. They would be far safer if they could procure a ride to escort them throughout the streets to where they needed to go next.

Liana ​
 
Yeah, Liana liked Laru. This was the second time they had fought together in the few hours they had known each other and he was already taking down men left and right. She did not spend much time watching him though.

She had her own men to kill.

Laru went South while Liana went North. Like Laru, she launched the dagger at one man that was in the lead and then sliced up with her sword into the abdomen of another. She was pulling her sword out of one of the attackers when a bright flash made her jump. The smoke quickly overtook her and she couldn't see.

Liana backed up towards where she had parted from Laru. She almost whirled and punched into the smoke but she heard his deep, smooth voice. Okay, she thought as they took off. Liana had no idea where they were going and she couldn't see anything so she had to put her faith completely in her partner.

Once she could see again, she breathed out and looked at Laru with a nod to let him know she was ready to move again.

Laru'Dahl
 
And down the road he lead her, hazarding only one look over his shoulder. They were still without their pursuers, and by the time they had finally emerged from they alleyway Laru'Dahl and Liana were now safely ushering themselves inside the tavern they'd seen from afar.

This was an imperial establishment, Laru'Dahl could tell from the lavish tapestries hung all around, each one proudly displaying the flag of the Empire. There were Abtati patrons, Kalitian as well, but none of them were anyone that Allarahn's men would want to deal with - not with them to contend with as well. They would be safe here for the time being.

Laru'Dahl gave a quick look around, and spied someone who was clearly of use to them - the way he started toward them immediately after seeing them was evidence of this. The man he'd found was a courier of sorts, but an otherwise unremarkable man.

Laru'Dahl slammed his fists down on the table as they came near, grabbing the man's attention and nearly lifting him out of his seat in surprise.

"By the gods, sweet Astra... damnit Laru'Dahl!"

Slowly, Laru'Dahl stood back to his full and comfortable height, and crossed his arms. He didn't say anything. Then he turned to Liana and said with a gesture, "this, is Elrix... he can get us to Ragash."

Liana ​
 
Liana stayed silent as she followed Laru. It was partly because she needed to focus on her surroundings and partly because she had nothing to say. She just needed to get the fuck out of this city and never come back. She would be a wanted woman for the rest of her days here. Well...at least until Allarahn was taken care of. Her death sentence would most likely continue with the next crime lord though. Fucked up bullshit all around!

They entered the tavern and Liana immediately felt herself relax slightly. This place would be safe for them. As long as they weren't followed and they didn't linger, of course.

A small smirk crossed Liana's lips as he scared the poor man...Erlix. She nodded at the man, "I am happy to hear that because I am done with this place!" She said with a slight twinge of exasperation in her voice.

Her life had been so much nice yesterday. She just had to go poke her nose where it didn't belong and now she was in trouble.

Laru'Dahl
 
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"Like hell I'll get you to Ragash, after that hell storm you led me through the last time I helped you? And for crying out loud I nearly just-"

"In case you've forgotten," Laru'Dahl leaned in some, "I also pulled you out of that mess, and if you had listened to-"

"It would have taken forever."

Slowly, Laru'Dahl's shoulders rose as he took in a long and quiet breath, and then slowly released, "you will take us to Ragash."


Morning's light was not long after Laru'Dahl's waking, or the waking of Liana. Before first light they'd left their resting place, loaded up into the back of a large canvas covered wagon, and off they went. It would take them time to venture through the city, and they were likely to encounter a checkpoint or two - nothing he couldn't handle. It occurred to him then, that the pair of them were likely to be each others only company for much of this journey, so long as they traveled like this.

Elrix's caravan was not very vast, only half a dozen men and each of them a little more advanced in age. hardly cause for concern, but also unlikely to be the best company - far more interested in gambling with one another than associating with them, when they weren't on the move.

The sun had risen for some time when Laru'Dahl finally spoke, "it occurs to me that Neh'rai might know a great deal about you now. I, on the other hand, do not," he gestured kindly as he talked, "tell me something about yourself, and I will tell you something about me."

Liana ​
 
Elrix's attitude towards bringing Laru and her to Ragash hadn't changed by the time the two of them were loaded into the covered wagon. It was not her ideal method of travel but if it meant she was closer to starting her new life, she would be okay with it.

Liana had been nodding off when Laru finally spoke to her for the first time since they had gotten on the wagon. She raised one brow and let out a quiet chuckle.

"First, I think that is the most you have spoken to me," she smiled at Laru. "Second...I am not sure what there is that is too interesting about me besides what you already know." She shrugged.

"Actually...I am not sure if you do know about my talents..." He knew about her lie detection because of Nah'rai, but the other stuff? Perhaps not. "You know that I am a lie detector, but I also have an advanced eidetic memory. Basically, I can read large volumes of information and I also process it quickly. I never forget anything either so that can be frustrating sometimes. All the knowledge I has ever learned is stored in my brain..."

Liana let the words trail off. She was not one to usually talk about her talents out loud.

Laru'Dahl
 
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"So," he started, "essentially you can remember every lie you've ever been told..."

Liana was indeed a remarkable individual. There was no lying to her, and she could remember everything. Imagining what he would be capable of if he possessed such talents was an interesting thought - it would certainly make finding people a lot easier.

"I... am not quite as remarkable as you," he said in response, honouring his spoken pact with her, "but I am an assassin. I serve directly under the grand general - he sent me here. I have lived alongside the vizier since he was a boy."

Liana ​
 
Liana nodded at his question, "every lie, every truth, every murder, every event..."

It was hard remembering everything sometimes. There was no way to dump any of the stuff either. It was like a weird file system in her brain. A weird, sometimes annoying file system. Of course, the one thing she wanted to remember was her parents and that was the one thing she never knew in the first place.

Liana paused at his next words. He was an assassin. He had mentioned that the Red Sun knew who she was but she did not realize that Laru was his right hand man.

"Why...did he send an assassin?" Everything in Liana's posture and tone had changed. She had put her life in the hands of an assassin. He had not killed her and everything he had said to her was truthful but that didn't mean he couldn't skim the truths.

Laru'Dahl
 
The wry smile that crept across his lips then, was hidden. So instead, to her, he simply sat and quietly stared for a moment as the wagon rolled and rattled along the dusty city street. It was perhaps, almost ominous.

"Who better to keep one alive than someone who could kill anyone that would seek to harm them," he posed, his tone matter-of-fact.

"Come now, I have told you something, share with me something else... why do you wish to serve Medja?"

 
Liana had to give him that. It was true and not just that his words were genuine. Killers usually did make the best protection.

She smiled at his next question. She knew that would come up at some point and she did not mind answering it in the slightest.

"Because she is a badass!" Liana said as her smile grew.

"I was raised in an orphanage with no real family or friends. I used my skills to earn money and then I eventually went to work for Allarahn," she paused for a moment before continuing. "I feel like my skills are wasted on that small of an organization. I want to be useful to the Empire and to my home."

"I shared more than the answer to that question so I believe that earns me two facts about you..." She smiled innocently at him.

Laru'Dahl
 
"Well someone with your skillset will no doubt be quite useful. I will pray your... initiations, go well..."

He hummed at her final comment, weighing his next words' weight.

"I was also raised without family... my earliest memories are in bondage, a slave to humans..." he spoke with a kind of stoic disinterest, "eventually, I was able to loose my chains and escape my captors... that is, after I slew them in their sleep."

He turned away, seeming to drift off some in thought, until finally he said, almost a whisper, "those were the first lives I took."

He had however, only shared one tale.

 
While their stories were not the same, they were still orphans. Orphans always had a common thread that others would never understand. Liana reached out absentmindly and touched his arm with a small smile that said she knew and she understood.

She quickly changed subjects from the sad to business. "That is the second time that initiation has been mentioned. What exactly is her initiation?"

Liana would be lying if she said she wasn't a tad nervous and scared about it.

Laru'Dahl
 
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