Vengance Taken

[Sherazade]

High above the trees the moon was a glowing orbv a silent witness to the creatures of the night, and those about on less savory business. A figure crouched high in a tree the scent of pine wafting on the wind , swathed in shadow the only thing moving was the wind. Eyes of liquid honey drifted closed , breathing slowed became centered , senses stretched out encompassing all within the clearing below.

A few feet to the left a mouse or shrew burrowed through dry rotting leaves and snow drifts. to the right a fox scratched at the frozen ground seeking food or shelter. Other creatures hunted those smaller than themselves.... All about her the the circle of life was played out and yet she sat waiting planning the death of another.

That he would soon be walking along this path she did not let herself doubt. Slithers of moonlight glistening against his dark skin, white hair shining like feathers of an angels wing. Hatred rose in her sweeping angers heat along her limbs, and yet when she felt more than heard his approach she was suddenly calm, clearheaded. She had to wait had to chose the perfect moment he was after all taller and stronger than she was so surprise was her best defense.
Pressed against the tree's trunk she all but vanished from sight thanks to the colours of her clothing, liquid honey gaze set with almond shaped eyes likely to be taken for some winged creature of nocturnal bent.

Knife was held in the small over her back to prevent glimmers of moonlight from catching it and giving her away. Closer and closer he drew he softness of his steps the breathes he took leading her gaze to the spot he would emerge from and surely enough he did. the wind rose again behind her carrying her scent forward... but she had prepared for that nothing but the smell of pine eminated from her skin.

She smiled beneath her mask as he passed beneath her branch and then in the next instance she leapt blade held back behind her head body swooping down upon him.. why the wind chose that moment to die was known only by the fates still it allowed him to hear her and he turned. Her knees slammed into his shoulders his chest carrying him to the ground . A single hand flashing up to catch hers knife wiedling one in mid descent

He bucked twisted beneath her even as she strained struggled to bring the blade to his throat and suddenly she was rolling being pinned beneath him. She drew her knees up just in time both hands seeking to halt her own blade from her throat so occupied with such was she she was unaware of the second knife till its blade bit ino her side she was going to fail to die. the thought arch through her mind as feet found purchase on his chest and with strength borne of desperation she pushed with body and mind.

Through the air he flew but instead of a thud there was the sickening sound of flesh being pierced by wood and he hung supsended on a broken branch. Struggling to her feet hand pressed to her wounded side Sam stalked towards him and looked the drow in the eyes "that was for my villiage my parents" and taking her knife from his fingers she drew it across his throat "and that was for me" turning then she stumbled from the clearing leaving the nameless drow hanging there .

[Sherazade]

Shadows flowed down the forest path thrown by the rays of the dying sun as it sought to pierce the dense canopy through crevice and twist of branch and leaf. It was quiet serene peaceful there was a moment when the bushes rustled as if going to spill something forth, a creak of tree branch that might have been naught but the wind and then stillness returned. Of a sudden the quiet was shattered by pounding feet and two dark skinned figures broke through into the clearing harsh curses leavng their lips, piercing depths of gaze searching seeking to rend the shadows in twain for these were creatures used to the dark.

She could feel the bark through the thinness of her clothing as it left its impression upon her skin , barely even daring to breath she remained perfectly still watching through a veil of lashes for her chance. the fact she had planned for one not two would not stop her it just meant she needed to modify her plan the arrow would have to be enough for one and the rope for the other. Below her the two drow were getting annoyed they knew she was there somewhere but try as they might they could not ascertain her position.

"We know your here little thief". the voice of one came forth like gravel grinding upon stone "You will die" back to back the pair began to turn slowly in a circle, gaze once again seeking to penetrate the deepening shadows of the cnaopy. heart pounding so loud within her chest she was sure they would hear it sam waited fingers clasping a length of blackened twine, she just needed one clear shot just one . half a turn more and for a moment a ray of light broke through showing her now was the moment. Hand pulled the twine attached to the trigger of the crossbow across the clearing from her, releasing the bolt letting it fly its head burying tiself in the throat of one drow who went down gurgling his last breath even as the counter weight crashed into the brush.


Her timing had been perfect she had leapt feet hitting the branch of her new refuge just as the counter wieght hit calling the others atention it seemed luck was on her side tonight. Cursing the last one standing turned peered into the darkness before creepng towards the counter wieght. in silence Sam unwound the rope from her waist nimble fingers expertly tying a thick slipknot. Unsuspecting of what was behind him the hunted one slid his knife from its sheath "Come out and i'll make it quick" a promise from lying lips is no promise at all but sam felt compelled to answer ,some trick of the wind or the trees themselves making it hard to pinpoint were her voice came from rising wind disgusing her nimble movements.

"Liar...you'd make me scream Make me beg" there was an echoing laugh then that bordered on insanity or hysteria it was cut off ended suddenly the silence more disturbing than the sound itself . round and round her head the loop swung in silence and suddenly she let fly. hand pulled back just as it settled around the drows neck and she stepped backwards off the branch. fingers clutched at the rope as he was jerked without warning off his feet, lungs struggling to draw breath , finding himself face to face with his killer and yet if he let go to plunge his blade into her body the rope would break his neck, what a pickle he was in

There was no such pickle for sam however.. lips curled into a smile of pure satisfaction as she drew the blade she had pilfered off the other when stealing his purse "Posion is such a nasty way to die i almost hate to do this" she murmured and swinging her legs out she clasped them round his waist and pulled him closer arm moved blade flashed and then was buried into his chest angled to strike his heart "this is for Molaes thar may your soul rest in light." she twisted the blade hardened amber gaze boring into his own drinking in the moment of his death knowing the last words he had heard were a curse.

She hung there watching until the last glimmer of life had left his eyes and then she let go the rope and fell. Knees bent palm kissing the ground she glanced across to the two lifeless bodies, from behind her mask lips kissed her palm and breath blew it towards them and then she was gone vanishing into the trees.

(Translation Molaes thar - Silver falls)