|| hora somni || Aeliana & Fenris
The night air was cool and a sea breeze carried salt across the already whitewashed city of Ostwick. The gulls and sailors had long retreated to home and tavern, respectively, but the stink of fish hung heavy over the docks. Water slapped against the hulls of great ships, moored for the night while their crews replenished supplies -- (Or took on new... cargo.) The distant sounds of drunken seamen echoed off the stone buildings and across the water. It would have been peaceful, if not for the dark figure that stalked the last two sailors to disembark the largest ship in port.
As they sauntered off the dock, rusted swords on their hips, Aeliana slipped silently from the shadows of the alleyway to follow. She kept to the dark places between lanterns, the thresholds of warehouse doors, and the cover of barrels piled high, but her eyes never left the men ahead. She had been tracking them for weeks across the Free Marches and for two days in Ostwick itself. The magekiller knew them for what they were -- (Slaving scum.) -- and knew that they had been specifically contracted to... gather a larger number of unsuspecting refugees than usual.
(The Magisters are buying people wholesale... but why?!)
She intended to find out.
Peering around the corner to watch her targets enter a tavern, Aeliana let out a long breath and lowered her dark hood. She’d get nothing from them in the thick of a bar crowd. Nothing but unwanted stares and whispers. Her black leathers (crafted in the Minrathous style) and wickedly curved daggers immediately announced her as a “’Vint” and Aeliana was in no mood to draw attention to herself. No. There was nothing to do but wait.
With one hand on the knife at her hip, she leaned against the heavy stone wall behind her, eyes scanning the rooftops. The hairs on the back of her neck stood on end. Her muscles tensed and the night seemed to darken. Aeliana had the distinct feeling that she was being watched...
She shifted slightly, loosening her dagger in its sheath.
