The Harvest (Sabin, Lyth)

[Sabin Ozera]

Day 12 of Fall, 511 AV

"This will do..."

Sabin muttered to himself as he started moving down a knoll that had been freshly scorched by vandalism. There was a slight tinge of red in the ash, apparently the nearby owner of this territory had doused the flames with the perpetrator's blood.

He glimpsed the scattered settlements of Sunberth crouched low in their mysterious shadows that crawled slowly across the bumpy landscape. The news was that no government held sway here, not even the order-crazed neighbors of Syliras--where better to hide then in plain sight?

Sabin had hoped too see at least some bones leftover from the incident, but alas, such luck does not come quickly in this chaotic land. Only when one acquaints themselves with certain dark nooks of the community is when the potential risks lie in spitting distance...along with the shady reward for which he sought after.

The black-robed man did not hold any form of combat training, which was risky enough, but what small tidbits he had deciphered from Sorova's scripture hinted at another method of defense. Though the Sunberth "authorities" had claimed much territory, it wasn't too difficult to claim a small hut from the Sun's Birth--as long as they heard the seductive tinkling of ill-gotten Mizas.

Sabin placed his things in specific areas of his new home, though order was not even a slight priority in Sunberth, Sabin believed everything had its place. Every resource was precious, which he made sure to hide out of plain sight.

He sat down heavily, breathing an eased sigh as someone outside was dragged into an alleyway to be butchered. His rest was short however, and as the sun beamed its last Sabin began formulating his plans.

He would need connections, obviously corrupt ones, preferably some that would enjoy the jobs he would impart to them...tomorrow he would search out a job as an Undertaker, as he guessed there would be a great need for one.

It was not safe to go out at night.

By the light of a humble hearth, he began to pull out the tome of flesh and uncertain origin, to once again attempt an interpretation of its grisly secrets...

[Lyth]

Lyth cursed furiously under his breath as he raced across the rooftops, his amethyst eyes scouring the streets below. How could he have let the man escape?! He hadn't done anything to draw attention to himself, and yet his victim had seemed to know he was there. And now he had lost him during the chase. As much as he enjoyed a good chase, it pissed him off to no end when he didn't catch the prize at the end. A low growl left his lips. He had only been ordered to kill the man, but dammit, he was going to mutilate him first! He was reaching the Sun's Birth territory, meaning he'd have to be a little more cautious about how much noise he made. If only he could just catch a break and find his damn target! Wish granted, he spotted the bright red hair of his victim, Lyth's smile returning in full force. He would have missed the man's hiding spot were it not for the genetic bright coloured hair. He hopped the distance between the roof he was standing on to the one above the man, dagger drawn and ready. Creeping quietly to the edge, he waited, ready to strike as soon as the man began to move. He didn't need to wait long, his victim stepping away from the wall to peer out into the street. The half-blood took two steps and dropped off the roof, landing with a soft thud on the ground below. The noise drew the attention of his victim, who turned around just in time to catch a dagger in his throat. Lyth grinned, watching the man fall to his knees, before collapsing on the ground. Dead. The euphoria he gained afterwards was almost better than the thought of the pay. Just seeing the lovely little puddle the dead man maid, it was enough to quell the anger he had been harbouring before.

[Sabin Ozera]

The alleyway in which the butchering had occurred suddenly flashed in Sabin's mind, an opportunity! For if it was just a random mugging gone wrong, the robber obviously would not want to deal with the corpse and just leave it.

Closing the flesh tome and placing it on the table in the middle of the tiny kitchen area he carefully peered out a couple windows. He couldn't get a clear look on the alleyway, he could only arch his neck out--but suddenly an image of it suddenly getting lopped off flashed through his mind, causing him to retract it like a frightened turtle.

The rigid horizontal line across his face, that served as his mouth, frowned slightly with annoyance. He wouldn't risk a light source, however, the colour of his robe would blend him in easily with the darkness.

Pulling the hood over his head, he cautiously made his way out the door, looking both ways for any flashing blades. As he rounded the corner on his left he was chanced that the ruffian wore white, and his eyes squinted at one of the daggers he held--which was weeping sanguine tears.

His eyes turned to the silenced victim at his feet, still fresh and generally intact. He wanted to move in slightly closer but he lost his footing on the curb of the road in the darkness.

There was a loud scraping from the shoe against the rock, and the sound bounced through the street--but echoed like thunder in Sabin's mind.

[Lyth]

Lyth had just finished with his kill, wiping the dagger off on the body of the man. That was one of the downfalls of white; you had to be very careful about what touched it. And a bloody blade would definitely draw in some unwanted attention. Still, he couldn't leave his blade to rust with blood, that would be unprofessional. And Talcum would most likely beat him for ruining the blades he had given him. He was still trying to figure out how to tell the man he had lost one... Sheathing his now clean dagger, Lyth was about to leave when he heard the sounds of someone walking, turning to see someone stumble from around the corner. The half-blood blinked, wondering who was taking such an interest in his kill. It wasn't the employer making sure he had done the job, was it? Thinking that might be the reason, Lyth cautiously stepped forward, his smile easily sliding into place. "Did you enjoy that little display?" He asked, his tone light and friendly, which threw most people off. Especially those who knew what he did for a living. "Shall I do another demonstration?" His dagger came out again, waiting to see how the man would react.

[Sabin Ozera]

He cursed himself for a fool at being noticed, but as he watched Lyth clean his blade he became intrigued. The cleanliness of his white apparel was important to the man, yet he kills with such practice he doubted if he took a life only occasionally.

Sabin kept his usual cool head, examining the situation with a cold logic: if the man decided to carry out his threat he would merely respond...perhaps in futility.

He took two slow steps toward the fresh body, his eyes only upon the corpse now, "...a fine specimen, not even a broken bone..." his hard brown eyes shifted to meet Lyth's, they glimpsed for a moment to his smile, "The initial display is not of my concern...how those that fall end up is more to my liking..." Sabin's right hand met his chin, his left crossing his chest to meet with his elbow--suddenly overwhelmed with thoughts.

"Perhaps this individual could be of use to me, seeing as how I've not been torn to pieces yet.

Sabin turned back to the dead man, "He is at peace, how...uneventful...perhaps it is the prelude to the first act..."

[Lyth]

Just upon hearing the man speak, and on closer inspection of his face, Lyth discerned that this was not his employer. He was too short to be the same person, and the voice was different. So then they were someone who just happened to be in the wrong place at the wrong time. The rational part of him wanted to kill the man right then, make sure he didn't go blabbing about what he saw, but he held back, wanting to see what the man did. If he ran off, Lyth would chase. If he threatened him, for whatever reason, Lyth would make him regret it. Either way, he planned on killing the man. But the man seemed more interested in the dead body than in the killer himself. Odd. Maybe he had just become so accustomed to death. The half-blood watched with a cold expression as the man surveyed the body, checking it over to see what kind of damage had been inflicted upon it. Only afterwards did he take any interest in Lyth, looking up to meet his gaze. His words brought an odd quirk to the man's smile. "You speak as if something more will come from this dead man." Lyth stated, lowering his dagger for the moment. The man had caught his interest, and as long as it was held, Lyth wouldn't kill him. "Would it bother you terribly if I asked why you're so interested in the dead? It's not a very common interest for most."

[Sabin Ozera]

As the killer lowered his blade, Sabin felt an immediate drop in the level of tension. Except for the occasional scream, this area of the city was silent. Any sane man's heart would have leapt to his ears, and beat with his own blood a quickening drum of warning at standing next to corpses and murderers.

At Lyth's remark of "more" from the dead man, an almost churlish grin cracked the flat line of his expression.

Sabin lowered his hood as a lazy breeze swept through the street, the elements unaware of what plots and wicked acts it touched.

"I have been taught that there is more in this world than merely life and death, the latter may seem limiting--but for the undiscovered potential it can hold." Sabin's grin disappeared, replaced by the practically blank expression.

He looked back down to the corpse, it's life blood was now cloying, chilling very slowly into a thick stain that effected the very face of the earth. The flesh sought to follow after it's red companion, to return to the dust of the earth from which it sprang...Sabin would prevent that if at all possible.

At Lyth's second remark, he remembered back to times with his mother, how his fascination with morbid aspects exceeded even her own.

"Answering that question would require the conclusions I seek. I have no political agenda, no powerful ties in this place, no need to reveal the act that created this useful item--only a desire for the truth that I know exists..." Sabin whispered this part to himself, "I will stop at nothing for such a dark revelation."

There was a plotting glint in Sabin's eye as he turned back once again to Lyth, "If you require my services, I can remove this shell for you gladly...and perhaps give a demonstration of my own."

oocThis may get a little sketchy, we could plan ahead a tiny bit through a PM if needed, but Sabin's intent at the moment is to move the corpse into his tiny dwelling they are standing next to--and begin his stepping stone experiment.

[Lyth]

Lyth's interest in this man continued to grow as he danced around his words, never quite answering what the half-blood had asked. And it was amusing to see the forever stoic man smile. Lyth raised a brow as the man lowered his hood, seemingly comfortable with showing the murderer his face. Well, at least now it would be easier for Lyth to find him again when the time came where he had to kill him. The undiscovered potential of death? Lyth had never thought of what happened after death, not really caring to find out. When you died, you died. There was nothing else. And yet this man suggested that there was. He wasn't a religious fanatic, was he? No, he had too much of a fascination with the corpse to be that righteous. Though, with the way the man began talking again, Lyth wondered if maybe his initial observation had been wrong. It didn't matter to him either way, but his curiosity often got the better of him. Stepping forward, Lyth gave the man a warm, albeit fake, smile. "I would be most interested to see a demonstration of what you plan to do." Who knows, maybe the man was partially myrian. He had heard they ate human flesh. That would be amusing to watch.

[Sabin Ozera]

Lyth's interest was a possible outcome he supposed would occur...though one he saw as highly unlikely. With the response from the exceedingly white individual, the cold stones that seemed to serve as his brown eyes changed from dull and apathetic, to fierce and determined.

He nodded quickly to Lyth and, grasping hold of the corpse's shoulders, hoisting it up until it's back was against his chest. Sabin had his arms wrapped under its sternum, he didn't even flinch as the sliced throat allowed the corpse's head to droop against his face.

"The process will not be quick, so I would suggest moving him inside to perform the ritual." he said plainly, thinking that having one person that could gracefully slit his throat was enough.

He half-carried, half-dragged his prize inside his tiny, one-room cottage, and sprawled him out on the ground. Taking care afterwards to wipe up the blood trail he had left.

Almost instinctually he moved the man's arms across his chest, placing his legs straight and together. He assumed Lyth would shut the door behind him as he retrieved the large book whose cover was bone and pages were human skin. He flipped through it's gruesome depictions until he found one with a face. He began to follow what he saw, not knowing any of what it meant besides two words he had arduously translated: "to be."

With his eating knife, Sabin bent over the body and opened its white eyes, cutting away the lids so it was forced to stare up at the ceiling. Throwing the eyelids into the nearby hearth he began, with skill, to cut into the flesh of the face. Carving deep into the cheeks, forehead, and under the chin. He flipped the next page of skin to reveal a human's right arm, then after methodically carving in the symbols so on and so forth until the entire body was covered in symbols and cold blood.

Sabin wiped a thin layer of sweat from his brow, then looked to Lyth apathetically, "I don't know exactly what will happen." but there was no trace of hesitation in his eyes.

oocI will get moderators to look over this part of the story, just to make sure I didn't break any rules.

He hovered his hands over the corpse, and started channeling what meager magical energies he held into the runes on the body. At first nothing happened, but after a while, the desecrated flesh began to gain a pale green pallor as the runes glowed black and activated.

Sabin saw that he had finally chosen the correct pages, and began to concentrate even further, even until his hands began to shake.

The corpse sat up suddenly and starting screeching in a guttural, inhuman tone.

Sabin's black robes were billowing from the charge from the nearby energy, and his eyes were wide open, a psychotic grin going from ear to ear on his face. He started to chuckle softly, when his expression suddenly changed to extreme astonishment.

He realized he wasn't in control the creature! The cursed runes had upset the unrestful spirits in their vicinity, and they held dominance over the corpse. Sabin immediately lowered his hands and stopped concentrating, he frowned deeply, looking quite annoyed. With the loss of the energy source binding the ghosts to the corpse, the reventant looked frantically, almost desperately to Sabin and Lyth and then screamed loudly before collapsing back to the floor.

The dark robed man had his hands poised under his chin again, this wasn't exactly what he had in mind. He couldn't create undead beings. His mother had told him the flesh tome was of Uldr, but it did not hold methods of bypassing his power as Sabin has supposed.

He sighed and shook his head simply...in the back of his mind he wondered how Lyth would react.

[Lyth]

Lyth raised a brow as the man grabbed the corpse and began to drag it into what the half-blood assumed was his home, not offering to lend a hand in the removal. If the man needed assistance, Lyth was under the impression that he would ask. No such request came, so the half-blood followed obediently behind him into the home. A brief thought that this may have been a trap crossed his mind, but that seemed unlikely. This man alone wouldn't be able to kill him, and Lyth couldn't see anyone else who might have posed a threat. Shutting the door behind them, the dim interior of the cottage left him momentarily blind as his eyes adjusted. It seemed relatively normal, even with the dead body lying on the table. He had to look twice in disbelief when the man procured a book with a bone cover. The sight made an uncomfortable shiver run up his spine, keeping a careful distance from the man as he began to work on the body. The carvings welled up with dead blood wherever the knife glided through the skin, creating a beautiful work of bloody carnage. Lyth's eyes ran over the dark symbols the other man had carved into the corpse briefly, before his eyes returned to his current companion. A slight smirk twisted his lips; he didn't know what would happen? That was reassuring. The half-blood watched in wonder as the man held his hands out, and the air around them seemed to change as all his concentration was placed on the corpse. It was a sight to see as the skin turned a sickly green, Lyth taking a curious step closer. He wished he hadn't though when the...thing, sat up and began screaming. The half-blood's eyes went wide, watching in amazement as the man he had just ended came back to life. However, his com anion didn't seem very pleased with his results, ceasing whatever he had done to bring the man back. With a final cry, dead eyes almost pleading with him to help, the thing fell still. Lyth stayed quiet for a moment, letting everything he had just witnessed sink in. This man was trying to raise the dead. Even though the practice was horrifying, Lyth saw an opportunity beginning to form. "I don't suppose using the same body twice would be such a good idea, would it?" He asked, making sure that the thoughts forming in his head were well-founded.