Revenge on Behalf of a Widow

[Lian Aydial]

Ravok, a city more a home to her soul than other city in the world, was evil wrapped in splendor. The shadow that was the core of the city had bleed out over the scenery and into the sky. Oh what a sigh it was! Twilight was upon them and a black blanket was beginning to pulls itself over the horizon. Deep blue and onyx paint was splashed across the water and the city ahead. Only small firefly’s of light bobbed in the buildings ahead of her. In the oncoming night, everything became hushed in preparation for sleep. Or, did she dare wonder; was it in fear of the deity that presided over the entire lake? Rhysol was the god of this place and coming to this city was like coming home to her father.

As the Water Glider slithered through the lake that had been dyed ebony, the young girl peered over the edge at the tiny ripples that fled from the boat. She could barely see her reflection from the light casted by lamp on deck. All she could see was black hair to match the sky tumbled all around her face and shoulders in soft waves. It was a silken mane that many desired. It almost covered her face, but nothing could quite hide the sharp features that stood out. Soft ivory skin was canvas that her features were laid upon with only a few smudges of dirt from traveling. Soft lips, high cheek bones, and elegantly arched eyebrows drew anyone’s gaze, but it was her eyes that captured most people. Those almond shaped eyes were hawkish and feral looking, but gave her away as a Vantha. Irises with amethyst mixed with droplets of crimson scanned the surface as she waited for her hours long journey to finally come to an end. It was her eyes that her targets always saw last as they dropped their eyelids for the last time.

Attending to dirt on her face, the Vantha turned her gaze to the city that was only five minutes away. She had missed this town dearly and was sad that she wouldn’t be able to stay for long. While assassinations and torture wasn’t that big a of a deal in this wondrous city, she could still get in some minor trouble for vandalizing someone’s property. There was no way she would be able to stay after she did her job. Squinting her eyes at the docks swiftly approaching the boat’s nose, the assassin pondered how she would go about this. She wouldn’t have to worry too much about finding him. Finding the fiend wouldn’t be too hard in a human dominate society. After all, his pointed fangs might stick out a bit.

She continued to ponder how to torture the man as the boat made dock and a ramp was placed on the side. The Vantha figured that she would do it on the underside of a building and just sink the body into the lake. Alas, what building would she find that wasn’t occupied?

The girl flashed the men on the boat a smile while waving her goodbye as she stepped onto the dock. They had been quite friendly by giving her a small discount on account that she had given each a peck on the cheek for their charity. It was wondrous what men would do for just a small kiss. Letting the smile deform itself into a wicked grin, the beauty pulled her black hood up over her head as she made her way into the floating city.

The small creaks of wood that accompanied her every step faded in her mind as she took a nice deep breath in. The smell of agley, moss, and fish danced in her nose. It was the one thing that reminded her of her old home and she secretly missed the smell of cooking shellfish at night. Rubbing her nose that threatened to make her sneeze, she crossed another bridge to the closest tavern in sight. Men spilled out of the front door like froth from a mug and noised poured from the windows like the whiskey in their glasses. Ah, the best place to start any search.

Taverns were the hub of gossip and news around any city and always provided a lead. They were always best when the sun turned its watchful eye away from the earth to let the shadows come out to play. Everyone felt more powerful with the dark wrapped protectively around them. At the same time, they were more cautious of what the night also hid from their sight.

But she would not have to worry about hiding. No, not yet. She would conceal herself in the best spot: out in the open. People noticed when someone was trying to hide. Those people were out of the norm and acted suspicious. But someone who was just like them and acted just like them was forgotten no more than half a bell later.

Keeping her hood up, the girl’s steel toed boots could barely be heard as she entered the tavern. The men bolstered about with tales of women and work. The girl momentarily wondered what the world would be like if even a fourth of these stories were true. Oh what an interesting world that would be. Shrugging it off, she continued to slide through the swaying bodies. Drinks were passed from bartender to patron and barmaids floated through the crowd like boats on the lake. Scanning the crowd, her eyesight fell on silvery hair. Raising a single eyebrow, she ventured towards the man slowly. She didn’t want to approach him yet, but she wanted to make sure it was at least the right guy.

This was strange. She wasn’t expecting to see him here. Here she thought she was going to be looking for a least a bell or two. Alas, she leaned against a wall, she watched him turn to reveal eyes that mirrored hers; lilac in color and savagery in look. All his kind was killers by nature so she had to watch out for his teeth and claws. She wouldn’t have to worry about this lowlife slave if it wasn’t for the fact she was here for revenge on some poor widow’s behalf. It wasn’t that bad in the end. Oh how she loved killing! The girl slowly pushed back her hood to reveal her face to the room as she smiled. When she did, a few around her starred for a moment to only go back to their drinks. Evil wrapped in splendor.

This would be simple. Running a hand through her long hair, she scurried closer to him with curiosity enveloping her face. She would be the naïve girl today. Trust was most readily given to those who seemed innocent of the world. As she learned precariously to pretend to stare in awe at his eyes, the young girl dared to walk a little closer.

With honey lacing her words, she hesitantly piped up, “How do you have purple eyes as well, sire?"