It takes two to tango~Dual dagger training-Dignitas Please!

[Drake Flowe]

The Month of Imperos or Junctior, in the Season of Autumn, Era II of the Celestine Mandate, Era XIV Post Fractum.

Drake walks the lonely street in search for something that will let him regulate the nights streets quicker and better. Yet he seems to have a admiration for the dagger. One is not enough, but two is faster and more effective. Drake needs someone to show him the ways of the dual daggers. The dark streets will eat him without a quick fend from two blades.

[Dignitas]

OOC: Hello Drake! Please remember to timestamp your posts! A complete guide can be found Here.

The streets of Imperia, infamous throughout all the Empire, was not a place for citizens to roam at night. Dark, dangerous, and deadly only the bravest even contemplated going out after the twin suns decent. The shadows stretched and seemed to envelop the whole of these crammed cobbled streets. Somewhere out in the distance there is a brief scream, ended as quickly as it begun. And although Drake perhaps thought these streets were empty and lonely it remained very assured there were eyes on him at this very moment.

Following silently and quickly an agile katta of wry muscle and cruel intents stalked its prey. Like a true hunter its eyes followed every move Drake took and no minor distraction could break the gaze. For two city blocks this continued as others (perhaps aware of the situation) seemingly let the hunter stalk its prey. Finally in a seemingly abandoned street corner a soft whisper of steel being removed from its scabbard made itself known to Drake. Behind the kemite he could undoubtedly sense the breath of the katta who had managed to sneak up behind him. A sudden move and it would be Drakes last mistake, after all...this was Imperia.


The voice was whisper quiet and very at ease. "Whyyy does the mouse roam about in the darkening? Vvveryy foolish mistake mouse. Does the prey carry crowns? Give me a good reason I should sppppare mouse's life?" Robbery. One of the oldest ways to make a quick buck. And it seems that unless Drake did some fast talking or fast thinking it was possible Drake could lose more then just his crowns.

[Drake Flowe]

OOC: Sorry will do right now.
IC:
Drake could sense something was not right at that moment. The katta could drop drake in less then a second. "Well you know I was just on my way home from work. I do have crowne, but I work hard for that money and I would like to not spare it." Drake was was lying of course, made no diffrence to him. Drake had a thought about maybe pulling his cheap little dagger, but it would have been a waste of time. Drake has never been good with words. Hopefully the cat will eat it up. Drake was out of options and had no other way to get out of this but trying to use words, his only weapon. "Man, I knew staying out late would catch me some trouble" Drake thought to himself. The katta looked as though he was going to do something. Will the streets consume him or will this work out and luck be on his side?

[Dignitas]

It appeared luck was on his side this darkening. For an instance later after Drake had explained his false reasons for braving the dark of Imperia, another voice spoke up not so far away. "Karrai, we meet again it seems." From the low fog of night in front of Drake came walking a figure of an elf. The skin suggested it was a dark elf of the underground type, but it was hard to tell from this distance. Dressed in clean pressed gray pantaloons and a double breasted vest and shirt, he looked rather well to be walking around in Imperia. His voice was clear and very easy to hear. "You have the loan I lent you last month Karrai, or should I take it from you now?"

The katta (who must be Karrai) backed up a few steps away from Drake. With a nervous tone the would be assassin addressed the newcomer. "I was wwwworking on it. I swear. Leave Karrai to go get crowns, karrai will pay back his loan. Yessss, no need for violence. I go, I go." and with that the katta who had held a knife to Drakes neck turned and ran away quickly, disappearing into the black of night. Now only Drake and this newcomer elf were on the streets. The Vysstichi eyed the kemite up a bit, seeing him for what he was. Finally the dark elf took a few steps forward, his crimson eyes squarely on Drake.

"Well friend, it seems like I either saved you a good bit of crowns, or your life. Probably both though, knowing that scum sucker Karrai. You know its not safe on these streets at night?" he said, placing his hand on a dagger that hung loosely on his side.

[Drake Flowe]

Drake looked stunned. His eyes surveyed everything that was going down at the moment. Drake seen the elf approach up to the katta. "This is insane, why did I decide to go out tonight?" Drake said to himself. Drake seen the katta run from the seen. "Yeah you more then likely saved my life, that katta was gonna kill me if I did'nt cough up some crowne. Yeah I know Imperia's streets are dangerous, but its a risk I'll take."

"So you are you and what are you doing out here, if you don't mind me asking?" Drake figured he had some power on the streets by the way the katta ran away fear. Drake moved his black hair from his face. "You got some pwer out here don't ya?" Drake smiled and spit on the ground. The elf seemed to be silent.

[Dignitas]

The Vysstichi continued to walk towards Drake, smiling a bit in the darkened light. "Myself? I am but a stranger in the night seeking what cannot be found." he replied cryptically. He now stood just out of arms reach from Drake, and put both hands on his belt sizing the kemite up. "As far as what I am doing out here, well, I could ask you the same. It is my job, sorta speak, to keep an eye out on these streets. However...." he said, drawing his dagger and flipping it in the air gracefully and catching it as it came down "I know how to protect myself. It doesn't seem you can say the same friend."

"Power?" he laughed askingly "The only power I have it seems is keeping people like you who wander where the shoudn't alive and well." This of course, was a lie. This elf was someone with power, but he was smart enough not to display it too much nor let others learn about it. "So, what are you doing out here? Robbing? Running? Or perhaps just getting some fresh air?" he winked knowingly. It was Drakes turn to answer questions. And answering truthfully could help him obtain what he wanted, or it could bring danger upon himself. The choice, for now, was all in Drakes hands.

[Drake Flowe]

Drake looked at him with a smirk. "Well I would have to say I'm out here for the same thing, watch the night of Imperia's streets. You see I used to infest these streets with danger, I was stupid. I now know how some people can be and trust is always a issue. On the other hand...Power can only be granted in numbers and so just one man to have it all is crazy. I should have worded it diffrently. The name is Drake Flowe, resident of Imperia, you?" Drake looked down at the ground and spits. He seemed to have a probelm with direct eye contact the the elf, something didn't seem right to drake, maybe the elf was trying to play him off as a fool or maybe he wants to conversate either way drake was curious to know the name of the elf that saved him in the darkness.

[Dignitas]

The dark elf looked amused for a second and chuckled softly, as he came closer to Drake now only a mere foot away. "To watch Imperia's streets? No my friend, it appears the streets are watching you. How can one even think to brave the streets when you can't defend yourself? Old Karrai almost had you for sure, if it weren't for myself showing up of course.." The elf didn't get it. What was the boy out here in the streets for? It was obvious the man couldn't protect himself. Was he looking for death to find him?

Whatever the case was, the elf seemed reluctant at offering his name. Ignoring the question in whole he looked behind him cautiously before turning to Drake once more. "If you want to watch the streets, you'll need to know how to protect yourself boy. Power only comes to those who can be strong of mind..." here the elf patted the dagger that dangled from his belt on his right side "and strong of arms." The dark elf took one step closer to Drake, now barely inches away from his face.

"Now, friend, if you would kindly tell me what you're doing in my streets?" It appeared the strange elf was getting tired of misdirected answers and lies. He didn't believe Drake was just wanting to watch the streets. Stroking the dagger on his belt, the elf left no doubt what would happen should Drake appear to lie again.

[Drake Flowe]

Drake was trying to hide his fear of the elf, but he could see it wasn't working. "Well the real reason why I was out hear was because I want to find someone who could teach how to use what you have on your belt. I would prefer a dagger as my weapon of choice in combat, it seems you share the same thought as me." Drake began to move away from the elf. He had a scared look on his face. "Look...I, I don't want any trouble...I would like more to help you...Please spare my pitiful life." Drake lowered his head the raised it like a bow. Drake would rather make friends in Imperia...not enemies. Something don't always work out that way, or maybe they can. Drake could not tell the intensions of the elf. The elf could quickly knife drake in the gut or even across his neck, he was for surely scared. Very scared.

[Dignitas]

The dark elf nodded in appreciation of finally getting an honest and straightforward answer. "Well now friend, now we're making progress.." he replied absently.

Stepping back to give Drake his space it appeared the situation had defused some. Giving the dark streets an appraising glance he turned back to the kemite."I'm not going to kill you boy. If I had wanted to, I would have done so. But I like your attitude, and your offer of help might be taken up on." The vyssi thought for a quick moment then draped an arm (gently) around Drake. "Come, let us leave here. It's not safe on the streets after all" he laughed quietly as Drake already knew this fact.

Walking quickly through the streets the dark elf talked quietly to Drake. "I'll tell you what friend. I happen to know a certain knowledgeable gentleman. One of the best blades men in all the city. I could convince him to train you, I'll even pay for your training." The elf looked to Drake for a minute for his reaction before continuing. "In return, all I ask is you help me by using your skills once after you learn. Nothing dangerous, just a little work to repay your debt."

Sensing that Drake was a little scared the elf sought to comfort the kemite. "Don't worry, I'm not dangerous. Well....I am I suppose, but you shouldn't worry. You seem like our kind." Whose kind he didn't specify. As they walked to the Plaza of Angels the kemite wanted to know if Drake would take the deal. He would be trained by one of the finest blades men in the city, and in return he would do a favor for the man who saved his life.

"What say you?"

[Drake Flowe]

Drake was a little jumpy at first when the elf hung his arm around him. He then knew that he was just trying calm him down. Drake raised an eyebrow at the elf's offer. Drake nodded as he spoke. Drake thought for a minute before he answered the question. "Hmm. So grunt work couldn't be to hard, and with my skills after training make it easier." Drake looked at the elf. "I'll take your offer, but one question...Whats your name?" Drake starred at him with a straight face. Drake was not sure if he could trust the elf, this could be a huge mistake, or it could change drake's life in Imperia forever. Things always seem to fall apart on drake and drake always wanted to do something to better himself and this was one of those things that could.

[Dignitas]

The dark elf nodded in earnest at the acceptance of his terms. For him, it would be a win win situation, but for Drake he had training and work to do. It would be a busy next few hours for sure. Snaking around Imperia's dark corners and streets the mysterious gentleman led Drake through a winding maze of buildings, alleyways, and streets. Not many people were out and about this time of night but those that were stayed well away from the two. Also a feeling of eyes on them could be felt, but of course this was Imperia so that may not be too out of place.

Laughing at the instance of getting a name the vyssie shook his head. Already reluctant to give one the man said nothing for a moment. Placing his cool eyes on Drake he smiled a wry grin. "A name? Whats in a name? Syllables, sounds, and letters? Hmmm..." he said as he tapped a finger on his chin in thought. "If its a name you want I have many. And assuredly, I'll have many more before I'm done here..." he said in afterthought, before snapping back to the question at hand. "You may call me Cravich." It was obvious this was not his real name, nor even a psuedoname. But the elf would say nothing more on the matter being content that he provided the answer that Drake wanted.

Coming to the Plaza of Angels proper Cravich led the kemite to what seemed to be a run down shop, its windows having long been boarded and covered. The front door was unlocked and the two stepped into the dark place, the smell of dust and musk overpowering. It was hard to tell exactly where they were due to Cravich's winding path they took to get here but it was somewhere near th Plaza of Angels center. "Wait here for a moment friend. My associate Shari'kur will be with you in a moment. He will train you in the way of daggers and then your work to repay me can begin. Until we meet agian, I bid you ado." With that simple goodbye the dark elf turned and walked out of the store leaving Drake in the blackness of the unused room.

Minutes passed by with nothing really happening. As Drakes eye sight adjusted to his surroundings he could make out several pieces of white sheet draped furniture around the room including some tables and chairs piled against the far wall. Then a knock at the door and the hinges move as it creaks open. Into the room, like a shadow of the night, came a figure who promptly shut the door and stopped. Although it was hard to tell in this low light atmopshere the figure was fumbling with something.

And then light from a lantern illuminated the area and before Drake stood another dark elf. This one was tall and lankly, but held an air of confidence. The wizened elf wore a simple brown shirt with shorts and sandals. Upon his belt was arrayed four or five daggers in holsters. He looked over Drake and nodded his head in greeting. "You the young man I'm suppose to teach?"

[Drake Flowe]

Drake moved as quickly as he could through the empty dark streets. They passed building quick enough that everything seemed to blur. Drake nodded at the elfs answer, "Cravich..." Drake will say no more. Drake had a slight feeling that the man was giving a lie, but he said nothing. After all he was getting a once and a life-time deal here.

Drake and the elf moved into the run down shop. Drake felt almost confused and scared at the same time. The elf moved on and drake was alone for a small amoount of time in a place he did not know or even seen before. None the less he sat there waiting. Drake seen the dark elf eneter the room. He question rang a buzz in his ear, a sense of apprehension came over him, "Yes..Yes I'm the one who seeks the ways of the dagger..." Drake stabbard a bit then got to the point. He was afraid to speak much more, unclear of the elf's intensions. Drake surved the room a bit more as he awaits the reply of the elf.

[Dignitas]

As Drake surveyed the room, he didn't make much more out. Furniture long abandoned lay covered in white sheets with dust clinging in layers on them. The wooden floor had not been polished in some time and even the walls which were visible could use a new paint job. The strong scent of musk, dirt, and dust faded a bit as Drakes sense got use to it. It was also very dark here, the only light coming from the elfs lantern he had just turned on. It coated the area in a soft glow of orange light, the flame bouncing happily behind the glass. Perhaps this shop use to be an upholster for the nobles? Or mayhap it was a storage area for one of the local shopkeepers? It was hard to say but it was obvious no mortal had stepped foot in here for some time. But that all changed now, with the kemite and dark elf here in the flesh.

"Well then, I'm the elf who'll train you." Says the vysstichi. "Name's Shari'kur." he stated matter-of-factly. "And I usually charge around a couple hundred crowns for the beginners lesson, but lucky for you our...mutual friend..is paying for your lesson." The elf gracefully put the lantern down on a pile of boxes that were stacked nearby. Moving around the floor he looked to Drake, studying him. "So, I don't care why you want to learn. And I don't care what experience you haven't or had with daggers. Hell, I don't even care about your name. All I want to know is: You ever killed a man with a dagger?"

The question may have came unexpectedly, but it was very obvious the elf wanted an answer, because he was starring directly into Drakes eyes.

[Drake Flowe]

Drake had many diffrent thoughts running through his head, one was if he would be alive by the next brightening. Drake was almost to a squink to see at first but then his eyes slowly adjusted to the darkness. Just as he got used to the dark, the elf lit the lantern and light engulfs a small area of the room. Drake could see the elf's face and showed no emotion or even make a face. He tried to remain as calm as possible, becuase in Imperia, you never know what will happen.

Drake answered right away to the elf's unexpected question. "I have never killed a man with anything, let alone with a dagger specificly, but I would like to learn how..." Drake figured there was no point and trying to pull a lie and making himself look tough. He also knew he is a student to this elf and has a great ammount of respect for him. "I know you don't care to know my name, but its Drake." Drake and the elf sat there in complete silence.