Deleted Member
Deleted
Registered On: May 3, 2024 10:43:47 GMT -5 ~
Posts: 0
|
|
Post by Deleted on Aug 12, 2013 10:02:24 GMT -5
At first Ra’s wanted nothing more than to get this assignment out of the way, to do it as quickly as possible. However against him best intentions, and although he’d never admit it, he was actually enjoying their conversation. Spending most of his time with his own army of followers, he rarely had such an argument. Any Assassin would agree with his judgment, even if they thought other wise. Just once in a while he wants someone to challenge him on something, which was what Anne was doing. Not many women speak with such authority or action, preferring to stay quiet around their Husbands, although obviously she acted different.
“I hear the word of a woman, is no promise at all.” His lips grooved slightly upwards into a mocking smirk which quickly fled from his face. He can’t persuade her by insulting her. “You wish to know what I see? I see a snobbish aristocrat who’s never earned anything in her life. A woman who nothing of the whispers which spread through the City, plotting against her.” To Ra’s, socialism was the only way forward. And in his society there could be no room for people such as her, unless she’s willing to change. “However that’s not all I see. In fact I think that’s what you want me to see.” At this point he was pacing around her, taking long steps with his hands behind his back. He moved like a bird of prey, circling its next victim. Taking one last step, he now stood before her again; ready to give his final verdict. “I don’t believe for a second that the chance for power doesn’t appeal to you, that you don’t wish for more than this.”
“Their mess? It is your problem too. I don’t know how you could all live so long with out a care for the people who make you rich. The people who pay the taxes, the ones who serve in your armies, the ones who plow your crops.” Shaking his head, her charm was fleeing from her as she became more and more angered. “Executed? My Dear, it shall be them who will be executed. We shall give them no mercy much like they have gave the people none. Their heads will roll through the halls of Versailles and France will be free.” If anything liberating the Americas was just as hard, fighting the British Empire for control over thousands of miles of land. “If you don’t heed my warning and take my offer, it’ll be your pretty little head upon a bloodied pike in Paris one day.” And she couldn’t say she didn’t have her chance, that she couldn’t have been saved.
He was becoming weary of her at this point, obviously she had little ambition. Pivoting on his heel, Ra’s made his way to the balcony window he climbed through, opening the window to leave. His hands were placed on the balcony as he looked down into the garden below, attempting to find some where he could land safely. “I was wrong about you. I thought you’d have ambition. That you let nothing stand between you and your goals. I was obviously wrong. Good Morning.” Like he said, there were a hundred women in her position across the Country; surely one of them will listen to sense. The light morning wind broke against his face, tickling the grey beard on his chin.
|
|
Deleted Member
Deleted
Registered On: May 3, 2024 10:43:47 GMT -5 ~
Posts: 0
|
|
Post by Deleted on Aug 15, 2013 3:36:09 GMT -5
As he once again attempts to circle her, Anne easily prevents that by turning herself to face him. That you never turn your back on someone who may attack you is a basic, and she still doesn't trust him to not do exactly that. As she listen to him this time, her expression grows firm and difficult to read as she tries to decide if she's more amused or offended. In the end she can't really make up her mind, but she comments, "Does it appeal? Yes. But I'd have to be an idiot to abandon this for a pipe dream, wouldn't I? What do you really know of how the world works, to act as if you can predict such an unlikely future? You're saying that centuries of continuous rule can and will just be wiped out just because the rabble on the streets are restless? You sound like you've been enjoying too much wine! It's not as if the people haven't tried to revolt before - they always lose." She shrugs and shakes her head.
She's gotten rather impatient with this conversation - it just keeps repeating itself and she's getting bored of it, really. It's not like she'll be convinced to change her mind if he keeps repeating himself over and over again. "I don't see why I should care about the rabble - when one dies, two more take their place. And if they think that it's so miserable to be poor, why don't they simply find a better position to be in? It's not that difficult," she adds, having to refrain from mentioning just how many times she's achieved that feat. Granted, she has had a far greater amount of practice doing just that than the common folk of this country could even begin to understand, let alone exploit, so it's a case of her expecting them to be able to do what she does but without the vast amount of experience to help them. But it's not her fault that they don't get the chance, now is it?
When he abruptly turns and heads for the window, which she immediately presumes is how he came in, she makes no move to protest. Indeed, she gives him a rather disdainful look as if she's pleased to see him leaving and in fact knew that he would go without getting anything he came for from the beginning. Impossible man! Though she can't leave the words that he says unremarked upon. "If you're so blind as to turn your back on me, then you hardly deserve to know me, Monsieur 'Ducard'," she says, full of contempt. She should have known that this conversation would be a complete waste of her time. Who does he think he is breaking into her house just to argue with her, anyway?
|
|
Deleted Member
Deleted
Registered On: May 3, 2024 10:43:47 GMT -5 ~
Posts: 0
|
|
Post by Deleted on Aug 17, 2013 3:31:33 GMT -5
With a deep sigh, Ra’s thought about his position for a second. It wasn’t in his nature to give up so easy, he’d been with out action for a while, must have made him soft. If he were to leave now, she’d have won and he’d be leaving with nothing. He’d tried persuading her and it didn’t work, perhaps now he could threaten her. Turning around, his back to balcony edge, Ra’s began to return back to her, moving in closer then he did before. “You say too much and prove none of it, Ms. Montagne! It is you who is blind if you can’t see this opportunity! You are nothing more than a tool that I choose to use. Like a tool, you can’t work on your own; you need me and my small enterprise. Do you think this world could work with out us? We are the hand that turns the cogs, we have the power.” His nostrils flared and his eyes widened as his blood quickened through his veins.
Tempted to give her a swift slap across the face, Ra’s restrained himself from forming a fist. If only she knew who she was talking to, she’d have a very different tone. “You have no idea! To you the World is full of the wealthy and those who can afford anything they desire. Well you’re wrong, the World is cold and dark and one day it will show you. If anything, you have shown me that you are the most pig-headed woman I have ever had the displeasure of meeting!” It was a wonder the maids hadn’t heard him as now his quiet hushed tone had fled, allowing his booming voice to take its place. The temptation to reach out and grab her was there, to throw her off the balcony. Although doing something like that would be counter-productive, as it wouldn’t get him what he wanted.
“I asked kindly, but now you leave me with little choice. Once I leave her I will order the death of your husband and yourself. His Brother will inherit all of his land and power. I hope for his sake he’s more persuadable than you.” Obviously he was lying; it would take far too long for a plan such as that, using time they didn’t have. Ra’s believed that there was nothing she loved more than her privileged position. If he took that away, she’d have nothing left. She was as artificial as this house they stood in, having nothing but the power her husband had given through his birth right. Stroking his beard, Ra’s short fury had slowed, his voice quieter than before.
There was one thing Ra’s hadn’t noticed until he’d calmed down, something she’d been hiding from him. She’d been holding her hat over one of her hands, covering something. His eyes fell down to her hat, with them flicking back up to her. The way in which he looked at her, she must have now realized that he knew what she concealed. “You better not be hiding what I think you are. You wouldn’t want to make me angry, give it to me.” Ra’s extended his hand, opening it out for her to put the object on it. If she wouldn’t comply then he couldn’t guarantee her safety from him. Behind his back, his other hand clenched into a fist, ready for her to make her move. He wasn’t going to take any chances. If it was a weapon, then there was a slim chance she could kill him with it allow he’d just return later to extract his revenge upon her.
|
|
Deleted Member
Deleted
Registered On: May 3, 2024 10:43:47 GMT -5 ~
Posts: 0
|
|
Post by Deleted on Aug 18, 2013 3:35:54 GMT -5
At first as he approaches, Anne holds her ground with her eyes full of defiance. Though once he comes closer, she begins to back away when he attempts to get withing double his arm's length of her. Not because she's afraid of him, but because it would be stupid of her to allow him any closer - the fact that her expression doesn't waver indicates this without words. In fact, on the whole, she's very alert but still looks relatively calm - at least compared to him. Her breath is even, her movements are relaxed as she doesn't bother to respond to his insistence that she needs him. She doesn't need him! Even if he's involved in some sort of hidden group of people, whatever resources he has can hardly compare with what she becomes at night.
In fact she looks rather unaffected when he raises his voice. On the other hand Agnès - who had supposed that it was her Lady who had shut the door and has until now been cleaning the dressing room, not really paying attention to the voices in the other room - now opens the door a crack to see what's going on. Only to immediately close the door again with a click - whatever is going on, she doesn't want to get involved! A hint of the reason why appears on Anne's face the moment that she's called 'pig-headed' - she smirks as if she's quite pleased with herself. Oh, she doesn't necessarily think that's the right way to put it, but to her it really is more of a compliment.
Though finally that look disappears, and rather quickly, at his threat. The threat against her personally is largely ignored - in this particular day and age it's actually not that difficult for her to explain why she's still alive if she gets killed, but the loss of Florent definitely would be a very severe blow to her. Because even if she remained alive that would destroy her much cherished position - her brother-in-law wouldn't kick her out onto the street, but it's not the lavish lifestyle she really enjoys but the power. She would have no power without Florent, and would have to start from scratch again to obtain it again. And that's totally unacceptable!
"If you do that, I will kill whoever you send, hunt you down, kill you as slowly and painfully as possible, and every associate of yours that I can find," she replies, suddenly extremely serious. And there's no sign in her body language or expression that she's either joking or doesn't completely believe that she's capable of the task. He's right that there's nothing she loves more than her position, and the lengths that she'd be willing to go to in order seek revenge upon whomever took it from her are far worse than he could possible comprehend. And yet, oddly enough, there's a hint of a smile around her features - oh, she'd hunt him to the ends of the earth in fierce anger and hatred, but she would actually really enjoy the process at the same time. There's nothing in life more satisfying than revenge.
In fact, when he abruptly comments about what she's holding in her hidden hand, the malevolent smile suddenly erupts across her face as she takes a step back and comments, "Oh, you do not want me to give this to you..." Her calmness has left her, now replaced by a certain sense of excitement.
|
|
Deleted Member
Deleted
Registered On: May 3, 2024 10:43:47 GMT -5 ~
Posts: 0
|
|
Post by Deleted on Aug 27, 2013 15:19:34 GMT -5
Eying her hidden hand, Ra’s’ deep green gaze pierced through all that he watched. Weaker men have broken under his eyes, looking away under the pressure. Years of Lazarus use had turned his darker irises to lighter, more prominent shades which impenitently stood out upon meeting him. Feline animals have a similar look, although the rest of his face was more pointed like a hawk. Although giving threats was second nature to Ra’s, receiving them was another matter entirely. A dark, grimacing smirk curled upon his face as she responded to his outburst. She would be very disappointed if she tried, that he was certain of. If she didn’t have her uses, Ra’s would have her head removed for all to see, a warning to all those who appose the League’s Justice.
A part of him actually wanted her to try; a worthy enemy could be so hard to find these days. Of course she could never win, she was only a woman but it would humour him to see her try. She knew nothing of battle or conflict; she was a woman of luxury. Now she was threatening to fight one of Humanity’s oldest and strongest orders, a near impossible task. “By you’re an ambitious one. I all most believe you’d be a worthy foe. All most. But ambition is nothing with out the skills which would be required. You obviously have little skill in anything other than pleasing your husband and looking pretty for guests.” Now he was just agitating her out of spite, to see what she’d do when angry.
As she steps back, Ra’s is quick to take a step forward after her, attempting to keep a reasonable distance from her in case of danger. However while advancing towards her; he also began to move to the side, towards the door through which she first entered. Ra’s was fast, but could not move at impossible speeds. If need be, he could attempt to move into the next room if she decided to attack with her concealed weapon. Ra’s had seen small pistols being used before, a deadly weapon that could easily be concealed. Next time he’d bring his sword with him, in case one of these situations arose again. “You will show me, or I’ll take it by force. Your choice although I’d find it quite amusing to see you resist.” Obviously she would have the upper hand at this range although if he moved any closer, she might decide to attack.
Every movement she took he noted, he wanted to know what she was thinking before even she did. No matter what her body was doing, her eyes would ultimately give her away with even the smallest of movements. Through years of practise, Ra’s had mastered how to observe his opponent. It could mean the difference between life and death. Where as before there was a slight tone of underestimation from Ra’s, now he was serious. A man who mocked his enemies would soon find that they will be the last ones laughing. She was a woman although the League trained Women also, he had fought their sex before. Lacking in as much strength as a man, women often prefer quicker movements, using their more flexible and agile bodies to their advantages. Ra’s would have to fight to counter her advantages against her. “We can talk or act, you choose. No matter how much you deny it, I know you want more. I am offering you more. And if you’re every bit as dangerous as you claim, you should have nothing to worry about.”
|
|
Deleted Member
Deleted
Registered On: May 3, 2024 10:43:47 GMT -5 ~
Posts: 0
|
Last Edit: Aug 27, 2013 18:57:52 GMT -5 by Deleted
|
Post by Deleted on Aug 27, 2013 18:57:03 GMT -5
What does Anne do when she's angry? "Try me or bite your tongue!" she instantly demands. She'll not have her skills questioned like that! Not that directly, anyway. She's seen signs that he has some skill of her own, but she also knows that he'd have to be extraordinary to defeat her - especially if he's going to underestimate her so much. And even in the off chance that he is that good, she knows that she's good enough to hold her own against someone of that level for long enough to give a respectable showing of herself - the only real danger in that is if he actually does want to kill her and uses her defeat as an opportunity to do exactly that.
When he starts to circle slightly, she makes no effort to stop his movement, and instead simply matches him again in order to keep that steady distance from him. She knows that he's trying to move himself somewhat closer to the door that Agnès is hiding behind, but she doesn't really care about that - he'd find nothing that way she'd care to keep away from him. Or, actually, any other direction in her house - just so long as Florent and his lands remain in one piece, everything here can be replaced. "I would find it amusing to see you try and take it from me," she replies to his mild threat. In fact, she seems to find it already amusing that he assumes that he can do it at all.
There's a certain tension around her now, as she can sense that things may imminently turn violent. Her eyes are strongly focused upon him, reading his movements and waiting very patiently to see what he'll do. But now that she's getting serious, the combination of the way she's looking at him and her movements as she mentally prepares herself hints at her fighting style: Her mannerisms somewhat resemble a cornered snake - she's solidly defensive at the moment, not aggressive, and therefore won't attack unless pressed. But if she does, it will be fast, hard, precise, and completely ruthless. She's probably one who charges in with quick strikes, trusting her ability to dance away from anything her opponent does in return. Unfortunately, however, it would be her legs that would tell him which direction she's thinking of moving, but they're hidden by the fullness of her skirts - he'll have to wait until she starts to move to get that information. Though if that really bothers him, he'd be happy to note that - while women's fashion at the present time is not to wear things that would helpfully hinder her movements - a full skirt like hers has the noted disadvantage that it would be very easy for an opponent to grab hold of it, making it a minus on the whole.
The 'choice' he offers her is met with an irritated frown. "If it's up to me, I choose neither - I do not need or desire to accept your offer, as I'll be perfectly fine without any of your help. Therefore, the proper thing for you to do is simply leave - there's no need to fight about that," she replies, though since there's no hint to the end of the tension around her she obviously doesn't expect him to walk away with his tail between his legs just because she told him to - it wouldn't be in keeping with the way he's behaved since he first appeared.
|
|
Deleted Member
Deleted
Registered On: May 3, 2024 10:43:47 GMT -5 ~
Posts: 0
|
|
Post by Deleted on Nov 10, 2013 15:14:04 GMT -5
Ever so slightly, Ra’s began to grind his teeth with anger. In his own mind, he was an often calm and patient man. However this woman was getting to him. Being surrounded by his Assassins all the time has left his unused to hearing the word ‘no’, when he requests things from people. Thus he found her resilience particularly annoying, as he thought he was being fair with her. She’d profit greatly from his plan, why can’t she see that? Or perhaps she wants more and is thus attempting to gain more of a reward for helping him. He’d made his offer; he wasn’t going to change it to suit her.
“If only you knew who I am. If only your stupid brain understood who you were dealing with. Oh you’d quickly accept my offer, if you had any damn sense in you.” His voiced had been raised, chances are someone had heard him. The last thing he wanted was for them to be interrupted. He was regretting ever coming here, ever meeting this ignorant and arrogant woman. In this day and age, Women should know when to hold their tongues. It was obvious that she needed to be taught a lesson, since words could not move her.
Ra’s fingers crept out, standing at attention as he raised his hand, ready to move forward and slap her across the face. Perhaps that will change her mind. He didn’t wish to hurt her too much; she’d be no good to him injured. Just as his hand was falling to strike her, the bedroom door flew open and a man ran in carrying a pistol in one hand. He must have been one of their Guards, perhaps the only one left to guard her as the rest were with her Husband. “My Lady, I heard some...” The words that flew from his mouth were cut short as he spotted Ra’s about to harm Anne.
The Guard’s arm straightened out as he pointed the pistol towards Ra’s, his thumb cocking the weapon. This would serve as an example to her, showing that he meant what he said about him being dangerous. Before the Man could close his finger upon the trigger, Ra’s was upon him like a bullet. Although he had a few meters to travel to reach him, Ra’s moved before the man could react, slapping the pistol from his hand as he spun around. As he pivoted, he brought his other arm’s elbow around onto his face with a shocking force, likely smashing a number of his teeth in the process. I no time at all, Ra’s had disarmed the man and now went in for the kill. Still moving from the smash in the face, the Guard then felt Ra’s arm latch around his neck. With the twist of his arm, Ra’s broke his neck. His husk of a body fell to the floor after the horrible noise of his neck snapping shook through the room.
Then all was silent, with Ra’s merely correcting his black cravat before stroking his coat arms to readjust it. “I’m sorry, you were saying?”Ra’s stepped over the body back towards her. Stroking his knuckles, they stung slightly from the scuffle but it was a pain he was used to. Now he had no need to strike her, he’d proved himself by killing that man. A shame, the man had done nothing to him but if his death persuades her to accept his other then he did not die in vain. Although by the way he fought, it’s hard to see how he could have protected anyone. If anything she should thank him for finding a fault with her protection which she could rectify.
|
|
Deleted Member
Deleted
Registered On: May 3, 2024 10:43:47 GMT -5 ~
Posts: 0
|
|
Post by Deleted on Nov 12, 2013 2:46:41 GMT -5
Even as he fills with anger, Anne watches him very carefully. And when he starts to approach this time, she actually allows him to do so for once - she has seen the shift in his manner, that he expects to here be an all powerful man punishing a foolish woman even though he's wrong on both counts. Well, if he's going to dare call her stupid and treat her in such a manner then she'll just have to punish him accordingly. So even as he comes close enough to strike her, she defiantly holds he ground. And as his hand moves to strike her she tenses, ready twist away from the blow at the last moment and then surprise him with a few well-placed strikes of her own.
But that's when the door flies open. Given the shouting and the distance between where her guard had been positioned and her room, she isn't even surprised enough to turn and look at the poor fool. She is a bit surprised to see just how quickly the stranger manages to disarm and dispatch the guard, but then again it's not like she really needs the protection of a guard anyway - it's more that she needs the guard so that others will not raise an eyebrow at her being unguarded. Even though the smarter members of the nobility ensure that their women know some rudiments of fighting, just in case, the idea that those women could be capable of fully defending themselves is ludicrous to most.
And yet everything about Anne now suggests exactly that. The more dramatic lady might faint or at least swoon at this point, while the calmer ones would at least look alarmed. Anne, on the other hand, seems rather unmoved by the body now on her floor - only a bit of annoyance in her expression as she ponders simply how inconvenient it is. Now she's going to have to get someone to dispose of it, find someone to replace him... "That was highly unnecessary," she comments dryly. Death, even violent death, is not that uncommon in this day and age but even so she's abnormally unbothered by it. After all, she's personally killed more people than she can even remember - and many of them much less neatly - so why should this bother her?
Indeed, he might be disappointed to note that his attempt to prove himself doesn't seem to have changed her mind. Oh, yes, she'll admit to being impressed, but she's quite certain that she could have done the same if she'd wanted to. But it does seem to have had one effect, as she abruptly tosses her hat onto a nearby chair, revealing what she'd been hiding: a pair of daggers held in one hand. And not just any pair - Ra's might note that their design is more in keeping of the style that was popular some two hundred years ago than the present, though the blades appear to be new. They're also rather short, almost the length of a table dagger used for eating, but then again Anne is rather petite so the size simply suits her better than anything larger - besides, their smaller size makes them easier to conceal.
She holds them carefully between her fingers, having had them ready to stab him with this entire time. But once her hat's out of the way, she instead shifts them so that they're both held more normally with one in each hand, and then she positions them into a proper fighting stance - one behind the other. One dagger, held out on its own, is quite easy to disarm. But with the other behind it and ready to stab any fingers attempting such a thing, she doesn't have to worry about ending up like her guard. Assuming that she knows what she's doing with them, that is. But then, she holds both with such a familiarity that it seems that she does. "I was saying that I don't need your help," she states with feigned patience, as if she was just continuing the conversation and not obviously ready to back up those words. "And I'd appreciate it if you'd refrain from breaking my things," she adds, letting annoyance touch her voice - yes, her guard was a mere 'thing' to her. And not only that, but a relatively unimportant thing as he was highly unnecessary to her life. More of a decoration than anything, really.
|
|
Deleted Member
Deleted
Registered On: May 3, 2024 10:43:47 GMT -5 ~
Posts: 0
|
|
Post by Deleted on Nov 17, 2013 12:43:56 GMT -5
Fixated upon the dagger, a slight smirk carved its way upon his lips. The blades flashed in the sunlight that flashed through the windows, reflecting off the slim metal into his eyes. They were impressive, weapons any League Assassin would use. Poised, sharp as they were the day they were made and light enough for anyone to use. Plus they’re small enough to be concealed on the body, unlike a larger weapon. They are perfect for someone such as her. It wasn’t just the knives that Ra’s noticed, but also how she held them. Anyone can hold a knife, but only few can wield masterfully, as she was doing now. Obviously she’d been trained to use them by someone. “Do those belong to your Husband? Has he trained you to use them? So that you may protect yourself against men like me?” Now that she had a pair of weapons, Ra’s would keep his distance. He had no desire for her to stab one into in, not knowing how long it could be until he found his way back to a Lazarus Pit.
He all most wished to reach out and inspect them. Years of using weapons had made him all most a connoisseur of them. From the first sword he had as a young man in Arabia, right up to the modern invention of the pistol. He knew them all, although to him each weapon is an individual. No two swords are made the same; no two swords have fought the same fights, with the marks and scratches that come with them. From a distance he could see all he needed to see though. They’re old, an antique of around two hundred or so years. Although contrary to their age, they were in pristine condition. If they’d been locked in a case for years, the metal would have begun to darken, yet they looked like they were regularly used, strange as he couldn’t imagine why a Woman of high birth would need to use them.
“Do you often use them? I can’t imagine why you would need to. However with guards like that one I can see the sense in protecting yourself.” He lightly tapped the side of the man on the floor with his foot. The thought of the man’s death had fled his mind, with him focusing on the present. Now he wished that he’d brought his sword with him, not that he needed it but to merely instil fear in her. Anne now had a pair of weapons, which would make her believe that she had the upper hand. How wrong she is. Weapons are nothing if you don’t know how to use them. She may know how to hold them; anyone can hold them in a certain way. Perhaps she would need further reminding of his skills, although he’d let her make the first move.
“If I were you, I’d put them away before I hurt myself. I wouldn’t want to ruin that lovely dress that you’re wearing, it suits you so well.” Many can serve Ra’s their whole life and never see him smile. It was possible for him to smirk at times but never smile. His uncle once said that the best of Ra’s died with his wife back in Arabia. That fool died years ago so he never paid any attention to his words. He rarely smiled when he was younger, even if he was a good man. Now he never did. However, looking at Anne, he’d come the closest to smiling that he dared. He couldn’t deny it; she attracted him in ways he couldn’t imagine. Her arrogance matched his own. She was strong willed, not a sheep like so many others, able to look after herself in combat, or so she would have him believe. He came here for the mission, but perhaps now he’d found something else. Obviously she wasn’t interested in him though. His eyes looked to her feet as he attempted to erase the thought from his mind.
|
|
Deleted Member
Deleted
Registered On: May 3, 2024 10:43:47 GMT -5 ~
Posts: 0
|
|
Post by Deleted on Nov 18, 2013 0:58:05 GMT -5
Anne can't help but be offended by the question he asks. "Florent? No, don't be ridiculous! He can fight, but he can't begin to compare with me," she says instantly, hastily dismissing the idea. She's quite proud of her daggers and her skill with them, and to instantly be asked if she was trained by someone with Florent's lesser skill is actually kind of insulting - even if she hadn't been so hasty she'd have realized that it would be more tactical to lie and say that it was.
Still, in spite of the offense, she does note the appreciative way that he's looking at them. And why wouldn't he? It takes a trained eye to recognize a quality weapon, and she certainly spared no expense when she got these. You get what you pay for, after all, and she wanted something that wouldn't wear out quickly. Once you get used to a particular weapon, getting used to another is a hassle, so she wanted ones that would last as long as possible. And of course, beyond simply buying the best, she also takes particular care of them so that time is as gentle as possible to them.
The next set of questions are far more palatable, and her temper eases into a smile she mysteriously replies by saying, "I keep in practice..." Of course she can't answer those questions - at least not honestly. She can go years between having to use them during the day, only occasionally doing a few exercises because the movements of her body are somewhat different at that time, but she gets more than enough practice with them at night. There are so many people whose deaths would be convenient, after all, and in this day and age it's not that difficult to simply do so since the deaths are poorly investigated and - even more importantly - never known to be connected to each other.
Her smile disappears quite abruptly at his next insult, though it's as if he instantly appeases her anger with the compliment. The end result is vague amusement. "If I were you, I'd be more worried about several nasty scars marring such a handsome face," she replies, her smile reappearing, "If I don't cut out your tongue for your insults. Though it would be a shame to deprive the world of your voice." Yet in spite of her words, she doesn't lower her guard. Flattery is an excellent way of distracting someone, after all, and she's abused that tactic more than enough times to be wary that someone might use it against her. Though for her part, at least, she's not saying anything she doesn't believe is true.
|
|
Deleted Member
Deleted
Registered On: May 3, 2024 10:43:47 GMT -5 ~
Posts: 0
|
|
Post by Deleted on Nov 20, 2013 12:57:05 GMT -5
One of Ra’s’ eyebrows arched slightly as she spoke about harming him, due to his comment upon her obvious lack of skill. However he only assumed this, it was a very rare thing for a Woman of class to know how to use a weapon, nigh on impossible. While young men are taught to use a blade, the women are taught how to sit and smile, and how to please their future husbands. Or at least that was the custom, perhaps her Father had taught her how to wield them, a unique man. “Hmm if not your husband, then it must have been your Father who taught you how to use them. It’s not a common thing for a Woman such as yourself to know how to use such deadly weapons. I must admit, I’m pleasantly surprised. I thought you were all mouth and no action.” A Father himself, Ra’s had brought up both of his Sons in the ways of combat, even if his youngest, Dusan, never met his expectations.
Her next words caught him by surprise, with both his eyes widening slightly. It was unmistakable, amongst her insult there was a compliment. He wouldn’t go so far to call it a flirt yet perhaps it was the most she was willing to say. Then suddenly she said another, commenting upon his voice. A more playful smirk appeared on his face for a first, unlike his more sinister previous one. As he passed by the mirror, Ra’s glanced over his face in the reflection. The dark beard around his lips covered much of his face yet still he could see that what she said had some truth to it. Tanned skin, a strong jaw and deep eyes, he wasn’t bad looking. His whole body began to relax, with his fists loosening and his legs straightening back up. Ra’s hadn’t noticed how the whole room was illuminated by the sunlight that fled through the window, passing the dark red curtains which hung from either side of the glass. “You can evidently handle yourself, you can defend your opinion unlike most women, your Husband must be a lucky man to have such a Woman as you.” In a way she reminded him of his Wife, who died many years earlier. Many said she had fire in her belly, Ra’s couldn’t have denied it, she was a strong woman before the end. Could he not even say her name anymore, was her identity so painful to remember? My Wife was called Sasha, not her or she.
Since her death there’d been one or two Women in Ra’s life, he even managed to produce children with some of them. However no matter how close they got to him, they could never have replaced Sasha, he was meant to be with her. Which made her death all the worse for Ra’s, as he knew there’d never be another. After four hundred years, perhaps he was ready to move on. If this woman wasn’t married, perhaps he would have chanced a romantic interest with her, though obviously her heart was with another. Even if he might not know of her secret skills. “Tell me, besides when meeting men like me, when does a Lady need to arm herself? Obviously not to punish the servants.” Although he smirked, he never seemed to laugh. Some would say he was unable to. Was he becoming too trusting? He’d lowered his guard and was now lightly making conversation with her, only God knows what’s going through her head. She finds a mysterious man in her House, he makes her an offer before killing a Guard and then admiring her weapons. It must be a new experience for her.
|
|
Deleted Member
Deleted
Registered On: May 3, 2024 10:43:47 GMT -5 ~
Posts: 0
|
|
Post by Deleted on Nov 21, 2013 1:22:23 GMT -5
"No," Anne says simply as he asks about her father, "I found my own training." There is, after all, a certain finesse to fighting - especially with a weapon in both hands - that's difficult to learn without someone experienced to guide you through at least the beginning stages. So she'd found a few teachers over the years and convinced them that it was a good idea. She probably wasn't the quickest student, but then again she had all the time in the world to practice. Almost anyone can eventually get good at anything if they practice it for several dozen decades, even if they don't have a knack for it to begin with. "And I'm at least as much action as I am words," she adds with a hint of amusement playing upon her expressions.
As he seems to relax under her words, she feels the tension in the room easing and she relaxes herself a bit as well - not by too much, only easing up a little in her stance, but it seems that he's finally taking her seriously. "I'm not used to having to put up so much of a fight," she comments with a smirk. She's not sure whether she meant that to be complimentary or not - it's just an observation. A part of it is simply because it's relatively rare for anyone to feel like they need to convince her of anything, as she's 'just a woman' whose opinion doesn't change anything and therefore doesn't matter. So most of the time her important conversations aren't arguments, but her subtly getting the other person to have the same opinion that she does. But when arguments do happen, the other person usually gives up much faster.
As he continues on this gentler vein of conversation, she relaxes even further. She can see that he's lowering his guard, but while she may be quite ready and capable to defend herself he's done nothing that has so upset her that she would attack him. Perhaps she ought to be that upset about the death of her guard, but no - she isn't really. It's inconvenient, but he can be replaced. Perhaps by one that's better at making sure that intruders don't make it into her private rooms - while she doesn't really need the protection, having to fight someone off in your own home is an annoyance she doesn't want. Luckily, if things stay in their current direction, she won't have to do that now.
The question that he asks now surprises her though, but it only takes her a moment to respond. "Always," she answers, her voice suddenly quite serious, "Life is very short and very unpleasant for the weak. So while it may be more 'ladylike' to be a helpless, simple-minded heir-maker I refuse to do more than pretend to be one. So I'm always armed - physically, mentally, socially - always. There is very little weakness in me." She's now relaxed enough to lower her hands and stand more normally, though she notably continues to hold the blades so that she can easily raise them again if she needs to.
"Do you think it was luck that - out of all the women that Florent could have chosen - he picked me, in spite of all those who born with higher status and are arguably prettier to look at?" she asks rhetorically. Though she's not bad looking herself. Oh, she has a feature or two that might look better if it was bigger or smaller, but simply the fact that she's positively glowing with good health and is actually clean puts her head and shoulders above her peers in some men's eyes. Fewer that you might think, but some. "No - it's more true to say that I chose him. A woman without a husband in this country is nothing, so I needed to marry someone, and of course I wasn't going to aim low. I would have preferred a Duke, but it's so hard to find anyone in the nobility who isn't completely objectionable. So I chose Florent - which was simply a matter of convincing him that it was his idea," she says with a self-satisfied smile, adding, "So you see, daggers are only one of the weapons I use against this cruel world."
And there's something very liberating about being able to speak this freely. After all, if he ever repeated any of what she's saying to anyone, she could quite easily claim that he's spreading vicious lies and would probably be believed. And though she hasn't forgotten Agnès in the closet, who could easily be overhearing this, she also knows that the girl is the last person who would ever say anything.
|
|
Deleted Member
Deleted
Registered On: May 3, 2024 10:43:47 GMT -5 ~
Posts: 0
|
Last Edit: Nov 24, 2013 15:32:17 GMT -5 by Deleted
|
Post by Deleted on Nov 24, 2013 13:48:59 GMT -5
Talking about training brought memories flooding from his youth back to him, some which he’d forgotten. Even as a Young Man he knew how to fight, it was customary for nomads to know how to use at least one weapon. However it wasn’t until he joined the League that his real training began. Swords, bows, knives, axes, he’d bee tutored to use all of them to the best of his ability. He was especially adept at wielding a scimitar, a long curved sword from his Country of origin. Few if any could beat him and time hadn’t slowed him, if anything he’d gotten better. Six hundred years worth of knowledge upon weaponry at his disposal, Ra’s was a force to be reckoned with by any fighter’s standards. “What are words without actions to reinforce them? If only that bloody Lafayette and the others realised that. They can protest against the King all they like and nothing will change. If their revolution is to spark, they need to take the first big step.”
When a heated argument fails, there’s always a chance that a calm conversation won’t. He also smirks when she talks about putting up a fight, his dark eyes beginning to lighten up in the sunlight. Being from the Middle East, Ra’s’ skin was a few shades darker than her’s, even if he had lived away from the country for many years. Even still in his voice, there were still traces of his original accent, which was far from the one he currently had. Hopefully she wouldn’t notice these things. It’s rather odd for a man with a name like Henri Ducard to have such dark skin. “I’m sure you would have beaten me easily.” Flattery is often an understated method or persuasion, especially against Women like her. Being an Aristocrat, she know doubt enjoyed being reminded of how beautiful and rich she is. “You might have ruined this lovely suit.” He continued smirking as he tapped the coat’s lapel.
Those who often claim to have no weaknesses are the ones with the greatest. Even Ra’s knew of his own main fault, his addiction to the substance which makes him so powerful. Without Lazarus, he’d eventually crumble into dust, something which he can’t let happen just yet. The thought of him dying frightened him. He didn’t fear death; he feared not completing his work. There was always the chance of having an heir but what if he chooses incorrectly, that the man is weak and unwilling to do what is needed. For thousands of years the League has fought evil but it would be under his watch that it finally defeated it. It was hard for him to think of it like that without sounding like he was concerned more about himself than the League. Far from it in fact. Ra’s never doubted his abilities, he knew that under him the League had flourished and he didn’t intend to risk all that they’d built.
Every word from her was mixed with fire, showing the strength from within her. She knew what she want it and better yet, she wasn’t afraid to get it. So few people exhibit ambition that it’s a rare trait. Even rarer are those who can actually achieve their dreams. “Weakness is what pushes us to be greater, it fuels us. It’s the path to overcome said weakness which makes us what we are.” Spoken like a true Leader. If only he could manage to overcome his own weakness, however impossible that is. As she talks about her Husband, his eyes are fixated upon her. Anne isn’t an ordinary woman, that is clear, she shows uncommon strength and willingness to do what is needed. “You amaze me; I’ve never met anyone of your sex quite like you.” That’s a lie; he can remember at least one other. She need not know that though.
|
|
Deleted Member
Deleted
Registered On: May 3, 2024 10:43:47 GMT -5 ~
Posts: 0
|
|
Post by Deleted on Nov 25, 2013 7:25:31 GMT -5
Rather than attempting to master many weapons, it had seemed far more prudent to Dionisia to instead focus on those few that would be most useful to her. Daggers are fine examples - easily concealed, she can discreetly carry them with her everywhere and there are few weapons that they can't stand against beyond those with the ability to strike from a distance. So instead of learning to wield everything, she focused on being able to defend against everything using her daggers. The main advantage of such specialization is that there had been far less for her to learn before she'd become a competent fighter. The daggers aren't her only weapon, however - she's also very skilled with a crossbow, which gives her the ability to strike from a distance if she needs to and offers several advantages over a bow. But she hasn't missed the invention of the gun, which she can see with soon prove simpler and more effective than so many other weapons. Yet for now they are still crude and unreliable - she won't be setting aside her crossbow until the technology improves to the point that she can trust it just as much.
But thoughts of weapons fade more and more into the background as the conversation eases further. In fact she's actually finding herself becoming a bit comfortable with the situation in spite of all the strangeness of it. Even though it took some time it hasn't escaped her attention that he doesn't look French, though it's hard for her to place where he might be from. Somewhere Mediterranean, perhaps? She herself is actually a shade or two lighter than the average French person, though not to a degree that it would seem unusual - there's plenty of other French natives who are just as pale - she's just a step or two closer to the extreme than average. When he expresses his certainty that she could defeat him, she gives a satisfied smile but her expression is also slightly suspicious - she's certain that she would win too, but she has her doubts that he actually believes that. The dead man on the floor is proof enough that he has some skill of his own, so she's sure that such a fight wouldn't be entirely one-sided.
After all, she knows that she's not without her own weaknesses. Perhaps because she knows that she's not facing death or even permanent injury, she tends to be a bit overconfident and reckless when she fights. This actually makes her more likely to win because she's willing to take risks, but at times her risk-taking comes back to bite her. Of course... even if that happens, the next sunrise or sunset fixes all wounds so the only thing that she's ultimately risking is pain and whatever comfortable life she'd managed to acquire, should she be unable to reclaim it.
Of course, she can't help the flattered smile that crosses her face at his last statement. Though she doesn't miss the inherent sexism of it - he and so many other men could certainly stand to actually pay attention to the large number of remarkable women in their midst. But she's not here to defend them - she's not nearly so noble. None of them can compare with herself in importance, after all. "I'm no ordinary woman," she agrees, "I know how to get what I want." Which is mostly a comfortable, interesting existence for herself - nothing more or less than that.
She starts to walk, slowly, almost in a circling motion while watching him carefully. "But I'm not the only one in the room who is far more interesting than they appear to be, am I?" she asks, her expression rather knowing. Far more knowing than she actually is, as all she can figure is that he's probably not named Henri Ducard, but is probably someone of some importance outside of the French nobility. An interesting mystery, this man - a mystery that she doesn't necessarily feel the need to solve, but she can't help but wonder about him if only because she's beginning to wonder if she's not stumbled into something significant.
She wonders, for example, why he's so interested in Florent siding with the revolutionary movement - her husband would certainly be able to help them, even though she's certain that the monarchy would ultimately win. But perhaps this is an attempt to weaken France so that it would be easier to conquer from without? Yet if that's the case then she's surprised that she doesn't recognize the man at all - she thought that she knew everyone in this part of Europe who might have that kind of ambition, and more and more he doesn't strike her as being servant to one of them. Perhaps then he's from further away, but the logistics of bringing in an army from that distance begins to fail - especially since France's neighbors wouldn't sit idly by and watch such a thing. So perhaps he's sincere in the idea of the revolution? But if so, she's certain that he must be quite mad - and yet he seems far too intelligent for that. "You're proving to be one of the most interesting people I've ever met - and I've met quite a few..." she remarks.
|
|
Deleted Member
Deleted
Registered On: May 3, 2024 10:43:47 GMT -5 ~
Posts: 0
|
|
Post by Deleted on Nov 27, 2013 11:49:21 GMT -5
Now perhaps it was Ra’s’ turn to be questioned, it only fair, he’d done the same to her. As she began to pace around him slowly, he readied his mind for the questions which would be asked. Obviously he couldn’t reveal his true identity to her as she’d either deem him a liar and all would be lost, or she’d laugh and call him insane, neither would be ideal. His only hope was to give either vague responses or change the subject entirely. No doubt she has realised that he’s not actually called Henri Ducard. A Woman like Anne likely knew the names of everyone important in the Country or the surrounding ones and if Ra’s is as good as he’s supposed to be, she’ll never have heard of Ducard. So it wasn’t his accent which gave him away.
His face told her everything; she wasn’t going to learn anything from him. Tapping his nose lightly with a finger, he winked quickly with the smirk still upon his face. “If I told you anything, I’d have to kill you.” She saw how he dealt with the intruding Guard, he had the skills to quickly dispose of someone. There was no doubt in his mind that he could kill her, armed or unarmed. Perhaps she’d resist a little but all do, she lacks the strength and stamina to match a larger fighter like himself. Combine that with his near unnatural speed, thanks to the Pits, and he’s all most unbeatable. If he was honest, he can’t remember the last time he was defeated in combat. Then it came to him. His Mentor defeated him easily in his youth and since that day; Ra’s has never lost a fight. Many have fought him in an attempt to become the Head of The Demon. All have failed.
No doubt she wasn’t attempting to work him out, to understand his motives. Clearly he was an intelligent Man, with money too or so his clothes would have her believe, so why was he so interested in the qualms of the poor? The truth is that contrary to what many believe the League fights for equality and order. When a government cannot keep order in its own country, when those in power forget their morals and abuse their position, then the League will move against them. They are a necessary reaction to a terrible action. “I pay you the same compliment, you’re a rarity among Women, which I always welcome.” From her kind words, perhaps she’s becoming easier to persuade. Although she’s made it clear that she’s not interested in his offer. Perhaps he needs to accept that now, there’s always other plans. However now that he’s met her, he was no intention of leaving without conversing with her some more.
Truthfully, he felt bored. Being locked away in a Mountain Monastery could even wear a man like Ra’s down. That is why he jumped at the opportunity that was this mission and so far it’s been worthwhile. Afterwards he had no intention of returning to the Temple for a time. A leader should not lead hidden away from his men; he needs to be fight with them in the field. And as they fought few battles willingly, this wasn’t the closest he could get to action. After this Revolution will be sparked and won, he has plans to travel east to Russia, yet not until his current task still needs finishing.
Ra’s is attracted to strength as well as beauty. A woman needs to be strong mentally as well as socially. That is why he is so attracted to Anne. In truth she reminds him of himself in some manner. She’s strong, opinionated and intelligent. There’s also a mystery to her, one that he doubted he’d unravel. Once he’d left her home, chances are that he’d not even meet her again. Moving closer to her, he prayed that she’d make the first move, if there was going to be one made. It was clear through her flirts that she was attracted to him and he felt the same way in return. “Anne...” He spoke her voice so that she’d face him.With in a flash, as quickly as he killed the man, Ra’s grabbed both of her wrists and embraced her lips with his own. His hands stopped her from stabbing him if she felt that way inclined. For a few moments he held her, their lips locked together. Clearly Ra’s was no beginner to romance; he knew how to please a Woman. He wasn’t soft and soppy, he dove straight in. She clearly was attracted to power, so by showing her his strength, perhaps it would work. Opening his eyes, he took his warm lips away from her’s and spoke in a commanding yet passionate tone. “Your Husband does not deserve you. Perhaps no man does, but let me try. I promise I won’t disappoint.”
|
|