She had been following the path laid before her for some time now, fading into the depths of the alley, heading towards a tavern. Ducking under a sign strung overhead, Vinali squinted, trying to see the tavern through what little light came through this area, most all the light hung above, dancing in the windows of the buildings, not a care in the world for what lay beyond, submerged in darkness. Her hand tightened it's vice-like grip around the handle of her battleaxe when a cry came from the light above her, looking up, she was surprised to see a bird following just behind her, trailing her from above. She couldn't see what kind it was, the way the light was shining down from behind it made it impossible for her to make anything out. Shrugging off the oddity, Vin continued onward, now just outside of the tavern. 

Sheathing her battleaxe as she neared the door, Vinali stopped, noting the end of the tracks. Leaning in, she moved to the window of the lively drinking hole, cupping her hands around her eyes to avoid any excess light to seep through and obscure her view in with the immense glare. As she was peering through the glass, there came a voice just behind her, deep and rumbling, it sent an ominous chill rushing through her, from the tip of her horns to the heel of her feet. Turning slowly, eyes adjusting to the light, she looked over her shoulder in the direction the voice had come. When her eyes landed, her jaw dropped so fast it cracked. She was staring at death, and he, or [i]it[/i], was staring back at her, a eerie smile stretching across a heavily decayed, yet somehow still preserved face.

[color=ed1c24]"I..."[/color] She struggled with her words, her smooth voice falling into the air, while the rest of her sentence halted in her throat, slowly choking her. Before forcing herself to spit out the words that clung desperately to her throat, she looked over the haunting presence, noting that he was not carrying a scepter, or mentioning anything of death. In fact, if she had heard correctly, he had offered to help in her search. Turning fully around, shocked stare never wavering, Vinali slowly tilted her head, horns glittering in the light that slipped through the shroud of black that consumed the alleyway. Her red eyes gleamed in the dim light, shining with raw curiosity. [color=ed1c24]"You mean to say, that you..."[/color] She motioned out, waving her hand through the air over the length of the decrepit form of death in front of her. [color=ed1c24]"That you, are in fact Death himself?"[/color]  

[b]Drake couldn't bare to hold in a hearty yet dry and menacing laugh at the Quns idea of him being Death himself. The Crow that followed up above came and instinctively perched on his shoulder with an annoying squawk. A low chuckle followed by a sigh was interrupted by some drunken patrons. [color=662d91]"Well, you see my dear..."[/color][/b]

The answer she was ever so hungry to hear was torn from her as a shout came from within the tavern, the sound of glass breaking soon following. Pursing her lips at the sound, she reached for her battleaxe, about to pull it out before stopping, instead sending a nod to Death. "If you wish to help me, I hope that you're no stranger to danger, my dearest Death." Giving a hearty laugh, the Qun turned and charged through the front door, eyes widening when she saw the whole tavern in disarray. She could only hear parts of what each elf, human, or dwarf were shouting at each other over the din of the battle: Glasses being shattered, punches being landed, grunts and swears intertwining together.

[b]An annoyed face was hidden by the palm of his hand as a proper conversation was utterly destroyed by the barbaric notion of being Death himself and now proving his worth in a battle with a bunch of drunks. What would that prove? Why waste the energy and possibly get a bottle thrown at his head? Hell no he was not joining in on the fight, instead he walked calmly and casually to a bar seat previously taken by a parton now knocked out by the Qun's fist. [color=662d91]"All this senseless fighting gets one nowhere except tired and bloody."[/color] He said, picking up the patrons drink and taking a sip. Watching as all the aggro was being focused on the horned barbarian. A part of Drake hoped she would be cut down right then and there, her head coming clean off with a swift chop of an axe. Then he wouldn't need to waste time playing this charade.[/b]

With the skill and ease of a soldier amid the battlefield, the young Qun princess drew her fists up, two boulders ready to crash land into any unfortunate soul that crossed their path. Dashing headstrong into the fray, another bout of hearty laughter poured from her lips, enjoyment easing it's way into her, relaxing her steadfast muscles as she traded blow for blow. In the corner of her eye, she spotted the bartender, now fending off a few drunk stragglers that were more or less interested in trying to steal the ale barrels away. Pushing aside those still in her way, their drunken selves falling flat to the floor with the force, Vinali approached the bar and it's barrels of alcoholic beverages with a smirk on her face, cracking her knuckles in anticipation. 

[b]Drake's agitation grew as he sipped his drink waiting patiently for this all to end. Bottles and drinks flew inches from his person nearly unperching his crow in the process. Slamming the now empty glass down he reached into his coat pocket and pulled out two vials. Emptying both vials into his glass and plucking a tailfeather from his reluctant assistant he proceeded to stir with the feather. The Qun was almost done clearing the room and was now heading towards the bartender. 

The concoction was foul smelling and started to create plumes of dark purple smoke which quickly dispersed throughout the bar. Dropping the feather in the glass and swirled the glass in hand as he got up out of his seat to follow his horned ingredient.[/b]

When all was said and done, and the now unconscious men and women that had been harassing him littered the floor, the bartender could only look up with annoyance. His whole bar, wrecked, all because of that damned prisoner. Nobody had seen them, of course: Ronin, her new silent lackey, and the half-conscious prisoner. No, just one sodden fellow that had escaped the madness from earlier trudged in, screaming bloody murder about the whole damn thing, causing the riot to break out with arguments on both ends. [color=f7976a]"He deserved it![/color] [color=82ca9d]No, he was an innocent, I tell you!"[/color] Then, came the ale goblet smashing against a head. Not to mention the Qun who'd charged in, knocking any who got in her way out like water put to a flame. And, on top of it all, there appeared to be some kind of sickly man behind her, must've drank far too much, he looked like a thin layer of green skin on bones. 

There was still some fighting in the background, but mostly, the drunkards had been dispatched. Either knocked out by each other, or by one of the two who had just entered the tavern. Looking down at the bartender, Vinali began to speak, knowing full-well what kind of language this kind of man spoke best. Raising a pouch of coin, not much, but enough to satisfy, she grabbed his right hand and stuffed the coin purse in it. "Now, I believe you owe me a little favor. See, I have just taken it upon myself to help prevent further damage to this property, or even, dare I say, you." She shook the man's hand, as if affirming some kind of unspoken deal betwixt them. [color=ed1c24]"However, I'm sure this handsome amount should be enough to get everything in order again, perhaps even enough to move out of this place, start anew elsewhere."[/color] She continued to slather on the goodwill, leaning her head down towards the bartender's. 

[color=ed1c24]"All I need in return, is the whereabouts of the prisoner, and his accomplices."[/color] Upon seeing the gleam of loyalty flash in the man's eyes, she smirked darkly. She knew all too well how to play a thieves game. [color=ed1c24]"Or, you could have a Qun add to the layer of destruction that has wrought this hole in the wall you call an establishment." [/color]

Boom. The horns were uncapped. She looked back to Death, gauging for a reaction, perhaps he would like to add something? Or maybe she had done well enough? 

[b]A wretched and decayed hand reached out and grabbed the purse full of coin and gently placed it into his coat pocket. [color=662d91]"That my dear wont be necessary, no need to bargain for what one already knows."[/color] Drake said taking a sip of his boiling concoction, wincing at the odor and strength of the taste. [color=662d91]"Oh yes that it very good, very good indeed."[/color] Dipping his fingers in to reach for the feather and gently brushed the feather along the bar, leaving a black residue. [color=662d91]"Hipocanthis sanguinica... Also known as Blood vines. A semi common plant known for is parasitic like nature clinging to stone and wood alike and slowly aging said stone by releasing a byproduct from its discolored chlorophyll."[/color] Drake lectured both as he dipped the feather over and over lightly brushing nearby furniture and doorways. [color=662d91]"This byproduct is created with the very contact from the vine yet invisible to the naked eye." [/color]Brushing the door frame behind the bartender leading to the a supposed storeroom the black residue quickly turned a luminescent blue highlighting a handprint as well as some scuff marks. [color=662d91]"That is until it comes in contact with bi-luminescent fungi, the residue glows like the full moon... Violia!"[/color] Drake stood to attention, gesturing towards the door as if inviting them in. Downing the rest of the contents in the glass and wincing from the sweet warmth it gave his throat. [color=662d91]"It also makes quite the cocktail!... Drachir Ohmahazet at your service."[/color] He bowed gracefully with a dead stare towards the bartender in defiance. [/b]

[b]A wretched and decayed hand reached out and grabbed the purse full of coin and gently placed it into his coat pocket. [color=662d91]"That my dear wont be necessary, no need to bargain for what one already knows."[/color] Drake said taking a sip of his boiling concoction, wincing at the odor and strength of the taste. [color=662d91]"Oh yes that it very good, very good indeed."[/color] Dipping his fingers in to reach for the feather and gently brushed the feather along the bar, leaving a black residue. [color=662d91]"Hipocanthis sanguinica... Also known as Blood vines. A semi common plant known for is parasitic like nature clinging to stone and wood alike and slowly aging said stone by releasing a byproduct from its miscolored chloraphyll."[/color] Drake lectured both as he dipped the feather over and over lightly brushing nearby furniture and doorways. [color=662d91]"This byproduct is created with the very contact from the vine yet invisible to the naked eye."[/color] Brushing the door frame behind the bartender leading to the a supposed storeroom the black residue quickly turned a luminescent blue highlighting a handprint as well as some scuff marks. [color=662d91]"That is until it comes in contact with biluminescent fungi, the residue glows like the full moon... Violia!"[/color] Drake stood to attention, gesturing towards the door as if inviting them in. Downing the rest of the contents in the glass and wincing from the sweet warmth it gave his throat. [color=662d91]"It also makes quite the cocktail!... Drachir Ohmahazet at your service."[/color] He bowed gracefully with a dead stare towards the bartender in defiance.[/b]

Raising a brow at the hand that brushed across her own, the Qun watched as the coin purse was pocketed, not by the bartender, but by her company. She and the bartender both watched on, silent and attentive as he moved about, dipping his fingers into his drink before pulling out a tar-black feather. Intrigued, Vinali leaned forward against a nearby stool, red eyes scanning the tip of the feather as it slid along the length of the bar. [color=ed1c24]"A tracing serum of sorts. Incredible..."[/color] Curious, she reached out and pressed the tip of her finger against part of the bar that had already been scanned, reveling in the light blue print that gleamed back at her. [color=ed1c24]"Amazing."[/color] She breathed, turning the top of her finger up, it too, had the familiar blue glow. 

As the feather brushed across the walls and furniture behind the bar, nearer and nearer to the storeroom, she noticed the bartender grow rigid beside her. Interesting. Turning back to the scene in front of her, she watched the feather drop into the concoction yet again, raising with a glint and rubbing against the frame, narrowing her eyes, Vinali waited with baited breath - As did the bartender. Yet only Vinali released a long sigh when the blue luminescent light shone on the frame, revealing the true nature of the door. Turning to the still man beside her, Vinali gave a halfhearted shrug. [color=ed1c24]"Well, as fun as this was. It appears we won't have need of your assistance after all." [/color]

She turned and gave a nod of approval to Drachir, straightening her back once more, pushing in the stool that she had been leaning against. Before she could join him behind the counter, however, the bartender snapped to attention and stepped in front of her. 

[i]"Listen here, you big lug! This here, is my property, you can't just go and-"[/i] His whines quickly morphed into gurgles, his hands clutching at the collar of his shirt, which he had been lifted into the air by. 

Vinali shook her head, horns gleaming against the lantern light. [color=ed1c24]"In matters like these, it is my duty to find and contain any agitators to the peace and prosperity of an entire city. If you have further problems, I'm sure that the constable would be more than happy to restrain you on the grounds of holding the perpetrators to such a heinous crime?"[/color] Ugh, diplomatic speech drained her. Though she'd rather smash her fist into his face, that could provide too many weeks worth of time being drowned in paperwork. Something she might just dread all the more. 

Watching with unbridled pride as the scraggly man's face flushed the palest color she'd seen since snow, Vinali smirked at the man in her grip, like a cat with a mouse. Knowing that they would have to move soon to catch the prisoner and his helpers, Vinali let lose a resigned sigh and dropped the man flat on his bottom with a thud. Knowing he would no longer be problem, she brushed her hands off on her pantlegs and turned full-round to face the once hidden doorway, and Drachir. [color=ed1c24]"Shall we continue, Mr. Ohmahazet?"[/color] She bowed, hand pointing toward the entrance of the dark tunnels. This was it, they were going to find the prisoner, and all this nonsense could be put to an end. She would be able to return home, and perhaps...She looked up at the necrotic figure with shining eyes. Perhaps she had found an ally. 

[b]Drake gave a reassuring smile towards his Horned ally but his smile quickly turned to a teeth clenching grimace when she threatened the bartender in a way only someone with diplomatic or a royal nature would. Dammit! His fists clenched in his pockets. She sounds like freaking royalty, this could be problematic. His original plan of taking her whole head may cause more problems than good. A barbarian Qun so far away from home may of never been missed but a Qun ambassador or maybe something more... If anything led back to him about her death, he would be hunted for the rest of his life. His teeth gritted and an eerie smile covered his aggitation as he gestured for the Qun to go first. [color=662d91]"After you... Your highness."[/color] A joke covered dagger in the least. Hopefully the prisoner was not so friendly and killed her on sight. Then it would be him they hunted... But at this point that would be hoping for too much.[/b]
[hr]
[color=662d91]"After you... Your highness."[/color] The words sent a dark wave rushing over her, raising from her bow, she tilted her head at the peculiar phrasing. Squinting at the tight-lipped smile upon Drachir's face, she nodded, not a word coming from her mouth, her face an unblemished mask of calm. Stepping in front of the grim man, she pressed onward, only stopping to press the finger she had placed against the residue against certain marks in the ground, pulling back with a grin when their was a faint glow in response. As they headed through, Vinali took note of the other directions the tunnel took, wondering if they headed anywhere in particular, perhaps not, but most intellectual individuals that pulled this kind of thing always had a backup - another escape route. 

Amid her thoughts, she'd almost missed the first sign of light. Almost. They had reached their destination, at least, the end of their glowing blue trail. Holding her breath, and preparing herself for the worst, Vinali glanced back over her shoulder one last time, looking to the walking corpse who had proven more than his worth today. Then, as she was about to step into the gray room, foot inching towards the cement, she stopped, pulled back and leaned flat against the wall of the tunnel. The hard rock dug into her back, clawing at her skin desperately. Her red eyes burned through the dark, burning bright despite the veil of pitch black. What if this was a set-up? After all, it had gone relatively easily so far...

It could also be the only chance they had to catch this criminal, return him to the clutches of this power hungry king, and be on with it. She knew it wasn't truly justice, the act of executing this man. As a representative for her people, she'd had the pleasure to overhear the many rumors on the topic, most in agreement of the "[i]Mad King's[/i]" tirade. This was no longer about one life, not the prisoner, nor the king. No, this was about the safety of the people, who had been spiraled into a fiery tornado, wrecking anything in it's path, bringing nothing but death and destruction. She had to fix this, it was her duty, it was what her heart sang for. 

Taking a deep breath, but casting another dark look, filled with question's never to be answered, at least, not any time soon, to her companion. One foot after another, she found herself standing in front of the crowd, no place to hide, not that she could - She was Qun, after all. Nonetheless, it seemed like this kind of entry would bring nothing but trouble. Vinali watched, not at all surprised as the few people that had been about their own business, spun and glared at her, eyes the tips of daggers: All of them aimed at her. Glorious. 

With a sigh, knowing she would never be able to talk out this situation, she pulled out her battleaxe and let it hang in her hand, muscles rippling in anticipation for what was to come next. It wasn't her strongest suit, to talk down opponents, but perhaps they knew what this had cost the town, perhaps some of these people would be willing to help. Not all thieves were necessarily evil. Voice as even as the calmest of waves, she began to address the room, standing tall and proud among the smaller men and women. 

[color=ed1c24]"Now, who here can direct me to those responsible to the chaotic outbreak today?"[/color] Red eyes roaming the room, locking dead on to whomever was brave enough to stare back, she watched them tense, most had their weapons out and at the ready. If she moved, she had no doubt they'd charge her with swords and whatever else they had without a second thought. 

[color=ed1c24]"In case you don't know, as you appear to be very disclosed from the world where you are, maybe I should enlighten you. People are dying right above your very heads, [i]innocent people[/i], all because of this act of defiance. I had to save a child, a young girl from getting trampled because of this incident. This can only end badly, but if you tell me who is responsible for causing such an outbreak of nonsensical violence and panic, I can assure all of you, as long as you had no direct role in the prisoner's escape, you will be left alone. Please, stop this madness while we still have time." [/color] She had no quarrel with these people, the less lives lost today, the better. Hopefully at least one of them would listen to her.