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Location: Lacrimosa
Year: 1543
The faint metallic scent of blood permeated the still night air before sharp eyes took in the sight of the woman slumped on the cold cobbled alleyway. Her hair hung limp over her face while scarlet rivulets trickled from her pale throat down to partially exposed bosom. A quiet prayer was uttered before the onlooker reached over his shoulder to retrieve a crossbow he had been toting. Glancing at the intricate, silver pocket watch in his hand, he then began to count down from ten before looking down at the woman as her fingers twitched.
Loading a single bolt as a low hiss filled the alleyway, the man pointed the crossbow at the woman as she bolted upright. As glassy, red eyes locked onto his, the woman surged forward.
The projectile struck her in the head to bring her down before the man withdrew the wooden stake holstered to his belt. Approaching as the woman spasmed, the man was taken off guard as she lunged at him. She knocked him down, crossbow knocked away, before sharpened fangs were borne. Fingers clutched and ripped at the man’s collar but fangs found purchase in the stake rather than his throat.
Fear would have taken hold of the man if he was not experienced.
Sweeping his leg, he rolled the two of them over while snagging the dislodged weapon. Loading another bolt in quick succession, he pointed it at the woman’s chest and pulled the trigger the moment the stake splintered. The bloodthirsty gaze subsided before becoming lifeless as the monster fell back onto the stony street with a dull thud.
Unblinking eyes monitored the bolt lodged in the woman’s breast before closing as the man made the sign of a cross.
“May God have mercy on your soul.”
A gloved hand then reached up to wipe away the bit of blood that managed to get on his face before retrieving the crossbow. Mismatched eyes then flitted towards the body as it burst into flames until nothing but ash remained.
His attention then drifted towards the alley entrance when he detected another presence. Not seeing anyone there, he retrieved the broken stake before making his way out of the darkened path.
The broken stake was placed on the small bedside table while the crossbow was set on the floor. Strolling over to the mirror, the man took a look at the tattered shirt before sighing as he undid the buttons. He eyed the red scratches to his collarbone before a knock at his door all but paused his ministrations.
The thing swung open to hit wall behind it.
“Why bother knocking if you are just going to come in anyway, Caleb?”
Said person strolled into the room with a somewhat sheepish grin though mischief flitted across his dark gaze. “You returned earlier than expected,” Caleb replied as he took a seat on the bed. He then retrieved the crossbow stationed nearby. “How did it go?”
“There was but one victim,” came the reply.
“Only one?” The other stared at the man on his bed. “Oh... uh, thank the Heavens but rest in peace to the unfortunate soul.”
“I find your lack of concern worrisome,” he replied before strolling over to confiscate the crossbow, “and stop touching my things.”
“Come now, Everett,” Caleb all but sulked as he watched the man tuck the weapon into his pack, “twas not loaded.”
“Yet you still have a knack for either breaking things or injuring yourself,” Everett chided as he returned to removing his tattered shirt in the mirror. “Now, is there a reason you have come so late in the night?” Caleb collected himself as he watched the reflected mismatch gaze drift his way. “Caleb.”
“I wish to join-”
“Absolutely not,” Everett interrupted, “so please return to the guest quarters if that is all you had to say.”
“But I can help–!"
The man turned to see dark brown eyes watching him adamantly. “No.”
“But you cannot do it alone!” The other continued to stare. “Everett, please? I am no longer a child,” Caleb protested, “and it would be best if we worked to–”
“It is late, and I am quite tired, Caleb,” Everett replied as he raked a hand through his hair. “If that is all you wished to tell me then please return to your guest room for night before I request to have you escorted back home.”
“Everett–”
“Now.”
Climbing to his feet in a huff, Caleb glared at him before slamming the door shut behind him. Listening to a second door to slam shut in rage, Everett returned to disrobing before focusing on the scratches he had received. Reaching for the small canister of salve, Everett sighed quietly when he found it empty.
It was the second container in less than a month and a third would need justification.
Redressing himself, the man combed his fingers through blonde tresses to try to be a tad more presentable before heading out of his room.
Candles lit the silent corridors up until he reached the garden.
There were others there, some had crossbows aimed at targets stationed at the other end of the torch lit yard while some practiced fencing. Some practiced hand-to-hand combat while others worked on mastering less conventional weaponry.
As he ventured onwards, those closest ceased their training momentarily to acknowledge the young man. They then began whispering about his tattered shirt once they were sure the blonde was out of earshot.
He had quite the reputation amongst the others as being one of the best.
No, Everett was the best.
Being the best, however, came with issues and grievances.
The expectations were high.
Some, if not most, would eventually succumb to failure in the impossible task of trying to be perfect.
So, to see the man with a tattered shirt, perhaps being perfect was impossible after all.
Walking up paved stairs, Everett pushed opened a heavy door. He walked past robed individuals with tomes, some with crucifixes. They nodded their heads in greeting as while some whispered prayers and praise of the blonde’s return.
Venturing down a side corridor, Everett pushed open another heavy door before he reached a candlelit room. The two attendants nodded their head in greeting before making a sign of the cross. Everett did the same before they exited, leaving him with the remaining member of the room.
Only when the door close did Everett approach the alter. He took a knee alongside the other in white and bowed his head.
“You’ve returned.”
“Aye,” he replied.
“Count.”
“One,” Everett informed. “Female, brown hair. She appeared to be in her early to mid-twenties. Bite marks were located on her throat.”
“Status.”
“Deceased, Father.”
“May God have mercy on her soul.”
“May God have mercy on her soul,” he repeated before feeling fingers toy with his collar. “Sir?”
“The report could have waited ‘til morn. Why come so late?” Sharp eyes then noted the small red stains amongst the tears. “You need more salve, do you not?” Everett kept his head bowed as he heard a sigh. “This will be the third drum in less than a month, Everett.”
“I am aware.”
“You should also be aware that you should be exercising caution whilst undertaking such tasks.” Everett kept his gaze on floor. “May you have God’s blessing this night, Everett, but I recommend not taking that for granted. You are skilled; I will give you that,” the priest stated as he withdrew a small container from his pocket, “but you are not invincible.”
“I understand,” Everett replied. “I will be more careful in the future.” Reaching for the item, he paused when the container was pulled away. “Sir?”
“You need a partner.” Everett’s expression turned guarded. “Ever–”
“Forgive me if I sound arrogant,” the blonde began as he rose to his feet, “but I do not require assistance in my tasks. I have handled them quite well alone.”
"Forgiveness would not be needed if one knew how to exercise humility.”
“Yes, a virtue worth practicing,” Everett furthered, “but about the salve...” It was presented before being pulled out of reach. “Sir?”
“You need a part –”
“I refuse.”
“You did not let me finish and this is not up for discussion, Everett,” the other replied as he held up the container. “I recommend you abide by the rules if you wish to receive resources to continue the tasks you do so well alone as you put it.” Everett scowled inwardly though it did not register on his features as he turned his attention to the floor. “Now, as for your partner, they have been very diligent in their training thus far and in such a short timeframe. They are especially eager to join you on your tasks as well. I do think they would complement your methods and tactics.”
“Sir –” The irregular gaze focused on the small container. “– who...who would my partner be?” Everett questioned as he reached for the item.
“Mr. Lothorn,” the man replied before watching as the blonde’s gaze snapped back to him. “He shows prom–”
“I refuse.”
“Ever –”
“I refuse,” Everett fumed as the container was moved out of reach. “He will not be working with me.”
The priest hardened his gaze before becoming more impassive. “If you will not honor the request to take a partner, I will not provide you with what you request in return.”
Gritting his teeth at the prospect, Everett sucked his teeth before turning to walk out the candlelit room. “Keep your salve; I do not want it,” he spat.
“Everett –”
“Have a blessed night, Father.”
Waiting until the door’s echo died down, the older man turned to the alter to resume with his prayers. His ministrations did not falter as the door opened then shut once more.
Another soon joined him at his side.
“Father, did he accept?” The priest continued quietly. “Sir –”
“He did not,” came the response as he rose to his feet, “but that was to be expected unfortunately.”
His gaze then drifted towards the younger male that fidgeted in place before handing over a flask followed by a crucifix. “I do not know if it is pride or consideration, but he is highly against you being his partner.”
Knives were blessed then relinquished to the guest that eyed the alter in exasperation. “He treats me like a child.”
“Then show him that you are not the boy he makes you out to be.” Brown eyes focused on the hazel pair before observing the small tin of salve. “You will start tomorrow night. We will go over your task then. Is that understood?”
“Aye.”
A slight scowl pulled at Everett’s face as he silently did inventory.
He had received a new stake with a backup as well as an additional set of bolts for his crossbow. A flask filled with holy water was secured by leather straps. Despite the additional care of weaponry, there was no drum of the healing salve that the man had requested the night prior.
Honestly, he should've expected much after his little temper tantrum.
‘He really did not give it to me...’ His brow furrowed at the idea of requesting the balm once more. ‘I will ask for forgiveness during my briefing,’ Everett mused to himself as he crossed the gardens, ‘then maybe he will oblige me..’
He noted the usual training taking place as past before noticing the absence of clashing weaponry. Glancing over his shoulder to see several others watching him, he turned completely to see them resume their previous activities. Not wasting much time, Everett continued up paved stairs then pushed opened a heavy door. He walked past robed individuals with tomes, some with crucifixes. They nodded their heads in greeting as while some whispered prayers of the blonde’s safe return after tonight’s assignment.
Venturing down a side corridor, Everett pushed open the heavy door before he reached a candlelit room. The two attendants that were usually present were nowhere to be seen. Curious to their whereabouts, Everett put that aside as he glanced at the silver pocket watch he kept. Knocking once, he entered the candlelit room before setting his belongings at the entrance.
“Evening Fat–” He noted the second bag before looking towards the alter to see the priest and another. His mild surprise shifted towards that of a glare as he stepped towards the pair at the front of the room. “What is the meaning of this?”
The older man glanced at the other that had clenched a fist at his side before observing the scowl on the blonde’s face. “Good evening, Everett,” he greeted. “You arrived a few minutes earlier than expected.”
Forgetting about the salve momentarily, Everett headed towards the other before focusing on the priest that had turned to a table stationed along the wall. “What –”
“I do suppose I should start the brief considering how you are both present,” he began as he pulled out a parchment.
“You say that as if we are working together as a team.” Everett felt his eye twitch as he tried to regain his composure. “I thought I was clear when I said that I did not need a partner,” he stated as he watched the man pull out a tin of the healing item he requested, “even for a drum of s –”
“Even for a drum of salve,” the priest interrupted as he glanced at the blonde, “but it is not for you so try to hold your temper. It is quite unbecoming for one in your position.” He then turned to the other. “Mr. Lothorn, this is yours.”
“He does not need it because he is not my partner.”
“Well, you are correct in that sense,” the priest said coolly. “It is well known that you do not wish to have a partner and though it is for your own benefit, I cannot force you to take one on.” His sharp gaze then took on an apathetic look. “However, there is no rule against giving the same task to another individual.”
“I refuse to work with him,” Everett declared.
“That is unfortunate, but I believe Mr. Lothorn is quite capable of handling the task alone if you do not wish to be more accommodating,” came the response, “and while he is away, we can have a discussion about your behavior and future from tonight onward if you continue to object.”
Biting his tongue, Everett bowed his head as he took a step back. “Pardon my outburst, sir.”
Looking between the two men, the priest turned his attention to the parchment. “There has been an increase in missing persons throughout Lacrimosa.”
“Not to sound out of place but that sounds like something for the constabulary,” Caleb mused aloud before covering his mouth as the priest glanced up from the document.
“Perhaps under normal circumstances,” he replied as he went back to reading, “however; there is a pattern to the members disappearing. Most of the individuals that have disappeared have attended gatherings accompanied by a certain individual before appearing sometime afterwards.”
“But they are not truly missing if they show up,” Caleb said.
“Their bodies show up,” the priest corrected as he glanced at the raven. “May I continue without interruption?” Calix bowed his head with a quick apology. “They show up with all their blood drained or, in the off chance that they are still alive, they are highly aggressive and have been attacking others.” His attention turned towards the blonde that was still staring at his feet. “Telltale signs are bite marks sustained to their throats or along some other part of their body.”
Everett glanced up. “So, you want us to find the culprit and handle it.”
“Handle it?” Mismatched eyes panned towards the brown pair that was staring at the priest. “Do you mean... you mean kill whoever is the cause?”
“Sir, this would be too much for him to handle on his own yet alone as a first assignment,” Everett interjected. “I can do this my–”
“I never said I could not handle it,” Caleb countered indignantly as he glared at the blonde. “Stop trying to make decisions for me. I am not a child, Everett.” Said person glared back at the raven before dark eyes turned towards the priest. “If that is all, Father, I will start looking for leads,” he declared before heading to the door.
Everett hurried after the dark-haired man. “Caleb–!”
“Everett.” The door slammed shut before said person turned towards the priest that was holding another tin. “He offered himself.”
“That does not matter!” Everett snapped as he gestured to the door. “He does not know what he wants or what he is doing!”
“He is not a child, Everett,” the priest replied. “You have to stop seeing him as the boy you grew up with.”
Everett clenched his hands at his side. “That was not part of the deal. You said that –!”
“We can stand here and discuss this in detail while Mr. Lothorn handles the task at hand,” the older man offered as he stepped towards the hunter, “or you can accept the arrangement and complete this task.” He then offered the small container of salve. “For your troubles.”
Mismatched eyes observed the desired item before swatting it out of the other’s hand. “That does not equate to his safety,” Everett growled as he stormed towards the entrance to grab his bag.
“May you both have God’s blessing this night.”
Everett glared at the man before storming out of the candlelit room. He seethed as he hurried past robed individuals in the halls and ignored their prayers for the night. His attention wandered the courtyard as he exited the building in search of the raven that was going over his inventory.
He was then upon the younger man the moment their eyes locked. Snagging him by the arm, Everett dragged him to the back entrance before barring his exits.
“Back down and return home at once.”
Caleb scowled. “I will not.”
“Back. Down.”
The raven narrowed his eyes. “I am not a child. I can make my own decisions, Everett, and I am just trying to help!”
“Does Malcolm know that you are just trying to help?” Brown eyes hardened before averting themselves. “He has no knowledge of what you are doing, does he?”
“So, what if he has no knowledge?” Caleb spat. “Are you so intimidated by me being here that you would involve Malcolm in this matter?”
Everett grit his teeth before curling his lip. “This is not a game, Caleb,” he stated as he slammed his palm against the wall.
“I never said it was,” Caleb replied, “but if you act as if it is.”
“What?”
“You would not allow me to be your partner, but you loathe the idea of me being your competition,” the raven declared as he stepped forward to be in the other’s face. “What, afraid that you will no longer be the best?”
“Do you not hear yourself? That is not the reason,” Everett growled. “Your argument is something I would expect from a child. This is no game. This is dangerous work, Caleb. This is something you should not involve yourself in.”
“Yet you do it regurlarly," he pointed out. "If you can do it then I can as well.”
“Caleb–!”
Said person knocked Everett’s arm aside before rounding the man as he swung the pack over his shoulder. “I need but a week to show you that I can be your partner,” Caleb said as he glanced back at the man, “and if not a partner, at least an equal for once in our lives, Everett.”
“Caleb–”
“I will see you in the morning,” he said before exiting through the back entrance.
ns 15.158.61.6da2
