An envelope would’ve arrived at the Inn where Vaudeux Jupiter was staying. Inside, a letter could be found written in red ink, and sealed with a piece of wax, which carried the signet of the Marauders – a pair of swords crossed, with an M seated in the middle of them.

Vaudeux Jupiter,
It has come to my attention that you have arrived in Lomedor but a few days ago. You’re one of the few still alive after our little excursion into the mountains those weeks ago. I should like to thank you for accompanying me in person, and propose another job that you may find enticing. It would require quite a bit more finesse than we exhibited in the Mines, and, for now, far less explosions, though I can assure you that there will be more in the coming weeks and months. Therefore, if you’re interest please come to the Drital Qu'ellar Pub at the east end of town around midnight. I will be waiting.

Annihilate

*****

The night had consumed the day with an unusual blackness, which was far darker than was normal. A subtle layer of fog began to form, hanging low over the streets in the decrepit portion of the city. Those were the areas that the highborn citizens normally avoided. There were normally beggars and thieves prowling the moon-lit streets, but not this night. This night little more than the rats scurried in the alleyways, but even they knew when to run and hide when the crimson shadow swept through the streets. Lights flickered in windows, and silhouettes shifted in their portraits silently. The only activity came from the pub at the end of the street, where rowdy sailors interacted with the muggers, thieves and killers. This was the place where fights were as common a sight as drunk laying across a table.

Annihilate entered the building with no fear.

From beneath the bone-carved mask his crimson eyes burned with their usual volcanic fury. The gazes of the road-weary occupants turned quickly to the re-clad figure that seemed to draw all life, and death, onto him. All who looked upon him were mesmerized by the very air around him. He was a shatter-point of reality, unlike most people who merely existed upon them. The very fabric of existence was fractured around him, and every fault led from him, so when echoes of change met his form the shatter-point could be shifted, and events could be set into motion – for better or for worse.

Anni used this very fact to his advantage by setting events into motion that would benefit him. That was why he was here. He was ready to put echoes to work in his favor. He had a meeting with a half-breed, and took up his seat at the bar with little thought of the occupants. A glass of bourbon was brought, but he could tell by its very appearance that it was watered-down. He didn’t say anything though, or he meant not to drink this night. He merely sat there, emotionless, watching the reflection of the mirror hanging from the wall opposite him. It showed the door, the wooden portal to the rest of the world, with only few interruptions from the drunks staggering along behind him.

Annihilate did not moved – only listened. His appearance had slowly fallen away from the minds of the loud occupants, and their rejuvenated hollers lit up the night. Perhaps the half-breed would hurry so that he could destroy these people and slake his hunger for now.

The aftermath of the festival had taken a toll on his energy as well as his feet. Never again will he attempt another round at the local dance, no matter how many women threw themselves at him. Not to mention his head had been pounding; perhaps from the overindulgence of the local fizzy favorite. Nevertheless he had crashed in that night in the very same room he had been camping out in for the past few days. After traveling around the bulk of Arda for many leagues, it was hard to get up and leave a place after one had been settled for a while. Vaud knew his departure was inevitable sooner of later. Brutish actions on his part had almost ruined the celebration for a group of “tough guys”, or perhaps more if he would have had his way.

Even so, after his miraculous display of self control, he swooped up back to his room to vent into the hard oaken walls. The morning sun was shinning through the window across the room. The light cascaded across empty bottles of the fizzy, creating checkered patterns of light cascading across the wood floor, and over a small vibrating egg perched on top of a sweeping black cloak now slumped in a bundle next to the bed. Over the side of the hay mattress hung a corded arm, knuckles bare, and skin tanned. On top of the frame was the mass of Vaudeux, half-dragon, sprawled out like he had collapsed down out of exhaustion. The face of the man was relaxed, mouth askew with the danger of small driblets of drool threatening to escape, while his body expanded and contracted in rhythmic peaceful breaths.

It seemed as if nothing could disturb Vaudeux in his state of slumber, until the crafty footsteps of a solemn messenger approached his door. It wasn’t the footsteps themselves that rose the thief, it was the slithering of paper against the wooden planks. A single letter bolted out of the crack beneath the door, to the room, and stopped to rest a foot from its bottom edge. With a snort Vaud bolted upright as far as his back would arch. Hair messy wisps on his head, he glanced around the room almost fearfully; for a moment he forgot where he was. Then, as the scenery settled in around him, he recognized the room at once and his heart rate was able to slow back to its normal pace. For a moment he considered collapsing back to sleep, but as he returned to the mattress his mind was alive with activity and he had to rise.

With heavy feet he stood on the cold wooden floors and stretched zealously until he padded into the light across the room. Outside, on the streets below, he was surprised to see normal streets of Lomedor. No signs of the Spring Festival the day before littering the streets or any confetti of flower petals. This didn’t bother him, but brought about surprise at the rapidity of cleanliness. He yawned down at the citizens bustling about in the mid-morning light and scuffled off back across the room. Here there was a small stone basin, filled with clear waters the night before, where he liked to wash and catch a glimpse of his reflection. Yet on his trip over to the water he noticed a peculiar parcel on the floor and stopped in his tracts. It took him but a moment to realize that it was a simple letter before veering casually over to it. He squatted and took the parcel in his hands, resting it on his haunches. It had no distinguishing marks other than an impressive seal, which he tore open briskly after a few seconds of study.

Inside was an interesting array of words, prompted first by his full name. Vaud was the type to merely give out his last name when introducing himself. Rarely people knew his full name, besides allies and friends, so it was almost alarming to see his full name addressed in the opening. After a few more lines he started to recognize the voice behind the document. His mind drifted back to faint memories of a large brigade of various men and few women. One was the subject of ultimate harassment, of which he tried to evade and only ended up letting his temper fuel a set of comments to a strange being who had went along for the journey. Nonetheless he grinned at the thought of the leader behind the adventure and his almost nonchalant display of power through the mines. After finishing the letter Jupiter tucked it away in his cloak across the room and started to gather his things for the night.


His appearance was different than before. The body was covered in a display of Elven handiwork via form-fitting black sleeved shirt and matching pants, laced with vines of green on the obloquies. The clothes were enough to give his air a more sharp appearance than the one before his snatching hands. In the midst of the night he tramped through the cobblestone streets, towards the direction of the bustling pub across town. He met little night-stalkers along his way. The only thing to accompany him was the sound of his boots clanking against the road below. This unnerved him somewhat. Something must have came through to cause such a heavy disturbance on the bustling city. Even at night it would have the occasional drunkard, but tonight was different. Lomedor was playing host to a whole different aura and Jupiter could sense it.

Outside the entrance to the pub he could hear the rowdiness and almost scowled. Those drunks better not come near me, He thought nastily then pushing the door open before him. With those thoughts in mind he entered with a rather hard expression cas across his features, while his eyes laid narrow and piercing to anyone unlucky enough to trample in his way. He managed to get through the entrance and was about to search for his contact until the subject of his discomfort came stumbling in front of him in the form of a stout gut. Automatically he shoved the annoyance out of his way, watching the man stumble off in his peripherals, laughing like he was at a fair. Then, at once, he spotted Annihilate across the bar at a solitary table at the back of the room, looking as impressive as ever.

With a smirk, Vaudeux traversed the space between them and soon made it too the edge of the table. As a rowdy group nearby lit up the entire pub with a unified boisterous cry; during he noticed a faint hint of impatience across the shade’s face. He couldn’t help but feel the same way as he stood by the next open seat and bowed his head slightly in greeting.
“Evening,” Jupiter said simply with his tones in their usual silk.

((OOC: Sorry it took so long to post, Anni. ^_^; ))

The streets of Lomedor seemed especially dark tonight, and devoid of any lifeform other than the rats that scurried through the alleyways, foraging through the garbage and other unidentifiable things that littered the roadside. This in itself struck Dalena as slightly odd. It was already late in the night, but the half-demon knew from experience that the lowest of the low usually prowled the streets at night, looking for unwary travelers to rob, and perhaps kill. Tonight, however, the streets were dark and silent.

The darkness did not bother Dalena. The half-demon was one of those with the gift of being able to see in the dark. The silence did not bother her either. She did not particularly enjoy the company of humans. In fact, she hated the race, despite being half-human herself. It was partly because of her own human blood that she hated humans--hated them for being the cause of the weakness in her. It was an unreasonable hatred, but then, Dalena was very seldom reasonable.

The young half-breed turned her head at the sound of voices. She had heard of a pub in this area--the Drital Qu'ellar. It was rumored to be quite a shady establishment, catering to a crowd of thieves and murderers. Dalena didn't much care about all that. She didn't care about whether or not people around her began killing each other, as long as she got something to eat and drink for the night. In fact, depending on the situation, she might even consider participating in the said killing.

With one pale-skinned hand, she pushed the broken down doors of the pub open, stepping inside. Looking around, she concluded that the establishment was rather pitiful. A crowd of rowdy drunks already seemed assembled there, talking to each other in crude and slightly obscene language. The place reeked of ale. More than a few drunkards had already passed out from ingesting too much of the alcoholic fluid. The place also seemed to be quite dirty, and the windows were cracked. Several of the tables were broken and mended rather haphazardly, as if the owner knew that they would likely be broken again soon. Nothing in the pub really seemed worth her notice. The half-demon looked around, trying to find a table that was not covered in ale and nameless grime.

As she did, her crimson eyes landed on one figure seated at the bar. For some reason, she couldn't look away. There was something about the air around this figure that made both her human and her demon sides react. The human side seemed inclined to draw away, to leave before anything could happen, for something was bound to happen around that particular figure. The demon side of her wanted to draw nearer, wanted to be a part of whatever event this particular figure would set off. It was an odd feeling, and one that Dalena was not sure she liked.

Torn between two halves of her being, Dalena could do nothing but stand there and watch as another man arrived, talking to the figure she had noticed earlier.

Many of the figures in the bar were far beyond intoxication. They stumbled and staggered, and many had passed out in whichever corner they could find free. Annihilate was truly disgusted by them. His hands twitched as they sat upon the table, but his self control saved many lives. When someone would come to close he nearly pushed them away, but many saw his eyes burn beneath his silken hood and turned themselves away with only a glance. Still, he growled lowly as he sat there. The time seemed to shrink by at an abnormally slow pace, which agitated him further and further. His mind raced and screamed in agony, and he nearly screamed out loud, but the door swung open and in walked Jupiter. It seemed his timing was, as always, impeccable.

Annihilate did not stand and greet him, but he did push out a chair with the heel of his boot. “Good to see you,” he began – his voice was barely audible over the hustle and bustle of the tavern, “I take it you got my message. That’s good. I’ll still have to do away with that messenger, though.” With a wave he motioned to the bartender, and when the man arrived he noticed that the Shade had not touched his drink yet. What could he want?

“Aye?” he said in a crude tongue.

Anni cast a mocking smile towards him, and pointed to his glass, “I want a fresh drink. Give me something better than this watered-down horse piss.”

The bar keep, being suddenly repulsed by Anni’s blatant insult, grabbed up the glass and nearly spilled half of its contents upon the bar top, and walked off. He returned, if only a few minutes later, with a pair of glasses for he and his companion, and a fresh bottle of liquor. However, he stood there waiting to be paid. Annihilate cut his eyes at the man from beneath his bone-carved mask, but cast a few gold coins in his direction. Without hesitation the keep retrieved them, and bit down on them to test if they were genuine or not. Then, satisfied, he walked away.

Taking up the bottle and sliding the other glass to his companion Anni poured them each a drink, and then glanced over his shoulder for a moment. He caught the glimpse of several new people, but he found few of them of any interest. One in particular being a young girl who seemed too young to be in a place like this. He’d keep his eyes on her. So, finally, he turned back to Vaud and took a sip of his drink, then said, “I trust you had no trouble finding this place?”

A pair of remarkable eyes darted down to a mobile chair as it skidded to a halt after some persuading by Annihilate. After Jupiter watched it he swept his cloak aside and sat swiftly in the hard oaken furniture. He wasn’t suspecting much more of a greeting from the man, whom had always appeared fire-hardened in their previous adventures. He looked back across the table, some hesitancy with his glance, simply because of expectations. The shade brought up the note and he nodded in reply, his mind wandering to his cloak, where he had stuffed the parchment. While his contact busied himself with the bartender Vauduex slipped his palm into his cloak and removed the envelope fluidly. Then he set the parcel on his lap only to look back up as the acerbic tender, less than eager to serve customers, received a deserved lashing from the tongue of a seemingly agitated Annihilate.

As the barman stalked off, Jupiter kept a close watch on the man with a pair of slits and smirked back to the shade in approval. Their table remained quiet for a few moments as the man solemnly retrieved a pair of glasses and a bottle of liquor for the pair. As the tender stalked off once more, Vaud leaned back in his chair to take a more comfortable position, and watched as his comrade poured the bitter brown liquid into two mugs. It splashed up against the side of the dusty glass until the contents of the bottle were separated between the two men. Only after his host had got all that he wanted did the thief budge in his seat to reach across the table for his mug.

Even after his intake on beverages the previous night and his inklings on the questionable beverage before him he couldn’t bypass the opportunity to refuse a drink and be rude. Besides he was curious how the abysmal Lomedor pub’s drinks would take to his taste buds. A hard grip reached across and locked onto the handle his mug and he brought it to his lips. First he caught a thick waft of its alcoholic scent before taking a mouthful of the liquid. Just as the hard liquor scalped the back of his throat he noticed Annihilate return his gaze back to him, after taking a look around the bar. Instantly he lowered his mug and forced the drink down his esophagus with a bitter swallow. Before he could answer he smacked his lips and adjusted his jaw, giving him the look of a seasoned drinker.

“Yes, no troubles at all. Yet,” At that second the group of drunkards at the bar bumbled their way through an off-key note and his eyes motioned towards them momentarily. “It is an interesting place.” Just then he remembered that he had removed the note and slid his glass back in front of him as he reached down to handle it from his lap. Thinking it would be too obvious to slide it across the table he picked it up and brought it under and to the side. “Ah here you are,” Jupiter motioned at the parchment, envelope with impressive seal and all, and stretched a long arm to reach Annihilate.

Dalena stood there for a moment, torn between both her demon and human natures, before finally coming to her senses. She took a seat at a nearby table, blissfully empty except for the drunk snoring on the floor at the other side, and once again cursed her mixed blood. Both sides often told her things she didn't understand, and it was hard trying to find common ground between the two.

She glanced with disdain at the snoring drunk near her feet, giving him a good kick. The drunkard's eyes opened blearily and the intoxicated human muttered something incomprehensible before rolling over and falling asleep again. The snores returned, loud enough to wake the dead.

Dalena fingered the hilt of her blade, contemplating whether or not to silence this man eternally, before deciding against it. One fight would lead to another, and soon all hell would break loose in the pub if she did so. It wasn't that causing chaos in the pub didn't appeal to her, only that she wished to rest before another battle. She had been on her feet practically the whole day, and she didn't intend to waste any more of her energy on the pitiful human dozing on the dirty floor of the pub.

Her eyes landed once again on the man at the bar. He seemed to be occupied in conversation with another, perhaps they had some sort of business with each other. She wondered briefly what that could be, although she knew that it probably wasn't going to be anything good. Patrons of the Drital Qu'ellar pub very seldom had good intentions.

She turned her eyes away, absently tracing the indentations on the wooden table in front of her with one pale hand. Whatever they were planning, wasn't any of her business, and she didn't plan on making it her business.

The activity in the bar continued to increase, though he was not sure what time it was it appeared to be passing one in the morning. All of the dock workers were coming in and resting from the late night. Annihilate liked this – it meant that when the time came he would not have any trouble trying to get a fight started. It had been his goal in the first place, once he had recruited Jupiter to his side, in the attempt to relax a bit, as well as find a person or two that might be fit to also join. It was a long shot in such a disgusting, low establishment, but there were a few that caught the shade’s eye. Annihilate looked down for a moment at the envelope, but did not take it. Instead, he gave a slight laugh and picked up his glass. He took a long draught of the liquor, and then issued a pleased grunt before he sat the cup down. Then, his attention went back to his companion.

“Do what you will with it. It was merely the easiest way to get you here. I have a proposition for you, though I’m not sure where it’s for you or your better half.” A smile had formed upon his pale lips. He was speaking, of course, about the alter ego that was within the half-dragon. There was much to be gained by drawing in Jupiter, for he knew there was much power within him. Although, for the most part it was untapped there were ways to tame a beast, he found.

A rather unusual smile cracked upon his lips, but for a moment he went back to staring at the mob of people who continue to gather. There were people from every walk of life and facet of society. He was lost in his own thoughts – a casual practice. Annihilate never told anyone how far his plans for this group went. On the outside it might’ve appeared as if he were merely calling as much evil to himself as possible, but that was not the case. He chose a more tactful method. He even went so far as to claim that he had a plan for every man, woman, child and beast that existed in Arda. Although destruction was quite entertaining for a while, the Shade found that dominion over life was far more purposeful. Originally, he existed to simply exist – to fight and to survive, but now, it seemed, he had found a more meaningful calling – to rule the world with an iron grip.

Another few moments passed, and the dreams of grandeur slowly fell back into the recesses of his unstable mind. It became apparent how glossy his eyes had appeared, how his smile had grown into a full-fanged grin, and how he had began to droop in his chair. Yet, with heavy sigh he composed himself, and sat fully erect. To the casual eye it might appear that the alcohol had gotten to him already, but they should’ve known better. “Listen closely,” he said lowly, leaning in to the table so their conversation would not be heard by eavesdroppers, “Our journey ended with my parting what remained of our decimated army. I did not make that journey for treasure or for glory – I went to find the secrets of the Marauders – a group that has long been forgotten. My journey was not in vain, either. Find them, I did.” Annihilate stopped for just a moment to glance over his shoulders, and then, back he went to his explanation, “They have much knowledge – knowledge so profane that the gods do not speak of them – Now they are mine to command.”

He sat back in his chair, took another swig of the alcohol left in his glass, and grimaced. His expression began shrunken for a moment, but he shook it off with a sour sigh. Annihilate looked back up towards Jupiter, then continued, “They have been decimated – nearly destroyed after centuries of hiding, but they can be rebuilt. I have nearly three-hundred warriors strong, with over a five hundred more spies all across this world. Priests, healers, soldiers, politicians. Plus, a mercenary front of nearly one hundred to disguise our efforts. Although, compared to many armies this group is pathetic. So – I bring you here to offer you a position in my army – One of high rank and respect. All you have to do is… let your inner dragon out.” A dark smirk appeared on his lips, and Annihilate sat back in his chair silently.

Awkwardly he held the envelope outwards, under the table, for its producer. Yet, despite earlier demands, it seemed as if Annihilate didn’t desire the parcel and instead took a long draft from his own mug of liquor. Obediently, Vaudeux crumpled the note slightly within his palm and hurriedly stuffed it into his cloak for it to reach the depths of its breast pocket. While doing so his contact intrigued him with mysterious intentions revolving around him and his destructive alter-ego. At first he looked onward, perplexed, watching a devious smirk creep across the man’s face.

The pair continued to sit in silence together for several moments. People of plenty began to gather amongst themselves throughout the pub; much of the rowdy persons whom were singing earlier. This only took his mind off Anni’s implied statement for a moment when Jupiter’s gaze returned back to him. There was a strange tint to the man’s expression. One of daze, deep thoughts with vivid episodes, and blocking out the rest of the bar. Vaud shifted uncomfortably in his spot. The mindless stare accompanied with Annihilates earlier wishes started to well to a point of uneasiness. His own mind started to drift towards horrendous scenarios while trying to decipherer the previous short message.

Finally Anni woke from his daydream and he was able to exhale in subtle relief. With a beginning “Listen closely,” Jupiter unconsciously leaned in towards the bulk of the table in order to hear the words now ensuing. With that he soaked in the words with an open mind all-the-while trying to make a connection with the shade’s previous statement. When the piece didn’t fit in with the rest of the puzzle right away he started to disregard them and, instead, listened with ever growing intrigue. He picked up words of interest throughout the plot of his accomplices tale such as, “Marauders” a very fascinating group that tickled his whim with every passing explanation.

The tavern around them seemed preoccupied with their own intentions, yet it didn’t stop either of the pair from glancing around with suspicion. Though towards the end of the tale, Jupiter had almost zeroed in his senses with full curiosity and barley noticed those around their table. “So – I bring you here to offer you a position in my army – One of high rank and respect.” Vaudeux, who has had his eye fixated on the wooden patterns of their rotten booth, looked up with a twinkle somewhat over his expression. Annihilate continued vigorously, “All you have to do is… let your inner dragon out.”

At this he stooped back in his chair sharply, eyebrows in danger of disappearing into his hairline in alarm. At this statement he was revived with full bewilderment. Did the shade mean right now? In this very public tavern? The thought of releasing the uncontrollable being inside churned his insides until they were in danger of lodging in his esophagus. Even after transforming in this new land once before he still held a certain uneasiness towards the Wyrm from his past experiences. Nevertheless his conscience started to reason with him. There was only so much a man could do, whilst a dragon can exceed. It was obvious that Annihilate knew what he was talking about, being with the knowledge of the extensities of true power. Even so, Jupiter wasn’t the most willing human to explode into a pair of painful wings for trivial purposes.

“Curious,” Velvet words coursed out from his parted lips, almost a strange response due to the tone of their current conversation. He allowed this word sink in to give his mind time to think of a proper response, his emerald eyes boring into his half-empty mug of liquor. As if they were following a fly darting through the air, the half-breed’s orbs shot up from the glass accompanied with a handsome grin. “Truly honored am I. If it is devastation you seek so be it, yet I can’t make any assurances of all of what you speak.” As if on cue the Wyrm, inquisitive, peered out through humanly irises - at the cause of Vaud’s obvious mental tension - in a whirl of scarlet.

A firm smirk sat upon Annihilate’s pale lips. He knew the struggle that Vaud faced, but that concerned him very little. There was a certain spark in the man’s eyes, a glimmer that let him know who was in control, and who thought they were in control. Perhaps he seemed somewhat malicious attempting to coax Jupiter into allowing such a rogue force to control him, but that was the path he had chosen. Anni knew true power and what it stemmed from, and he could see the shatter-points upon the glassy surface of reality. Many created very few or no fractures, which were the result of their lack of strength, but there were some like Jupiter, Obsidian Nocturne, and the drow Nafalen Sintelnor who were the catalyst to faults that could truly sunder reality.

Those were the people that Annihilate chose to surround himself with, and build the Marauders with. Vaudeux was powerful, but the wyrm inside of him would find a higher place in the circle of life and death than his mortal counterpart. There were still many obstacles to overcome even if he convinced the half-dragon to commit, but still he had plans.

“Ah, be at ease my friend. I mean only aide me in my quest to conquer this land, not to actually release the scourge you hold. That is, unless it would benefit our situation,” he said in a low, thunderous tone that slipped through his vicious grin. The slow rumble echoed all around them, stronger than before, harboring a malicious tone that seemed to draw minute interest from some of the more sober occupants of the bar. When his growling tone had settled Annihilate took another sip of his drink, and ran his hand across his mouth. Then, he asked, “So what say you? Would you like to partake in the glorious endeavors, and share in the spoils of the great adventure?”

A certain supernatural flare burned within the shade’s smoldering red eyes. He awaited the half breeds answer, but he did not watch him too intently. He was busy mulling over the crowd who occasionally gave the both of them a curious look. Annihilate was not threatened by the murderous glance or confused stare, for his dread glare caused them to turn away hastily. He had planned from the beginning to burn down this ruddy little dump, but he was wondering whose day he should totally ruin.

Through Annihilate’s tenor, Vaud was drawn in, encompassing the vigor of their conversation. Very often patrons would stray from purpose, allowing one’s mind to drift or often abandon the conversation before it reached an actual point. This was not the instance in his current installment. Instead of drifting to tasks still left unfinished, or perhaps to the routine before a night’s slumber, his thoughts remained open even often subjecting themselves to possible scenarios. It resolved his tension to hear that Annihilate wasn’t demanding much from him, just his cooperation and skills. They were able to recognize that the best way to collaborate was to cope with the other’s desires. So with a patient ear, he continued to soak in the shade’s drawling voice as if he were the leafy green pores of a plant and the lexis the intense sun.

Only when the conversation broke, for Anni to occupy his thirst of ale, did Jupiter notice the stunning shift probing stares and bemused glances. At this the half-dragon sat up more erect, aware of the possible enemies who may be plotting a counter. His leg, which had been lolling lazily under the canopy of the scrubbed-table, slid back to curl around under his own seat, the toe of his boot pressing into the ground in preparation for a prompt footing. His right hand slipped lazily off the table and he replaced it on his thigh, a notable glint of suspicion in his glance around the establishment. The digits that remained on the surface were left fondling the handle of his mug, the alertness of his state causing a heightened sense of energy. There was something about the time of night, surrounded by a boring horde of drunks, trying to find something to pass the time, that really put him between a calm exit and the verge of chaos.

As the quick-witted shade finished thoroughly wiping his jaw free of stray liquids he had continued. “Would you like to partake in the glorious endeavors, and share in the spoils of the great adventure?” In response to his fiery irises, a certain inhuman glint accompanied Vaud’s returning smirk. Filled with confidence and avarice at the prospect of conquest. Besides, the promise of an adventure was hard to bypass, considering the nature of their last blood-spilling, corpse-ridden exploit. Grin remaining, he lowered his body in once more to keep the tone of their conversation remaining at their table, “How can I deny myself of this opportunity? Yes,” Vaud held out his right hand in as a finalizing gesture. “I would be proud to call myself a Marauder.”

Paces away, the tender was unlucky enough to be on the receiving end of Annihilate’s devious gaze. In his arms was a tray with a used glass, half-empty with a questionable auburn liquid, the regular maintenance of the tavern was a sheath that permitted the man’s ardent curiosity. When the thick barman realized his error it was too late. The fire from the shade’s eyes had penetrated in a resulting flinch. Instead of taking a desired step, that would progress back to the bar, the brute stumbled enough for his tray to tilt. The heavy mug slid easily across it’s oily surface until it flew, plummeting towards its closest target - a handsome thief. The contents of the mug was quick to make first contact with his body, splashing across his shoulder and ricocheting across the side of his face. With it’s hallow emptied, the tired glass continued its journey at the feet of its victim, shattering relentlessly, almost as if it were for no other design. The barman realized his error even before the glass collapsed, but instead of preventing the dish from making contact with the floor he watched it, horror-stricken.

The vociferous tavern grew quiet at the clatter of a glass being broken, and immediately turned to spot the culprit. At the table Jupiter had barley moved, barley quavering when the alcohol hit. When the silence fell he stood his ground, his eyes stuck in their corners , where the tender would be if Vaud turned his head. There was a sense of forthcoming in the air, as the amber beads of liquid rolled down his strong cheekbones like sweat, and there was no indication of motive nor expression. It seemed as if the man weren’t bothered by the accident at all, as the only sounds in the room was the blubbering of the tender - obvious to sense the danger of the pair of men before him - and trying to apologize. Inside Jupiter was fuming. He merely wanted to have a simply conversation, and the whole tone of the bar was repellent, starting with this clumbsy oaf. It was filled with failures drowning their sorrows, wannabes looking for a brawl, and idiots like this tender, too obtrusive for his own good. For a minute he thought to leave the situation be, perhaps let the man live with his mistake, but after the talks of conquest the idea of issuing a small injury seemed like a mere warm up.

Suddenly and slowly the half-dragon moved. Fluidly he stood, his gaze unfaltering to any of the beings around him, all staring wondering what was to come. Vaudeux reached upwards and touched the place tender with alcohol, his long callused digits catching flecks of the liquid at their tips. Then, he removed his hand and examined the brandy as if they were words scrolled on a page. For the tender it must have looked for an appropriate time to start apologizing and the next few seconds were devoted to such, a sniveling attempt to regain his mortal dignity. Instantly, Jupiter snapped. The tray poised in the barman’s hands flew upwards, its coarse ends ripping anything in its path, including the side of it’s carrier’s expression. Where the tray once was, was Vaud’s left palm a mere upwards strike the cause of such an attack. The disc was true to its flight path, until it bounced off one of the support beams of the ceiling and went crashing down on one of the tables below. Then he rounded on the incompetent being with his own set of fiery irises, burning with the incense of his own inner demon. Now both men had eyes that were filled with hell and promoting fear.