The night was draped in a blanket of darkness, the moon casting its pale glow over the tranquil glade. A lone figure, shrouded in a dark cloak, stood stoically against the gnarled trunk of an ancient oak tree. Avaria Celestin, known as Nightwing in her line of work, perched silently on a sturdy branch, her form blending seamlessly into the shadowy foliage. Her sharp eyes scanned the glade, searching for any sign of movement or disturbance. The night sky enveloped her, a canopy of twinkling stars offering the only respite from the inky blackness.
Suddenly, a gentle breeze stirred the leaves, causing them to whisper softly in the night. In the distance, an ethereal glow, delicate and mesmerising, flickered amidst the shadows, leaving behind a trail of shimmering stardust. With a steely resolve, Avaria tightened her grip on the slender string in her hand, her senses attuned to the slight shift in the wind's melody. As the glow paused in the heart of the glade, tender blossoms unfurled beneath its radiant dance. Swift as a heartbeat, she tugged on the string, springing a cleverly woven trap that ensnared the elusive light. The once gentle breeze transformed into a haunting howl, causing the ancient tree to tremble in response.
Leaping gracefully from her leafy vantage point, Avaria swiftly retrieved her captive. Cradling the knitted trap in her hands. As the glow dimmed, it revealed a diminutive sprite, its delicate form a marvel to behold. Its tiny voice, no louder than the hum of a bee.
Above, the heavens wept in a torrential downpour as she fled into the shelter of the surrounding woods. Emerging from the dense cover of the woods and onto the main road, she was drenched to the bone. Through the relentless downpour, a formidable voice, deep and commanding, shattered through the rain. "Avaria!"
Avaria pivoted towards the source of the call, her eyes locking onto Talbot, his tousled, dirty blond hair now plastered to his head by the torrential rain. The carriage leaned precariously as his massive frame shifted, beckoning her towards him. Without hesitation, she sprinted towards the carriage as Talbot pulled her into the sanctuary of warmth and dryness.
"Well? Are you going to start the damn thing?" Avaria snapped, her patience worn thin by the night's events. Talbot, unable to suppress his goofy grin, retorted, "No need to snap. I'm not the one who reckoned with the goddess Gias, child of nature, and made it rain."
Avaria, with a wry twinkle in her eye, reached into her pouch and flung a Lunaire stone at him. The stone connected with a resounding thud, prompting laughter to bubble forth from her lips. "Not nice," Talbot grunted good-naturedly as he turned to slot the stone into the engine compartment.
"Come on then, let's get this show on the road," Avaria urged, the playful glint in her eyes a stark contrast to the storm raging around them. Talbot chuckled, his fingers deftly coaxing the carriage's engine to life. "I’m going, I’m going, I'd rather not be caught in this tempest for much longer," Talbot remarked.
As the carriage began to stir, Talbot turned the wheel, glancing in the mirror above his brow. "Well, did you get it?" he asked. Avaria shrugged, holding the trap enough for him to see. "Do I ever fail?" she huffed.
As Talbot's question lingered in the air, Avaria's mind wandered to the Lunaire stone she had flung at him earlier. The Lunaire stone, infused with earth life essence, was a marvel of magical engineering. It powered the carriage, eliminating the need for horses to pull it. The advancement of magic never ceased to amaze her, and she marveled at the seamless integration of elemental magic with modern innovations , allowing the carriage to move so effortlessly.
Breaking the silence Talbort mused "It's very rare to be able to catch a sprite," Talbot remarked. Avaria retorted, "It's the easiest catch this year. I'm taking a break after this one." She sighed, looking out the window at the side of the road cloaked over a vast forest in the distance, a dark and gloomy atmosphere looming.
Talbot, sensing the weight of Avaria's burden, encouraged her, "You're notorious; your name is known far and wide." Avaria, her voice tinged with concern, confessed, "I can't keep doing this to Odelia and Mother. The clients' requests are getting more dangerous, and I'm starting to fear leaving the border." Her gaze remained fixed on the foreboding forest outside, the weight of her words hanging heavy in the air.
Talbot, sensing Avaria's resolve, probed gently, "Are you ever going to tell them?" Avaria, her eyes betraying a hint of resignation, questioned, "Why should I? I'm retiring." With a weary sigh, she settled into her seat, gently placing the trap beside her as exhaustion began to claim her.
As Talbot attempted to keep the conversation afloat, Avaria succumbed to the pull of sleep, her weariness finally overwhelming her after three days of relentless pursuit.
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As the town's outskirts came into view, Avaria and Talbot veiled the carriage under a cloak of midnight black, meticulously camouflaged with intertwining foliage. Just as Avaria stepped out, her senses still clouded by drowsiness, Talbot swiftly hoisted her over his shoulder, jolting her awake with his abrupt action. Startled, Avaria kicked and flailed until he finally let her down, her frustration evident as she brushed herself off and uttered colourful curses at him, all the while meticulously finishing the draping of the carriage.
With the carriage now concealed, Avaria inquired about the meeting location. Talbot, with a knowing look, informed her, "Mr. Blackthorne prefers doing his business in the secluded alleys of the town, away from prying eyes and with no chance of informants. A place he owns." Avaria nodded in understanding, for it was in such shadowed corners that she had met many of her clients.
As they ventured into the heart of the town, the architecture unfolded before them, a testament to a bygone era. The buildings stood proudly, adorned with ornate carvings and embellishments that whispered of an age long past. The structures bore the weight of time, their facades weathered and worn, yet exuding an enduring elegance.
Beneath their feet, the cobblestone roads wove a labyrinthine path, the rhythmic clatter of their footsteps echoed through the narrow streets. Amidst the banter, Avaria broached the subject of retirement, her voice carrying a hint of contemplation. "I've been thinking about retiring the Nightwing business." she mused, her gaze wandering the alleyways. " I think I'll pursue a more conventional path, maybe something my degree actually helps with, you know, delving into the world of legitimate antiquities and folklore."
Talbot listened intently, his expression a blend of comprehension and steadfast support. "You've always had a gift for uncovering and locating things," he observed. "There's no doubt you'd excel in whatever you set your mind to. But remember, even in lawful pursuits, that line of work still carries risk." His words conveyed a sense of reassurance. "So whenever you need muscle, just give me a call," Talbot added with a wink. Playfully pushing him, Avaria's heart swelled with the reminder that, no matter what adventure she chose, their partnership would endure.
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As they made their way through the darkened streets, the air grew heavy with the scent of aged wood and worn stone, guiding them to the poorer side of town. Avaria and Talbot arrived at a pub that, from the outside, appeared weathered and forlorn, its facade bearing the weight of neglect. The tarred sign read "Blackthorne's." They approached the entrance and rapped on the door, prompting a swift opening of a small eye-sized hatch. A gruff voice spoke, "Over the dragon's spine, you'll find the path to..."
With a mischievous smirk, Avaria responded, "...the phoenix's embrace." The completion of the riddle hung in the air, a knowing glint in her eyes as she awaited the response. The door swung open to admit them. As they stepped inside, the dimly lit interior unfolded before them, revealing a juxtaposition of opulence and destitution. Rich textiles adorned the walls, casting a tapestry of warmth over the establishment, while a diverse crowd of nobles and commoners alike mingled, their attire and fortunes creating a stark contrast.
Amidst the commotion, Avaria and Talbot discreetly adjusted their coverings, blending seamlessly into the enigmatic ambiance. Talbot pulled his face covering over the lower half of his face, concealing his features, while Avaria ensured her cloak's hood and bandanna obscured her identity, all the while double-checking the secure placement of the sprite on her hip.
Seeking confirmation, Avaria glanced at Talbot, who nodded in silent assurance, his gaze focused on the search for Mr. Blackthorne amidst the eclectic assembly. As they weaved through the throng, the clinking of glasses and the fervent exchange of coins filled the air, painting a scene of clandestine dealings and concealed intentions.
As Talbot led Avaria to a table occupied by four imposing men and a figure draped in the company of women, the atmosphere grew charged with an air of veiled intent. The women, their scarlet dresses hiked at the thigh, garters decorated in lace peeking out, adorned the figure assumed to be Mr. Blackthorne, their undergarments symbolising a display of opulence and power. Mr. Blackthorne's piercing gaze met Avaria and Talbot's, a cigar hanging languidly from his mouth, exuding an aura of calculated discernment. With a subtle nod, he signalled for the table to clear, leaving only one man at his side, the rest dispersing with begrudging compliance.
Mr. Blackthrone, visibly impatient, dropped his cigar into the ashtray and ran his hand through his greasy hair. With a languid ease, he reclined into his chair and demanded to know the whereabouts of the desired item. Avaria, unfazed, countered with a demand for her payment. A sly smile tugged at Mr. Blackthrone’s lips as he motioned to his companion, who nonchalantly tossed a bag onto the table, its contents spilling forth in a cascade of glimmering gold coins. "Half now, half when the exchange is complete," Mr. Blackthrone declared, his smirking countenance revealing a glimpse of yellowing teeth.
Without hesitation, Avaria produced the sprite from her side and placed it on the table. Mr. Blackthrone, visibly intrigued, reached for the bag, his initial astonishment palpable as he inspected its contents. Distracted by the revelation within, he gestured absentmindedly for his companion to present the second bag. Avaria and Talbot each took a bag, acknowledging the completion of the transaction, and turned to depart. However, before they could make their exit, Mr. Blackthrone interjected, inviting them to stay for a drink. Avaria dismissed the offer, stating, "I don't mix business and pleasure, before preparing to leave.
Just as they moved to depart, two of the men reappeared, positioning themselves in front of Avaria and Talbot. A charged silence enveloped the scene, signalling an impending shift in the already tense atmosphere.
As Avaria and Talbot turned to face Mr. Blackthorne once more, he addressed Avaria using her alias, "Well, Nightwing," with a hint of mockery lacing his words. "You know, since you've been gone, a wanted poster has been plastered around town for you, Nightwing," he taunted, relishing the opportunity to confront her. "As much as I appreciate your business, it costs me. And how do I recoup my costs? By capturing you." His chuckle reverberated through the tense air, his veiled threat hanging palpably.
Avaria's heart quickened beneath her cloak as she discreetly checked for her sword and dagger, dispelling her nervousness to maintain an air of composure. With a steely resolve, she calmly retorted, "You're messing with the wrong person." Talbot, ever vigilant, clenched his fist, assessing the situation and the men at Mr. Blackthorne's side, noting the absence of one man and calculating their potential routes of escape.
Driven by a surge of adrenaline, Talbot made the first move, his trained instincts guiding his actions. In response, Mr. Blackthorne lunged for Avaria, his intentions clear. Avaria swiftly drew her blade and, with a fluid motion, threw her dagger to Talbot, who caught it with practised ease, ready to engage in the impending conflict.
The eruption of the fight shattered the tension, the room descending into chaos as Avaria and Talbot clashed with Mr. Blackthorne and his men. The fight unfolded with a kinetic intensity, each movement a calculated dance of skill and determination. Avaria, her agility a testament to her prowess, manoeuvred with finesse, utilising her opponent's weight against them, swiftly evading their strikes while launching her own precise counterattacks. Talbot, a force of unwavering strength, unleashed his power with each resolute blow, his unwavering determination evident in every movement.
Amidst the fray, Avaria interjected with a touch of wry humour, her words laced with a hint of taunting confidence. "There were better ways to get my attention," she quipped, her voice carrying a note of Avaria playful flirtation as she deftly outmanoeuvred her adversaries. Talbot, a steadfast presence, exuded a silent ferocity, his actions speaking volumes as he deftly neutralised each threat with unyielding resolve.
The scuffle unfolded in a vivid display of skill and determination, Avaria and Talbot leveraging the chaos to their advantage, each moving a testament to their combined prowess. As the conflict surged, their unwavering resolve and calculated moves began to turn the tide in their favour, the room bearing witness to the unfolding spectacle of their unyielding tenacity.
As the chaos of the brawl begins to subside, Talbot stands victorious over one of the assailants, his breath heavy and adrenaline still coursing through his veins. Meanwhile, Avaria, her heart pounding with each pulse of combat, knows she cannot bring herself to take a life. Though she recognizes she is no match for his strength, Avaria senses a flaw in his technique, a hesitation in his movements. Drawing upon her own skill and agility, she manoeuvres around his attacks, her movements fluid and precise. With a calculated strike, she pierces his defences, driving her blade into his chest.
But before she can even catch her breath, Mr. Blackthorne springs onto her back, his weight pressing down upon her. Instinctively, Avaria reacts, her mind racing with the urgency of the moment. With a sudden shift of her weight, she destabilizes Mr. Blackthorn, causing him to stumble. Seizing the opportunity, she reaches for a nearby object, a charged shard, and smashes it against his side, stunning him momentarily.
As she moves to retrieve her fallen blade, Mr. Blackthorne grabs hold of her boot, yanking her back toward him with fierce determination. Reacting swiftly, Avaria flips onto her back, using her momentum to kick out at him. But just as she turns and her foot is about to connect, she finds herself face to face with another attacker's boot, his foot poised to strike down on her head.
In a split-second decision, Avaria springs into action, her adrenaline-driven strength propelling her arms up as she stops his boot from connecting with her face. With a sudden charge, Talbot tackles the assailant to the ground, saving her from imminent danger. With a surge of urgency, she regains her footing, her senses heightened. Without hesitation, she grabs Talbot and runs toward the crowd.
Avaria's mind races with a mixture of relief and determination. With the chaos of the bar erupting around them, she knows they must escape. Together, they make their way through the chaos, blending into the shadows as they disappear through the door and into the night, leaving behind the decrepit pub and the remnants of the fight.