POV: Sylasvandril
Sylasvandril had just received his second goblet of wine when the door to the tavern slammed shut. The sudden noise startles him, causing a small amount of wine to spill over the edge onto the table. He looks over to see who made such a grand entrance, and notices that there is a hooded figure making their way towards him.
To bide his time, he indulges in his glass of red wine while he patiently waits for the mysterious individual to make their introduction. His bright green eyes intensely watch the stranger push the hood of the navy cloak away from their head. His discovery is an elven female he does not seem familiar with.
He is eyeing her from head to toe. He studies her appearance while she stands in front of him. He takes a mental note that she has long curly dark brown hair with bright green eyes. Strangely, there is a specific darkness that clouds them. It is a certain type of coldness that he is familiar with. It is the look of someone that has seen their fair amount of death.
Death is something that he understands far too well.
Although, she has a small frame for someone who has a large presence. Her demeanor exudes an extreme amount of dominance. Sylasvandril is assuming she is not from around here, because she does not carry the pale blonde hair like most elven citizens around this area. Even her blue and gray clothes are different from the usual green or brown tones.
She catches him eyeing her all over, and then she clears her throat to gather his attention.
“Are you Sylasvandril?” She curtly asks
“That depends. Who's asking?” He raises his left eyebrow in curiosity.
“My name does not matter. What does matter is that I need your services.”
“I don’t work for people that I do not know,” he bitterly snaps at the stranger.
You’re going to want to hear me out.”
“Did you not just hear me? I do not care to work for someone that will not tell me their name,” he raises his voice with a small amount of attitude.
“Why do you need it then?”
“Call it an insurance policy,” he crosses his arms over his chest.
The strange woman looks at him with an angry expression, “Ok, let me think it over. Where can I find you tomorrow?”
“I will find you. You can decide if my services are worth your name. I’ll give you twenty-four hours.”
The woman’s facial expression changes for a mere second into surprise, but then instantly morphs back into a displeased look. Her attitude tells him one thing about her. That she is not used to others dictating how she does business.
Sylasvandril always asks for a name because he prefers to know who he is getting into business with. As an assassin, he likes to do his due diligence of finding out everything he can about the person in case they decide to double cross him.
She turns around to leave the table he is seated at, and he can hear her huff in annoyance. She pulls the large hood back over her head before walking out of the tavern. Something tells him that she is going to be willing to share her name tomorrow. Thankfully, there is a goblet of wine that is in need of tending in the meantime.
Unfortunately, there is only enough time to finish this glass before his presence is requested by his uncle Eöl. His uncle is the head of the family business, and he requires everyone to check in to make sure no one is dead. As someone who is an assassin, and more importantly as a member of the Thalion clan, he is due to visit his family estate. Sylasvandril is required to check in with his uncle every so often, even if he technically no longer works for the family.
Sylasvandril watches people come and go from the old tavern as he slowly sips on his wine. This quaint little tavern is a hole in the wall with rustic decor. It is one of his favorite places to come and have a drink. Not many people spend much time here other than a few of the locals.
There is a calmness to the night, and he is quite enjoying it. After a few more minutes of basking in the silence, Sylasvandril decides to finish his last sip of wine. He stands up from the small wooden round table, and brings the empty glass to the bartender to put away.He waves to the blonde hair female bartender as he makes his exit.
Sadly, his time of relaxing has come to an end. This means he must begin making his way towards the family residence. He has a rule that he follows by checking in with his uncle. Of course this includes visits to the family estate between each of his assignments.
Growing up he did not have a warm childhood. In fact it was a bit on the cruel side. He grew up in a prestigious family that is known throughout the elven kingdom for their skilled assassins. Not exactly a warm and welcoming family. They were brutal with his training.
He became extremely skilled in his profession as he trained consistently as he was growing up. The three skills of close combat, weapon wielding, and espionage he accomplished over time. He has earned his reputation, and became known all across the land as the Sharp Serpent. His hard work paid off, and he proudly wears the honor of being feared as one of the most known executioners.
However, as he grew older, Sylasvandril began to question the motives of his family along with the morality of his actions. This ultimately led to him to make the decision to leave his family business. This allows him freedom, so he happily chooses to work as a freelance assassin.
Now, he takes jobs that are aligned with his personal code of ethics. Sylasvandril has come to prefer the life of an independent contractor, because he likes the solitude as much as the unconstrained that comes with it.
His family is expecting him, so he shouldn’t leave here too late. The decision to exit the tavern comes around, and he makes way towards the childhood home. Sadly, he doesn’t care much for checking in. The family estate is located at the edge of the village, so he is able to enjoy the solitude for a few more minutes.
He is mentally preparing to face his uncle while he walks towards the estate. There is bound to be something that he will ask of Sylasvandril. Sometimes, he wishes that he had a different family. He would have appreciated having a kind and loving family. Not the cold and detached one he unfortunately was born into. He may have turned out different if his family showed compassion or even a fraction of love towards him.
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He takes a huge breath to prepare himself for anything that may come his way as the estate comes into view. The gated house sits on a rock type of hill overlooking the community. Despite how grand the estate looks, there is a coldness that settles around it.
There is an aura of aloofness around the estate. Which alone gives it an off putting feeling. This does help keep outsiders away from the residence. He slowly ascends the hill, and puts his mask of being cold and distant on.
His demeanor has completely changed by the time he reaches the front entrance. He looks ready for war with his aura of authority. A cold hearted assassin one could say.
Sylasvandril walks inside the front door without knocking, and he begins making his way towards his uncle’s office. He passes a few elves that work on the grounds, and they all look surprised to see him appear. Each one scurries away in fear when they notice him walking in their direction on the way to the office.
He makes himself known when he visits even though he is trained to be undetected. His demeanor exudes danger. This works in favor by getting others to leave him to his business. He has no reason to be in stealth mode, and it is his way of giving his family the big middle finger.
Sylasvandril walks inside the front door without knocking, and he begins making his way towards his uncle’s office. He passes a few elves that work on the grounds, and they all look surprised to see him appear. Each one scurries away in fear when they notice him walking in their direction on the way to the office.
He makes himself known when he visits even though he is trained to be undetected. His demeanor exudes danger. This works in favor by getting others to leave him to his business. He has no reason to be in stealth mode, and it is his way of giving his family the big middle finger.
Sylasvandril doesn’t even attempt to knock on his uncle’s office door. He walks right in the door as if he owns the place. No one is in here at the moment, but it is only a matter of time before his uncle or another family walks in here.
He walks over to the wine glass set over by the window overlooking the gardens, and pours himself a glass of wine that is in the decanter. Assuming that it would be a nice way to pass the time til someone walks in. He makes himself comfortable to enjoy the silence while he has a moment to himself.
The door finally opens after sitting for an hour. His younger brother, Zylar, walks inside of his uncle's office. This catches him by surprise because he has not seen Zylar in quite a while. He does not notice Sylasvandril at first, and there must be a reason he came in here.
It takes a minute for Zylar to realize there is another individual inside the office, and he looks around for the culprit. How he earned his badge in the family affair completely puzzles Sylasvandril. If it was a life or death situation he probably would be dead.
Eventually, his green colored eyes land on his older brother, and this discovery surprises him.
Sylasvandril walks up to greet his younger brother with much enthusiasm. They grab each other's forearms with a strong grip. Zylar cheekily smiles at his brother, because it has been quite a while since he has last seen him.
Sylasvandril looks at his brother thinking Zylar looks more grown since the last time they were together. He notices that he has a few more tattoos added to his collection. Zylar’s blonde hair is growing quiet on the long side as well. As the older brother, he makes a mental note to check in on Zylar more frequently.
While the brothers are greeting each other, Sylasvandrils remembers that he was supposed to ask what his brother is doing in the office. He takes a step back from his brother, and his eyes narrow at his brother.
He slowly laughs at Zylar, “What are you doing snooping around Uncle Eöl’s office?”
Zylar looks embarassed for a split second before his mask of indifference slips on.
He scratches his head before whispering, “I need some information, and I believe there is something in here that could help me.”
“What exactly do you need help with?”
“Getting another individual out of some trouble.”
Sylasvandril is surpised his brother admitted that to him. He looks at him in shock, almost making a comment about how it could backfire, but he makes the decision to leave it be. It really isn't any of his business he thinks to himself.
He nods his head, “alright, just don’t get caught. It isn’t any of my business.”
Zylar looks at him with a gesture of a small tug of his lip in the effort of trying not to smile. He slowly nods his head in agreement. Zylar goes back to digging around the office looking for whatever it is he thinks that he will find.
Sylasvandril watches as his brother snoops around. He continues to sip on the wine he poured himself, and takes a step towards the window to gaze outside.
Unfortunately, he is waiting for their Uncle Eöl to make his appearance in the office. Sylasvandril begins speaking with Zylar while he searches every crevice inside of the room. The two pass the time by catching up on what’s been going on in their lives.
A few moments later; Zylar yells in a whispering manner towards his brother, “Ah Ha! Found it!”
He waves a small leather journal around in victory. Sylasvandril raises an eyebrow in curiosity. He laughs at his brother’s childish antics, but he is glad that part of him hasn’t changed in all this time.
Zylar hurries to tuck the small journal inside of his coat before anyone else notices what he has. He puts everything he dug through back where he found it, and hurries over to his brother to celebrate his victory.
The mischievous younger brother grabs a glass from the set of crystal Sylasvandril is using, and pours himself a drink as well. The two brothers clink their glasses in toast to celebrate his small victory before taking a huge gulp of red wine.
Zylar looks at his older brother, and his curiosity is peaked with Sylasvandri’s random appearance. They rarely have a moment to themselves, so he takes the opportunity to talk with his older brother.
He straightens his shoulders, and then looks directly at Sylasvandril. He without hesitation asks his brother a question that may help with a decision he is struggling to make for himself.
“Can I ask you something personal?” Zylar asks.
“Sure.”
“Why did you choose to leave the family business?”
Sylasvandril sighs, “Honestly, I needed space to do things my way.”
“Do you regret it?”
“Nope. Not one bit. I prefer the solitude, and no one questions how I get things done.”
“Interesting,” Zylar scrunches his eyebrows together.
“Why do you ask that?”
“I have been considering maybe giving it a try, but I am not sure how well the family will receive that kind of news.”
“Either way, it is your decision to make. You may want to think on it for a while before coming to a conclusion on the matter,” Sylasvandril crosses his arms.
“Yeah, you’re right. Good talk,” Zylar pats his brother’s shoulder.
A moment later, he bids his brother farewell after finishing his wine. He begins making his way towards the door to exit out of the office, and before he can reach the handle; their uncle opens his office door.
Both brothers freeze in their spots. They are surprised that they did not even hear their uncle’s footsteps in the hall announcing his arrival.
Eöl crosses the threshold of his office, and looks at both of his nephews in a displeased manner. This infuriates him, because they are not supposed to be in here without his presence. He narrows his eyes at both of his nephews in a judgemental stare as he is accusing them of bad behavior.
One too many secrets are hidden in this office, and he would hate for anything to make its way past this door. Eöl makes his way towards his desk in front of the window.
Eöl grumbles in annoyance, “What are you two doing in here?”
“We are having a nice discussion over a glass of wine,” Sylasvandril calmly explains.
“Is that so?” Eöl looks over to Zylar.
“You obviously can see the two glasses that have been used,” Zylar narrows his eyes to Eöl.
There is a tension in the room that no one seems to want to break, so Zylar makes the decision to exit before he is found out. He doesn’t want to give his uncle any reason to find him guilty of stealing from him.
His exit breaks the silence between Sylasvandril and Eöl.
“What brings you here, Sylasvandril?” Eöl asks curtly.
“I am passing through. Although, I may have a contract by tomorrow. Plus, I have heard whispers here and there about the family. Is there something that I should know?”
“Nothing you need to concern yourself with since you are no longer a part of the family business,” Eöl narrows his eyes at Sylasvandril.
Sylasvandril crosses his arms in defiance and frowns. He has an inkling that his family is dealing with something major, but his uncle doesn’t want him to know about it. Not sure why though. He nods his head towards his Uncle Eöl to acknowledge his choice.
After all, he is a part of the family despite not working for them anymore. Sylasvandril takes that as his que to leave his uncle's office. He turns around to leave. He makes his exit and begins walking towards his childhood bedroom.
He could use a bath and some dinner after such a long journey. Maybe even catch some sleep while he is here. His plan is to wait twenty four hours, and then he needs to find the woman from the tavern