Storyboards: Vylena

Clan beginnings | Observations

This must be the place. Vylena thought to herself as she approached the common looking house. The garden looked well maintained. An array of beautiful flowers were perfectly trimmed and nourished. A small pebble path led up to the structure. Vylena politely knocked.
A slender women, with a sharp nose and slightly sharp cheeks, not unlike an Algar, answered. Here travel-worn clothes seemed gathered from all around the world. ‘May I help you?’
‘A friend of ours sent me to assist you,’ Vylena replied
‘Please come in. The women closed the door behind them. My name is Shinara. Drosta must have sent you. Come this way.’
They walked through the illustrious house until they entered a room full of pillows. A few lanterns hung on the walls giving a faint glow. Setting on the pillows where a number of people.
‘Fellow Wanderers this is… I didn't catch your name,’ Shinara said.
‘Vylena. It's been a long time,’ said a women sitting elegantly on a pillow on the far side of the room. She had donned many fine jewels, but Vylena knew all too well the imbedded power within them.
‘It has indeed, Fieron.’
‘It seems you two know each other,’ Shinara stated
‘Yes but that's a different story. We must find Kessik,’ Fieron stressed
‘Quite right! That's what Vylena is here for right?’ asked the gentlemen in the corner.
‘That's correct, Sir Darath. Vylena, a few weeks ago one of our fellow Wanderers was scheduled to return from his trip home to Algar. However, he never made it back. After some investigating we found out that he has been taken by a group of Murgos during a raid into Algaria. We were going to go and help him, but it's impossible for a member of the Western race to walk freely in the East. That's why we approached Drosta for help. An Easterner can enter into Murgo better then we can. So what do you say?’ Shinara explained.
‘I say how much?’ Vylena asked, ‘An expedition into Murgo isn't easy. It's going to take a lot for me to take such a risk.’
‘Here, we’ll pay you good. We help each other to the end. Even if it cost us a fortune,’ Shinara replied
‘Then I shall get started right away,’ Vylena said
‘Stay the night here. In the morning Fieron and I shall accompany you to Algar. You should be able to pick up a trail there,’ Shinara offered.
‘Very well,’ Vylena agreed.

Vylena sat at the bar, listening. She's been on the trail of a Murgo rumored to have an Algar prisoner. She had finally caught up to him, in a small town in the middle of Cthol Murgos. They were on their way to the altar in Rak Cthol, to sacrifice the prisoner. Vylena enjoyed the trip with Shinara and Fieron, until they reached Cthol Murgos. During that time Vylena recollected past events with Fieron, and grew very fond of Shinara. But nether of them could safely follow her into the Murgos' country. Now she was alone, but soon she will find Kessik and get out of here.
"I don't think the Algar's going to make it, boss."
"He will. He doesn't have to be healthy for us to sacrifice him."
The conversation pulled Vylena out of her memory. The Algar was in town. She just had to find a way to save him. As much as it's going to pain her to do this she had to. Vylena stood up and approached the table where the two Murgos sat drinking with a sensual sway in her walk.
"Gentlemen may I interest you in a dance?" Vylena asked, her voice insinuating something else.
"Um sure let me just pay the bill, then we can go back to our room. There you can dance without any interruptions."
Upon entering their room Vylena noticed an Algar tied up in the corner. "Take a seat gentlemen and I'll give you the best dance you've ever seen." Vylena removed her cloak and ties a ribbon of violet silk around her head to hold back her dark auburn hair. She gracefully bends and fastens a string of small bells to each ankle. She slowly dances around the room. The bells on her ankles and the bracelets on wrists play an amazing tone. Hear feet flicker to her delicate dance, and her arms weave a lovely designs in the air. Vylena begins to pick up the speed. Spinning it to a blur.
The two Murgos were greatly enjoying the display, that is, until the blur that is Vylena slit their throats. The two Murgos fell to the floor. Vylena freed the Algar.
"Thank you stranger."
"Sshhh. Don't talk. We have to get you out of here," Vylena instructed.
The Algar nodded.
Vylena helped the Algar out the window and on to the roof. With a little luck and a lot of stealthy experience on Vylena's part they were able to get out of town with out anyone knowing, or so they thought.
After riding hard for through the remainder of the night and most of the day, Vylena decided that is would be safe for them to stop and rest.
"Ok, we can stop and rest now. I think we're safe. We'll set up camp and stay here for the night. I'm going to get some rest. You stay on your guard and wake me if you see anyone."
"Alright. By the way, what's your name?"
"We can talk when after I get some rest, and don't try anything funny. I wake easily."
A few hours later Vylena awoke to find the Algar sound asleep. Cursing, she woke the snoring stranger. " Damn it man, what are you doing?"
"I.. I'm sorry. I must have dosed off."
"What kind of warrior are you, Kessik? Falling asleep on your sentry duty."
"Who? My name's not Kessik."
"No, mine is," said a voice from behind Vylena. Seeming out of nowhere Kessik appeared. "Don't move, Nadrak. I can kill you from this distance. Tell me how do you know my name, and what are you doing with this Algar?"
"Calm yourself Kessik. My name's Vylena. I was sent by Shinara to find you. When you disappeared, they grew worried. They thought that something terrible happened. When they found out that a pair of Murgos raided a group of Algars, and then took one hostage, they assumed it was you. So they hired me to venture into Cthol Murgos, and rescue you. I found the two raiders and learned that they did indeed have an Algar prisoner. So I rescued him. But now I know he's not you." Vylena smiled.
"Let's say I believe you. What happens?"
"We'll I return you to Shinara, and collect my rewards."
"What of the Algar? Would you just leave him here?"
"Of course not silly! He'll ride with us to the Algarian stronghold, he'll be safe there."
"Hmm. Alright, I agree to your terms, but I'll be keeping my eye on you."
"Fair enough. Just answer one question for me. What in the world are you doing in Cthol Murgos?"
Kessik laughed. "Attempting to rescue my fellow algar, but it looks like you got to him before I did. Let's go home."

“Well done Vylena. Drosta wasn't wrong about you after all. Here's your payment, as promised.” Shinara said passing a heavy purse to Vylena.
“Thank you, but I don't need this much. Vylena took about a quarter of the contents and returned the rest. To help a friend in need is by far a greater reward, but money does help.” Vylena winked at Shinara.
“Well, I'm glad you two are happy.” Kessik spoke up. “Ta think that you actually thought I was in trouble. Geez.”
“We'll next time you'll send us a note saying where your going.” Shinara said calmly. “Also we've some new clan members since you've been gone. You should go and introduce your self before you run off hunting Murgos again.”
Vylena couldn't help but grin as Kessik obediently went of in to the clan hall. “You've got your self a pretty nice family going here, Shinara.”
“You’re more then welcome to join us if you wish. You've more than proven your worth.”
“Hmm. You know what, I think I will. That old dog Drosta hasn't been very kind to me lately, always sending me of to Javelin for jobs.”
“Excellent! Let me introduce you to everyone, well at least the ones that aren't off getting in to trouble.” Shinara grinned at Vylena.
They entered the wondrous clan hall, into the pillow lounge. In one corner a cute little boy with dark hair sat talking with Kessik. In the other corner sat a beautiful young girl with a single sandy brown pigtail running down her back. Her blue eyes shot evil glares at the two boys.
“The young man talking to Kessik is Rhyrmon and the little lady over there is Delminia.” Shinara whispered to Vylena. “Everyone this Vylena. She has agreed to join are illustrious clan.”
Vylena gave a deep bow. The boys in the corner snickered. Vylena smiled slightly, then walked off to Delminia. “Greetings young lady.”
“Good evening ma'am.” Del said.
“You want to know a secret about boys?” Vylena ask Delminia, and her eyes lit up like two great bon fires on the darkest of nights.

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Observations
Vylena sat in the shadows of the kitchen, listening to Delminia and Rhyrmon raid the cookie jar. Vylena thought to herself, Those two argue with each other a lot, but when it comes to cookies they work pretty good together. If they can ever put aside their constant bickering they were going to be a handful. Vylena silently chuckled at the thought of these two causing Shinara so much trouble.
When the two children left the kitchen, Vylena finished off her ale and began cleaning up the mess the two left behind. Someday I'm going to have to show her how to leave without a trace. Vlyena silently chuckled to herself.
"Well! I'm off to bed. Have a good night Fieron." Vylena said.
"As sharp as always, Vylena." Fieron complemented.
Vylena grinned as she left for her room, leaving Fieron to her thoughts.

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