Thread: A Darker Shade of Night: Dragondancer+BlisteredBlood

The cloaked mans preternatural senses were tuned to the sounds of the night, and easily detected Heishiros entrance into the parking garage. His thin, bloodless lips peeled back from his teeth in a dreadful semblance of a grin. he wasnt tempted to overpower Heishiro and make a meal out of him, although with his ancient powers he knew the human wouldnt be much of a challenge. No, he had plans for this one, a key player in his master plan that he had schemed to perfection over the years. He had an old score to settle, with a powerful foe. And Heishiro would be his unknowing instrument of his enemys demise. Softening his countenance to present a less threatening persona to Heishiro, and allowing his presence to be seen, Vardon watched as Heishiro approached. Cautiously stopping about 20 feet from him, Heishiro called out demanding the information he longed for, his eagerness evident to Vardons penetrating gaze, although hidden carefully behind his constructed facade of cool indifference. Marvelous! Vardon was certain he had selected the perfect...partner...for his scheme. There would be no reason for Heishiro to doubt his word, even if he wasnt privy to his motivations. A meal could often be made from just a morsel of truth, Vardon had found, if properly prepared. Ah, Heishiro, very glad to make your acquaintance. he drawled as pleasantly as was possible for him. I apologize for the cloak and dagger meeting scenario, but there are those who would use the information I am about to give you for nefarious purposes, and I wish to avoid that. Vardon walked slowly toward Heishiro to speak at a more civilized distance, but despite his best efforts his gait came across more like stalking. Nonetheless, he forced an empathetic tone into his voice as he continued, My condolences for the terrible losses of your loved ones. I can only imagine the pain you must feel - and the strong desire for vengeance you must also feel. His eyes flicked briefly to the sword Heishiro carried, and pushed his cloak off his shoulders to reveal he was unarmed. He needed this human to trust him. For reasons of my own, I wish to share with you information I have come across about those who were involved in the murders of your family. He reached the concrete pillar next to where Heishiro stood, and stopeed, leaning against it casually. Ill cut to the chase. I know who killed your family. He paused for effect, and to gauge Heishiros reaction. Her name is Laela. He saw the anticipated rejection of the idea of a woman being the merciless killer, and quickly continued. Dont be fooled. Yes, her visage is of a beautiful woman, but that is only an illusion. She is a heartless, vicious, and deadly monster - as proven by the tragic murders of your family! Vardon licked his lips in a repulsive manner, and continued I have heard of your endless search for your familys killer - and your determination to exact deadly retribution. And that your skill and experience might actually give you a chance to make that desire a reality. And, since there is no love lost between me and Laela and her...family...I thought to put into your hand the key of knowledge, giving you the name of the target you have been searching for. Vardon straightened up from leaning against the pillar, and looked directly into Heishiros eyes. He pushed a small compulsion into his brain - not enough to be detected by the alert man, but enough to worm its way into his subconscious. Prepare yourself well, my friend. Gather trustworthy reinforcements, study your foe, and make sure you are completely ready before you strike. Because you will only get one chance. With that last admonishment, Vardon turned and was gone in a blink of an eye, and Heishiro stood alone in the abandoned parking deck.