Names and Marks

***Names and Marks*** is an original fiction in the fantasy genre written by Noel Mu. It was started in 2017 and is currently ongoing.

## Plot

Upon his banishment from his homeland by his clan, warrior-priest Aaru arrives at the ancient city of Cōrienor, capital of the Vachai Dominion. Having lost all purpose, Aaru tries his luck at a number of odd jobs in order to survive in the sprawling metropolis, including trying his luck at underground fighting rings. He is eventually led to the Salamander Shrine, where he becomes a for-pay assassin. Over the following year, he earns a reputation for being a skilled, effective killer, and word of his work reaches the upper echelons of Cōrieni society.

In March 417, the Emperor releases the much-awaited triennial imperial bull. Lady Verise Drēsacēri has once again been named as the highest-ranking nameholder in the Nacre Court among those pledged to Sadrie. She is adamant that her only son and heir, the 19-year old Tistan, marry into an adequate family in order to secure their noble house's continuity. A bitter rival of Lady Verise's, Sicēo Obarnāi, is mortified by the continuation of Drēsacēri supremacy over his own house, and so he decides to hire Aaru to assassinate Tistan.

Aaru begins following Tistan in order to gain intel on his target, but quickly recognizes him from a precognitive dream, in which he saw the god Irakaa with the nobleman's face. Interpreting it as a sign of destiny, Aaru resolves to betray Sicēo and pledge himself to Tistan. Tistan, amused and content with the information Aaru provides him, agrees to let Aaru into his service.

All the while, the mysterious secret society known as the Unfettered plot to assassinate the Emperor at the end of Ardo's Festival and bring about a revolution that will put an end to the Dominion for good. Among its members are Charie Thebardai, an acolyte at the Temple of Vaēlo, and Cāstās Savesi, a childhood friend and lover of Tistan's. Charie convinces Cāstās to bring Tistan into the fold as part of their conspiracy, believing his proximity to the Nacre Court could benefit the Unfettered. Although Cāstās is unsure of Charie's plan, as he knows Tistan to be aloof and disinterested in political intrigue, he agrees to try, tempted by the prospect of having his lover in on the conspiracy.

Lady Verise finds a suitable match for Tistan, and lets him know his wedding will be by summer's end. He is mortified and feels trapped, and finds solace in Cāstās. Tistan suggests they flee Cōrienor, but Cāstās dissuades him and says "his friends" (the Unfettered) could help. Cāstās then asks Tistan to allow his friends to use a minor villa owned by the Drēsacēri household in the outskirts of the city. Unbeknownst to him, Cāstās and the Unfettered plan to use the villa as a hideout for Seacrow, a servant to Emperor Dechio Taodossi who has agreed to participate in the Unfettered's plot to assassinate him.

Dōrine Ellentie, a member of the Unfettered, starts a rumour that the father of Tistan's betrothed insulted the Drēsacēri and boasting that he would assume full ownership over the Drēsacēri business and treasure. The rumour reaches Lady Verise, who decides to call off the match.

The Unfettered's plan goes south when, at the last minute, Seacrow gets cold feet and escapes. Dōrine blames Tistan, and Cāstās confronts him in a rage fit. Tistan demands to know the full truth of the Unfettered, and Charie admits they intend to assassinate the Emperor. Cāstās tells Tistan the truth about his father and the Betrayal. Agreeing to join their cause, Tistan instructs Aaru to find Seacrow and kill her before she can tell on the Unfettered. Aaru finds Seacrow, but he cannot bring himself to kill her. He instructs her to leave the city and never come back.

The Unfettered scatter after their plans appear to be foiled. Charie and Cāstās convince Tistan to join their cause, and despite his initial hesitation, he finally agrees to attend a meeting to reconvene and formulate a new plan. Tistan proposes Aaru take care of assassinating the Emperor, aided by Tistan's proximity to the imperial court.

Before any preparations can be made, however, Dechio Taodossi dies without the Unfettered ever making a move. The city goes into lockdown, and the Unfettered celebrate in confusion. Charie can sense something is wrong. It is revealed Lady Verise has conspired behind the scenes to crown Tistan as the next Emperor. The Unfettered become divided: some (such as Dōrine) argue Tistan should be put to the sword, in order to further cause commotion, while others (such as Charie and Cāstās) believe Tistan's new position could greatly benefit the Unfettered's cause. Aaru, meanwhile, confides in Tistan that he has foreseen a tragic end, and implores him to leave Cōrienor. The night before his coronation, Tistan agrees to leave with Aaru.

## Character archs

* Aaru: he finds his purpose in serving Tistan and regains his ability to access Irakaa's gift.
* Tistan Drēsacēri
* Charie Thebardai
* Cāstās Savesi