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34 comments
Outstanding work dear!!
It really is well written.. all senses come to life as you describe the action.
hhmmm... now why should Rathe care about Jade? Protecting her, a bit out of his style and I imagine he may wonder why in the future. More turmoil for him to consider in the cold night. Jade wakes, I am sure he will be given quite a headache himself by Jades wrath at him doing that. Perhaps she will understand without him saying, and that will give her plenty to think of too.
To bad he didn't get the assassins name, perhaps he will one day learn of it and realize that she was no stranger to the dark tales that may pass within the DB.
Much applause for you Jess
Yes, it really was for the greater good that Rathe took Jade out of the fight the way he did. She's a pretty pragmatic sort, maybe she'll recognise the act for what it was and not give him a hard time about it!!
A side note, I have wondered if he was ever to find someone to spend his time left with.... not that they would ever replace Fleur but some one to come home to, travel with , if he ever has a chance to grow old with. Would / could it be Jade, not sure, would he ever trust her, or is Rathe always to be the loner till one dark night in the shadows his life ends alone. Kind of sad to think of in that way.
Now back to the story, do understand why he left the body to the birds, she may have been an equal in his mind but she took all he had left, the one thing that he could call his in this stinking world he lives in, he did right in my mind at least.
Amazing shots and great story as always........ look forward to what is coming......
As for why Rathe knocked out Jade, it could have been purely mercenary; saving himself and her by taking the blind assassins sights off of her, or it might be to do with his feelings for her. You're right when you say it would be nice to see Rathe end up with someone as he is far too much of a lone wolf, but if that someone isn't Fleur I don't know if he could or would accept them.
And let's face it; birds have to eat too
Kinda reminds me of both "Highlander", AND a certain, old, Harvey Keitel movie: "The Duellists"....
OH, are the Battle Gods ever pleased with Rathe today, and with that very talented assassin as well!
Rathe thought of Jade, quickly realising she was a liability, so, sorry my dear....>smack< ....lights out!
(She'll probably be a bit pissed at him for that, upon waking up, but....oh well, it's better than being DEAD....)
It's interesting that he actually cared for her welfare....considering their mutual, unhappy history....then again, she IS pretty HOT to begin with....^^ Hmmm....
After it was all over, Rathe even thought of burying his would-be killer with at least some honour, then thought twice upon realising how much that assassin had cost him already, so: Karma's a b1#ch, baby! ^^
Endorsed.
Thanks and cheers, dear!
Whatever the reason, I do love a good fight and Rathe actually got a good fight from blindy. He was thoroughly enjoying himself.... after he took Jade out of the equation. And yes, much better her having a headache than a funeral! But the question of why he bothered being concerned about her still remains. Could it be that our boy is smitten? Maybe
Glad you enjoyed it and oh yes, I'm a firm believer in the old saying, what goes around comes around... and when it comes around it packs a triple whammy!
I found it interesting that Rathe was actually moved to protect Jade. I mean from a technical view point does he need her anymore? He got what he wanted - the location of Ciciero. Which suggests maybe he feels ... something towards her. Perhaps just some sense of honor that they agreed to work as a "team" or perhaps he likes her. I rule out feeling a sense of responsibility as he felt none for Darwyn and Jade did far worse to him then he did ... in fact he left during it.
Since he could have just let her be a meat shield my best guess is he "saved" her either because he has grown to like her or because he sees another use for her. Regardless she is going to be pissed I think - either because she thinks Rathe did it for some other reason or simply because Rathe thought she was a liability - which she was but based on what we know of Jade's personality I would see her taking that as very insulting.
I read Nataly's comment and I think the assassin was from Sibbi if only because of the way you wrote it as an author - a flick of her eye that Rathe knew. Authors don't write in that type of narration unless they want to tell the reader the truth of something, well unless they purposely want to mislead them *grin* but for now I will assume it was your way of confirming to the readers that it was Sibbi who hired her.
I do, however, like the idea that the real NM might be driving him to find Ciciero. I am on the fence how likely that is ... but a cool idea to consider.
Outdid yourself in the fight scene - just awesome (and the music went very well - like you I often listen to the music I want for a story while writing to make sure it gives the right feeling ... and can actually help with the writing).
A quick stab chapter indeed!
snort - meat shield. love it. Well, he does have that odd sense of honour but i think it's something more. We'll see soon enough.
As for the blind assassin's financial backer, it will be confirmed later on though that twinkle in her eye does speak volumes
Glad you liked the fight scene, the music really helped, got me all pumped up during the writing and helped with the pacing.
A slower paced chapter coming next though!
You did really well in bringing out the intensity and grace of that dance of parry and dodge, those gleaming blades clashing under the sun, I could see it well in my mind as I read the tale and could almost hear the clang of blades in that forest. Jade was not wise to make herself a target against such a foe, one able to reach her even as she fought Rathe. She was lucky Rathe stopped those blades when he did though how Rathe made sure she was out of the way was harsh, striking her with the flat of his blade, sending her tumbling to the ground, it is better not to get in the way of Rathe and Jenassa that is for sure.
Both assassins found an odd time to grin at each other, impressed by each others strikes and agility. Does seem the battle would have indeed gone on for quite the time if not for that makeshift blade breaking, letting Rathe's blade bite into Jenassa. That battle sure took a lot out of him with him feeling every bit his age, if not older. Rathe did treat her death very much unlike that of Darwyn, though he could have had a little bit more respect than leaving her for the birds even if she did kill Sicarius. I wonder what other dangers will be along their path, a wonderfully done chapter, Jess
But ultimately Rathe quite enjoyed himself. He loved going up against someone with real skill, and for such a complicated man, it was just nice to focus on something as simple as the dance, and life and death for a while. No plots, no games, no betrayal. Just dance. I suspect his respect for the blind assassin would have urged him to bury her decently had she not killed Sicarius. That horse was so much more than Rathe's steed, he was his friend, confidante, and most importantly, his last link to Fleur (who loved that horse). Had the blind assassin not mercilessly killed Sicarous I expect she'd have earned a quicker death and deep respect from the Listener at worst... an offer of an alliance at best.
To call this one well done- is an understatement! Love the last image and that last line.
Thanks, I love the last shot too; it's probably my favourite for this chapter.