Nana

The rain thundered down on the top of the carriage as Viago waited impatiently to reach their destination. He had been in this God forsaken carriage for what felt like eons but, at sixteen, he was far too old to complain.

His Master Assassin company was quiet as death, his cold eyes staring in Viago's direction, waiting for a sign of weakness. Viago would not give him the satisfaction. He stared obstinately out the carriage window and finally saw their destination.

The building was huge, made of a chilling grey stone. Vines climbed up almost every surface, smothering the mansion beneath their leaves. Ravens perched high on the Gothic peaks, cawing their discontent at the arrival of visitors.

As they arrive to the tall front door, Viago's Master turns to fix his cape. His voice, scratchy with use and age, booms through the carriage.

"You will do nothing, say nothing. Follow my lead and orders." Viago nods his head obediently as he adjusts his gloves. The pair exit their carriage and rush to the large mahogany door, the Master reaching out to knock. Before his knuckles hit the wood the door opens and a small elf boy stands in the door.

He does not raise his eyes. He steps back and opens the door wide, pointing down the hallway to a door. The pair enter the mansion, boots clicking on its marble flooring. They make their way to the door and knock, opening upon hearing a voice from inside.

When they enter the door they see a large, fat man behind the table and a collection of elf children lined in front of his desk. Viago starts - all of the children look beaten and worn, and none reach his eyes. None but a freckled child with the brightest blue eyes he had ever seen.

Her blonde hair was cut short to her skull in patches, her body thin and frail, but her eyes held fire. Viago knew why they were there - to recruit for the Crows. But none of these children would make the training - except maybe one.