Well, I'm getting to the point where my confidence is running thin, so I thought I'd post this before I chicken out or mess up.

I'm trying to teach myself to draw properly... So, still kinda new at all of this.

Anyhow, this was a part of a story that I never even got as far as writing much of. So here's a little flavour text...

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The footsteps paused. Of course he had seen it, against the dark, tamped down earth, it would have been clear as day. Poisoning had been in vogue lately with those who protested a little more violently than their silent kin. It was a gamble, make the scene obviously an attempt at poisoning, hope the guard wasn't smart enough to suspect an ambush instead.

Civil unrest had caused no small level of resentment from the imperial forces. After all, were they not there to protect the citizens? But it was still only unrest... There were nightly scuffles, no one would question if one of these was apparently won by the other side... So long as no one was killed.

Murdering an imperial soldier was a capital offence, as was baring a sword against one, or indeed owning or even providing a weapon to a suspected enemy of the ruling state. If Lao used his sword here, it would provide an excuse to punish every blacksmith in the city and would no doubt reveal those who were actually supplying weapons. No, this had to look... primitive.

The original plan had flopped. Hula Su hadn't managed to cause enough of a distraction and the guard was back on patrol. Out after curfew, armed and quite obviously attempting to leave the city, if he was caught, Lao would be in... Well, deeper trouble than normal.

"Please don't be wearing a helmet." Lao thought to himself, stilling his breath, allowing his improvised weapon a little more slack for a more powerful swing. If the guard wasn't wearing a helmet, a single, swift blow would leave him injured, hopefully unconscious, but alive. There wouldn't be much more in the way of reprocussions against the citizens.

If he was wearing a helmet? Well, then the rock would just as easily pull the cord around his neck instead. Strangulation would involve a scuffle and leave the young man dead, not a favourable outcome for either party.

He would have to react soon, even if it was to simply come and kick over the teapot.

The footsteps drew closer.