The Merchant's Daughter (S:ARG RP) - Traditional Fantasy IC

[Azseth]

There were several other interviews that occurred but none yielded any prospects and when the next THUMP THUMP sounded, one of the guards at the door poked in his head and said, "Sir, there are no more people to be received."

"Thank you," Marcurio said and sat down, all three looking at one another for a few moments. "How do you all feel about this group?" There was a tone to his voice and look on his face that indicated he was worried. This wasn't some issue of money or pride, or some trade issue. This was Marcurio's daughter.

"Well aside from me going myself Marcurio, I cannot be sure. But this group, despite their…issues. They're professionals. I am more confident than if the city sent soldiers that they will get results." Ateo nodded, speaking truly to the merchant. He also didn't want to say that they would find Dahla, alive OR dead. It wasn't what Marcurio needed to hear, although Ateo knew that it was known to the merchant that it was a possible outcome.

Marcurio looked at Ateo in thought for a few moments, nodding. "Indeed. I will think on what you said. Traynt?"

The priest adjusted in his seat, his brow furrowed in thought for several moments. Finally, he spoke up "I am maybe not AS comfortable as Ateo, but I am comfortable. The group is large and diverse so if a few of the…less desirable individuals do not complete the task, I feel comfortable that the others will."

"I trust you both, more than I trust myself. If it were up to me, nothing short of a group of Ascended would suffice." Ateo snorted slightly at the comment, but it wasn't audible to anyone else in the room. "Thank you all for everything. Your support, your council. I cannot thank you enough. For what you've done, and is still to be done."

Ateo started to look at Marcurio curiously. Something about him was aloof, despite all the obvious stresses and pressures. It was making Ateo slightly uncomfortable. Marcurio spoke up again and said "let us go meet out group of heroes, give them a quick talk and send them on their way then. Gentlemen." He stood up and the others quickly followed. Ateo felt more at ease now than before, his usual humble look and feel could be felt. Despite his abilities, job and his past, he was not very intimidating. Everything about Ateo, at least outwardly was plain and nondesript.

He opened the door for Marcurio and Traynt and followed, just settling off to the side, absentmindedly looking over the group, not really judging them or studying them. That time had past. Marcurio cleared his throat and waited a few moments for whatever conversations were going on to finish, or at least be put on hold. When all eyes were on him, save for perhaps Benjamin's, he spoke up.

"Ladies and gentlemen. I will try to make this short as you should all be on your way sooner than later. I am Marcurio Deltran, I am no mere coinsman. I apologize for the minor deception, but if it makes you feel any better, I did indeed start as a coinsman. And I've digressed."

He looked down at the ground for a moment and gathered his thoughts before speaking again. "Thank you. Thank you all for this. I do not care why you are here or what your agenda is. I care about my daughter. I have faith that this group has everything required to bring her home to me and my family. Now. Payment. I instructed you that payment was 150 gold coins for this. Consider this," at that point, Marcurio reached into a pouch that was no larger than two of his fists and began producing coin pouches, tossing them on the table before him. The amount of bags he produced was more than what should have fit in the pouch by any means, and anyone with any magical sense would know that the pouch was enchanted. "A down payment for services rendered. Do with it what you will. Some of you have expressed disinterest in the money, but I am morally and ethically required to first give over this gold to you. If you'd like, pick it up and give it back. Let me know any cause you see fit. Otherwise, I am going to donate to the local orphanage. They are still swimming in orphans from the incident years ago and could use any donations we could give them. Grab the bags at the completion of my speech and let me know."

"Next. I'm going to provide several things. First, horses. See the stable master at the gate and let him know you are in my service and he'll give you a choice of horse. Please choose accordingly. Price is not a concern, performance is. Next. Take 4 to 5 hours of time and do with it what you will. Buy supplies. Rest if needed. Gather information. But be at the gate in no more than 5 hours. Oh, and. Pay. There will be more pay handed out at the end of this. But this will be discussed later based on results and information after the fact."

"And I apologize. Some of you were introduced and some weren't. This is Traynt, servent of Hothradak, my most trusted advisor. I requested an advisor from the Temple and since then, we've been enjoying each other's company and advice since then."

He looked over at Traynt who nodded to the group, looking at each in turn. His visage was warm and observant, as if he was studying each person now, more than before, but not judging them.

"And then, Ateo. My security chief. Ateo has been in my service for countless years now and both he and Traynt are family to us now. Ateo is very capable and very business orientated. In fact, he'd rather pick up his employer and throw him in a room and lock him up, and tell him to fire him after, than to let that employer put them in harms way." Some of the party nodded and studied Ateo, who blankly stared at the table of money pouches with obvious disinterest, as if all of this meant nothing to him.

And, it didn't. His job was here, so while he loved Dahla and hoped this group did their job, HIS job was here. His job was Marcurio and his family and keeping them safe here.

"I know some of you and Ateo were at slight disagreement earlier, but I ask you to put that aside and know that over my years in his company, I know that everything Ateo has done, he has done for a reason. And sometimes, I may see it later, or sometimes not at all. But everything he does and says, I take heed and consider it above reproach. So please keep this in mind."

Ateo shifted back and forth, getting impatient and looking at the large boars head that was mounted on the wall. He wished Marcurio would just apologize for Ateo's earlier outbursts and be done, but he DID recognize that the reason that he stated this was because he was thanking Ateo indirectly. Ateo's outbursts, mainly at the drow, took everyone by surprise, especially Marcurio who knew Ateo to always be free of prejudice.

After, when all was said and done, Marcurio realized it was all a ploy and test. Yesterday, if a drow had walked into the door, or maybe a large and dangerous looking ork, Marcurio would have sent them packing. Ateo smiled inwardly. The merchant was a good man, and the fact that he was acknowledging this didn't surprise him.

What Marcurio said next DID surprise him, although in hindsight, he should have seen it coming. "And that is why I am sending Ateo with you." Ateo's focus snapped back into the room and his gaze locked with Marcurio.

"Sir, I cannot, I have my obligations here."

"You can. And you will. Your two lieutenants are more than capable of watching us. You know that. You picked them and trained them for a reason. That reason was in case you were ever away from your duties. And your obligation is not to protect me. It's to protect the Deltran family. And our family needs your help, just not here, not in the city walls. I do not want you to find Dahla. I need you to. While I'm asking you, and hoping you say yes, I am also commanding you."

Ateo was stunned. He was honored, but taken aback at the same time. He wish he'd have been more prepared and had time to go over notes and plans with the two lieutenants. But really, he was nervous. He was not an adventurer and longer and he hadn't killed anyone since The Riots.

"Very well. I will need time to prepare. I'll meet at the gates. Please excuse me."

He turned towards the door and stopped suddenly. He turned and looked at Fitch. "We need to talk. Right now."

He moved out into the common room and Fitch snorted and stepped off, "excuse me sirs."
(edit below)
Ateo couldn't help but feel eyes on him and he stopped and looked over at the mute, Serenity. Their eyes met for a split second and her mouth moved, quietly whispering the words, "I see death." Her lips hadn't even stopped moving before she seemed to almost lose consciousness and fall. Benjamin hurried to catch Serenity and held her in his arms. She looked around in confusion "Did I really speak?" she tried to speak again, but she could not, it did not matter how much she tried. Noticing the stares she got from the others she stood up with Benjamin’s help and signed "I'm...ok", a blush spreading on her cheeks and waved her hand to Ateo and Fitch, mentioning for them to go on about their business again.

At the motion of the girl, they stepped off and as the two closed the door behind them, leaving many looked confused at both the exchange, and also Serenity's episode. Marcurio and Traynt were among those. However, Marcurio recovered quickly and finished. "I have nothing else. Grab your gold, be on your way and use your time wisely. Feel free to use the door," Marcurio motioned to the door that was behind them. The door was NOT there moments before, and again this implied that there was a LOT more to Marcurio than one would gather initially, "behind you and if you have anything for me, let me know."

[Zhaliora]

Liandra was content with her thoughts, as melancholic as they were, while the others continue to talk, eat and sow the seeds for future rivalries, it was all rather mundane for the aloof individual that she was currently portraying, although that didn't take too much effort. Objectively she noted to herself that she should probably eat something, although she was a little too withdrawn from herself to truly feel hunger at the present moment, she didn't want to forget like she had occasionally done since losing her purpose. Once more the whispering of priests and scripture plagued here, she did little to attempt to control them, she would save her willpower for later.

She was pulled out of her musing by the presence of touch upon her shoulder, something that, if she had not the control she did have over her physical form she would have practically jumped out of her skin, instead her eyes immediately snapped to the woman before her, immediately taking in the relevant details; young adult, unusual hair color, lightly armoured, not a threat, but likely dangerous. All in the briefest of seconds, she took this in, before the mask of a personality descended over Liandra. Her memory informed her the girl was a mute, even if she hadn't been paying exact attention, Liandra was able to recall general details, her thoughts may have been elsewhere but her senses weren't. With that, she smiled slightly, ideally giving off the impression of a detached, but none the less friendly, individual, before she began to speak, at first she considered common sign language, but she wasn't really sure if the young woman before her would appreciate it, so she slipped into common, almost forgetting not to use her native language.

"Greetings there, startled me slightly, sorry if I didn't say hello earlier, I needed to contemplate a few things, rather than socialize," she spoke softly, as if to not to draw too much attention to them, her accent was still clear, it gave her a decent cover for why she still bore the sigil of Kiros upon her gear and weaponry, much better to be seen as a devout foreigner than a well traveled church agent.

"You looked so lonely standing here by the window, like you were lost on what do to in life" Serenity signed to the woman. She met the woman's eyes, wondering if she was a bother and if the woman in front of her could understand the sign language.
"What should I do if she can't understand me?" her face shifting into one of anxiety. "The code forbids me from any other form of communication but signing and I can't find any pens nor paper around here. But I just can't leave her here alone; I want to find out why she looks so lost."
She dismissed her thoughts and continued, praying that the woman might understand her. "I am Serenity, what is your name?" she asked.

Even through sign language, Serenity's 'words' seemed to have bored right to the heart of matters, it worried Liandra that she had been so easy to read, nearly breaking the slight façade she had put on, although she barely delayed at all in replying, it felt like much longer to her, so caught was she by the moment.

"Liandra D'vani is how I am known, I'm not lost per say, I was just taking a reprieve, I did not want to become involved in conflict with the rest of the party before we have even left the tavern, I did not feel my contribution would have eased matters," she replied, honestly to a point, even if it was a secondary reason.

"You have a caring soul, particularly as you did not know I could even understand you, a rare trait in a mercenary no?"

"It is better to be brothers and sisters in a venture then enemies who only wait to back-stab each other" Serenity responded. "So it is always a good idea to show interest in your companions." Serenity's eyes started turning a little spectral, peering into Liandra. Her mouth suddenly started forming the words "But in my eyes, you look vacant and lost, not just taking a reprieve and resting after a journey." Serenity put her hand on Liandra's cheek "You look hollow, a purpose forgotten or perhaps abandoned" then shifted her right hand from Liandra's cheek to her heat and her left hand on her own. "I hope that you find your purpose in life again, it saddens me to see you so lost, so, void." Serenity started to panic "Why did my eyes shift!? Why could I not stop the words from forming!? Why could I not stop my body from moving!?" she quickly moved her hands to her temples, shut her eyes hard and started shaking her head. "Please return to normal, I don't want to see any more." Serenity started backing away from Liandra and a faint glow could be seen from Serenity’s closed eyes. When Ateo and the others arrived into the room and had finished speaking, she unwillingly opened her eyes and looked directly into Ateo’s eyes.

From her mouth, the words "I see death" could be heard before she collapsed. Benjamin hurried to catch Serenity as she fell and held her in his arms. She looked around in confusion, her eyes had also returned to normal, not giving of a glowing light any more. "Did I really speak?" she tried to speak again, but she could not, it did not matter how much she tried. Noticing the stares she got from the others she stood up with Benjamin’s help and signed "I'm...ok", a blush spreading on her cheeks and waved her hand to Ateo and Fitch, mentioning for them to go on about their business again.

[Hymusia]

Cassandra

The world was filled with those who did not listen and so be it come the time of their judgement from the goddess. Still it was not for Cassandra to be the judge of and thus she left the insults well enough alone. They rolled off her straight back posture like water off a ducks back and even though her figure retreated as Serenity pulled away to go peruse the company of others, she did not appear to be retreating.

Truly she was not here to make friends but to bring back a girl at the behest of a friend, Ateo had not sought her out since the outlander invasion and so when he had sent word to her asking for her by name she was honour and pride bound to oblige the man. It just seemed a shame that they would not be a group as before, the people here were of course not joining for the noble cause of saving the land but for the money offered to rescue a girl, had things changed so drastically in the long winter that people had forgotten the general sense of comradeship and fellowship which had so earnestly been shown. Perhaps though the error lay within herself, expecting these people to act like knights and hero's, just a glance around the room spoke the story behind these people and she ought not to hold them so high to her own standards.

With a lesson well learned she had returned to sitting, legs crossed and swords across her lap, her elbows upon her thighs and her fingers intricately knotted, little finger to middle were folded inward flush against one another. While the index's pointed floor-ward and her thumbs towards the ceiling a common sight for the sisterhood when their sisters were praying or meditating. Amethyst eyes slipped shut and the room's noise and clutter was allowed to wash over her unnoticed for the most part.

She was uncertain how long she was left sitting but the voice of Ateo had shook her from her meditation, the soft spoken merchant was busy explaining things as her eyes flickered open, Ateo was to travel with them. It gave her some small measure of comfort to know as much but as with all emotion it failed to register in her face. Rolling stiff shoulders she moved to stand as Marcurio finished up his speech and set them free for the next five hours. Ateo left and Cassandra had thought to go with him until he heard one of the party members name's called out. It seemed as if a private matter was to follow and so Cassandra chose not to follow.

As Ateo turned his back though Serenity gave out a scream, breaking her code of silence and speaking. A few words were uttered and the woman seemed to keel over faint, Cassandra was already crossing the room when another, the very one who had mocked her, caught her sister and set her back on her feet. For the most part Serenity seemed relatively unphased by what had happened and her own outburst and so Cassandra did not consider it a priority. Reek of death? It was not a surprise, the outlanders invasion had been a bloody massacre and yet somehow she was almost certain that her sister did not mean just that. Questions had burdened themselves upon Cassandra's shoulders but she could not seek them now. Serenity had chosen to walk away from Cass at the end of their conversation when Cass had shown care and concern to her fellow sister. Now she had started conversations with others and to interrupt would be a rudeness unbecoming of her, it could wait. Nemesis taught that all truths revealed themselves in time and no blade nor bow, spell nor ascended could make it appear any faster. Patience was the key to all victories and Cassandra had plenty.

Approaching the table she handed one pouch of coins to Marcurio, “To the orphanage of which you spoke.” She said no more but gave a polite half bow before sliding out of the room from the door that had appeared rather suspiciously. She asked no questions on it mind, for many things in this world were both unfathomable and better left unexplained.

Out in the street she returned to her horse, slackening off the reigns that held it upright, she noticed one of it's buckles loosened and glanced behind to notice a lone shoe laying sideways upon the ground. No doubt the owner of said shoe kicked clean out of it when the horse took a certain dislike to being touched. Her steed was no dainty pony nor was it meant to be. It was a draft horse, muscle and stature to carry a full grown adult and their armour and weapons into battle. A sturdy back and broad solid shoulders with rippling muscles for it's legs, she caressed the creatures thick neck and began to lead it towards the stables of which the 'Merchant' had spoken. “Let us at least get you some new shoes my friend but there is no steed for me aside from you.” Warm words against the horses neck, a rider and a horse were like a person and their weapon in her eyes. The more you worked together the closer you became until you were thinking the same thoughts, becoming one and such would reflect in her skills later.

The stable master was a friendly enough chap for his profession, he complimented the health of the horse and gave it a thorough once over to check that he was alright for riding long distances. The shoes were still in good condition but were replaced regardless and the saddle and tackle were checked and replaced where needed. During the whole examination Cass held him still and once done the man was tipped with Marcurio's name before Cassandra asked for nose bags and a sack or two of the best horse grains. With these strapped into place upon the saddle the whole rig was taken off and the horse was granted some reprieve in the stable with the strict instruction not to touch his flanks or side until she returned.

Back into the light the woman took a moment to stretch her limbs and breath in the fresh air, today would have been such a nice day to relax and go over stories of old, to worship the goddess. However life was not so kind as to grant her time to relax, with the time she had left there really was only one thing for her to do. After speaking with the stable master she had learned of a quiet glade not too far behind the stables, it had used to be a field for tilling but the crops were being grown in the adjacent field this year instead. Apparently the irrigation was better there, not that Cass was a field worker and able to tell the difference herself.

It was though a clear space, quiet and free of distraction and there were no villagers nearby to ask unnecessary questions. It was here she loosed her weapons, each being propped upright by a few carefully positioned logs. Centring her balance she bought her legs flush together and closed her eyes, her hands once more assuming the meditation position, to train and become one with her sword was her goal and such could not be achieved if she still held onto the negativity from earlier. Quietly it slipped away with the wind's gentle breeze and she felt the tension in her muscles leave as well.

Without warning her stillness was broken as she spun and drew the swords, aiming the tip where her back had been but moments before. Light on her sandled feet she disturbed little of the dirt beneath her as she spun the blades and her body in a dance drilled into her since she could walk. The movements were fluid and her blades glinted in the light but her eyes had yet to open. The blades travelled around her head and shoulders in a manner more akin to

than fighting, in fact the unobservant sword user would likely think little of the display while the masters were more likely to sit and grin. Each movement had purpose and meaning and while strung together in the moves of a dance the expert would pick out the blocks, attacks, parrys and thrusts that were strung into the steps that took both agility and strength to successfully pull off.

At the end her swords were steady, their blades unwavering, her wrists solid to the pose she kept for a long beat. Finally though the purple eyes were greeted with sunlight once again. Now for some real training...

Vel.

Glancing briefly across the room as a shout went up from the assumed mute girl she rolled her eyes. “Dramatic little girl.” What else would people here smell of? These were not your baker's , butchers and candlestick makers they were men and women of steel and combat. Smell of death indeed! She watched Ben rush to the woman's side to catch her and smirked faintly, how sweet and chivalrous, certainly not as she had expected and while amused she found herself slightly disappointed. Human girls were so delicate and pretty, most species flocked to catch the fainting darlings but doubtful would it be any species that caught a drow. Mind you that might be the fear of losing your head, either one, or your hands for touching a female...

Still a bit of competition for the only interesting human male in the room, aside Ateo, was fun. Slitting Serenity's throat in her sleep would be her reward if she got in the way too much, Ben had been claimed after all. “Would you look at that, my pet is sniffing around another woman already. I'm...almost offended.” A hand on her heart and the other with it's back to her forehead before she chuckled and turned to De'Myr and Zakein her back to the room. “Lets go get shit faced, I'm too sober for this.” Eloquent and lady like as usual.

All those money pouches, it was the first thing that popped into the little drow's head after hand after hand of pouches were dropped onto the desk. She could kill everyone here and take all the pouches for herself. Then again, she had contracts with at least two others and one was serving as amusement to pass the time. A small pout formed on her lips, she'd have to settle for one measly pouch for the time being, her code did dictate she couldn't betray the man she had a contract with. Of course taking more than her fair share wasn't quite breaking terms. She missed or chose to ignore the indignant Ateo as he was recruited right up along side them and further missed any other crap that was spoken about.

After the first money pouch was taken AND HANDED BACK! To her unparalleled astonishment, which registered on her face like a slap with a wet fish. She sidled up to the table, taking one and stuffing it in her corset. The orphan's would be fine without her money and it seemed the sad story for the reason why they were orphan's by passed what Vel called a heart completely. She was utterly unmoved and proved as much when cold eyes fell on Marcurio and she held out her hand. “Food money and contract please, as per the spoken agreement in the room.” Utterly without remorse or reason the Drow even tilted her head a little as there was a pause between her request and the delivery of said goods. “I thank you.”

With that she was about to exit the building and peruse her usual pre-adventure hobby -drinking until everyone looked the same colour- when she caught sight of De'Myr. Ah yes, her charge, the second contract which was nestled in her bosom which bound her to De'Myr's side until the end of their little adventure. Well that sucked quite mightily and with much vaccum but a job was a job a contract a contract. Turning from the exit she crossed the room back to the other pair of Drow and offered a small bow. “M'lady if you would care to collect your coins and then we can be on our way to that fine bottle of black wine I spoke of earlier and of course any shopping you require.”

Guard duty was not new to her but it was her least favoured form of work, tied to another person could be horrendously boring and it felt all a little too confined for the free spirited Drow. Not that she would consider backing out of it, the 'any price you name' was a little too tempting to simply quit before it began. Further the sun was still up and Vel absolutely hated horses and they hated her they were evil son's of a bitches. Dangerous on both ends and crafty in the middle, it summed them up absolutely perfectly, she'd never trust one. Plus they liked apples too. Food could be procured at some point and in all honesty she really didn't intend to buy food in this little town anyway. They didn't cater to her tastes...minus apples of course.

[Dark Project]

After Alaron downed a few more swigs of rum the door from which he entered swung open, revealing Traynt, Ateo, and the coinsman. Alaron turned and gave his attention to the men. He was anxious to get things underway and hoped the men were there to send the group on their way.

His wish was granted. The coinsman, who revealed that he had in fact been the Lord Deltran all this time, told the group that they were to set out soon and were to meet at the stables in about 4 or 5 hours. This irritated Alaron for but a brief moment. He really was becoming impatient. However, once Lord Deltran began to produce a number of coin purses as an advanced payment to the group, Alaron couldn't help but let out a small grin. He knew a good way he could put that coin to use passing the time till they set out for the stables. Lord Deltran then took a moment to re-introduce his companions Ateo and Traynt.

"I know some of you and Ateo were at slight disagreement earlier, but I ask you to put that aside and know that over my years in his company, I know that everything Ateo has done, he has done for a reason."
"He started it." Alaron said quietly under his breath.

"And that is why I am sending Ateo with you." Alaron shut his eyes quickly and tilted his head back in disbelief. He didn't like the idea of Ateo hounding over him throughout the course of this quest. His plan was to pocket anything he could during the adventure. With the inclusion of Ateo to the group, he had a sinking feeling it was going to be a bit more difficult now.

Deltran finished his speech and motioned them to a door behind them that had not been there previously. "That's a neat trick." Shortly after the speech had concluded Alaron began to approach the table that held his advance payment. During his walk he heard a small voice. "I see death." Alaron turned his hood and saw that Serenity was now in the arms of Benjamin. So much for the whole mute thing. Once Serenity was back on her feet Fitch and Ateo had moved away from the group to discuss something in private. Alaron secretly hoped Fitch might kill Ateo during their conversation so they'd all be rid of him for the quest.

Without further delay Alaron approached the table and took his gold with a quick "Thanks" to Lord Deltran. He exited through the door Lord Deltran had revealed and made his way outside. The meeting had taken place beyond the more central and crowded parts of Arbich. Had there been more people walking the streets, Alaron may have tried his luck at a bit of pickpocketing. But things were just far too open for him to even attempt it, instead he made his way inside the first pub he saw, tossing his cigar as he approached the door.

'The Alken Drum' Alaron stepped inside and immediately picked up on the heavy smell of tobacco and alcohol. He took in a long breath of relief and made his way through the crowd of drunks up to the counter. The pub was a hornet's nest of activity. He heard the shouts of both men and women, both angry and happy. Slurred sentences and the occasional jeers of happiness made for an earful. The chiming of glasses sounded out in beat to the fiddle, flute, lute, and skinned drum of a small group that was playing a tune. Alaron felt right at home in the mess of drunks. It reminded him of being below deck back on his father's ship when the crew had down time. He ordered a bottle of rum and quickly drank half the bottle before talking a break. Spinning around from the counter he quietly watched the activity going on in the pub. Some men were dancing a jig, others sounded like they were moments away from crashing their glasses over each others head. The rest were either exclaiming their love for one another or looked ready to pass out on the floor.

Alaron quickly downed the remaining half of his bottle of rum, slamming it down on the counter once he was finished. He could feel the burn of the alcohol throughout his face. A warm feeling began to move up his body that started in the soles of his feet. "I'm feelin' it." he said aloud to nobody in particular. He motioned for the bartender to hand him another bottle, quickly opening it and taking a few more large sips. Before long the warm feeling had enveloped his whole body and he was on his third bottle. The pub began to sing in tune with the group of musicians. They were playing the song of Charlie Mops, an old classic that Alaron knew off by heart. He began to pound the bar counter with his free hand in tune with the music.

"A long time ago! Way back in history! When all there was to drink was nothing but cups of tea! Along came a man by the name of Charlie Mops! And he invented a wonderful drink and he made it out of hops!"

"HEY!" Alaron called out with the rest of the pub.

As the song continued Alaron drank more. Singing the chorus along with the pub and beating the counter along with the tempo of the song. He decided he'd step in and sing one of the verses for the patrons.

"A barrel of malt, a bushel of hops, you stir it round' with your stick. The kind of lubrication, that makes yer' engines tick. Forty pints of wallop a day will keep away the quacks. It's only eight bronze ha'penny, and one and six in tax."

The song went on. Alaron chiming in during certain verses and drinking his rum while others took the floor. As the rum kept flowing, Alaron kept singing and smoking. He could feel the tips of his fingers numbing up and he was losing his balance. He stumbled around the bar leaning on the shoulders of strangers singing joyously with everyone. For the time being, Alaron didn't have a care in the world. No a thought was given to his overdue rent, the quest, the lost girl, or his health. He had 4 hours and 40 minutes to kill, and he intended to 'live it up' while he had the chance.

[Azseth]

Ateo and Fitch

Ateo and Fitch stepped back to the area where interviews were conducted moments before, closing the door behind them. Immediately he put up a very basic, and very absolute, anti-magic shield. “Put up your globe of silence Fitch,” said Ateo as he stepped back a few feet and turned to face the eerkro. For a moment, Fitch debated protesting but then thought better of it as it was too early into this foray to go starting fights with anyone in the party, let alone Ateo. “What do you know?”

“In regards to what you want to keep hidden, I am pretty sure I know most everything, God Breaker.” Although it was spoken about rarely, and believed even less, people may have heard the story of the God Breaker, a mortal man who killed, depending on the story, one to 4 Ascended. Most dismissed this due to the different stories, lack of proof and the fact that it was ludicrous to think an Ascended could be killed, let alone at the hands of a mortal. Some say it was for love, some for power, some stories say it was out of madness, but all stories say he killed one of the Ascended at least. No doubt anyone hearing this story, and hearing Fitch use that term would be very curious indeed...

“If you call me that once more, one of us will not be going out in search of the merchant’s daughter.”

“You do not scare me, Ateo. You may kill me, who knows, but do not threaten me with violence or death.”

The two stood, staring each other down—Ateo up at the tall eerkro, the other glaring down at the man.

“If you know anything of me, as you claim, you will know that I am not threatening you. I’m guaran-fucking-teeing you that the moment that title comes from your mouth again, it will be the last time. How do you know about…that?”

“You speak to me as if I am an enemy Ateo. Understand this. I know. Go’Shirik knows. Yet still, I have no qualms with you. Some out there, if they found out anything of you, they may try to kill you or sell you out for personal wealth. You have killed Ascended and they are immortal, many still seek you out. You will die before they will, and they have much more to offer for information than you have to offer for silence. But Go’Shirik has never been like most Ascended. He doesn’t squabble for power. He will not sell out mortals, his own especially, for the slightest bit of power or exposure. To be honest, Go’Shirik has known you were here for some time. He was amazed at your ability to hide in plain sight as you have.”

Finally the two relaxed some, Ateo sitting on the table and Fitch putting his hands on the back of another as the two continued. “Why wouldn’t you or your god use this information? What is the point you’re trying to make? If this is some mission to get me to work some job for Go’Shirik, you can tell him to come down here and ask me to my face, so I can tell him to jog on.”

“The point HE is trying to make is that not all Ascended are power mongers. Some of them care much for their position and the power they have over mortals. That charge is sacred to them. Most people, they do not see the true nature of the Ascended. Most do not even know they can be killed here. Anyway, there is no point. Go’Shirik is different, he trusts his Champions. His knowledge, in this case your past, is a blessing, a boon. It is between him and I. What you heard is no more than anyone else will here, you have my word and that of Go’Shirik. And not everyone is upset at the slaying of two Ascended, particularly the two that you cut down.” Fitch spoke and he was not spiteful, if anything he seemed more humble and toned down than Ateo would have anticipated.

“Do not ever, ever talk to me or anyone about any of this again. Despite my better judgment, I’ll trust you…two.” He had heard of Go’Shirik and while he hadn’t heard much good of him or his followers, he hadn’t heard anything bad. And he had spent time looking for the bad on Ascended in general. He did find that many other Ascended and their Champions did not hold them in high regards, so that was good, at least for Ateo.

He could always kill Fitch and find somewhere else. All over again…

“I’m going to pack. Thank you for your time,” Ateo said, without as much anger as he’d have thought he’d have had at this point. “If anyone asks, God Breaker came about because I was in my cups heavily and cursed an old priest’s god and he put me on my ass in front of the tavern.”

“I have a question for you then. Not for Go’Shirik, but myself.” Ateo’s only indication that he’d entertain the question was that he stopped at the door. “How do you stay hidden from them?”

“It’s rather simple. You know how it works, they needs us. We’re eyes and ears. The thing is, despite what they want us to think, we do not need them. At all. But they do not want us to know that. They want us to think the wind will stop, the rain will cease to fall and the animals will all die without them. But having the ability to influence the rain doesn’t mean it will never fall WITHOUT that influence. Without their hands moving things, things will just move themselves.”

“I do not quite get it.”

“They see and hear what we allow them too. They cannot see me or hear me because I do not let them. I don’t worship them. I don’t cry out to them. I don’t beg favors or lend them praise. I sure as hell do not fear them. I spent years learning how to be invisible to them, even as I walk amidst their own people. Every day. I spent years learning how to kill not only without depending on them, but in spite of people like you having their aid, in spite of you finding comfort in the light of the Ascended shining over you. Anyway, your god, Go’Shirik. He knows about me. So I’d have to kill you and him to avoid anyone else knowing. So unless he decided to sell me out, which he hasn’t so far, then the three of us are the only ones who know anything. I’d like to keep it that way.”

As Ateo opened the door, Fitch started to understand slightly, but the concept was very strange, almost unthinkable to him. As Ateo said, mortals were taught that without the Ascended, it was chaos and nothing. Plagues and famines and droughts. Fitch pondered on that for a moment. No, it wasn’t taught. It was…ingrained? Implied? Never in his life had anyone TAUGHT him that, it was just what Fitch believed.

“Or. Maybe I can go ahead and make it so only one person knows,” Ateo said with a chuckle as he stepped out the door and past the guards.

[Irell Starling]

The elf maiden took the bag of coins offered by Marcurio and paused. She very much wanted to donate the money to some charity but she also needed supplies and a few basic gear upgrades. Xerus appeared then on cue and scampered up her back and down her arm to grab himself a bag of his own. The site brought a smile to her eyes as she watched him wrap his tiny arms around the pouch and try to carry the object that had to weigh several times more than him. “Do we really need all this gold?” Epi said easily plucking the bag from his grasp. ”Shouldn’t we at least donate one of our bags.” the Rataskor eyed her incredulously, ”You may do with your money whatever you wish but if you give away even a cent away of yours, do not expect a cent of mine!”

Epi gasped at Xerus’s selfishness but he just continued on. ”Have you learned nothing all this time in of travel’s together? What is rule number one” She mumbled something but Xerus stamped and made her repeat her words louder. ”You can’t help others if you can’t help yourself.” she said, flushing. ”Exactly.” With an air of someone who was used to always getting their way, Xerus sauntered over to his bag, Epi was holding and with a snip of his teeth cut the strings causing the bag to fall into the shoulder satchel down below. ”You of course, have free will and do what you like. Let the thoughts of smiling orphans warm your feet and heal your wounds. I prefer blankets and medicine myself.” With that the Ratatskr scampered back into his pouch to count his newly acquired gold.

Her gold bag, in her other hand, felt heavy. They could do with a good blanket. The threadbare one in current use should have been put out to pasture a while back. ”Thank you,” she said after a few more minutes of silence and took the bag with her as she headed out the back way. Maybe if she had any left over, she could donate the rest. Stepping out into the sun, she allowed her eyes to adjust and take in the fresh air. Even sitting next to the window, she had felt cramped and a little trapped. ”Four hours,” she mused to herself, ”that isn’t much time. I should buy food and replace some of our traveling supplies... besides that blanket. Maybe I’ll have enough to buy a decent sleeping roll. Maybe a few extra strings for my bow. They just don’t make them like they do in my village- too flimsy as if they want them to break quickly…”

[Terminal]

Temer gingerly accepted his own bag of coin in his stained and gauntleted hands. "Eesh, I didn't think you were entirely serious about the pay. This is more gold than I've ever had in my life before now, I think." He said, jingling the bag and listening to the noise of the coins within clinking together. "This is enough coin to inter a small village and give each person a professional service. I, uh, appreciate the offer of donating this, but I do need to eat...I don't suppose any of these orphans need burials?"

Marcurio looked at the man, taken aback by his statement and very unsure on how exactly the comment was meant. After a moment of staring somewhat blankly, he simply replied "I, uh. You'd have to check with the orphanage to see if they need...well, anything like...that." A moment later, Fitch came out and glanced around, noting a few individuals were gone or in the process of leaving.

"Sir Deltran, please just give my rewards, now and after this is complete, to the Temple as we discussed," Fitch stated, his voice a low rumble. He gave a slight nod and made his way back to the table to start eating again.

At this point, Benjamin moved back up to the table and grabbed his own pouch, bouncing it around from one hand to the other several times, saying to the merchant "thank you kindly sir. I'll make sure some use comes of this, be it good, bad or in utter depravity."

"Oh hey, ha, I almost forgot!" Temer said, bringing the palm of his left gauntlet up to smack the side of his head. "You and Nazgrul, you were the ones who tried to break up the fight earlier. I know we only have four hours, but if you ain't too hurried to be depraved I was wonderin' if you and I could have a word in private?" Benjamin looked over at the Morificator as he addressed him and took a moment to take in his words. Truth be told he had nothing to do and while he had nothing against the man, the simple condition of his armor didn't sit well with him. Despite that however, he nodded and said "that will not be an issue. I've got nothing to do, and over four hours to do it. Did you have any place in mind?" Per usual, his eyes were vaguely in the direction of Temer as he spoke, but in some odd way, his face and body language "addressed" Temer while his eyes stayed elsewhere.

"Eh, well I don't really know the place. I just came into town a few hours ago, really. I don't suppose there was any place you had in mind?" Temer kept moving and ducking his head in an attempt to get his glass eyes to line up with Benjamin's for several moments before he figured out what it was the man was doing, and finally settled on staring in an unsettling manner at the swordman's mouth. Benjamin hardly noticed as that peculiarness (is that right?) was something he had become desensitized to over the years, so he just continued on.

"Depends on how private you want. Sometimes, I find the best privacy is to be had in a tavern, with drinks flowing, people yelling and everything beyond you drowned out in the chaos. But, sometimes a place more in line with the definition of 'private' is necessary. Either way, I can find a place, so let me know your preference. All I have to do before leaving is check out of my room and grab my pack that is there. And I apologize, your name again, it was Temer, yes?"

"That is indeed my name - I think I caught yours during that grand introduction of yours. Sharp tongue you have there...Benjamin, wasn't it? And either works. I sort of wanted to discuss that Drow in particular, and I don't much care if anyone listens in on us so long as it's not her. No point in sneaking around like grave rats."

"Sharp indeed. A man once called me a smart ass. The retort I had was that, 'well, it is better to be a smart ass than a dumb ass.' He was a bit miffed at that, but he probably had it coming in one form or the next. Benjamin is indeed my name. Well let us be on our way. I prefer more exotic drink than served here, and while a drow would be something that would actually suit my tastes, you seem to be wanting some distance, and that is appreciated." Benjamin turned and looked towards the door, finding it strange that it wasn't there and no one seemed to dispell whatever magic cloaked it before, what with everyone casting this spell, that spell and whatever else suited them. It was odd that such a simple illusionary spell would be such a high level that it would have evade those various magics, but, merchants were resourceful and while it may not be Marcurio who cast the spell, he could definitely afford to pay someone who could.

He glanced around one last time, if that was what you could call what Benjamin did when looking or scanning, and then he took a step towards the door.

"An ass, whether smart or dumb, is still sterile." Temer replied, his teeth seeming to grind together as he smiled brightly. "Lead on, good man. I'll try and make sure the door doesn't hit our asses on the way out."

Benjamin continued on and debating making a remark to Fitch, but with Marcurio and Traynt still present, and the fact that he didn't want to totally ruffle his feathers he decided that the time wasn't ideal. And truth be told he wasn't willing to put himself in a postition where he'd have to worry about actually coming to blows with him. Did he think he could best Fitch in combat? Yes. But regardless of anything, a battle could always be changed by one blow, and Benjamin wasn't willing to play the odds with a man as capable as Fitch.

The two stepped out and Benjamin held the door for Temer to pass, and as the man moved past to exit the tavern, Benjamin asked "So what is on your mind sir?"

"Well, like what I told Nazgrul, I appreciate ya steppin' in to try and resolve the situation when that elven bitch and I were at each others' throats. I'd like to think I'm a reasonable man, but I can get carried away sometimes..." Benjamin nodded and chuckled at that comment. "I'm more for settling disagreements with my fists than with words, just the way I am I suppose. But that aside, everythin' Ateo said when he caught us in the act was right. So I'm going to do my best to not get us all killed, or worse, fired. But the thing is, that Drow, I can tell she doesn't care one damn bit about Ateo, the girl, the job, anything. She's just dragging her dirty linen around and screwing with us for her amusement, and I'm of the opinion she's going to do something idiotic and stupid on account of her bein' an aristocratic underworld tart and then we all get eviscerated and have our corpses stuffed and mounted by a taxidermist. What do you think?"

Benjamin's grin faded more as the man went on and once again his mood was made somber. 'Do not fret, the drinks will be flowing in a few moments,' Ben thought to himself. When Temer had finished his statement and asked the question, Benjamin took a moment to reply, gathering his thoughts. "I do not like Drow in general. From my past experiences, and from everything I've heard, that Drow you described covers damn near any female drow you'll come across. Those that don't fit that stereotype, well, they probably hide it better than most. Now. Ateo." He took a long, deep breath and looked up into the sky, not seeming to stare at anything in particular but more like he was gathering his thoughts again.

"Ateo will keep her in check. But with that said, I'm not very keen on Ateo. We have fought before. Fought together I should say, and he and I know each other to a degree. But, there is something about him. You'll rarely, if ever, hear me say this of someone, but when I saw him fight... Well, the short end of it is that we should have died. We were outnumbered by I don't even know how many. Anyway. Something changed in him, and what I saw in him unsettled me. I don't get unsettled easily mind you. More over, at some point, the Outlanders, they openly fled. Ran from him. I've seen them retreat. I've seen them fall back. I've seen Outlanders gladly fight to the death. But that was the only time I seen them do that. There's something more to him and I don't like it. But. That day he saved my life. And I owe him. And I am here to fulfil that debt. Now, I digressed. But I guess what I'm saying it that, we can kill the drow, but--."

"Whoa, whoa, hold on a minute." Temer said, holding up a gauntleted hand. "I don't mind the prospect of killin' her, but fact of the matter is that Ateo will be on the warpath if he figures that out. I owe him some consideration out of professional damn courtesy and also because he could have ruined my day back there, and should have given that I'm foreign, but he didn't. And YOU also owe him the same consideration if any of what ya just said is true. Killing her is right out unless he says so or unless there's no other option, as much as I hate to say it."

"I owe Ateo no more than what I am here to fulfill," Benjamin said, with the slightest tinge of venom in his words, something very uncharacteristic of him. "I am not his sheep or puppet, I will not kill what he points to and coddle what he says. I'm here to save the girl. I'm not here to save a drow." He took another deep breath and focus on his negative energy, calming it and finding his center. "However, I think it's a moot point. He interviewed her, she is here because he thinks he can control her. And from what I've gathered from people in the city, guards, and even his own soldiers, he has a fondness for this girl. He will get her back, or at least get word of her demise, and a drow isn't going to stop him. Or us." The tavern was off ahead and the sounds of singing and yelling, and that one of a kind tavern smell tickled his nose were all growing stronger, filling their senses. This helped to ease that negative feel he had even more.

"I apologize for my tone moments before, Temer."

"It ain't nothing." Temer said easily. "And I get that everyone here seems to have an inflated opinion of the fellow, but no man is infallible. Just because he interviewed her doesn't mean anything, not one bit when you consider the other members of our merry little crew. It don't change that she's a conniving, backstabbing little shrew - just by merit of existing she's going to sabotage our efforts. And yeah, in the end, she probably won't stop us, but things would still go smoother if she weren't here or if we could be reigned in."

"Well," he said as they stopped 10 feet or so in front of the tavern doors, "I think that there are a few things to consider with this group, and the make up of our endeavor. First, Ateo and Traynt both had to compensate for the fact that Marcurio was probably...biased? If it were up to him, a group of holy paladins would have been the only individuals suitable and capable of going after his precious daughter. So, as most holy paladins have other things to worry about instead of a missing girl, who is most likely dead, those two had to over compensate. Go overboard. More so, they had to put together a group that was so outwardly and obviously capable, that even Marcurio the Merchant couldn't dispute that they would be ok to send out on this journey. So, I think when all was said and done, they knew they had to over-compensate, and by human nature, the more capable the individual, the more strongly they cling to their ideals and principles and, yes, the larger the egos. But I think that those two saw it better to send this group, than a group of 30 or so armed men wanting nothing but money, especially up against goblins and maybe giants from what I hear. Yeah?" At this point, he looked towards the door, his mouth almost watering at the thought of thick, foamy ale and perhaps some roast quail or a skillet of potatoes.

"Capable? If Ateo hadn't come in she'd be gutted and dead on the floor right now. I bet she can't even get dressed by herself in the morning, from the looks of her garb. I'd trust a man who only wanted money more than a drow who only seemed interested in some kind of twisted manipulation fetish. She came in, threw one of the other drow around like a doll, pretty much threatened all of us and had the gall to try and hide it from the very men who employed her."

"If she were left dead on the floor, that would have spoke more to the capability to the group in my eyes. Do you know much about Drow?"

"Not a damn thing, we only have Sky Elves and Fey Lords where I come from. What of them?"

Not able to stop himself any longer, Benjamin took a step towards the tavern doors and opened them, the sounds blasting out like hot air through an open door on a cold night. Once Temer stepped up to move, Benjamin yelled to be heard over the noise. "Drow are not like any other race. They don't think like us and it's difficult for us to fathom how they think. So there's no sense in trying to ponder the hows and the whys and instead just focus on looking at them simply. I don't care why she's here. Any of the 3 to be honest. So long as they can hold their own, not get us killed, we should be fine. Just as likely as you think that drow is to get us in some kind of jam, she is just as capable of getting us out. Truth be told, you are probably just as lucky as she that people interjected. But, may I share a secret with you?" They moved to a table with three tall stools and sat.

"Depends on the kind of secret. There's this story, er, folktale about a guy with a secret back home...I'll tell you about it later if we're on the road and have nothin' else to do. Go ahead though, I doubt we'll be as monumentally unlucky as him."

"Well, it eluded me, you're a foreigner too. So this may also be applicable to you. Drow are not from here. This is not their realm, their gods are not Ascended. So, magic is different here, everything about it. In their arrogance and with their throwing around of their superiority to us, they don't realize it. Mostly until it's too late. And, offhand, you mentioned the drow and the fact that, well, that one 'bitch' as you call her especially, they've not made many friends. When arrows come down, and giants wade at us with goblins to their side. Well. Things happen in combat. I know I'm not risking my neck to save her life, and if there is you on one side and her on the other, each facing impending doom, well, you know which direction I'm heading."

Temer laughed, a long and deep sound with a booming resonance to it. "You know, I knew I would like you the moment you introduced yourself. I shoulda seen that myself...I'm not the keenest mind around. I think I can live with that. And err, when you say 'this realm,' do you mean this continent, this particular region, what? I noticed my own powers went a little wonky a while ago, but that was a few barrows and who knows how many months past. I wasn't exactly keepin' track of where I was until I was well over the border."

"I haven't been off of this continent myself, but by realm I mean this land mass. I am not sure on how Ascended powers work elsewhere, but this is their realm, they're not keen on outsiders and as you've felt, it's different here when you're an outsider." The tavern wench came by and Benjamin didn't wait for her to even greet them. "Two mugs of dwarven cider stout for me, and an order of spiced potatoes please." Immediately after ordering her heard the tavern go up in song and while glancing over, he say the half-elf from the group, obviously a few cups in.

"A mug of Lamb's blood if you have it, horse otherwise. And if you happen to have any cheeses, bring me whatever regional specialty you have." Temer threw in, not missing a beat.

"So. Where exactly are you from Temer?"

"Eh, well the region is called the Caorthidian province. Something to do with ravens or crows in old legends, I hear. Not sure which direction from here it lies, I was kind of wandering around for years on end without much in the way of directions."

"Ah, wanderlust. Seems to be afflicting many lately."

"Not wanderlust. I'm on a pilgrimage." Temer said, his smile fading and being very briefly replaced by a thin and stern expression.

"Ah. Not that is something I can relate to somewhat. I was on a, perhaps pilgrimage is the right term, but mayhaps it isn't. But I'll not argue sementics. Anyway, it didn't take me as far as yours apparently, but I was gone nonetheless." Although his eyes were on the table, or his own hands, Benjamin picked up on the change of facial expression and energy for a moment, but he chose not to push it further.

"Yeah, religion am I right? Crazy stuff." Temer said, his smile returning full force. "And hey, you know what? You are downright terrible at staring contests."

"That it is. But sometimes, becoming religious beats...other alternatives. And you say I'm terrible, but perhaps I am just very good. Then again, a man with glass eyes would have a distinct advantage, yes?"

"Oh yeah, it's right handy until some brute comes along and smacks you real good with a right hook. Stuff tends to fall out, it's a travesty." He said with feigned disgust.

Benjamin only chuckled as the wench came by and set down the drinks, saying something about food being up shortly. "What would be a travesty would be at least one of these mugs not being drained in the next several minutes."

"Well give me a second, I gotta do this little doozy first. Crazy religious stuff, you understand." Temer would have rolled his eyes if capable. Instead, his eyelids flickered in a bizarre fluttering motion that would have been unsettling had Benjamin actually been looking at Temer's face. He reached for the mug of Lamb's Blood and splayed an armored palm over the top, and very briefly chanted. "The lamb prostrates itself, the twilight marks the approach of the heralding winds that carry it away, unto the lonesome and endless valley. May Mot afford us time, and may he preserve our bodies in this world as he does our spirits in his." He then picked the mug up and slammed the lot, the entire mug being drained in seconds.

Not to be outdone, Benjamin stood on the horizontal slats of the stool, and said to Temer, "fair enough." He then picked up his mug and yelled out in a booming voice. "OI OI!! DRINK WITH ME FRIENDS! TO LAMBS AND TWILIGHT AND VALLEYS AND SHIT!!! HERE IS TO MOT!!!" And, in typical tavern fashion, the crowd boomed back, shaking the place, "TO LAMBS AND TWILIGHT AND VALLEYS AND SHIT! HERE IS TO MOT!" Which was followed by many glasses being upended.

...And here is to my feast...

"Aaaaand now I need that cheese, never did ever get used to doin' that." Temer grimaced, reaching for his meal.

Benjamin slammed his own mug down, empty also now, and he then took a look at his skillet. Debating for a moment, watching the steam rising from the dish as it was still piping hot, he decided first to continue with more ale. Just to let the potatoes cool of course...

"So hey, you said earlier you figured the girl was already dead?" Temer asked conversationally as he cleaved some of the cheese he had been brought with the edge of one of his gauntlet-mounted daggers, dried blood rubbing off onto it in the process.

While the display in front of him was rather gross, it wasn't like it was the WORST thing Benjamin had seen in his life. He drank and wiped the back of his hand across his mouth. "No real reason, just logic. What would have allowed her to live? I mean, if goblins and giants did indeed keep her alive, she'd most likely wish she was dead, and if we were to bring her back after that. Well... Most would probably wish she'd have just been spared that fate initially." And without another word, he set into his potatoes, which were still steaming hot.

"I figure if she's dead we're just not gonna find her. Specially if we're dealin' with goblins. She could have already been eaten up by this point. What happens if we can't even find a body?" Temer balanced a slice of cheese on the end of the dagger, and then casually flicked it up into the air, catching it with his mouth in the process. "Mmm mm, cheese and diseased, pestilent undead viscera. Stuff of champions and legends."

"If I was eating anything but damned potatoes, you'd have made me lose my appetite. This is true though, what you said. But that may be another benefit of Ateo. Marcurio trusts him."

"What's the matter, you never had a few morsels of mortal foible fly into your mouth after splittin' a fiend clean in twain?" Temer said, making a point of chewing with his mouth as wide open as was obnoxiously possible, showcasing the cheese and blood and saliva mixing in his mouth as his tongue waggled. "And I'm actually hopin' we find at least SOME of her, I reckon I could win some connections from Mercurio if I gave her a quality burial service."

"I'm sure that in my past, I've cut a man and got other less desirable bodily fluids in my mouth but that doesn't mean I'll go around drinking from an outhouse," he answered with a chuckle. "While I speak of logic, I hope we find the girl well and alive. I may not be the most pious man but I do not wish any girl ill will or harm. I just know that most of us, individually, wouldn't survive in the situation she's most likely in."

"Hmm. Ill or harm...What's the afterlife like in these lands here?" Temer asked conversationally, returning to chewing his food in a more reasonable manner and cutting himself another portion of cheese.

"I could ask you the same. Here I am. Alive and breathing." He then drank deeply from his much again. "And drinking. Some say there is one, some say otherwise. Some just don't care. I'd have to ask an Ascended."

"Well enough of all this depressin' talk, no sense in dwellin' on things that can't be helped anyway. Here's to idiot drow and a long, miserable walk across monster-infested lands with little sleep, food or drink!" He raised a hunk of cheese to enthusiastically smash and smear it all over Benjamin's mug. Ben shook his head sadly. Then again, there was no cheese IN the mug, so it wasn't a big loss. "And here is to hoping you become a bit more localized."

"Sorry, blood went straight to my head." Temer said with a sheepish shrug and a laugh.

He raised his mug and took another long drink, carefully wiping his hands on a cloth napkin after...

[Hymusia]

Serenity and Cassandra

After Serenity had calmed down after her little episode, she also followed Cassandra’s example and handed back the money. "I can’t be worse than her after all, and I did say that I didn’t want any payment" she thought and went towards the newly revealed door, following Cassandra.
"I wonder where she is going" Serenity snuck after Cassandra as she tended to her horse, and they eventually ended up in the stable.
"She really cares for that horse, I just took mine from the churches stable, hope the owner don’t miss it." she thought as she finally recalled that the horse she had ridden had another owner. "The horse was well behaved though, despite me riding it, it never complained once. I better take care of the horse just like Cassandra does, to pay it proper respect before it loses its respect for me and throws me out of the saddle."

Serenity kept following Cassandra, almost getting caught when Cassandra went behind the stable. There, she stood still in a lush glade, taking in the calm and quiet of the area, until she flew into motion, circling, waving her swords. Serenity sat down behind some stones and watched her.
"She looks beautiful, like a piece of moving art. She has grace, elegance and agility, I am still far behind" Serenity thought as she looked at her own equipment. She looked like a raider, a bandit. "Am I really fit to be called her rival? I know how her armour looks, compared to that, I have nothing" small tears started forming in Serenity’s eyes as she looked at Cassandra’s dancing. "Haha, the mute’s curse, I can’t even cry out in pain. Who am I really? A number, the only surviving experiment, an orphan amongst the dead, a failure" the dam burst in her eyes and tears started flowing in earnest. "What is my life really worth? Am I really the failure that mother says that I am?" Serenity kept crying as her mind was being filled with darker and darker thoughts.

Cassandra was unaware for several long moments that she was being watched. After the end of her dance the blades were put into the dirt and her arms stretched above her head. It was then her eyes peeked open and the sun betrayed the presence of Serenity. Where shadow should have reigned due to the lights own properties all light seemed to become void. Her outline was easy to pick out even amongst the other darkness and once more Cassandra smiled that warm and gentle smile of hers. "Serenity! How long have you been there? Shall we train together?"

Serenity looked up towards Cassandra with tears in her eyes. "I have been here for a while now" she signed then hugged her legs and buried her face in them, trying to hide her tears. "I can’t let her see my tears" Serenity started to wipe away her tears while trying to hide her face from Cassandra. She turned away from Cassandra in an attempt to hide her weakness, but even though that she can't speak, her crying could be heard from her nose and seen from her shaking back.

Cassandra was dumbfounded as to why her sibling would turn her back on her, had it been something she had said? Surely it was not for she had spoken fairly and gently with Serenity, far more so than any other here. Perhaps though Serenity was still cross about the way in which she had earlier acted and treated her? Retrieving and sheathing both her weapons in one fluid motion she began to approach where Serenity had been crouched, concerned for her sister. When she grew closer she spotted the signs, subtle as they might be, of the emotional torment within Serenity. Hopping the wooden fence she slipped up behind the girl and gently turned her around. She pulled Serenity's head in against her chest and caressed her long hair. "Hush now, whatever is it that upsets my darling sister so? Is it something I have done? My words earlier perhaps? It was not doubt in your skill but concern for your wellbeing, I am sorry if this insulted you my sweet one. Come, cry if it helps and we’ll speak on the reason soon." her tone as gentle as a mothers, her heart fluttering like a butterfly in a cage, separated from Serenity's only by the warm flesh that covered it. She had a delicate scent to her, earthy and natural with a hint of spice from whatever soap it was she used to bathe with.

The emotional barrier in Serenity broke in Cassandra’s arms as the tears started freely flowing again and she put her arms around Cassandra’s back, hugging her back. Her mouth opened and closed, but no sound came, the only sound came from her sobbing nose and the rustle of cloths as Serenity’s cheek kept brushing against Cassandra’s chest. After crying long enough for her eyes to turn red and small lines had formed where her tears had been running down her face, Serenity stopped crying, but she kept hugging Cassandra close, not wanting the warm feeling to go away. She did not care that Cassandra was her rival and that she had seen her in her weakness. Serenity put more strength into her hug, wanting more of the warm fuzzy feeling she currently had.

Despite her thin linen being drenched in the tears of her sister Cassandra remained still, she did not speak but ran her fingers through her hair, gently caressing her and offering her soft encouraging sounds to try and calm her down. When finally Serenity seemed done Cassandra smiled a small sad smile and dropped a kiss to the top of Serenity's brow. "There now my precious sister, do you feel any better? What has you so troubled?" Gently she moved Serenity by the shoulders, using her thumb to wipe away the tears that still clung to Serenity's cheeks.

Reluctantly Serenity let go of Cassandra, she needed her hands to talk after all. Serenity started signing slowly as Cassandra was wiping away her tears "I have no worth, so you should not be doting on me like this. I am a useless failure after all, just like my dead sisters, we all failed our mother. Why do you care so much about me when even my mother does not?" Serenity's eyes looked lost, empty. "You are supposed to be my rival. So why do you care so much for me? Why can't you reject me just like the rest of the world?"

Her tender smile turned into a sad frown for a moment and gentle Cass took Serenity's hands in her own, squeezing them gently so the warmth from her own finger tips could flood into Serenity's with the strength of her conviction and feeling, "Oh Serenity you are not worthless nor useless. You are my sister and so I love you, I want to comfort and protect you. That is what a sister is. Your rival? It pains me to think you would ever think of me as such, though I am flattered also that you'd choose to try and be like me. I can not reject you as I am the one who named you Serenity. The sisters asked for a name and after seeing you it was the name I thought suited you best. Your old mother was a twisted woman, she'd grown hateful of the world but Serenity you have so much more potential. Now come, we should have something to eat ourselves before we journey, my treat?"

Serenity slowly pulled away her hands from Cassandra’s gentle grip and started signing again. "But….how can you love me when you know nothing about me? How can you say that I have potential when you know not what I am? I don’t understand" Serenity hung her head a little. "But….I am forbidden to talk about my past, so how can you know? Unless my mother lifts me from that bond, I can never speak about it, and I’ve already said too much" Serenity slowly stood up, grasping Cassandra’s hand and pulled her up too. "But, you are right, let’s have something to eat" despite the words Serenity used, she did not start walking, she just stood there, grasping Cassandra’s hand in her own two hands, waiting for Cassandra to take the lead.

[1DVSguy]

Nazgrul Rasgnorr

Nazgrul approached the table with the bags of money and hefted the bag thoughtfully. A flood of gold discs peaked out of the simple brown bag.
After barely a moment of hesitation, Nazgrul handed the bag back to Marcurio, "I am sure those orphans will be needing this more than I."
Marcurio gave a small smile and nodded as if expecting Nazgrul's answer and took it back without a word.

Nazgrul knew that his Master would certainly disapprove if he took the money as a donation to the Henshin monastery, or even to buy food for himself. Nazgrul knew full well that he could survive without the aid of coinage. As his master Eledrin always said, "It is said that a Henshin Master can go for months without eating, surviving on the dew of a single ginko leaf and the energy of the universe."

With a nostalgic sigh, Nazgrul gathered his staff and left with the others. The group had now seemed to splinter off into different directions and Nazgrul looked around for Ben, of the group, he trusted Ben the most. He spotted him, as a man wearing a messy topknot is not all too difficult to spot, but he was walking along with that strange man, Temer...
Nazgrul shivered as he remembered those glass eyes and decided that he wanted nothing to do with him at the moment.

He set off towards the stables, he considered himself to be fairly agile, but to run for the whole journey seemed like it would stretch Nazgrul's already impressive endurance.
The stables were fairly dark, with only the sun from outside and a few candles to light the hall of wood. The stable master was a kind man, brown beard flecked with spots of gray and who's breath smelled faintly of apples, as if he shared his food with the horses which he took so much care of.
After he bid Nazgrul take a look around, he set his eyes on a muscular Mouse Grey Grullo. Nazgrul approached the Grullo carefully under the watchful gaze of the stable master.
Nazgrul wasn't particular fond of horses. They seemed to take fright at the Half-Ork's brutish appearance, and Nazgrul was more than contented to travel on his own two feet, not willing to cause any living animal excess pain. But this journey demanded speed, thus to his reluctance, Nazgrul had to have a horse if he was to keep up.

Nazgrul's breath was slow, as if trying hard not to frighten the horse that stood in front of him. The horse gave a soft neigh! and shied away from him. The Stable Master said helpfully, "Stretch out your hand big fella'... palms up, yeah... just like that... let him smell it,"
Nazgrul stretched out his hand hesitantly and did as the stable master advised. The horse reached over and sniffed the open faced palm. The horse nuzzled his snout against Nazgrul's hand and the stable master called out, "Looks like he's takin' a likin' to you big fella! Always a good sign."

Nazgrul admired the Grullo's mouse grey color, he liked the color, it was not pure white, but it wasn't a pitch black either. It was in between, a color like a grey fog creeping up over a lake. "What is his name?" He asked in wonder.

"Ah his name? It's Cadoc I believe, would you like me to get the tack, big fella?"

Nazgrul shook his head, "No that will not be necessary, I ride bare back,"

The stable master smiled with a kindly twinkle in his eye, "Heh I'll be damned... an Ork riding a horse elvish like... now I've seen it all, eh?"
He walked away chuckling to himself.
Nazgrul looked into the horse's eyes with respect, "We have a big journey ahead of us my friend... I look forward to traveling with such a powerful companion."
Cadoc neighed in response and Nazgrul gave a small smile before walking away. He thanked the stable master for his help and explained that all expenses would be payed for by Marcurio before walking out the stables.

Nazgrul strode out and pondered on what to do for the next four hours. He already had everything that he needed for the ordeal ahead. All that was left was to wait. Nazgrul smiled slightly and shook his head, Again with the patience?...
He concentrated momentarily and made several leaps to land like a bird on top of a building, barely feeling the slight drain on his mental and physical energy as he expended the Ki required to perform the feat.

Leaning his staff on a nearby chimney, Nazgrul perched on the corner of of the building, watching over the town like an eagle...

And he waited...

[Zhaliora]

De'Myr, Zakein and Vel

De’Myr went to the table and took her pouch then she turned towards Zakein "Mother, are you coming?"
Zakein stood up and walked over to the table with the money. She took the pouch and opened it, taking out some coins and gave them to De’Myr. "No, I am going upstairs to meditate and pray until we leave, you go ahead children. Use the coins I gave you to buy some food for the journey for me" Zakein then turned on her heels and went towards the door that they had entered into this room and later upstairs.

"Guess mother is not coming then, let’s go Vel. Let’s get those bottles of black wine you spoke about and we’d require some food for the journey. I don’t know my way around this place too well, so you’ll have to lead. And after we are done shopping, I would want somewhere I can relax and perhaps eat something.”

Vel could only grin a little when she realised Zakein wasn't coming, it was disappointing sure but it meant a much more interesting time for her and De'Myr. She could see a lot going wrong with Za in tow, not necessarily bad but it would probably get them fired none the less. With a graceful bow she said a fond and quiet goodbye to the matron before slapping on that incessant cheshire smile once more. Turning on her heels with a subtle click of them she put her hands behind her back and rocked lightly from heel to ball of her foot waiting for De'Myr to speak. When finally the order to move out was given Vel once again offered a flourishing bow with a snicker and then head towards the back of the room.

She paused at the magical fucking door and gave it a disapproving glare, she didn't trust magic, which she knew was hypocritical because what she technically did was magic. Well, they said it was magic but people were just too lazy to explain the shit she could do with words and why bother honestly no one gave a fuck how you did things as long as you got them done. Once the door was open she'd hold it for De'Myr before squinting into the harsh light. Stupid fucking sun shining in the stupid sky. It would be so much more bearable when she was drunk. Wincing slightly she'd step out into the light and pull her hood up to hide her eyes from the light.

Taking the lead as she was told the light footed drow flitted across the street and disappeared into an alley most people didn't notice or actively avoided. There were places, lots of places, where the light didn't touch and in those places people like her gathered, brothel's and street workers lined the narrow alleyway, pressing against whatever poor lamb strayed down them. Seedy bars and even more questionable sales man in the alcoves of the yawning properties. She checked of course on De'Myr, allowing no more than a space of five feet between them which lessened to two once they entered the alley. A doorless building bustled with the quiet laughter and deathly silence that mocked a traditional tavern and it was in here she entered. "Maurice, I'm thirsty and had to drink human piss water all afternoon. You got my wine?" The whole bar grew still for a moment and tensed, the humans looked pissed off but none dared to approach. Though someone did, some ugly, mutated thing, probably half dwarf half human. It belched loudly and made a grab for Vel's arm.

"Of all the run down alley's and shitty places we could have gone" De'Myr thought as she had to push away yet another "enjoyment". "I guess being clad as I am at a disadvantage here, they think that I want them. she looked down at her dress just as a drunkard threw up at her dress. "Ugh, I'll have to cleanse the dress later" she said just as she kicked the drunkard in the throat, breaking the windpipe, and killing the man.

Once they entered the seedy tavern and Vel made her "request" a "creature" approached them. "Is that Maurice?" De'Myr asked Vel when the man approached but when he started to go for Vel's hand, De'Myr silently unhooked her whip from her waist. De'Myr did not know if Vel just stuck around due to her mother’s contract or if it was something else. But in De'Myr's mind, Vel was the closest thing to a companion she has had for a very long time, and she did not like when others bothered her companions.

Vel removed her arm from the reach of the drunk who stumbled forward and met Vel's rising knee which hit him in the throat. He choked and fell to the ground. He'd be fine in ten minutes or so, despite being Drow Vel didn't kill for no reason. "Nope, just a drunk". making her way to the bar the bar tender rolled his deep black eyes. Most people found Maurice unsettling; he was a half of some worthy note but only in the underworld. He was called 'the watcher' but just as few people knew Ateo's nickname few knew Maurice’s. "Black wine correct my dear?" His voice was faintly musical as one would expect of the half fae half drow. His shimmering silver hair was as light as gossamer and his svelte willowy frame would give people pause as to how (despite his six and a bit feet of height) he kept this rowdy lot in line and better yet himself alive. "That’s the stuff, I've got a new job and I plan to get utterly shit faced before I start it."

De'Myr hooked up her whip to the belt again and looked at the strange man in the bar. "Now this is something I've never seen before" she said while she studied the half-breed as she sat down at the bar counter. "Even stranger than a half-breed Drow merged with another race. Oh well, guess it isn't that strange considering my old lover" De'Myr said while she put on a little smile, it was the first time she had smiled for a long time without the situation calling for a faked smile. "Vel, you dragged me all the way here, so I hope it was worth it" she said while still having the little smile on her face. "So let's get, shit faced, as you called it, if the drink is any good."

Vel listened as De spoke about Maurice and shrugged, "He's gorgeous yeah, but he ain't into our type if you get what I mean. Too short lived he says! Isn't that right Maurice?" The bar tender offered a light and playful shrug before fetching three dark bottles from under his counter. They were tall and slender but engraved near the base seemed to be a claw of some kind, while on the neck was a wax seal in the shape of a rose. Each was of course wax sealed and Maurice took to carefully removing said wax with a knife. It was an old vintage but not particularly rare, good though. It was supposed to taste a kin to black cherries, blood and something else but Vel had never cared much for what. It did the job, it got her drunk and then she wouldn't have to think about him while travelling with Ben.

"Guarantee you darlin' best drink around." Maurice had poured two large glasses and left the bottles on the table with the two Drow. Sliding off to see to another customer after Vel deposited the right amount of coins into his hand. Lifting both glasses she offered one to De'Myr. "Well bottoms up, we have to work with a bunch of no good humans and half's but least we have each other...and your mother." She grinned her cheshire grin and took a long sip of the virtually black liquid, it burned down the back of her throat and towards her stomach and the satisfaction of good strong wine slipped from her lips as an audible sigh. One bottle would be all she needed for now, she could take the other two with her.

"I could not care less if he was interested in our kind, males are useless, they are barely good enough for breeding in my opinion" De’Myr said while Maurice was opening the bottle. "I really hope this is good, and that it does the job it needs to" she sighed after accepting the glass from Vel. "I’d rather not have my mother here, thank you. I might miss home some, but not her." Unlike Vel, De’Myr grasped the glass lightly and started moving her hand in circles, making the liquid flow in a small swirl and inhaled a small whiff of the wine. She then carefully put the glass to her mouth and took a light sip. "Hmm, it’s not that bad actually" she said somewhat surprised after tasting the wine "have had better, but not bad." De’Myr gave an approving nod before emptying the entire glass in one swoop. "It’s good enough to get drunk on at least" she said before starting to fill up her glass again. "You are a slow drinker Vel" De'Myr chuckled a little and started making the liquid swirl again in her glass.

"Orbb, doer ulu uns'aa lu's'tharl pholor ussta zet rah" suddenly a spider ran up to De'Myr and sat on her left hand. She started moving around her hand, and the spider followed, always sitting straight up. "Do you like spiders Vel? I find them fascinating, not just because of Lolth, but in general. A creature as small as this, and can kill most people with its venoms bite and they can remain undetected very easily. Stalking their prey or building a strong web and entice their prey into it. It's no wonder they are the symbol of the Drow people, they are a lot like us" she said before using her right hand to take another mouthful of drink from the glass. She looked closely at the spider before uttering the words "Orbb, alu rath ulu vel'klar dos doerrus dal" and the spider ran out of the building again.

Her sophisticated company had more to complain about but Vel didn't much mind, she could say what she wanted, this was her favoured wine, good for the price, and served by a damn attractive guy that looked nothing like the people she usually had to deal with. Vel just wanted to break him, however having known Maurice so long she was pretty damn certain it would be the other way around. She watched De'Myr down the wine and snickered, shaking her head. "Well I don't actually buy things often so I like to enjoy them when I do." What that meant wasn't actually explained but Vel up ended the glass as the spider came hurtling across the ground. She was half tempted to stamp on the little feck but thought better of it, pouring a fresh glass for each of them.

"I neither like nor dislike spiders. True that even the smallest have potent venom but most are too small too pierce the skin of any individual and a well-aimed boot could crush them before their fangs have the chance to sink in." Her tone calm and sombre, she was not a follower of Lloth herself, the stupid spider harlot, it wasn't that she disliked her per-say but she was an archaic creature, her time gone by for her sect worshiped as a house god and nothing more. Shrugging off the thoughts she watched the spider run off again when De'Myr was done playing with it and lifted her glass, she didn't bother with the fancy swirling crap, she never understood what that was for and drank half the glass in one go. Far too sober to be sitting here thinking about this crap. Behind them some ways a table of mercenaries had started their own festivities and began to get a little louder with their merry making, Vel finished her glass.

"Well I'm sure your mother will grow bored with this little venture eventually. Surface walking and fucking horses and shit. It's a wonder I don't just quit. Then again I've never quit a contract...which reminds me shall I get Maurice to get some paper and a quill. Our little contract isn't binding until I have it in writing. Nothing personal but it’s how I conduct business." She tapped her breast where the two scrolls were hidden along with the money bags she'd been given earlier.

"*Sigh* I know that Vel, and that is also true for the Drow people. We show off, we try to bite, but most Drow I've met have been all talk and no action. We try to hide our weakness with grand spectacles, sometimes it works, sometimes it don't" De'Myr finished her glass just as Vel did. "No worries, when my mother goes into the prayer and meditation state, she can stay like that for hours. I don't think that we'll see her until we are ready to leave this city. And as for the venture, if she does get bored, she'll just fine some poor soul to torture, perhaps that human, Temer. And contract wise, let’s get it over with then, call over Maurice, if you’d like to."

"Maurice can I have a parchment and quill my dear, I have another contract to write out." The bar keep rose a brow, though not often did she frequent this town Maurice knew her well, it was an interesting way for if they were likely to pass into another town Vel would likely see Maurice in another shady bar. Fae were tricky folk, no less so than the Watcher who was old enough to have seen even the greatest of Elven trees as saplings and watch they fall. He had known Vel many years, even from below the surface for his bar was in no one place but all places, those who needed too could find it and very few ever saw it in more than one town. He had known of Vel's fascination, almost compulsive need to have everything in writing since she had first started her official service in her home. He personally didn't understand it but he produced parchment, quill and ink and set it down in front of De'Myr. Leaning down he whispered in that ethereal tone of his, "She is quite the one for contracts, make sure to write it carefully." Then off he went to serve another customer.

Vel just rolled her eyes and grinned at De'Myr, "Don't mind him he is of the belief words hold more power than writing. Guess it’s true but I like it this way." Once again she filled their glasses and this one she sipped rather than downed, she didn't want to be so drunk she couldn't stand and the alcohol was going to her head quickly after having downed two glasses. Behind them the rowdy bunch were cheering again and one voice could be heard across the room, loud and drunk. "...then I'd piss on his grave! Yeah and damn right too that Lord Benjamin...whatever his name was. What a fucking weed. No wonder his family offed him."

Without warning one of Vel's daggers appeared in the bar surface, buried a good inch into the wood, her hand so tight around it that her knuckles began turning white. Her lips had once again twisted into a smile but this one bore no sense of sanity to it, one would say it bore the madness of the spider god, a silent chuckle wracking her shoulders.

"I know Maurice, I know" she said when he whispered into her ear. Just as De’Myr had finished writing the contract, a loud voice could be heard from behind her. Just as soon as he stopped speaking, Vel had buried one of her daggers into the bark disk, her hand gripping it hard and she had the look of a madman. "Vel?" De’Myr asked while she put her hand on Vel’s shoulder. "Calm down. Who is this, Lord Benjamin? You snapped when that man’s name was mentioned." De'Myr looked towards the man who had shouted, he looked like the common mercenary, a man of low worth. "Who is this Lord Benjamin? That man in our group that Vel claimed as her pet? It seems unlikely, she would probably not snap like this over him" De'Myr turned back to Vel "She looks crazed, now I'm really interested in who this Lord Benjamin is." De’Myr unhooked her whip again and her shield’s shoulder strap, preparing for a fight.

She lightly brushed away De'Myr's hand and rose, Maurice glancing over sighed deeply and rubbed the bridge of his nose. Vel could easily have killed the man from where she sat but the trembling of her shoulders showed a lapse in judgment, a severe one. "I wouldn't get involved yet, just pick up the pieces afterwards. Would you like another drink?" He seemed unfazed even as Vel turned and with strained composure made her way to the table. The jests had continued. "Did you hear, he had this weird sense of laws. He was going to let anything, any-fucking-thing into the kingdom as an equal citizen! Equal! His momma must'a dropped him as a child." Vel's shoulders sloped like a lioness on the prowl, a small growl escaping the side of her mouth. They continued to laugh and snort. "Do you remember, he looked more like a fucking woman than a man. So delicate. Bet he was taken to bed by all the stable ha--"

Vel had appeared at the side of one particularly hideous creature. Human probably, some kind of stubble over its putrid face and his eyes bulging at the tight grip about his throat, leather creaking as the Drow tightened his grip. "Please, do go on gentleman? No...good." Her tone slithered like a snake in the shadows and as the first man rose from his seat he met a knee in the crotch from Vel's boot. Sending him to the ground even as she head-butted the one she held in her grip. Releasing him to leap onto the table and kick the one who had started all this around the ear, knocking him clean off his chair. If De'Myr or even Zakein wanted proof of Vel's capabilities they had a front row seat so to speak. The first guy had gotten up and drawn some bludgeoning device and as he swung Vel leaped forward, grabbing his shoulders and flipping clean over his head. Landing on the floor she kicked the back of his knees, as he fell head-butting the table and sending drinks flying. Maurice meanwhile continued to clean glasses.

At Maurice’s recommendation, De’Myr hooked her whip and strapped back her shield, but her eyes were trained on Vel. "Who is this, Lord Benjamin?" she asked Maurice. "I am not from around here, but you should know, no?" Just as Maurice’s mouth opened to say something, Vel was in the middle of attacking the men and De’Myr’s attention slipped from Maurice back to Vel. "She’s not bad, but she is fighting with rage, and she is taking unnecessary damage. Head-butting people is stupid, you take just as much damage yourself. Fighting with a calm head is the right way to do it." "Nice flip Vel" De’Myr thought was as she dodged a stray glass. "Watch your seven o clock Vel, overhand sword slash" she called out to Vel just as the man whom Vel had kicked out of his chair stood up and swung with his sword at her.

Maurice heaved what might be considered a sigh as the glasses smashed but otherwise he was unmoving until De'Myr spoke, a twinkle in his eye spoke of knowledge on the subject, "I should know and I do know. However it is not my story to tell, it is hers." Even as De'Myr's attention slipped back to her scrapping friend he returned to his work, still ignoring the scrap, for now, Vel however was busy smashing the man's face back into the table a few more times. Releasing him at the warning that De'Myr gave, if she had even heard it? It was hard to tell; she ducked under the swing and grabbed the man’s elbow. Her knee rose up striking him just under the ribs. The satisfying rush of his breath escaping his lungs bought a slightly saner grin to her lips before she broke the man's nose with a rising elbow strike, disarming him by grabbing his wrist and twisting herself under it, pulling his arm into an awkward angle and forcing him to drop his weapon. As it hit the deck she kicked it behind her, the metal skidding back a few feet and out of easy reach. Releasing the now wildly flailing man he fell into his buddy just as the third began to recover and grab a broken splinter from the table. A cheap shot managed to graze her cheek before the guy found himself flat on his back and the fighting continued. Vel seemed to purposely be aiming to not kill them, after all she had her weapons, she had the skill of a Degrassi, and this didn't seem to be simply a matter of besting them and sending them to their gods. It wasn't rage she fought with but blind passion, an intimate fight almost.

"*Sigh* Why doesn’t she just kill them? It would be easier, quicker, and this is too one sided to be entertaining" De’Myr said somewhat aloud.
As her gaze drifted around, she could see a gathered crowd, some were cheering on Vel, some were just cheering, and some looked like they wanted in on the fight. One man whom was in the process of cracking his knuckles were walking towards Vel looked like he really wanted a fight. De’Myr walked out in front of him and blocked his path. "This is not your fight, human." You wanna fight wench? the man straightened his back so that he was towering far over De’Myr. "I am not interested in a fight, neither is you" "Harl'il'cik p'los uns'aa" De’Myr said and the man fell to his knees before her. What did ya do to me? the man screamed at her. De’Myr ran her hand across his cheek and said "Like I said, this is not your fight, and you obviously don’t know how to treat women properly. Tell me, do you want to die now, or will you remove yourself from this establishment? I am not like my friend there; I would have killed those men, not fight with them like that." The colour started draining away from the man’s face, and he started crawling out of the building. De’Myr attention once again went back to Vel just as she seemed to finish the fight, the men she was fighting with was laying on the ground, grunting but not moving much. De’Myr walked up to Vel "Are you finally finished Vel? Can you now tell me why you fought them?"

When all was said and done her armour was stained an interesting hue and her deliciously white hair was pinkened in places. Out of breath but still standing she glanced to De'Myr as she came over. Once again that cheshitre smile on her lips, she kicked the guy who had made the first comment hard in the ribs, he grunted and groaned. "Now I am done. There is nothing to tell De'Myr. They irritated me, that is all." She spat on one and sauntered up to the bar, Maurice's brow rose as she pulled the blade out of the table.
"You keep costing me child."
"They started it."
"And you had to finish it, as always?" Vel nodded, uttering a small 'of course', Maurice sighed and shook his head. "I would be foolish to expect any less. Pay me for the damages and be on your way, you have contracts correct?" He even rolled up De'Myr's if it had been signed and handed the parchment to Vel.
"Pay? But you can fix it with just one flick of your wrist and you don't do it for the coin!" Begrudgingly she was already opening her coin pouch though.
"Perhaps, but this is more likely to teach you a lesson is it not?" Vel grumbled a bit but handed over the coins and took the two full and sealed bottles of wine, downing whatever was left in the opened bottle. Once done turning to De'Myr and asking, "Where too then my lady? Horses first, supplies?"

"I guess everyone has their secrets" De’Myr shrug to Vel’s response to her question. "Let’s get supplies then, miss barbarian" De’Myr chuckled. "But first" "Gi ussta gammaren, k'olah dosstan dal e'trit lu'yutsu ulu dosst z'arlathil kruk" De’Myr said and her all the dirt and filth started falling of her dress, returning it to its white colour. "There we go. All right then, lead on, miss barbarian"