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Diadem’s grip was like iron as she waded through the crowd with the Dnaldure in tow. She made a beeline for one of the food carts she had visited earlier. The Dnaldure said something but frankly she was too concerned with getting food for the two at this point. So she clamped down on his wrist a little harder and started to move even faster.

“Sa! Quilsy, whot you doin out her’? Wee dan’t gat ya kind out her’ much!” She didn’t even look back or wait for an answer as they got into line, if you could call her pushing and shoving people out of the line so she could get to the front faster. After shoving the rest of the people out of the way, she yelled to the vender,

“Gimme two af em!” She fished in her pocket and practically threw several coins at the Knor, grabbed the food he handed to her and stuck one in her mouth. She raised the other one to the Dnaldure and said something along the lines of,

“Haff et, eth’s yourths!”

Adonar grunted loudly at being tugged around the street. The throbbing in his hand was growing more urgent by the second. It was all he could do to keep from screaming in protest, but he held his tongue, that would be the last thing he needed.

"Would you --! UNF!"

This is getting out of hand…

When she finally stopped for food he saw what was likely his only chance at freedom, and relief. He cringed at her treatment of the vendor, and was about to apologize when food was thrust into his cheek. That was the last straw. His paper thin attempts at keeping up appearances simply needed to take a backseat for the moment. He'd pick up the pieces later. He couldn't just allow this.

"STOP! Release me! I haven't the patience for this nonsense!"

He grabbed her wrist tightly with his free hand in order to wrench free, glaring angrily at her all the while.

"I don't have any interest in your food! I would very much like some privacy if you don't mind TOO terribly much."

His frustration showed very clearly on his face, intermixed with disgust at her antics, even as a small bit of sauce dropped from it onto his shoulder.

Jax knew what they were gonna say even before he finished speaking. You'd think after all this time I'd be used to it, he thought as he turned away, avoiding the eyes of those who had been close enough to hear his inquiry. Disgusted looks, that's what he would see if he looked at them, and then they'd turn away quickly if he saw those looks for fear of his kind. Fear and disgust were all he got anymore. Normal Maddock wouldn't care but then they had one another for companionship, he had no one anymore. Well, that wasn't entirely true but his companion couldn't quite fill the void that he'd been living with for the past few years.

Abruptly, a cluster of young men barred his path, angry young men. "Your kind don't belong here", one said as he stepped forward to stare down at Jax. They were all at least a head taller than him. Jax looked the lad up and down. Younger than him by a year or two, he dressed in the armor of the city guard but he wasn't a guardsman due to the fact he only carried a truncheon and a dagger at his waist. So a trainee conscripted to keep order during the festivities. Glancing at the others he saw they were attired the same. This could get interesting, he thought as he crossed his arms across his chest, cane firmly grasped in one hand. "Last I checked I am a free man, able to come and go as I please, especially on such a grand occasion as this." The boy snorted at that and waved a hand at his comrades who promptly ranged around Jax in a half circle. "Civilized people, not savages, are free to come and go, now, get out."

Normally Jax would've complied, defiance would certainly end in his death, but something had snapped in him at the replies from the Shae and Undralig and he simply didn't care anymore. He was tired of the fear, tired of the disgust, tired of being alone. So now he was gonna have a little fun before his inevitable end. All it took was two simple words. He smiled at the fool, a smile that set anyone looking back a pace, and simply said, "Make me."

The speaker smiled and swung his free fist at Jax's head. He relaxed his knees, making sure to keep most of his weight on his good leg, and easily ducked the swing. He struck like lightening, ramming the end of his cane into the boy's stomach. His breath came out in a whoosh and he doubled over gasping for air. Jax came upright and struck again, grabbing his cane by either end he brought the shaft down on the back of the boy's head with precise force. The lad collapsed, not dead, something inside Jax still kept him from doing that even now, but he'd have a hell of a headache when he woke.

Jax glanced up at the other four, it had happened so fast they hadn't moved a muscle. They glanced back and forth between him and their fallen comrade, clearly unsure what they should do now. He smiled again and his gaze swept them. "Well, whose next?" They glanced at each other, looks of agreement passed between them and they all rushed him, truncheons raised and daggers drawn. It was child's play. Cane whirling, he met them, dispatching the one one the far left before it had even begun with another crack to the skull, then he was too busy fending off blades and clubs with his cane to go on the offensive, but never once was he worried. He knew what to look for, and when the openings appeared he took them. Within two minutes the other three all lay groaning on the ground, one with a broken leg, another with a broken arm, and the last with his hands cradling his genitals. Jax stood among them, disappointed that it was already over. But as he looked up he realized that the fun was only just beginning.

Ten soldiers faced him, four with spears level and shields up, four with arrows on string ready to draw in a second, and both guard captains had bared sword blades. Here was the death he sought, the release from this bitter existence, but as he stood there the rational part of him took control and he realized he wasn't ready for it to be over. Maddock were not prone to giving up easy and that was what he'd been about to do. No, his answer could be right there waiting for him to take it and he'd be damned if he let it slip out of his grasp. But it might already be too late, he thought as he watched the soldiers warily. They hadn't struck immediately so he thought he might have a chance, all it would take was some good bluffing.

"I know what this looks like", he said as he calmly tossed his cane to the side and raised his hands so they'd know he wasn't gonna go for his blade, not that he needed to. "Your boys here got a little carried away, being that I am what I am. All this was was self defense. Now maybe I got carried away too but when it's five to one odds, long even for a Maddock, can you really blame me?" The regulars glanced at their captains who continued to watch him warily, still unsure how to proceed he could tell. "Now if you let me leave we can all forget this ever happened", his emphasis on the all got his point across. They, like almost everyone not Maddock, were afraid of repercussions if he wound up dead. He had gotten out of countless sticky situations with that false knowledge. The truth was if you couldn't get yourself out of a situation then you weren't worth avenging according to his people, but he always figured it'd be best to keep that knowledge to himself. The captains glanced at one another and agreement shot between, the older of the two turned to him and said, "We'll escort you from Sutch, please come with us." The squads formed up around him, after he'd retrieved his cane, captains leading, spearmen to the side and archers behind, all enough distance from him so that if he tried something they'd be able to react accordingly.

The march to the edge of the fairground was short and silent, he was used to that, and was ok with it. He tried not to let the relief inside him show on his face. Eventually his luck was gonna run out on him, but it wouldn't be today.

"Aleisce nahom, Adonar. I am Sharaesh. A strange Maddock with a limp got into a fight with the guards." Sheraesh felt instantly more at home after hearing the ancient tongue. "They didn't take kindly to being made fools of, and escorted him out of town." He turned his gaze back to the Ælesti, having been staring in the direction the guards had taken the Maddock. "I believe... I believe he may have been looking for a way to fix his limp. It looked quite painful. I never expected to find this much... excitement so soon after leaving home. This place really is something."

"A Maddock??"
Alnosth mer ESTEICE.
Adonar turned sharply toward the gate the Shae was looking at. The thought of a Maddock in a place like this was… intriguing to say the least. They rarely travelled alone, though they liked to make it seem as though they did. His gaze lingered on the gate for a while longer, trying in vain to pierce the thick wood, before returning it to Sharaesh. His eyes scanned the traveller's robes, still completely drenched and dripping rather profusely, before offering a suggestion.
"If you continue wearing those, you'll grow sick. I can't imagine you're terribly acclimated to this weather, warm though it is. In most cases, I'd say that a day like this would dry it in no time, but with as many layers as that… Perhaps a merchant here will offer you something more appropriate, or at the least more comfortable? I'd be happy to oblige in whatever expenses, in exchange for a favor from you. In any case, I think what I have to offer would likely fit into your mission, planned or otherwise."
Adonar extended a hand to the Shae as a sign of friendship as well to accompany his offer to pay for clothing. His face remained proud, but his eyes showed a kindness that he and his former family had treasured, in spite of how others had scoffed.

"Ms. Geltesh. A pleasure as always." Jeb removed his hat and bowed courteously to the duchess and her entourage. "Quite the festival, wouldn't you agree?"

The two guards parted as a woman walked forward. A tall Knor woman with fair skin and raven-black hair. She wore a warm-colored dress with a thin gold ribbon weaving from shoulder to shoulder. Something that could be considered casual attire compared to what else lies in her wardrobe. She gave him a faint smile. "Mr. Slate."

Slate rose back to his feet and donned his hat once more to contain the glowing of his horns. With a simple gesture done with his right hand, Wedge approached from the side and propped up the trunk while Jeb waved his left hand over it. "Ah've brought a small sample of everythin' you requested. Could you please guide me to your new estate so that we may begin assembly?"

The duchess' smile remained as she gestured for him to follow. "Have you received any deals from those I recommended your services to?"
"Unfortunately, not a sound as of late. Ah can't say ah blame the folk. Best ah can do is set a good example for the rest of the company.

The little golem hobbled along with the two nobles and the royal guard. Jeb made a subtle motion in one hand, and the golem came around from the other side of the duchess and tugged gently on her dress. Upon noticing, she chuckled softly and waved down towards. "Hello to you too, Wedge."

Jeb felt himself relaxing. He had a terrible habit of tensing up too hard before an important meeting. A reflex he had developed after some of the hard figures he had dealt with in the past. Ruba Geltesh, however was a soft woman, and a pleasure to work with. It was no secret to the both of them that their was a sincere friendship budding that held no corporate purpose. He had begun looking forward to future meetings with her. Especially considering she was the most esteemed royal in Sutch that was willing to deal with HD.

Slate cleared his throat as the small party made their way around the festival. "On behalf of Hardcastle, Ah'd like to thank you for your continued exchanges with us. We sincerely appreciate your business."
Her smile grew a little snide as she turned back to him. "Mr. Slate. I think we've met on enough occasions to no longer require your business formalities."
"Alright. Alright. Ah appreciate your business."

The sounds of the festival slowly began dying off as they left the noise behind them. Together, they made their way back to the noble district. The duchess stopped the party and gestured to a specific house standing tall and proud among the rest. "I decided it would be nice to have a home away from home. Distance myself from the castle when I so desire. But I wasn't looking for any beachfront properties some hundreds of miles away. Living among the people sounds like a good enough escape to me."

She turned back towards her guards. "Thank you for the escort. That will be all." The two armored men bowed, but hesitated. The duchess finished. "I will be ready to return by nightfall." With their answer, the man nodded and made their way back towards the castle.

Ruba approached the front door, the friendly smile present yet again. She placed a hand on the doorknob, and turned to make eye contact with Jeb. "Now then. Let's get to work?"

Jeb was glad he kept most of his crystalline features covered up, because he could feel the overwhelming yellow glow from underneath his clothes. He tipped his hat, commanded Wedge to go inside, and followed her in.

"Let's."

Adonar's mouth curled up slightly on the right, showing just the slightest bit of his teeth. This crooked smile was rarely noticed by the rougher races, but it was a quirk that was treasured by his beloved Se-- by those he once knew. He grasped Sheraesh's hand firmly and shook it once briskly.
"Good then! Come, I'm sure we can find what we're looking for easily enough. I'll explain my offer to you in greater detail as we search."
Adonar turned on the spot, deciding which way to go from their place at the fountain. He could see a bit of a disturbance down the road he had come from, and elected to stay as far from the cause of said disturbance as possible. The less he saw of that Jhour, the better. He sent a quick sidelong glare toward the epicenter of the walking disaster before choosing another road altogether. Not entirely in the opposite direction, that would be too obvious, and honestly too easy to catch up with. Instead, he lead Sheraesh somewhat to the left.
"This way, perhaps?"
He continued onward without awaiting a response; after all, he had been asked to lead. In any case, he had asked more to catch his companion's attention than anything. As he walked, careful not to outpace the Shae, he began to share the beginnings of his plans.
I should move straight to the point... something like this, I can't afford to beat around the bush.
"Now then. Earlier today, I heard of some rather… unsettling news. There was a terrible atrocity committed in a nearby town. I wish to go to the scene and see if there are any who have need of… comfort."
Adonar stopped and about turned, a look of pain on his face.
"Sheraesh. From what I heard this morning… there were no survivors within the town. I wish to find the culprits, but more than anything I wish to prevent any further massacres. I cannot abide this, and those involved need our help and support."

The two-story estate was rather cozy for a member of the royal family. But that's exactly what she was after. The wooden floors were completely unfurnished. The decent sized square of entry-room led to her requested living area through a miniature corridor. A staircase could be seen on the right leading up to a decently sized second floor. It was a good place. Maybe not as bulky as Jeb was hoping for. But the duchess was one to enjoy the finer things. Her furniture would be far from cheap.

The three made their way into her future living room. Jeb snapped his fingers while commanding Wedge. The golem gently set the trunk on the floor and opened it up. Most of the hefty trunk was filled with assorted woods and cloths sorted as compactly as possible. The tiny top compartment contained a decent amount of golem material. If they were to be the size of Wedge, perhaps another two or three golems. Jeb metaphorically patted himself on the back for his control. It was nothing new, but he always felt a slight surge of satisfaction when he opens up that trunk to see that Wedge managed to keep the cinder and the materials in their separate compartments.

"Ah'm guessin' you've already thought about what you'd like to see?"

The duchess smiled back and walked to the other end of the massive, empty room. As much as I wanted some beachfront property or something of the sort, there's no way I could travel like that. Unfortunately, this was about as far away from home as I could manage. I'm looking to spice it up. Make it feel a little 'outdoorsy.'"

He didn't know whether to be grateful or frustrated. But he knew that's what she was going to say. Jeb gave her a snide grin, tilted his head forward, and replied with a smarmy tone. "Ms. Geltesh. That's lovely. But Ah still don't know what you're looking for."

The duchess of Sutch stuck her tongue out at him. His heart skipped a beat.

"I'd prefer some natural furnishing. Something cut, but not yet refined. Preferably petrified wood. What sort of selection can I expect?

"Excellent choice. Ah brought some small samples if you wanted to bettah examine the texture. Should be somewhere in here..." Jeb rummaged through the trunk to find something that would match her request. He came back with a few small pieces in his arms. Using his free hand, he ordered Wedge to hold them and give them to the duchess one by one as Jeb went into details on the specific styles. "Ah'd personally suggest the birch. It almost resembles an unrefined marble. Elegant for something so unmolded. We also have a good supply back at the warehouse. Ah could maybe pick you up a few sidetables if that was what you were interested in. Unfortunately, cutting such pieces is out of the question if you want this place furnished by the end of the week. It would take a long time to get the necessary cuts finish. Might ah suggest you pick a more conventional style to accompany it? This also doesn't covah any stone finishes. Ah'm assuming you have a theme in mind?"

Ruba began pacing the room while examining the pieces of wood Wedge had given her. "As much as I'd love to daydream about this place all day, no. That's why I decided we should meet today. Your creative process really helps my own along.

Jeb made his way to the back wall and sat down against it. It was hard to take these situations professionally when he was painfully aware of the real reason she continuously requested his company. This must have been the 5th time they'd met, and she refused to ever progress the deal or it's concepts on her own. There was no way of hiding how long she was purposefully making the process take. Jeb was hardly as bothered as he should have been by this. In fact, he found himself enjoying her company even more each time they met. He knew something was stirring inside him. Something he wasn't sure he wanted to accept.

Jeb has always considered himself a bit of a player. He was known to fool around here and there. But this wasn't just some other girl. We were talking about a member of Sutch's royal family. Despite his normal casanova tendencies, he knew to stay careful around her. It would be best not to cross the Geltesh family for something so petty as a single adventurous night. If this were to grow out of control, he would have to commit to something more serious than he was comfortable with. Jeb was a long way from settling down because of a pretty face, no matter how stunning Ms. Geltesh was. But if she were to tempt him, he didn't know how he would resist. His heart sped up as he sat down. Every moment with her put him on edge while simultaneously relaxing him. Her presence was like a drug.

...The comparison bothered him. He made sure to kick off the floor and back towards the trunk a matter of seconds after getting comfortable. He looked to the side to see the duchess examining the window's view. He wanted to stay. He really did. But he knew what staying would mean. Love was a dangerous force.

...Wait. Love? No. There was no way. He shook his head to kill the daydream. They had only met a handful of times. This was just a furnishing deal. All he had to do was find something she wanted that was not him, and come back some other time with more of that. He tried to fight off the relaxing air of the room and get back to work. The faint yellow in his bones shifted to a sullied orange-brown as he continued with her. "If you're lookin' for somethin' natural. I highly recommend a granite finish on most hard surfaces. Wedge?"

The golem made it's way through the trunk in order to find the stones Slate had requested. As it began showcasing the rocks to Ms. Geltesh, Jeb turned away and gritted his teeth. Just make the sale and get out. You're not thinking straight. Everything will be fine once you get back to the festival.

He could hear the duchess' voice after a brief silence. "Look. Jeb. It doesn't matter to me what the furniture looks like anymore. I'd rather get to know you better."

He froze.

Jeb slowly turned around. He looked like he'd seen a ghost. He had to say something. Pushing her away now would probably ruin the deal. A deal that HD needed to regain their footing in Sutch's territory. But playing along with her any longer would surely get him into trouble. Having such an interest in her made the conflict unbearable. He had to think fast before things got out of hand. He crossed his arms and slouched uneasily.

Pardon?