Welcome to Gaia! ::

Seist turned to leave, laughing as he did so. His magical sight was gone and he was reduced to tapping his way to the door with his stave, no longer able to sense his way out.

"Fair enough," the priest chuckled, "I like your attitude."

And then he made his way out the door and into the street. He continued the blind act until he was well out of sight and then he ducked into an alleyway and huddled in some shadows, calling his magic to encourage any passerbys to look away. He removed his blindfold and retrieved his cloak from his satchel and threw it over his shoulders. A few more bits of jewelry, a quick fix of his hair to shake the dust out and return it to its natural form, and his disguise was shed and he was once again Seist. Then he threw the hood of his cloak up to hide his scars in shadow and slipped back into the street. There was a good vantage spot of the glass shop where he could sit in obscurity and still mark everyone who entered and exited. He'd keep watch there for when Borrek returned.

Seist had watched the shop for the better part of the day and nothing interesting had happened. As it grew close to dusk, he slipped off once again and resumed his blind disguise, stashing his cloak and other markings of nobility. He was once again a nameless person in this huge city. This done, he made his way back to the store and watched with his head bowed and his blindfold tipped up to afford him a bit of sight. When he saw Borrek entering, he put the blindfold right and tapped over to the store, stopping in the doorway and waiting to be acknowledged. His heart hammered. Information gathering like this was always so nerve-wracking.

Seist revised his plan within seconds. This was not someone he could simply bluff or intimidate into cooperating, especially since he was an outsider in this city and his bloodline meant absolutely nothing. It was frustrating and Seist realized that perhaps he had relied on his titles a bit too much in his homeland. He saw the bleed of magic around the man and softened his posture, letting his spine slack and his shoulders droop, a subtle form of submission. He kept his blind eyes trained on the man's direction though, refusing to bow his head. There would be some smidgen of equality here, at the least.


"I'm not here concerning your primary business," Seist replied gently, "I have information concerning an imminent transaction of yours - someone has been less than discreet. We should talk in private. May I come in?"


((I'm having flashbacks to all our attempts in D&D at trying to be subtle about information-gathering or assassinations or the likes. It always resulted in either my character drawing her sword and killing everyone in the room or my character failing a will save and trying to kill her own party. We weren't very good at being sneaky. I hope my luck has improved since then))

((Well then hopefully Siest realizes that he's stumbled onto something bigger than Moores. wink He's not going to take anyone in the Glassy Emblem without a fight. Orisk would be the easiest to fell. He's not unfamiliar with a blade, but he is truly an artisan at heart.))

| Ithe |

Slipping through the shadows with an easy grace brought on by years of practice and a clear knowledge of his destination in light and in dark IIthe made his way to the Glassy Emblem.

Silently he entered the forbidden backroom, where the glass was blown, just in time to catch Borrek’s words. Ithe knew what the words meant and he froze. Ithe also knew Borrek was expecting him. With full confidence in Borrek’s ability to see to himself and his shop Ithe chose to wait where he was and listen to how things played out.

The words of an unfamiliar voice caught his ear. If it was one of his men who’d been less than discreet he’d see to it they were rewarded for their troubles, he thought coldly. If it was an uninvolved bystander he would trace the actions back to whomever was so careless and a fitting punishment would, of course, be meted out.

| Orisk Strakeln |

Orisk bowed to Borrek, “Apologies, ye’ve been out all day and I ‘adn’t the chance ta tell ye ‘e’d,” Orisk emphasized that it was the stranger’s decision and not his own, “decided ‘e’d be back ta talk ta ye.” With his hands Orisk asked Borrek if he should leave.

(( You are in luck, I'm much more forgiving than a roll of the dice can be... well, unless there's a good story out of rolling '20's' behind the DM's screen buahahah ))


The young outsider had guts... whoever he was, and he had Borrek's attention with his words. That information would not have been easy to come by. He was either someone's pawn or someone's shield or someone's disguise - either way that meant there was a little deck stacking going on or they had another player that no one had bothered to tell him about. Whatever it was he needed to know. Borrek's eyes narrowed as he took a closer look at his new found informant.

"Come in." was all he said; his voice was deep velvet and flame. Borrek flicked his gaze to Orisk and made a hand signal to indicate he should wait out of earshot - but not too far. Although he would have liked to put the dagger away, it was best not to move to hide it, it would draw less attention. And besides, the outsider - if indeed he was an Outsider, was not likely to have an eye for Borrek's special work - not enough to identify it anyway. Unless.... Borrek waited for the man to come further into the tent, quietly. The fiery mottling moved beneath his skin with a calm that was not affected. He would be ready.

Seist moved further inside, trusting to his earlier visit and the magic-sight then to guide him. That and an innate knowledge on how people typically laid things out. There was a symmetry to most places and Borrek likely followed it. He tapped with his stave regardless, not wanting to do something stupid and upset a table of fragile, expensive objects. He smiled thinly at Orisk's words but deigned not to make a retort.

"I trust you have some means to ensure there are no listening ears nearby?" Seist inquired politely, "I would assume so, given the nature of the people you supply. I would appreciate the privacy in which to speak freely, as honestly - mincing around the subject is tiring on all parties, I feel."

| Ithe |

Ithe afforded himself the luxury of a silent laugh from his position behind the open door to the workroom. Personally he rather enjoyed the exchange of words within words, but he knew not all were so inclined. At least speaking freely would make things easier for him to follow since he was not able to observe body language. Still there may or may not be a problem with Borrek’s means of silence. Do I alert Borrek to my presence or do I trust that he knows I’ve made our appointment as scheduled? Ithe had only been late once and that he had not been able to help... well maybe he could have he thought with a bitter grin, but that would have required him to have not been him at the time.

Ithe decided to do nothing. Whether or not Borrek was aware he was here, and whether or not Borrek allowed for him to hear the conversation didn’t matter in the overall scheme of things. There were, after all a number of valid reasons he had chosen Borrek for this.

"Thank you," Seist murmured politely. He didn't feel the presence of any wards or the likes, but Borrek didn't seem the patient sort. Best if he took his chances before his luck ran out. The priest entered the tent, letting the flap fall behind him.

"I've been following a man who intends to purchase tools from you," he said bluntly, "Tools and poison. I've had a run-in with this individual before and the circumstances of that meeting initially made me concerned that he may attempt to take my life - again."

Seist grinned sourly.

"However, I've not seen any trace of him preparing to act against me, which makes me suspect he's either incompetent or has a different target in mind. That's why I bring this matter to your attention. If an outsider gets stabbed and left for dead - it's no bother to you. But considering how things fell out in his first attempt on my life... well, let's just say he fled the service of Laresh in disgrace. So. There's the dilemma. If he has been careless enough that a gutter-rat outsider like myself can track his supplier back to here, than what could someone in authority do? And if he intends to assassinate someone other than myself - perhaps someone among the watch - than what would they find? He's not of the guild, I surmise. His intentions bring no benefit to anyone here other than a quick profit and have the potential to bring far too much scrutiny along the same lines I have already traced."

"All I want," Seist said quietly, "Is a shot at him. An arranged meeting in which he does not know my identity. I'll remove the problem. I'll cover expenses - I have valuables with which to barter - so you lose nothing in the bargain and gain the silence of a potential liability."

His cards were on the table. Seist had to make an effort to appear calm, to keep his shoulders relaxed and keep from clutching his staff. Inside, he was a knot of anxiety and it was an act of will to keep from dipping to his magic. Such an act could be interpreted wrong right now. Seist disliked playing the game so blind like this - both figuratively and literally - but it couldn't be helped.

| Orisk Strakeln |

Orisk heard Borrek’s instructions to the stranger before completing his exit. Making his way to the back of the work room to lock up Orisk was effectively out of earshot, but not so far as to be unable to react to a yell or scream. He caught none of the stranger’s words nor Borrek’s reply to them.

| Ithe |

Ithe grinned in silent mirth. So this was one of the little outsiders Moores had attacked. Moores wasn’t supposed to leave these loose ends, but Ithe was aware that Laresh had once again interfered in his affairs. Still, even if Moores had killed this outsider would it matter? Ithe was well-versed in the circulating rumors concerning outsiders. He’d even seen some come back, but there was an unknown in where they came back and what they remembered of their post-death pre-Serendipity “death” interlude.

Ithe was the man intending to make Moores’ purchase from Borrek. Certain that he had not been so careless as to allow this tail he wondered where this man had gotten his information. Then it occurred to him. Moores must have been bragging about his plans to that stupid b***h of his. Pity Moores wasn’t a pawn Ithe was ready to dispose of just yet.

Oh, this was too rich! All the outsider wanted was a shot at Moores, perhaps he, too, would fit nicely into Ithe’s little game. The attack had been on orders, nothing personal. Interesting, this man’s self-important view; Ithe guessed this outsider had had a title pre-Serendipity. Such a thing could easily work to his advantage.

Well no need to hastily lay bare his role in all this at the moment Ithe stayed hidden and waited for Borrek to either get more information or dismiss the man.

Later either he, or more likely Roswyn, would find out more about this loose cannon. First he would need to complete his business with Borrek and assure him that this outsider was as much a surprise to him as it was to Borrek.

((I have absolutely no idea if it is Moores' girl that was the leak, but that's what Ithe is going to assume.))

"Mmm, forgive me," Seist replied, "I am accustomed to dealing with my homeland and typically, that is what they demand for any form of assistance. But I'm not without other means - I am a mage. I specialize in negating other mages. In short, should you ever need a mage locked down or dead; I know the wards and enchantments to do that. But my offer of repayment was not merely a bribe for information, but a courtesy to acknowledge that I intend to target - and thus deprive - you of one of your buyers. I think the real incentive here is that the benefits of his success will not be seen by yourself and the price of his failure has the potential to be passed down tenfold."

He dipped his head demurely.

"I could be wrong, of course. Perhaps this individual's intentions lie solely with myself. I've presented all the information I have and I leave the decision in your hands. Turn me away and I'll hold no grudge, this I swear on my god and goddess."

| Ithe |

“I heard and I will pass the information on to my employer. It is not I who will draw the conclusions,” Ithe stated evenly. “I trust that the commission is finished.”

Borrek nodded and held out the protectively wrapped crossbow bolts he had been holding during his meeting with Seist. Ithe took the package and carefully unwrapping it asked, “I trust the others held to their agreement,” he looked up from the package to verify Borrek’s confirming nod.

Two others had been involved in this transaction and each initially contacted by a different agent of the guild. The first a free agent dealing in poisons, the second a fletcher with the skill to affix these special heads to their bolts. The highly specialized apothecary had worked with the guild before and was left to his business. The fletcher was a loose end who would be severed.

Like his daggers, Ithe had ordered these in three. He was pretty sure that should the first one miss the second two would not matter, still best to be prepared. Satisfied with the outcome he placed a large pouch of dielems in Borrek’s hand.

The exchange of payment for daggers was a long standing order and conducted without words, by this time there was no need. At the conclusion of his business with Borrek Ithe tossed him a small pouch, “that speaks only for my opinion,” he said. While it was true that Ithe was not the one making the decisions Borrek had yet to be in trouble with the guild when Ithe had shown a positive opinion in this manner. “Let the outsider know his request for a meeting with me is denied.” I will handle this my way, not his.

Alone again in his pavillion, Borrek was slow to leave. Complications were not his favorite part of business dealings. Now, the next part would be tricky. He was not loyal to the guild in a personal sense, business was business. But by the same token the guild would feel the same about him. And to that end... Borrek would have to prepare.

He had expected the meeting to be denied, of course, but he believed the mage would be good for his bargain. A simple enchantment was all it would take. But it would need to be believable... and haste would make that harder. Frowning Borrek moved towards the back exit, his cloak wrapping around him, concealing the furious movement of the flames beneath his skin.

Either way, once he cast that spell, the young man would be his. But... if what the man said was true, the Sky Captain might take it amiss if something should happen to the blind man, as he may owe him his life. Troublesome indeed. A knot without a way to untie it... yet.


(( Borrek goes home to his tower, and then arrives early morning to do some glass work - firebirds. This is assuming no one bothers him in the evening ))

It had been a tiring day. Making a token to send to Borrek had been an easy matter, as he was accustomed to such tools. His own steward back home had a fairly potent token, in case he was ever needed urgently while out on his travels. He felt a pang of regret as he thought of that. How long would it take for them to realize he was dead? It could be years. He was often gone for so long... and in the wilderness of the Borderlands, it was doubtful his body would ever be found. If he even left a body behind. He put that disquieting thought aside. He had to focus.

Most of the daylight hours had then been spent avoiding Rivek and Lurp and anyone else he knew. Rivek had been partly responsible for landing him in this entire mess and didn't feel like involving the man any further - for one thing, he didn't trust their competancy. Other people were an unknown factor. So long as he only had himself to think about, he only had himself to worry, and if he botched things - only he would suffer the consequences. It was easier that way. Attachments to other people were dangerous.

Being alone also meant he had plenty of time for other things. Being a paranoid man, Seist had a daily ritual of ensuring he wasn't the object of anyone's attention. Back home, so much of his success rested on everyone's belief that he was nothing more than a rich, bored noble with a bit stronger of a religious streak than your average person. Eccentric, but harmless. If anyone started to question otherwise, Seist knew it was time to leave town. While he couldn't exactly leave town, he still went through his daily ritual. His weave was delicate and he had refined it over the course of years. He veiled its intent as a general 'I am looking for something unimportant', a shadow weave on top of the true spell, one that any minor mage might use to find a misplaced item. The true strength of the spell was woven in subsequent layers of power that were set in place in a radius over an extended amount of time, so that anyone with magical talent nearby would not realize the full extent of the spell. He did this during his evening meditation/prayers, directly before dinner. When the spell was finally set and executed, it was merely a single flash of power, like lighting a match. Then it was gone and Seist's eyes opened wide in the darkened room.

It had yielded a result. Someone in the area was watching him. And worse - unless he was mistaken, he'd tasted the scent of power on this individual. Scrambling to his feet, Seist forced himself to be calm and think on this. It was a woman, the mind had that feel to it. His spell would be indistinguishable from a minor spell, not the sort that would be recognizable as something that would identify a person. Not unless she had the talent to catch him laying the groundwork for it - and in this city, with so much free magic in the air, he doubted it. The priest stepped out of his room and headed for the stairs to the common room, pausing halfway down to glance around for any unfamiliar - female - faces.

Ithe left Borrek’s shop that night and clung tightly to the shadows. It had been a long time since anyone had been able to tail him, but tonight he took extra precautions in returning to his current residence. Satisfied that he had not been tailed and that he was alone he slipped inside.

Once inside he unfastened his cloak with his fingers while mentally unfastening the spell from his vocal cords. Ithe was a long standing disguise that Roswyn could take up or shed with little thought. She let out a sigh of relief as she undid the bandages she used to bind her breasts, there were magics that would allow such changes, but she was uncomfortable at the thought of changing her essence and had left them unlearned. The alterations she had made to herself all undone she slipped into her much preferred pink leather bustier followed by the donning of the rest of her outfit. Checking her appearance in the shadowed glass she caught sight of the wing tattoos on her back and smiled.

Slipping on her shadow cloak she left to pay Moores a visit. He would need to be informed of this new complication and given notification that, depending on how things played out, she may not be back for a couple of days.

*****

In the morning she paid her boyfriend, head of the guild, a visit and informed him of what she deemed pertinent. Her business with him concluded she returned to her residence. Casually sorting through her wardrobe Roswyn found a forgotten outfit of dark blue leather bordering on black. She had picked it up on a whim because she liked the way it looked and fit. With a smile she slipped it on and sat in front of her shadowed glass.

First time creation of a disguise required more time and effort than slipping in and out of those she was familiar with. She pictured the exact shade of indigo blue she wanted her eyes and watched as their color shifted in the mirror. Next she pictured long black hair and watched as blonde grew black. She would curl and set it with a small dagger hairpiece after she had completed the rest of her disguise. She darkened her skin tone slightly and adjusted her facial features to her liking. She was still only 5’¾” and her weight was not something she had learned to adjust either; both required the same magic used in changing gender. Again she adjusted her voice. The time she had spent earning this ability, some would call magic, from her goddess had been worth it.

Before making her way to Moores’ last night she had enlisted the aid of another in the guild in tracking down the outsider, she now followed his instructions to where Seist was staying. Sitting on the rooftop across from his building she watched him curiously as he went about his business. Roswyn smiled as Seist forced his emotions to calm, guessing that he must have somehow detected Shiver. With an inner smile she thought: So, it has begun. She would wait and watch.

There were a number of people in the room, some faces vaugely familiar, others new. Seist drummed his fingers briefly on the stair railing as he thought. No one was acting supicious. He was more curious than concerned about this shadow watching him. He'd long ago resigned himself to the possibility of being discovered or captured and while he had a healthy paranoia, he also knew that if it was too late there was little he could do. Worry would just dull his edge and if his minutes were numbered, than he intended to still enjoy what was left.

Besides. Miracles happened. The last time he'd been on the verge of arrest a dragon had dropped out of the sky and ripped the guards apart.

The prudent thing to do would be to discreetly attempt to find out who was watching him and then try to neutralize the person. Seist continued down the stairs and crossed the room. He pulled a bench closer to the guttering fire and focused his attention on it. The flames sparked in response to his will and then they twisted, shapes emerging from the flames, little creatures born of fire that were there and then vanished and collapsed again into smoke.

Or he could practice his illusion-working skills. It'd been a while and he didn't want to get rusty. Since when had he ever made his life accommodating for a spy? Whoever she was, it was going to a pretty boring next few hours and Seist derived a moderate amount of amusement from that.

((the dragon incident is completely canon))

The air around Seist was thick, like wet sand, and the momentum behind the swing was bled from it. Still, Seist still had to use both hands to stop the throw, but the priest held his ground, palms against Yaric's fist and keeping it from ever connecting with its target.

"Please," Seist said scornfully and this time he let his power bleed out into the air around him. It felt like the air just before a storm - a mounting tension waiting to be released. "Let's not continue this any further. There's plenty of whores in this city, if that's all you're after."

The tone of voice was just an act. Seist was still unnaturally calm, eager for this to resolve itself but unwilling to use force more than was necessary. He was as concerned for Yaric's welfare as Shiver's.

“What kind of demon are you?” Yaric snarled at Seist as his swing was caught in the man’s hands. He didn’t like this man one bit! First fire and now… whatever it was that had caused his swing to slow, landing gently (despite the momentum of his swing) in the cradle of this man’s palms like a small child’s tantrum diffused by a parent determined to let the whole thing blow over. He knew he hadn’t a chance against this man’s powers. In fair fisticuffs Yaric was sure he would be the victor, but how often did life fight fairly?

“I hadn’t set out for a whore this evening, but her unspoken promises,” his eyes narrowed as he risked a glance at Shiver, “were tantalizingly sweet. It seems I’ve a weakness for the fiery ones.” His venom faded into longing as he ran his eyes over Shiver’s voluptuous form, the man his words were directed at clearly forgotten.

Relaxing his stance Yaric’s gaze became unfocused as his attention turned inward, “A month* now it’s been since my Cedis was lost in the blasted madness the Machina stirred up in the square. It seems my intentions towards both you and the lady were misdirected,” he apologized extending his hand to Seist in a gesture of truce.

Oh Verqua, Shiver silently cursed to her goddess, I was not expecting this man to wax sentimental. She wanted Yaric to leave, but inclining any such emotion would be suspicious now.

((*I think a month works with the current timetable.))

"No demon," Seist said softly, lowering his hands to his side, "Just a priest. You have my sympathies, I heard about the attack and was sorry I could not do anything to stop it."

Seist meant that in earnest. He took Yaric's hand and shook in truce. Still, something didn't quite add up. Sentimental or not, Seist was surprised to see him reconsider so quickly. He cast out his senses, a brief touch to see if there was any foreign magic interfering.

Yaric snorted, “Then a priest of what demon? I do not care for your priesthood,” he said derisively. “Power to burn with an unseen flame and block an honest punch, it isn’t the way to fight!” his tone was bitter but he recognized the unlikelihood of even landing a blow let alone winning a brawl with this stranger and he wasn’t one to play against his odds*. “Still I appreciate your sympathy,” the lingering anger in his tone was no longer directed at the man before him and his appreciation was sincere. “Bloody Machina forget not all who walk the common platform are outsiders.” The way his sentence ended felt unfinished.

Shiver approached tentatively, “I didn’t mean to mislead you Yaric, but that kind of an offer when you’re not a whore is quite insulting,” she said gently; playing well her part. “I too am sorry to hear about,” she paused hesitantly, “your wife?” she held her hand hesitantly above his arm as if to comfort him with her touch but refraining out of respect.

“Yes, she was.” Yaric gently brought her hand to rest on his arm, and held it there under his hand. Though the ease in which she had pulled a concealed dagger on him was unsettling to say the least. It seemed the only possible redemption for his pride at this point was to keep his claim on her.

((*That is actually why I’d pictured him stopping last post. Not saying Siest is wrong in being suspicious or anything. wink ))

"It's called magic," Seist replied glibly, "Still, glad to see everyone's temper has calmed down. I'll leave you two then to sort out where it went bad. Try not to knife each other or anything silly."

And the priest turned his back to both of them and started walking back to the fire, apparently done with the entire affair.

((yeah, Seist isn't actually the type to get involved further than he has to... if his magic doesn't show anything untoward and the threat of violence is gone, he's done))

If the man is a priest it would be priesthood rather than magic, Yaric thought to himself, but let the matter drop seeing as he was glad to be rid of the stranger’s company.

Shiver briefly watched Seist retreat towards the fire and wondered what had brought him to become involved in the dispute when the other onlookers has simply ignored the threat of violence. Whatever it was clearly no longer held his interest. Not that she was so vain as her thoughts, but she wondered if he did not find this form pleasing or if he were simply a man to respect that she was here with another man. Not a common occurrence in her experience. Of course she was not the type to belong to any man. Quite the contrary she was used to having men at her beck and call and it was the rare case that such compliance was requisite on physical gratification. She was, however, quite familiar with using physical attraction as a means to an end though it was not what satisfied her appetite. Her thoughts turned to the man who did satisfy her appetite and for a second her body went rigid with anger. He had gotten her into this unwelcome mess and she intended to exact her price!

As quickly as it had come the tension in Shiver’s hand passed and Yaric wondered if he had imagined it. He wanted to leave after the scene that had just played out, but he was uncertain if Shiver would share and/or oblige that desire. “I apologize for both my offer,” Yaric’s cheeks flushed slightly as he spoke in a hushed tone to Shiver, “and for my naming you a whore.”

“I appreciate your apology Yaric, but,” she hesitated and said as gently as she could, “the damage has been done. You had my interest but…” she let the sentence hang for a moment and when Yaric offered nothing further she concluded, “I’m not interested in a man who could even think to buy me in such a manner.”

Yaric exhaled sharply through his nose. “I regret making that offer.” His words to Seist earlier had been true; he had indeed not set out for a whore tonight, but Shiver’s flirtation and seemingly open invitation had brought to a peak the desires he had been struggling to suppress since losing Cedis. It seemed now that his attempt to internally invalidate those urges by cheapening them with the offer of money had backfired. Shiver had been interested in him and he had blown it.

Shiver nodded at his comment. “I’m truly sorry about your wife,” Shiver’s false sincerity offered as easily as if it were truth. “Perhaps you’re not ready for someone new just yet.”

There was no need for Shiver to nudge Yaric’s emotion in her desired direction as he agreed, “Perhaps you’re right.” There was that awkward moment. Did he simply turn and leave?

Shiver, sensing his awkwardness, stood tip-toed and reached up to bring his face down offering a kiss on his cheek. “I wish you the best in once again finding happiness after your loss.”

“Thank you,” he returned her words with an embrace. Releasing her Yaric hoped against hope that somehow she was leaving, but when she made no move to do so he turned and left.

Shiver made her way back to the bar and retrieved her drink before quietly approaching Seist. Sitting next to him on the bench in front of the fire she offered a quiet, “Thank you.” Looking to the flames she continued in that same soft tone, “I’m not used to men standing up for me the way you did.”

((Even if Shiver had still been manipulating Yaric I’m not sure that Seist’s magic would catch it. I’m not saying it can’t, but it’s a natural ability not a magical one. You know Seist’s abilities better than I do so I’ll leave it as your call. The odds of him recognizing her messing with his own emotions would be much greater despite her highly practiced skill at it, I would think.))

"I'm Seist," he replied, "Shiver... that's an interesting name."

From the way he said it, it was as if he were weighing the syllables. Whether or not they met his approval was unknown; perhaps he merely thought the name a novelty compared to his own culture.

"So what do you do here?" he asked, "I'm obviously a noble fop frittering off the last of his wealth. But what about you? Surely you don't get along just by making eyes at anyone with a sizable bicep - which, I must point out, I do not have."

And he leaned his head back as he sipped the wine, hiding his cheeky grin behind the rim of the glass.

She smiled “It’s more of a nickname,” she offered with a small giggle. “It’s what I’m used to though.” She smiled. “I suppose you may be more comfortable with ‘Lilith’,” she recalled the name of an outsider she’d met previously. The name, she had been told, meant ‘belonging to the night’ and she liked that. “No accounting for parents’ tastes,” she jested.

Shiver decided to interpret Seist’s comment on his bicep size as an invitation. Wrapping her right hand around the bicep of his left arm she gave a gentle squeeze, “There are far more charming qualities to a man that the size of his,” she let her gaze flick briefly downward before catching and holding his gaze, “biceps”.

“Making eyes at men is more profitable than one might think,” she uncurled the fingers of her left hand to reveal a small object that she had lifted from Seist’s person. Her purpose with him, after all, wasn’t to steal from him so she had no qualms over him being wary of that pursuit. While she wasn’t about to tell him that she was the girlfriend of the head of the Thieves’ Guild the reveal that she may be a member actually provided a potential segue to business.

((You went offline before I had the chance to check with you on her lifting something from him. I hope it’s okay with you and if so have fun with what she may have lifted. She’s a master of misdirection. wink ))

At the jest about his... bicep.... Seist managed to put on a mock expression of alarm.

"You mean I have to impress you with my personality?" he exclaimed, "Gods save me, I'm doomed."

And then he went suddenly wary as she revealed her minor theft, his earlier ease evaporating to be replaced with concern. He murmured something and the air grew tight around the two, as if it were... thicker, or perhaps heavier. His brown eyes were worried and he closed both hands over hers, hiding what she had taken from view.

"Now you're being far too indiscreet," he murmured, "People like you are the reason I got very good at tracking spells, but there are others around that might regard this as something more personal than sport."

He was leaning in close now and anyone else nearby might assume the two were hitting it off... very, very well, and nothing more.

"Very careless, Shiver. A simple pickpocket wouldn't be able to lift something off me so easily, nor be able to produce a knife with such familiarity. You are guilded."

There was disappointment in his voice, but it did not seem directed at Shiver's profession.

((the spell he cast is just to mask their words from anyone nearby - aaaah paranoia. No worries about stealing stuff. While Seist has hung out with assassins he's no ninja and getting stolen from is an inevitability he's long ago resigned himself to))

"Your guild must have a very different culture than the one I grew accustomed to," Seist said.

He did not pull away from her, but neither did he make a move to reciprocate other than place a hand on her shoulder. He was not quite looking at her, rather over her shoulder to study the rest of the bar and what he could see of the streets outside. His emotions still hovered around wary - not overly alarmed - but cautious. Seeing no immediate sign of another threat, he turned his attention back to Shiver. It seemed she was alone.

"Deception is a mark of honor back home," he explained, "The longer a member holds the trickery, the more prestige they earn among their peers. So when you revealed yourself so easily... I thought either you were the least among their members or..." and he cupped her chin with his fingers, "...it was a veil for another deception entirely. Why follow me, then? And for what purpose do you make my acquaintance?"

He didn't sound like he really expected answers from her for those questions.

Shiver noted that he looked past her, and as he did so she rested her head on his chest* to afford him an unhindered view of the bar. She was relieved as his alarm gave way to caution.

"Deception is a mark of honor back home."

Shiver laughed genuinely, “Sounds about right.” She sat to face him as he continued on.

As he cupped her chin Shiver held his gaze. “As it so happens I am a better deceiver than their least,” she said as a matter of pride. He was wise not to expect answers but she had come to test the waters. From what she had seen he could certainly rid her of Moores when the time was right. “And just as capable of following rumors as you appear to be,” she left that as her answer.

Shiver had a habit of making pets of outsiders and right now she wished that this one did not have such a strong independent streak. He would make a good pet, she thought to herself with the realization that she was growing unexpectedly fond of him.

((*She’s only 5’¾” so I didn’t think she’d quite make his shoulder, if I’m wrong and he’s short too then adjust accordingly.))

"I don't give away those answers so easily," Seist replied languidly, "I suppose you won't know until the occasion arrives. And whose to say I'm not a wolf myself? You seem the type to play games, Shiver, and you'll find I won't be as easy a mark as you've thought thus far. I'll let myself be used but only if the end result aligns with my own and I do not have to violate my oaths."

His hand slipped along the side of her cheek and rested two fingers on the neck, conveniently right over the artery. He drew them sideways, much like one would slit a throat. It was a gesture, nothing more.

"I feel no sympathy for Moores. He brought this upon himself. There are consequences for every action one takes. Mercy is a luxury for those that are not weak and vulnerable. It's the underdogs that pay the price of mercy, and this place makes us outsiders easy prey. A choice is all I'm willing to give him now - it seems terrible, I know, but it's amazing what people will cling to life through. When faced with oblivion people will still fight, even if it is only a half-life they are struggling for. That is all I'm willing to give him."

She smiled; he had caught the duality. “Then I suppose I shan’t know,” her tone was underlain with disappointment, “for I’ve no intention of placing myself in a position for one wolf to save me from another.” True that her business with him bordered on that nature, but it was not a position of necessity.

Come now, she thought, you’ve known that since I revealed my theft. Her thoughts turned to the item still in her hand, and she wondered that he had made no move to reclaim it. “Your skill at the game tells me you would have enjoyed an honest exchange no more than I.” She reached up and let her fingers softly brush his lips, trailing the back of her hand down his cheek and neck to his shoulder where she applied just enough pressure to leverage herself up onto his leg, her body shifted gracefully in a manner that allowed her to maintain contact with his torso as she did so. Facing him now she agreed, “I had had hoped for an advantageous coupling.” Her expression mild; “While your intentions for Moores do not line up with my own neither do they conflict,” she answered truthfully.

Play with fire… she thought at the conclusion of his gesture, but sensing hollowness (coupled with his previous “death is a last resort” statement) she would not let it goad her.

“Nor do I feel sympathy for him, but that does not answer my question,” she smiled at him fondly. If you only knew what an annoyance it can be that you outsiders can be killed to no end, she thought to herself. That she had found ways to turn that to her advantage as well did not negate the annoyance that she could not simply off one of them and be done with it.

((So what is it she took anyway. I have no idea what he’d have on his person. If you prefer you can give me a list of options and I can tell you which she would have taken.))

"Mmmm, you're right, I didn't answer your question." He turned contemplative for a moment, seemingly disinterested in Shiver and what she was doing at the moment. Instead he tapped a finger against the side of his face for a moment, thinking, and the fingertip rested still on the edge of one of his scars. It was an odd gesture, but it seemed to be one Seist was accustomed to making when he was considering something serious.

"I follow the sibling gods," he finally said, "The sister, Frain, pulled her own eyes out and gave them to her brother, so that he would see the world as she saw it and thus govern his power wisely, for she is the goddess of wisdom and restraint and he the god of magic and power. She lives blind now but it is her hand that stills Dues's emotions and ambition and reminds the god that just because one has power, that does not mean he may do as he pleases, and that even the gods have rules. There is still power in the maimed and even the crippled can shake the world. I'd not choose death."

He laughed gently, seemingly at himself.

"Of course, by my own logic, that means that Moores may still be a threat. But at least it is less likely and he'll not be able to wield a sword or knife."

Then he carefully pushed Shiver away, intending to disentangle her off his lap.

"I've gotten what I want," he said evenly, "You plan ill for Moores - say the word, and I'll see him dead instead. I'm done playing games, for that's all this was m'lady - every gesture."

His formality banished all hint of the flirtatiousness from earlier. His tone was solemn, his manner composed and aloof, as if he had simply picked up the mantle of nobility from where he had dropped it earlier and she was nothing more than a commoner.

((Seist carries: a money pouch, belt knife, a couple enchanted tokens, a handful of bottles with liquid or dust, a pouch of magical components, a small book, and a pouch of miscellaneous crap. If that sounds like a lot - you can cram a ton of crap on a belt, trust me. When I retain for royalty I have to have my hands free so I wind up putting everything I own on my belt, including my dog's leash.))

“I lay no claim to the position of God or Goddess,” she acknowledged his religion respectfully. She slid out of his lap gracefully; gently curling his fingers around the foreign currency she now returned. “I’ve no intention of forcing your hand Margrave,” she concluded with a deep respectful bow ending in a kiss to his ring finger. (If the hand that she is kissing has a signet ring or any other such token of his title she would kiss that instead, completing the gesture more fully.)

Looking up from the offered kiss she spoke in a manner fitting of a commoner addressing such a superior, “As you wish my Lord, it was all a game.”

While it had begun that way it had not ended that way for her. He had succeeded in piquing her interest and had earned a small measure of her respect, though the latter had not been accomplished solely on his own; the gesture he had made to his scars reminded her of another man.

She rose gracefully and picked up her empty goblet between two fingers. She moved to respectfully back away in a servile manner. “If my Lord will forgive me, that this is now empty…” she smiled leaving the sentence unfinished. She had needed to relieve her bladder for a short while now and so long as he did nothing to hinder her that would indeed be her next move.

There had been no mockery in her gestures or movements, but she was well aware that Seist’s view of her motives would likely not be so pure. Surprising herself she did nothing to soften his perception of them.

((It seems that a coin ends up working best in the end after all. Shiver has several pouches on her belt as well, no worries. <3 Though I have no idea what she has in them all.))

((So my first reaction was to have Seist get annoyed, but then I realized that Seist was raised to have people look up to him and he's more than a little self-centered))

Seist accepted her gesture of obsequiousness without comment, seemingly unperturbed by it. In fact, it served to reassure Seist more than anything in this world had so far, and he felt grounded in what was familiar to him once more. There was a fierce surge of affection for Shiver with that, quickly quelled, quickly put away and discarded.

"Tomorrow night," he said softly as she rose, "I intend to go hunting."

He would leave it up to her if she wanted to interfere further. He could only hope she did - with no leads to go on anymore, he suspected that his endeavor tomorrow would be fruitless. Still, he felt compelled to try.

It wasn't like he had anything better to do.

As she left, he released the spell that had been hovering in the air, breathing a sigh of relief. It had muffled their words so that no bystanders could overhear and while he was used to casting it, it was still a burden to carry for so long nonetheless. Then he tucked the coin pouch back in its place. He'd have to count it later. A gentleman did not do such things in public. Briefly, he wished she had taken it with her. He was accustomed to being a target for thieves and had marked each of his belongings so that they could be easily tracked upon theft. It would have been convenient... but unfortunately, not everything could be easy.

Once at an appropriate distance Shiver turned and walked towards the bar where she set her goblet down in passing. Only when in the privacy of the lavatory did she smile to herself. That his fondness of her had been suppressed nearly as quickly as it had arisen did not matter to her. It had burned intensely for that moment. She had played his game and won. Maybe I will make a pet of him, she mused still undecided on the matter.

As she returned to the commons Shiver looked to see if Seist was still there. If he is still there she will wait to catch his attention and raise an eyebrow in question as to whether she stay or go.

((Good news and bad news is that the plot is essentially ready for Moores… which means we need Kim again. With her involvement in the contest RP we’ll likely need to wait a bit. ^^; Or, Shiver is willing to give Seist a chance to redeem himself in casual conversation. wink I’d love to find out more about Seist from him and learn about Shiver in so doing… well maybe not anything real about her, but who knows. I’ve learned some very interesting things about her from this RP. Like that while she is not opposed to torture she has no taste for personally carrying it out. I already knew that she has no use for pride when it doesn’t further her cause, but that she so kindly reminded me reinforces it. *laughs*

There is also a little more information I’d like to try and get out of Seist. Not anything Shiver feels the need to gain, but she’s willing to cooperate with me in the name of learning about Seist. I may even be able to coax her into revealing a few things.

BTW that she is considering Seist as a pet is an odd sort of compliment.))