|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 Posted: Sat Aug 27, 2011 4:52 pm
Finoewae 
Teagan sat silently at her corner table. She now saw a couple of people on the other side of the bar. One of them looked vaguely familiar, but she couldn't remember the name. All she could remember was that she met him, along with a girl, and Rivek on the airship the other day. She glanced over to him once in a while, but she was a bit preoccupied.
Yesterday she began to question her true purpose here. Mr. Fletcher gave her a job, yes. Perhaps with time it could be considered a career. But in a land such as this, where everything she knew was just left behind in an instant, how could she find a way to start over? Was this life- a painful fire to be burned in until death, and then to feel that it was all for nothing- when you are transported to a different fire to suffer in? The past few days had been rather mild considering everything, but this world, this city had just as much potential to destroy Teagan as her own world did.
And she did feel destroyed. She worried...could a person bear to be destroyed twice? Maybe this time instead of suffering, she would break, and slip into the sporadic existence of insanity. And that would just not do. If she considered anything sacred here, it was her mind. She uttered a groan, just thinking about the times she'd nearly lost herself, since arriving in Serendipity.
Either my God has decided to send me through the most creative hell I could ever imagine...or maybe the reincarnationists have something...Is this my lesson, since I failed my last one?Jalil  It had become a bit of a tradition for Dev while in the mortal realms to frequent the local inns and taverns to pick up any potentially useful information she could. Tonight her feet brought her to the Dead Man's Meet where she took a seat at the bar and waved for the bartender. "I'll take a glass of your best lager," she said once she had his attention retrieving a coin from its pouch on her belt to pay.WoefulInfinity [  | Rivek Ailinar |
Rivek found himself called over by a customer he didn't recognize - with pale almost white hair. How interesting. She didn't look like a member of any faction he'd seen around, but maybe she was an Elemental. They took on very odd forms.
He poured her a pint and took the coin. It was copper, but again - very odd looking. But of course!
"Not from around here, are you?"
Finoewae
Teagan's jaw dropped at the sight of this newcomer. A woman, if that's what you could really call her. She towered over Teagan, and had muscles that Teagan couldn't even imagine having. She spoke with an authority that she imagined only a king, or God could speak with. She was very strange indeed, and Teagan was terrified of her. She couldn't put her finger on it, but something was very, very wrong.
And now, she was not safe. She reclined further into the shadows to watch the woman, sweat forming on her forehead.Jenannen | Miehrru Pouncing Phantom |
 Miehrru taunted the hobgoblin in his native tongue as he charged her with his spear. The attack pushed her back and she fell through the window frame of the ruined tower.
***
Miehrru’s claw-like nails scratched at the cobbled path beneath her as she woke to a falling sensation. With a yowl she crouched to all fours and backed away from the passers-by who had stopped to see what the noise was about.
Standing to her full five feet five inches she continued backing away from the strangers into the fountain that she hadn’t noticed was behind her. Splash! With a low growl she scrambled her way out of the water.
“Dead Man's Meet” The sign on the building in front of her said. Shaking off and ignoring the eyes on her as best as she was able she retrieved her spear and made for the door.
A bedraggled humanoid white tiger sat at the counter with a heavy sigh. Short tufts of unruly hair fell this way and that from being shaken in an attempt to dry off. Miehrru leaned the end of her spear against her stool and held it from falling with her legs. Setting her shield on the counter she removed her bracers and set them in the shield. Resting the top of her spear in the crook of her elbow she rested her head on her arms. The charm she had tied in her hair fell across her forehead.
Her big blue eyes closed in an attempt to keep the tears back. It was bad enough having such a frightening dream, but waking up in unfamiliar surroundings was just too much for the adolescent. With a low purr she sobbed.Jalil Devaena smirked slightly. "I'm that obvious am I?" she said with a chuckle. "No, I'm not from around here, but from what I've gathered here not many of us are. And what of you?"
As she waited for his reply she let her other senses take note of her surroundings. She could smell the fear coming off of someone in the room, and once she pinpointed who...well, that's when the fun would begin right? WoefulInfinity "I don't see six-feet-tall scaled women that frequently," he laughed. "Then again, I don't go looking for them. Not really my type, you see."
He wiped the counter. "Me, though - I can say I think I've been around here enough to call myself a 'not-native.'"
"Anything else I can get you? A snack perhaps?" He picked up a small knife and began twirling it between his fingers. "We take forms of payment other than precious metals, you know. Sometimes, it's good fun to have a wager."((For the record - Dev is noticeably taller than Rivek. He is 5'11")) Jalil Devaena gave a rich laugh. "I'm not many people's "type". Apparently I'm intimidating," she said as if that should be some big joke. "Then again, I suppose in my line of work that's somewhat of the entire point."
At the mention of other forms of payment she perked a brow. "Oh? And what exactly did you have in mind?" WoefulInfinity "Hmm..." He looked around. "A game of darts."
"But let's make it interesting."
He laid out a few instruments of cutlery from behind the counter, usually meant for drink making. He just hoped he wouldn't get into too much trouble. Ah well, he could always replace the silverware.
"You win - you get another drink, on me. Ah, not the house, mind you, but myself in particular. Not allowed to say stuff is on the house - legal reasons and all that."
"I win - you tell me a story."
He nodded slightly and said, "Pick your weapon, but first - I should deal with a few other customers as well. I do have a job to do. Call me back when you finish your drink. And are ready to gamble for seconds." Finoewae Teagan continued to watch the woman. Rivek seemed unnaturally calm. He had definitely been here longer than she had though. Maybe it was just a matter of time until Teagan learned to stare death in the face, with a calm respect.
She retreated as far as she could into the corner, and silenced herself. She barely breathed, her eyes intent on following this woman wherever she walked. WoefulInfinity Rivek walked over to Teagan, tapping his pencil against his waiter's notepad, "Miss, if you sit at the bar, you should buy something, you know. We have people who need these seats."
He glanced over in the direction of Seist and Lily, "Or, you could seat yourself at a table which has already paid." WoefulInfinity Suddenly, he heard a crash - and a splash - outside. Why did people keep falling into the fountain? Seriously! Were they blind? Did they somehow miss the ten foot statue surrounded by water in front of them?
"Pardon me," he told Teagan and darted towards the sodden newcomer.
This was highly unfamiliar. A cat-person? He supposed it was possible, but he hadn't actually seen one before. He grabbed a napkin, hoping there wasn't any lime juice on it, and handed it to her. "You're a tad too little to be in here, you know?" Finoewae Teagan gave a murderous glare at Rivek.
What the hell do you think you're doing? I obviously don't want to be seen by certain people and you waltz right over to me, and aghhhhhhh this is complete horse s**t!!!
She seethed, stubbornly sulking further into the corner. What had caused this sudden change of behavior? He had been so agreeable earlier, but now in the face of danger, he belittled her and humiliated her!
Her eyes were still locked onto the tall, muscular woman, as Rivek was called away by a new ******** all..." she muttered angrily. She was beginning to think that every nice encounter before was an act. With absolutely no hope to stay hidden now, she could only lie in wait for someone to approach her. And she had a feeling there was no one in the bar currently that she'd want approaching her for any reason. Jenannen Miehrru's ears tilted back slightly as she looked up and declared indignantly, “Miehrru’s not too young, Miehrru’s a fine warrior,” she ended that statement sitting up tall and proud for emphasis. Accepting the napkin she leaned towards the man who had just offered it to her and said in confidentially, “I don’t know where here is,” her shoulders sank a little.
Shifting her weight onto the bar she leaned closer to the man, letting out something between a sigh and a sneeze her brow furrowed as she observed, “You smell like a bird.”
|
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Sat Aug 27, 2011 5:12 pm
WoefulInfinity "Why yes, yes, I do. But don't go telling people that. I lose customers."
"You're at the DeadMan's Meet. It's an inn. Of sorts. Of rogue scallywags like myself." He wiped down a glass with another rag. "Do I need to, ah, find your parents or something? Jenannen Miehrru laughed and tilted her head to the side, “Why?” she asked puzzled at how that would bother customers. Up on the bar now and she leaned forward to lick him on the cheek, wondering what a bird-human, human? would taste like.
“I saw the sign, I know that,” she said in his ear as she smelled him some more, “you smell,” she hesitated searching for the right word, “dead,” she concluded puzzled. Her prior line of thought returning she added “I don’t know where here is, I woke up out there and nothing looks familiar, am I dreaming?” She had backed off enough by this question to look at him.
In her curiosity his question about her parents was completely forgotten. WoefulInfinity "Ah, that's ...." He did not expect her to lick him. He backed away immediately.
He felt a little bad telling someone so young that they had probably been offed in whatever universe they came in.
"Uhm, do you want something to eat?" Kiddo Seanchain Seist sips appreciatively at the wine, apparently satisfied with Lurp's choices. He leaned back in his chair, watching Rivek work briefly before shifting his attention back to Lurp. "Maddening isn't it?" he asked softly, "At least one man is dead, we're all known to the guards - or at least, we would be if they were competent - and there Rivek is working and laughing like nothing happened." The priest shook his head in disbelief and hooked a thin glass bottle tied to a cord from around his neck and set it on the table. He placed a bloodstained scrap of cloth next to it and then pulled out a charcoal pencil and set about drawing a circle and runes around the two items on the surface of the table. "Don't mind me, I'm just setting something up," he said casually, "Me? I'm not so flippant about such things. I like to take precautions. But as to what happened... I was going to meet up with Rivek as I wanted to try and track down the people that attacked us - I was hoping Rivek would come along to watch my back. But he was over at the old inn doing gods know what and got stopped by the guards. I showed up and was going to sit in the shadows and see if I couldn't help him out once they got done arresting him, but apparently tensions around here are a bit higher than I thought and violence broke out. When I saw that they were going to use lethal force, I intervened. Got stabbed in the back for my troubles. The guards seem capable fighters but lacking in coordination or honor; which makes them little more than officially-sanctioned thugs. I am eager to hear Rivek's assessment so I'll know if their response was warranted... or if their organization is due for a culling of the ranks." Jenannen He tasted dead too, with a hint of pine.
Miehrru plopped back onto her seat as he backed away wondering if she’d upset him. Seems she’d forgotten again that humans didn’t do that.
Curiosity about where she was vanished at the mention of food, she nodded eagerly. “Do they have towels here?” she added, “Miehrru doesn’t like being wet.” WoefulInfinity The cat-girl was basically ignoring everything he said words-wise, so he went to the kitchen to go get some towels. Guess that napkin hadn't been enough.
He brought back a few clean ones. "Here."
Damn, he was going to have to do the laundry tonight, too, and didn't want to have to pick cat hair out of the tub. Jenannen “Thank you,” she said appreciatively as she set to work drying herself off. LadyFox Lurp is glad he seems to like her selection for him. Such a small thing shouldn't make her feel this tiny warmness, but after everything else that has happened today, she doesn't stop to think about it. "That does seem to be his way." Lurp nods in Rivek's direction. She watched Seist's drawing with interest, but when she realized it must have something to do with magic she got twitchy. "Er.. setting something up? What kind of something? What kind of precautions?" Lurp trusts Seist more than the average human, but mages are dangerous to her kind, moreso than most. She nods along to his explanation. It filled in some blanks she'd had, but as his preparations continue, Lurp excuses herself to pick up her stew at the counter. It's not ready when she gets there, but she waits instead of returning to the table, watching Seist out of the corner of her eyes. When the stew is finally ready, and Lurp has lingered as long as she reasonably can without being outright rude, she makes her way back to the table where she sits gingerly, hugging her stew to her chest, and watching Seist work. WoefulInfinity "So... sure you're not hungry? Anything specific you want?" Jenannen “Yes, Miehrru is hungry,” she nodded again as her stomach growled in confirmation. “Miehrru doesn’t know what there is to eat here.” She reached into her belt pouch and placing three coppers on the counter she said, “Surprise Miehrru.” Kiddo Seanchain "It's a rudimentary tracking spell," Seist explained, "Just the framework for now. I key it to a token of the person I want to find - in this case, blood - and then I can link it back to his person and follow the connection until I find him in person. For now it will merely warn me when he is close by. I wear it around my neck. Since he stabbed me while I was helpless, after the fight was done, I'm a bit worried he might try something else, so I'm taking precautions. I may hunt him down myself. I'm still debating that one. But for now, this will suffice." He focused, drawing his magic to himself. The next step was to infuse the runes and then transfer their intent - and their power - to the bottle itself. It would take some time and concentration, but he had done it many times before and the bustle of a tavern certainly wouldn't be enough distraction. "Have you seen anything of the guards?" he asked absently, "What's been your opinion on the lot of them?" WoefulInfinity Wow. That was - actually a lot of money. He shrugged and threw it into the register before walking into the kitchen. After a short talk with the chef, which almost turned into an argument, he came out, holding a large dish between his hands. It made him uncomfortable to serve something like this, but it was his job.
He placed twin rotisserie, whole, cornish hens in front of the cat-girl. "Enjoy?"
Serving whole birds always made him feel a little ... guilty? So he backed up against the bar, leaning against it for a small break. Finoewae
The bar quieted down a bit and Teagan noticed the strangest creature, currently eating at the counter. It had the body of a large cat but...it also appeared to have human attributes as well. She calmed down a bit, watching the newcomer. It, whatever it was, was quite fascinating.
But the creature spoke...this was no animal. Teagan tried to wrap her head around this concept. The girl very much had instincts that a cat would, yet she spoke perfectly fine, though she sounded a bit young.
She remembered Rivek's words and decided to confront the girl, or at least be close enough to watch her properly, while she ate her own dinner.
"Rivek..." Teagan spoke courteously, still a little on edge about earlier, "I'd like to buy dinner please. Is there some kind of stew I could have, with a side of bread?" She counted some coins on the counter. She was completely guessing how much she owed. She tended to buy more liquor than she did meals.
She tried to soften her expression, waiting for him to notice her. Meanwhile, she stole glances at the cat-like girl two seats away.WoefulInfinity Rivek heard his name being called from down the bar. Goddamn. The exhaustion was starting to get to him, and this was a normal shift. He should stop giving customers his name...
"Oh, it's you!" he said, trying to brighten his facial expression. "Beef stew coming right up."
"You'll be having the same she's been having," he said, pointing to Lily. "Chef's specialty."
He looked down at the coins, counting them on his fingers. "Did you just overpay, or did you want booze with that?" Jenannen Miehrru’s eyes grew large at the sight of two whole birds, where she had come from a good meal cost silvers. Leaning over the food she sniffed it, it seemed to be fully cooked, her nose crinkled, but she gave no other indication of dissatisfaction. She was not exactly unaccustomed to eating human prepared food. Breaking off a leg she took a bite and nodded. Swallowing she looked back at the dead-bird-man and informed him, “Miehrru can not eat two.” Finoewae Teagan watched curiously as the cat-girl addressed herself in the third person. She always wondered why people did this, it seemed like a complicated way to communicate, not simpler one.
"Oh, um...yes I guess I'll take a shot as well. Gin please." She tried to smile sincerely to Rivek, but instead she just looked nervous, and a faint blush formed on her cheeks.
Turning back to the cat-girl, she almost giggled when it said that she couldn't eat the two cooked birds on her plate. She imagined that a creature like this must be capable of eating a horse. Weren't large cats the kind to have a sort of insatiable hunger? Or perhaps she was thinking of different wildlife.... WoefulInfinity "I do love gin," he grinned. He turned around and reached up to get a bottle on the highest shelf. "My personal favorite. They have to import this stuff. I tell you, the Elementals have some very skilled alcoholics."
He poured her a glass with a flourish of his arm. Good, he could still show off a little.
He pocketed the coins and then entered the kitchen to get a bowl of that delicious stew. Finoewae He seems so...happy. One of these days I'm going to have to ask him how he maintains this positive expression that he always seems to have no matter what.
Teagan got to work on her drink. She'd probably have another before she left, but a repeat of last night was not going to happen. WoefulInfinity He brought the bowl of stew out for Teagan. "Smells good, huh?"
"Enjoy," he smiled again. "I'll leave you to eat in peace. I mean, I'm a little tired myself."
He checked the clock on the wall, and right on time, the late-shift bartender walked in. The two of them went into the kitchen, Rivek clocking out as the other clocked in.
As he hung his apron by the door, he turned to the cook, "So, how much for the coney over there?"
"A copper. And cook it yourself, boy. We have customers."
"Don't need to." He grabbed the hare off the shelf and took it over to a table to eat by himself.
"Goddamn," the cook hissed. "We need to stop hiring these damn Outsiders."
He dug into the raw flesh with gusto, having completely forgotten to eat over the past few days.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Sat Aug 27, 2011 5:30 pm
Finoewae
"Thank you...it looks wonderful." Teagan noticed that she tended to speak in a softer tone around Rivek. It wasn't intentional; in fact she tried to prevent it. She wanted to keep up a somewhat serious, professional image, around anyone she met, because she might have to talk to them for work related reasons later. It just must have been that first time they spoke. She took a chance at being vulnerable, and now she felt almost obligated to share just a little bit more of her honest emotions with him, than with anyone else.
It wouldn't be much of a problem of course. He seemed to be obsessed with stories. But he was like a vault. There was vast space to hold the stories of others, but he never seemed intent on sharing them. He was very strange. Teagan couldn't remember the last time she asked a question, just to know. There was always a reason, an advantage for her to ask if she did.
She nodded goodbye to him as he clocked out, and started on her late dinner. It was heavenly.
Reminds me of my mother's stew... haha...
She continued to take curious glances at the girl beside her. She hadn't spoke since she ordered her meal. Teagan was getting a strong impression that this girl was young, and somewhat ignorant still. She wouldn't be needing to user her for work anytime soon. But she held herself open to the possibility of "small talk." There were just some people that could only open up to those who give the best first impressions, and Teagan was done with making horrible impressions on the general public.Jenannen After quickly devouring the first of the birds Miehrru realized she was thirsty as well, but after what dead-bird-man had said to her about how she wasn’t supposed to be here she was nervous about asking the new man for a drink. Her ears twitched in hesitation as she pushed the platter with the second bird away from herself a little. Maybe she could have eaten it if she hadn’t been on trail rations for so long, but as it was she was decidedly full and feeling a little tired. As if on cue she yawned. Finoewae Teagan gave a quizzical look to the new girl. She was acting a bit strange now that she was done eating.
"Pardon me...may I finish that, if you're not going to?" she asked, as gently as possible. This girl looked very nervous.
Well I hope that didn't come off as rude but...no one should waste a good cornish hen. Jenannen “Oh yes,” Miehrru replied relieved. She picked up her spear and used her shield to slide the dish down the bar moving herself next to the woman who had spoken to her. “Miehrru gave,” she hesitated remembering that dead-bird-man had said not to mention the bird smell; she reasoned that she wasn’t supposed to mention dead taste either. So what did she call him? Looking around the establishment she spotted him and pointed, “Miehrru gave him three coppers and he brought two birds. At home I would need at least silvers if not golds for such a feast.”
Miehrru leaned in to smell this woman and as she did so she spoke sofly, “He said Miehrru’s not supposed to be here, but Miehrru’s thirsty and tired.” Finoewae Teagan looked at her curiously.
"I see..." she started slowly. "Miehrru, I don't think you should worry. You're at a local business, and places like this don't just refuse service to certain...beings, such as yourself. There are many types of people and things that live in this city."
She smiled a little, but looked away. She was afraid she'd make herself too approachable. She didn't want a clingy friend to deal with.
"That man that gave you the food is a decent one..." she continued, very quietly. "I'm not sure what his exact issue was with you tonight, but I promise you he's not your enemy." Teagan hope she was telling the truth, for once. She would hate to disappoint the girl like that. Jenannen The woman smelled human. Miehrru remembered the reaction she’d gotten when she’d licked dead-bird-man so she sat back and tried to pay attention to the words being spoken to her.
Protest about her being told she was “too little” forgotten completely as the woman finished “this city.” Miehrru’s eyes brightened as she asked excitedly, “You know where we are then? Miehrru doesn’t recognize anything here, and wonders if it’s a dream, but,” again she pointed, “he didn’t tell me it was or wasn’t," words spilling out before the woman was able to complete her comment about the man who had given Miehrru food. Jalil Devaena eyed the tools with interest, a smile growing on her face as he laid out the details of what he had in mind. She had fully intended to play his game, but didn't get the chance as the bartender was accosted by a slew of customers. As he left for the night she called after him, "Next time then, I'll play your game, but I might want to make a different wager."
Well, there were certainly a slew of intriguing faces now, however one had caught her eye. The human talking with the cat girl, she had seen the bartender speaking with her earlier, perhaps someone he knew? Either way, the girl was skilled at blending in. Had the bartender not walked right to her, Dev might have never picked her from the crowd. Well, there was that smell coming from her direction...but she hadn't taken the time yet to pinpoint if she was the source or not. Normally Devaena would have approached her to 'make acquaintances', but the woman was speaking with one of the other Outsiders and humans had these weird compunctions about being interrupted. Dev was sure an opportunity would present itself, until then she could be patient she thought to herself as she continued to survey the bar and sip on her lager. Patient she was extremely good at. Finoewae Teagan was about to go on, to explain more of the city to Miehrru...but she stopped, for two reasons. The first being that she never wondered why Rivek had acted so cold to her in the first place. Maybe he knew something about her? Maybe she was very dangerous?
The second reason, was a shiver that ran up her spine. She felt like someone was watching her. It was a normal paranoia to have given her past and present professions but no, this was different. Someone was without a doubt here. But she feared to turn around. What if it was her.
Teagan's face turned white, and she immediately lost fervor in talking to Miehrru. She kept staring at her glass, and slowly asked the barkeep for a refill of gin. Jenannen Miehrru was puzzled by the woman’s response, or rather lack thereof, to her question about where they were. Miehrru didn’t need to smell for fear, she could see it displayed plainly on the woman’s white face. Turning, Miehrru scanned the establishment for the cause. Jalil Devaena had to repress the urge to sigh in contentment at the fresh wave of fear that practically radiated from Teagan. It left no doubt about it, she was definitely the one who was afraid of her.
Devaena never overtly looked at Teagan any more than she looked at anyone else, and perhaps that made it that much worse. Dev didn't want to implicate herself, she wanted the woman to wonder. Obviously she had picked up something in her observation that gave her cause to fear Dev whether it was that blasted human 'sixth sense', sheer dumb gut feeling, or just a general dislike of fiends. Still, fiend Devaena was and she couldn't pass up this opportunity.
Being on the careful side she only lightly attempted to touch the woman's mind in case she had defenses against such an attack. Such a light touch would only produce a whisper, almost like a trusted friend telling a secret except it carried the fiendish hiss of nightmares and madness. Why so frightened? the voice attempted to call in her mind as if begging the question of whether it was real or not.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Sat Aug 27, 2011 5:38 pm
Finoewae Why so frightened?
It was odd, Teagan felt herself asking that but in a much different tone than her mind's voice would naturally say it. It had a hint of mockery. Teagan was often hating of herself but she usually didn't mock herself. It was pointless, it wasted her emotional energy.
Why am I frightened? Power does not mean evil, spying does not proof ill intention....
She kept her eyes on the glass before her, her body frozen.
I can't be afraid of times like this..they're going to happen. All I have to do is take Mr. Fletcher's lead...I know what I could do back home, and he knows what I'm capable of here.
Teagan started to calm down...she was a bit embarrassed of it all- since coming here to the city, her normal defenses were inconsistent. She let herself be vulnerable, she showed emotion on her face...she was really losing her edge. There had to be a way to gain back the persona she'd made under the guild. She was going to need to be that person again, if she wanted to really survive.
She was still frozen in her seat, but here breathing had slowed. She was waiting to see if someone would approach her. Jalil Devaena frowned just slightly as she took another sip of her drink. She had expected the fear to grow, but instead it had abated. Well, that wasn't what she'd intended. Perhaps a more direct approach would be warranted, but she didn't want to tip her hand too soon. Approaching the woman now would only confirm any suspicions, and that wasn't what Dev wanted at all. Not yet.
She hadn't sensed any mental defenses, which meant that it must be logic or reason working against her. Pah, if people knew the power of belief they would disregard such nonsense as logic. After all, if someone believed, really believed, that you were an evil, soul-stealing, sadistic daemon then they empowered you to be just that. Mortals rarely understood the raw power of belief, but that was the way Devaena's kind liked it. Keep them in the dark while they feed you the strength of their beliefs.
But that was an inner monologue for another time. Devaena wanted to figure out how to twist this woman's fear into something useful. And then the thought hit her. It would almost be too perfect if it worked, after all Devaena wanted to cast suspicion off of herself. What better way than to turn the tables and cast the suspicion elsewhere?
The whisper this time was weighted with suggestion. She's not so tough. It's probably just an act, but there's definitely something wrong about her. Maybe I should do something about her before she hurts someone. Before she hurts Rivek...
It was a risky ploy. She couldn't even be sure the woman cared about the bartender (whose name she had gleaned from the crowd, though she would swear not to know if asked), but if she did? This could be fun. Finoewae Teagan had ordered another shot of gin. It was one of the worst mistakes she'd make since coming to Serendipity. The alcohol hit her pleasantly, but her mind weakened.
She's not as tough as she looks.... Teagan closed her eyes. She remembered the times she had successfully intimidated people much more powerful than her. Life back in England was hell, yet she grew beyond anything a person could see themselves to be. To overcome the feeling of mortality, to let each event happen like a stroke of paint on canvas, not a tear in itself.
There's something wrong about her.... Yes, there was. I can discover it...I'll ask Mr. Fletcher to help me investigate this one...this won't be a problem.... confidence brewed inside her again...
Teagan took a deep breath. She was determined. If this woman meant harm, she was going to be stopped. I'll be sure to prevent anything she plans... she won't hurt anyone as long as I can watch her... Her confidence hit a peak, and in the strangest event, she laughed aloud. But when the sound of her own laugh hit her ears, so did the downfall of her thinking.
She'll hurt no one, not I, not Miehrru-
...!
Not-
Rivek...
Her face flushed as her mind repeated the name. Rivek. Teagan's left hand began to tremble. Rivek...he was talking to her today...that woman! That vile...slime...was making small talk with him!! And he was just chatting away... Riveck you IDIOT can't you see how dangerous she is?! No, he's clueless! He's completely clueless!!
At that moment the alcohol really hit her, and thoughts of death and loss flooded into her. Her heart started to beat rapidly, and she unknowingly was breathing loudly, faster. Furious.
Rivek's in danger while she's here!! The voice was screaming in her head. And all the thoughts and reason in the world couldn't resist the flow of emotion that overtook her. Both hands were trembling now. She was behind her, wasn't she- she was already trying to hurt him!!
"STAY BACK!!!!" Teagan screamed from the top of her lungs, turning and rising form her chair. Her fists clenched and her eyes burned with defensive hate. The last time she'd given a look like this, a man twice her size died before her, in one moment. Jenannen Miehrru’s search of the room took in various creatures she was and was not familiar with. Her search paused as she caught sight of a white haired female that reminded her of Ebony. Just as her search rested on the white-haired-tiefling the woman next to her screamed and stood up. Miehrru fell off her stool in surprise.
Falling off the stool so carelessly made her realize just how tired she was. Curses! She was so curious about what was going on, but she was also very tired. Torn between curisioty and sleep Miehrru slid to the ground finally succumbing to her fatigue. Jalil Dev's head swiveled towards the yell and a look of surprise flooded her face even as inwardly she grinned. Perfect...now she just had to play her part.
She could see Teagan was looking directly at her, even though she looked to her left and right as if to see if the murderous look was intended for another. When it was apparent that it was not, she looked back at the other woman and her eyes narrowed. "Excuse me?" she said with a tone that most definitely did not like the notion of being threatened. Finoewae Teagan's rage built. The woman's voice only broke Teagan's stance for a second; she quickly returned her glare, fists tight again.
With a woman in front of her as powerful as this, there was no point in retreating now. The challenge had already been made, and the only move to make was another attack. The towering woman would either call her bluff or not- but for Teagan, this was no bluff. Size didn't matter much, not yet anyway. For now it was a battle of wits and will.
"I don't know who you are, but you need to leave." She growled.
Direct. Vicious. Insane. Keep going...
"You've been lurking around here all night and I won't allow you to any longer. LEAVE!"
At this point, without losing eye contact, Teagan moved her hand ever so slightly. She'd need it in the perfect position is she were to drew her new dagger. Her feet also shifted, in case she had to kick up the bar stool. Her movements were so minuscule, that only her enemy before he could notice, if she took opportunity to.
Teagan left it at that. No need to threaten her life yet- an extreme jump in threats was the sign of a bluff. Jalil A sneer crossed Devaena's face as she rose to her full height and withdrew the greatsword from its scabbard on her back. The movement was slow and deliberate, and she let the weapon rest down low at her side, readied but not yet attacking. Just another little push, she had to let the woman make the first blow, but that didn't mean she couldn't fight with words. "Who do you think you are, girl? The Peace? Or maybe you're one of those Celestials who thinks Outsiders should be killed like cattle?" She scoffed. "It doesn't matter, because whoever you are you haven't the right to tell me where I can go or stay. If you want me to leave so badly?" she said hefting the greatsword up onto her shoulder with a vicious grin, "Well then you're just going to have to make me..."
Let the games begin...she chuckled to herself.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Sat Aug 27, 2011 5:42 pm
Finoewae
Teagan took her last statement as an agreement to start. The towering woman already prepped herself to engage, so Teagan needed to be a step ahead now. That meant attack now, or lay dead wondering why she didn't. Before the woman finished her last sentence, Teagan reacted. In a swift silent motion, her hand gracefully withdrew her dagger, and thrust it through the air, to make contact with the gut of her opponent.
There was no time to think about the impact it had on her though. The wound would not be fatal, she was sure- this was only to serve one purpose. A distraction of pain-
The second after the dagger flew from her hand, her foot kicked up the bar stool- and she grabbed it tight with both arms, and aimed for the enemy's neck- specifically her vocal chords. The force with which Teagan swung the chair gave little time for the woman to react- but still, it wouldn't be that easy....Jalil The dagger clanked against the chainmail shirt Devaena wore for protection cutting her off as a snarl of indignation echoed across the inn. She reached down to check for blood, and seeing none turned to strike back...only to see a chair coming for her face. Having not got fully turned around yet she tucked her body to the side enough that the chair impacted mostly on her shoulder guard and the side of her head, but there was enough force behind it that she staggered back a step. So, she had some fight after all it seemed. With a growl Devaena leveraged herself back forward towards her opponent, her gauntleted hand reaching to grab for Teagan - a shirt, a jacket, a collar, even her neck if she can get her hands on it - and try to draw her in close enough and keep her still long enough for a strike to the face with her sword hilt if successful. Finoewae Teagan barely had a second to think.
THE CAPE!!
As Teagan turned and stepped back against the bar counter, she did her best to unhook the small cloak she wore. Just in time, because the strong, opposing hand grabbed it, ready to pull Teagan back into a hit! Yet the cloak wad separated, and the towering woman wasted precious seconds pulling the weightless cloak toward the ground.
UP!
Teagan jumped, lifting herself onto the counter. She slid towards a full bottle of wine, and furiously lugged it at her enemy. With the strength she needed to send in in the general direction, Teagan was unsure if it would hit the target. But god willing that b***h would have a face full of cheap wine and shards of glass.
In an unfavorable twist of luck, Teagan fell over the other side of the counter after she'd thrown the bottle. <******** IT ALL!!!!" Jalil Devaena swore under her breath, swishing the cape through the air to deflect the bottle which crashed into the nearby bar and splattered her with wine anyways. She shook her gauntlet free of the cape where it had snagged on the fabric and felt a jolt of pain through her arm. That chair had hit harder than she thought. Worse yet, this woman was fast. Devaena hated the fast ones, always leaping around and bobbing and weaving and....falling off counters?
Devaena blinked. The woman was on her back on the floor and Devaena wasted no time leveling the sword at her throat. Part of her yearned to kill her where she lay, a simple downward stroke was all it would take...but no, she needed this one alive, for now. If she was to serve as a scapegoat when the opportunity arose then she was no good to Devaena dead.
Finally Devaena spoke. "I don't know who you are or what your problem is, but don't ever presume to tell me what I will or won't do. You live to breath another day this time, but next time I will end you," she hissed, and then raised the blade and turned away, her back exposed to the woman.
Perhaps she might've struck on her own, but Dev didn't want to take the chance. The whispers crept back. She can't get away with this. Don't let her win! Finoewae She can't get away with this!! The voice screamed in Teagan's head. Her heart was pumping at a fast, deadly rate. Her opponent had won- the tip of her blade caressing Teagan's throat.
She can't!! But as her enemy addressed her, the sword retreated. Now what was this madness?! Sure enough, the woman retracted her blade, and began to yell at Teagan, whose eyes were still fiery.
Don't. Let her. Get away with this. After the woman's speech about sparing life 'this time,' Teagan wasted not a second forming a rebuttal. She jumped up and grabbed the woman's thick hair, and drug her head down towards the floor, and screamed into her ear, maniacally:
"And I don't know YOU, but don't assume I am so WEAK as to submit to you, even in certain DEATH! You breathe today b***h, but if you meet me again you'll WISH your death, and I will not grant it!!! "
Teagan snarled and spat into the corner of the woman's eye. She flung her hair away and sent her boot up her a** for good measure, lifting her enemy back to her feet. It was only a second before Teagan stood straight as well. Close enough to have her hot breath reach her opponent's neck. In her ancient native tongue, Teagan cursed the woman in the lowest tone of voice she could muster, then spat out blood in defiance.
With a look of murder and sin on her face, and her eyes narrowed, locked in, Teagan stood still and waited for the massive woman to face her.
She knew that she could have died. She knew that she would mostly likely later. But the message sent was clear- there was no submission, and no respect. Only a hate so powerful, that it seemed to fill the room with red haze. Jalil Devaena had to admit, this woman continued to surprise her. There was a hidden strength there, and a fiery will. Once she'd regained her footing from being yo-yo'd around by her hair and a kick to the arse, she straightened, as dignified as ever, and that annoyingly knowing smirk on her face. She gave a low, mocking laugh as she wiped the spit from her eye and called over her shoulder, "Is that the best you can do? I can't be sure if you're trying to kill me or whisper sweet nothings into my ear. I tell you what, if you grow the guts to deliver on your hollow threats and blind rage, I'll be waiting...right...here."
She glanced towards the bartender, who was watching the scene and wondering if he should just call the Peace. "A room if you would," Devaena said as she placed another coin on the counter and exchanged it for a key...after all, a paying customer was a paying customer, and the bar was relatively undamaged compared to some of the brawls that occasionally broke out.
Devaena, once she had the key, propped her sword against her shoulder and made her way up the stairs.
The bartender glanced towards Teagan and said in a quiet, but firm voice, "Best to take what victories ya can, lass. Here, have a drink," he said and poured her another shot of gin. Finoewae Teagan was silent. She'd nearly lost her voice, but more importantly she'd already said what was needed on her side. The woman grabbed a key, and taunted Teagan before heading to her new room. She didn't care at first. She could always go to another bar to drink, if the woman planned on waiting for her downstairs everyday-
Then it hit her. Teagan felt her strength leave every limb; suddenly she felt heavier than the boulders that lay scattered in the fields. Despite her brush with death, her escape from it-
Now the unnamed, terrifying woman was staying only rooms away from Rivek's own bed.
As the complete situation came clear in her mind, Teagan exhaled deeply, and collapsed on the floor.
"I failed you..." she whispered.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Sun Sep 11, 2011 5:54 pm
WoefulInfinity
Rivek licked the last remains of rabbit blood off his fingers. Delicious. He noticed a few natives giving him looks of disgust.
"Isn't that the bartender?"
"That is highly unsanitary."
The manager came over and scolded him, "Look, if you are going to be a ******** freak, do it in private! You're scaring the customers! I am docking your pay for this week."
The man huffed away, and Rivek just shrugged. Okay, so maybe eat it in the stables next time.
He went back inside to wash his hands. The inn seemed oddly empty, like a bunch of people have left in a hurry and were only now trickling back in. He scanned the room. It should have been a lot busier for this time of night. Was there a fight?
He shouldn't have been able to see the floor. Instead, he saw that the tall, white-haired woman was gone, and there were two customers, Miehrru and Teagan, - that he has served, nonetheless - passed out on the floor. Great. The manager was already mad at him.
Well, they seemed relatively compact. It was tight, but they could probably both fit in his bed. He went to see if he could pick one up and move them upstairs before they got trampled by the incoming crowd.Finoewae
"ehhmnn...."
Teagan's eyelids opened slowly, cautiously as she woke. She wiggled her fingers and toes- good, there was still feeling in them. She was sore, but no sharp pains in her muscles or bones.
So she really didn't kill me...
A shiver went through her body. There were voices around. How long had she been lying here? Her head throbbed now, and she spat out bloody saliva. She did quite a number on her mouth when she fell over the counter.
The emotions she had suffered right before passing out were not there now. She was more confused than anything else. That, and worried that someone had stolen her dagger. She could always get a new one from Mr. Fletcher, but he'd be so angry she lost it.
Her head throbbed again, so badly that she curled up into a fetal position on the floor. It was hard to think. For a moment she thought she heard Rivek's voice. The footsteps- but they were so loud in her head she tried to block everything out. WoefulInfinity
Rivek finished washing his hands in the kitchen - after some disdainful looks from the chef - and went to help the nearest floored person.
"My, my Teagan, I should stop giving you so much to drink. It seems to merely cause you to make an a** out of yourself... and runs up my tab."
As he threw her arm around his shoulder, he noticed some pink drool coming out of her mouth.
"Pardon me a minute," he said, rolling his eyes and setting her back down. He strolled behind the bar and made a makeshift poultice with some ice, mint, and a little vodka wrapped in a cheesecloth.
He went back and pressed it to Teagan's cheek, helping her hold it there until they reached his room. Goddamn, why were people so heavy?
His tired muscles shuddering under any weight at this point, he settled her somewhat gently into his bed.
WoefulInfinity As much as he disliked cats, Rivek couldn't leave a child - or a customer - on the floor. He went back downstairs to pick up Mierrhu. Literally. As he did, all the hairs on his skin stood on end. Luckily, she was decidedly smaller than Teagan and more restful in her sleep. He was able to tame his flight or fight response and set her down in his bed, curled up in whatever space was not occupied by the exhausted assassin.
His muscles, now, were screaming at him. It's true that he could use some rest himself. He opened up his trunk (OOC: not a Lurp trunk this time, I hope!) And took out some spare clothes, laying them on the floor as a poor makeshift mattress.
Where was it? There. The ring was still buried at the bottom of his trunk, with the other items he'd collected from his gravedigging: the pistol, the compass, the hypodermic needle, the knives, the identification papers, a pair of shears, a few forks. He moved some of the papers to cover the ring. He still didn't like looking at it for too long.
He unwrapped the bandages around his arms and neck. He paused for a second to let the cool night sea breeze waft through the winddow and across his scarred skin. He took off his shirt, socks, and boots -. If given the choice, he would strip to his underwear, but there were ladies present.* So he lay down to sleep in his jeans, with his mask and sword under the shirt that served as his makeshift pillow and his hand across the mask's bone surface. Finoewae
"Mmmm...." she repsonded, her head still throbbing. She was delirious now.
It HURTS my god make it STOP make it STOP... I wasn't that drunk Rivek WHY ******** IT ALL it hurts so bad!!!
All Teagan could do is moan quietly, suffering the worst migraine she'd ever felt. Her legs forced themselves to work as they approached the stairs. Almost there...
By the time she was placed in bed, her eyes welled up. This was the second time he'd had to rescue her. And for what? For her stupid behavior, both times. He wasn't her equal anymore, now he had to protect her, pity her. She hated it.
I'm so sorry....it hurts so bad....I'm stronger than this I promise! I'm sorry...
Teagan's body tensed up as a few tears finally escaped her eyes. Did he notice? How humiliating. But no matter- these run ins were going to stop, immediately.
...I'm more than a drunken fool.. I'm better than that. I'll show you, you b*****d....Cartagia Hoisting his basket more carefully into his arms, Nathanyal hummed a little tune under his breath as he walked with his goods. It was a nice day; wet and raining, just the way he liked it!
He spoke quickly with the woman behind the bar at Dead Man's Meet; she seemed somewhat unsure about allowing his request - but after some negotation she relented, mostly he suspected due to wanting to eat the breakfast she had on a tray in her hands in peace. He smiled at her gently, gratefully, and hobbled up the stairs to the rented residences. As it was well past breakfast time he could only imagine that everyone was now awake and he knew for certain that there were several Outsider's there...
Shifting the weight of the basket he knocked ever-so-gently on the first door and waited, with a big smile, to see if whoever was inside would open up. WoefulInfinity Rivek heard someone knocking on his door. He opened his eyes a crack and saw light streaming in from the window. Wow, was it daylight already? That was the problem with working night shifts. He wasn't particularly accustomed to having to sleep until noon.
"Look," he hollered. "My shift's not until three!"
But - if he was up, he was up. There would be no going back to sleep on the floor. It would just lead to more back pain. He took his goddamn time tying the mask back to his leg, putting his belt on, and tucking the sword into its frog. Cartagia
"Oh," Nathanyal frowned at the shout through the door. "Er...I'm not here to...harrass you about your shift..." He shifted from one foot to the other, wondering for the first time if this was perhaps not a good idea; still he had woken this man up now, it would seem rude if he just walked away. So he put his smile back on, albeit not quite as wide as before, and waited.WoefulInfinity Rivek yanked the door open, "Look here, Mr. Chef -"
He paused. He was looking up and didn't see anyone. But he caught something in his lower peripheral vision. That... was not the chef.
"Who the ******** are you?" he muttered, voice still gravelly from a poor night's sleep. He narrowed his eyes. Cartagia "Ah, hello!" Nathanyal was about to turn his smile up at the skinny man, except that he hadn't been banking on being presented with his naked torso. He stared for a few moments before realising what he was doing, half because he hadn't seen a man's chest apart from his own for a long time, and partly because said chest was covered in burns and scars.
"Er," his words failed to start in his throat but he turned the uncertainty into a cough and continued. "I...I am Nathanyal, I'm part of the Outsider's Welcome Program!" He brought back his beaming smile now. "I...I've come to offer you a complimentary pair of woolen socks." He pointed to his basket. "Any colour you want! I knitted them myself." There was something childlike about his manner, a kind of gentleness and innocence of someone who has nothing but goodwill about them towards other people. There was also something unmistakably scatty about him as he spoke about his gift as if there was nothing greater in the world than a pair of warm, soft, knitted socks in a colour of your choice; and to him it was infact the truth. Finoewae Who the ******** are you?
The sudden commotion woke Teagan up. She didn't stir her body, but shot open her eyes to see what was going on.
Someone was at the door, but out of her sight still. And there was Rivek and-
Oh my god...What happened to him?
For the first time Teagan saw the reason for Rivek's extensive bandages. There was scarring everywhere- completely destroyed and disfigured skin. Some of the scarring looks very fresh. There was no way he wasn't in pain from all of that...
She made sure to feign sleep if Rivek glanced toward her, but continued to stare. The sight of him was fascinating and horrifying at the same time. She couldn't fathom how he could be so active in his condition- and she almost got nauseous thinking about what the strain did to his scars.
I guess I don't really know pain after all. No, don't pity him. You owe him better than that. He deserves to be left alone.
Teagan took a silent, deep breath. It was true- whatever caused her little "play date" yesterday with that tall menacing woman, was somehow related to Rivek. She'd been spending too much time around him...enjoying him, instead of doing her job. He wouldn't mind the sudden lack of attention from her, would he? No. He'd welcome it. After all, here she was being pampered again, like a child. Jenannen Miehrru did not stir in the slightest as she was carried upstairs and placed on the bed. As Rivek arranged his clothes on the floor he may have heard a brief purr as Miehrru shifted, curling up against Teagan. WoefulInfinity Rivek gave the fellow another up and down glance. He looked back at the bed, but neither of the girls seemed to have stirred.
"Outsider's Welcome Program? Where were you when I got here two years ago?"
He pointed to two pairs of socks - one black for Teagan and one teal for Meirrhu, motioning to the two figures on his bed. "I'm taking these for them."
"But I insist that rather than give me a pair of socks, you let me get back to ******** religious nuts with their random crap to sell. They should just stay on street corners. This door-to-door thing should be made illegal. Cartagia "E-er, well...we are er....rather a new organisation...what with all the recent troubles it seems someone should be trying to make sure that none of the new people get hurt feelings," Nathanyal pointed out rather timidly. It was only when the man pointed behind him that he even noticed the two sleeping women and his eyes widened. "Back...to....bed...? Yes....I see, ah....well I can see I disturbed you in the, er....middle....of something....." He handed over the socks, and took out another pair, which just happened to be bright pink.
"I insist you take these as well," he tried to sound firm about it. "Especially since I disturbed you. Oh and this." He had a matching scarf over his arm which he threw over Rivek's shoulders. "There! Now you're ready for anything if you ask me." He chuckled; apparently talking about knitted goods was a fall back for his mind when a situation grew difficult. WoefulInfinity "Hurt feelings, huh?" he scoffed. "Try telling that to the guards who keep tryingto kill me."
He laughed, though, as the man in green made the horrid assumption that he was sleeping with two women, one of whom was certainly underaged and not of his species.
More awake by now, he set the socks and scarf on his dresser. Guess Mierrhu would just be getting two pairs. She seemed new enough here that more clothes would be better for her.
"I'm sure you must be hungry, Mr.... Whatever your name is. Should I get you a drink?" Finoewae Whoever it was at the door, they sounded completely delusional. Welcoming Committee- where were they when SHE arrived here? It all sounded like a silly game. Kind of reminded Teagan of how she tried to act when she first arrived, and would have no one discovering that fact.
Sock...of all things. This city...is something else.
Rivek looked exhausted. No wonder, since he had been carrying limp bodies up and down stairs recently. Teagan felt guilty now. He couldn't even rest properly in his own bedroom. Wither her headache starting to subside, she finally sat herself up, quietly of course.
When Rivek was ready, she would make sure that he wasn't bothered, at least by her, for a long time. Never again. Well, maybe in two weeks. Never. Again. Cartagia
"Right!" Nathanyal said more cheerfully and apparently entirly seriously. "I will tell them if I see them! It's really not good for them to attack newcomers, it doesn't exactly make anyone feel very welcome! Not the way a new pair of socks does." He frowned as the man offered him a drink.
"Well," he spoke as if struggling with something. "It...doesn't seem awful fair, of you to buy me a drink when I'm the one who has bothered you! What if I buy you and your.....friends a drink instead?" He smiled sincerly. It didn't occur to him to judge his misunderstanding of the situation, he had come across enough cultures and peoples now; for all he knew, he reasoned, they were married or shapeshifters or perhaps from some strange world were people aged backwards. He was not too know. He did, however, find himself hoping the man would put on some more clothes. It was a little distracting.WoefulInfinity "I believe we should let them sleep," he said, shutting the door behind him. "But if you consider the drink as inappropriate payment for your socks, then I'd be happy if you paid for that, too." Finoewae
Unfortunately Rivek was once again serving a customer. This time it was the delusional committee person. In any case, Teagan would wait. She lay back down and thought about how best to approach him. It was a very serious matter to her but she didn't want to give him the wrong impression.
As long as this doesn't turn into.. 'it's not you, it's me...'
She sighed, and turned to look at Miehrru, curled up asleep beside her. She looked strangely endearing, the less human traits she displayed. Teagan could only dream to have a nap that satisfying.
At least she slept well.Cartagia "Very well," Nathanyal replied cheerfully. "Oh and the socks? They are perfectly free, even though it's a little late, consider them a welcome to Serendipity? Much better than, ah...being cut down by guards?" He laughed nervously and led the way downstairs, throwing the remainder of his scarves - all four of them - around his neck, adjusting them comfortably.
"You can call me Nathanyal if you wish," he added.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Sun Sep 11, 2011 6:21 pm
WoefulInfinity He followed the strange, scarved, man downstairs and set himself down at the bar.
"Oy," the cook frowned. "No shirt, no shoes, no service. Especially you with the no shirt thing."
Rivek rubbed some dryness from his yes. "Aw, c'mon chief. It's far too early in the morning for real customers. Besides, some ladies like it."
He motioned to the man in green. "He's looking for breakfast. And for myself, do you have any sausage?" Cartagia "Oh!" Nathanyal practically clapped his hands together. "I love sausage too! I'll have some!" He adjusted his scarves again.
"Do...women really like that sort of thing?" he asked Rivek, furrowing his eyebrows, staring at him. "I thought...they liked muscley man, you know like soldier types, and you have rather a lot of scars. Not that I'm suggesting you're not attractive in your own way! Of course..." He brought his rambling to a halt as quickly as he could, which was not 'very'.
"Er," he tried to steer the conversation in another direction, and asked hopefully; "Do you have a name?" WoefulInfinity "Four, then," he told the cook. The man huffed and disappeared into the kitchen. If only that boy wasn't so good at mixing drinks. He must be a raging alcoholic.
Rivek turned to answer Nathanyel's question. "I mean, it really depends on what turns you on. Everyone's different. There are people who really like feet, people who really like fat rolls, and people who really like girls with tails. Even men who like other men. I'm sure you have your own... fetishes."
"My name is Rivek Ailinar, troublemaking bartender extraordinaire and least successful rake on the planet." WoefulInfinity
Rivek motioned to Nathanyel, "I'm sorry but the chef won't serve me unless I go put my shirt on, and I do happen to be hungry."
He stopped by the washroom to clean off his face and relieve himself before heading back to his room. He wondered if the women were still asleep.Finoewae
Teagan waited quietly on the edge of Rivek's bed. The past few minutes were spent planning future interactions. She was now somewhat back to her old self: calculating, cold, rational, selfish. This needed to be done. She couldn't live under the false securities she'd built up forever. Becoming more than a strange to anyone here meant trouble. With relationships there comes attachment, and when attachments are severed, weaknesses are exposed. She needed to address this early before it became a problem she couldn't handle on her own anymore.
I don't even know why I was so protective of him last night. We've barely talked.
I hope he doesn't take this the wrong way. There are too many wrong ways to take this...
She sighed, and kept her eyes locked on the door. He was coming towards his room now. Her face showed little emotion, she ready ready to speak.WoefulInfinity
Hoping they weren't still sleeping, Rivek quietly opened the door and stepped insider. He'd been leaving it unlocked since he had guests now.
He softly closed it behind him, wondering if the clothes he had slept on would be considered clean enough to wear.Finoewae
"Rivek...." she said, softly at first. She sat very straight and rigid on the edge of his bed.
"I'll be brief but I need to discuss something with you." now her tone grew more machine-like, professional. She stared right into his eyes intensely, straight faced.
"Last night I got myself into quite a scuffle. I wasn't just drunk off my arse as you thought. I almost got myself killed. But the important matter is why." She cleared her throat and looked away for a second before continuing.
"All I know is that I seem to get very distracted when I'm in your presence. I assume it's because out of anyone here I've seemed to spend the most time with you, as an acquaintance and as a customer. It was all fine and well but I'm afraid there is only one obvious solution, to avoid future issues. I have a very serious job and distractions can be fatal." She searched his face for a reaction. Of course she wasn't going to admit any new found affection for him! Hopefully her arguments for professionalism would make sense to him, and satisfy his curiosity.
"I respect you Rivek. You seem to be a bright man. And I cannot repay you for your hospitality. Unless of course you could use money, if that were an appropriate repayment of your kindness."
At this, she took on a colder expression, though inside her heart fluttered sadly at her own words.
"In short, I feel as if we are in each other's way quite often. And I'd like to not be in your way, as much as possible, out of respect for you. Have I made myself clear?" Her voice nearly crack as she finished her sentence, and her eyes moistened just the slightest bit. Yet she kept her stern expression, her eyes locked onto his.WoefulInfinity "Distracted"? Did this mean...? How... Oh, this wasn't good.
"Always professional." Rivek smiled, "I had no idea you'd almost gotten yourself into some sort of death brawl yesterday. I certainly didn't aim to distract you from your work."
He sat down next to her on the bed, moving his sword to his side. There wasn't much room since the cat-girl had chosen to sprawl over more than half of it now that Teagan had moved.*
"You haven't been in my way. I took care of your smash-drunk a** because... well, that's what friends do."
He sighed, "But if friendship isn't worth as much to you as money, then a room costs a silver a night, and a glass of gin is a copper. I believe you had somewhere around four. But I'll cut the cost of the room since you had to share with the girl."
He put his hand on her shoulder. "Always so tense. You need to relax, but I don't think drinking is the best way for you to do it. You are never having more than two drinks under my watch again."
He leaned forward. "Now - as a bartender - I see it in my duty to entertain and relax people. And sometimes, that includes helping people. Tell me, is there any you'd like me to help you with?" Finoewae Teagan continued to tense her body, and even more so as he touched her shoulder. She didn't turn to look at him now.
Why is he getting CLOSER to me? Is he really that maniacal that he would make it impossible to-
"It's not that friendship isn't worth something, Rivek-" she said, frustrated that he sat so close to her. She started to sweat out of nervousness. "It's just that in circumstances such as this- the conventional concept of friendship is a luxury. Friends are meant to relax, to enjoy, to reminisce..." She slowly turned to look at him.
"It's dangerous out here. But especially for someone like me...merely human, blessed with ignorance- I just can't afford to have friendship on top of my other priorities. I need to stay alive, if only to find out why the hell I ever came here in the first place."
Teagan thought about his comments of her drinking. "I will slow down on the alcohol, I think. But understand that I only started that habit, because of my unfortunate sleepwalking habits. You haven't seen me deal with the consequences of that, mostly because I've been drinking to prevent it." She sighed, too loudly for her own taste.
He's too nice...and I bet he doesn't understand a goddamn word I'm saying either.
"Rivek you can help me by just...expecting from me, what you would expect from yourself, I suppose. Never pity me, never baby me. I thank you for your welcoming gestures, but I don't want you to feel as if I depend upon them. I've learned for a long time to be self sufficient. And I am truly sorry for the moments in which I wasn't."
By now she was looking at him again, but her cold stare had faded a bit. Now it was more of disappointment. She hated feeling so weak, all the time. WoefulInfinity Rivek sighed and moved back a litte. "Fine, as your friend, I respect you. So..."
He unfurled his wings and yanked out one of the feathers. Owwwwwww. "If you ever need me, just use this. I deal in contracts, and I can tell you do, too"
He cut the end to make it into a quill. And handed it to her. "We can keep it professional."
"But know that from my view, it just looks like any good faith I've put in has only earned me your dismissal."
He stood, rummaging through his clothes to find something clean. "I probably shouldn't disturb you anymore. You're free to let yourself out when you feel like it." Finoewae
Teagan nearly cried as she took the feather from him. He sounded so defeated. Now she was completely lost. Why was he disappointed that she was being self-controlled? Perhaps she'd insulted him without realizing it.
Don't you dare.
"...Rivek wait-" she stood up quickly and let her worried face shine through. She stepped a bit closer to him, but cautiously.
"I didn't mean I don't...value your friendship. I'm not really sure what I meant. And I wasn't trying to insult you or belittle you. I just thought you'd...appreciate if I kept my distance. I mean we're adults here- surely you see how I tend to be more emotional around you! I just- I'm not saying with certainty that there is a problem, but I just wanted to make sure I covered my bases so that I didn't get us both killed for some stupid reason!!" She had raised her voice too much. Whoops.
"I'm just afraid of hurting you somehow, directly or indirectly." She finally admitted, defeated. "Even now. You hurt yourself to give me this, didn't you?" she held up the feather to him.
"I'd prefer not hurting you Rivek. That's what I want to avoid." She hoped that perhaps with the truth thrown into the mix, that he'd be more receptive. God, ever since she'd arrived, she really hadn't gotten away with one lie! It was completely unnatural for her.
She stood two feet away, her legs nearly shaking. She had a knack for making a situation ten times worse.
...Please look at me...LadyFox As Lurp listened to Seist's explanation of the spell, her shoulders slowly relaxed and by the end of his explanation her bowl was no longer hugged to her chest, but resting on the table. The idea of being able to use part of someone as a tie to track or to ward was familiar enough, and reminded Lurp of the blue anchor tattooed across her hip. Will's people sealed marriages not with rings, but with tattoos. Will himself had tattooed Lurp's. Lurp had to remain in her natural form while he did it, or her flesh would simply have rejected it. Used to controlling her pain receptors in her other forms, Lurp had been surprised by how much it hurt. Still it had been worth it. Will had a matching one of a lilly on his chest and as with the priest's tracking spell, the tattoo ink had included a drop of each of their blood. Because of this, no matter where she was, or how many miles away, she could feel a light tug at her hip in the direction of Will. Well, she HAD been able to. Since arriving in Serendipity, she'd felt nothing. She rubbed at her hip absently. She wondered if Will was feeling the same way, rubbing the spot on his chest where their connection had died. Lost in her thoughts, Lurp didn't hear the priest's last question, and by the time she raised her head, he was already heading out the door. Damnit. She'd have to apologize to him later. Rubbing at her hip again, she forced herself to eat her stew, then headed up to her room. It had been a long day. WoefulInfinity Rivek turned around, the slightly cleaner shirt still in hand. Seeing Teagan so broken up was... shocking. But he could tell why he words contradicted her face.
"I see. I think, you spend too much time worrying about what will hurt me," he cocked his head. "You should worry more about hurting yourself. In more ways than one."
He stepped closer to her, just an arm's length away. "You need to trust that I can hold my own - which is what I have been doing for thirty-four years. In some form or another."
He brought her in for a hug - one arm on her shoulder, and one hand in her hair. "And you need to realize that being someone's friend isn't all cake and strawberries. Sometimes, you hurt people - and then you hurt yourself, too. Because we all make mistakes. But it's all right because you just suck it up and apologize."
"But what you need to be doing now is taking care of yourself. Where's that strong, professional woman who impressed me with her skills with a dagger?"
He stepped back, releasing her and resting his hand on his sword, "I am tougher than I look - or act, I suppose. I was stubborn like you once upon a time, and a very nice girl got me to figure out what I was doing wrong."
Finoewae Teagan was drawn into an embrace unexpectedly- and sure as spring rain her face once again turned a deep red.
...What....are you doing....Rivek......
He spoke about moving on from mistakes and what was probably a more accurate perception of friendship as well. It was hard for Teagan to trust it at first. To be honest she never had friends, save her brother Jonathan. And the crowd she fell into in England were hardly reliable, friendly folk. Come to think of it, Rivek was Teagan's first real friend. Someone completely unrelated to her, who looked out for her interests and wanted to get to know her better. Someone who chose to be around her, not obligated to be. The feeling, once she recognized it, was fascinating, and overwhelming.
She barely realized that she had stopped breathing for the past few seconds. Awkwardly she took a sharp breath, then cough, turning a deeper shade of red.
"I suppose I couldn't picture being strong...and being professional...with having a friend..." she said softly. She was terrified that he might laugh at her being so naive, and looked away.
"I guess it's good to know...that we both can take care of ourselves."
Why am I so sad, saying that... Jalil Devaena had found her room easily enough, but again did not sleep. Instead she settled into that half-reverie she had been using to sustain herself in this place. It wasn't until she heard a familiar female voice coming from no more than a couple doors down that she roused fully. So, the woman had stayed after their fight after all. She could hear another voice, slightly softer, but also familiar and after a moment picked it out to be the bartender. Now her interest was peaked. Remaining where she was she focused her hearing to see what she could pick up of the conversation. Cartagia "Oh alright!" Nathanyal waved Rivek off, wondering what he meant by 'unsuccessful rake'. He was quite glad to have been saved from a conversation having to discuss fetishes and preferences.
He ordered himself a sausage anyway, and one for Rivek when he returned - he seemed to be taking his time about that though - and tucked in happily. When he was done he took out the socks from his basket, tipping them all over the bar, to reveal at the bottom one half finished and pierced with knitting needles. Taking it into his hands he continued with it, needles clicking away in the quiet bar; he could feel the barmaid watching him with wide eyes, but he just smiled at her brightly.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Sun Sep 11, 2011 6:44 pm
WoefulInfinity "That's an awful picture, in my head," he chuckled.
"I've got a story for you," he told Teagan, putting his shirt on.
He began wrapping his neck and arms in a fresh set of bandages.
"Once upon a time, there was a pauper. A poor man, he couldn't trust anyone who might be out to take what little he had, so he kept to himself and lied to keep other people away. He didn't realize it, but this made him very lonely."
He looked Teagan straight in the eye.
"One day, he got into a lot of trouble for his lies, but a beautiful princess traveled by and somehow thought he might be good for something. Out of the kindness of her heart, she saved his life."
He played with the dogtags around his neck with his free hand.
"Baffled that the princess would care for someone as low-born and criminal as he, he pledged his fealty to her in blood. And surely enough, the years passed, and they fell in love."
His hand tightened around the printed metal.
"But, one fateful day, a wicked prince threatened to invade their kingdom if the princess did not marry him. So she did her nation's duties and bid farewell to the pauper."
He paused.
"So distraught was the pauper that he broke his blood oath and set out to kill the evil prince. Unfortunately, the prince had powers of his own, rendering the pauper blind and fatally wounded. But the pauper's determination gave him sight enough to sever the right arm of the evil prince, a wound so grave it would cause him to bleed to death in minutes."
He stopped playing with the dogtags and touched his now bandaged hand to his lips.
"The princess arrived in time to see both her husband and lover dying in the same room. Tears running down her cheeks, she removed the ring from the prince's severed hand. And as we are wont to do - putting coins in the mouths of our dead - the princess parted the pauper's cold lips and placed the ring under his tongue to carry with him to the afterlife.*"
He broke Teagan's gaze and began scratching at his neck.
"As his body burned on the funeral pyre, the pauper was approached by a mysterious god with one blind eye and an amethyst in the socket of the other. And he offered him a contract. That this god could give him new - if somewhat broken - life, and if he fulfilled that which he'd signed, maybe he could see his princess again."
He stretched as if he were growing tired of his own story.
"So the pauper awoke in a mysterious land with three magic talismans that granted him temporary life. And when he opened his mouth to speak for the first time, the ring fell into his hand."
He turned around and unizipped his pants.*
"If you pardon me now, though," he said, grabbing a new pair of jeans, "I would like to change my underwear, and I would appreciate if you turned around." LadyFox Lurp woke late. Had she heard shouting? Lurp's ears were much better than a human's, but whatever she had heard, it seemed to be over now. Perhaps it had been part of a dream. She rose from the narrow bed, used the mirror over the basin in her room to quicklystraighten up her appearance. Heading down the hall to get breakfast, she passed by Rivek's room and heard voices, one female, inside. She hadn't meant to linger, but her ears swiveled, and she found herself straining to hear the conversation going on inside. At first it was muffled, but Lurp gathered all of her hearing flesh together and did an invisible shift, sending it all into the ear facing the door. The woman had already finished speaking by the time she did, but Rivek began to tell a story. Lurp listened spellbound as he wove the story of the ring. From what he had told her before, Lurp could guess the story was about him. The princess could have been his Will. His Will... she had underestimated Rivek. He seemed so easygoing so much of the time... she had thought that he was one of the citizens of Serendipity that let their past lives fade away to make a new one for themselves. But hearing his story, and the emotion in his voice as he told it, she began to think that he was trying to get back to his Will as hard as she was to hers. She felt ashamed for having thought anything less. She passed the room quietly, heading down to breakfast, pondering one more thing that she and Rivek had in common. Finoewae
Teagan looked quizzically at him. Another story? She sat on the edge of the bed and listened excitedly.
The story, once again, seemed born out of imagination at first glance. True love, rescue, magic... at least two of these concepts were beyond her comprehension. Yes there was a look in his eye. Teagan watched him move and speak. Yes, definitely, there was a suppressed passion in his eyes as he told this story.
Is this story real as well? Teagan took a breath before thinking further.
This story...is about himself...it must be...how could it be? How is he-
Her thoughts were interrupted but the quick end of his story. If this was about him, it explained mostly everything about his purpose for being brought to Serendipity."If you pardon me now, though..""Oh, forgive me, I'm not looking! Teagan apologized quickly and turned to face the door. His words were hitting her very hard. He had a true love already? Was that his only intention of telling the story to her? Maybe it was more about building trust. It was hard to discern when she was so emotionally exhausted.
"You tell the most wondrous stories Rivek..." she said very quietly. She prodded him in a statement:
"They are so passionately and beautifully conveyed, in fact, that I can't help but suspect that they are entirely true...." She took a deep breath and continued to look away.
"And if your stories are true, than...I must thank you for sharing the depths of your history with me. But I can't imagine why you'd be so bold to trust me, when I haven't revealed the same sort of secrets to you. But in any case, thank you. I feel like I understand some things, a thousand times better than I had." Teagan turned her eyes to the wall, where a small portrait hung. She still felt a sting of disappointment after hearing it all, but she reminded herself that there were bigger things to worry about here.
If only she had such a a clear purpose outlined for herself. Perhaps Rivek could have a hand in helping her find it.WoefulInfinity "I will take that as a compliment," he laughed. "My stories are like most stories. They are true if you believe they are true."
As Rivek tugged on the new pair of jeans, he felt a familiar chill in his stomach again. While Teagan was still turned around, he felt the skin there - smooth - a sharp contrast to the warped scars that had been there seconds before.
Now almost fully dressed, he walked in front of Teagan, adjusting his belt.
"Now, I do apologize to leave you with a brisk ending to this tale, but I must clock in," he said, "You're free to go as you please."
With that, he hurried downstairs to the kitchen. After all, dinner service would begin soon, and things had to be prepared. LadyFox It's not until dinner that Lurp notices it. As usual, she was alone, preferring to observe rather than converse. Her ears twitched now and then as she tuned in to various conversations around the room. Predictably, most of them were about the fighting that had broken out over different parts of the city, and which factions were behind each. Lurp didn't care about factions, she only cared about keeping her hide safe, so she listened for news of more attacks on outsiders, and tried to plan for potential situations. It's understandable that when her fork fell from her hand the first time, she just assumed it was due to her distraction. But when she went to pick it up, it slipped through her fingers again. Lurp looked. There was a slight tremor in her hand. Well, she'd known this was coming, but she'd thought she'd have more time. She tried to fight down the panic building in her chest. Carefully, she picked up her fork and set it down on the table alongside her half-eaten stew. Then she looked about for Rivek. Please let him be on shift, please let him be on shift.WoefulInfinity "Ay," Rivek said to the other bartender - a dashing blond gentleman with a boyish face - and held up three fingers. "That's how much you owe me now."
"No way," the other bartender moaned. "I paid you back last week."
"Sucks to be you," Rivek smirked as he put away his cards. "But at least, you're getting the rest of the night off."
The other bartender handed him the apron they shared (the one which belonged so some anonymous "Charlie").
Rivek wrote down the hour on his time card and assumed his rightful place at the bar. "Evening ladies and gents. Rivek Ailinar, blackjack fiend and your alcoholic apothecary for the night, at your service." Finoewae
Teagan departed from her room and made her way down the spiral staircase, admiring the decor of the building she worked in now. Before walking out the front door, as always she greeted Samantha briefly and told her to have a nice night. Samantha's cheeriness was starting to rub off on Teagan.
She was halfway to Dead Mans Meet when a smile came cross her face. For the first time in a while, she felt that tonight was going to be wonderful, and relaxing. Her footsteps were lighter on the street, and with how quiet things had been, she could just picture herself having a tasty dinner, and perhaps even chatting with Rivek for a while, no drama involved.
It had taken a long time but for the first time in ages, Teagan was content...at least in this moment.Jenannen Miehrru rolled onto her tummy with a yawn and stretched, pawing at the sheets she was laying on. Sheets? Miehrru sniffed the sheets. They smelled strongly of dead-bird-man, but the scent of hen-eater-woman was there too and more recent. Miehrru stopped pawing at the bedding; she didn’t want to scratch up dead-bird-man’s sheets. “Miehrru’s polite company,” she told herself with a nod as if to settle it.
Getting out of bed Miehrru looked around for her spear, shield, and bracers. Not being immediately evident she decided to search the room for them. She didn’t find them in her search, but she did find that dead-bird-man had his share of trinkets too (cards, a double sided coin, etc), not ones that interested her mind-you. They all smelled of dead-bird-man and gave her no clue as to where her things were. She found a couple of pairs of socks and a scarf on a nightstand, they had a new scent, but they too were of no interest to her.
A trunk. People keep things in trunks. Maybe he had put her things away for her. She opened the lid and riffled through the contents wondering about the various smells. Were these trophies he had taken from his enemies to show he had beaten them? Were they gifts from friends? There were things in here she had never seen before a funny looking small rapier with an odd hilt that moved when she pressed on the top of it. Something squirted out the other end. She dropped it quickly.
Miehrru found a ring in the chest and after looking at it made sure to set it in the trunk, but rings being such trisky things it ended up on her finger as she moved onto examining the next item. An object with two metal tubes and a handle not quite perpendicular to them connected with a circular shape and a little... what she could only guess to be a lever. She had learned how to disarm a fair number of traps, but this looked so unfamiliar to her she set it down carefully. She had also learned that entirely unfamiliar traps could be painful. LadyFox Lurp spotted Rivek at the bar and made her way over, cutting off a man angling for the end seat. He shot her a dirty look which she returned in kind. He took the seat at the opposite end of the bar, opining loudly about uppity women and catfolk in general. Lurp had to refrain from hissing. She WASN'T catfolk. She didn't even LOOK like catfolk. Hmmmph, what a drunk. There was only one other person on this side of the bar, a man eating some kind of shelled nut and drinking ale. She tried the opposite tactic with him. She smiled winningly (at least she hoped it was winningly, she wasn't so good with the smiles), and got out two silver, sliding them just a little ways away from herself and towards him. "How would you like to make some silvers?" she asked. The man frowned, looking at her suspiciously. "By doing what?" "Nothing much, just letting me have this end of the bar to myself." The man snorted. He'd seen how the girls looked at the junior bartender. Still, two silvers is two silvers. He picked up the coins and left Lurp alone. Once the bar was clear, Lurp waited until Rivek worked his war around and to her end of the bar. Dispensing with any preamble whatsoever, Lurp lowered her voice and said "I need a favor." WoefulInfinity "Sure to be sure - yer grand, Charlie!" One of the native girls at the bar said.
"I know," Rivek winked at her, making her laugh. "Love as I would spend the whole night with you, I have my patrons to honor."
Rivek made his way down the bar, finally approaching Lily. "A favor, you ask?"
The grave tone in her voice implied he'd have to be down here for awhile. "Then let me get you something that'll surely make your tastebuds tingle."
He began the most complicated drink he could think of. As in, he began inventing one on the spot. But of course, it would start with gin.
"A favor?" he muttered, "Or a contract?" Finoewae
Dead Mans sounds a bit busy tonight...
Teagan opened the door excitedly and walked in. Just as she suspected- locals everywhere, and a few familiar faces as well. Apparently everyone else was having the same great night she was! She smiled to herself again, and approached the bar, ordering something a bit different this time than her usual shot of gin or vodka.
The bartender looked at her strangely as she ordered it, since it was her first time requesting a mixed drink of any kind. But this one in particular seemed out of character for her.
"I'm just having a wonderful day, and I'm going to try something new and unique to celebrate..." she reassured him.
"Whatever you say miss. Try not to have too much fun, like last time..." he chuckled at her. She gave a short glare at him but smiled again as she sipped her new concoction.
"Perfect, thank you." She paid him a bit extra, and sipped a bit more. She might have to get this drink more often.
Interesting, Rivek isn't up front...LadyFox Rivek looks so excited over the new concoction he is inventing for her, Lurp doesn't have the heart to tell him she probably won't be able to taste it. His question has her at a loss though. "Er... contract? What's that?" Lurp feels stupid asking. Was this some Serendipity thing she hadn't come across yet? Should she already know the answer to her question? WoefulInfinity He was beginning to run out of ideas in terms of what to put in the drink, so he grabbed some basil and began crushing it.
"Contracts... well, let's just stick with favors for now." He didn't want to pull out his wings in public. They always meant trouble. "If we need to make it more ... certain... then we may need a contract." LadyFox Lurp felt decidedly uncomfortable now. Contracts were things between professionals, at least where she came from. Something you drew up when you had to hire someone OR when you believed the other party in the contract might back out of a mutual agreement. Was that how Rivek saw her? As a client? Or someone who might backstab him? Lurp's ears drooped a little, but she pressed on, attempting to hide the growing tremor in her hand. "I need a secure place to hide for a day." she put special emphasis on "secure" "And...some clothes." Finoewae
Teagan surprisingly struck up a conversation with one of the bartenders at the counter. They spoke of work, and exchanged humorous stories, though Teagan had to be a bit vague. She hardly noticed how quickly her drink was gone.
"Another of these please?" she smiled."Alright...one moment. Haha..." she bartender gave a rather mischievous grin. He went to go make the same drink, this time a bit stronger than the last one. He returned, Teagan oblivious to what he'd done."Here you are..." he winked at her.
"Aye, thank you." She giggled, taking a large sip. She scanned the bar for a moment.
Where is....oh! He's over there...with that woman. Haven't seen her before...
She took another sip and made her way towards Rivek, with a genuine smile radiating from her face. She decided to be a bit spontaneous and call out to him, while still a few yards away.
"Rivek! Funny to see you here, haha!"WoefulInfinity "Looks like there's no need for anything underhanded, after all. Because..." Rivek smiled, "Luckily you're at an inn."
He went behind the bar to grab a spare room key and put it on the table. "I'm afraid all the clothes I have for you would be... well, mine. If you don't mind that, then sure. But they might be too big for you... and a little dirty."
He tapped his temple and looked at her, "Well, you could probably belt one of my shirts and pretend it's a dress...." Jalil Devaena took some time to ponder over what she'd heard It was an interesting story, but nothing that seemed immediately useful. Still, collecting information was a step in the process. It would arm her for late when the opportunity did present itself.
After taking enough time to redo her disguise and make sure her appearance was in order (mortals did fuss so much about such things, and no one would give information to someone they perceived as slovenly or uncouth, unless you were intimidating the person, but that was a whole other animal), Devaena secured her weapons back into their sheathes and made her way back into the common room of the inn. Immediately her eyes spotted two things. The first was that she hadn't completely scared off the woman from last night. Good, she was sure she still had use for that one. The second was that the bartender, Rivek, was back on shift, but instead of talking to the woman who had fought Devaena over him he was talking to another female. Well, this could get interesting indeed.
She wouldn't do anything yet, for now she simply took a seat to observe and then she would see what fruit the night would bear. LadyFox Lurp looked at the key uncertainly. "Is this to another room?" Lurp had a room at the inn. A room at the inn was not SECURE. "I was thinking more....uh.....a cave someplace precarious and hard to get to? A warded closet? Someplace absolutely NO ONE can get into..." Of course any kind of cave would have to be outside the city limits and travelling outside city limits was bad for an outsider's health these days. And if there was a warded closet someone would have to have warded it, or at least own it so she would have to let them in on her secret and she was not about to do that soooo.. it came down to Rivek. If he didn't have a warded closet... she didn't know what she was going to do. She ran her hands through her hair in frustration, both of them trembling now. She wished that she could get the relief from alcohol that humans did. "A shirt will do." she said, sounding more than a little defeated. Then some bint called to Rivek as she approached from across the room. Lurp gave her the most vicious look she could manage, fit to make babies cry and milk curdle. If only she could shift openly, she'd give the woman a truly viscious look, but as it is she manages with what she's got. Finoewae As Teagan continued to walk towards Rivek, her eyes met with the woman's, and the stare she gave her stopped Teagan in her steps. A small shiver went through her spine, and she sipped her drink to calm herself down. The look on the woman's face had startled her badly.
She stood seven feet behind Rivek, afraid to move closer. She avoided eye contact with the woman he was speaking to now at all costs. WoefulInfinity "Of course it's to another room," he said, but putting it away. "But I'll use my bathroom break to get you a shirt."
He motioned to the other bartender to cover him for awhile - specifically for him to distract Teagan for a second. He gave her a wave, but also motioned to her - rather rudely - that he had to take a piss.
Sensing the urgency in Lily's voice, he ran into his room - fast enough not to even register whether the cat girl was still there - and grabbed a shirt and a belt off the floor. He tucked it under his elbow as he made his way downstairs, so it looked like some towels.
Once back behind the bar, he put it on a plate and slid it toward Lily along with the basil-and-gin drink, "Your order, miss."
"But if it's a room you're looking for, I do have a might small idea. It's a compact room, so we won't charge you much. In fact, no one will ever bother you! Because no one knows it's a room."
He drew a small map in the sugar crystals on the bar. "Behind the inn, there's a massive oven that's fallen out of use since the new one got built. It's big enough for roasting a whole pig but, for housing reasons it is rather compact. There will be locks on it. The manager - whether he admits to it or not - is a very paranoid mage who does not like people stealing his baking pizzas.
"You have a very weird definition of secure." Jenannen Unsuccessful in hunting down her spear, shield, and bracers Miehrru decided she would have to go downstairs and see if she could find dead-bird-man and ask as to their whereabouts.
Before leaving the room she made the bed up and double checked that otherwise things were pretty much as he’d left them. LadyFox Lurp tucks the shirt and belt under her arm and takes a shaky swig of the drink. She tries to smile and nod to show that it's good (though she doesn't know if it is or not) but she's shaken ((literally! ha ha ha)) by how quickly her time is coming on. she feels rushed and afraid, and there is a woman standing not seven feet away. At least her look had kept the woman from coming closer. Locks? from the inside or the outside? Was Lurp going to have to lock herself in? The thought made her shudder. "Locks? How do I get past them then?" She is bothering Rivek too much, and things are happening too fast... she needs to get out of here.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Sun Sep 11, 2011 7:34 pm
Finoewae Teagan was starting to feel very uncomfortable by the woman in the corner. She noticed that she was shaking, and overall acting very nervous.
...People who act like this have tended to go completely insane seconds later and kill everyone around them....
She finished her second drink, which was much stronger than the bartender had let on. In moments it hit her, hard, and she sat down, a few feet away from the strange woman.
Well I'm drunk again. Forgive me Rivek.
Teagan's mind started to go in a thousand directions. Her face was flushed, and she impatiently waited for Rivek to come back. Every glance she took at the trembling woman near her made her more and more paranoid. WoefulInfinity "WIth these," he laughed, and with a flourish of his hand, he revealed a set of lockpicks from the pocket of his apron.* Sort of. They had been fashioned out of items he'd taken from the bar and found while looting. In particular, those forks had proven handy.
He motioned to the other bartender - and Teagan -, implying he had major indigestion.
"It's what you get for eating raw meat!" the other man chided.
He turned to Lily, putting his arm around her waist to make sure she'd make it okay. Poor thing, why was she shaking? Finoewae Teagan looked up to see Rivek had returned, though he was being talking to that freak over in the corner. She tried to give a sympathetic look to him, as he motioned to her that he felt ill. Then she noticed him put his arm around the other woman.
Son of a b***h....
Teagan's face got red as she tried to make eye contact with the woman again, this time giving a death glare of her own. LadyFox Lurp takes the glare as cool as an obviously trembling woman can. Who was this bint? She might have to set her straight later, but for now, there is only one thing on her mind. She leans into Rivek's arm gratefully as she follows his lead out the door. Jalil Devaena watched the two women with an occasional glance so as not to seem too conspicuous. Just enough to keep an eye on what was happening. So, there was tension there she gathered by the deathly glares floating between the two women. If looks could kill, those two would both be dead and in horrible fashions. It always amused her how mortals got this way about other mortals. Emotions, after all, were so easy to play and pluck like strings.
She had considered trying to give another mental nudge to incite something between the two, but the bartender was escorting the new lady out already. Pity, that could've been fun. Still, the stage was set, and Devaena was almost certain now that she had the pieces in play to tip her hand when the opportunity next presented itself. Finoewae
Teagan watched in dismay as Rivek left with the other woman.
Ugh- that's so unfair!!
By now she was very, very drunk. Right before teh alcohol had hit her this bad, she had put two and two together and realized that the other bartender had been a d**k and made her drink twice as strong. Rivek would kill her if he saw her like this! Maybe it was for the best that he was gone...
Teagan fidgeted in her seat. She was frustrated beyond belief. Despite Rivek being so vulgar with her earlier, she still had watched him a bit lustfully. The desire had gotten worse the drunker she became. Now he wasn't even here.
This is NOT happening on the day I'm finally happy...
She cursed under her breath, scanning the room. She thought she saw someone familiar but she didn't look too long before staring at the floor again, biting her lip...thinking about Rivek.Jenannen Miehrru came happily bouncing down the stairs feeling much better with sleep. After stepping off the stairs she looked around for dead-bird-man, he was not at the bar working like he had been last night. Before she could finish her search of the room in its entirety she spotted white-haired-tiefling and she wondered if she had any great stories about slaughtering goblins like the ones Ebony used to tell her.
On her way to take a seat across the table from white-haired-tiefling Miehrru’s stomach growled and she realized she was hungry. Does Miehrru go ask her if she’s had breakfast or does Miehrru go get food? she wondered to herself. She looked too see if white-haired-tiefling had any food in front of her. Jalil Devaena had yet to even order a drink. There were no glasses or empty bowls or plates on her table which might lead one to believe she hadn't eaten at all today. Finoewae
Teagan continued to sit alone. Waves of anger hit her once in a while, as she saw no one to talk to. She'd be damned if she was going to talk to that jackass bartender again.
...Come back Rivek...
The only person that caught Teagan's eye as she looked around was that woman sitting near the front door. She looked familiar but for several reasons she couldn't place her. She stared at her for a bit, a quizzical look on her face.Jenannen Seeing no dishes, not even a glass, on the table Miehrru turned around and went to order something for them both to eat. This time she would make sure to get some water for herself too. Three copper had bought two dinners worth of food last night so she offered up four coppers tonight to make sure there were drinks.
As she ordered their meals she pointed at white-haird-tiefling when the man asked her about what to drink, and she told him that she didn’t know, but something that he thought she might like. “All Miehrru wants it water though, lots and lots of water. Miehrru’s so thirsty!”
Making her way back to the table with two plates of roast dear the man from the bar followed her handing Davaena and alcoholic beverage he had thought may be to her liking. Jalil Devaena couldn't help but be a bit surprised as the bartender approached her with a drink. The confusion was written clearly on her face. Who had...and then she saw her. The cat-lady from the night before coming up behind him with two plates. A small smile curled across her lips. "To what do I owe this pleasure?"
She was intrigued. She would play along and see what the cat-lady wanted, for now. Finoewae
It turned out to be a disastrous night. Teagan had been content, but excited to talk, to have a nice dinner, and just take in the atmosphere of Dead Mans Meet at its busiest.
It seemed that the crowd died down in an instant though- first Rivek gone, then the strange girl, and a few locals next. For a while all she could see in the distance was the cat girl she'd met recently, talking to...a very tall woman. Could that be...the same woman she'd fought....no...no way in hell.
Teagan laid down on the rough cushion of the booth. She began to count the cracks in the ceiling, wondering if he'd return at all tonight. She wished that she was given the chance to prove to herself that she could just be a friend to him without wishing nothing else. It was a bit hard to do that when she felt as though fate was dangling him in front of her, only to take him away when she tried to follow.
The liquor in her body eventually led her mind to her very first romance. There wasn't much to reminisce on, but what few moments there were, they struck her heart like a shard of glass.
..Donne...I wonder if you still live.
She continued to replay moments with him in her head, cursing each one as it came to her. This was precisely why she tried to avoid thinking about her past too often.WoefulInfinity Rivek approached the unused oven with Lurp in tow. "Just sit here for a second," he told her.
s**t. It'd been quite awhile since he'd used thieves' tools. As in - he'd been alive the last time he'd used thieves tools.
He hadn't tested this set much while he was making it. Locking and unlocking the bar didn't count for much when you had the real key as well. Actually, he never intended it for more than when he got locked out of his room.
He put the torsion wrench in the first lock and slid in one of the more versatile picks. It required about as much force as it did finesse. He put his ear against the lock, a combination of hearing and feeling told him when the pins clicked into place.
The wrench all the way through, he gave it a turn. A small cloud of rust came out. He coughed.
"Sorry, Lily-love. One more, gotta wait on it a little..."
Lily was shaking, and he hoped she wouldn't explode on him or something. Usually when he had the shakes it just meant he needed to sleep more. LadyFox Lurp sat shakily on the ground while Rivek worked on the oven. She felt sick to her stomach, and it wasn't the shakes. The idea of staying in an oven, for any length of time, let alone for 24 HOURS, unnerved her. Ovens meant fire. Fire was how she was tortured and fire was how she died. Back home, Lurp had avoided even lighting the stove. She was on the edge of bolting. But, well, she was going to be completely helpless very shortly, and a room at a public inn... even with a locked door.... Still, maybe she should take the chance on that versus the oven. But then Rivek wouldn't have recommended it if he didn't think it was safe... "It's alright," Lurp rasped at Rivek. Her stomach made a little flip when he called her Lily-love, like Will used to. Damn how she missed him. Lurp began to cough. Well, no time to change her mind now. If the coughs had set in, she probably wouldn't even have time to get up the inn stairs before the change hit. WoefulInfinity Rivek heard Lily cough, so he let go of the torsion wrench to rub her back. Crap. The wrench fell out and he had to start the second lock again. It was more rusted than the first, but now that he had the practice, it was easier.
He made sure no one was looking before unfurling his left wing. He winced as he pulled out one of the feathers. Another quickly grew back in its place as he folded it back.
"Here, I've got to get back to the bar. They won't believe I've been vomiting or having diarrhea for this long," he said as he handed Lily the feather. "If you need anything, just cut off the tip and write down my name."
I am getting far too lenient with these things.
But she did save his life.
"And sure as hell don't lose it." Jenannen Miehrru’s tail swished nervously, Ebony and she got on fine now, but things had started off a little rocky. Hoping to avoid a singed tail, or singed anything really, she smiled and asked hopefully, “Miehrru wants to know if you have any good stories about killing goblins.” Rushing on she explained, “You look like Miehrru’s friend Ebony, except not, and she always had the best goblin killing stories. We used to share stories over food and so Miehrru thought since you didn’t have any food you might like some. Miehrru likes her meat rare,” she said setting down the plates as the bartender set down her water and turned to leave. “Ebony likes hers rare too so I hope that rare is fine, but if it’s not we can send it back for them to cook it more...” Devaena may get the feeling that if she doesn’t reply Miehrru will continue on indefinetly. Jalil Devaena couldn't help but grin a little bit. This girl...Miehrru if she was understanding her speech correctly...was coming to her for companionship and conversation? It was too rich.
Perhaps she was just in a good mood from what she considered her latest victories (it was the little things that counted sometimes), but she decided that this was one time when it would be in her interest to indulge someone a bit. Besides, if she made friends with Miehrru and the other woman, Teagan, decided to come after her again, well...it could be fun turning those two against each other if the opportunity presented itself.
Still, a little care never hurt. Devaena silently whispered a quick incantation over the food at one point when she thought Miehrru wasn't looking to check and make sure there were no poisons or toxins in it that might harm her. There were very few poisons that would affect a full blooded yugoloth, but one could never be too safe. Once she was certain the food was clean, she picked up the utensils offered with the plate and begin cutting up the rare meat. "Cooked like this suits me just fine. It's very thoughtful of you to offer food to a stranger though. How do you know I'm not someone who might mean you harm after all? Still, the gesture is appreciated," she said with a slight smile. "So, a story about goblins you say? Well, I don't know about that, but I can tell you some tells about the Blood War if you'd like." Jenannen As she sat across from white-haird-tiefling a grin spread across Miehrru’s face at the approval of her choice of food. Readily as the smile had come Miehrru’s expression shifted to open puzzlement at white-haired-tiefling’s words about someone who might mean her harm, but on her bestest politest behavior she let white-haired-tiefling finish before asking naïvely, “Are you someone who wants to harm Miehrru?” Just the thought was enough to raise the fur on the back of her neck and she wondered, for the first time, if coming over had been a bad idea. Jalil Devaena gave Miehrru her best reassuring smile (something she was frighteningly good at). "Of course not, my dear. Now honestly, what reason would I have to harm you?" It was a lie, and had Miehrru known Devaena better she might have seen it for what it was, but if there was one thing Devaena excelled at above everything else, it was lying through her teeth with a straight face. After all, when you do something on a daily basis for almost five millenia...well, second nature doesn't begin to describe it. Finoewae
"Rooms are upstairs, miss."
The bartender's gruff voice startled her from her sleep. Teagan rose quickly and looked around. It seemed to have been only a few hours since Rivek left with the girl.
"Forgive me, I'll be on my way..." she said, embarrassed. This would be the third time she'd falling asleep at this establishment. Had Teagan been the same woman she was only months ago, it wouldn't have bothered her. But now, a sense of shame had returned to her.
Last night...
Teagan kicked the floorboards in frustration, thinking about her attitude, the events of last evening. What a fool- thinking that she could change herself so quickly. Perhaps she could be thankful- Rivek leaving in a hurry, making her upset- it proved that there were real feelings that were not going to just disappear into thin air. She needed to put more effort into relaxing, keeping focus, and not over-thinking anything he did.
She couldn't help but wonder though, where he had gone, especially with that girl. Something didn't sit right. After all,
When I was in trouble, he just took me up to his room. Why would he leave with her, instead of showing her the same hospitality? She obviously needed to rest...
There were two possibilities she could come up with. Either Rivek had gone off to pursue someone he'd actually found an attraction to, or it was Rivek that was in trouble, and he'd gone with the trembling woman to not only help her, but himself from danger. She thought for a few more minutes about this, but shook her head, and swung open the door of the bar to get some fresh air.
None of this makes any goddamn sense.LadyFox Rivek hadn't yet finished with the second lock but Lurp couldn't hold the change back any longer. "Nnnnnnng!" It started with her hands and they became transparent and amber. She clings to Rivek's feather like a lifeline, even as the shakes become worse. The lines of her hands became soft, her hands themselves no indistinguishable from her wrist. The change spread slowly, working from her extremities inwards. Her boots and other clothes also turn translucent, melding with the flesh around them. the sound of coughing dies away as face and throat also disappear into an amorphous, golden blob. Jenannen Miehrru couldn’t say for certain if it was what white-haired-tiefling said, or the way she said it but something about it left the hairs on the back of her neck standing. Must be the way she talks like Miehrru is so little, she decided and let herself relax. “My dear,” she muttered softly not realizing she was speaking rather than thinking, “Miehrru’s not so young as that.” While being treated like she was younger than she was was not something Miehrru liked it was something that she had grown accustomed to. If she were honest with herself she knew that she looked young, but she didn’t like to think about that.
Having lost herself in thoughts about NOT being too young the question posed as to what reason white-haired-tiefling may have to harm Miehrru was completely forgotten. Miehrru picked up her meat and ripped off a chunk in her mouth before looking up to note that white-haired-tiefling was eating with the eating-utensils and she picked up her fork. She had come over to ask about a story, “What’s the Blood War?” Miehrru’s attention shifted back, “and were there goblins?” Finoewae
It had been a slow day but Teagan felt at least a little accomplished, doing some minor errands for Mr. Fletcher. At least her mind distracted from the ridiculous events of last night.
A walk around some of the City did her good. She started to feel like an actual citizen, instead of a stray cat. Deep in the Machina section of Cerxes, there was a small little festival of musicians. For several hours Teagan watched and listened with amazement at the locals' performances. Some instruments were familiar, as was some style of music. But then there were sounds and melodies so alien, that she became obsessed with hearing them over and over, still not being able to comprehend them fully. Of course she dare not ask about them, she was in disguise as a local.
By the end of the afternoon Teagan was so in love with the music she'd heard, that she purchased a lute-like instrument from one of the performers. It would take years of practice to truly master but she was up for the challenge of it.
...About time I learned to play on something...
She returned to her bedroom for a bit, trying out her "lute" as she watched the city below.
I'm completely terrible at this...how does one not give up after ten minutes?!
When she'd been frustrated enough of playing, she sat to write another entry in her journal. Suddenly she remembered that she had something quite fragile in her bag that should probably be left here, or carried in something more secure.
Teagan reached gently into her pouch, and took out the feather Rivek had given her. There was a strange sensation every time she touched it. Like a pulse of energy, electricity. It was the first "magical" artifact she'd been able to observe up close, and it mesmerized her. It needed to be stored more safely, somehow. She searched the room for a while, then found a small, soft handkerchief. This would be perfect. Wrapping the feather up slowly, gently, Teagan returned the feather to her pouch. She wanted to bad to test it- but she trusted that Rivek meant for it to be used in emergencies, not for silly games.WoefulInfinity Rivek grabbed both of the wrenches and pulled. The oven door was heavy, but it creaked open when he applied as much force as he possibly could.
"Here you are, Lily, one unseasonably warm room for a cold, stormy ni-"
He turned around and immediately saw the amber puddle on the ground.
"Dear lord!"
It was as if she'd shaken herself to pieces. This probably ranked up there with some of the most mind-melting things he'd ever seen. He hoped it wasn't his fault. Maybe she was allergic to feathers.
"Don't suppose you need that room anymore...? Uh, would a bucket or cup be better?"
He reached over to touch the liquid.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Sun Sep 11, 2011 9:47 pm
Jalil "My apologies, friend. I didn't mean to offend," Devaena said, but already her mind was working behind the scenes. It seemed to her that the young cat-lady was tired of being treated young, and that she could work with.
Devaena took a few bites of her meal before she continued. "Ahh, the Blood War. There weren't goblins per se, but there were some rather nasty creatures. Have you ever heard of the baatezu and the tanar'ri?" LadyFox The blob is surprisingly dry to his touch and warm. If he looks close, he can see deep in the amber a small light that twinkles like a distant star. Under his fingers, the gold begins to turn pink, and coalesce into a more human shape. The process is a rapid reverse of the previous one as face and features come into shape first with the rest following. The new shape is taller, but still recognizable as Lily. The left half of her face looks just as it did when she had revealed her scars to him but now if he looks he will see that the scars continue down her neck and all the way down her side and back. Her left breast is smaller than her right one from the damage and there are gardens of cigar-burn roses across her back and hips, interrupting the light downy fur that now covers her. Her right side looks mostly normal, creating an affect like comedy and tragedy theater masks. As quickly as she can Lurp pulls on the shirt Rivek had lendt her, covering as much of the scar tissue as she can. She belts the shirt carefully before she turns to look at Rivek, shame obvious on her face. "Yes, I'll be needing that room more than ever now." Her ears twitch and she turns her face about making sure noone has seen her in her weakened state. She still clutches the feather in her left hand. WoefulInfinity "Gah," Rivek muttered in surprise. He figured he must have been touching something akin to Lily's naked body, and he blushed a little. "My apologies."
He motioned with a bow towards the door of the oven. "Your first-class suite awaits."
"I'm guessing, this is your true form?" He stared at the scars running up and down her side.
He laughed, "You're almost as bad as I am." LadyFox Lurp shrugged off the apology. She didn't think of her clay form in that way really. Not that she liked to be touched IN-GENERAL, but Rivek was a friend and a special case. Her mind wandered to Will again and her eye's stung. "Yes, this is my true form. When my freedom and choice are stripped away, this is what I am." For Lurp her shifting was not an illusion, so much as an extension of herself. She moved towards the oven and then stopped at Rivek's laugh. "Almost..." she whispered. touching her belly where she'd seen the new flesh grow on Rivek. She would never have that. But, well at least Rivek wasn't revolted by her, and to be fair she only had to live in her true form once every month or so. She offered a small smile in return. "Thank you." She said, and slid carefully into the small space. There was room enough for her to sit up, and to stretch her legs if she sat longways, and not much else. It would do. "You will come back won't you?" Now that she was actually IN the oven the panic began to climb her throat. "To let me out?" WoefulInfinity "When my freedom of choice is taken away, at least I'm not a liquid," he smiled.
Admittedly, he found her scarred form off-putting and certainly unattractive. But who was he - of all people - to judge? Her shifted form was certainly cute, though. She had that going for her. But you can't take stock of attraction in shifting forms. But that said, she had that monogamy thing going, too. And so did he.
"We're surprisingly similar," he scoffed under his breath.
"I have to come back. I gave you that," he said, pointing to the feather. "Need food? A book? Do you carve wood sculptures? You're going to get bored..."
"Although, I have to wonder - you've got working limbs now, so why not just walk around on them instead of hanging out in an enclosed space all day?" LadyFox The right half of Lurp looked like the Lily Rivek knew. More's the pity for if she hadn't been captured, she would have been the pretty woman he had gotten to know. But then she never would have been here. Fate is cruel. "A book and food would be excellent," Lurp said, the gratitude apparent in every word. She'd mbeen worrying about that actually. At the start of her time at home, Will would always fix her favorite stew. Then he would keep guard and play games with her or other things to keep herhappy. He'd even stay up through the night if she was scared or couldn't sleep. It would be hard getting used to the asceticism she had been accustomed to before Will. Lurp's eyes widened at the idea of walking around in this state. "But what if something happened? I'm weak....completely helpless in this form!" In Lurp's mind what she was saying was the absolute truth. Without her shifting she felt incredibly vulnerable. As a child, before she could shift, all the adults in her tribe had looked out for all of the children. Now as an adult, she could take out a small squad of guardsmen on her own if she needed to. The only time in her life she had been both without the ability to shift and without someone to protect her had been during her capture, and Lurp would NEVER risk being in such a situation EVER again. WoefulInfinity "I can't get you the food now and.... too bad, but I don't have a book either. Uh, do you like math?" He handed her his notepad and pen for taking down orders at the bar. "You can figure out if someone owes me money."
"Weak and helpless are poorly defined generalizations, if you ask me. But you've got to have something - brains, speed, strength? Actually, that turning-to-liquid thing might help you out in a situation or two." He shrugged. "But if you're into that keeping secrets thing, I understand."
"How about this?" he grinned wryly, "Make up a story. And when I get back, you tell it to me. ... wait, you're not going to go all liquid on me again, will you? I'm not bringing dinner back to a puddle."
He put his hand on the door to shut it. Jenannen Friend, Miehrru liked that much better and her expression brightened at the word.* “Friend,” she smiled. “Friend who?” her head tilted to her left. How she wanted to get out of her seat and get a better smell of white-haired-tiefling, but the table was wider than the bar and she couldn’t lean across it as she had leaned across the bar when she smelled dead-bird-man. Subconsciously she leaned forward marginally as her nostrils flared slightly.
Miehrru shook her head at baatezu and tanar’ri. “Miehrru does not know those words." LadyFox Lurp sighs in disappointment at the lack of book and food, but then she hadn't been expecting them in the first place had she? "Can't go liquid now" she shrugs. "That's just part of the change-over. I'm stuck like this for the next 24 hours or so." Lurp doesn't respond to her other strengths. Sure she's got brains, and she's lived a long time and learned from it, and she's resourceful as a cockroach in a roomful of exterminators, but none of those things count to Lurp. It felt like taking a soldier in a fully armored war cart with a powerful crossbow and leaving him to face the enemy on foot with a butterknife. Also, yes there was the keeping secrets thing, and the fact that the idea of others seeing her scars makes her physically ill. When Rivek grins, she tries to smile back, accepting the pad and pen. "I'll do my best." WoefulInfinity "No more changes in store, ya?" he asked. "At least - if there are, tell me about them. I was worried that if you were liquid too long that I'd have to keep you in a mug, not an oven."
He nodded. "I'll be back soon-ish with something half decent for eating. But, you have my calling card if you need anything."
He looked up inside the oven. "But I really don't see why you just didn't rent a room and close the blinds. It's more money but way more space."
It took most of his strength to slide the door back into place. He removed the torsion wrenches, listening to make sure the tumblers would fall back into the locked position. With that, he stretched his arms, rolled his shoulders, and headed back to the inn to resume his rightful spot behind the bar. Jalil "Why you, of course. I think it's fair enough to call you such since you've taken the time to treat me to such a dish," Devaena said as she smiled and took another bite. It certainly seemed as if her pleasantries were having the desired effect. She certainly hoped as much.
Taking a sip of her drink she continued with her tale. "Ah, well, allow me to explain then. The baatezu - you might know them as devils, are the lawful fiends of the Lower Planes. Tyrants, lawyers, that sort. They're organized, methodical, tactical, you know the type that have to have everything done by their laws, and boy do they love fine print on their contracts. Then you have the tanar'ri - also fiends but you might know them as demons. They're the ones that just want to watch the world burn. Both of them are bad bloods, obviously, but the fun part? The baatezu and the tanar'ri can't stand each other, hate each others guts in fact. Apparently they've been at war for ...well...ever.
"Now for me it started out as a simple payday. Come fight for someone and get paid at the end of the day. It's what I do after all, what with being a hired blade. So I figure why not? I mean whichever side I fight for, I get to kill fiends, and the multiverse could always use fewer fiends, am I right? I mean they're as bad as goblins, and sure I might share a bloodline with em, but that doesn't mean I have to like 'em. So really it was a win-win situation. Bottom line, though, that's what all Blood War is. It's the devils and the demons bickering for however long they've been bickering over who's the better fiend and killing each other off in the process. That give you a pretty good picture?" Jenannen Miehrru’s giggles ended in a soft purr. “Miehrru does not ask if you think Miehrru’s your friend, you already said so. Miehrru wants to know who her new friend is,” she smiled, curiosity playing across her words.
At the appropriate places in white-haired-tiefling’s story she nodded that she had heard of devils and demons. Miehrru’s eyes grew wide as she whispered, “forever?” almost as long as her clan and friends had been at war with the goblins.
“Mercenary,” Miehrru hissed. She had heard of those and she didn’t see how anyone could fight for money. She fought to protect those she loved, and to a lesser extent for status; her people respected brave warriors.
Miehrru nodded her approval at the comment about goblins, but she had been taught that demons and devils were worse so she wondered momentarily at the comment before she decided that it was a comment meant for the story, not necessarily a reflection on truth. Ebony did that sometimes too. It was supposed to help the story make sense.
Miehrru’s head bobbed up and down appreciatively, “Miehrru thinks her new friend is maybe as good a story weaver as Ebony.” Miehrru had finished off her supper and was working on her third glass of water. Having let the question about her new friend’s name sit unanswered for the story Miehrru asked again “Friend who?” Jalil "Ah, I see. I'm Devaena," she replied once she realised what the young cat girl was asking for. "And you are Miehrru I assume? That is your name or your people?" she asked as she set to finishing the last of her meal while giving her a chance to reply. She would have plenty of time to ask about the rest, but one thing at a time for now. Jenannen Miehrru nodded and smiled happily as Devaena gave her name. “Did you choose it yourself? Ebony said she chose her name. Miehrru did not choose her own name, but Miehrru likes it very much anyway.”
Standing, she formally introduced herself; the ‘mi’ at the beginning of her name is pronounced with a noise quite similar to a cat’s ‘me’ in meow and the ‘rr’ that she has been rolling in conversation is replaced with a purring noise. “Miehrru Pouncing Phantom,” she said. Walking over to Devaena she attempts to nose in between Devaena’s collar and chin to catch her scent more clearly. Jalil "No, it was a name given to me by another, but much like yourself I rather liked it, so I kept it," Devaena said and was about to start back into her story when Miehrru was suddenly nose first at her neck. This close she smelled like brimstone and ash, but only faintly, and faint enough that it could perhaps be attributed to her being a half-fiend...perhaps.
Devaena's arms twitched with the effort to hold back her first reaction to shove the girl away, but she did gently put her at arms length as soon as she had a few seconds to gather her wits. "I'm a bit more used to handshakes," she said with a half-chuckle as she inwardly tried not to sneer. She didn't want to run Miehrru off, not yet. Not until she'd seen whether she would be useful or not. Holding back the urge to just kill her was going to become difficult if she insisted on smelling her, hugging her, or touching her too much though...but Devaena muddled through for the time being.
Desiring to steer the conversation back towards something else to perhaps smooth her distaste for being sniffed over, Devaena continued. "So you said 'mercenary' as if it were a bad thing. Your people don't approve of hired blades?" Jenannen Miehrru nodded at Devaena’s reply before smelling her. Devaena smelled like Ebony, but more strongly of ash and not-fire fire; she also lacked any human mixture to her scent. Miehrru didn’t think on it; all she had really wanted was to know. As she was gently pushed away Miehrru decided that Devaena was not interested in smelling her in return so she moved to return to her seat when she caught Devaena’s words and thrust out both her hands turning them over for Devaena to examine, “Miehrru knows what handshakes are, Grandma Nerra said that they are how humans show each other that they are unarmed.” After showing her bare arms (she still hadn’t found her bracers) she let one arm drop to the side while leaving the other extended for Devaena to shake.
She was still a little unclear on how the gesture of a handshake indicated she was unarmed. She was pretty sure that Devaena had seen her set her spear on the floor and that the quiver on her back, strapped across her chest, also indicated that she was armed. Her unstrung longbow was tucked away in her magical quiver along with her javelin, but just because they weren’t visible didn’t mean they weren’t there.
Miehrru hissed again at the word ‘mercenary’ as her ears lowered. Her voice was louder than conversational, but not yet a yell as disapproval was worn plainly on her face, “Miehrru doesn’t see how anyone can fight for money. Miehrru fights for her family and her friends. Miehrru’s people hold in high regard brave warriors who defend their friends and their families honorably. It is not honor it is cowardice to pay someone to fight your fight!” her voice had continued to increase in volume until she quieted it to confess, “Besides, Miehrru doesn’t understand why you would want someone to fight for you who may be bought by your enemy.” Jalil Devaena chuckled a bit. "Yes, it is basically a sign of trust. After all, if you are offering your open hand to someone," she said as she took Miehrru's hand in her own and shook it, even though her sword was still plainly visible and within reach, "then you are not drawing a weapon on them at that moment. So you see, it's not so much about not being armed at all, but more to show that you do not intend to attack. A peace gesture of sorts, perhaps."
She noted her reaction to the word mercenary, but from the description she gave Devaena got the impression that she didn't so much hate the mercenary but those who would hire them. Or perhaps both. At her final statement about them being bought by the enemy, Devaena couldn't help but give a rich, deep laugh. "Ah, you are right in that my friend. When you are paying someone to fight your fight you must always wonder if your enemy will offer them better and moreso will those you hired be swayed by the offer. Still, not all mercenaries are turncoats. I have known many who, though they were paid to fight, would not be swayed from the side they fought for once bought. They consider it a great dishonor to turn on an employer, and you have to think as well that it ruins your reputation. For a mercenary, well...that's all they have is their reputation, not only in battle but also to fulfill a contract. You betray someone who's paid you and word gets around, and then the next time you need a job people are less likely to hire you because they don't trust you, you see?"
She tilted her head to the side slightly. "Allow me to ask you, if I may. If someone offered to pay you to help you defend their home because they could not, would you? I mean not to offend, I'm simply curious about the views of your people on such things. You seem to feel very strongly about honor in battle, and I respect that," she finished with a smile, and it was true. Devaena through her work had come to hold some measure of respect for those who saw honor in battle (never mind that such was the way she profited in the material world). There was a reason she'd chosen the guise of a warrior over anything else. Finoewae
Teagan strolled into Dead Man's for lunch. Today she tried her best to look a bit more presentable than usual, as Mr. Fletcher had suggested. She took a seat at the bar's counter and wait for a few minutes for Rivek to notice her. She bit her lip, angry that she couldn't order liquor from him anymore without feeling like she'd be scolded later.WoefulInfinity Rivek finished up pouring their anonymous guest's ale before approaching Teagan.
"Now, can't spend too long here, or the manager will accuse me of playing favorites," he laughed. "Anything edible I can get you?"
Finoewae
Teagan smirked, then looked a bit sad.
"I'd think at this point everyone knows I'm not really your 'favorite,' Rivek." She said softly.
"But yes, I'd like to order lunch actually. I've not been here for lunch yet so I'm not sure if there are specials of some kind...but I was thinking I'd love some corned beef and a beer."
She brushed her hair away from her face and tried to read his current emotions.
"I was also wondering if you'd share a story with me..." she leaned in, mocking a whisper, "about the time you and a girl left the bar in a hurry the other night mysteriously."WoefulInfinity
"Well, I didn't say 'favorite' was singular. Corned beef and a beer, sure," he smiled, punching the numbers into the register. "The meat be a few minutes. Here's your one glass."
He poured her a glass of dark brown stout. "Hope this is to your liking. It matches your hair - which is looking better, I might add. Less disheveled. Sleeping better, yeah? Less drinking?"
He blinked at her question about the other girl. "Ah, that'd be Lily," he said, not bothering to lower his voice. "She's a friend I met at WorldSpanner's - before it exploded of course. When I was a patron at the bar, not working behind it. She wasn't feeling too well, so I helped her walk home. She needed somewhere private, is all."
Finoewae Teagan blushed a little at his pseudo compliment. "I'm not sleeping better. I'm just making more of an effort to look like I care about myself..." she trailed off at the end of her sentence.
That sounded a lot darker than I wanted it to. Ouch.
"Lily? She sounds...more delicate when you talk about her. The other night I tried to approach you and she almost stabbed my with her eyes." Teagan gulped down almost half of her glass.
"I guess I shouldn't be one to complain about rude behavior but I was certainly taken aback that it wasn't me that was initiating the dirty looks."
"Well I hope she's alright, I guess." Lies. "Rivek I know this is a bit strange to ask but, is there anything to do in this city besides work and wait for all hell to break loose in public businesses?" She took another sip of her beer, and eyed him curiously. WoefulInfinity "Well," Rivek laughed. "If you were sick, you'd be in a bad mood, too, right? I guess I should apologize for her, but... I'm not her, so..."
He shrugged. "She'll be fine. Just needed to rest."
He went into the kitchen and emerged with a bowl of corned beef, floating in a pool of soup, sprinkled with peppercorns. "If you ask me, the food here is far better than at WorldSpanner's, but don't be telling the cook that. I don't want things getting into his head."
"As for your question - I'm of the mindset that, if you want something to do, you can always join a government. Or, you know, just meet Outsiders. interesting bunch of folk they can be."
Finoewae
She began to eat her meal, but was careful to finish chewing and swallowing before she'd speak again.
"I'd have to agree wholeheartedly about the food.." she said happily. She grunted with disappointment at Rivek's suggestion.
"I'm not a social butterfly, so I don't think meeting new Outsiders is going to be a pastime..." she sighed. "And I'm not exactly sure how far into this land's government I want to venture. I suppose I learn enough about Cerxes politics at my current job. But to get more involved...I'm not sure. I feel like I already land myself in enough trouble, as ignorant as I am."
She continued to devour the beef on her plate, and finished her beer as well.
Here goes nothing.
"I was wondering though...I've only seen a small portion of the City. Perhaps at some point you'd like to join me in exploring more of it? I've personally only seen sections of the Machina's area. We're in the midst of five great nations, no? And yet I'm only meeting Outsiders."
She grinned, but looked away.
"Could I trouble you for another beer? I'm so thirsty today."WoefulInfinity
"Perhaps," he said, watching her wolf down the meal. "At the end of my shift. Why, do you have something in mind? I've always wondered what you do in your spare time."
"Unfortunately, I am mostly in the business of caring for Outsiders... and not getting my head chopped off by any of the governments. It would take me quite a bit of convincing to wander out of the Axle of Commerce."
He took her glass and refilled it.
"And as for your business - this will be the last beer you are getting from me."
He laughed, "Are you asking me out?"
Jenannen “Oh,” Miehrru said excitedly, “that makes more sense to Miehrru.” After releasing Devaena’s hand Miehrru returned to hear seat still a little puzzled by the human custom.
“Honor and reputation?” Miehrru said pondering the words aloud. “Miehrru has not been told these are important to mercenaries.” Her expression remained skeptical.
Miehrru shook her head her expression dark, “Miehrru could not do such a thing, not for money! Miehrru doesn’t think she could fight for someone who thought they could buy Miehrru either,” she sounded mildly uncertain on the second statement. She could think of times where she might help anyway, like if it was against goblins, but it would be difficult for her. She growled at the thought. And it would be to kill the goblins not to defend the home, she told herself.
Miehrru stopped batting around her fork at the compliment and sat up straight, “Yes Miehrru does feel strongly about honor in battle. Was the battle in your story honorable?” Miehrru somehow didn’t think it was (not with devils and demons) and this showed in her tone. Finoewae
Teagan laughed, trying to hide a slight blush on her face. She quickly went to work on her second beer.
"It's a shame you don't have a more adventurous spirit..." she teased. "No I'm not asking you out. I just wanted to see how you felt about exploring the other areas of the City. It's alright if you don't want to go. I can always go by myself..." she looked off and pretended to be devastated.
"Actually...I do envy you.." she said solemnly. "You're strong enough to care about the well being of others. That takes patience and endurance. I have endurance but...I'm afraid I ran out of patience years ago." She looked away from him. "You even have the patience to put up with me. And I'm not entirely sure why."
Teagan finished her beer and looked straight into his eyes. "Why exactly do you help others Rivek? What's in it for you anyway?"
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Mon Sep 12, 2011 12:03 am
WoefulInfinity
"Yes, it's a bit of my duty to stay in the most chaotic place possible," he sighed. "Enough trouble for me to get into here."
"There's nothing to envy. Patience can be learned. And, well, I have my own selfish reasons for helping others. I think you can put two and two together, figure out why."Finoewae
Teagan eyed him suspiciously as she finished the last bites of food on her plate. She was upset that she hadn't already deduced what selfish reasons he could possibly have to do anything. Rivek seemed strong enough to handle anything, obviously respected enough to hold a job. Then she remembered the stories he'd told her. It was a bit blurry but they were stories about a bird, about a man, and being given a second chance. Thoughts cycled over and over in her mind, until she realized-
...It's his ticket to leave Serendipity.
She frowned and stood up. At first her heart sank, as she felt more of a pity case to him than a friend. Then, slowly, anger took over. After weeks of wandering around aimlessly, working and speaking with strangers, blind and deaf to the reality of where she was, and who she was supposed to be in this place...here answer stared her in the face, mocking her. She closed her eyes, unable to look at Rivek directly again.
"I don't believe it's in the stars for me to learn patience Rivek..." she said coldly, "but now that I think about it, I'm almost certain I know why you do what you do. And once again, I envy you." She turned and swiftly walked out the door of Dead Mans, slamming it behind her.
Of all the people trapped here and HE has a potential exit...
I'm sure I'd be in a better mood if I had someone watching over MY well being, and giving me an option to go back home...
Her body tensed up, making it difficult for her to walk as gracefully as normal. How could she have not seen this before? What if several people had a similar story- several others had a way out of here, if only they performed the tasks given to them? Teagan quickly went into a rage.
So this IS Purgatory. Purgatory for me and me alone.
An hour later she stood in her bedroom- dressed in her 'uniform' and armed. Two daggers hidden on each hip, courtesy of Mr. Fletcher. And in her pouch, three vials of poison she had been itching to test. It had taken her weeks to learn about the plant life and various chemicals of Serendipity, but now, she was certain she'd concocted something potent enough.
Time to be what she had been trained to be.Jalil "I see," Devaena said after listening to all Miehrru had to say on the matter. She was slightly disappointed. The cat-woman was young and impressionable, and Devaena thought that she could have perhaps made a formidable warrior of her. "I admit, many mercenaries are not so honorable, but I have fought beside those who are. Who fight for honor despite also fighting for money. I'm sure it must seem impossible, but perhaps one day you will see such a feat."
"As for my battle," she paused for a moment as if trying to decide how she should answer. Finally she said, "No, it was not honorable. Not by the standards of your people, or most people. Unfortunately with fiends you can expect no less," she said with a frown as if this fact troubled her a bit. "Honorable combat is a rare thing in the planes, especially when dealing with the lower planes."
"But enough about that, surely you must have some tales about your own battles?" Jenannen “Devaena feels this honor?” she asked hopefully.
“Not by my standards... but by some standard?” She was still trying to understand that mercenaries may have their own kind of honor and that demons and devils may have yet another type of honor was a little much for her.
Miehrru nodded that she did, but she couldn’t think of any stories right now, her thoughts struggling to make sense of this other-honor that her new friend spoke of. Her internal confusion was worn plainly on her face. With a heavy sigh she finally offered quietly to the table with a shake of her head, “Miehrru doesn’t understand.” She wanted to understand for her new friend. She was trying to understand but she just didn’t. Finoewae
The hostess at Garland's came by quickly, and cheerfully showed Teagan to a seat by a window. There was a small vase, filled with white pebbles and a delicate silk flower in the center of her table.
"Thank you.." she said shyly to the hostess.
In a few minutes, Teagan was brought a small cup of soup, and a simple salad for her appetizer. Even the soup contained some of the mysterious spices she'd smelled as she first approached the restaurant. It didn't take her long to finish her food, but thankfully someone came by as she was done with her plate.
"And what would you like tonight, miss?"
"I'd like to try the duck..." she said excitedly. "And perhaps a glass of wine to go with it."
Teagan had seen a sign about the duck dish when she'd first walked in. Apparently, it was spicy and sweet, and a favorite of the regulars here. She didn't mind the price either, for by now she'd been paid handsomely by Mr. Fletcher- and Teagan hadn't done any extensive shopping.
The more she sat in Garland's, the more relaxed she became. The people here were quieter, the light was softer...the seats more comfortable. If only she could take Rivek here somehow, without it being a date. For that matter, if only she could think about Rivek, without wanting it to be a date.
She frowned a little as he crossed her mind again. She'd almost forgotten how angry he'd made her earlier.
I don't even know if I can stay his friend now...
With the plans she was making, Rivek may not see much of her again, or care to. But what else could she do? She wanted a way to leave Serendipity as well. She deserved that, didn't she- for once, not to be trapped in something she didn't choose for herself?Kimaya The pasty faced, dark eyed man sat in the corner of the dimly lit restaurant. There was a plate of food in front of him, and refreshment in a glass, but none of it was touched. Resting his chin on steepled fingers he made no pretense at hiding his open stare once the girl walked in the room - dark hair, pale skin, the clothing matched the description as well. It was her. Finally. SirKirbance Saphirus strode into Garland's - a quaint tavern like nearly a dozen others he had been in since finding himself in this strange world. He was a shy man by nature, but had increasingly forced himself out of character to talk to strangers since he vitally needed information. He still was amazed by the mix of characters he constantly saw at every locale he visited. Even the most bustling port town he had visited, in what he could remember of his old world, never had so many different people with varying costumes, hairstyles, tatoos, and other distinguishing features. But at least Saphirus never seemed to stand out too much in his hoplite's clothing and bronze breatplate. He scanned the room for someone he could casually start a conversation with. He spotted a woman at a table. "That must be the duck..." Saphirus calmly stated, "it smells good. I thought about trying it myself." Saphirus was always conscious about making people suspicious, but in this world where everyone he met seemed out of place , almost all were suspicious, but also eager to make aquaintances to restore a sense of social connection. Finoewae
Teagan was happily enjoying her dinner and suddenly she felt a knot in her stomach. It was normally the feeling she had when something bad was about to happen, o when she was being watched. But it confused her because as she scanned the room, she saw no one looking in her direction, and saw nothing that could possibly erupt into a fight or any other social nonsense.
She cautiously continued to eat, and sip at her wine, which already had her buzzed.
Best wine I've had yet.... She smirked to herself.
And then the moment she wasn't paying attention, a man approached her and began to speak to her. Her jaw dropped open, dumbfounded that he'd somehow snuck up on her.
"I...." she started weakly.
"Do I know you?" She asked callously. She raised her eyebrow and looked him over.
What in the world...SirKirbance "Do you... know me?... Uhm no." Saphirus said, pausing to think about it, mentally asking himself if he knew her. So far he had met no one he knew, but you never can be sure so better to think before you speak. Saphirus felt awkward now and combed his fingers through his copper-colored hair, scratching his head as he spoke. "I'm just looking for someone, but unfortunately don't know where to look, so I'm just hoping that if I talk to enough people I'll at least find a pointer in the right direction." Saphirus grinned hoping that smiles were taken well in this world as signs of good intentions. Finoewae
Teagan narrowed her eyes a bit at him and sipped her wine again.
"I'm afraid you've approached the wrong person for that kind of venture..." she said matter-of-factly.
"I'm about the least social person to ever live in Cerxes.." she trailed off, "and probably the most ignorant."
She shook her head and gave a false smile. "In any case, Mister...Searching, I'm afraid I can't help you." She watched him again. Why was she feeling guilty for this? Goddamn Rivek, making her care about other's needs.
"Uhmmm..." she started awkwardly. "I suppose if you have no one to sit with...you can stay for a few minutes." she offered half-heartedly.SirKirbance Saphirus laughed. "Mister Searching, that sounds like a fitting name for me these days. My real name is Saphirus." He pulled a chair from the table and sat. "I don't mean to take much time. I'll say I'm not very familiar with this place." Saphirus gestured wide with his arms referring to the whole of Serendipity. "It does occur to me that this must be some sort of otherworldly plane. I have important information that I was taking to my masters. While I'm sure you'll agree that transmitting this information to its intended recipient is now problematic, I'm hoping that if my assumptions are correct about what type of place I'm in, I may come across one of the celestial creatures my people worship. Have you heard of Coatles?" Saphirus' earlier grin was now replaced by a small hopeful smile, but the tone of his voice indicated that he was doubtful. Finoewae Teagan cleared her throat and fiddled with her silverware. She felt guilty that the moment she'd decided to go on her own and only follow her own interests, there was someone rushing to her to ask her for aid.
"Saphirus...what an unusual name..." she said softly. Ava...Allenia...Atta...ugh what name to use..
"I'm Teagan.." she blurted, nervously. <********. That's your actual name, you dope.
"I'm afraid I haven't heard of this Coatles...fellow...or organization...or whatever it is. I promise you I'm not trying to be difficult it's just that I haven't lived her long myself. But what I do know is, you're in the right place to get somewhat close to the Celestials, without being killed on the spot for being an Outsider. They govern a section of Fortress Cerxes, along with the other four nations. Perhaps who or what you're looking for, is in their stretch of town."
She took a large sip of whine and a bite of duck. A faint blush formed on her cheeks, somewhat from the wine, but more from the awkward feeling of being intruded by someone so innocent. It wasn't natural for people like him to approach people like her. He was either very brave, or an idiot. Jalil  Devaena studied Miehrru, a slight frown on her face. She could tell that this honor was very important to her. Inwardly she sneered. Was she really going to have to pretend to be honorable?! Devaena was many things, but none of them were anything remotely close to honorable. In the grand scheme of things she was flexible, and that was her strength. If honor and rules suited her purpose, she abided by them. If not? They were thrown to the wind, simple as that. Anyone could say they had a code of honor though, and in her own way Devaena did have a code of honor. It just happened to be honor whatever suited her needs best at the time.
"Of course I do, Miehrru," she lied smoothly, concern on her brow. She then straightened slightly to where she could gesture with her hands. "I understand that you, or perhaps your people even, have a code of honor, rules of conduct that you abide by. Mine is simply different, and that's alright. It doesn't mean that yours is wrong or that mine is wrong. Different people just think different ways is all," she said with a small smile.
Young and impressionable, or at least that was Devaena's hope. After all, the first step in changing someone's perception was to open their mind to other possibilities, and yet it had to be done in a way that didn't trample all over the person's own beliefs. That was when people got touchy, and touchy meant they were less likely to listen and be influenced. Perhaps if she could get Miehrru to see that her way needn't be the only 'right' way then she would be well on the way to setting her new 'friend' on a path of Devaena's choosing. Then it would only be a matter of time.WoefulInfinity Rivek crossed his arms and drummed his fingers against his elbows. In part out of the cool outdoor air and in part out of irritation. He rubbed his hands on his apron.
Seriously. What the hell? ... Again?
The other bartender was at the front of Dead Man's Meet, profusely apologizing to the city guards. There was food trash and broken bottles strewn all over the street. A very large wolfhound was sniffing through the remains of last night's entrée and the entrails of the pig they had slaughtered to make it.
"We'll take away your license if this happens again," the guard snarled.
Rivek grabbed the dog by the collar. Of course.
It was almost too heavy to drag, but he managed to get it across the street. He pushed open the door to Garland's. The dog leaped inside with over-enthusiasm to see its master.
"Garland," he yelled. "This is the third time. You better leash your ******** dog before I kill it." Finoewae
The door swung open and suddenly a familiar voice was yelling into the restaurant Teagan was dining in. She looked up and quickly looked back down.
Now Rivek is here? You're not making this easy Lord. Honestly the moment I turn away....
She quietly took another bite of her duck and took quick glances at Rivek, who was seething for some reason. That knot in her stomach formed again- suddenly the serene atmosphere was completely gone, and she wasn't sure it was coming back anytime soon.
She finished off her second glass of wine and took another bite, hoping to avoid eye contact with anyone. Who knew- if Rivek caused enough of a scene, she could leave without paying. But perhaps she wouldn't do that this time- she liked this place too much.WoefulInfinity Rivek was too enraged to notice the other patrons in the establishment. He held the dog down while a large, red-headed man came over from the kitchen. The man was half a head taller than him and twice as wide, with a ruddy complexion and full beard.
"You're not Garland," he muttered.
"Boss is out."
"I've talked to your hostess, your bartender, and your sous-chef. This dog rummages in our trash every night, and when we come in the morning, it's cop's out for our heads. When do I get to talk the hell to Garland?"
The larger man elbowed Rivek out of the way and took the dog by the collar.
"You don't."
"Goddamn oaf."
The other man snorted but wasn't about to start a fight in the restaurant. Rivek knew better as well.
"I suppose I'll stand here until your manager returns." Or mine comes to threaten me for not being on shift.
"Don't mind fetching me a glass of water?" he smiled, eyes still glaring daggers at the cook.
"Go back to your s**t pirate bar, and get your own. What sort of lowlife calls a place, 'Dead Man's,' anyway? Almost as if you want to be plagued with scum Outsiders." Finoewae
As Teagan listened to the exchange between Rivek and the burly man from the kitchen, her face scowled and turned a dark red. It took everything within her not to jump up and shank that ungrateful b*****d.
Scum Outsiders.... If he ever speaks to me like that he'll be dead in an hour!!
She pounded her fist on the table and stared furiously at the man. She couldn't decide if she was angrier at Rivek for disturbing her peaceful dinner, or at this grungy a*****e for insulting her patronage.
She didn't realize it but she let out a low growl, as she watched the red-haired man in a buzzed rage.WoefulInfinity "Outsider scum?" Rivek laughed. "You should look at yourself. Lowlife I may be, but I was still born on this plane substantially better looking than you. Scar on my face included."
The man growled and took him by the shoulder. "Enough is enough. Garland will come to you when he wants to talk."
Both of them turned when they heard someone - probably a customer - bang something against the table. "See here now, pretty boy, you bothering our guests, so I'll have to remove you."
"Well, know what's bothering ours? Garland's damn dog."
Rivek turned and grinned. Ah, Teagan.
He strolled over to her, tipping his head to the gentleman she was with. He winked at her, "You haven't been over to see me as of late. But, I can certainly see why. Doing well for yourself with this one."
The red-headed man followed and turned to Teagan. "You know this p***k? He bothering you, miss? I can take care of that." Finoewae
He DID NOT...just say that.
Teagan's face softened for just a moment, as Rivek used his charm on her. But quickly her anger returned, as the gruff foreign voice of the red-haired man bellowed out to her as well.
"I'm not doing well with anyone but you, love."
She kept a straight, miserable face as she spoke. At this point is was uncertain if her pet name for him was sincere or a sarcastic jab at him. Either way, as she answered Rivek, she stood up from her seat and took his hand, kissing it gently as he had done when they first met.
Teagan quickly turned her attention to the burly man in the back, afraid to face Rivek's full reaction to her remark or actions. She walked gracefully to the man, ready to spit in his face if she had to.
"I'd like to congratulate you gentlemen for completely ruining the first peaceful dinner I've had in years," she snarled. "This public display is not suited for even the lowest of establishments, and yet you ANIMALS decide to bicker in front of me and your other guests."
She kept her eyes fixed on the man. Her face screamed at him while she continued in a tone that was polite and even a bit meek.
"That man you so delightfully insulted, Mister, happens to be not only a good friend of mine, but a diligent citizen of Cerxes." she continued, her tone becoming more and more irate. "And I, as you so elegantly put sir, am one of those 'outsider scum,' which apparently you treat with the same neglect and abuse as your bosses dog!" She pulled her hair away from her face, then flashed her dagger at the man, to where only her could see she was armed.
"But I'm not just a common piece of dirt..." she whispered to him alone. "I happen to be employed by Mr. Jonathan Fletcher. And when he finds out about your revolting behavior towards Rivek and the Outsiders in general..." she leaned in very close.
"I'm certain he'll give me full responsibility of rectifying the situation." She grinned.
God he better not laugh at me. Just what I'd need.
Her voice picked up again, and she spoke for everyone to here, more innocently.
"I am appalled that you'd be so rude and...and...RACIST in front of your customers, sir!!" And with that, her hand swung flew across his face and made a cracking sound that even startled Teagan herself. Jenannen She was happy to hear that Devaena had her own other-honor, but her expression for the first time since they’d begun talking was flat as she struggled with this concept.
Miehrru nodded uncertainly, “Like how humans shake hands in greeting is different from catfolk’s scent sharing.” Miehrru’s shoulders curled in as she admitted quietly, “Miehrru didn’t show Davena proper manners, Miehrru should have offered you her scent,” her ears twitched once, “Miehurru didn’t think you were interested when you pushed Miehrru away and talked about handshakes, but it was still bad manners...” She looked up at Devaena and offered up sadly, “Miehrru’s sorry.” Her expression, however, conveyed more than sorrow, it was somewhere between a cornered cat and drowning person looking for a lifeline. WoefulInfinity Rivek flinched when Teagan's lips touched the back of his hand. Even though he couldn't feel it through the bandages, he could feel himself turning red.
"Well, then..."
... He should not have taught her that.
He heard the loud crack as she smacked the cook across the face. And she should not have done that.
The red-haired man sweat a little as she pulled out a knife. Outsiders, he knew, were unpredictable and dangerous. They had ridiculous powers and leaned toward mentally unstable.
"I'm sorry, madam, but you will have to leave. Outsider or not, your behavior is unacceptable."
"Actually going to agree with you on that, mate," Rivek nodded, taking Teagan arm in arm - forcibly locking her to him. He made sure her slapping arm was tight to his body. "I am certainly not a diligent citizen, and he didn't lay his hands on me much."
The red-haired man scoffed, "and tell Mr. Fletcher, the Unliving have no desire to meddle with his business. And thus we do not wish to wait on whatever Outsider fool he hires next for his schemes."
Rivek turned to Teagan, "Now, 'love,' this is a quarrel between two barkeeps, and - charming as it is - we don't ask our guests to stick up for us. Just leave us a nice tip." Finoewae Suddenly Teagan's face fell. The knot she'd had in her stomach wrenched so badly she might vomit. She stared up at Rivek, and shivered a little being so close to him.
What..is he saying..why is he treating me like this!!
She stared defiantly at the red-haired man again and narrowed her eyes.
This is all that fat b*****d's goddamn fault anyway.....
"Money's no issue." she snarled at Rivek quietly. Taking out twice the amount of money she owed, she let it fall to the ground in front of the cook.
Once again a promising night had been thwarted. Was it so much to ask, to not be humiliated everywhere she went? What did she have to prove, what did she have to DO to earn the slightest bit of respect in this godforsaken place?
Her lip quivered. Rivek looked very pissed. So this was how it was. Every place she went and every person she met, she was the b***h.
"I hate you..." she whispered, holding her breath to keep herself from crying.
WoefulInfinity Rivek smiled a little when Teagan did her grand gesture of throwing money on the ground. It certainly wouldn't have been what he'd done. How noble of her to stick up for me.
The cook snorted and leaned down to collect the coins. "Out with you lots of dirt," he muttered.
That said, where was she getting all this money?
He let go of Teagan, this time actually offering his hand.
"Look, sorry for ruining your dinner by any means, but if I might escort you out for dessert as an apology?" Finoewae
Teagan bean to tremble more noticeably in Rivek's arm. A wave of nausea hit her as her head started to spin. Was this all just from being flustered?
"Rivek..." she croaked, a tear escaping her eye. She took a deep breath, hoping not to vomit. "You didn't just ruin my dinner..." Another couple of tears.
Suddenly her mind traveled to the first time she'd been humiliated in from of her old guild. The first time she'd trusted Donne. Maybe it was that the opportunity was too perfect for him- but whatever the reason, he framed her, and framed her good, in front of all the others. While Teagan had innocently blubbered, confused why Donne suddenly changed his mood, he kept cracking jokes about how wonderful she was in bed. The insults hurt deeper than Teagan knew she could handle- considering that at that point she hadn't gone to bed with him, or anyone else, willingly. All the laughing and spitting at her...
Teagan shook her head and look up at Rivek. Was it too dramatic to say that he'd done the same thing to her now? And now with him calmed down, and looked at her more softly, now what?
Do I stay or do I run...
"Take me wherever you want..." she cried, completely defeated. She was took weak and in too much pain to run now. She'd submit to his offer now- but later, she was already deciding to run, and stay gone.
Teagan turned her head into Rivek's shoulder as her head spun faster, and sobbed quietly for a moment. This vulnerability had only caused her more suffering in the past, but she decided that in this instance, to fight against him would be the worst move she could make.WoefulInfinity Rivek was resisting the urge to shake whatever alcohol she drank out of her. Instead, he just pushed her head off his shoulder. With no decorum, he took her by the arm and led her outside.
"Hell, Rivek," called the other bartender, who was picking up the botlles the dog had let into the street. "Don't think you could help me here, could you?"
"Shut up," he spat at the other bartender.
He took Teagan aside and let go of her arm. "Civility. I thought you might've had it. Clearly not." SirKirbance Saphirus had stood up when the conflict had errupted at the table he was sitting at with Teagan and had stepped back as it escalated. He was filled with conflicting emotions. He would normally help a woman in distress, but Teagan apparently had a personal relationship with the man who had pulled her to himself. Best let him take car of her. Mostly though Saphirus was not used to people acting like this around him. Nobody in his old world would have dared such behavior around a recognized cleric and temple warrior. But none of that matters now. Saphirus reminded himself. Still... he couldn't just do nothing. "Excuse me, sir." He said to Rivek, keeping his guard up in case his intrusion wasn't looked at kindly. "If I might just say one quick thing to the lady, I will be done here." Finoewae
Her eyes opened wide in disbelief.
"Civility?" She started, dumbfounded and irritated, "You burst into Garland's, and shouted for the owner, in front of customers, and threatened to kill the man's dog!!" She gasped for air. "And then, the cook that came out to meet you had just as much of a ridiculous public display, insulting half of the residents of Cerxes, and having his pissing contest with you!!!" She stepped back.
"You barge into my peaceful night, and bait me with your sarcasm, and both you and the other fat ******** have a shouting contest, in the midst of customers, and you're preaching to me about being civil!! Goddammit Rivek, why haven't I just ended it already!!!" She turned away sharply and pounded her fist into her leg.
Another notion of suicide...it's not worth it, not over this..
She turned back after a few short breaths. The threat of tears were gone but now she was as nauseated as ever.
"It's like everyone in this goddamn world has the power and permission to be a pretentious a*****e, and break the rules whenever they want without consequence. Everyone else has some kind of secret power that allows them to act as fools, without dealing with the wrath that would normally ensure. But NOOOO, not I! I am exempt from everything- I have no respect, no permission, no knowledge, no grace with anyone. The cook was wrong- I'm not dirt. I'm LOWER than dirt, to everyone here..." she almost choked on her next words. "Including you."
Teagan once again turned away from him, and tried to calm her trembling hands.WoefulInfinity
Rivek stepped back, allowing the stranger to speak with Teagan. Fine, if he wanted her, he could have her. Every conversation Rivek had with her ended in tears, and it was starting to bother him.
Finoewae
Wonderful! An interruption. Now he won't answer me, now he gets to ignore EVERYTHING I just said.
Teagan turned to the man that had sat at her table earlier, furious again.
"What is it?" she tried not to snarl at him. "I'm a bit busy losing an argument that I shouldn't be losing..." her eyes narrowed at the both of them.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Mon Sep 12, 2011 12:13 am
SirKirbance "I do not wish to bother you further, Teagan. Our conversation was brief, but you gave me useful information. I merely did not feel right letting you go without having the opportunity to thank you. Please accept this token of my gratitude." Saphirus extended his hand and in his palm was a single irridescent feather. "I cannot say this coatle feather will help you in any way, but it will reflect well on you for posessing it." Finoewae She shook her head slightly in disbelief.
"I nearly lost my mind inside Garland's and you're still thanking me..." she said quietly.
"You are honestly the most strange man I've ever met."
She took the feather from his hand gently- feather number two for her. She wondered if this feather was as powerful as Rivek's. In the end it might end up being more sentimental, the way things were going between them.
"Well I...thank you..." she muttered finally. "And you're welcome. I can't imagine in what universe I was any help to you, but if you think so..." she took a glance at Rivek before continuing. "And thank you for being such gentlemen. You're truly an endangered species." She tucked the feather away safely in her pouch, and took a step back from the man.
He's too innocent to be getting involved in this bullshit... WoefulInfinity
As Rivek watched the man give her a feather, the hairs bristled on the back of his neck. The nerve. The similarity. It was considerably better looking than his, too. But he would dismiss it. Many animals - and Celestials - had feathers. He clenched and unclenched his fingers before turning back to Teagan.
"Look, I never said I was perfect - certainly not a gentleman -, and sometimes, I go looking for a fight. It's not like I would've known you - or anyone else for that matter - were sitting there drinking wine and duck. But that dog is no poor innocent puppy. That dog is Dead Man's business," Rivek said, refusing to rise his voice, but still with an edge to his tone. "I'm sure, as a 'professional,' you'd understand what one does in business."
He crossed his arms. "That dog rummages through our trash every night because Garland here won't keep it leashed. And every morning, we're outside, cleaning up trash we've already cleaned up and begging the cops not to take away our license. I finally get a legitimate job, and when I do it - you call me out for being loud."
He stepped back. "You keep saying - why do I, someone with magic powers, bother to even speak to someone 'lower than dirt'? Because yes, all these powers make me ******** superior. And I know just how superior I am, and I keep flaunting it in your face so you know just how low, low, low you are. Which is why you see me every day slicing off people's heads with my sword, flying at super-speed, and staring at naked women with my eagle-precise vision. And of course, I must be getting all these magic powers for free! I was so, so, so lucky to be painlessly born with these."
He tore the bandages off his neck, revealing the twisted scars.
"I am so lucky to wake up in the morning and spend an extra half hour putting bandages on so people don't think I'm that much of a freak. You want respect? You don't drink yourself to stupidity and bawl in the middle of a tavern. Neither of us is getting respect right now because we're arguing in the middle of a street."
"You keep saying, you want to end it. Just end what? And go where?" he scoffed. "You've well hinted at what you want. Let me prove that you are entirely delusional."
He grabbed her by the waist with one arm and brushed back her dark hair with his other hand. With a quick pause to breath, he kissed her lips.
"Taste that? Taste bird s**t? Taste rot? Taste death? Want to vomit? Is that what you wanted? Not that great, is it?"
He let go and stepped back again, about an arm's length away.
"But prove to me that I'm wrong. That you really want to end it. To never speak to me again. Just give me back what I gifted you."
He backed away, arms at his sides, torso open.
"After all, you have another one now."
SirKirbance After Tegan accepted the feather Saphirus merely gave a slight bow of his head, and turned to walk away. He felt his further involvement here would not benefit anyone. Finoewae "I'm sure, as a 'professional,' you'd understand what one does in business."
"Or course I know-" Teagan started to respond, but trailed off as Rivek continued in anger. She'd never seen him like this, and she was frozen in place, forced to listen fully to every word as it came.
She began to see a little bit of his justified anger, but the stubborn part of her kept a scowl on her face as he explained. Business or not, he didn't have to go involving her in his fight with the cook, did he? He did approach her in the middle of the confrontation, after all. Why had he done that? It was killing her not to know what Rivek had actually expected her to do, when he waltz over and mocked her 'date.'
"And of course, I must be getting all these magic powers for free! I was so, so, so lucky to be painlessly born with these." At this point her lip quivered. His tone had grown harsher, and the reality of Rivek secret demons were finally coming to light. Finally she understood that he was no so unlike her. He had weaknesses, and he was damaged- and damaged very badly for that matter.
As he took off the bandages that never left his skin before then, she gasped. Yes she'd seen scars, and dead bodies and anything grotesque that you could imagine- but it shocked her to see such intense wounds on a living, breathing man. She didn't mean to stare, but she did, if only to take it in and try to empathize. She didn't know if she could empathize at this point though- it seemed much too late for that.
Teagan nearly ignored his comments about her drinking though. Yes it was a habit but she'd explained before that it was a habit born from trying to prevent her terrible sleepwalking, which had nearly killed her in the past. But now wasn't the time to point the finger, to judge him for not understanding.
And then, in some twisted show of spite...his lips met hers rather harshly. Her eyes opened wide and she inhaled the most vile things.
It's not fair...why did it have to be like THIS...why now...
Her lips instinctively tried to cling to his more tenderly, but he pulled away, and continued to seethe. He was right- it was disgusting, it was unexpected. But he was an idiot. Teagan wasn't so easily turned away, not when she already cared. She felt tears welling up in her eyes again. Did he really think she was that shallow...no...it was that every human being was that shallow, wasn't it? Every human being would turn away at the scars and the smell of his breath and in his skin.
But it wasn't the smell or the sight that was breaking her. It was the anger and the spitefulness of it all- it was his assumption that she didn't care, wouldn't care...couldn't care. And she was certain that if she'd ever been allowed, she really could love. Even to the point of embracing a walking corpse.
"But prove to me that I'm wrong. That you really want to end it. To never speak to me again. Just give me back what I gifted you. After all, you have another one now."
Teagan eyes fell in shame. She was still so confused about everything- him, Serendipity, her purpose here. But it was clear that he didn't want her to give up on life, or on whatever small friendship they could salvage at this point. At the very least, she knew that he didn't want to become her enemy.
"I can't..." she started out slowly, her voice cracking. She humbly lifted her eyes back to meet his.
"I don't want to end anything. I don't want you to go." Teagan prayed that he'd understand what she meant this time. She feared that she couldn't go on, without a friend. Or at least an acquaintance that had the patience to keep coming back to help her. Even if that's all he was, and all he'd ever be- an acquaintance- she needed it.
"...Please don't go.." she whispered. Her fingers were now trembling, reached down into her pouch. gently holding the feather that he'd given her. WoefulInfinity Unfortunately, it had always been true that Rivek's words were more cutting than his weaponry. He sighed, having become a little remorseful for insulting Teagan like that.
Doubly unfortunately, he wasn't very good at apologies. He crossed his arms and sighed with a shrug, "All right, I was probably shouldn't have burst into a restaurant with a dog, but I was kind of mad."
"Just like I was kind of mad that you would let yourself get angry - to thhe point of punching someone - simply because someone had insulted me. You don't need to stick your neck out when someone calls you names." he muttered. "I'm sure you can keep your cool. Just try something else instead of boozing."
"You have way more money than I thought you did. You have a job, don't you? Focus on that, I guess."
He looked at the feather in her hand - it was a little dirty now - but the black and white bars were still in tact. He looked away and sighed. After all, she did help him out twice, and he has two spots on his stomach to show for that.
"It's okay. You can keep it."
He turned away and walked back into Dead Man's. Someone would have to serve drinks while the other barkeeper washed off the smell of trash. Finoewae
Rivek answered her in an icy tone.
Maybe this is my punishment for the way...
She couldn't read him now. He looked upset, but was he giving up on her anyway? Was he tired? annoyed? She lowered her eyes to the ground as he spoke. She didn't care anymore that she couldn't stand tall against him. She just regretted so much now.
Teagan bit her lip as he turned and left her in the street.
"Thank you..." she spoke barely audibly. A shiver ran up her spine.
...Now what's going to happen?Jalil Devaena furrowed her brow. This was not the reaction she was expecting. She'd been trying to reassure Miehrru, not distress her further. Mortals and their useless emotions, bah. Still, she had planted the seeds, maybe they just needed time to grow on their own. Finally when Miehrru apologized Devaena shook her head. "You haven't offended me Miehrru. I just didn't know your customs." She tilted her head to the side thoughtfully. She could tell that if she pushed too much more she'd push her away entirely, and one didn't alienate their pawns until you had gotten your use out of them. "I tell you what. I should be going for the moment anyways, but why don't I return your kindness..." she began, and it was an effort not to choke on the word as it came out of her mouth. Sometimes, though, you had to play nice to tip the scales the way you wanted. "...and next time I see you in here I'll buy you a meal hmm?"
And with that and that seemingly half-grinning smile of hers Devaena stood to offer a farewell for now. "Just remember Miehrru, you have friends here now." Jenannen “Oh, Miehrru’s so glad she hasn’t upset Devaena!” she exclaimed relieved. Miehrru nodded her understanding that Devaena had to be going and truth be told she was feeling tired again though she didn’t think she’d been awake long enough to be tired. “Miehrru would like that if next time Devaena can finish her story.”
Getting up from the table Miehrru walked back over to Devaena and having learned her lesson from introduction asked first, “Scent sharing?” If Devaena acknowledges this with any sort of a positive Miehrru will nuzzle under Devaena’s chin before rubbing cheeks with her. Miehrru’s still not entirely sure of Devaena so her whiskers would not be included in this cheek rub. At the conclusion she would then offer “Devaena-friend.” Jalil "Then stories and good food next time," she said, and then paused for a moment to consider before finally nodding and allowing Miehrru to perform her 'scent sharing'. After all, she'd seen weirder customs, she thought to herself. She didn't nuzzle back, but did touch her cheek to Miehrru's before pulling away. She smiled at the 'Devaena-friend'. It confirmed that her impression had been made, the first piece put into place.
Once Dev stood up and excused herself from the table with Miehrru, she saw one piece of unfinished business to take care of before she headed out of the bar. She stood up and walked over to the bar where Rivek was tending and slid into a seat. "So, I seem to recall the offer of a game made the other night," she said with a grin. "If the offer still stands, I think I'll take you up on that, though perhaps not for a drink, but instead for a question. If I win I get a question, if you win you do. What do you say?"
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Mon Sep 12, 2011 12:45 am
WoefulInfinity
Rivek wiped one of the glasses at the bar before filling it with an imperial stout*. He was still irked by Teagan's outburst, so he was handing out ale but not smiles tonight.
He placed the glass in front of an old man with ruddy cheeks. As he took the man's copper coin, the white-haired woman from earlier strode up to him with a proposal.
How curious. Perhaps he should watch out for this woman. After all, especially for him, stories were much more valuable than money.
He forced a grin, "That's how you want to play? I suppose it's only fair."
He laughed and pulled the utensils out from under the bar, motioning for the regular customers to get out of the way of the dart board. "About time someone upped the ante on my gambling habit."
He fingered the various pieces of cutlery for their weight. "Those who are challenged choose their weapon first."
Jalil Devaena mulled over the utensils for a few moments before finally picking up a fork from the bunch. "This should do nicely. Alright then, your game, your rules. Let's hear them." WoefulInfinity Rivek picked up a Phillips screwdriver. He used it often enough to fix the bar's ice chest that he considered it part of the bar.
"Simple. Closest to the center wins."
He felt the weight of the tool in his hands. It was significantly heavier than a dart, so he'd have to throw it much faster. Most of the weight was in the handle meaning he'd have to put a lot of force behind it to get it to torque like a throwing axe. Again, he'd need enough force for the relatively blunt tip to pierce the board. It wouldn't make it far enough, though, if he treated it like a dart.
A little magic couldn't hurt. His eyes turned golden, pupils enlarged. The eagle-like mechanics of his eye helping him to steady his mark like a sniper's lens.
He twirled it in his left hand a few times, before releasing it with inhuman speed and none of his usual panache. The velocity sent the screwdriver spinning as it arced through the air. The customer closest to the dart board ducked for cover as the metal tip lodged solidly in the board, one ring away from the bull's eye.
"Your turn?". Jalil "'Not bad," she said, smiling in confidence as she grasped the fork in hand testing its weight. She considered for a moment, as if judging her target. She felt certain she could hit it easily, but did she want to yet? Perhaps not tip her hand too soon.
Taking the form by its handle she took her final aim and then sent it spiraling end over end towards the target, much like one might a dagger. It struck the center circle near its edge, but with enough force that it bounced off the blunt end rather than sticking via the prongs. Devaena frowned then shot a look towards Rivek. "Seem luck has decreed the first question is yours." WoefulInfinity Rivek smirked. Perhaps such a seemingly intimidating woman's weakness was finesse.
"I don't need to ask you whether you're an Outsider. I can recognize my own," he laughed, narrowing his golden eyes*. "Instead, let's start with the same question I always lead with, then - how did you die?" Jalil "Is that all you want to know? Well, much as I suppose you might think, I died in battle. Live by the sword, die by the sword. The problem was it was a battle I should have never been in. I was betrayed by an old rival and ended up at the wrong place in the wrong time at a weak moment." She shrugged a little. "I suppose it was to be expected. Should've made sure the b*****d was dead."
Looking over the pile of utensils she picked up an old wine bottle opener that was missing its handle leaving only the metal corkscrew and the rod the handle attached to. "Round 2?" WoefulInfinity "True warrior," he laughed. "Would you call yourself that? Warriors, with their crazy honor codes and big swords and really nice hair."
"That part about the hair was sarcasm." He smiled, picking up a peeler. "But, of course I'll oblige to a second go."
The peeler was very similar to a knife, but with a hole in the middle for the zest rinds. So, in theory - it should fly about the same as a knife.
It didn't. He ended up piercing the outer ring of the dart board. He clicked his teeth. "Looksl like I've made this one pretty easy for you." Jalil Devaena chuckled. "Oh I'm sure most people view me that way, but as I see it I am what I am," she replied.
Seeing his next shot go far, she grinned and flipped the corkscrew over in her hand where she was holding the curled part, then flicked it towards the board, still probably with more force than was strictly necessary, but well...when you were built like Dev that was bound to happen. It embedded rod-like end into the dart board on the line between the first and second rings, the twisted spiral end pointed out towards the crowd and quivering. "Well I can't let you have all the fun," she said with a wink. She then took a moment and contemplated her question before asking, "Tell me about your sword?" It certainly looked like a rare and valuable weapon, and seeing as she took the appearance of a warrior, asking about it shouldn't come across too suspiciously she hoped. After what she'd overheard before from her room, though, she was curious about it. WoefulInfinity "My ... sword?"
That was an unexpected question. He fingered the leather-wrapped hilt.
"Well," he said, with a sideways look. "I suppose it's an heirloom. A great warrior - well, not really that great at all - passed it down to me after he died. And then he made me promise - in writing nonetheless - to only use it in absolute, dire, need. And that it could never leave my side."
He tightened his belt by a notch, further securing it to his person. "If you ask me - it's not that fantastic. It's slightly unbalanced and only keeps an edge on one side. But it's got a solid, full, tang and moves like lightning. Sharp as my sordid wit, if I do say so myself - and most importantly, it's mine. He hasn't broken on me yet."
He fingered the feathers dangling from the hilt. "His name is Vika."
"Best two out of three?" he asked, swiping a large bottle opener* off the bar mat. He turned it between his fingers. "But I'm a bit bored with questions. How about raise the stakes, and we trade stories?" Jalil Devaena listened to his answer with interest. Something in her gut told her there was more than what he was saying, but of course that was to be expected. Were the situations reversed, she wouldn't have told the entire truth either. "Vika," she repeated. "Did you name it that? Or did the warrior you inherited it from do so? Either way, a blade may seem 'not that fantastic', but when it's in your hands defending your life and taking your enemy's, well...then it's priceless."
She listened as he continued and then raised a brow at his wanting to up the ante, but there was a smile on her face as she looked over the utensils. She picked out a strange one from the pile, a sharp-edged cutting wheel on a handle, and turned back to him. "Might as well have some fun in the afterlife, right? I believe it's your throw." WoefulInfinity "I picked it. It was the name of a very close friend." He smiled, "Well, the warrior before wasn't much into naming his equipment. He thought it was silly to name a sword - after all, often enough, the blade shatters and you have to get a new one. But I can't afford a new one, and having it at the ready provides me with significantly more sanity.. So yes, for now, for me - it's priceless."
The bottle opener was one-sided. He'd have to time it, and its length, correctly to get the sharp side to lodge in the disk. He arced it, spinning the same way he did the first screwdriver, and it wedged itself nicely in the second ring, next to Devaena's corkscrew.
"Slightly back on my game," he shrugged. "It's been awhile since I've played darts." Jalil Devaena grinned as she tested the weight of the utensil in her hand. "You're not going to make this easy on me I see." The handle was heavy and the bladed end light. She wouldn't be able to finesse it the way Rivek* had done with the screwdrivers. She would have to try a heavy handed approach to get it to stick.
Taking aim she held it in her hand much like one would a tomahawk and threw it at the board the same way positioning herself to where she thought it would rotate enough for the bladed edge to stick. For a moment it looked like it might have thunked into dartboard briefly, but the weight of the handle and the force with which she'd thrown it to try and get it to stick worked against her rebounding with enough force to pull the barely stuck edge free and send it clattering to the ground. Devaena hadn't even gotten to see where it stuck.
She pursed her lips. She'd been sure that would work, but the utensil wasn't quite as she'd expected once thrown. "Well, it seems not all improvised weapons are made the same. The question, or should I say story request, is yours," she said even as she eyed the pile for her next weapon of choice. There was an ice pick lying there that looked promising. WoefulInfinity Rivek smiled, heading over to the dart board and pulling out the stuck instruments.
"Well," he said as he walked back. "I would certainly like it if you told me a story. You've certainly accepted your grisly fate unlike most new arrivals to Cerxes. So... How about a story about what you're going to do now that you're in Serendipity?"
He replaced the implements behind the counter and folded his hands. "We might run out of utensils soon." Jalil "I suppose I don't see the point in moping about the past. What happened happened, and if I don't get my head back on my shoulders straight afterwards and keep going forward then I've lost. As long as I'm still going I have a chance, a damn good chance, to turn that loss into a win. Accepting my fate is part of the package I suppose. Although, hmmm..." For the first time since their conversation began, Devaena looked thoughtful. It was something she hadn't thought much of yet. What would she do if she couldn't get off this plane. Sure, she could stir up trouble here in the plane of Serendipity, but...if she was dead, as she was certain she was (after all, one did not soon forget the sensation of a pack of those b*****d, fanatical gehreleth's tearing them apart), then..would anything she even did here count in the long run? Surely it would, surely even here if she tempted souls and led them to their demise she would be tipping the scales of balance towards the darkness she was born from. Wouldn't she?
But what if she wouldn't*? What if nothing she did here mattered because this place, this wretched place of dumb luck and planar mishaps, was out of the loop with the planes as a whole? They said that people who died here in Serendipity often reappeared on the plane somewhere else, which mean their souls likely stayed in tact...which meant that Devaena would never be able to cash in on anything she did here, if that were true. This was...concerning to say the least. Even if she managed to manipulate enough people to where the whole of Serendipity turned into a den of vice and devoured itself whole, what would she gain from it now? Her own personal Gehenna** perhaps, but that did nothing to further her own goals. And that meant that she might have to reevaluate her goals. This was indeed a powerful place, there had to be a way to use that, manipulate it to her advantage, and make it matter.
Finally after the moment's pause where she processed all this, she looked back to Rivek. "I suppose I haven't thought about that all that much. Even I'm subject to the desire to want to go home, but supposing I did stay here. Well, I'd like to carve out some sort of piece of this place to be my own. I'd probably have to serve as a hired blade for a time, earn some of this place's money, get in decently with the locals at least. You know, get my name out there. Then once I'd accomplished that, maybe I'd start a small business of my own. A gambling den perhaps, because people, myself included, love games of chance and daring. There would have to be card tables, perhaps some dice games. Or maybe I'd start a fight club, somewhere for people to come and spar for gold and glory and hone their fighting skills. And of course if you didn't want to fight then you could always come try your luck betting on who would win." She gave a short laugh. "I actually used to work at a similar place that combined both, and it was a good business. After all, it would give 'Outsiders', as they like to call us, a place to let out their frustrations and aggressions, and it would give the restless natives some entertainment."
And it would give me a chance to resume my operations and build my forces again, Devaena thought to herself. WoefulInfinity "I like your positive attitude," he laughed. That expression she held for a second, maybe she wasn't so tough and headstrong after all. "It's quite rare."
"From a mercenary to gambling to a fight club, huh? Such simple dreams for an amazon queen," he smirked. "Now that I'd like to see. There's good opportunities for mercenaries here, what with the factions at odds with each other - and their constant desire to exterminate Outsider rats. Given any thought to which - that could be plural - you'd join?"
He cracked his knuckles and picked up a metal square - a funny-looking coaster with very sharp corners and the name of the tavern etched into it. "I do enjoy establishments of sin. I am a facilitator of alcohol after all. Might participate in it myself. I have my own frustrations. But I'm a much better fencer than boxer. Of course - warriors - you don't fight for fun, do you? Just profit." Jalil Devaena grinned. "You call it positive, I call it practical, but I'll take that as a compliment."
At his next statement Dev laughed. "Amazon queen, eh? Well, I find the best dreams to pursue are simple ones." She thought for a moment on his next question. "The factions, now...there is an interesting debacle. Actually, I was asked this question by by someone else recently, so I'll tell you what I told them. Despite what people might like to think, we are the outsiders here. Now, I have to look out for myself too naturally, but I can sympathise with the Celestials' point of view despite the radicals trying to kill us. They are the natives here. They belong and we don't." She shrugged. "People might disagree, but they have a right to feel that way. Still, if the question were which faction I would want to work for?" She considered for a moment. "Well, that's a tough one, but bottom line? At the end of the day I have to look out for me. If the offers were good enough, I can't say I'd turn any faction in particular down at the moment."
She mulled over the pile. The icepick still looked promising out of the pile, so she chose it and felt it in her hand to see how the weight and balance was on it. "Well you would be welcome in my doors, maybe even come tend the bar there if I get such a place established eh? And my dear, I always fight for fun, the profit is just a pleasant side effect," she said with a wink. WoefulInfinity "I've never considered myself much more than a dirty mutt Outsider, anyhow. And what do street mutts do? Survive," Rivek smirked at her profit statement. "I may seem to do things for profit, but I should hope I have deeper, ulterior motives."
"Then again, I didn't think two months ago that I would be working an honest job. Quite exciting, really," he laughed. "Perhaps, you'll have a more exciting true story than what you just told me."
"Best three out of five?" He grabbed his pencil. "Hey, this counts."
It was so light. This one wouldn't be a matter of skill - merely velocity. He twirled it in his fingers a couple times, like a bored student, before throwing it with impossible speed towards the dart board. It lodged into the third ring, sharpened tip embedded completely to the yellow casing. Jalil "One can hope the true story will be more exciting, certainly. And yes, best three out of five," she said with a grin as she took the ice pick in hand with the pointed end touching her ring finger and then threw it, much like one might a dagger, towards the board. Much to her delight it stuck, quivering point first, into the center ring of the board. "Ah hah!" she exclaimed with a wide smile. "I believe that ties us at two a piece. The ball, as they say, is in your court."
"I am curious though," she said to make idle conversation while they prepared for their final shot. She was unsure which utensil she wanted to use for her final throw. There was certainly an interesting assortment left. "As a 'dirty, mutt Outsider', which faction do you think is right?" WoefulInfinity "That's not a very interesting question, now is it? Seems to be what everyone is asking these days: Either 'what are you?' - which in my opinion is highly offensive. I am human, thank you very much - or 'what faction do you like?'."
"So here's the wonderfully contrived answer I give everyone when they ask me." Rivek folded his arms and rolled his eyes. "I love this country so much that I cannot ally myself to one race. I pledge my fealty to the great Lady Cerxes and the three great Princes that watch over this land with their benevolent gaze who, through the might and majesty of the five honorable Factions, rule this land of wanton strays with their just hands."
He scoffed, "But I bet you wouldn't believe that kind of bull crap, right?"
He winked, "You ask me - they do it on purpose - gathering Outsiders for Planesborn entertainment, to see who's the best of the what now and to take a voyeur's peek at where we come from. The more people they bring here, the more powerful they get - and if they eliminate us, they have a permanent link to our homes, and we can't do anything about it. I'm not playing their dumb coliseum, gauntlet games. I wouldn't trust the Lady or the Princes. Me, I'd rather not join a Faction. We all know, much as they argue, they're just pawns."
"I am similar to you in some ways, mercenary," he said, filling his glass with an amber, Belgian ale. "A hawk does not love its master. It just allies itself to him because he is an easy source of food." Jalil He scoffed, "But I bet you wouldn't believe that kind of bull crap, right?"Devaena looked rather amused at this. "Oh, but you seem such the patriotic type," she said with a wry grin. He winked and she let him continue, explaining his viewpoint on the factions and the Lady, nodding thoughtfully. "It's an interesting view, and certainly rings true. After all, when it comes to politicians and senators, in the end it's themselves they're looking to help however selfless they might seem. Still, the pawns can be the most important pieces in a game of chess when used correctly."
"No doubt that the Lady holds the true power around here, but question is why? What does she get out of it? The chance to view a thousand worlds and a thousand lifetimes? But why? One might almost wonder if she is a prisoner of Serendipity as much as the rest of the Outsiders. There is one flaw in your theory, though. How would one eliminate someone on Serendipity? If the rumours hold true Outsiders who die here are reborn here. Trapped in an endless cycle until they can find a way to break it and return to their rightful place, or until they accept their fate in this place. Either way, it still boils down to the question of why? If Outsiders are here as entertainment, why fight to give them rights? If Outsiders are here because of some cosmic mishap as the sky captain claimed, then why not push to send them back where they belong? It also begs the question, since most Outsiders died to arrive here, if we leave Serendipity are we leaving only to replay that death to its rightful course?" She finally shook her head a bit. "Too many questions and not enough answers in this place I'd say, but then what would an old sellsword know about that."
She picked over the pile of utensils until she saw it there, gleaming in the firelight. Closing her hand around the handle she carefully lifted it free and held up the butcher knife, inspecting it as a smile grew on her face. Now here was a weapon fit for an 'amazon queen' as Rivek had so aptly put it. WoefulInfinity "Holy s**t!" he said, automatically backing off when she picked up the butcher knife. "We're throwing things at the dart board now, not at me - you hear?"
He picked up a paring knife - a familiar utensil he used for cutting rinds off limes. And very frequently as an impromptu dart. "They say the Lady was the first person to appear on Serendipity. And if you are the Lady, and you can't find your way home - well, misery loves company. Who am I, though, to say I know what motivates her?"
"I think you've misunderstood my definition of 'eliminate,' though," Rivek said. "If you can't beat them, join them. To remove us from our own timelines or where we're supposed to go - that's effectively elimination in and of itself, no? Whether we want to admit - we are who we are because of where we came. And that is not something I'm willing to lose."
He unconsciously scratched his shoulder blade. To lose those wings - he would lose any knowledge of his past and thus, in his opinion, any knowledge of who he was. He would consider that racial elimination in its finest.
But that didn't really worry him. What worried him was how much he'd owe the manager if she shattered the board with that knife. Or worse - hit a patron. Jalil Devaena smirked at him, that gleam in her eye. "Oh don't worry. I need you in one piece if I'm going to get my answers after all," she said as she pulled back her arm for the throw. The bystanders who had been inching as close as they dared to the action all took a step or two back. No one wanted to be in the path of that knife once it left Dev's hands. Balancing her weight and stepping one foot forward to guide the throw, Dev took the butcher's knife by the handle and hefted it towards the board. It spun only one rotation through the air before hitting the board forcefully...and with a resounding shattering noise that would confirm Rivek's fear of what would happen.
The board lay shattered into several pieces, one or two of which promptly fell to the floor, the others only held in place by the pressure from the butcher knife's blade pinning them to the wall, and who knew how long they would last.There was an indistinct yell from the kitchen and then Mack, the other bartender, appeared in mid sentence, "...see what the hell they've done no-..." He trailed off as he looked from the broken pieces of the dart board to the pile of varied utensils, and then to Rivek. " YOU! What the hell did you do?!" Devaena did her best to look innocent of the whole affair - how had she known he'd get in trouble she'd say - and only spoke up to say in a murmur that Rivek should hear, "Guess that means I win by default." WoefulInfinity "A fun little game, is all," he laughed nervously.
"This is coming out of your paycheck," Mack seethed. "Just like the broken glasses, the extra drinks you keep giving women, and the ticket we got from the police who said you were rooting through the trash."
"I was not! I was getting Garland's dog!" he crossed his arms. "Why would I root through our trash anyway? I already know what's in it! I took it out to begin with!"
Mack nodded at Devaena. "Given he's the loser who's paying and cleaning this up, I believe you earned your trophy, miss. Good day."
He headed back into the kitchen, elbowing Rivek on his way there.
"Aw, come on..." Rivek sighed, turning back to Devaena. He pointed to the bottles on the back wall. "What'll you have? I'm guessing some sort of drink .... and some sort of story." Jalil Devaena smiled a bit like a smug cat after it had knocked over the milk bowl and gotten a fresh helping. "Keep the drink, but let's make the story extra interesting this time. Tell me about the mysterious amethyst-eyed god."
She was taking a small risk to ask for this information, but if there was any truth to the story she'd overheard earlier then it could be well worth the risk. She had also thought to ask more about the 'pauper's' contract and the talismans, but...one step at a time after all. She would see what he would give her on this first. WoefulInfinity A chill ran straight up Rivek's spine - pure fear. He hadn't told her that story. What else did she know? His hand went to the nape of his neck. Feathers. s**t. He held his hand there, pretending to scratch his head, until they sank back under his skin.
"Amethyst-eyed god?" he laughed. "I thought you weren't from my home world. Then again, I suppose if you were, then you'd know about him, wouldn't you?"
I had better be careful. He was just glad she'd asked about his employer, not him.
"Looks like you really get a story." He sipped from the Belgian ale he'd poured himself earlier. "I.... Well.... Once upon a time, there was a man who was a great warrior. His village, so proud of his exploits, offered him the most beautiful young girl to be his wife. And she was happy to oblige. Who wouldn't, you know? Power, money, fame, attractive body?"
Rivek took a step back, putting distance between himself and Devaena. He hoped he didn't smell too much now like bird and death.
"However, for all his skill, he was arrogant. The gods were so impressed by his triumphs that - on his wedding night - the god of war himself offered him the gift of immortality. But in his foolish pride, he declined - preferring to spend the night with the sweet, young, thing he was about to de-flower."
He laughed. Another step backwards.
"I'm sure you know you should never anger the gods. In his marital bed, they turned him into a hulking beast - opening all the scars his body had ever received. The girl - who had only been there for the material rewards - ran off, frightened by his hideousness. Now humbled, the god came again and asked the man if he desired immortality."
He sipped at the ale. Yet another step.
"And that is something you don't decline twice. But of course - there are prices to pay for previous hubris. In exchange, the god of war took the man's sight. But, he gave him an amethyst to replace one of the now-useless orbs. When the warrior would look through the violet stone into a human heart, he would see every fractured piece of that heart's memory. And the warrior became a god, himself. The god of death."
He resumed his place behind the bar and began counting out coins from his bag to replace the dart board.
"So to this day, he wanders the land of the dead, looking for souls who have just arrived, to take to their final resting places."
He gave her a sidelong glance.
"But of course, he is still blind and cannot find these souls alone. So, sometimes, he looks with that jewel into the hearts of those who have reached his domain, and he finds something that appeals to him. And his makes them a promise: that if they serve him in finding the dead, they will have whatever that heart truly desires." Jalil Devaena's eyes gleamed in triumph as she stayed focused in on Rivek while he told his story. She could smell the spike of fear coming off of him (effectively drowning out any bird or death smell she might have caught wind of). Fear meant she'd struck a nerve and hit on something important. Something personal. Something he was afraid for her to know.
Naturally that only meant she had to know more.
As he backed away carefully, she dropped a hand on his arm before he got too far out of reach. There was no grip, he could continue to move away if he wished, but then again for the moment they were playing the game of civility. The bartender and his customer - no hostilities there right?
The corner of her lip turned up in a half-smile. "An interesting story and well told. But aren't you forgetting something? Aren't you going to tell me about the talismans?"
If this death god could touch Serendipity, if she could figure out how when nothing else seemed to do so directly that she'd found...well, if it came down to it, she would put this little diety's pawn through hell and back if that's what it took to get his attention. It would almost be a shame, she had somewhat enjoyed their little game, and he would've been perfect for her arena, but...sometimes sacrifices were necessary. WoefulInfinity Rivek snatched his right arm away instinctively, and hovered his left at his side. He wanted to be close enough to draw, but not too close that it would give too much away.
"I'm afraid we agreed to one round, one story," he said, tritely. "And it seems like we can't continue. But I am flattered I could entertain you for the time being."
He wiped the bar with the rag in his right hand.
Jalil The shift in his demeanor was almost instantaneous. From the happy-go-lucky bartender looking for stories to the frightened little mortal coveting his precious secrets. She would get them from him eventually, even if it meant she had to tear it from him piece by piece.
Even so she smiled as she pulled her hand back, but there was a chilling quality in her eyes as she caught his gaze. "Another time then, my dear," she said with a look that promised him that she intended to find out what he was hiding. Then Devaena stood and made her way out towards the door, grinning the whole way.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Mon Sep 12, 2011 1:01 am
WoefulInfinity
Rivek motioned at Mack. "I need a drink."
He took the ale out with him towards the back of the building. Of course, someone knew something they were very much not supposed to. So he was going to find someone who was supposed to know these things.
He knocked on the oven door and took the lock picks from his pocket. He dropped one in the dirt and had to scrabble around for it for a few seconds.
"Hey, Lily, you all right in there?"
LadyFox It's a moment before Rivek gets a response. The day had been warm, and the oven had gotten stiflingly hot. So much so that Lurp had sweated a great deal of her blood, leaving her dizzy. Now that things had cooled down, she sat in a stupor. Rivek's words eventually filtered through, and a shaky "I'm here" came through the oven door. WoefulInfinity
Rivek fumbled with the locks but eventually pried them open. "Sorry," he muttered. "Something - someone not very nice, really - came up."
He creaked open the door - not enough to see her in case she was still naked - and extended his arm to help her out of the oven.
"Your next meal's on me, though. I might have gotten into a lot of trouble in the meantime, but I still owe you one from yesterday."
LadyFox Lurp stumbled from the oven, shifting into Lily as she fell onto Rivek's arm and pulled herself shakily up. "Gimme a minute" She mumbled, still wearing his shirt over her shifted clothes. When she was more sure of herself she held onto Rivek with one hand, undoing the belt and pulling the shirt over her head with the other. It is awkward, but she manages it. "Thank you... a meal sounds..." She straightens more and let's go of his arm, suddenly aware that she is being weak. "A meal sounds good." Rivek's own distress belatedly registers. "What happened?" WoefulInfinity
Rivek took the shirt from Lily and led her inside.
"Where did you get those clothes?" he asked before he realized - they probably weren't clothes. That Lily was probably by all means naked. Already partially intoxicated, he felt his cheeks flush a little more.
"Never mind."
He got himself a glass of dark rum. "This is my dinner. What'll you have?"
"And, well... can we... eat outside?"
LadyFox Lurp noticed the flush and deduced it's meaning. Internally she smiled. Humans had such odd ideas about clothing. She didn't comment or let the smile show through though. "Stew if you've got it," she answered, "fish if you don't. Lots of it." Lurp needed to replenish not only her energy, but the mass she had lost today. She didn't really feel like eating, but getting some food in her was the best way to recover. "And outside sounds great" Lurp was still feeling a bit wobbly, so she propped herself against the nearest solid surface, trying to look casual while she waited for Rivek to return. Once he had, she led the way back outside. There were a couple of battered chairs that employees had obviously dragged out for use on breaks. Lurp found an empty fruit crate to serve as an impromptu table and set it up between them. She sat down heavily in one of the chairs, and waited until Rivek was ready to talk. WoefulInfinity
Rivek sat on one of the cheap chairs, turning the glass of rum between his fingers. He leaned forward, resting his elbows on his knees. He sipped at the rum, waiting for the warmth in his throat to fade before he spoke.
"Remember what I told you that night? I think someone else knows my secrets. Someone who I don't trust."LadyFox "What?" Lurp's ears flattened and her food was set aside untouched. She knew from experience how dangerous secrets could be in the wrong hands. "Who? How much do they know? And how?" Lurp didn't think Rivek was the type to share his secrets easily. Something smelled fishy here, and it wasn't the food. WoefulInfinity
Rivek could not help but notice Lily pull back her ears - natural beastly instinct, he supposed. He didn't understand why, but the motion from a fellow animal re-assured him.
"Her name," he muttered, taking another sip. In vino veritas, "is Devaena. I suppose you're going to ask me what she is, but I don't know that. She has green horns, scales, pale white hair. I lost a bet, and I had to tell her about my employer - but he's not the problem. He can deal with his own messes."
He leaned in closer, and he could feel his dead heart beating* in his throat. It made him incredibly uncomfortable to speak about himself without the guise of a story.
"She asked me about the talismans."
He reached his hand to the mask at his side.
"I don't know how she could have found that out. I only told one person that story... And I trust that person. I think."LadyFox When Rivek mentioned the talismans, Lurp's ears went from flattened to raised up and her kir fluttered and flashed in alarm. She felt a wave of nausea go through her. She'd seen what happened to him without his mask. She could only imagine what would happen if someone got their hands on it or the other two. They would have such control over him. No wonder he was worried. Lurp was beginning to feel panicked on his behalf. Assuming Rivek was referring to her, Lurp reached over and covered his hand with her own, pressing to reinforce the connection of his hand to the mask. "Of course I would not share your secrets," she said fervently, "any sooner than I would share my own." Lurp felt a fierce protectiveness of Rivek then and she came to a decision. For a brief moment fear trilled through her, but determination strengthened her resolve and plans began to flicker behind her eyes. She would find this Devaena person... and find out how she knew what she knew, and then, if necessary, she would find a way to end her. Perhaps Rivek could see the change in her eyes as she came to this decision. "Do not worry." she told him firmly, but did not tell him what she had planned. He might try to talk her out of it. "Did this person... did she touch you?" If she had Lurp could maybe gather a scent to get started with. WoefulInfinity "I wouldn't be telling you about this if I didn't trust you, now would I?" Rivek couldn't help but laugh a little at the absurdity of Lily's statement. "But, uh, yeah, she did."
He held out his right arm.. "Nothing that vile, of course. Just here about."
"I can only figure that - the person who told her. Only Teagan - that short, dark-haired girl who's always at the bar - knows that story about my boss and the talismans. But I... why would she go telling someone else?"
LadyFox Humans in general did not respond well to being sniffed.Lurp was also mindful of Rivek's earlier blush, so instead of leaning in with her nose, Lurp shifted all of her scent receptors into her hand. She hovered the hand over Rivek's sleeve, gathering in scents and disregarding those that had become familiar to her as Rivek's. There was another scent, something.... dark... almost... fiendish.* Lurp shook her head. A scent couldn't be evil, she must just be imagining things because of the danger this woman posed to Rivek. She examined and dissected the scent until she was certain she could pick it out from a crowd, and then dropped her hand. Short and dark-haired..."Was that.... wasn't that the woman who was hovering behind us at the bar when my 'time' was about to start?" Lurp hadn't liked her at all but then she didn't like anyone normally. But if this woman had betrayed Rivek's secrets, she would pay for it dearly. "I will see what I can find out." Set with a plan and a scent, Lurp finally turned to her food. WoefulInfinity
"I don't know what you're doing, but I hope it helps you?" he laughed nervously. "But yes - Teagan, she was the one at the bar."
LadyFox Lurp nodded. She had also smelled the little brown barfly on Rivek, but had disregarded it. She had thought the two were friends from the way the woman had approached him. but if she had been sharing secrets.... Idly, Lurp wondered what Rivek and Teagan had been doing that left her scent on him. Well, it didn't really make a difference, and it was none of her business anyway. "I was gathering more details," she answered, without being more specific, "and yes, it helped a great deal. Don't worry, I am exceptionally good at finding information. It used to be part of my... employment back home." She peered at the bartender now, trying to ascertain his state of mind. "Really Rivek, it will be ok." She would make it so. WoefulInfinity Rivek nodded, "No, I mean - I'm all right. Just a little shaken. I didn't expect anyone else to know that. It's not worth troubling over and certainly not something you should be too worried about."
But he certainly didn't trust Devaena.
"I should keep my fat mouth shut in the future, shouldn't I? How's the stew?" LadyFox Lurp shook her head radiating unconcern. "Nah, it's fine." Of course Rivek didn't want her worrying over it, but she was a friend. She didn't want him worrying over it either. She wasn't about to let anything happen to him that she could help prevent, and she wasn't the type to just sit idly by. Well, that wasn't true, she was EXACTLY the type to sit idly by when it concerned anyone else, but when it was one of her handful of friends (Four and a half now if she counted Seist), she had to do something about it. Her friends were few, and therefore all the more precious. She wouldn't let anyone endanger them. And Rivek... was a special case. No, she couldn't sit this one out, but Rivek didn't need to be worrying about her too, so she dropped the topic and switched tacks with him. "Very filling. Cook must have been in a good mood today, or someone else made the stew." she teased. "I really needed this, Rivek, thanks." She let her smile through this time. Then something else occurred to her to keep Rivek distracted from their earlier conversation "So, what's a body do for a good time around this town if they don't drink?" Not that Lurp couldn't, but as it didn't do much for her, it was a waste of her ill-gotten gains. WoefulInfinity "Doesn't drink? Ehr... well..." Rivek had no idea. He finished his glass.
"Well, if you need to eat more, there's a restaurant - Garland's - across the street. They serve nicer fare than we do. But their sous-chef is an a*****e," he laughed. "Not like ours is much better, though."
He shrugged. "But there's also a market - with crafts. I hear there are some very fine elemental-blown glasses there. If you want to do some shopping. Or, perhaps, pick up a trade. Pretty girl like you would go well with some new jewelry, right?"
"You could also explore the other places in the country itself," he waved his hand in the air. "Outside the Axle of Commerce. If you need a job, there are rich folks in the Machina who will pay top dollar on information on new Outsiders. They want to expand their territories, I think."
He knotted his fingers. Mentioning the Machina and the factions sparked something from his conversation with Devaena.
"But," he lowered his voice, "if you ask me, I've love to find out why Outsiders like us keep appearing out of nowhere. I think it has something to do with the Lady."
LadyFox "The food here is good enough for me." Lurp said, feeling inexplicably loyalty to Dead Man's Meet. It had been good to her so far. Plus, well, despite their amazing sense of smell, arvul had very little sense of taste so quality wasn't a priority. The market sounded interesting, though Lurp had no interest in a new trade, she might be able to find information there, and add to the stores of funds she was building for a rainy day. Anywhere you went, dead or alive, money talked, and Lurp intended to have enough to make sure she was heard when she wanted to be. The machina, now there was an interesting possibility. Was it possible that she could get paid for pursuing information she had planned to anyway? When Rivek lowers his voice, Lurp dips her head conspiratorially "The lady..." Lurp nodded. this was actually a topic she had already been following in her information hunts. "They say she was the first outsider to arrive here." Lurp had sniffed out precious little else so far, but she was certain the information was out there somewhere. To get to it though, she might have to do as Rivek suggested and go beyond the axle of commerce. Or maybe that was flawed logic... since the tower was around here, maybe the information could be found here too. "Hmmm, well this is all good stuff to think about." Lurp stood then and stretched, arms above her head. she felt full, she felt together, and she was filled with purpose. "Thanks for the food.... and for everything else." thanks really didn't begin to cover it. "Are you going to get in trouble for staying out here so long?" Lurp didn't want to give him one more thing to worry about.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
