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 Posted: Fri Jun 22, 2012 10:46 am
Palisade was always so busy.. But Nadezhda was quite used to it. Having settled here with her brother, and taking up their trades, she had been able to adapt to the proper appeal that a young woman such as herself must have. Her accent, which was usually quite heavy, was veiled when out in a public setting. Any mumblings of her native tongue were completely reserved only for her and her brother. The young assassins goal today was just to... blend in. There weren't any hits yet called upon them, thus not much to do. But in reality, there was always plenty to do...
With her civilian job done for the day, at the upscale tailoring shop, Nade went on to perusing the streets of the bustling market. There was always gossip and whispers to hear about, to make sure none of their underground groups cover hadn't been blown, and to even list to pleased customers of the past. Long dress gently brushing against her legs with every step, a dark shoe peeking out in unison, the woman acted out her facade. Gentle smile on her tanned face was practiced easily, though her olive green eyes didn't match. They were alert, and attentive, but only a skilled eye would notice such a thing. Her movements were graceful as any other normal woman's, the large buck that walked beside her mimicked the same sort of tone. He was bigger than any normal deer... and obviously earned a few looks. But this was normal, and his presence was becoming understood. It wasn't as uncommon anymore to see such grand beasts... and their origin was earning some publicity.
Eyes skimmed the various shops that were open, customers entering and exiting, along with groups or solo travelers who were doing the same as she. Nade in truth held no care for any of these people. They were just piggybanks to her. But she'd put up this false front to get what she wanted out of them... With a pat to Serkan's side, the buck flicking an ear and looking down at his chosen, Nade cooed something soft to him, and his head lowered to earn a few ear rubs.
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Posted: Fri Jun 22, 2012 1:17 pm
Though the capital was flooded with life, it was the wrong time of day for Rajani to earn her coin. The taverns would only have a few patrons, most of those too drunk to really focus on anything, even her singing. So, she was taking a break. Of course, the gypsy could sing in the street, and would doubtless collect quite the crowd, but she was was long past the point where such was necessary. That was not to say that she was above it. Indeed, she she cared little where she sang. She was, quite simply, not in the mood. After all, one can only work for so long. Pleasure was a part of life, too.
Thus, the dark-haired woman was roaming the market, seeing what it had to offer, though she was mostly just browsing. There was nothing in particular that she needed. If there were any suspicious glances cast her way by the shopkeepers, well, she did not seem to notice. Such treatment would only be typical for one clad as she was in dark, mismatched layers of cloth. One who clearly did not belong to any of the more reputable circles of society.
From her shoulder, a golden-eyed rook glared at the passers-by and once, he let out a soft caw. Rajani glanced at her companion and followed his gaze.
The first thing she noticed was the buck. He was quite impressive. Larger by far than any normal beast. The gypsy had to make a conscious effort to stop her hand from lifting to her chest, where a deer-shaped pendant lay hidden beneath her clothing. Then, when she could look away from him, she noticed the young woman with the watchful eyes. Yes. Oh, yes, indeed. She found that those two did make a very interesting pair.
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Posted: Sun Jun 24, 2012 7:15 pm
A nimble hand rubbed at a large ear affectionately, making Serkan close his soft eyes contently, legs slowing their elegant gait just slightly. Leaning into his chosen's hand, nubby tail flickering, the buck gingerly nosed the lovely soft locks that draped around Nade's face, earning more of a smile from her in return. However, his ears suddenly twitched, and perked, a scent reaching him that caught his attention. Pale eyes peeling open slowly, his head righted too.
The sound of the crow had caught Serkan's attention afterwards, making him stare straight at the feathered creature, ears flipping back with uncertainty, before laxing just slightly from their pressed state. Head bobbing a little lower, he kept close to the human that he had bonded to. Nade had been busy examining a group of obviously wealthy folk, conversing about a specific individual at a specific party. Apparently someone had recently disgraced themselves with inappropriate behavior; which could easily have been something extremely minor, knowing these types of socialites. Gossip... it was quite annoying, but so highly useful. The press of her guardian drew her brilliant eyes away, and to follow his own directed view curiously. Spotting the other woman, a single once over was given, and a forced very slight smile, but not much more. Though the secret assassin went on to continue skimming the area, and walking casually, Serkan kept peeking back at the unknown pair.
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Posted: Sun Jun 24, 2012 9:02 pm
For a time, their paths ran together. Rajani used this time to observe the pair, not being particularly overt about it, but neither truly hiding her interest. It was not as though it were to be a great secret, though she did not want to be accused of planning a theft. Any interest she took in a respectable-looking citizen could easily be perceived as such. Not that she often found an interest in others. In fact, this was probably the first time she had been the one to instigate an interaction in months, outside of work. And a fine job she was doing of it, too, skulking about like a coward with ill intentions.
The gypsy laughed quietly at herself and picked up her pace until she had reached the same stall as the young woman whose buck she was so interested in.
"I wouldn't choose that one," she commented, indicating the bracelet that the woman was looking at. "The quality of silver is poor." The gypsy appeared completely oblivious to the shopkeeper's indignant glare and blustering.
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Posted: Mon Jul 02, 2012 8:33 pm
Nadezhda had merely been feigning interest in one of the vendors wares. Of course it was rare for her to actually find something of interest in the market, that wasn't food or some sort of materials needed for her business, but... pretending to seemed to help in the blending in process. As well as aiding in eavesdropping a little more.
Folks sure liked to gossip. What better did they have to do while standing at their stalls, hoping someone would show interest in them. Those hard trained eyes skimmed in a lackadaisical manner, to show that there wasn't something eye-catching... but apparently it had appeared so to someone.
Serkan was first to react, his long sensitive ears pricking upright as the unknown woman approached. His head followed towards her, staring at her, watching, nose twitching to inhale the foreign scent. He maintained at Nade's side, unmoving, though his nubby tail did give a flick of unease. The human, however, showed little to no reaction to the woman's warning. It took a second for her to... giving a delayed, forced, very small smile to the other, "Oh, I thank you for your precaution." she replied as politely as she could, keeping it smooth, and straight to the point.
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Posted: Mon Jul 16, 2012 5:47 pm
In response to the buck's nervous investigations, Hawthorn cawed quietly to himself and studied the guardian more closely, wary, but otherwise calm.
Rajani's eyes crinkled in amusement. Oh, no. This woman had no interest whatsoever in conversing with anyone, let alone her. Well, that was just too bad. Now that the gypsy had made up her mind to play the socialite, she was not going to let her source of interest escape so easily. Of course, there was no forcing the other woman to speak truthfully, or even say anything more than the general pleasantries, but she had to at least try. What was the point, otherwise?
"Not at all," she replied with a too-cheerful smile before looking at the buck and offering a slightly more genuine one. "If I might ask, who is this handsome fellow?"
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Posted: Mon Jul 16, 2012 6:23 pm
Though the two women were now.. semi-conversing, Nade did not cease to move, and continued down the path of the lined market, though not fast enough to be presumed rude and undignified. It took a lot to keep her usual disinterested expression off her face, already feeling that swirling of irritance dancing inside her mind and being. But she'd endure this... small social event, and kept up that forced 'pleasant' appearance... even if it did make the muscles on her face sore.
Serkan remained wary of Rajani, ears flattening completely from the vibe he was gaining from his chosen. Keeping pressed to Nade's side, his head perked up slightly as he was addressed, before submissively lowering again with uncertainty. The avian was eyed again, stubby tail wiggling anxiously. Pale green eyes slid back to the roma, though they were unamused, and starting to lose that fake warmth, "Serkan." she replied plainly. There was no harm in giving his name, as it really wouldn't do much for the woman. This was just a passing by meeting, and if they were to meet again, well... that wouldn't happen. Nadezhda was sure of it. But if there was the chance that they crossed paths in a more compromising setting, then... things might pan out differently.
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Posted: Sun Jul 22, 2012 12:50 pm
"Serkan," she tested the name. "It's a pleasure." She smiled at the buck before turning her eyes back to the other woman, easily keeping pace with her as she moved toward...whatever he goal was. Assuming she had a goal, of course. One never could tell, and this mistress was anything but forthcoming.
"How long have you had him?" she inquired, though she somehow had the feeling that the implied ownership in her question was not quite accurate. Not any more accurate than saying she owned Hawthorn, at any rate. The rook could leave her at any time, he simply chose to remain at her side.
"Or rather, how long have you been together? You seem very close." In fact, watching them interact reminded her quite a lot of when she had first taken Hawthorn in. He was so skittish around other humans that he stuck very close to her and became most upset if anyone tried to touch him. But that was in the past. At the present, she was much more interested in finding out what she could about guardian in preparation for when her own totem...did whatever totems did.
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Posted: Wed Jul 25, 2012 9:01 pm
Her day had been rather long and arduous, having to listen to boring women go on about pointless issues in their overly pampered lives, and her patience was starting to wear thin. Even her native Russian accent was starting to slide back into her tone as she replied; keeping it short, and to the point. "Awhile." It wasn't clipped, but it didn't show any sort of leading on to more information. That's all this woman needed to know... or was allowed to.
Serkan looked between the bird, and the strange woman, to which his chosen gave no care for, ears keeping folded back as he easily read off of Nade's mood. But... he was curious of the avian.. and couldn't help his sneaking peeks at it, though making sure he was keeping up with the assassin. She furthered down the path, sparing a glance to a passing by group of females who were clucking and babbling about more nonsense.. some sort of ball or party that was to bee within the week.. who was showing up, and the gossip that was entailed of specific individuals and their dynamics. It was like a gnat buzzing in ones face... so irritating. Her mood really was starting to sour. Teeth clenching slightly behind her full lips, Nade barely let her eyes slide over to the offending woman, smile no longer holding that fake politeness, allowing it to brim on something like... fatigue instead, "If you'll excuse me, miss. I've had a trying day, and would like to retire for the evening. Unless there is something you are in need of?"
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Posted: Fri Aug 03, 2012 8:59 pm
Acutely aware of the attention he was receiving, Hawthorn shifted on his perch and fluffed his feathers. He eyed the deer that seemed so interested in him, turning his head this way and that as though a different angle might somehow reveal something new about the much larger beast.
Rajani absently smoothed her rook's feathers as she considered the other woman. Whether she was tired or stressed or simply wanting away from the gypsy's uninvited presence, it was clear that Nade wanted the conversation over with. Still, it would be an utter waste of effort if Rajani walked away from this conversation without getting at least a little of what she was after.
"I will get to the point, then. I am looking for information on guardians." She nodded in Serkan's direction. "Given yon fellow, I figured it was a safe assumption that you had to know at least something."
Before the assassin had a chance to be suspicious of Rajani's motives, the gypsy drew a totem out and showed it to Nade. "I have a vested interest, you see."
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