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 Posted: Sun Dec 14, 2014 11:59 am
Dovev ate his meal thoughtfully in the hot, dust-smelling tavern. He was always thoughtful, of course, and he always ate his meals this way. Absently, he stroked the hilt of the beat-up old sword, sheathed and set next to him, as he drank his water – for he was too young for anything else.
He was between jobs. There were no contracts to bind him or money to come to him. This would, he was sure, change soon. In the short time he had been free, he had had the good fortune to make connections among the mercenaries and the people of the area, and had managed to take on a few good jobs.
Advertising, he thought, That Dovev does not have to elicit. There were many such people for hire in the city, but he did not begrudge them their contracts. It was competitive, to be sure, but there were enough jobs for everybody. Everybody needed someone, Dovev had learned, and they were willing to pay.
He looked around at the patrons of the tavern with his mild, yellow eyes. All regulars, for the time being – nobody who would want a job from him. Just a meal from the tavernkeeper, a decent enough Oban who provided good service, even if he did scowl at the Water Tribesmen in his establishment at times.
No matter.
Dovev returned to his meal, patient. A job would come.
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Posted: Tue Dec 16, 2014 9:12 pm
The doors, or what resembled them, of the makeshift tavern stood open to let any semblance of air inside. And Werymn stood on the outside, taking slow, reassuring breaths as he stared at his future through the entryway. He was weirdly nervous about approaching another Water tribesman. He had plenty of experience with Obans and was learning his way around Shifters, but other Water people... Other former slaves. He should be able to share many a common experience, but to him it just felt awkward.
Several days ago, after his run-in with the Ice warrior that hailed from Zena, Wer had been advised that perhaps someone with his slight stature should obtain some sort of protection from the perilous path ahead. Grudgingly, Wer had to admit that such a thing was reasonable, and since there were so many willing buy-outs in this town, he may as well try to ensure his own safety so that he could return unharmed to Laric's side...
After careful study of a few of the remaining lingerers, Wer decided on employing a Water guard. Surely he'd be safer with someone of his own kind. Perhaps whomever he hired would feel more of a kinly connection with him and be more willing to deflect anything harmful... Possibly with their body.
But explaining that to anyone would be challenging. Best to leave that particular need out for now.
Taking one last breath and combing his hair back out of his face, Wer strolled into the tavern, as nonchalantly as he could manage, and slid into the seat opposite of his intended target: a long-haired Water male that the man who'd pointed him out didn't know the name of. But he'd been told that an active, spry young guardsmen like that would probably be best for him. And Wer, not knowing much about such things, decided to give it a shot.
His dark golden eyes flicked up to the other Water man, watchful and observant. "Hello," he greeted in a politely restrained voice. "Someone told me you may be looking for something to do, with the right motivation."
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Posted: Tue Dec 16, 2014 9:33 pm
Dovev drank his drink impassively and looked the newcomer over. Water tribe, a little scrawny, with a smug look to him. Likely clever. Also likely not very good with battle, unless he was a mage. Dovev made his assessments and then put them aside – he was not experienced enough to tell these things with any real certainty. He would see what happened, and what this newcomer wanted, because he surely wanted something.
Everybody did.
He put the cup down. ”Yes. You heard correctly.” he said. He wondered, briefly, from where and whom, but it didn't matter. Not yet. Maybe, when he had prestige, a reference would matter. But Dovev was young, and such a thing – he knew – did not matter yet.
He turned to the young man and offered him a small, professional smile. ”What would you have this one do?” he asked, getting straight to the point. ”And what motivation would be provided?” Small talk could come later, once business – and the nature of the business – was established.
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Posted: Tue Dec 23, 2014 9:07 am
Werymn took a slow, quiet inhale to settle his nerves. If he was really going to do this, there was no sense in appearing distraught, wrecked, or otherwise incapacitated in front of the man he was trying to employ. Sure, he hadn't exactly thought out all the details, yet, but there would be time for that on the long journey ahead. The long journey ahead, which he had no hope of undertaking on his own. He needed this to work out, but desperation wasn't something that inspired loyalty or work ethic. For a brief moment, he closed his eyes, and let the held breath escape. When dark lashes flicked open, they revealed determined golden orbs, glinting with a mischievous fire. "I'm looking for something," Werymn stated firmly. "It must be something unique and special, that no one else ever had the ability to obtain. No. One. Else. Ever," he repeated for emphasis. "I heard wind about something special in Zena. I don't know for sure what it is, but I was informed that the treasures there are better than silver and gold." His fingers cinched in his lap, bunching the fabric of his pants around his knee. "And I... am not exactly capable of traveling such a distance on my own. I don't have any combat training, and I've never had the fortune of being taught much about the world. I imagine it should be impossible for me to reach Zena alone." "But I hear people like you are willing to partake in such assignments. If it hasn't already become abundantly clear, I'm not particularly overflowing with coin. So I don't have much to give you by way of upfront payment. However, should you choose to join me, I swear that you'll be cared for. Any food, shelter, or supplies that you require will be on me to provide. If I have the means to obtain anything that you want, it's yours. And when we do get to the treasure, you can have it- all of it. save for this one precious thing I'm after." Wer shrugged, spreading his arms out nonchalantly. "I'm not so good at making deals, so that's my best and only offer, I'm afraid."
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Posted: Tue Dec 23, 2014 12:01 pm
Dovev studied the customer – for that was what he was – for a moment, listening and, all the while, weighing the options in his head. Zena was a long way away, a far off land to the North. It would be a dangerous trip to take for someone as inexperienced as Dovev, and might not be worth it. Treasure hunting – from what Dovev knew – did not always have a definite pay off. Treasure, after all, was hidden and may not even exist. In the meantime, Dovev would be on the road and contracts – and supplemental incomes – would be unlikely.
It might he thought, Be prudent to decline the offer and point him towards someone more experienced with the Northern lands
However, that inexperience was exactly why this boy was coming to him. Those same more experienced persons would charge far more than Dovev, a desperate greenhorn, and Dovev could see – indeed – that Wermyn had little gold to spend up front.
Which meant that Dovev was this boy's only choice.
The price Wermyn offered – Food, shelter, and purchases – was significant. An up front fee would be been used for such things anyway, and it was more generous in a sense because it left things open to negotiation. And, of course, if this treasure was found, it would be an excellent payoff for Dovev and he would be well on his way to better equipment, which would in turn attract better customers.
”Your offer...” he said carefully, watching Wermyn with an alert, mild expression on his face, ”Is suitable for this one. However, this one has a few questions before he accepts your contract. Have you a map of Zena? Have you instructions leading you to this treasure? And are you willing to purchase the considerable supplies for such a trip?”
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Posted: Thu Dec 25, 2014 12:51 pm
Werymn's patched brows knit down. It was strange having this... foreigner (for all intents and purposes) giving him his undivided attention. Usually anyone that Werymn didn't know on a first-name basis never so much as spared him a passing glance. He was just a slave boy, after all, not actually worth anyone's attention unless they needed something from him. So to have unfamiliar yellow orbs so intently focused on him... Wer held himself as stiffly as a board to keep from fidgeting, every muscle in his body going tight and rigid as he stared back, just as impassively. They hadn't made any formal deals, yet. Wer understood this. But still, hearing that his offer was even remotely acceptable was enough to make his lips twitch up in slight satisfaction. For a moment. He didn't let the mercenary's questions derail him. Wer thought he'd been pretty clear that he didn't have much to go off on. Half the trip would simply be finding the treasure, let alone actually reaching it. he opened his mouth after the first question. "I don't have one, but- Well, no, I-" Don't have instructions, either... But it sounded too awful to say it out loud. When his companion was quite finished, Wer admitted, "No, I don't have a map, instructions, or supplies. I'm willing to obtain supplies, though I imagine much of what is required for Zena will be... closer to Zena. This is my first time traveling out of Oba at all, save for when I was a tyke, so I don't know what exactly will be required of me." "But I'm willing to learn. As I've said, anything you need, I'll get for you. If you need a map, we'll get a map. Probably won't have a particularly reliable one until we reach Zena's boarders. I've found out what I can from the people here, but there are so many Shifters and Obans... no one knows much about Zena." He dipped his head politely, lids flicking shut. "It isn't much to go on, but please. I need this. Escort me."
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Posted: Mon Dec 29, 2014 1:56 pm
Dovev took his time finishing his water and placing the empty cup back on the bar. He weighed the options, and the promises that the other made. ”You raise many good points.” commented Dovev. ”Indeed, we would find better supplies and maps in the place we go to.” he gave it one more second of thought. ”Your offer is acceptable. This one will escort you.”
Dovev stood up, his water and meal already paid for. ”This one will purchase appropriate supplies to travel to Neued. You will reimburse this one for these supplies. When do you wish to begin your...” Dovev hesitated on the choice of words. ”Search?”
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Posted: Wed Dec 31, 2014 9:16 am
Wer scrambled from the bench and shoved himself to his feet as the elder boy stood. "Thank you," he blurted eagerly as he dipped into a bow, hair swinging forward to dust over his shoulders. had he really come here expecting it to be this simple? he hadn't expected there would be any value in the promise of gold, with nothing material to show for it immediately. Perhaps the children of Matori were just more sensible. "I know it may not be an easy journey, but I am grateful for your company and protection nonetheless." Grinning, the smaller Water lad righted himself. "Of course," he agreed with a nod. "And, I- Well, we can set off the morning after you feel suitably prepared. I'd prefer to be able to travel throughout the day, if that suits your tastes."
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Posted: Wed Dec 31, 2014 10:19 pm
'Sensible' was certainly a word for Dovev. Simply enough, even if Wermyn ripped him off, there would always be another job to pay off the expenses, likely something interesting in a foreign land. In the end, too, fate would circle back around and, with patience, Wermyn would be punished for such a crime. Such was the young mercenary's philosophy.
Dovev bowed in return. ”Daytime is a good time to travel.” he agreed. In some cases, night was suitable, as well. That was not the point. ”This one leaves now to find these items. This one shall return. Here. Meet here the morning after tomorrow.”
~~~
Dovev was sure he had found adequate supplies – for their trip to Neued, at least. If the boy failed to show up, they at least had supplies, which was always dandy. If the boy did appear, they would be reimbursed. Just in case, though, Dovev had been cheap.
And so, he waited at his usual spot in the tavern that morning, patient as he always was...
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Posted: Thu Jan 01, 2015 10:59 am
Wer struggled to remain impassively neutral for the rest of the evening and following day. He had no idea what sort of things Dovev would buy; what supplies he'd be reimbursing him for. But from what he could see of the elder Water man, he was probably a minimalist. Werymn's coin purse didn't have any trouble with that per se, especially since the few coins his Oban family had given him probably wouldn't last through the trip. Still, he wouldn't really be upholding his end of the deal if he didn't do everything in his power to make his escort comfortable. The one free day was spent mulling over anything he thought he should have. Somewhere to sleep, when there wasn't an inn: sleeping bags, tarp. Something he could fish with (since hunting wasn't a specialty): net, hook, and lining. Something to cook said fish with- tiny metal pan (could maybe hold half a fish). Anything else, he'd just have to trust Dovev's superior experience to obtain or hope that it could be picked up along the way. So on the designated morning, Werymn strolled in, hefting his pack over his shoulder and lugging a second that he prayed his companion wouldn't find fault with. He spotted Dovev exactly at the same table he'd left him and trotted over to greet him with a chipper, "Good morning! Did you find everything you need?"
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Posted: Wed Jan 21, 2015 8:28 pm
Dovev nodded, making a cursory glance over Wermyn's supplies. Scant, but otherwise in order and, honestly, Dovev was not that picky. Basics were all he truly needed, and it appeared that was what they had. Any more could be found, earned, or otherwise acquired.
”As have you.” he said, nodding approvingly, ”And you are ready to leave?” he asked, even as he stood up, hoisting his sword and scabbard clear of the floor and holding his hands out to receive his load of supplies.
”Then let us be off. We have a long journey ahead of us, indeed.”
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Posted: Tue Jan 27, 2015 7:46 am
Ready to leave? Yes, yes, yes. Only belatedly did Wer realize that Dovev probably couldn't see into his mind and give an actual vocal response. Tamping down his excitement in an effort to remain calm, civil, and mature, Werymn answered, "Yes, very," with as much restraint as physically possible. Unable to suppress his grin, he passed off the second pack to the taller Water man, feeling delightfully lighter in more ways than one. "I imagine it will be long. I have obtained a map-" through only slightly unscrupulous means, "-that will take as as far as mid-Tale." He dipped to Dovev's side, enthusiastically scooping the man's arm up in the crook of his own and giving him an encouraging tug toward the door. "I imagine it would be most beneficial to get an upgrade as soon as we reach Yera, though. That should be able to take us to Sauti, at least. And then from there, we'll have to- But I'm getting a little ahead of myself... Let's... focus on getting out of Juahar first, I suppose." He tilted his head back, turning up to pin Dovev with a grin mixed with excitement, glee, and appreciation. "Thank you, for joining me. And don't worry. I promise to only take the best care of you."
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Posted: Tue Jan 27, 2015 9:01 pm
Dovev's face was expressionless as he assessed the map, though there was a hint of approval in his slight nod. ”Indeed. Let us focus on Jahuar. The rest will come in time.” he moved out of the tavern, gesturing to Wermyn to follow.
The journey had begun, and Dovev felt rather excited.
~~~~
Nightfall. The trees of Jahuar loomed around them, but the first hint of the jungle village of Sol started to sprout like the plants around them. Soon, they would be in shelter, amidst the Shifters and the trees... but they would have to pay first, and they were low on such currency.
”This one thinks it might be a good idea...” Dovev said, ”If we stopped a moment to catch some prey. We can process it in town, then.” and then sell it, of course.
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Posted: Wed Feb 04, 2015 8:28 am
Werymn yawned, stretching his arms over his head and squeezing his eyes shut against the wave of exhaustion that washed over him. He was accustomed to being on his feet for long stretches of time. That was hardly the issue. He was not used to such vigorous traveling, especially in terrain he didn't really know much about. So when the town loomed ahead and Dovev pulled them to a stop to stock up on a few extra provisions, the smaller Water male frowned. "I'm perfectly capable of 'processing' anything we catch on my own," he informed his companion with a swish of his hips. "When you cook for as big a family as I do, you better learn to skin, de-gut, and shear your catches at a relatively quick clip. I won't need any help with that," he assured. "If you mean we should sell any extras to stock up on things we can't get in the forest, that may work, but I bet there are others more adept at hunting than we are. We probably wouldn't have much success for the limited time we'd be staying..." Wer looked through the trees, off in the direction of the town with a sense of longing. "I'd really just rather make it to Sol as quickly as we can. There'll be real beds there, and we'll need as much rest as possible if we hope to continue with as few problems as we can manage..." He moved forward, fingers finding the hem of Dovev's collar and giving it an encouraging tug. "Let's make it to the city for now. We'll discuss our next move over a pint, hm? Sound good?"
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Posted: Tue Feb 10, 2015 6:16 pm
Fluffesu A little more than one word.
Still, they would have to do it eventually, and they would need items to trade for food and money, and money to trade for room and board. Dovev had assessed their monetary stores and he knew that he was likely to have to do a few side jobs to support this journey. Of course, the theoretical payoff at the end had the potential to be worth it.
In the end, though, Dovev had been given a reasonable order by his employer, and the prospect of a pint was... tempting. As was a bed.
”Very well.” he said, allowing himself to be diverted.
~~~
Sol was nice enough, though to call the place they were at an 'Inn' or a 'Tavern' was not quite appropriate. Sol was not civilized enough for such things. Still, they had managed to convince someone to let them stay with them (up a tree, of all things), and had gotten decent food and drink for what they had on them, so Dovev was at least going to accept it as a reasonable accomodation.
Still, that had been the last of what they had on them. They needed more supplies and money. Soon.
Others frequented the 'drink hut' or whatever it was, and Dovev scanned their faces as he would customers in a tavern, seeking out a job he – and Wer, if his employer wished it – could do...
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