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 Posted: Wed Dec 23, 2020 6:09 pm
Another mostly uneventful yet successful day. Ephrym found himself whistling under his breath as he made his way from the shopping district and towards the docks. The hybrid had a series of bags hanging from the crock of his elbow, a testimony to how busy he had been today while shopping with his hard earned coins, and the heavenly smell of freshly baked goods steamed from the other bag in his opposite hand. Their ship was docked and being prepped for another adventure, her passage towards Kahikana coming even closer as the days passed and Ephrym was buzzing with excitement. He had baked goods for the carpenter, some more pastries for his own personal enjoyment and even a few books for any record keeping that they would need to do. Accounting was serious business when it came to making certain that they brought in profit without unnecessary losses after all!
"Truly nothing can ruin my day today~" He found himself almost chanting, a lazy smile spreading across his fine features as he turned a corner and headed into a rather darker area of town in an attempt to get to the docks even quicker than if he had taken the main road. Ephrym was feeling victorious so what was there to fear today? If anything they could just bring on the challenges to give him more things to conquer! He was truly feeling quite confident today it seemed~
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Posted: Fri Dec 25, 2020 10:01 pm
Mr. Glacial by Discord
It was yet another day of hustling the streets, trying to make enough coins to be able to afford some food for his sisters. He hadn't made enough for the day yet, and the busy crowd was starting to disperse, returning to whatever place they seemed to magically come from. Must I really resort to stealing again...? The thought crossed his mind. Though each day he found it harder to make do by begging, he found it much easier just to simply take what he wanted. He was getting good at it, but it wasn't something he was exactly proud of. Without thinking, Cuzco already found himself prowling the streets, looking for a target to pickpocket, or perhaps a loose bag he could nimbly lift something out of.
One particular hybrid man caught his eye, holding a bunch of bags on his arms as he walked, each bouncing with every step the man took. He surely wouldn't notice if i grabbed something in passing. Cuzco came up behind the man, nonchalantly, but as silently as possible, eyeing the back of the man's head with a fierce determination, keeping an to make sure the man doesn't turn around and catch him. Just need to gently... With a swift motion, he plucked an item sticking out from the bag, being careful not to shift anything else in it and arouse suspicion. Not daring to look within sight of the man, Cuzco turned to face the other direction, clutching his prize close to his chest, and starting to quietly make a getaway.
[Cuzco - 1]
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Posted: Sat Dec 26, 2020 3:51 pm
Okay so maybe it wouldn't be the most perfect day after all. Had it not been for Ephrym's sweet tooth the teen may have gotten away with his prize, but when Ephrym juggled the bags around his arm to reach for the box of pastries that he had balanced carefully on top the missing item immediately caught his attention. There's no way I forgot the pastries, right? Ephrym paused in confusion as he patted at the now empty space, his fingers trailing across other packages as he tried to figure out the puzzle. Where had his pastries gone? Maybe he had dropped them? Wouldn't he have heard something hit the ground then? His boot tapped against the cobblestone of the alleyway just in case, the resounding sound confirming that there should have been some sort of noise if the box had dropped.
It was when he finally turned to double check his steps that Ephrym caught sight of someone suspicious scurrying away. Why...wait a second! His teal gaze flashed with surprise and then anger as he noticed the familiar pastry box with stripes. "He-hey!" Ephrym called out as he started to briskly walk after the other earthling. "Come back here!" That was his stuff, right?! Did someone really just steal it from him?!
[Ephrym 2]
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Posted: Wed Jan 06, 2021 5:02 pm
Glacial by Discord
Cuzco winced at being called out to, but did not look back. Damn, a few more feet and I'd have been clear... He pondered how he would get out of this mess, whether he should just book it and run or come clean and return what was not rightfully his. Well, if I don't get out of here, I'll likely have to deal with the authorities... Again. Cuzco took a deep inhale, and then booked it towards the nearest alleyway as fast as his legs would take him. Maybe the earthling wouldn't catch up to him on account of all the stuff he was already carrying? Surely, he wouldn't just drop everything for some... Pastries? Cuzco smelled them from the box as he was sprinting.
He couldn't believe that he might be locked up over some silly snacks from a bakery. With his mind distracted over possibilities of what may of may not come, he didn't notice his wrong turn into a dead end alley...
[Cuzco - 2]
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Posted: Wed Jan 06, 2021 5:02 pm
Please, please, please don't run away. Ephrym silently repeated the plea as he pursued the younger earthling through the alleyway. For a moment he had been hopeful that the teen wasn't going to run but just as soon as his hopes rose they were destroyed as the teen started bolting. Of course a thief would run but Ephrym couldn't help but to sigh in dismay. "Not my pastries...how else am I suppose to appease Yokka for all that extra work?" He groaned quietly to himself as he watched the teen's shadow disappearing around a corner. Perhaps he would have just let it slide if the boy had just grabbed a book or something else that could be easily replaced but Ephrym remembered the fight to grab that last strawberry danish from the counter, the rush to the counter to buy the cherished pastry before the other customer could snatch it away. It was truly his fault for oversleeping in the first place instead of getting to the bakery first thing that morning when there should have been plenty but at least he had managed to snag the last one. Still, he had been victorious in snagging it at least! So why would a thief strike now out of all times?!
Ephrym groaned once more before throwing his shoulders back with determination. Maybe it wouldn't hurt to at least check around the corner. He was fairly good at finding side streets so maybe he could snoop around and find the thief before it was too late? If so then there was no time to waste! Ephrym nodded to himself, his bags swishing from his arms as he suddenly picked up speed and started in the direction that he had last seen the boy go. "Oooh this works too." Ephrym chuckled as he found himself staring down a dead end alley, his attention focused on the younger earthling who was carrying his pastry box. "Seems you've reached the end of the line, hmm?" He raised a brow as he stood still in the entrance to the alleyway, his feet planted firmly on the ground in case of any trouble from the thief.
[Ephrym 3]
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Posted: Sun Jan 10, 2021 2:53 pm
(Glacial by Discord)
Crap... How did I mess this up? Cuzco turned around and looked at the man. A series of desperate thoughts rushed through his mind, and his options seemed limited. His mind came to a halt on the silliest of ideas, and without thinking his body moved to execute his plan immediately. His hand reached in the bakery box, and his hand grabbed one as he ripped it out of the box. he held it precariously over the ground. "Look here, bud. Move any closer and the pastry gets it." What the hell are you doing Cuzco...? This isn't going to work! This was your best idea to get out of this situation?! Ugh, looks like I'm going to the gulag... Again.
He mentally braced for his target's reply, his shoulders, becoming slightly lax in slight surrender. He knew his ploy wouldn't work, but maybe they could have a laugh about it and forget anything ever happened? Wishful thinking but he's been through worse... Right?
[Cuzco 3]
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Posted: Sun Jan 10, 2021 2:53 pm
Anyone else may have laughed at the futile attempt to stop the man's approach but when Ephrym's eyes caught sight of that crimson glazed pastry he froze. Out of all the pastries to pick up as a hostage! Ephrym's whole body shuddered as he imagined the wrath of one of his crewmembers, her hammer raised about his head in murderous intent as he confessed his mistakes without having the power of the strawberry danish at his side. "Hold on a second!" He yelled as he raised his hands up as far as his packages would allow. Now that they were actually face to face Ephrym was already noting the strange characteristics of the younger earthling. A hybrid from the other continent? Well not completely. He did have lightning characteristics that Ephrym recognized as well. It was just the super pointy ears and the pinkish stones that really threw him off. Definitely from the other continent.
Either way that was besides the point! Ephrym pursed his lips as he stared down the teen. "Maybe we can talk about this." He managed with a small smile as he gestured towards the pastry. "You have no idea how important that is to my life in this moment. Care to compromise and hand it back over? I'll buy you food elsewhere with no strings attached." If anything it appeared that they were both in a pickle. If he lost the pastry then he could lose his life and if there was no pastry in the way then Ephrym could fully chase the teen all over the place to get his revenge.
[Ephrym 4]
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Posted: Sun Jan 10, 2021 2:53 pm
(Glacial by Discord)
Oh my- this actually worked?! Cuzco paused, unsure of what to make of the situation that had just unfolded. Was a pastry really the reason he might actually get out of this without a hitch? The thought got Cuzco thinking he might be able to even push for more from this seemingly desperate stranger, though they were on equal ground at the moment. This caused Cuzco to be a bit wary of the stranger, for he knew better than to just trust anyone.
"Compromise? No strings attached, huh? This is all very enticing. I suppose I could consider the offer. Buy me enough food for three meals, and I'll let the pastry live. Sound good?" Cuzco tried to sound as calm and cool as possible to show the stranger he meant business, being careful not to betray himself and exposing his nervousness.
[Cuzco 4]
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Posted: Sun Jan 10, 2021 2:53 pm
Ephrym found himself raising a brow towards the teen. "Three meals? I know there's the saying about growing boys but you really that hungry?" Now that it seemed the other earthling was actually interested in him buying food rather than dashing away, Ephrym was more than willing to let some of his charm slip through with his words. Still, the kid had some gusto and he couldn't help grinning at the whole situation. Who would think that holding a pastry hostage could work to someone's advantage like this? Definitely a story to laugh over later if everything went well! Another chuckle left his lips as he lowered his arms back to his side. "Just return the pastry to the box and I promise we can talk this over a meal or three if you truly need. There's a restaurant back that way where they cook all different sorts of meat in front of you. I'm feelin' generous so I don't mind sharin' since it seems you may be in a bit of a situation, yeah?" He wasn't some sort of uppity aristocrat. Ephrym dealt with enough of those arrogant asses and would much rather show kindness when possible to others, especially when they didn't seem to have coin for him to barter for in the first place.
[Ephrym 5]
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Posted: Sun Jan 10, 2021 3:16 pm
(Glacial by Discord)
Cuzco scowled at the man's comment. "Buy me the food, and you can have your pastry back." Cuzco gingerly placed the pastry back into the box as a show of good faith, but held the box close to himself as a show of self security for their deal. He looked at the man intently, and said, "Surely you don't think I can eat all three meals? No, the other two aren't for me..." Cuzco paused at his mind drifted towards his sisters, but snapped back to the current situation. "But, that's not for you to know." He gestured to the end of the alleyway where Cuzco unfortunately trapped himself. "Lead the way, mister."
[Cuzco 5]
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Posted: Sun Jan 10, 2021 3:16 pm
"Fine, fine." Ephrym shook his head in amusement despite the scowl. If anything seeing the teen replacing the pastry without doing anything else made Ephrym even more confident that he was harmless. "What? I've seen some that can clean a whole table by themselves before so why not you?" His teal gaze softened thoughtfully as he noticed the other earthling's hesitation but Ephrym was smart enough not to push the issue. "I can ask them to prepare boxes when we're finished. It's easy enough to pack up extra meat and rolls from the place." But would the promise of food be enough to entice the teen? It would definitely be more filling than any of those pastries and if he was looking for real food then Ephrym would provide it. However it would be easy enough to just bolt once he unblocked the alley way and the thought gave the swordsman pause. What if the teen did run away when given the chance? I suppose I will just have to bank on him wanting to get those meals for whoever it is.
"Promise you won't run once we start going in that direction? Maybe I can even get a name as a sign of good faith?" He finally asked as he took only a few steps backwards before pausing to wait on the teen's reaction. Would he be willing to talk more or would he try to run past now that the way was slightly more open? Ephrym knew that he had backed up enough to open a path and while it would be a tight fit it was possible for the other earthling to slip through if he were truly desperate.
[Ephrym 6]
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Posted: Wed Jan 13, 2021 7:31 am
(Glacial by Discord)
Cuzco nodded at his newfound patron. "Only if you promise not to turn me in. I might be a thief, but that doesn't mean i have no honor..." Cuzco looked away, somewhat troubled at his self proclaimed title. Shame I must resort to being a thief, but life presents me with no other way... I'm sorry, sisters. I wish- He cut off his own self pity thought. Now wasn't the time to be thinking of these things. "Cuzco. I suppose you should also give me your name... You know, show of good faith and all." Cuzco smiled.
[Cuzco 6]
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Posted: Wed Jan 13, 2021 7:31 am
Ephrym smirked. "Trust me when I say I'm not the type to turn in anyone save for somethin' extremely dangerous." His gaze studied the other earthling thoughtfully when he took his words into consideration. A thief with some sort of honor code, eh? Almost like a perfect fit for a particular crew. Perhaps it was a good time to keep looking for recruits after all. "Pleasure to meet you, Cuzco. I'm Ephrym." He gave a little twist of his hand in playful greeting before nodding towards the left and starting to walk away. The teen could follow him that way and up the street towards the shopping district where a busy restaurant would be. The two story building of dark gray stone seemed a bit older but the crowd and the delicious smells coming from the open windows attested to its popularity in town. Ephrym waited a few seconds along the edge of the busy square and glanced over his shoulder to make certain that the teen had indeed followed him instead of running away.
"As promised you can eat all that you want at this place and I'll ask for them to wrap up any leftovers and fresh meat for you too." It was a far better option than the teen going and trying to steal from others. Ephrym knew that not everyone would have such a reserved reaction to theft. Others in the area could be dangerous and extremely violent had he gained their ire. Ephrym let out a soft sigh at the thought. Even if the teen had stolen some of his pastries he wasn't one to resort to outright violence for little reason. Maybe just maybe he could talk with him and see about changing his priorities for the near future. A profitable idea indeed but food first.
[Ephrym 7]
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Posted: Tue Jan 26, 2021 7:48 pm
(Glacial by Discord)
Cuzco's eyebrow raised at the sight of the gray stone building. It was a rather drab looking place, but the smell of delicious fresh food immediately told him that he could let his guard down a little bit. It was obvious that Ephrym really wasn't going to turn him in and do good on his word. Buuut, just to be sure, I should hold on to these... He held the pastry box close to him. He was seated at a table and he could see all kinds of meats on the menu and behind the counter. Cuzco pointed out a few that caught his eye, "I'll have three orders of these, please." His mind shifted to his growing sisters. They do need their veggies, right? "Oh and some mixed vegetables to go with it all."
Excitement at a warm cooked meal welled up inside him as he ordered the food, and he placed the pastry box in the seat next to him. "So... I have to ask. What are you gonna do with all that stuff?" He eyes some of the bags that Ephrym was carrying curiously. He couldn't really see any of its contents from his point of view, and he never gave it much thought. He knew most people bought things they needed, but those select few rich folks tended to buy useless things that would probably end up just collecting dust in some fancy attic in a big house of theirs. Wasteful people. The thought flashed through his mind, but he quickly quelled the thought, as it probably would end up making him angry.
[Cuzco 7]
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Posted: Tue Jan 26, 2021 7:48 pm
Ephrym quirked a brow at the orders the teen placed. So either the kid had a huge stomach to fill or he really was watching out for others. He held up a hand to stop the server. "Add some extra meat to those orders and give us some time to eat a bit of our meals before you add the second two orders since we'll be taking those to go." It was much easier if Cuzco could take it while it was all fresh and still steaming to share with the others. Plopping into the seat across from his new found companion, Ephrym rested his bags in the empty space next to him by the wall. Leaning back, his hands behind his head with his elbows pointed out, Ephrym yawned before looking back to Cuzco with amusement. "Why? So you can take it hostage as well?" He found himself teasing, the corners of his lips turning upwards in yet another mischievous grin.
Still, after a moment his gaze slowly drifted towards his luggage. "It's really just a bunch of materials for a captain's quarters on a ship. Journals for record keepin', quills and ink, a small wooden lock box or two for more private matters and perhaps a bit more minty sweets from my favorite store." He may or may not have a stockpile of small candies hidden in his cabin already but since they were sailing soon Ephrym figured it would be nice to have a bit extra on hand. His head tilted thoughtfully before he looked back to Cuzco, his teal gaze studying the teen while he pondered some matters.
[Ephrym 8]
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