|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 Posted: Fri Jun 17, 2022 9:51 am
Quote: It was already late in the evening but the merchant seemed unfazed by the passing of time. He sat, poised and elegant, watching the world around him. He didn’t seem bored, even as he leaned forward and laced his fingers atop the table; below it, he kept his toe tapping to some silent tune in his head. He was tall, by human standards, though while sitting down he didn’t seem particularly threatening. If you didn’t look at his face. He had graceful features--sharp and refined. His chin and nose tapered to a point, giving him an air of sophistication, but that, combined with his slitted eyes and pointed teeth, there was something undeniably predatory about him. He watched with a hungry gaze and a mischievous, nearly sinister smile. His ears were pointed and were prominent despite being tucked behind his vibrant, multi-colored hair. The most intrusive feature that indicated there was something not human about him were the curling horns protruding from his temples and the oil-slick black scales that brushed his cheeks and forehead. He was well dressed, in a fashion obviously otherworldly, and seemed to enjoy dressing himself up in glistening gemstones. His table was somehow both simple and overwhelming; it was draped in a dark purple tablecloth, with extravagant embroidery in different designs. Scattered neatly atop the table was an array of items that seemed to carry some magical weight to them. He did not seem intimidated in the slightest and, upon noticing that the barrier surrounding him rippled when his visitor entered, he smiled. He did not rise to meet them nor adjust his position in the slightest. He followed them with his fierce eyes and greeted, in a silky voice, “Welcome.”
Fafnir arrived almost without realizing it, passing through something that feel like a wash of cool air, to be confronted with a gaudy table of trinkets and a strange man. He paused, just inside that barrier, and stared at the stranger, noting the lovely, angular face and the horns that sprouted from his head. There had been nothing here when he approached, and then suddenly this... it gave him the feeling perhaps those horns were not as fake as his own were.
Was it took late to retreat? Even as he thought it, the small, floating star caught his attention and he realized that was the thing that had called him... and still did. Definitely not a regular man then, or a regular table.
|
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Mon Jun 20, 2022 10:26 pm
As soon as Fafnir was close enough to be seen, the merchant’s eyes shifted to observe him. He looked comfortable, as though this were any other shop and Fafnir was just any other customer. For a moment, he just tapped his toes and leaned forward comfortably, but when his guest made no effort to approach, or leave, or move, he couldn’t help himself. He smiled, as charming as ever. “Are you going to just stand and stare? Come over and say hello.”
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Tue Jun 21, 2022 7:09 pm
Fafnir hadn't meant to jump when the man spoke, but the strange place had been so quiet, and he'd been so intent on studying both the man and the little star, that he'd lost track of things until the sound of his voice broke the quiet. And, maybe part of him had still thought maybe all of this wasn't real, somehow. The voice that came was very real, and it brought Fafnir back to reality with a snap.
"Ah, no." He said as he straightened himself, cautiously moving closer to the table. His blue eyes shifted back to the man and he was struck again by the horns, the scales... the slits of his pupils. "Who are you?" He asked, both wary and curious.
"You don't seem to be the normal run of person around this city... And what is this place? What are those?" Fafnir gestured with his chin at the table, still wary.
This man didn't feel like a negaverse agent, though he looked half youma. Did that mean he was the... order equivalent? Or... was he an alien? He was nothing like the Vanguard the Negaverse had helped out. Too short, for one, and he'd never seen horns on any of those. One kind of alien, technically two if you counted the Mauvians, seemed to hint there were more out there, but Fafnir was not sure he was entirely comfortable with that concept.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Wed Jun 22, 2022 4:15 pm
“I am but a simple merchant,” the man said, with what could have easily passed for honesty if his grin didn’t make him seem so full of himself. “Usually I don’t jump into the personal details, but I find myself weak for a pretty face. You’re certainly the loveliest one to visit me so far, tonight. My name is Almadel.” He extended his hand for a proper greeting. “I’m here to make some trades.” He looked Fafnir over briefly; his eyes lingered on his face, and then the horns. Decorative or not, he seemed to approve. “And some friends.”
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Thu Jun 23, 2022 7:22 pm
"Mmm..." He murmured as the man looked him over. He heard such sentiments often, and usually flowery compliments meant nothing... but coming from this strange man, he felt... well. Something. Pride maybe? Pleasure?
"A Merchant? I'd hardly call you simple... Almadel." He retorted. After a moment's hesitation, he took the offered hand, giving him a squeeze and light shake. "I'm called Fafnir. Trades you say? What sort of things are you trading, or looking to trade?"
An interesting proposition... he had a curious mixture of items on his table, but what would an alien have to trade? Items from other worlds? Fafnir would not have thought he'd be so interested, but he was... maybe it was this place. Maybe this strange man had some sort of effect on those around him. Even if he didn't, well. It wasn't every day you got a chance like this. To meet an alien and trade with him.
"I'm not sure if I have much that would be interesting to you on me at the moment... but maybe."
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Sun Jun 26, 2022 10:47 pm
Almadel took Fafnir’s hand and shook with a firm grip, but there was something about it that was notably unchallenging, and when their hands separated he even seemed to make a little effort to keep contact for every last little second. “I find it hard to believe someone of your caliber has nothing worth trading. But you’ve got time to think of it. Sometimes it’s only a matter of finding something you want before you know what you have to trade for it. For example, I have many things here.” He sat up straight in his chair and gestured across his table–from the gemstones on one edge, to the trinkets and baubles in the middle, to the stack of books on the other side. “I’m looking for anything worthwhile. Preferably something easy to move. My collection’s gotten a bit bulky and I'm afraid my eyes are bigger than my arms. Usually I’ve got a good eye for what to offer. A part of me wants to suggest we drape you in silver and jewels. But then, there’s something more about you. Something…scholarly, maybe? Or perhaps it’s something romantic. Tell me, do you like poetry? –I could recite some for you. Or, perhaps, tempt you with written text of such things.” He wasn’t quite sure if anyone on Earth could just read anything from his collection, but he seemed no less keen to offer such things.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Mon Jun 27, 2022 8:59 pm
The touch of his hand was solid enough. It felt... normal. Fafnir didn't know why he expected it not to feel like any other man's hand, but something in him said an alien should feel different. Something from another world shouldn't feel like any other human did, right?
His eyes followed Almadel's gesture and he glanced over the table, trailing his gaze over the bits and baubles displayed there. They were interesting, all the more because they likely weren't from Earth. Was there something he could convince this alien to part with? He could take home something rare and strange and other worldly... and that was infinitely enticing.
Fafnir flicked his eyes back to Almadel at the mention of poetry and he lifted an eyebrow at the idea of being recited to... but it was the hint of a book that really caught his attention.
"You have a book of poetry?" He said, carefully casual. "I suppose you have all sorts of odds and ends... hard to imagine what sort of books you've got in that pile."
He couldn't appear to eager... he knew that was rule one when bargaining, even if he didn't personally do much of that. He wished now he carried things around with him, but his outfit didn't have much in the way of pockets... his whole outfit appeared out of nothing, if he detached parts of it, would they stick around when he left? Would the man even want anything like that? The only other thing he had was his quota so far tonight... but what would anyone other than the Negaverse what with a ball of energy?
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Fri Jul 01, 2022 12:22 pm
“I have many things,” the man answered proudly. “And, you’re in luck. Books are heavy, a bit difficult to move, sometimes. My heart wouldn't break if I were to part with any tonight. Quite the opposite, actually. I find myself quite delighted with the idea that they might go to good homes.”
He turned to the stack of books at his side and began to rearrange them, like he was working to get to some books at the bottom.
“I might have something written in your language, even. Not from here, but you know. Many years ago it was easy to travel. Everything wasn’t so isolated. Although, some of my prettier books probably aren’t legible, not to you. Unless they’ve started teaching interstellar languages here since I’ve last visited?” he asked, and it seemed like he was deciding between two books–a well-worn, black leather book with faded gold embellishments, and a much pretty blue book with bright silver and intricate metalwork done right into the book.
The black one was probably the one written in very old English; it wasn’t easily readable but could have at least been translated. The blue one, while completely impossible to read, was beautiful, and judging by the little gemstones embedded in the silver, probably quite a bit more valuable.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Fri Jul 01, 2022 3:27 pm
Fafnir watched with interest as Almadel moved his books about and pulled out two of them. One in black, one in blue...
"How long ago is many years?" He asked as he reached for the black book, taking it in careful hands and gently opening it, paging through it. "Were you alive for that, or is this stories you've heard from others?"
The language was... archaic and a bit hard to decipher. Interesting, though. It could be interesting to spend time working out what each line meant. Setting down the black book gently on the table cover, he picked up the blue one, flipping through those pages and staring at the strange letters he couldn't read.
Could he find someone who could read it? Or... translate it maybe? It certainly was beautiful, though.
"Are you a frequent visitor to this world?" He asked casually. "How much do you know about events here?"
Did he know about the war? Was he neutral about it? He certainly hadn't seemed afraid of Fafnir when he'd entered, or in any way aggressive.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Sat Jul 02, 2022 6:58 pm
“How many years? Oh, I don’t know. They’re all different, depending on what world you’re on. Hard to keep up all the time, but,” he clicked his tongue against the roof of his mouth and shrugged. “I do visit often. I’m rather fond of Earth, and all its delicacies and delights.” He almost seemed to bat his eyelashes, but he looked back at the city in the distance. “Hard to get a good meal anywhere but Earth, and Destiny City seems like it’s one of the more welcoming areas on this world. I appreciate not having to explain myself,” he gestured to his appearance. “I know a bit about Earth things. Some from experience, most from word of mouth. Why, is there something you’re looking to learn about?”
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Sun Jul 10, 2022 9:37 pm
His fingers gently toyed with the book in his hands and an eyebrow lifted, immune to the flirtatious looks, but not to the irresistible offer of possible knowledge.
"Possibly... but I also prefer to know where someone stands in regards to the war that's been going on here. I suppose you've at least heard of it... hard to imagine you hang about here and don't know about it." He reigned in his curiosity, considering the way Almadel danced about his questions. It gave him the feeling that... either the alien had no intention of giving him any sort of a straight answer... or it would cost him something to get it.
He was a merchant, after all. Nothing for free, probably.
"What do you want for the blue book?" He asked, holding it up. "I don't suppose you take Earth currencies?"
Not that he had any on his person at the moment... but maybe he could steal away far enough to... no. He didn't carry cash, so he'd have to find an atm if he wanted to go that route, so he couldn't just power down for it. He might even have to return another night, and hope he could find this merchant again... if this wasn't some weird dream. He couldn't count out that possibility, for all the weird magical things he had seen.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Thu Jul 21, 2022 9:19 am
“No, I’m afraid currency is all but useless to me. I like to cut out the middleman when I can, and with the universe being as it is, I’m afraid there’s not much point in swapping currencies off world. I’ll tell you what.” He leaned forward and stroked his chin thoughtfully while he looked Fafnir over. “You’re in the Negaverse, you’ve got access to all sorts of neat little abilities. You’ve got stores of energy, don’t you? How much are you carrying, now? I could use some energy for a rainy day.” He suddenly seemed inspired and reached below the table to pull out an elaborately cut crystal jar; it caught the moonlight and seemed to glow. The lid flipped open effortlessly and he gestured to it. “Do you think you could fill this up?”
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Thu Jul 21, 2022 10:21 pm
The bottle brought raised brows from the corrupt, who studied it with interest and caution.
"Its bad bargaining to admit how much I have." He said, forced casual. He bit his lip as he thought about it, blue eyes narrowed, and considered how much energy he had on him. He really wanted the book, but was it worth the extra time he'd have to spend gathering up new energy to fill his quota? He despised the activity... but that book was so tempting.
"Half the bottle." Fafnir said finally, lifting his head and tossing his hair back over his shoulder. What would his superiors give to have a bottle like that? If it stored energy the way the merchant seemed to suggest. Keeping constant concentration on the little balls he collected was annoying, and prone to breaking when he had to run or fight. It would be damned useful to have something to store it in.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Sun Jul 24, 2022 7:05 pm
The merchant again smiled sweetly. For a moment, he said nothing, and then he shrugged and pushed the bottle forward. “You’re cute, so I’ll let it slide. When you’ve filled it halfway, close and latch it, pass it to me, and we’ll call it a deal.” There was something knowing, something patient about him–and yet, he seemed mischievous and there was no denying that he seemed to be enjoying himself. If all he could get was half a bottle, it seemed to be enough for him to still be willing to part with the book. His tail twitched behind him, a visible indication that he was enjoying this--or, at least, something about this. Even if he was still batting his eyelashes at Fafnir while he waited.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Sat Jul 30, 2022 1:58 pm
Fafnir rewarded the strange man with a carefully curated smile, stepping forward to hold his hand over the jar. Glowing, purple orbs popped into existence from subspace and dropped into it, collecting together until they filled half the jar, as agreed upon. The corrupt cut off the stream as soon as it reached midline, flipped the top shut, and picked up the jar to offer it back.
It was not lost on him that he'd asked him to pass it back, rather than leaving it vague, or asking for on the table. A curious little detail... though the flick of a tail caught Fafnir's fascination before he could think too deeply about it.
"Half your jar of energy." He said, struggling not to stare openly. Logically, he knew there were half-youma who had tails, but this was different, somehow. Strange and a little unsettling.
"How long are you planning to stay here?" Fafnir asked finally, tearing his eyes back to the man's face. Almadel. An alien who traveled the stars. "If, say, I happened to come back this way."
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
