|
|
|
|
|
Sabra Knight rolled 1 20-sided dice:
17
Total: 17 (1-20)
|
|
|
 Posted: Thu Oct 20, 2022 7:20 am
Even though the location lingered in the darkest corners of the Oban capital, others would mistake it for a place of fun and grandeur. The huge tavern lingered above the others along the street and had lights decorating the whole exterior to entice whatever fools dared to venture into its trap. Behind the pleasant greeters and the bar that welcomed any visitors were levels built up above the ground with a secret one deep into the underground, the natural cavern walls keeping the establishment cool while the rest of Oba sweated in the desert sun. While others had fun partaking in what would be cursed in the daylight,Yunan despised coming to this place. For all of its beauty, the finery that decorated the hallways and the gentle glow of the lanterns that lit the dancing stage in the center of the building so that all the upper floors could see the performances from all angles, the man could see the grime of the people who frequented its halls. While he wasn’t certain of the owner’s own connections, Yunan highly doubted he was innocent to all of the deals that continued to happen within this place that had so many eyes following the clientele. Still, the owner had not yet shown that he was as dirty as some of the customers who dealt with the blackmarket and Yunan kept to this place for the time being. As much as he wished scrubbing his skin over and over after visiting truly washed away the stink of some of these people, the hybrid understood the importance of establishing connections until he truly was in a place of power to hold his own ground. Thankfully it was rare that he came here, but this was the best spot that he could imagine meeting this Aaricia. Even if he had eyes on him they were easily lost as he took to the markets earlier in the day before finding his own privacy and disappearing towards the edge of town where the Spiders Nest stood.
Yunan kept his cloak above his head, the shadows hiding most of his features as he navigated the loud crowd that was currently cheering for a favored dancer, and it was only until he climbed the upper stairs into a private room that he removed his disguise. A scoff left him as he tossed the cloak to an empty chair in the corner before he sat down on one by the round table, a haze of incense already floating about the room to cover up the smell of the tavern below with something reminiscent of sandalwood and the ocean, and Yunan did at least appreciate that everything had already been set up including a silver tray of the most expensive snacks and one of his favorite wines. “And now I suppose we wait.” He murmured, lacing his hands together as he faced the doorway to see if his mysterious companion would actually show up after receiving notice from Nyko.
|
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Thu Feb 02, 2023 3:27 pm
Just looking at the place made Aaricia wrinkle her nose with disgust. The business conducted behind the scenes of the building were more often than not fowl and underhanded. She had been inside the place multiple times out of necessity for her cause, but not even once for enjoyment or personal reasons. Until now. Though, it was hard to discern if this was personal or business. A bit of both... Nyko had gotten in touch with her through common contacts, and implored her to meet with some fellow named Yunan. The request came out of nowhere, but she knew the contact was legitimate. She wasn't pleased to be asked to meet in this sort of place though. What was this meeting for that they had to use the sort of privacy that this place provided? A hidden meeting with a codeword required? There were few people that she considered worth the risk, and Nyko was on that list. Still, it left a bitter taste in her mouth as she headed deeper into the crowd to find the stairs. One hand remained firmly in her pocket for the comfort of the dagger hilt that fit comfortably into her small hands, preparing herself as much as she could for whatever she would find beyond the door. She knocked firmly with her other hand and pushed the door slowly open until she could see the other person in the room. She paused in the doorway to silently observe the rest of the room before her focus turned back to the man sitting within. "The perzi are quiet tonight," she offered, waiting for the returned code before she would fully enter and take her place across from the stranger.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Thu Feb 02, 2023 5:34 pm
Ah, so there it was. Yunan grimaced at the code words since he personally felt like it was a childish thing to do even if it was a necessity for security's sake. However, he had learned over the years that it was better to be safe than anything else and so he tolerated the silliness. "Still, the wards should be careful in the streets." He finally replied before standing to greet the stranger. Like the rest of the tavern the lighting was fairly dim, the outside light blocked by ornate walls with few windows to prevent the stares of others. Yunan could barely see all of the features of the woman as she peered into the room because of the dim lighting and so he opted to play the gentleman's role to get a better idea of who he was dealing with.
Walking forward Yunan offered his hand so that he could guide Aaricia to the table should she opt to take it. "So you're the long lost daughter then? Nyko spoke highly of you so I hope that we can work together well." Now that he was closer to the woman Yunan could see her unique features as an ice hybrid, including those golden eyes and pointed ears that were like his own. Yunan simply waited with his outstretched hand, his gaze studying Aarcia as he tried to get a better impression of her. He had to admit that she was lovely enough to look at even if that stirred a little bit of jealousy because of her connection with Nyko. Friendships were something mostly foreign to the man who had been raised in a world of politics where no one could be trusted and so while Yunan had grown fond of Nyko there was still part of him that was wary of such good things.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Fri Feb 03, 2023 2:31 pm
Aari relaxed just a hair and exhaled silently. This was the guy, then. "My name is Aari," she said pointedly. Already a strike against the guy... "No, thank you," she said casually in response to the offered hand, making her own way to the seat. Cautious but casual would be the name of the game for the moment. There were two ways that this meeting would end, and she would prefer that they both walk out on even terms in the end. "The feeling is mutual, I assure you. If you truly have a way to-" She stopped short with one hand on the seat, eyes darting side to side. There was a subtle shaking of the walls that quickly became rough enough to make the furniture shimmy along the floor. She could hear others exclaiming in surprise and furniture toppling in nearby rooms as well. "Oh, I am not dying in this disgusting pit," she growled out loud without thought, her business manner dropping quickly in the face of the unexpected threat. Attempted kidnapping or stabbing or poisoning? She was ready. The whole building shaking? What the heck was she supposed to do with that? And of all the times!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Thu Feb 09, 2023 10:12 am
Even though he had heard a little bit about Aaricia, Yunan hadn't been certain what to expect. A strong willed woman then. Yunan nodded as he watched the other hybrid move towards her seat. He definitely could appreciate and respect that, hopefully they truly could work together then. "I have a plan..." He began before the walls started shaking around them, the earth shaking with load groans as the building resisted the sudden tremors.
"Neither of us will be dying today." Promised Yunan, his expression calm despite the way his own chest tightened with each tremble of the room. Grabbing his cloak the man reached out for Aaricia. "I know we just met but if you'll trust me then I can get us out of here." This time instead of simply being cold and observant his expression was honestly genuine, the man having realized how important Aaricia was to Nyko which was more than his own ambitions even if he didn't want to admit to such a thing. Yunan just had to hope that she wouldn't pull away as he grabbed her hand and tugged her after him, checking to make certain that nothing else would be flying free from the walls in the hallway that led to a back entrance which would be more secretive and far less crowded than those panicking around the front. Thankfully he had been here plenty enough times to know the routes that others may not know even existed in this strange place with its various tunnels and escape routes.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Thu Feb 09, 2023 2:54 pm
"I don't trust you any more or less than I did when I walked in here," she huffed as she was guided along. Aari had bristled at being grabbed, but this definitely was not the time to dig in her heels. If Yunan knew a different way out than going through the public tavern, she would take the chance. After all, he surely did not want to perish there any more than she did. She was light on her feet even with the wobbling floor, easily keeping up with her unexpected guide. It gave her the advantage of keeping a closer eye on their surroundings. Thankfully, it seemed like the building was holding. For the most part. "Left!" she yelped as a piece of the ceiling ahead started to fall. She tugged on their joined hands to get Yunan to veer to the left side of the hall to avoid the falling debris.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Thu Feb 09, 2023 5:45 pm
"That just proves you're a smart woman." Quipped back Yunan as he guided her along the twisting hallways. Yunan was already on edge with this whole meeting and now he had to do his best to keep them alive while also keeping his temper in check because the last thing he wanted to do was push Aaricia away, not when he was already this invested in things...and well mostly Nyko, damn him. Yunan's focus was on the path before them, the tremors almost making it feel like the place would split in two beneath their feet, and so he nearly missed the falling debris. Aaricia's tug pulled him to the side, the hybrid spinning to avoid the debris while knocking into the woman and pinning her against the wall with an arm on either side. Some ceiling fell onto his back, Yunan slightly wincing before he glanced at Aaricia. They were barely a breath away, Yunan was pressed against her since the moving building had shoved him even further forward despite how he was pushing against the wall and he had to take a moment to calm himself.
"One second." He whispered, straining against the wall until he carefully pushed away once the tremors had calmed down. "It may be safer now, but we should still head outside." A soft sigh left Yunan's lips. "So much for a discreet meeting though the chaos may work to our benefit. How do you feel about exploring something that's not here? If you have anything to cover your face then I would recommend it, gods know how much sand is outside." Maybe an oasis or some other spot would benefit them? If they could get out of whatever mess awaited them outside. Yunan frowned at the thought, curious about what waited for them beyond the two open doors that now stood slightly slanted at the end of the hallway. Either way he didn't think either of them would want to stay inside, not when there was a chance of a follow up quake, and so Yunan proceed ahead after quickly tying a silk scarf around his face.
Kicking debris from the path, Yunan only glanced over his shoulder to see if Aaricia was still there before emerging into the desert sun. The sudden brightness made him wince and the hybrid tugged his cloak up over his head swiftly. He wanted to keep as much of the dust out as possible. Already he could see a crowd forming, a lot of earthlings emerging from the tavern and other areas nearby that were flocking into the streets. Some were still panicked while others were already going about to help anyone who had gotten caught by the quake as quite a few of the weaker buildings had slanted forward, some beams even tumbling forward and trapping some earthlings. Yunan though simply took a step to the side and allowed a group to run past before waiting for Aaricia to join him. The last thing he wanted to do was lose her in this chaos.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Fri Feb 10, 2023 6:00 pm
A sharp curse slipped out as they stumbled against the wall. Yunan's body blocked her petite frame from any of the falling ceiling, and she couldn't help a flicker of apology in her expression. That flicker swiftly shifted into tensed restraint when their position truly sank in. It took effort to keep from kicking one leg up hard! Whether or not he'd meant to protect her was up for debate, he still had, and that certainly did not warrant a debilitating kick. As the tremors eased, Aari let out the breath that she hadn't realized she'd been holding. She shifted along the wall as soon as she was able to and put a hand over her chest in relief. "You will get no argument from me. I am more than ready to be.. anywhere but here." She shook the dust off from her shawl as they resumed their trip at a much calmer pace and pulled another smaller cloth from her bag for over her face. Now that she knew she was getting out in one piece, she couldn't help her thoughts turning to other places with concern. Were her friends okay? Had the quake damaged her home at all? She looked up at Yunan and waved her hand. "Let's go get this meeting over with. I have places to check on now." They were going to have to find a new place safe from any aftershocks and prying eyes. Something they both could agree on. She looked back at the building they had just left and snorted as she headed away. Maybe it was too easy to turn her back to the place... There was a time she wouldn't have hesitated to go offer her help to even these lowlifes. Not everyone around there was bad..
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Sat Feb 11, 2023 11:38 am
“Good.” Yunan nodded as Aaricia agreed to leave the place with him. “The tavern is strong enough that it should be fine, mostly it’s just panic making so many people wander the streets. Things will settle quickly enough as long as there are no more tremors.” He was not going to hold anyone’s hand for this mess and if anything his words were his subtle way to maybe comfort any unease that Aaricia may be feeling about leaving behind the crowd. Anything sturdy was fine, but Yunan quickly realized that some roofs had slanted sideways and that a lot of furniture had shifted around during the shaking. The last thing he wanted was to get caught up in case the earth trembled again or they ended up helping too many people in this mess. The populace surely could handle themselves now that the ground was calm again, what would be worse was if someone noticed them that recognized Aaricia. That would be problematic, especially if they had to start a fight in this mess.
“Hold on.” Yunan found himself moving forward whenever he heard something. A sigh left his lips as he approached some fallen boards. Normally the man wouldn’t stop for much but there were a few secret weaknesses, something especially about animals, that made him pause. Yunan shoved the boards aside, the fallen rafters and shingles raising more dust before purring announced the presence of the trapped perzi that rubbed along his leg before darting off down the street to enjoy its freedom. “If you have places to check on then shouldn’t those take priority?” He found himself asking as he looked back towards Aaricia. “If they’re nearby we can go there first and discuss plans after.” His gaze narrowed thoughtfully. “Even better if that place is out of the way, unless you think that I shouldn’t be seen?” After all Yunan would much rather have Aaricia's full attention instead of watching her fidget about whatever or whoever she was worrying about. Though technically maybe that would make her more likely to agree to things quickly....Yunan closed his eyes against that train of thought. It was far too risky a gamble because she could just as easily chase him away instead of fully listening and working out a plan together.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Sun Feb 12, 2023 9:29 am
Aari cocked her brow slightly, resisting the urge to smile as the perzi was freed. Yunan wasn't quite what she had been expecting. Though, really, what had she been expecting? It had been some time since she had last seen Nyko, and had no idea what sorts of fellows he would associate with anymore. "They are not nearby," she replied with a shake of her head. "They can handle themselves. I just won't be lingering any longer than I need to. ..Let's say it's less about you being seen than what you could see." Aari wasn't about to bring a stranger to her home. Especially a stranger who apparently had plans for dealings with her father. Yunan was sure to have an angle, some way of benefiting from their deal. She had to find out what that was before exposing herself further. Yelling rose around them as the ground shook once more. It wasn't as strong as the first. "Aftershock," she murmured. She picked up her pace and kept her movements determinedly forward. "There is a garden not far from here. Well, an attempt at a garden, from what I remember. I am sure it will be empty with everyone else focused here, and there are no tall structures to risk getting crushed by. Unless you have someplace else in mind?" She glanced over to her companion to await an answer.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Sun Feb 12, 2023 5:17 pm
“Hmm.” Yunan smirked at the response. “That’s fair enough.” It wasn’t as if she had any reason to truly trust him, even if they both had separate relationships with Nyko it was still wise to keep distance between them until they found it worthwhile to work together. The next tremor had a curse escaping his lips, the usually composed man reaching out to grab at the nearest wall for support as the earth rolled beneath his feet. This was what he had come back to Oba for? They were fortunate enough to be in town because gods forbid what this would be like on the actual desert sands. What if a hole opened up to something hidden far beneath the surface? As exciting as the thought was, Yunan would much rather avoid that in the current moment. It was frustrating enough that he had opted to even go out of his way to move some rubble for a silly perzi…
“No, that garden sounds like a perfect place.” Acknowledged Yunan with a nod as he pushed away from the building and walked alongside Aaricia. “I’ll follow and since there’s no one around as is I will begin talking. Your father has funds to help support a business for me, but to worm my way into his associates I would need to bring him something or rather someone of value. Do you understand?” He glanced towards Aaricia, his gaze focused on her for a moment before another aftershock had the ground rumbling again. This time it wasn’t as rough, the street just subtly moving beneath his feet but it was enough to cause him to grimace. The open garden definitely seemed like a much better prospect than going anywhere near another building or out into the sands. He just hoped Nyko was holding up well back at the inn… “Obviously I did not want to simply become an errand boy for nobles, but I need to acquire as much funding as possible to strengthen my business in the capitol. I do not intend to fight you or drag you back home kicking and screaming so I was hoping that we could work on a plan which would both punish your father for his misdeeds and give us access to whatever wealth he is holding over others.”
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Mon Feb 13, 2023 10:08 am
It was encouraging that he was willing to follow after her. Neither of them could have predicted an earthquake, but she could easily have made other plans to get him elsewhere. Meetings like this were a lot of give and take. Like the buildings around them, their trust in each other was on unstable ground. One wrong quake would send it all toppling over, and that would be the end of that. Aari kept her face as neutral as possible as Yunan spoke his intentions. Someone of value... Right. As if she would ever go back to that foul creature willingly! "It is always about money," she scoffed softly. Ah, but then punishment was mentioned...? She slowed down as the garden came into view and pointed it out. It had the potential to be a lovely area, but the garden was dry and unkept. The quake had kicked up a cloud of dust, making the place look even more decrepit. Perfect for a meeting with such an unsavory topic. "And what is it to you that my father receives his just dues?" She found a dusty stone bench to settle on and brushed it clear before she sat and turned her focus on Yunan. "As a businessman, is it not in your best interest that your source of funding remains strong?"
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Mon Feb 13, 2023 10:46 am
Yunan chuckled at Aaricia's reaction. "Of course. Money is what this whole country runs on." He acknowledged without hesitation. He had witnessed it firsthand whenever starting his own business and his own family back in Zena taught him that long ago when he was simply a child growing up in the icy capitol. Money and power went hand in hand with those types of places, the nobility and council doing their best to grow and control as many as possible. His expression shifted at the very thought since it disgusted him to know such things. It was the very reason he refused to let others rule over him, the man climbing the ranks through whatever tactics necessary to hash out his own form of justice against those who once would have gotten away with anything.
"It's simple." Yunan smirked towards Aaricia. "I have my own hatred of the nobility and wealthy who live in Oba. He feeds some of the worst nobles with his wealth and I would much rather use it to fund my pharmacies within the city." The hybrid studied Aaricia thoughtfully, his golden gaze skimming over her features now that they were in better lighting despite the dust still rolling across the horizon because of the few tremors still coming through after the earthquake. "From what I've gathered the man has done you no favors and I would assume you would also like to see justice done. If I can secure funding, get him to pay for my establishment and take care of the few nobles who stand in my way that he works with, then I can take care of my business on my own even if he is behind bars for the atrocities that he has committed." Rather than sitting, the hybrid leaned against a tree near the bench so that he could watch Aaricia and be prepared for any reaction from the other hybrid or in case someone stumbled upon their meeting.
"Of course we can discuss more details but in order to get the funding and the power to find the damning evidence against your father we would have to be within the household." Yunan tilted his head, his expression almost amused as he waited to see her reaction to his next words. "So how do you feel about marriage?" A smile crossed his lips at the very question. Rather than punishing Aaricia it would potentially spare her from her father's ill intentions with his demand to drag the girl back home since Yunan could claim an interest in her, something that surely would interest the man who would want a piece of Yunan's business that held so much potential. Why not hold off on revenge if Aaricia's father could benefit by taking care of Yunan in the future and getting more wealth while having his revenge on Aaricia once the deed was done? Not that Yunan intended to allow the Oban to have his way because he would be long behind bars before he even dared to try and harm Yunan or Aaricia. "Nothing permanent, just enough to make it seem like you've gone back to the family and your father thinks he's secured me...greed will make the man try to take what is rightfully mine, but I fully intend to turn that against him. Once we're finished you'll be free to do as you please without worry while I can leave this forsaken country knowing that I've established the stores that I wanted." He could go back to Matori, enjoy the ocean and maybe even visit Belrea again if Nyko desired to go back to those stages. As long as his stores were secured in the Oban capitol then anything was possible for the ambitious businessman.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Mon Feb 13, 2023 11:28 am
Divert the wealth toward a pharmacy... That didn't sound too terrible. There would be a lot of details to work out, especially if they were to spare her half-brother in the long run. "Trust me, I would love nothing more than to see that man pay for what he has done. Not just to me, but to so many around him." It was a tantalizing prospect, indeed. Within the household? This time, Aari couldn't help her eyes widening with shock. Marriage?! Could she even bring herself to pretend such a thing? "I doubt you wish to know how I actually feel," she said with a snort. "Oh.. maybe I'll get lucky and he's been crushed in some building from this quake.." She raised a hand to touch her forehead and sighed. "It.. is an option." She let her hand drop again and refocused on keeping it businesslike. "First, tell me more about your own business.."
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
