Valdeaunia

Kain looked at his bounty poster more to see if he would need any necessary details. Everything seemed to be pretty cut-and-dry, though. Nothing special, just a con-artist selling fake jewelry. He figured the best place to start asking were the real jewelry stores or the people that were already ripped off.

So, he went to the person who originally filed the report: A man who was looking around town for a present for his wife when he ran into Estoc's 'shop' and bought a necklace for 3000 ghels. When he got home to give his wife the said necklace, it turned out broken.

Kain looked over the address of this man and went to his house. He stopped at the door and knocked.

"Who's there?", a grumpy voice answered.

"My name is Kain Stantine, Sir. I'm the Bounty Hunter who accepted your job.", Kain replied.

At that, the lock on the other side of the door clicked and the door swung open. Behind it was a scrawny loking man who looked like he hasn't been in a good mood his whole life. When he saw Kain holding up the Wanted poster, he nodded and let him in.

This man lived in a pretty neat home. Nothing looked like it was easily ost, yet you'd get the eerie feeling that here was a lot of yelling going on in the past few days. The client took a seat and waved his hand at another chair, gesturing to kain to have a seat.

"Thank you.", Kain responded. He sat down and cleared his throat. "Alright, tell me when, where and how.", he said politely.

The man wiped his forehead and closed his eyes to rememeber. "Alright, it happened about 2 days ago, I was coming back from the farms with sheep wool, because that's what i do; I'm a tailor. So, I was originaly planning to make my wife the finest clothes that my abilities would allow, when I stumbled to a merchant's tent. Thinking that could do better, i went in and loked for something to get for her. I saw a nice ruby necklace, it was the prettiest little trinket I've ever seen, so I wondered if I should buy it. The merchant came up to me and gave me a price" He put his hand on his forehead a if he were ahsamed. "I tried to refuse, but he kept pushing and pushing me until I gave in. When I got home to give her the necklace, I saw that it was broken while it was in my pocket."

Kain rubbed his chin and thought over the tailor's argument. "So, you immediately thought that the necklace was a fake.....Could it be that you had a lot of things in your pocket? Maybe it broke from all the pressure put on it."

The man slammed his hand on the desk and looked angry. "NO! I'm positive that it was fake jewelry. When i actually had enough sense to look at the thing, I saw that the chain was made from the cheapest metal I've ever laid my eyes on!"

He dug his hand into his pocket and pulled out the broken ruby necklace. "Here, see for yourself. You can hold on to it too, if necessary"

Kain took the necklace and inspected it carefully. "Yep, ths is definetly a fake." He put the necklace in his pocket and got up to head for the door. Before he put his hand on the door, he turned back to face the taylor. "Do you have any idea where i can find him?", he asked.

The taylor looked unsure, but he nodded. "He just arrived in town, so I imagine he'd be in the bazzar to get more unsuspecting victims. He sets up shop in a purple tent with a frilled rim.", he added.

Kain nodded and opened the door. "Don't aorry, sir. I'll have him and bring you your money back as soon as I can.", he said.

The taylor faked a smile, but it was obvious that it was a lie. He buried his face in his hands and sobbed. "My wife left me because of that man. If I could go back and keep myself from going to that damn fiend, I sure as hell would. If I could only get her somthing nice, maybe she'll take me back."

He wiped his face with his arm and looked at kain. "Thank you so much, sir. I wish you the best of luck."

Kain looked at the man with pity, then nodded and gave him a determined look. "No need to thank me, sir. I'm just a humble Bounty Hunter that's doing his job."

At that, he put his hand over his hat and walked down the street. "Estoc Granadiere, you've become the huntee."

 

OOC: Scorn Approved. (A little late, but given circumstances and current progression, I'll allow it)

 

Jacen sat on the roof of his small home. He looked down towards the streets of Estavel. He could see all the people going about thier business. None of them seemed to care about any thing going on aroud them. Since no one seemed to care he decided to use his manipulation of wind to bring an apple up into his hand, though since wind wasn't his strong suit it took a large gust to bring the apple up, and many other things were disturbed in the process. He took a large bite out of the apple. "Delicious" he said as he jumped down from the roof and went back in his home.

 

"...This is sufficient enough...if you need me again, you know where to go."

A lady was standing on the side of the streets, speaking with a man, who was outfitted in a simple white shirt and pants. He had handed her a brown sack, bulging bulkily, to which she briskly took, enwrapping her thin fingers around. She was dressed in a black cloak, which outlined her curvaceous figure and flowed to her ankles. Her hood was up, obscuring her face in the shadows. Withdrawing her hand and placing the item somewhere within her clothes, she turned, beginning to walk away. Her cloak billowed out behind her as she hurried, her footsteps sounding soft against the cobblestone on the road.

It was afternoon, with not a cloud in the sky, as a soft breeze blew across the streets of Mhaura. The houses were all composed of wood, some painted white or yellow, others not. The windows gleamed with sunlight, as several citizens could be seen through them. Women cooking, children crying, men speaking...everyone doing different activities.

As the lady sauntered around the corner, she turned sharply, heading into the alley, which was wedged between the corner and the rest of the pathway. The area was dark, with the odor of mold and rotting objects filling the air. The woman's footsteps were now quieter, as if she was tip-toeing. The floor, being covered with dust, were stirred slightly by her movements, a few landing on the bottom of her cloak. Reaching the end of the alley, she turned, facing the maroon brick wall upon the right. Raising her arm, she extended her arm, touching the side of it. Pressing her gloved palm against the hard, cold surface, she began to shove backwards at it with her fingers. With a slight rumble, the wall shifted, revealing a small passageway.

Withdrawing her hand, she quickly walked through, the shadows seeming to engulf her as she entered. Soon, the wall returned to its previous appearance and outside, everything was at peace once more. Inside the tunnel however, there were footsteps, echoing against the walls, everything pitch black. However, the woman seemed to know where she was going, as she stopped at the end, reaching out to turn a doorknob. With a slight creak, the wooden door opened, and she stepped through, closing it behind her with a click. Turning away from it, she faced the room, scanning her surroundings quickly.

The room was dim, lighted by only a few candles, the white wax slowly dripping down unto its glass holder. Several tables with benches on the side of it could be seen, fire light dappling the surfaces of it. Several people were there, some leaning on the wall, others sitting down munching on something, a few just conversing.

Reaching up, the lady withdrew her hood, revealing her face of dainty features, her eyes, almost as dark as her hair, shined with a naive innocence, and her lips, peach-colored and thin. Her long hair, cascading in waves, nearly reached her waist, a few of her front strands laying over her shoulders.

"Hey, Kasha..." a hoarse, male voice called over to her from across the room.

She quickly turned her head towards the sound of it, espying a man, sitting by the corner of the room, draped in thin black clothing, his hair short and dark, a tiny wrinkle around his emerald eyes indicating his mature age - meaning he seemed reasonably around 30-40. He wasn't someone she could remember exactly, but she knew he had to be an assassin just like her - after all, this was the secret guild. Although she often never conversed with anyone at all - just sat down and relaxed, contemplating anything she pleased.

"Yes? What is it?" she asked, her voice, although soft, was laced with coldness. "Is there something you need?"

Slowly, the man slid from his seat, standing, his dark clothes wrinkling slightly as he moved. Silently, he walked towards her, his footsteps soft against the hard floor. Reaching her, he began to circle her, as she eyed him warily, her gaze following his every step.

"Perfect..." he murmured, a grin coming to his face. "Just perfect..."

"...What's perfect?" she asked, sharply, resisting the urge to cross her arms like she normally did when impatient or upset. As an assassin, she was trained to never show any of her emotions, having no sign of anything she was feeling aside from coldness and brutal cruelity. "I don't have much time to waste, so I would like it if you skipped the chit-chat."

The man chuckled, his body quivering slightly with his laughter. "Cold, sharp, and stoic...just the assassin I was looking for..." He hesitated for a moment. "You see...there's this job...in Estavel...and he wants someone of the best...and that is you."

"What's the job?" she asked, still gazing piercingly at the man. "And how much does it pay exactly?"

"20 yhel," he answered, nodding, the front bangs of his brown hair bobbing against his forhead slightly. "And the job? Like any other - to assassinate somebody...the man who's hired you...is having an affair with this woman, whose husband he wants eradicated. Can you do that?"

"Do you even have to ask?" she scoffed, as she turned, beginning to walk towards the doorway. Right before she reached the door, she hesitated. "Let him know that as soon as I finish this assignment, I want the money immediately...failure to do so will involve death."

This said, she reached out, turning the doorknob and heading out, the door closing shut behind her with a creak. With her left hand, she lifted her hood, covering her face once more, as she seemed to disappear into the shadows of the dark hallway...

OOC: I linked the job to Spitfire's post, since I thought it'd be ironic. XD

 

OOC note: time for Jade to bring out the bad guys, if that's alright with you, Soush... XD To keep this short, I don't even bring my own character into this post; if this breaks some kind of multiple-character-control rule, please let me know.

"My lady Ariya," a soft voice tapped at her elbow. "Might I have a moment of your time?"

Lady Ariya Solanea smiled as she regarded her master spymaster. "Certainly. I always make time for you."

"Someone's been inquiring into the Ferawyns. I don't know her name; she's definately not from around here to judge by appearence." The small, slight-boned man grinned tightly. "She does stick out in a crowd." He hastened to continue, long experience of reading faces telling him that no matter how cheerful the expression, impatience bubbled right beneath it. He bore the scars of her service proudly; no other spymaster had managed to survive her whims long enough.

"My point is, outsiders generally don't investigate fallen Houses. I believe she is somehow connected to," he paused dramatically, "Aelthir Ferawyn."

"The heir..." Ariya Solanea considered the news carefully, then abrubtly made a decision. "Bring this outsider to me."

"Yes, my lady."

 

As Roka was peering out of the window for any people he might encounter, he grabbed the vase that lay on the table next to the bed. He picked it up. It had the family's last name scratched into the fine plaster. Roka then climbed out of the window onto the ledge. He saw no grass for him to roll on. He then saw the little boat next to the perch. He got back a few centimeters then ran. He then leaped far across to the top of the boat. It had been covered in cloth, enough cloth for him to fall on safely. Roka brushed himself off and headed back to the bar. He then saw the greedy man smiling as Roka entered the front.
"Did you do it?"
Roka then sighed. "Yes. Now give me what I want and I'll be on my way."
"Hehe...not so fast."
"WHAT?!"
The man then brought out a crossbow and attempted to fire at Roka, but it missed and hit a poor fellow in his right temple. The man then attempted a few more times, missing every shot. Roka then grabbed a dagger out of his left boot. He saw the man aiming once more. The man fired. It whizzed past Roka's cheek and then Roka leaped at the man. Roka landed on top of the greedy *******, trying to push Roka off. Roka then grabbed the dagger once more and then...
STAB!
Roka quickly grabbed everything out of the man's pockets and his safe. Roka then ran out of the bar, never to return there....

 

"Pardon me, my lady."

Jade turned to meet the eyes of a man roughly her height. "Yes, sir, may I assist you in your endeavor?"

"Perhaps we can assist each other. You see, my lady Ariya Solanea would like to discuss the Ferawyns with you. Am I correct in assuming you desire information of them?"

"You're well informed," Jade nodded once. "I would be honored to meet your lady."

Ariya Solanea's chief spymaster hid his smile and gestured. "Please, this way."

 

As Zaach, wandered down the dark, putrid smelling streets of Mhaura , he saw a noble-men walking past. Zaach inspecting the men thoroughly with his eyes. The man seemed to be lost, but then the man stopped as he saw Zaach, the man stared at him. Zaach turned around, to see if there was anything behind him, but when Zaach turned to face the man again. He was running towards Zaach, He stood his ground and waited for the man to come, but he put his hand up his sleeve, and grasped his Knife just in case. The man continued to run, but before he got to him, another man, one cloathed in dark clothing with a mask covering his face, jumped from the air and stabbed the man through the back off the kneck. The Shock caused the man to look up, and as he fell his diying stare pierced Zaachs soul, it sent shivers down his spine. But as the man fell, Zaach couldn't divert his gaze. As the man hit the floor, the mysterious man withdrew his blade and walked off as if nothing had happened. Zaach looked down and the man was chocking, he looked up at Zaach, as if asking for something. Zaach imediately came down to him, trying to give the man as much comfort as possible. The two said nothing, just held each other as one of them passed away.

When the man was dead, Zaach, closed his eyes and put him in a more respectable position. Zaach then began running in the direction off the dark clothed man. It was a few minutes before Zaach, spotted the man again, he was entering a house, when he was in the house. Zaach ran to the door and try peering througt it, but he couldn't see. So He took out his lock picking kit and picked the lock, he opened the door quietly, and entered what seemed to be a bar, He imediately stood up straight, and acted as if he knew where he was. He glanced to the corner and decided thats where he would sit. Zaach tried to hide the fact, he was petrified, every once in a while he would glance up, a someone and they would be watching him. Paranoia bubbling up inside of him, it was almost painful. Zaach stood up and walked to the bar and order an ale. The barmen then looked at him curiously, Zaach turned away. What a bad idea, he realised that was after doing it.

"You must be new around here, I'm McClavern" the man offered his hand and after hessitating Zach took it, "and you are?"

"I'm Za- My name is Rusenbell, Rusenbell Condon. It's nice to meet you." He let go off the mans hand.

"So what brings you to our Assassins guild." Zaachs heart stopped. An Assassins Guild? How have I managed to get myself into an Assassins guild? Then Zaach realised, that the men from before were an assassin and his target. Zaach hated Assassins, but right now he would have to act. He would have to act as if his life depended on it, which it did.

"I was just around, needed somewhere to sit down and rest before I set off again on my next target."

"Thats fine, stay as long as you want. My shift ends in a few minutes." Zaach took a big gulp off his ale.

"Oh, alright." Zaach turned around, just to eye the surroundings, and on one of the tables was the man from before, his mask was down revealing short brown hair and a moustache. But he could still tell it was him. A Rage suddenly built up in his stomach, this time the emotion hurt. Zaach turned around back to the bar keep. "Who is that guy in the corner, I've seen him a few times before." McClavern peered over at the man.

"Thats Jérmoné, I don't know much about him, just his name and that that mask of his is his trademark apparently." Zaach nodded his head okay.

"Okay then." Zaach finished his ale, "You got any toilets around here?"

"Yeah, but they're pretty disgusting to be honest." Zaach shrugged.

"So where are they?" The Bar keep stood up, giving him a curious look because of Zaachs rudeness, and gave him directions that Zaach followed. When he got into the toilets, he: took out one off his knifes, and gently tried to cut off his gotee and shorten his hair. He then took of his jacket and tied it around his waste. Zaach walked out of the toilets, and walked over to the man from before.

"Hey man, Mind if I ask you something in private?" The man looked up to him, Zaach hoped he wouldn't be recognised, he was lucky. The man nodded and got up

"What is it?"

"Were not in private yet." Zaach replied imediately, he had put on an almost different persona, he wasn't enjoying it. When the two got outside Zaach closed the door behind them. The man looked at Zaach.

"Hurry up, and tell me what it is, Im busy." Zaach opened up his hand and a knife dropped from his sleeve, into his palm. Zaach clenched it, and rammed it in the mans neck and again, as the man fell infront off him, Zaachs eyes were looked. All the sound around him left and all he heard was the thud.

Zaach sat up imediately, and looked around him. He was safe, he was in his bed, it was just a dream but what had just happened, that was a new dream. It was soo lucid, but why had he killed the man, Zaach would never do anything like that. It scared him. Zach stood up and boiled some water, and made himself a drink. Zach sat covered in a blanket and stared at the fire. Watching it, spiraling and roaring. Zaach fell asleep again, but this time, dreamed off nothingness, a ever growing massive white page.

OOC: Just wanted to let you know. My Other posts won't be about him dreaming or so Terribly long. :)

 

Jade kept silent as the small man led her through ornate hallways and past fine doors. The merchant's almost offhand comment about thieves of a weathier kind continued to run across her mind.

"Ah, welcome," an imperious, but relatively young, female voice greeted her as Jade passed through a particularly complex doorway. "You would be the mysterious one outlander I've heard so much about." This woman was not much taller than Jade herself; the added height was lended to her by some form of impractical heeled shoe. "You may address me as Lady Solanea."

Jade bowed from the waist. "In return as such, you may address me as Lady Rhade."

Solanea's eyes narrowed a bit, but she recovered quickly from the other woman's presumptuous attitude; her smile never wavered. "Your hairstyle," she remarked, calmly making her way across the room to a small table sporting a crystal decanter and two glass, "marks you from somewhere further west, if I'm not mistaken."

"Unfortunately, Lady Solanea, you are indeed mistaken," Jade answered in kind. "I am not from the West, nor from the East. In fact, I have nothing to do with you, nor have I any use for your politics."

Her hand gripped one of the glasses until her knuckles whitened. "You're quite a rude little thing, aren't you?" Solanea grated out, still affecting the smile. "Most would be cowering from being summoned by one of Valdeaunia's elite."

"Should I cower?" she countered calmly. "I simply respond in kind to what I am shown. You give me rudeness, I return it back. If you cannot handle a perfectly civilized conversation, my time here is of no use."

The Lady continued to glare for a few moments, then abrubtly barked out a laugh. "I like you, Lady Rhade. Perhaps we can come to some form of understanding." She waved a hand in silent order. "Please, have a seat." Her eyes glittered. "I'm sure we have much to discuss."

 

Maddie appeared at an inn that was owned by a man she has know since she was 5. He was old looking with a white beard and white hair.

"Maddie, you alright?" He asked.

"yeah, I am"

"What happened? was it those visions again?"

"Yeah.....more about mom"

"anything new?"

"I heard the man's voice"

"Hmm...okay"

Maddie got up from the bed and went out the door. "Thanks," she said on her way out. She was looking down on the ground while walking and nevered noticed anyone in her way.

 

Andrea shrugged her shoulders and put her hands on her slender hips. "THATS TRUE!!" She yelled back at Kyoudai. "But I was hoping not to run into trouble this early..." She looked down at her feet and sighed. Running to her sister, he feet pounded on the dirty road. Arriving at her sisters side, she nodded. Holding on to her bow, she smiled. "Keep your guard up at all times. Dont show weakness." She let out a giggle, and started walking.

 

" Hey Andrea" Kyoudai smirked. "We'll since we're already here (without a goal), couldn't we make this visit a little productive. Mhaura is full of people skilled in different things, why not try and find a good archer, hunter or a martial artist ? that we can learn something while we're in this ****ty town" Kyoudai striked a pose which was supposed to look like when you did a brilliant thing, but the sorrundings didn't quite follow. She sighed looking around in the hopeless town.

 

"I thank you for your hospitality, Lady Solanea," Jade remarked, seating herself upon the edge of an elegantly upholstered chair. "Yet must admit to some confusion on my part. As an outsider, I cannot understand why you would request my presence."

"I'll be blunt with you," Ariya poured a splash of wine into a glass and offered it to her. "You've been asking about the Ferawyn House."

Jade declined the drink with a head shake. "Indeed, though I have learned nothing that is not common knowledge amongst your subjects. Is it a crime to satisfy curiousity in your city?"

"No, it is not," Ariya took a sip herself. "In fact, I'd like you to learn more."

"Or else?" a small smile quirked her lips. "That is the threat implied, is it not?"

"See it however you wish." Lady Solanea pulled a small bell from her pocket and rang it once sharply. Almost instantly, the spymaster from before entered the room bearing a small silk purse. "I'd like to present you with a gift, and hope you'll return with more to... teach."

Jade took the purse and bowed once. "You honor me, though I fail to see your purpose. I shall see myself out."

As the spymaster closed the door behind her, he looked to Ariya. "I sometimes don't understand your games, m'lady."

"No one does, until it's too late."

 

Sorry that I have been away. You know how christmas is.

IC:

Tosca, after laboriously trawling through her music with a fine toothed comb and learning it off-by-heart, decided to go out for dinner. She could not be bothered going to all the trouble of cooking. She crossed to a wall and pushed one panel of it slightly. It opened to reveal a small mound of Yellow, Green and Blue. She picked up a couble of Ghel and aabout twenty of the Yhel.

Just to be safe

She closed the secret alcove, put on her coat and went to dinner. She decided to take a hanson cab, rather than walk all the way to Verlest. As she was riding in the cab, she looked across at the alleys, there was no trace of the assassins that she had aprehended accidentally and as she paid the cabby two and a half Yhel she was confident that they were now far away and unable to harm her.

 

OOC: Apologies for the lateness, family stuff. The ** indicates time jumps. Crappy post. XD

IC:

Selirae placed the pen back into the inkwell with a sigh. It was done. She had arranged to rent one of Lord Saren's apartments in Estavel. She would have preferred something in Verlest, however none of her connections had available spaces. Pending a response from her father's steward, all financial assistance would be routed to her at her new apartment and not to her mother's apartment. A polite scratch at the door alerted her to the return of the messenger.

“Come in,†she said, smiling as a boy around 13 years of age entered the room panting. He bowed, extending a letter to her with both hands. She took the letter gently from his hands with a thank you and broke the seal. Her eyes scanned briefly over the paper, confirming the answers she wanted. Nodding to herself, she folded up the letter and set it aside. She removed a couple yhels from her purse and handed the letter she had just written with the yhels as a tip.

“Give this to the head woman at the apartment, not the mistress.â€

“Yes, my lady.â€

“Oh also, see to it that a carriage is brought around for me,†she added, not bothering to correct the title. Most common folk preferred to play it safe and call every richly person by a title, much to the annoyance of real nobles.

“Certainly.†The boy bowed politely and left the room. She pushed a loose white curl behind her ear and rose with a sigh. It was time for her to leave to the hotel and see where she would be living at least for the time being. The place was unfurnished, so she would have to go shopping as well. Hopefully the servants at her mother's home would also send some of the furniture from her bedroom as well. She prepared to leave once more.



**

It was an elegant, white stone, two story building, though obviously an older apartment, it was well-kept and the pruned garden in the back was a plus. Still, to her sensibilities it was rather small despite the fact it was intended for a family rather than a single individual. It also lacked servant quarters, which meant that anyone she hired would have to live in the same building as herself or have a home of their own. There were a couple tasks she'd have to do on her own until she could hire others to do it for her.

Selirae finished lining up her hair accessories and shut the drawer of the beauty table. She straightened and gazed around the room. It was still fairly empty despite what the head woman had managed to have sent over: the wall hangings, one of the rugs, her beauty table and all the associated items, all her clothing of course, some of the smaller tables and chairs, a couple vases, and a couch. The bed had been too large to remove from the room, so she would have buy another one.

She grimaced as she felt a quiver in her midriff and then the accompanying grumble. Of course, there was that too. It was time to go shopping and pick up lunch. She had not yet browsed the local area , so she'd probably settle for something on the lower end.



**
She was fairly certain she had been overcharged judging by the gleams in the merchants' eyes. She had done her best to barter however she was at an disadvantage since she knew little of the monetary value of such mundane things. At least she had sated her hunger.

Selirae was conspicuous in the crowds of Estavel. The rich fabrics, the fashionable cut of her dress, tasteful jewelry, and the way her hair was done up indicated her relative wealth. Aware that she might be targeted, she kept her hand close to her purse hoping to prevent theft. As she paused by a stand selling cheap silver trinkets, she noted a tall man making his way through the crowds. His silken honey blonde hair was pulled back by a copper-toned silk ribbon. Broad shoulders were evident under the deep russet overcoat. She smiled and approached the man.

“Hello Ardrim. You must have come out to visit me,†she stated as she clasped the sleeve of his coat. Light blue eyes gazed down at her in a brief flicker of surprise, which quickly turned into a charming smile. He reached out to twist a vagrant, pale curl around his finger, then tugged on it. She swatted his hand away as he grinned.

“Of course I came to see you,†he said. A serious expression hovered over his features briefly. Her eyes narrowed marginally, she then shifted her eyes to one side. He gave the slightest of nods in response. She smiled brightly and gave his arm a pull.

“Well, come on. I'll show you the way. To be honest, I could use your opinion on décor. The place is so empty right now. I need to get furnishings, but I have no idea where to get them.†She chattered continuously as she guided Ardrim along, giving no signs of her internal thought processes. It didn't take them long to get to the apartment. They kept up a banter until she closed the door behind them. She dropped the facade instantly, pacing her hands on hips imperiously.

“Okay, just what are you up to,†she demanded. Ardrim sighed eloquently and shook his head.

“To be honest, I'm not exactly sure. My father didn't tell me much.†He shook his head again. “I don't want to get you involved.â€

“Too late. My interest is piqued. I'm not letting you off like that.†Ardrim gave another of his sighs and resigned. He was too well-acquainted with her stubbornness to resist.

“Fine, my father gave me a note to deliver to a bar in this area, but without being too noticeable. I suspect my family is planning to be involved in the resistance that has been forming against the current leadership. My father is still heart-broke over Veyrian.†He glanced away from her at the mention of his older sibling. She nodded with understanding. Veyrian, his older brother had disappeared about a year ago. Veyrian had been his parents favorite. They were inconsolable when the young man had vanished and desperately sought any clue as to their son whereabouts. What they had found led up to the Solanea house, however the connection had been weak, insubstantial. His parents believed in the validity of the connection, but had wisely kept it to themselves. By now the wound must be festering.

“Still sending you is foolish,†she said curtly

“Excuse me?†A brow was raised in query.

“You never leave Verlest. Even if you made up some sort of excuse of visiting other poets and teachers at the academy, you have never shown a history of it. It is also likely that your family is being watched.†He closed his eyes, his features troubled.

“So you want to deliver the message for me.â€

“Precisely. I have a reason to be wandering around Estavel. I also been known to associate with commoners. My reputation will discount me as possible threat.â€

“It will also make it easier for them to remove you should they suspect you,†he said with a frown. She shrugged in response.

“Which why I intend to be careful and we will need to alternate methods of communication.†Selirae extended an arm towards him, palm up. He pulled a small folded piece of paper into her hand.

“Be careful, Selirae,†he said, tucking a curl behind her ear. It isn't as safe here as in Verlest.â€
“I know. I always have magick to fall back on or perhaps I should make some of my 'potions'†Ardrim grimaced comically, shaking his head.

“Don't cause any property damage.†She smiled in response.



**

Selirae had wandered slowly towards the bar in the deepening darkness. She glanced down at the card in her hand and glanced up at the various shops that were now closed. Playing the role of the bewildered lost semi-noble woman was more taxing than she expected it to be.

“It should be around here. They said it would be still be open at this time. I don't see it though.†Selirae paused to check her watch which was attached by a gold chain and a clip to her hip. It was a pretty thing with a gold body, silvery metal hands, and careful engraving. It had been a graduation gift by Mathus, the owner of the Kalerian clock shop. Watches were still expensive, this one was the original prototype that was powered by the small rose-toned alchemic stone placed into the back. It required no winding making it more convenient than the conventional watch.

“I guess I can go ask in there,†she muttered to herself and turned towards one of the few lit places, a bar. She coughed upon entering the bar, slipping the piece of paper a bit more forward in her sleeve. Glancing about the room, she located bartender. She winced, feigning discomfort and moved towards the counter. Selirae was aware of the sudden decrease of noise in the bar and the eyes following her.

“I was wonder if you know where this shop is,†she said setting down the card on the counter and pushing it towards the barkeep with an index finger. The man looked her over with a raised brow.

“The price of that information is a drink.†There were masculine chuckles behind her. She shifted, sighing.

“Fine then, do you carry wine of some sort?†The bartender turned around towards the assorted bottles and crates behind him. He selected a bottle and glass, then poured it in front of her.

“That will be one and ¼ yhels.â€

“The cheapest of the cheap,†she murmured to her self as she pulled her purse out and removed the required amount. She slid the small folded piece of paper into her hand, concealing it with the yhels. The bartender flicked his eyes up to her quickly as he felt the paper, she let her chin drop slightly to assure him. He slipped both paper and money into his pocket casually with a wry smile. She took a slip of the wine with a faint grimace.

“So are you going to tell me where it is or not?†He grinned at her.

“This place.†He nodded at the card. “Has been out of business for several months.†She feigned rage, slapping both hands down on the counter.

“You could have told e from the start!†More laughter echoed behind her. She turned her glare on the other patrons and made for the door.



OOC: okay this is probably the last long post.

 

Alish moved through Estavel, having finished the apple he was munching on. Things seemed relatively quiet except for an incident that appeared to be drawing people to it. He went over to check on a cart that had overturned and people had now been dispersing. He was late to the scene. There were people ranting about some reckless driver who had fled the scene but no one had really caught a glimpse of the person; just a vague description of simple attire that could match about 90% of the people of the region.

Having got some information though, Alish gave a nod to the people there and set off to wandering in search of the person. He had little doubt he was not going to find this person but it did not hurt to look for suspicious people around that might be hiding now in alleys or trying to blend in. He could have hopes the person was not a very good con artist but as he moved about the streets searching, the path was definitely cold. Had someone done this maliciously or was it an accident and the person freaked out, trying to get away from the scene in shock? He supposed later that he'd make a report on the situation, but for now he was not going to worry too much unless such things became a habit.

Alish then wandered onward, heading for Mahura. Perhaps the person might be hiding out, but if he was not, there was always something going on there to search for. As he pressed on, entering the darker area that most people wanted to not claim existed, a man brushed up against him, wearing a tattered coat with patches on it, and something was pressed into Alish's hand, which was a crumpled up paper. He almost went after the man but instead walked on as if nothing happened until he could find a side alley. There he opened the paper, reading the short but concise words on the page. The contents read "I have watched you and if you are the Knight you say you are, perhaps you will aid in the cause to set things straight. We will speak soon. Sincerely Laryth Valtas".

"...Who ..is this.." Alish murmured softly so that no one could probably audibly make out his words. He crumpled the paper back up and put it in his pocket. This day seemed to grow more peculiar as it went on. He then resumed to walking down the main street, going into the town. He had someone to visit here whom he had not seen for a good year, and it was now time for answers. His old mentor must be up to something. He might know why this letter was sent. Either way, Alish had plans to go see the old man just to know if the guy was still even alive. He had not had word from him and even though Alish had gone by his place a few times, he had not wanted to visit him for worries he was up to something and Alish would draw attention to him. Normally, he would not want to compromise the old man, but he wanted to now say what his progress was and to show he had become what he had set out to be. However, speaking with the man that his mentor had pressed him to do had been impossible with the way the cities were divided. It was just not an easy task to get to see someone as high and mighty when he served in another district that was not getting along with Estavel. Maybe this letter had been a prompting, but he could not be sure.

He would continue on now moving to back streets. Soon he would reach his destination.

 

OOC: Yeah yeah, Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. I'm sure many of you were just as busy as I was. Anyway, on with it.

Korwyn wasn't quite sure why he found himself loitering yet a second time today at Seiran's bar. Even though many of the bar's regulars were all well acquainted with the chocolate-haired thief's frequent visits, it was still somewhat out of character for him to make more than a single visit in one day; the lateness of the hour also served to further put the young nineteen-year-old out of place.

There had been one other time that Korwyn paid a late visit to Seiran's, but what happened then was surely the reason why it never happened thereafter--until tonight that is. Three years ago on Korwyn's sixteenth birthday, the young thief thought it might've been nice to spend his special day at a place he was fond of. Naturally, having no family (in the true sense of the word) and not having a place he could really call home led him back to a bar owned by a man named Seiran Eithwen.

During his earlier years of thievery, there had been many times where Korwyn came close to being caught or in worse circumstances, killed, by people he had tried to pilfer from. Perfecting his craft required making mistakes, and the industry of theft and swindling wasn't exactly the safest occupation for a young boy his age to pursue. After failing to steal an expensive looking medallion that Korwyn saw hanging from the back pouch of a relatively large-bodied noble, the amateur thief fled the area in search of some stealth to provide sanctuary from his pursuers.

That sanctuary ended being a small bar on the far east side of Estavel, an unlikely place for a child--and so was the reasoning of Korwyn's decision to enter. Granted, Korwyn's only knowledge of the nature of bars were what he had learned from his parents, such things could only be discredited at this point. Despite that, his hesitation and anxiety upon entering was sure proof that doubt and uncertainty still lingered in his mind about whether or not he had made a mistake by entering.

Numerous pairs of intoxicated eyes locked with timid crimson as Korwyn fought the urge to dash back out the way he came. Conflicted between braving the intimidating stares or the sounds of his pursuers approaching from down the street, Korwyn's childish intelligence led him to approach the center of the bar whilst closing his eyes to escape the fearsome stares of the other customers. Korwyn was soon expecting one of two things to happen: he would either be persecuted by the group of older men before him and ratted out to the authorities, or he would have to suffer a round of ridicule as a reward for their silence.

But neither punishment came to be after the emotionally defeated Korwyn found himself a recipient of warm smiles that expressed their sympathy. The man behind the counter, undeniably the owner of the place, kindly gestured him to sit in one of the stools and offered their consolation for the trouble he had found himself in. It was something Korwyn had not ever expected, but it was surely one of the greatest feelings he had ever experienced.

But back to the point at hand, such benevolence was something to be had during the morning and afternoon hours of Estavel. One could say the nature of Seiran's bar takes a completely different course once the sun sets. Korwyn luckily only came to know of this on that fateful sixteenth birthday instead of anytime sooner--which would've surely met with a more devastating consequence.

The sunny dispositions of the bar's customers set over the horizon just as surely as the pestiferous plague of alcohol claims their hearts and minds during darkened skies. The sweet-hearted women turn into pleasure machines offered to the highest bidder and honourable men are enticed into spending their hard-earned yhel for cheap thrills and cheap rewards. It was perhaps here that Korwyn finally graduated the last of his childish beliefs, abandoning the notion that a perfect paradise existed, one where everyone accepted and supported one another. But it was obvious that was just a farce, a silly utopia dreamed up by children lost in their ignorance.

And so, Korwyn's second ever evening visit had come into fruition, but at nineteen and with a more informed state of mind, a cloud of annoyance and depreciation for the bar he had come to love over the years flooded his mind as he was forced to bear witness to the slow degradation of his usually more respectable company. Boredom would've soon claimed his person if it weren't for a young lady who had suddenly entered the vicinity.

She wasn't a regular, no, she definitely wasn't. Rather, she looked incredibly out of place altogether--more so than he. A noble, it looked like; that was his best guess when he scanned her over plainly. He didn't worry too much about her noticing his attentive stare, knowing full well that a large majority of the bar was doing exactly the same thing. Social stealth was one of his greater skills, and this was a simpler demonstration of his awareness of it. He watched her carefully as she made her way toward the counter were Seiran was stationed, evidently showing she had some business with him; a question it seemed.

"The price of that information is a drink."

Seiran was as elegant as usual, Korwyn thought to himself has he brought one of his hands up in front of his face, partially covering his mouth and a fraction of his nose. Korwyn's stare persisted as he instinctively began to eavesdrop as best as he could from his position. Moving from his seat would've caused too much of a stir and he was certain the moment he left his seat to find one closer to the young woman's position, one among this entire group of uninhibited individuals would surely inquire in a rowdy fashion about his intentions. No, he thought. His current seat would have to do. In this fashion, Korwyn continued his eavesdropping activity while contemplating in his head the possible scenarios at his disposal. His eyes often drifted down toward the table below him then back up at the woman with her back to his gaze.

A suspicious Nealth, having observed Korwyn's slightly unusual behaviour, leaned over toward Hevalsa, muttering softly in his ear. "I don't think I've ever seen such an intense stare on Korwyn's face before," a belittling chuckle escaped his lips. "I guess this is what they call love at first sight."

Hevalsa shook his head sadly. "You obviously don't know Korwyn well enough."

"What're you talking about?" Nealth questioned.

"Originally, I had the exact same thought when I first noticed Korwyn's behaviour," Hevalsa started. "That was until I noticed that peculiar looking watch on that young lady's waist."

"Huh?" Nealth blinked as he turned his attention toward the woman, eyes locking in on her hip area. Hevalsa's suspicions were easily justified. "Oh. Yes, I see what you mean." Both Nealth and Hevalsa turned their heads toward Korwyn--who remained unaware of their little conversation--with a look of shame and disappointment.

"Such upsetting priorities," Nealth sulked his jaw on an open palm.

"That's Korwyn." Hevalsa added as his attention was drawn by Korwyn's movements as the young thief bent down to untie the laces on one of his shoes.

"You could have told me from the start!" the young maiden yelled as amused laughter followed her displeasurable outburst. After turning around to glare in recoil at the surrounding patrons, she made swift passage toward the door.

Now, Korwyn said to himself before springing from his seat, dashing toward the maiden who was mere inches away from the door frame. "Wait!--" he exclaimed before faking an imbalance in his posture, soon tripping over his exposed shoelace. On his way down, however, Korwyn reached out for the young woman as if to hint his last ditch effort to use her to keep himself from falling--which he intentionally let fail. Much like the art of pick-pocketing, Korwyn applied slightly more pressure on several parts of her body when he expertly removed the watch clipped to her hip, using the dispersed points of forceful contact to distract her senses from the one of greatest importance.

Swiftly shoving the watch into one of his pockets, he got up to his feet, staging a flustered, embarrassed act as he bowed several times in quick succession. "I'm so sorry! I'm such a clumsy oaf that I forgot one of my shoes were untied!"

The customers of Seiran's bar fell silent, either confused or intrigued at the event that presented itself before them. Intoxication was surely catalyzing a higher amount of appeal for Korwyn's sudden intervention than what it deserved.

A small interval of silence provoked Korwyn onward. "I... just wanted to apologize for Seiran and the rest of the patrons here," he turned toward his audience, "for their horrible manners and insensitive outbursts these evening!" he lambasted.

Resentful, drunken hisses came in response to Korwyn's insult; others chuckled while others simply continued drinking.

Korwyn turned back to the young woman. "They're usually more well-mannered, but evenings aren't exactly the best time to pay visits here. They have a bad habit of overdoing it."

There was no doubt that Seiran and perhaps Nealth and Hevalsa noticed the theft that had just taken place, but Korwyn was confident enough that they would uphold their silence. He had known them for years after all, and other than the robbery of valuables, he was no real dangerous threat to anyone. As such, it was as Korwyn expected: no one spoke out about what had just transpired.

"Please be careful on your way home, my Lady," Korwyn quickly lifted his hand behind his head, attempting to display humility and embarrassment as he reached his other hand into his pocket, confirming the watch's whereabouts.

The moment the young lady left the bar, Korwyn would then consider his objective a success.

 

OOC: brief one, uninspired today. XD


"Wait," a young masculine voice called out. She paused half-turned. Who knew what the men around here would want. She should probably just ignore him. But as she started to walk, the young man collided with her. She took a step to the side to steady herself as he fell to the floor. Selirae glanced down at the young man, slight irritation flickering in her eyes. She took another step back as the man rose, her hand going to her purse checking the weight. It seemed about right. Maybe the man had been just trying to go for a grope. The young man bowed rapidly.

"I'm so sorry! I'm such a clumsy oaf that I forgot one of my shoes were untied,” he claimed. She eyed him with suspicion. Why the heck did he untie his shoes in a bar to begin with? He continued to apologize for the actions of his peers, who responded with laughter or hisses. The young man made a show of demureness and concern for her safety. Though she was still uncertain of his intentions, she inclined her head slightly in appreciation. Best to get out of the bar as soon as possible, before any of the others got some ideas.

“Thank you for your concern,” she said, her tone sweet. Her hand remained on her purse as she left the bar. She paused outside, taking in a deep breath of the cool night air. At least she had got out of the bar, most unmolested. She still had her money as far as she could tell. Although it would have been hard for the man to get at it as it was on the other side. If he hadn't been going for that, what was he going for. She frowned, placing at hand to her neck to feel for her necklace. It was still there. She lifted her wrist for inspection, the bracelet was still there too. Selirae slide her hand down the side of dress. Turning frantically to look at her hip as she continued to search for her watch. Gone. She swore viciously and turned around, opening the door again. As she stepped in again, she felt eyes drift to her again. She scanned the bar.

“Where's the guy that bumped into me,” she asked blandly, though her eyes were bright with anger.

 

"Thank you for your concern," she said, her tone sweet. Her hand remained on her purse as she left the bar.

They always care more about the purse, Korwyn thought to himself as he quickly dashed toward the other end of the bar, his sights set on the nearest window located on the opposite side of the entrance.

Although silent, those who were aware of Korwyn's unlawful action couldn't help but shake their heads in shame as they observed the deceptive youth sprint swiftly atop tables while dodging plates and glasses to make it toward the window. It couldn't be denied that Korwyn's exceptional balance and agility warranted him some sort of appraisal in his motor skills, but it's harder to voice such complimentary thoughts when one considers for what reasons he uses his talents.

Almost on cue with Korwyn's departure from the bar--having slipped elusively through a rotating glass window--the stormy entrance of a familiar female reverberated loudly as the front doors swung open; a face of anger and ferocity scanning the premises.

Oh, she's a sharp one, Seiran thought to himself as he gauged the expression on her face.

"Where's that guy that bumped into me," she asked blandly, though her eyes were bright with anger.

Nealth shook his head, dumbfounded. An agreeable Hevalsa closed his eyes, feeling bouts of irritation and annoyance soon to come. Korwyn sure seemed to mess with the wrong people; it was almost another talent that he remained unmatched in--but the reason why was obvious.

"You just missed him," Seiran finally answered as he held up a mug in front of him, wiping it clean with a worn-down cloth. "He took off through the window over there," he pointed toward the dusty window that had been left ajar.

Waves of laughter erupted again among the patrons of Seiran's bar, amused at both Korwyn's usual shenanigans and the fact that he was caught almost instantly after it happened. There was some humour to be found in the young woman's misery. Cynicism was certainly amusing when in the right mood.

"He means no harm, really," Seiran shrugged his shoulders. "I'm not sure what he took from you, but if it's not of much value, I suggest you let it go. Korwyn's not exactly the most well-off individual."

 

"He means no harm, really," Seiran shrugged his shoulders. "I'm not sure what he took from you, but if it's not of much value, I suggest you let it go. Korwyn's not exactly the most well-off individual."

“Even if he isn't well-off, that doesn't make stealing my watch permissible,” she replied in a caustic voice as she paced over to the indicated window to peer outside. The alley way was empty, the cursed thief had gotten away. She stood there for a moment, the glass was cool against the tips of her fingers. Selirae closed her eyes, anger rivaled with grief. Her shoulders lost their tension as grief won. Her expression was considerably calmer than when she had returned to the bar. She turned around favoring the patrons of the bar with an intense look, searching for any guilt in their expression. One man that had been watching her, turned away.

“I suppose I should watch the pawn shops,” she said, settling her gaze on the one who turned away. She walked swiftly toward the man, slapping her hand down on the table, forcing him to look up at her.

“Look, I don't want to hurt the guy or arrested him. I just want my watch back, it has sentimental value,” she said in a softer persuasive tone. She pondered giving the man some money to entice him to answer but it was possible money could encourage the wrong answers, so she waited. The man grimaced slightly and shook his head.

“Well, sometimes, I see him around the Northeast part of town. Not that trendy area, just south of that,” the man ventured. She favored him with comely smile, unsure whether she had gotten the truth or not.

“Thank you,” she said, surreptitiously slipping him several yhels in the careless manner of the wealthy. She strode quickly for the door, not saying another word. Tomorrow she would search the mentioned area for the young thief, hoping the man hadn't lied.

***

The lost of the watch had fretted her all night. Yawning, she scanned the crowds searching for the young man. She kept her hand near her purse as she pretended to browse the shops. She had nothing in her closet to help her appear more like a person that would shopping in this area, so she feinted amusement at the differences in what was carried. As she curiously inquired a vendor about origin of his goods, she noticed a familiar face exiting a restaurant. She smiled thanking the vendor in middle sentence and eased her way through the crowd towards the young man.

“I like to request that you return my watch,” she said with a strangely pleasant expression.