City of Brainde

Brainde, Merrowvale
October 21, 2014--4:19 PM

The rain showed no sign of letting up, and it was wearing the red-haired lady's endurance down more and more. It felt as though even a single raindrop on the back of her neck caused her to jump as though lightning had struck her, and taking an entire shower of them was...well, it was still less pleasant.

Luckily, as the path led her through the trees, she could see it was directed towards a tall stone wall--much taller than any of the trees to her sides. There wasn't any way something like that could have been created by itself; there had to be other people there. And perhaps, a clue to who I am...

Whether she was regaining her strength or just wanted to get out of the rain quickly, her mud-soaked boots were cutting through the flooded path at a slightly quicker pace. The feeling of numbness had died down somewhat, at the very least...though she still had to lean on her spear in order to make her way along.

Pushing a soaked lock of red hair out of her face, the lady finally noticed she was standing right in front of the stone wall. All that remained was to pass through the gate--the guards there, wearing armor of a duller gleam than her own, didn't even try to stop her, seeming very confused themselves. Quietly nodding to them without seeing if they had noticed, the lady walked through the arch beneath the stone ramparts, and--

Without warning, a strange feeling filled her mind as she took in the sight of rickety, crooked structures of wood all around her. One would think she was disgusted by how filthy everything was, how it looked like everything could collapse the moment it was touched. But the red-haired lady wasn't even thinking about that. Instead...This place...looks familiar...?

Her legs started to move, an expression of trance-like wonder on her face...just as the rain landed upon her head, causing her to let out a small cry and jump back. Though she chided herself mentally for reacting like that, the lady figured she couldn't convince her body to take much more of this weather--she had to find a place to dry off quickly. Sighing, she started forward again, her shoulder muscles tight underneath her soaked dress.

"You're not a big fan of the whole 'impulse control" thing are mew?" Nyaryssa asked dryly, shifting her weight onto one foot and adjusting her grip on the loot.

"Look, I get it, he's small, defenseless, like a bunny," she continued jeerfully, " But mew see, here in the big scary civilized world, people have these things called 'manners', completely useless I know, but I think people might actually like them, and I think they might include not meowlesting somenyan's head and asking what they are. I'm not sure about that though, I may have to check."

Brainde, Merrowvale
October 21, 2014--4:21 PM

The market square opened up to the right, and as the red-haired lady passed, she could see a rather...bizarre scene had unfolded before she arrived. Chickens were fluttering all around in the rain, away from anyone who tried to approach. One kiosk had been smashed, jewels being sent everywhere...and to match, the vendors' faces were all marked with anger.

At first, the lady considered finding out what caused all this chaos, but something told her entering the market square wouldn't end well. As such, she was about to avert her gaze and keep walking, when she spied one of the gems laying on the ground--a violet, round one, to be precise.

Immediately, the image entered her mind again--that violet-haired girl in the blue dress. Why...? Yes, it was becoming more vivid. There were three of those gems sewn into each of her sleeves. Speaking of which, the dress was starting to become more distinct; the front portion of it was a lighter shade of blue, and--

The image faded away again, leaving the red-haired lady to stare off into the rain aimlessly. "...that girl again," she muttered, even more confused...and maybe a little bit frightened. "Just who was she...or could it be that I'm going crazy...?" Shaking her head and forcing the thoughts out of her mind, she started walking again, carelessly holding her lance over her shoulder at a more extreme angle.

Abruptly, the lance jerked backwards in her hand, and there was a sharp cry in the same direction. Surprised, the red-haired lady spun around and looked to see what happened. Just to her left, a shorter, blonde-haired girl was bent down, clutching her shoulder and wincing. Realizing she was close enough for her lance's end to hit the girl in exactly that place, the red-haired lady gasped, then looked away a bit shamefully. "Uh...sorry about that," she managed awkwardly.

Groaning quietly as she straightened up, the girl shook her head...wait, her ears were pointed. An elf...? "N-no...i-it's fine...I, uh...I wasn't really...ah, p-paying attention...to my surroundings," the elf replied quietly, in a weak, nervous voice.

Unable to really think of a good reply, the red-haired lady simply looked the elf up and down. Though she had just been hit on the shoulder, this elf girl didn't seem fine at all. All she was dressed in was a thin, sleeveless green dress that didn't even cover her knees--in fact, this dress was quite ragged along its edges. She wore no footwear, and her legs were covered in mud. Her arms were no better, rainwater streaming down their scarred...wait, was she hurt? Oh wait, no, it was just scratches...

The blond hair sliding past her shoulders was messy and tangled, and one lock of hair even fell directly over her long face. Her blue eyes darted around nervously, looking anywhere...except at the red-haired lady herself. But as Altara kept examining her, she noticed something else, and started moving so she could see the elf girl's right shoulder. She thought she could make out a marking on the skin, shaped like a circle...

Just as she did so, the elf girl let out a cry and spun away, covering that exact spot and making sure that shoulder was facing away from her. When she got a strange look in response, she looked away in shame and...some other emotion Altara couldn't understand. "...u-um...I-I don't, uh, m-mean offense...i-in any way, b-but...w-why are you l-looking at m-me like that?"

"Oh. Uh..." Deciding it was best not to ask about the shoulder, the red-haired lady shook her head. "I'm sorry, I just...I see you, uh, have been through a lot. Say, do you know if there's somewhere I can rest for the night?"

Cocking her head to the side and furrowing her brow, the elf girl finally responded. "...t-there's a place...f-further down this street, on...uh...y-your right, yes. It's called...um...the Minstrel's Mug."

"Got it. Thanks," The red-haired lady responded, starting to walk in that direction. But she hadn't gone far when she thought of something, and looked back at the girl. "Actually...on second thought, you look like you could use a good place to sleep, too. Why don't you come with me?"

"W-what?!" The elf girl looked up at her with an expression as though she had suddenly grown a third limb out of her back...or something else ridiculous like that. "I-I mean...n-no, t-that's, uh...n-not possible...I-I don't have any...money..."

Looking at the elf girl and sighing, the lady walked back over to her side. "I'll bail you out, then. I, uh...noticed I've still got some money myself. It'll be fine. Don't worry about paying me back."

"H-huh...?" The elf girl looked absolutely baffled, and started to open her mouth in protest...but was unable to make a sound for several seconds, until she finally thought otherwise, and bowed her head. "U-um...t-thank you kindly. I...um...m-my name is...Lyra. I...um...I...h-hope we get along."

Smiling and returning the bow, the red-haired lady started to introduce herself in kind...but then she realized, she still wasn't even sure of her own name. Sure, she had heard her own voice saying one, but how did she know she hadn't been going mad? Oh well...perhaps, regardless of if was really hers or not, that name would have to do for now. Looking back at Lyra and wiping all of her own self-doubt from her expression, the red-haired lady responded.

"My name is Altara. It's an honor to be with you."

Uona wandered through the city, marvelling at the size and the bustle of its people. Each of its dirty, narrow streets contained something or someone the likes of which she'd never seen, and she couldn't help but gawk. She spent so much time gawking, in fact, that she nearly tripped over part of a shattered stall. She looked down at the wreckage, wondering at the gems and jewelery she saw sparking within.

She carefully stepped around, moving off towards one side of the busy courtyardwhere she could marvel at the city without fear of tripping on something. This area contained many remarkable things. A stall with food she'd never seen, a man with scaley skin, a woman with red hair. All of it fascinated her. She pondered on the woman, for a moment, watching her interact with a pointy-eared girl with hair the color of gold. She didn't seem like one of the guards around town, her armor was far shinier. If she wasn't a guard, though, then that must make her an...

[HellIamUonagelGahalnextshamanofmypeopleIunderstandyouarean]

Adventurer! She struggled over whether to approach, fearing it might be rude or otherwise undesirable to do so. She bounced on her feet, fighting herself, before finally deciding to take the risk and approach.

Brainde, Merrowvale
October 21, 2014--4:23 PM

As she approached the Minstrel's Mug with Lyra in tow, Altara was treated to another bizarre sight--a huge golem of rectangular stone pushing its hand against the inn's wall. Once it was finished with...whatever it was doing...it turned back towards the street, gazing everyone who passed as though it were silently judging them.

Well...that's something you don't see every day, Altara thought to herself with a wry smile. She then turned her attention to the part of the wall where the golem's hand had been. There was a poster attached to the wall there, reading in huge capital letters, "LOOKING FOR SECURITY. PRICE NEGOTIABLE." And leaning against the wall, right next to this poster, was a young man wearing what appeared to be wizard's robes, his pointed hat tilted so that the brim concealed his face.

Behind her, Lyra had noticed a female orc coming their way, eyes locked directly on Altara's back. The elf girl started to alert Altara, but the red-haired lady was already walking towards the wizard man. "U-um...!" She quickly followed, trying to get the lady's attention.

Walking up to the wizard with quick (and probably loud) strides, Altara felt relieved that she could no longer feel the rain on her shoulders. Clearing her throat in hopes of getting his attention, she gestured towards the poster. "This poster is yours, correct?" she asked. "Then, I can help you, if you like."

"H-hey, Altara, w-wait!" Lyra's hand finally landed on her right shoulder, prompting the red-haired lady to face her.

Only then did it register in Altara's mind that she had offered to let Lyra accompany her. "A-ah, right, sorry," she laughed sheepishly, scratching the back of her head. "Forgot that you were with me...should I have asked you first? Well, if you don't want to hang around with this guy, I-I'll back off..."

"N-no! T-that's not it...i-it's just that..." Quickly, Lyra gestured at the approaching orc lady, who had almost completely covered the distance at this point. And even Altara got the impression that she meant business.

...this got awkward fast.

Brainde, Merrowvale

---

The duo arrived at their destination soon enough, a bustling city. Not as active as Cabaea, but it was hard to ignore the number of people on the streets. Something else worth acknowledging was the diversity of the populace. Axel spotted an enormous stone Golem, it's figure sticking far above the average height of the majority. A wizard wearing an all too stereotypical pointed hat. A rather tall female ogre. But most of all, a almost normal looking red headed girl.

Axel motioned for Caleb to follow him as the assassin approached the group. Why, he wasn't quite sure, but something seemed to be pulling him. Something like a...sixth sense, that was it. The smile returned, the strange circumstantial one, as did the feeling of his throat. The strange feeling that came over him when speaking to others. For some reason, this spell of sorts didn't come over him when talking with Cato...which was strange. Probably because they were familiar with each other.

As the two grew closer to the small body of strangers, a poster caught their eyes.

"LOOKING FOR SECURITY. PRICE NEGOTIABLE." The offer seemed interesting enough, and Axel could really use that "Negotiable Price." This strange contract quest could wait, besides it could be an easy job. Naturally, he approached the one who seemed the most friendly of everyone. The red-haired girl. She seemed to be conversing, or had been conversing with the ogre, but he'd take the chance.

"Hello, you wouldn't by any chance, know something about that poster up there, do you?" The strange tone of voice again, how weird. As if on their own, his hands had fallen to his sides, he liked to keep them crossed often times, and the weapons on his person seemed to have vanished. Cato just stood behind him on hand resting on the hilt of the dagger at his hip, and the other crossed over the front of his torso and pulling on the opposite shoulder.

Nyaryssa stuffed the jewelery in her pouch, then folded her hands behind her head, her tail swishing about in amusement. The nervous faun seemed somehow funny to her, easy to tease. She noticed him glance at her, and flashed him a large toothy grin when he did.

"Don't feel so bad, Kid. Mew aren't the furst to get physically assaulted by the mad ginger today," she commented. "I doubt mewl be the last. Of course her next victim will probably be wearing trousers, not that the mew isn't just adorable. Just a bit of a purrsonal question, is that a common thing, or just a purrsonal choice? 'Cos that sounds like a fashion statement I can get behind."

She sauntered over to where the two stood, her bag jingling with each step.

(This post was written by Zalgo and Nightblazer.)

Brainde, Merrowvale
October 21, 2014--5:06 PM

Returning to the ground floor of the Minstrel's Mug, Altara looked at the card on which she wrote down what Lyra needed. At first, she considered handling those things first, but decided it'd probably be best to see if either the wizard or the orc was down here. She looked around the tables and chairs for them.

"Right. Time to talk with those people I was just with." He spoke to no one in particular, his meeting room set up to be fairly nice for the temporary arrangement he needed. Locking the door behind himself out of habit more than anything else he left his room and proceeded down the stairs where he was pleased to see Altara out and about. He remembered what she said earlier but she was still willing to discuss it with him so he spoke up. "Ah, hello again. Do you still wish to discuss the possible job offer available?"

When Altara heard that voice, she turned around and found the wizard was standing not too far away. "Oh! Uh, hello. Sorry for leaving suddenly back there..." She scratched the back of her head, laughing a little, before putting on her...business smile, so to speak? "Anyway...yes, your offer. Is it still open?"

"Indeed it is." He spoke in a quite formal yet pleasant matter, quite pleased she's interested in the offer. From her appearance he had good faith in her abilities to fight. "I believe introductions are in order. I am Richard of Dinius, and you are?" He extended a hand to shake in greeting.

Reaching out with her own hand (before realizing it was the wrong one and quickly switching hands), Altara shook Richard's. "My name is Altara. It's a pleasure to be working with you. So...if I may ask, why the, er, insecurity?"

Things were going smoothly so far so good. They had yet to discuss payment however, a thought which still nagged at the back of his mind. "While I have nothing to keep from you as far as information goes I do feel it would be better discussed in a less open setting. I have a room set up for such talk upstairs. Shall we head there now? I haven't seen the other possible applicants in here so you'll be the only one for now." He gestured to the stair well as he mentioned going up into the room he so thoughtfully prepared for this exact purpose.

Altara raised an eyebrow, wondering if this guy really was paranoid, but decided not to overthink it. "That'll be fine. Lead the way, then," she replied.

He proceeded up the stairs with Altara presumably in tow before heading down the hall. Producing the key from his satchel he unlocked the sealed room and stepped inside, ushering Altara in with a gesture before waiting for her to clear the door so he may lock it up again so no others could eavesdrop. As she entered he closed and locked the door behind them. Given the enemies he's made this was a futile gesture but it put his mind at ease if only just a little.

"Whoa...not bad," Altara commented, noticing how Richard had arranged the room. Just as she started moving to take a seat, however, she noticed something through the window--it was the head of that huge rock golem which had put up Richard's poster. It almost seemed like this golem was staring into the room. "...so, is he going to be silently judging me from out there the whole time?" she asked, unable to help cracking a wry smile as she sat down.

"Ah, that would be my golem Validus. Yes, he'll be overseeing our conversation. Please do not mind it though, it's primary motivation is my safety so it can often times be quite thorough when it comes to security. It is a reasoning construct however so do feel free to talk with it. It may not respond to you currently but it does understand you." He politely informed her before taking his own seat. "So I take it the matter you wish to discuss first was... The reason behind the task at hand, correct?" He asked, trying his best to guess just what she might want.

Wonder what it's thinking right now... Taking her gaze off of Validus and shifting it onto Richard, Altara nodded. "Being honest, you don't look like you have much to fear with that thing by your side, though..." she commented. "So why do you need help from others?"

He tapped his fingers along the table top for a moment, constructing what he was about to say ahead of time. "While impressive as it may be Validus is not without it's limitations. As you may notice it certainly doesn't fit necessarily everywhere and I can't be glued to it's side at all times despite the benefit to my safety that would provide." He spoke calmly, eloquently but somewhat slowly as he collected his thoughts for what else he was to say. "It should go without surprise that I have enemies who would have in their interests to see harm come to me. Even with my golem to defend me I am but a lowly magician, not at all greater than many you probably know. I know a few spells that can be helpful to others but alone I'm much too weak, hence why I am offering pay for additional security." He explained himself to the best of his ability. It was not his intent to necessarily leave out just who his enemies were but he was subconsciously reluctant to discuss it. In the back of his head he knew she'd turn him down rather than stand against those he's personally angered.

After listening carefully to Richard, Altara finally nodded. "So, your magic isn't really oriented towards direct fighting...and yes, I can see it's a tight squeeze for Validus. Well, the more the merrier, I suppose..." At that moment, she suddenly thought of something else to ask him. "This probably isn't something I should know now, but do you really have any objective in mind, or are you just trying to stay hidden from your...enemies?"

He sighed a bit, somewhat pessimistic about just how likely she was to accept his offer. "Unfortunately I cannot say that I have a direct goal of any such importance. I'm simply keeping between cities, making money how I can and surviving." He really couldn't of sold it any worse if he tried, at least in his mind. Just who'd want to follow someone as aimless and meek as I? I can only hope she pities me now. He thought to himself on a closed mind channel, his mind the only audience to his thoughts.

"I see..." Internally, Altara breathed a sigh of relief, but she knew it wouldn't last long. "Then, while it's strange for me to make a request of an employer, perhaps there's something we could do for myself?" God, that sounded more selfish than she intended...oh well, too late to stop. Best to just see how he would react...

"I'm listening..." He places the tips of his fingers together, his hands forming a narrow arch over the table while he focused on her and what she had to say. He was intrigued...

Somehow, it seemed as though all semblance of cheerfulness had drained from Altara's face; she now looked more like a lost child. "Well...it's just..." She actually had to stop and swallow before continuing. "The truth is, I only just woke up around an hour ago, with absolutely no memories of what happened before then. I managed to remember my name...and, mind you, some of my combat techniques...but other than that, it's all a mystery." Looking straight into Richard's eyes, she finally managed to blurt out the last part. "Would you mind if I tried to figure out more about my past along the way?"

While most people would find that a very odd request and perhaps doubt the capabilities of someone who was a self confessed amnesiac he was entranced by her revelation. The fact that he wasn't the only one who had suffered a sudden onset case of amnesia was proof that there was something else at work, not just some strange malfunction with his brain. "Fascinating. Truly fascinating..." He spoke quietly and mostly to himself, thinking on this sudden departure from their previous topic in great depth. "I must admit, and not just because you just confessed to it yourself, but I just as recently experienced an effect similar to what you described." He almost seemed to lose focus for a moment as he looked up, considering the possibilities. "I can only wonder what the cause behind it all must be..."

"You as well?" Altara's eyes widened a little. "That is really bizarre..." She let out a small exhale, before tapping Richard on the arm. "Well then...I don't know how long we'll be travelling together, but why don't we both try and find out what sort of lives we lived back then?" It was much smaller now, but a smile had returned to her face.

He nodded in agreement. "That sounds quite agreeable. A partnership it shall be then." He extended a hand to shake on the agreement. "Well then?"

Reaching over the table and gripping Richard's hand firmly, the red-haired knight shook it. "It's a deal," she told him. "So, what do you plan to do next?"

He leaned back after their shake to ponder the question since he actually hadn't given it much thought. "I haven't much of a destination in mind. I suppose my next move was to head south along the eastern coast." He placed his thumb and index finger along his chin while he considered the options. "My next immediate action was to see who else was interested in accepting my offer. Unless you find issue with other uptakers I figure as long as they're competent and pose little risk of exposing my position at least one more companion would be welcome."

South along the east coast...? Altara tried to remember if there were any notable cities in that direction...yeah, that worked out great, thanks to her amnesia. "Alright then," she replied. "So, you'll try and scout at least one more person out, and we'll leave tomorrow morning, I suppose?"

He shrugged. "Fair enough. As for money division, all earnings will be split three ways until we part for seperate paths. There is also one last thing to mention before we go ahead." As he said this he pushed his chair back and stood up. From his backpack he slid out what appeared to be a rectangular dark stone tablet. Ornate arcane sigils occupied 64 squares along the surface, all encompassed by an ornate arcane border. Holding the board out just before the table all of a sudden two glowing white spirals of solid magic emitted out from the bottom of the tablet forming a circle on the ground which supported it like a base for a center pillar table. "While optional you may find my supportive spells far more potent should you agree to attune to me." He paused for a moment before realizing he should elaborate more before she was too off-put by this sudden impromptu light show. "It is a process in which I cast the Rite of Attunement, proposing the offer to attune to me which you can speak allowed 'I accept the Pact of Attunement' and attune yourself to me. It gives latent benefits to yourself and allows certain spells of mine to aid you more effectively as well as to manipulate the flow of battle. If you wish to cancel it at any time you simple need say 'I hereby relinquish the Pact of Attunement to Richard.'" After the long explanation he took a breath.

While wondering if she should agree to the division of money, Altara was startled by the tablet...doing its...magic. "...this pact isn't going to require me to do a blood sacrifice or something, right?" she asked, not even sure if she was joking or not there.

"Of course not. This is purely white magic, nothing nearly as dark as that." He did try not to sound offended at the proposition that he might be performing blood magic, a school which fellow white mages like himself typically scorned. "It's fairly simple on your part. If you wish, I shall cast the Rite and get on with it. You okay with that?" He asked her before putting the effort into conjuring up the whole rite.

"Hm...well, I suppose this can only help in the end," Altara concded. "Alright then...I accept the Pact of Attunement." She felt a little awkward saying it, hoping there wasn't some sort of condition she completely didn't know about...like putting her hand on the tablet or something simple like that.

"Good. That's just how it should sound once I conjure the rite." He put a little sarcastically as she accepted the rite before he had the chance to even conjure it.

He placed his hands on the table, causing each of the tiles on it to glow as he started to speak arcane words of ancient power. This continued for roughly five minutes, the lights growing brighter and more elaborate as an azure blue arcane circle started to form about an inch above the table. His eyes glowed white as power flowed through his voice, speaking aloud the Rite of Attunement. "DO YOU ACCEPT THE PACT OF ATTUNEMENT, Y/N?"

Trying not to let her embarrassment over saying the words too early show, Altara exhaled again, then recited them once more. "I accept the Pact of Attunement."

Upon accepting the Pact of Attunement an Arcane Circle Etched itself upon the back of her right hand, glowing through her glove with potent magical power. The moment the circle upon her hand formed in full all the lights dissipated save for the legs of the table itself. Blinking twice Richard looked around, his eyes now back to normal along with the rest of his body. He could feel it now though, they were linked. "Now you are attuned to me. We can communicate telepathically. Do not worry, any thoughts you do not wish shared will remain yours and yours alone." He tested out her mental channel, both to introduce it's function to her and to see if it went through properly.

Once again, Altara was startled--this time, by the thoughts sent through the mental channel. "Whoa...this will take a bit of time getting used to", she responded. "So...it's done, then?" she asked in the real world, standing up. "I suppose, then, I'd best look for any supplies I...no, we might need on our way."

He nodded. "Indeed. If you need any money for supplies I can lend my funds for purchase as it's for the good of the group in general. Do note that I can repair any gear you or anyone else with little to no difficulty and I'll do so freely for anyone of our group." He let her know as he felt it would be useful for her to know before setting out. "Another convenient feature is that this method of communication is not hampered by distance or obstacles of mundane nature." He added. That being said, he deactivated his board and slipped it back into his backpack.

"Oh, is that so? That's good to hear; now I know I won't have to worry about maintenance on my equipment tonight. Thank you," Altara told him with a smile, as she walked towards the door. "Well...see you in a bit, then. I look forward to meeting our next--"

It was at that moment that she suddenly remembered Lyra's warning regarding that man with the red scarf. Her words faltered a little, but she quickly resumed. "--our next group member." "I know it's a bit weird to be saying this mentally right when I'm heading out, but...there was a man with a red scarf who was trying to talk with us. Watch out for him; he seems to have some kind of deception ability."

A shudder went up his spine upon hearing her warning. "I thank you for the warning. I wouldn't put it past my enemies to look towards hiring assassins with such capabilities. I'll keep my wits about me if I do suspect his presence."

"Good. Alright then, see you later--for real this time," Altara responded, as she opened the door and walked out. Looking down at the card with Lyra's requests, she headed back downstairs to see about fulfilling them.

The red haired girl he had tried talking to quickly ran inside of the "Minstral's Mug," which seemed to be some sort of pub after giving a half hearted acknowledgement. "Probably claustrophobic or something. Some people couldn't deal with having a lot of others around them. Caleb gave a chuckle at Axel's rejection.

Suddenly out of the blue, a voice cut through the town's bustle. "Excuse me, Mr. Red Scarf, wait a moment, please. I would like a moment to speak first." Axel turned to see the ogress not far from himself extending a hand. She seemed rather friendly, quite the opposite of her race's stereotype, especially those set by humans. "Scarf? It's a cape..." He'd let it slide despite Caleb's muffled laughter.

Smile, change in tone, friendly posture. He was getting used to it now. "Hello, I'm Axel. Pleased to meet you, what is it you'd like to discuss?" Axel took her hand, shaking it firmly.

Tharin nodded slowly as Zeebarl responded. The halfling merchant appeared a shrewd man, wanting nothing other than to keep his goods intact and his money plentiful. As a fellow merchant, albeit of a different type, Tharin understood the struggle that Zeebarl could face. When people were uncertain in one place, that discomfort could spread to other areas, causing a merchant to lose business and eventually go bankrupt. Tharin had been one of those lucky enough to never come close to losing customers. Being the head of a substantial black market in one of Amtophia's largest cities had its perks.

Most would think that a black market dealer would be mostly interested in transporting physical goods that were outlawed in places or items that were hard to come by anywhere else due to their collector status. There was a certain truth in their statements, one that many would agree with. Tharin had a different idea. What mattered more than material possessions was information. One who could broker knowledge, sell it to certain people in exchange for a cut of whatever was made, it was them that made the most money. Knowledge was power and the one who could amass the most knowledge would generally win. Provided they had funding of course. Physical goods were useful in that respect.

"Truly, 'twas my honor to serve you Mr. Zeebarl," Tharin replied. "My name do be Tharin Karzaduk, a merchant much like yourself. I understand the protectiveness you feel for your goods and would not dare impinge on them. And it was a pleasure to work on this with ye, Mr. Esk. If ever you need something, contact me. I'm afraid I can stay no longer. There is business I must attend to."

After listening to their responses, he wandered off into the market, rambling and thinking about what he would do next, hoping something would disturb him so he did not have to think so much.

As the half-elf announced their name, Zeebarl quickly spun round on his heels to face them, replying curtly but politely; "Ah, been good working with you Mr. Esk, thank you yet again for you assistance. I shall sell you the needles and thread you desire soon my friend, with a slight discount of-course, I will just finish business with the gentleman here now. As you suggested yourself, be with you in a moment about the issue!", before turning back to the dwarf, his friendly persona still upheld, rather glad that Esk was acting like such a polite and reasonable lad.

As the dwarf talked, who he introduced himself as Tharin Karzaduk, Zeebarl realized why his tone sounded familiar as he announced himself as a fellow merchant. It was the tone of someone attempting to act diplomatically, trying aim on getting the conversing to sway judgement to their opinion and view. It was the kind of tone he used himself to reel in a deal. Naturally a fellow vendor would understand his reasoning behind his protectiveness of his possessions and wares, and mixed with his shared trait of impeccable manners with Esk, which despite his suspicions of the fellow, was liking them all the more. Before he could change his mind or warm to Tharin more, the merchant dwarf announced he had to leave, saying for he and the half-elf to contact him if they needed anything, and that he had business to attend to.
"Farewell Mr. Karzaduk, it was a pleasure meeting you good sir, hopefully we will be able to do business once again!", Zeebarl replied, bidding the the fellow salesman farewell as he wandered if he would become a business rival or possible and ally. Though for all he knew he might never meet the dwarf again.

He then turned back to Esk with a wide tactical grin and asked the simple question; "So my good man, any particular needles and thread you need?", as he rubbed his hands together before adding; "Because otherwise I have a wonderful sewing kit of top quality available."
He then focused his attention on the cart's tarp, removing it carefully before rummaging around for the recently mentioned sewing kit, digging through his wares as he awaited Esk's reply.

Richard

'Hey...you know that elf girl I was with when we first met? She wants to know if she can come along...moreover, she wants us to find someone who's good at breaking curses. Are you alright with her being with us? If it's necessary, I'll support her with my earnings alone.'

Richard was milling about the market cataloguing his inventory when he received her message. He frowned when he heard the news as it threw a wrench in his plans. He considered what he was planning on doing next carefully before responding.

'No need to split your earnings, I understand. She may come along if she wishes, I'll provide for her until we can break her curse. If you can do so however please come to the agreed meeting point as early as you can manage. I'm hoping to not waste too much time as staying mobile is imperative'


With that said he made his own way down to the town center. On the way he realized he should probably let Hope in on the news. No doubt it would be an unwelcome departure from whatever arrangements he's likely cooked up by this point but it was necessary he be informed.

'Altara, the red haired woman with the spear, is bringing an extra along. Sorry to say I don't think we'll be taking along anyone else. The size of this group would be simply unsustainable for my current budget. Still, I think our numbers are sufficient for the level of threats we'll be running astray of.'

That message sent he continued onward, his head hung low as he arrived at the town's center. Softly walking over he sat down upon the bench next to the fountain in the center of town, Validus casting a long shadow over him as it stood parked right next to the bench. He really didn't honestly think that hiring help would be this much trouble. Is it going to be worth it? He dwelled in his own head, thinking about what might come of it all. Even if he were to pay for ten more guards like these he was fairly sure if any of the chess club members showed up the only suitable solution would be to run as fast as possible. It was the only solution that's kept him alive so far and he was loath to depart from a method that's been proven to be effective at keeping him alive when all odds state that he should be dead or worse right now.


With a sigh he looked up at the sky. There was a gentle white cloud slowly drifting it's way across the blue expanse that was the sky. Being in a city wasn't his favorite thing in the world. Even though he had always been a city kid, living on the streets with everyone else there was a gentle serenity to the countryside that was simply lost in the everyday bustle of life.

Validus would of worn an expression of boredom if it could. Quite used to being disregarded as some large mindless automaton it took very little stock in minding the social interactions of living folk. Still, it beat mindlessly smashing itself against black duplicates of itself for their entertainment.

As soon as Zeebarl had his money and Esclava had his sewing kit, the merchant almost immediately pocketed the money, obviously happy to have made the sale, which was confirmed with the words; "Thank you very much Mr. Esk, your patronage is much appreciated. I do hope you find the kit to come in use for you.", seeming to burst from his lips almost instantly when Esk began inspecting the newly bought item, the vendor rubbing his hands happily.

The halfling was just about to turn and leave, especially when noticed even more rougher looking folks entered the Minstrel's Mug, most likely a sign the usual tavern rowdy crowd would arrive soon, but the half-elf's inquiry stopped him, realizing he had another sale on his hands.
As he looked round, he realized he had lost sight of the red haired knight and her companions unfortunately, a shame for sue as she seemed quite interested in something among his stock. Perhaps he would be lucky enough to find her afterwards, though now was all about Mr. Esk once more.
Zeebarl picked up the Seax and gave it a quick swing at some incriminating looking empty space before holding it out in front of Esk.
"You have a good eye my friend, for this large knife is not just a simple weapon surely to cut through the defenses of your foes with ease, thanks to it's supremely sharp edge, but also quite the handy tool as you most probably know my good man! Whether for cutting at the overgrowth of your surrounding wilderness, carefully slicing through cloth to get just the right amounts, or merely to simply sever a rope, this seax is surely the tool for the job, and it can be yours for a single silver coin. A bargain would you say. Mr. Esk?", Zeebarl chattered, trying to big up the dagger as much as he could, obviously desperate to make this tool sound grander.

Hoping Esclava would bite the bait and be a silver coin richer, Zeebarl tried his utmost to remember what was in the direction that the red haired knight and he cohorts had left in, seeming only able to recall a droopy and withering tree, making him feel just a tad frustrated at his recent amnesia, wondering how many times he had been to this place before, a she seemed to remember some minute snippets of the city. He decided it would be wiser to keep his attention on his current customer instead, giving Esk a a bigger grin as he awaited his answer.

Richard

He was looking none too thrilled until Altara showed up. He lightened up to try and not project an attitude that was overtly negative but at best he could only muster a mildly downtrodden expression. He attentively listened to her news.

"Hello again," she greeted him. "Too bad I'm not bearing good news."

Looking back, she gestured to the orc lady she had been leading here. "Here we go...this is Uona. It seems that Hope guy arranged something with her regarding our group...not that I know what it was. It seems he wanted to hire her, though, since she knows about the--"

She paused, thinking about how to proceed about what she was going to tell him next or so it seemed from her expression. "...your telepathy ability," she finished mentally. "What do you want to do?"


He sighed. I can't believe he just went ahead and told somebody about the pact without first directing them to me. At this rate everyone will know I'm here if word spreads He mulled over his concerns as his face seemed to droop back into the palms of his hands once more, resting into a full face-palm.

'I don't know. We may have to take her along, although I don't know how I'll be able to support all these followers.' He answered Altara's question mentally before turning his attention back to Uona.


Polite enough to know not to speak to someone through his hands he lifted his head and stood up to greet Uona.

"Firstly, hello again Altara. Greetings Uona." He greeted the two of them. "As I've explained to Altara here I've had to be extra careful in regards to my security as of late. I'm not sure how much Hope has explained but I need to be careful as to who knows what about me. The last thing I need is for those who are looking for me to know where I am and where I'm going." He explained to Uona.

He extended a hand to Uona to shake. "Seeing as how we've just met it's only proper that we shake hands first. My name is Richard and it is good to meet you." He introduced himself to her in full since there was no need for dancing around his identity, especially since Hope was being so liberal with his information.


'Are you interviewing the man in the red scarf?' He asked Hope over his mental channel. He could only hope that Hope didn't already reveal everything to the man who was likely an assassin out to kill him already.

Zeebarl's grin flickered for a moment as he heard the 'however', internally bracing himself for whatever catch the catch was, annoyed at there being some condition to the trade such a having not the right currency, wanting to trade for it or simply wishing to lower the price. He tended to prefer things to go immensely smoothly, believing it to prove his worth as a merchant, but he was sure he could handle whatever the issue was.

There was no cause to worry however, as it seemed he merely wanted to test the seax himself, which Zeebarl was perfectly fine with complying to as Esk took the large knife from his hands.
As the half-elf tested it for himself, slashing at thin air himself, he seemed pleased with product, which Zeebarl seemed pleased about as well. As he turned back to the halfling merchant, he placed the seax in a leather sheath and handed Zeebarl a silver coin which he snatched greedily, as Esk attached his new weapon and tool to his belt.
"No problem at all good sir, it was pleasant indeed in doing business with you and making your acquaintance, so, like wise! I'm sure that seax shall be most useful on your travels!", Zeebarl replied heartily to Esk's gratitude, clasping the offered hand and shaking it vigorously.

"Well, Mr. Esk, I do hope you have a safe journey to........ wherever your going to. Feel free to follow along if you wish, you seem like a trustworthy sort. If not,then I bid you farewell my good man, as a merchant's work is never done!", Zeebarl announced before giving a flourishing bow to his latest customer, before grabbing his cart by the pair of handles, dragging i after him with a grunt of effort as he started heading in the direction he saw the red haired knight leave in, whether Esclava came along with him or not.

As he wandered down the street, looking around for his next possible customer, calling out nosily; "Perfect deals and offers right here! Get your bargains! We got weapons, armor, tools, clothes, food, books, tomes, magical assortments, accessories and whole bunch of curios and brica brac!", also looking around his surroundings for any, well, customers in general, as well as keeping an eye out for any nasty sorts that'd be interested in nicking his wares.

Lillian looked over with a chuckle hearing Reimel's stomach, hoping that was grumbling due to hunger and not from nerves. She held his hand a tad harder as she lead him through the bustling streets, not wanting to get separated because he was so new to this type of surrounding. Even though he could surely hold his own in a fight, elves seemed to be in high demand amongst slavers and almost every city seemed to hide a black market that would love to drag off a "wild elf" into chains and collars. Lillian on the other hand, though she was not a fan of the city in particular she found it necessary to wander in from time to time to fuel her habits and find employment to there for pay for said interests. She would look over the faces of the others going about their days and shook her head feeling sorry for these zombie like bodies that seemed to just move through the motions of living without the aide of the god overlords that once controlled all like little puppets. Well, that was her theory at least though many didn't believe it and would say it was the ramblings of a drunken druid with PTSD.

She would finally released the elven man's hand as they stood in front of the lion's den, or The Minstral's Mug. Placing her hands upon her hips as she stood in quiet awe of the shabby establishment and blessing the gods, because it did not look all that routy today. Lillian shifted her attentions over to Reimel to gauge his reaction, before giving him a playful probe to the side with her elbow. "Are you hungry?"

Reimel stood in awe that shear amount of people that waded through the street like a never ending river. So many people yet there faces seemed blank and void of life. "So...many...so....depressed." Glancing back and forth between the people and the building he wondered how the managed to such structures with out the aid of the wise forest spirit and no great wolf to protect them from the those who would hunt them. Between his wonder and questions he would look at Lillian the elven woman whom he had decided to follow in to this unknown place. She seemed unfazed by all of this and seemed to know were to go.

After what seemed like forever, they stopped and stood in front off what seemed to be a poorly kept together building. A sign hung with strange marking he couldn't identify but assumed they were words of some sort. This seemed to be the place they were heading. Lillian had let go of his hand which just seemed to make him more nervous then he was already. She had asked him if he was hungry. "Yes..." he said shyly as his stomach growled a bit in response.

(This is a collaboration by Alle, roomrider and Zalgo.)

Hope wondered about it for a moment. Double or nothing for the two, which was reasonable enough. He was going to have to make some changes to the accommodate them though, since there were only two chairs. Maybe he could sit on his pack? Or he could stand up for the whole session. Hope also might need to hurry if he was to make it on time. Hope smiled and said pleasantly "Pleased to meet you too, Axel, Cat. Sounds reasonable enough. I'll have to make some changes to the decor if I want to make it fit three, though, hold on."

Hope turned and closed the door. While he was locking it, Richard's voice came into his head. 'Are you interviewing the man in the red scarf?'

Hope gave no indication that he was replying someone mentally. 'Yeah, just about to. I'm meeting his partner at the same time as well.' Hope replied cheerily. Uona must have met Richard, then. There was no one else who knew that he was holding meeting with Axel right now.

Hope walked purposefully towards the table, continuing his mental conversation. 'He's actually got a cape instead of a scarf. Since he's an assassin, his partner might be one too. Not too sure if he's out to kill you though, but I'm not going to say anything beneficial, like the pact, in case he is. Or Validus. Validus is awesome. Still not sure whether to call Validus a him or an it or a she, though. Anyway, I'm not that much of an idiot.'

Cat was fidgeting a bit, and a look from Axel put a quick end to the unnecessary movement. He then diverted his gaze towards their interviewer. Hope was on the shorter side, 3'6 at most. Blonde hair and hazel eyes. The man's body type didn't make him look particularly threatening, but looks were deceiving. Furthermore, Axel spotted a quiver and crossbow on Hope's person.

"Explain?..." Richard was a bit confused about what Uona just said. From what he remembered Hope said little to nothing about distracting anyone over their connection. Something wasn't adding up and that had him a little concerned.

"This seems suspicious" Validus cautioned him. If Richard was considered paranoid then Validus was triply so. Validus's innate design and purpose was to protect him first and foremost. The first thing that would ever cross the golem's mind was what threats, potential or otherwise, were around. Richard listens to these warnings well but often looks at the situations more objectively first, weighing the potential risks seen by Validus and reducing the possible threat of danger by about fifty percent before considering the actual danger. He wasn't one to jump to conclusions about things but even he felt that there was something fishy about this.

Deciding the test the waters a little he gave Hope another message. "What about the distraction?"

If Hope didn't know what he was talking about then it would confirm that Uona made that part up. He wasn't happy about it but considering the situation he was in it was not outside of calm logic to worry about potential assassins.

Hope grabbed a hold of a chair, lifting it. Inwardly, he replied to Richard 'It's going pretty well, they'll be stuck here for a while.' he lifted the chair and carried it around to the other side of the table. 'I'm not sure how much time I can give you, but it should be enough. Ask Uona for details, she helped me come up with this.' hope placed the chair directly beside the other chair, then began to walk towards the empty side.

Assuming the chairs were for Axel and himself, Cat plopped himself down in one only to be uprooted by Axel. Cat's manners weren't the best, it just wasn't the man's style. The duo waited a bit awkwardly for Hope to ask of them of sit. Things were going regularly, as far as the two could assess.

Hope continued to walk past the table and towards the window. He had to give himself more time to answer Richard, so... open the window! Hope had to check if he could sit on the windowsill anyway. He inspected the windowsill, opening the windows to add to the space. It was... much too thin. it was hardly wide enough to stand on, let alone sit. Drat.

Well, no matter. Closing the window and walking over to his pack, Hope grabbed it and walked over to the table, standing at the side without chairs. He looked behind him towards the window, checking to see if it was closed. Yup, it was. Placing his pack down on the ground beside him, Hope faced Axel and Cat, saying happily "I'm done! Sorry for taking so long. Here, take a seat, I'll start then."

Axel and Cat both sat down on the chairs, Cat gave a questioning look towards Axel. The man with the red cape kept his gaze on Hope, ignoring his companion's eyes. "Oh it's fine really." the man's tone was relaxed and carefree. "Thank you for agreeing to interview the two of us at once.

Hope smiled and said "Its no problem, really. I'm guessing you're wondering about the job requirements." Hope's smile turned serious. Time to get down to business. "My employer is currently at odds with the Dinius High Academy of Wizardry Wizard's Chess Club. They are out for his blood, and will not rest until he is dead."

Hope paused and took a breath, placing his hands in his pockets. "To survive, he has hired people for protection. However, he is also in need of an information network. To this end, he is recruiting people who can get information about his enemies. Locations, weaknesses, plans, anything. you might have to fight them, but it'll probably be mostly information gathering. Once the threat to my employer has been neutralized, my employer will pay you through me one hundred gold. Any questions?"

"100 gold each? Or for the both of us? Either way, it isn't much. Will there be any other benefits I should know about?" Axel was hoping for much more than a measly 100 or possibly 200 gold. Then again, he and his companion didn't necessarily need to do any of the dirty work, but it was always good to push for a better deal nonetheless.

"100 gold each, achievable upon completion." Hope said effortlessly. It would be a bit harder than earning 100 gold, but he could do it. Worry how later. "there are no other benefits, unless you count traveling with Uona as one. the ogre lady from before. she'll be able to contact me to send the information."

This information did nothing to make Axel any less reluctant to take the job. "Anything up front?" This would be the last hope. If the employer could give at least 20% of the original payment up front, the chances of receiving a fair payment on completion went up considerably. If not...things would look grim.

"I see no reason to pay you upfront." Hope stated baldly. Besides, he didn't have that much money on him right now. 200 gold is not good for carrying, especially if you wanted to stay alive. "You have not given me information about my employers enemies. This requires mutual cooperation, where both parties have to trust each other to get what they want. I trust you for accurate information about my employers enemies, while you trust me to pay you after the mission is completed. And besides," Hope added, his voice softening, almost regretful "I cannot pay you even if I wish to. My employer has all the money, while I have none."

He was smart, not letting anything slip, but he got the man on something. "Could there be a circumstance where I could possibly...know without a doubt that you will pay me? Or more specifically, can pay me.

"Well..." Hope frowned and cupped his chin in his hand, thinking. So far, it seemed to be going well, but how could he verify... ah. wait.

They needed a way to get information to Hope, and since Uona had the same job and a way to contact him, well...

"You remember what i said before about Uona? She's got the same job and knows how to contact me, so you can send information through her to me. She can vouch for me. Other than that, I can't do anything. I can't pay you until you accomplish the mission. I haven't even been paid yet" - Hope made sure to sound a bit exasperated by this. It was of his own volition, but Axel and Cat didn't need to know that, - "so I'm in the same boat as you. Sorry." he said, smiling regretfully.

Right then. He confirmed back to Hope over the telepathy they were currently connected by. Looking back towards those of his group who were gathered he looked over them until his eyes finally stopped at Uona. "I was told by Hope you'd be able to explain the rest of his plan. Come, I trust you're up to explaining yourself over some travel." He informed her before turning towards the path down a main street. "Best not to let his efforts be put to waste. We leave now." He announced to the party, taking to steps before remembering something which prompted him to look over to Altara and her companion Lyra.

"I've got provisions for her but if need be it might be necessary to hunt for food. Just a worst case scenario though, think nothing much of it please. If you really need to stay for a period longer however now's the time to say." He didn't want to seem harsh or confrontational in any capacity but all this finagling about that dealing with Hope has lead to has left him with very little of the fellow's namesake. He was not at all confident with the people he was dealing with save for possibly Altara since she interested him in an intellectual capacity given the strange events she's brought up without much motive or prompt. Still, dealing with these people has not been like dealing with any mercenaries he has seen anywhere else and he didn't like being outside of his range of knowledge. Not knowing things was dangerous and the last thing a man being hunted by peers who he feared needed.

With nothing but doubt to go on he and Validus set forth towards the gates of the city, trying to leave with the faintest of hopes that it remains as uncomplicated as it sounds. It wasn't a great hope but there was nothing else to hope for. There was nothing else he wanted more than to be less accompanied right now rather than more.

"Sorry for taking so long. Go first, I'll tell you when I'm done. I'm really sorry.' Hope thought back, still smiling regretfully.

Uona followed behind, shortening her stride so as not to overtake him.

"Hope explained to me that you took something from your school," Uona began, slouching a bit so Richard could hear her better. "And that the school is willing to kill you to retrieve it. He also mentioned the school will not let you return it, which struck me as odd."

She shrugged her shoulder to keep her sword from slipping off. She felt she would need to shorten her explanation a bit if she were to finish before arriving at the gates. If she were to be travelling apart from Richard's party, it wouldn't do to leave her potential compatriots behind and leave the city.

"I do not understand why they would not let you return it if they want it so badly," she huffed. "My proposed plan was for myself, and Axel if he accepts the job from Hope, to travel apart from the three - four of you," she glanced up at Validus. "and direct our attention towards the school itself in order to investigate just why it is they would refuse its return in favor of taking it from your corpse. We will also be gathering what information we can on your enemies and their movements so that you may more easily evade them."

She hoped this proposition would be acceptable to him. It concerned her that such an organization would take such illogical measures, and she wanted to know why. It occured to her that there was one other thing she needed to know as well, but she would refrain from asking until she had recieved his response.

Brainde, Merrowvale
October 21, 2014--6:04 PM

As if he didn't look distressed enough before Altara started talking, Richard put his face in his hands. "I don't know. We may have to take her along, although I don't know how I'll be able to support all these followers," he responded mentally. After that (and a short verbal greeting), he began conversing with Uona.

While they were standing around, Altara started to wonder if she should break off for a bit and see about that thing she had spotted in the merchant's cart. Her gaze started to wander, prompting Lyra looked at her anxiously. "A-Altara...s-shouldn't you be, um, p-paying a bit more a-attention?" she asked, nudging the red-haired knight on the shoulder.

"Huh? Well...we didn't really get a chance to grab supplies before we came here with Uona," Altara replied, looking a bit concerned. "Perhaps it'd be best to-"

"Best not to let his efforts be put to waste. We leave now." Richard's words were so (im)perfectly timed that it was actually a bit funny, especially because he wasn't talking to Altara herself. He took two steps forward before turning to Altara and gesturing to Lyra with his hand. "I've got provisions for her, but if need be, it might be necessary to hunt for food. Just a worst case scenario though, think nothing much of it please. If you really need to stay for a period longer, however, now's the time to say." No sooner had he finished talking, than he started walking away, with Validus following.

Lyra and Altara looked at each other, a little bit dismayed about not being able to get more supplies. But Altara just shrugged, took the elf girl by the hand, and hurried to catch up with Richard. From the looks of it, they were heading down a main street down towards the southern gate.

As they walked on, Altara heard Uona talking to Richard about what was going on with him. So these were the details she hadn't asked for...how bizarre. What could be so valuable to a school? Very strange...

"We'll be fine with hunting, by the way," she cut in, not thinking about how rude it was to do so. "Or at least, I will. Don't know about your tastes, though, Richard...hey, Lyra, you ever eat bear meat cooked over a fire?"

The elf girl looked at her with a less than enthusiastic expression.

Richard

"Hope explained to me that you took something from your school," Uona seemed to lean down towards him before continuing. "And that the school is willing to kill you to retrieve it. He also mentioned the school will not let you return it, which struck me as odd."

That sinking feeling he felt earlier came back with a real resurgence. He told her everything didn't he...

"I do not understand why they would not let you return it if they want it so badly. My proposed plan was for myself, and Axel if he accepts the job from Hope, to travel apart from the three - four of you and direct our attention towards the school itself in order to investigate just why it is they would refuse its return in favor of taking it from your corpse. We will also be gathering what information we can on your enemies and their movements so that you may more easily evade them."

He kept silent for a moment, stopping dead in his tracks right before the gates leaving town.

Nope.

He was not one to be overly judgmental but the ogress's plan was terrible. Not only did she not understand what he understood about the people he was on the run from but given her basic lack of knowledge of who he had taken the board combined with the risks it provided it was strongly objectionable on many levels.

Firstly she was offering to step into a scenario she has little grasp or understanding of the risk that she'd get found out and expose him, a risk that was far too great. They had many means by which to divulge information and even the smallest connection to him was more than enough. She's seen his face, she knows his name and she knows he stayed at this town. All that would be more than necessary for them to narrow down their search and knowing who was spear-heading the hunt it would not be long before he's found. He had estimated it would take them at least a few years to find his trail. With her plan it'd be more like a few weeks.


"Look, do not take this in the wrong way but I would much prefer it if you were to dedicate your efforts into a different venue. I have not the funds to pay for either of you and quite frankly the plan you've constructed makes me significantly less safe, not more. I'm adequately protected with the current security I've employed so I honestly need no more people than this. So I just ask, please... Just please find alternative work. My deepest apologies if you were misled."

After finishing his humble plea he finally took in a deep breath, exhausted both from the stress and the lengthy amount of talking he just did. He didn't mean to work himself up like so but the thought of what unsightly fates would await him if he were caught really did scare him. They would probably disassemble Validus too. A very depressing thought indeed.


"We'll be fine with hunting, by the way," Altara broke up the heavy silence that briefly followed his sentence.
"Or at least, I will. Don't know about your tastes, though, Richard...hey, Lyra, you ever eat bear meat cooked
over a fire?"

Her idle chatter helped distract him from the more depressing thoughts of his. In response to her verbal train of thought he just shrugged.

"I guess we'll both find out."

As Zeebarl continued to wonder the streets, he ended up with a fair amount of customers along his search for the red haired knight, having to stop for the honest acquirement of a tidy profit. There was certainly no shortage of curious villagers, having to stop and move again, just to stop for another local wishing to browse his wares. It was beginning to turn his confident stride into a crawl to the next curious bystander, who annoyingly not all was interested in his wares and there was even a few cheeky light fingered types who were met with a quick slap on the hand and stomp on the foot. Somewhat merciful of Zeebarl, though most likely only do to it being in a crowded street.
As pleased as he was at the sight of exchanged goods and monetary gain for himself, especially happy about the sale of an old anvil he had been meaning to get rid of for quite sometime now, this wasn't exactly getting him closer to the potential customer he spotted earlier and her rag tag bunch of adventurers, who no doubt had more companions with them now.

That was the thing with would be heroes, always happy to bunch up together. A bit silly really, in Zeebarl's eyes. What if they were just out to steal your stuff? Not to mention the profit of whatever quest, favor, job, or whatever excuse for gallivanting into dungeons, caves, and castles were, the profit would always be split evenly. Not that Zeebarl minded fair dealings, far from it, but it did mean there was but a morsel left for one in a group of so many. He supposed it was more of the fresh air, perilous terrain and deadly combat than of a decent wage in being the reason why folks went adventuring. The halfling merchant then decided less pondering on the benefits and drawbacks of adventurers and more finding the group he had set his eye on.

As he continued on, he realized he was heading closer and closer to the gates on the outskirts of Brainde, with no trace of the red haired knight or her ogre and elf friend being nearby, peering around any nook or cranny he passed. He then also realized he had no idea how he knew that he was getting closer to the gates, but decided against questioning his odd scraps of knowledge. At this point, he simply accepted it. What he didn't decide against however is to keep his eyes forwards and nervously begin to quicken up the pace when his peering round made out the sight of Mr. Esk heading in his direction, obviously worried if he was unhappy with his purchase. Oblivious on why he would be so, Zeebarl made his way towards the gates nonetheless, determined to miss the half elf gentleman if it meant avoiding strife.

"Esk." Drei repeated back, then snapped out of whatever trance she had fallen under. What was she doing speaking to this man again? She looked straight into his emotionless blue eyes as she searched for any recognition in them, or anything recognisable in them for herself. She couldn't find anything. Instead, she found a complete stranger in front of her looking at her with the first non judgmental gaze she had received upon entering the city... almost as though he had no knowledge of what she was. A little smile tugged on her lips at that but quickly faded as she spotted the slight point of his ears. "Of course you're half elf," she sighed, her face scrunching up in distaste. The first person she had been urged to speak to, and they were an elf. She averted her eyes from him, looking up at the space of air beside his head.

"I don't have the wrong person; there was never a person to have wrong." Drei explained indignantly, blowing a stand of hair from her face. It had been annoying her the whole trip, and she had no hands to tuck it away with. She then continued as though she were speaking to herself rather than the boy, "I just remembered a dream I had where someone like you was eaten alive, that's it. You'd better pray that I'm not a prophet, or..." Drei noticed the man's torn pants and the blood on his legs which appeared to have been made by scratching talons. The prophecy appears to be already halfway to fulfillment. I'm going to start growing feathers next. Drei sniggered in amusement at the coincidence and looked back up to the half-elf boy, Esk.

"What am I doing? I'm not here to make useless small talk. I need to put this down already," she said to herself and turned without a "Sorry to bother you, bye." However, she didn't start to walk. The street's population had tripled without her knowledge, full of people making the most of the last hour of daylight. She scanned the street for a tavern but couldn't see one anywhere and began to wonder how long it would take to find one. A sudden wave of exhaustion took over her at the thought of getting somewhere to eat and rest and fix her annoying hair after travelling with a Caesara backpack all day.