Bliston
While the others had gone off to the inn to secure their own lodging for the night, Bliston was in dire need of tending to some business. The first of which was repairing his armor, which still bore the acidic marks from when the slimes had tried to eat their way through it. It would require more than just some simple time under the hammer. Whole sections needed to be replaced, however that would take time and Bliston did not feel he could convince the others to stay in town for the number of days it would take to both find a smith that would be willing to service him and for that same smith to finish pounding out the new plates for his armor. So for the sake of expedience, he's need to hire a mage that could reshape the armor via magic. Probably going to be more expensive to do, if he could find one, but it'd be his best chance of getting it done with any hope of quickness.
It took some pointed questions, not the least bit helped by people generally avoiding him whenever he came near, but he was able to force someone to tell him which way to the nearest enchanters shop was. Once he had that location he started down the market road towards the arcane quarter. Within minutes he had found the place, in the more upscale side of the market district and was opening the door. Inside the shop was a place much cleaner than the dusty stall outdoors, with merchandise and decorative tapestry aligning the walls. Many object were polished well enough to see ones reflection in them, some even glowing and all around their was this thin dark blue smoke that seemed to follow the patrons about, ghosting just out of their reach.
All the trappings of an mage trying to dazzle the small minded and easily fooled with parlor tricks. However the elaborate display did tell well that the enchanter that ran this shop must at least be competent. And speaking of which...
"Welcome good patron, what can I... I... uh."
Bliston stare down at the little man attending the counter. He was young with the stubble of a hair on his chin, and judging by his attire, probably the apprentice. He was also staring at the Daemon rather wide eyed and mouth agape. Also at the counter on the opposite side was a older man dressed in finer cloths, who quickly became an non-important entity when he turned around to see what the clerk was staring at and immediately became just as paralyzed. Rolling his eyes at the reaction, Bliston stepped forward and not-too-gently shoved the other customer out of the way and slammed the pack carrying his armor onto the counter. "Where is your master boy? I have business with him." The young man looked frantically between the large daemon and the other customer, before taking a moment to find his words. "He's, uh, h-he's in the back room." Bliston leaned down into the mans face. "Call him." He ordered.
Sweating, the apprentice yelled over his shoulder. "S-sir Ingald!" He started with a high pitch. "There is someone here th-th-that want's to see you!" A call came back "Tell them I'm busy and I am not to be disturbed!" The clerk looked back at Bliston, who started to bare his teeth. "I don't think he's going to take no for an answer!" "Well tough luck for him!" A moment passed, then a low growl started to emanate from the daemon's throat. Under this pressure the apprentice promptly jumped to his feet and hurried into the backroom to argue the point personally. Judging by the smell, he seemed to have wet himself in the process.
Standing straight again, Bliston let out a chuckle. "Works everytime."
Vilus and Duergen
It wasn't long before the two men find themselves in the Arcane Quarter. Vilus had ordered a shield yes, but taking hints from Duergen, decided to add some extra precautions. "I am glad yer takin' yer shortcomings serioosly." Duergen spoke. "Yes, I normally don't much care for shields...I believed they slowed me down, but...I need the added defense more so than I thought." Vilus responded. "I am equally glad, ye decided tae address th' issue 'bout mages also." "Hmph, normally I don't fret over mages, I usually close the distance before they get to use their magic, but...they are taking our mission, very seriously." As the two spoke the came upon the Enchanter's Shop."So thes be th' place, lit us finish thes bit of business." Duergen muttered as the two entered the shop.
As they entered the shop, they noted it's rather ornate and ostentatious decor, but it should be expected from both the type of shop and just where it is located. They had no interest, in the surrounding wares, especially Vilus. He just wanted to walk up to the counter and request his order and be off. They began to walk closer towards the counter to hear the sounds of panicked speech. Oh, and the surprise they would have when they discover the source of hearing such frantic utterances. Of all the places and, of all the times...it would seem one of the fellows they have been monitoring is here before them. And of course it wouldn't be any of the less imposing of that ragtag group of would-be Dragon Hunters. No, it had to be the most psychically daunting of that whole bunch of misfits, if there ever was any. A man, or half-man, whose reputation is not unknown to either of them, Bliston Ascor, was here.
"Now what?" Vilus whispered towards his comrade. "Worry nae, we shaa jist go about our business." Duergen responded. With calm nerves, they moved forward towards the counter and decided to take their places in line.
Bliston
Hearing the jingle of the bell of the stores door ring as it shut, Bliston casually looked back behind him at who had entered. A dwarf and a human. Both in dark clothing with what looked like armor underneath. Two warriors then, looking to find the enchanters work just like he himself. It would have been simple to drop notice of them then and their but one thing caught the daemon's eye for the briefest of moments. A look on their face before their expressions schooled themselves. A look of Recognition.
That was worrying. The fact that they tried and hide their surprise immediately afterwards was even moreso. Instinct told him that these men knew him. Experience told him that they also must be looking for him. Bounty hunters out for his head? Forgotten foes looking for revenge? Upstarts wanting fame for defeating him? For his part Bliston said nothing and did nothing. He merely turned away as if dismissing them from his attention, his stance loose and casual as it had been since they entered. However when they approached the counter line beside him, he made no attempt at hiding the fact that he was watching them from the corner of his vision.
Vilus and Duergen
The two darkly clad men, decided to be casual, like Bliston beside them. While Vilus felt a bit impatient with the vendors not showing themselves, Duergen was incredibly cool. Duergen off his peripherals, noticed the Daemon eyeing them as well. Without showing an hint of expression beyond his face, besides a patient look, he was deep in contemplation. "Hm, so ye take suspicion of us do ye, scoorge of a thoosain battlefields? Yoo're instinct an' tactical mind is certainly one of centuries worth. Ye live up tae such a reputation, dorn't ye?" Duergen thought, with a certain gleam of satisfaction over this fact. "That is guid, ye will need it when ye face th' dragon." Duergen ended his train of thought as they awaited to see when the vendor will decide to show themselves.
Except Vilus wasn't so keen on letting them take their time. "Hey! Hurry it up in there! You have customers waiting on you!" Vilus spoke up. "Don't we matter to you?!" As he finished Duergen looked over to him. "Patience me friend, patience." Duergen spoke. He noticed the other man in the room, but he seemed out of it from earlier, perhaps too afraid to move or speak. It was of no consequence to them.
Bliston
Nonchalantly Bliston raised his free hand and set it on the counter and began drumming his fingers on the wood. The dwarf was the more stoical of the two, and the human was of short temper. If either of them moved, the man was the more likely to strike first. Noting their positions relative to him, he also took stock of what was around the room. This was an shop for enchanted items after all, and around them were different object of that like, even if most of them were merely for appearances. On the very counter upon which Bliston rested his hand was a display box filled with various trinkets. Small knives, plates, a helm, and even a long brass bar with glowing runes. All within arms reach of the daemon if he should choose to bring such items as improvised weapons. A sobering thought, though one only to be acted on if they gave him cause. 'You haven't moved yet, despite the fact that if we came to blows the guard would certainly take your side against me. You can't believe I am not aware of you. So you are either extremely patient, or there is a reason why you haven't struck.'
Even with those thoughts, and his attempts to remain composed, the tension in the air still began to hang heavy. Almost pricking at the skin it was so think. In between the daemon and the two strangers, the small noble sweat beads. His sense of self preservation seemed to finally kick in at this point as he finally recognized that he was standing in the middle of a group large and well armed men. "I... believe I shall make my complaint to Ingald later..." Slowly the man backed away, before sprinting towards the door. The rattling of it opening and closing quickly was the last sound heard in the room.
Vilus and Duergen
The two men made no reaction to the man's mad dash to safety. Who could blame him? The situation, seeing three rather dangerous looking warriors standing so idly close to each other. It would seem rational to leave the situation, even if nothing where to happen its just not wise to take the chance. Still, they stood but the tension was felt by them as well. It was particularly heavy on Vilus. The man doesn't feel calm outside of a combat situation and his battle instincts are alerting him to a potential fight. Not only would it be challenging but exhilarating, he longed to feel the zen of entering a battle. It was the only time he felt like himself. Yet, the thought of Duergen was nagging in the back of his head. He knows the Dwarf would disapprove of his violence. He settled on reserving himself in order to avoid his partner's ire. It was a good reason they became partners, they were able to offset each other.
Duergen did wonder some what, on whether or not a battle would come to pass. He wasn't one to allow such tension to distract or disturb him. He was perfectly content on ignoring it. Still, he worried about his more impulsive partner, but for the months onto years now, Duergen was confident that he instilled a form of regiment upon Vilus. He has guided him into controlling himself, and Vilus has been quite receptive. It was difficult at first, but knowing his battle instincts he was able to convince him that being strategic is just as important as being a good fighter. Pick and choose your battles as they would say. They continued to stand about awaiting for whoever is running this shop to attend to it.
Selena
Selena was on the roof of the Arcane Quarter where she assumed the two men in black to be, unaware that Bliston was inside the building as well. Waiting on the roof, trying to listen to what's inside, only hearing one man whose voice she believe not belonging to the two, before that same man dash out through the door somewhat in fear and tripping a few times. Her plan is only observation, she won't draw her blades unless she know for sure that they're a threat. She might have to slit their throats in their sleep if she finds out their intentions.
Bliston
With the moment's passing without active engagement from either side, even after the one non-entity of the situation retreated from the scene, Bliston could at least deduce that these two weren't planning to engage him here. They had shown surprise when they spotted him upon entering, hinting that this meeting was not intended. And they were making a pointed note to avoid making direct visual or verbal contact with him; putting on the image that this was just another trip to the market for them. That indicated they were not prepared to act now, and were trying to save their hand. And to be honest, that was probably the right course of action for them both. Bliston himself had not expected this either and without his armor against two individuals that likely knew more about him than he knew about they a confrontation would be risky. Still though, it came down to one question. Did he want this pair of unknowns walking about when he had a chance to move before they did.
The daemon sighed, shifted his weight on his feet and rolled his shoulder while he placed his attention on the door to the back room. And then his eyes flashed bright with a dark color. That earlier mentioned 'prickling' of the skin was no longer a metaphor; it exploded outward like a storm of invisible needles. Passing through walls of the building even onto the street outside. The sensation of swarms of something small irritatingly bit and scratched at the skin while a heavy weight rested itself on the shoulders. That feeling, it had a heaviness and a foul hardness to it.
... it was not to dissimilar to what Animax had left in it's wake.
The door to the back room slammed open and the feeling in the air was dispelled immediately. Out from that door came the loud deep toned shout of "All right! Which of you louts is so damnably impatient that you have to go about harassing my twit of a apprentice to get my attention." Stomping into the store popper, the shop owner marched up to the back counter, pulled out at step ladder and and then continued to stomp his way up it's steps until the tiny half-ling could reach above the counter and scowl at his guest proper. "Figures," He spat at the men who all towered over him "Tis always either the thugs or the nobles that want to yammer my ear off. Well, out with it then! What ya want ye git?"
Vilus and Duergen
Whether or not it was a good idea was questionable. Not much was going on until the sudden burst of heavy and foul energy entered the area. Duergen knew right away where it came from and what exactly was the cause for it. Bliston was flexing his muscles, he really had the nerve to actually intimidate them with his infernal aura. It was unpleasant and weighed on his body, but this was not something that would either dissuade or provoke him to action. He would attempt a smile if he didn't know that would be the wrong idea. This little act despite the subtlety did reveal somethings to Duergen. Bliston noticed their surprise, and is paranoid of the fact that could have meant they know him. It could have just been the normal surprise of seeing a Half-Demon, which is what Duergen had hoped for. And their intentions of ignoring him was to not face such a beast and not incur it's wrath. To continue on as measly worms.
Yet, Bliston was far more perceptive that Duergen had intended. Not to mention his feeling out for other's intent, of course it could have been mere deduction. They did look formidable and that, coupled with short looks could come to some sort of conclusion that this could turn deadly. Still Duergen continued to stand and act as he did before, a wall of stoicism that would not be shaken even in the face of this impressive force. Of course....it does help that he has been exposed to such auras before....
Vilus on the other hand, wasn't quite sure how to take it. He failed to realize Bliston was just showing a hint of intimidation. Yet, the dark, stinging sensation was triggering a sense of danger. He felt that Bliston's little act of letting of his aura was perceived as a genuine threat to Vilus's well being. With a honed battle instinct, he quickly reached for his sword, preparing to defend himself posthaste. Duergen eyed his partner in concern over Vilus's impulsiveness and he was correct. Before Vilus attacked Bliston in defense of this perceived threat, the combined glare of Duergen and the distracting shouting of the shop owner snapped him out of his combative daze. He just recognized what he was about to do, his mind turned off, in that instant when the aura weighed upon his shoulders. Every fiber in his body was telling him that this was dangerous. He was not the kind of man to ignore his instincts. Yet, he knew he had to..,it was fortunate the Halfling appeared when he did. This would have gotten violent.
Duergen stared at the Halfling, he too knows one must be tough when most people and creatures are taller than you are. Still only few are shorter than he, and the Halflings are one such people. He decided to crack a smile and spoke, "We ur quite sorry shopkeeper, but I believe th' largest a body amang us, was heur first...," Duergen spoke to the owner as he glanced over to Bliston, "Please, go ahead." He finished with small bow of the head. Vilus looked over towards Duergen as he nodded his own head.
Selena
Selena was surprised by the sudden surge of nauseating, painful wind that came from inside the building. She knows only one person who could release such demonic aura. She had a grim expression on her face as she knew Bliston was on the same building as the two men. Was he intimidating them? It might turn into a bloodbath inside the building from the feels of it, but his evil aura dissipated when she heard a door slammed open and the shouting of another person released the tension, the owner of the voice appears to be the one who owns the place from his way of speech.
Should she check inside? No, she can't risk it, the two men appear to know about the group and who's in it. Bliston can handle the situation if things turn bad, she'll just go to his aid when a fight did start.
Bliston
With not more than a mere shrug, Bliston simply rested his elbow on the counter and leaned down to talk to the halfling as close to eye level as he could manage. "I'll give it to you short then. I need quick repairs done." The halfling tipped his hat upwards and glared at the daemon near four times his own size. "That's it?" He groused with a tone that suggested he felt insulted. "Thats what you were so prissy about that you needed to send Aalt running for me over? I am not some dull armorsmith man." "True" Bliston nodded "However I am a man in a hurry and I don't have the borrowed time needed for someone to replace the parts a few acidic oozes ate on the way here." The little man rolled his eyes and opened his mouth to say something, however Bliston dropped a pouch onto the wood before he could speak. It fell heavy and spilled over, pouring out several sovereigns into view. "two thousand as an advance fee for the work, and another two thousand when the work is finished."
The halfling looked at the coins, then back up to the horned man, and the two started to talk terms. In their exchange Bliston seemed to completely dismiss the other patrons behind him and act as if the entire scene before this had never happened.
Vilus and Duergen
The intense situation from earlier seemed to have blown over. It was apparent in Bliston's mannerisms. That was a relief to the Dwarf, at least Vilus and Bliston won't try and kill each other. It would have looked bad if they had to play their hand this early. Their mission is paramount overall and it would have set them back if they engaged each other or worse kill each other. Duergen noticed Bliston's urgency to repair his armor, which is telling him that they might not stick around long enough for his plans to even matter. He needs to ensure their mission is a success and...well, he would have to come up with something drastic to keep them hanging around. For the meantime, Duergen nodded towards Vilus as the two followed the Half-Demon's act and remained oblivious to all that has happened.
Bliston
With talks between Bliston winding down, a final agreement was reached. The small man would have the armor repaired by tomorrow mid day. Slipping a note to the small man with signed specifications and agreement of payment, they both stood straight. "Good business and good day to you then." The daemon said with a nod. "Oh just get out." The halfling spat. Suffice to say they did not shake each others hands. The halfling then fixed his attention on on the other two and barked, "And you lot? What business do you have to bother me with?"
As Bliston turned to leave them to their own discussion, he stopped to look one of the two in the eye for a brief second. He said nothing, but he did flash an amused if slightly feral grin. The door clamored loudly as he shut it behind him, cutting the voice of the halfing out completely to replace it with the murmurings of the pedestrians outside. Bliston hummed to himself slightly. This day had gotten very interesting.
Selena
Selena jumped down the roof as soon as she saw Bliston walk out of the building. "Bliston, what do you think of those two?" She engaged him in a conversation, knowing that his killing intent? was directed toward the two men.
Bliston
Instinct prepped by his encounter in the building cause Bliston to tighten his grip on Henvoraak, but he loosened it when he noted who was addressing. He looked about the open street before replying. "So you had taken note of them too? Strange coincidence that." He then went quiet for a moment, pondering the new information. "They hadn't been looking for a fight, even though there was optimal opportunity to strike at me inside. And they most certainly knew something of me from their expression." 'However...' If the younger kinfolk had taken note of them before Bliston's encounter, then this could mean that this was more than a personal matter as he had initially assumed. "What about you, what was it that caused you to take notice of them? And when?"
Vilus and Duergen
Vilus was quite the antsy one standing around there. The very fiber of his being was shouting, fight, fight, fight! Yet the constant anchor that was Duergen kept him in balanced. It would ruin everything and he wasn't going to be the one to fail, not this time. After Bliston's dealings with the Halfling were finished he walked off. Vilus was tempted to eye him walking out but Duegen's hand rest on his arm. Vilus looked down as the Dwarf gave him a look, that very same look that told him, he was up to something. He never did like it when Duergen would not let him in on his plans. Still, he should feel safe in trusting his judgement...even if it goes against his own desires. Duergen watched as the Half-Demon made his exit. He then walked off.
"Yes...my business is that I am here to pick up an item that I had ordered...it's a very special item, underneath my name." Vilus spoke as his voice was drowned out as Duergen exited the shop. "Sorry Vilus, but thes requires a more delicate tooch." The Dwarf spoke to himself. Was this a bad idea? Perhaps it was, and if so, well, he then deserves whatever he has coming to him. For over estimating one's worth. Still, there were a variety of factors in his favor. For one, he is alone, and is the least, intimidating of the two. At least he isn't a walking armory like his partner and doesn't sport nearly a brutish visage as his partner. Two, this makes it very easy for Bliston to overtake him and of course kill him. So why would he intentionally enter this situation knowing that. After all, he was sure Bliston caught notice that he was the more reasonable of the two. As Duergen walked to follow him, a woman appeared from on high near him. She looked familiar as well, so four, he was outnumbered...so many advantages he has given them. So, he estimated that this move on his part will pique their interests.
Here's hoping his plans will work. If not, then, there will be more. He continued to move at a casual but brisk pace. He didn't want those two out of earshot of him, nor did he want them out of his sight, and more importantly theirs."Bliston Ascur! Ah wish tae hav an audience wi' ye...ain yer friend to, of coorse." Duergen spoke up. Now only time will tell if his plans will succeed.
Bliston
In spite of himself, Bliston felt a grin cross his face. This was about to get interesting. "Hold that thought a moment kid." Turning around to the black clade dwarf. "Well," he called back "I was wondering if and when you would finally come forward to talk. But I am no king, master dwarf, and you need not my permission to speak." Consciously he positioned himself slightly between Selena and the stranger, even though logic dictated to the horned halfbreed that if the man wasn't going to attack him in the shop when he had Bliston alone and out numbered he likely wasn't going to do so with the situation reversed.
Duergen
Duergen chuckled at the Half-Daemon's response. "Of coorse, but when a body wishes tae discuss business, it is best tae approach it wi' a level of civility, wooldn' ye agree?" Duergen spoke. He noticed Bliston position himself between his friend of course Duergen himself. It was only slight, after all, his friend is a person he recognized now that he managed to secure a better glimpse. It was Selena Wulfric, a newer comer to this group. And from his understanding another mercenary, although not nearly as famous as Bliston, it has been reported she does an outstanding job. "Noo if ye dornt min', Ah would like fur us tae speak elsewhaur, that's not so...public." Duergen spoke as he waved his arms about the current street they are on, calling to attention the amount of people walking about.
Bliston
"I'm sure you would." the horned man hummed. "If you so want it then very well. However I would prefer that I choose where we have this discussion."
Selena
Just after Bliston responded to Selena, the dwarf came out of the shop, they should have moved to a different location. Selena put one hand to her throwing knives, just in case. Luckily the dwarf don't seem to be looking for a fight, he might tell his goal in this discussion. She walked beside Bliston, but kept her hand on her knives.
Duergen
Duergen bowed his head at Bliston's request. "A coorse, whatever ye wish, so lang as we keep thes between us three." Duergen responded as he waved his hand between them. "Lead on."
Bliston
With a nod the daemon started the trek down the street. Gradually the migrated away from the higher end part of the market quarter, eventually giving way to what could be informally called the 'entertainment' district. A place where those that worked in manual labor could disappear once the day was done. It would be rude to call it seedy, but neither could you call it 'clean'. Still though, here Bliston was able to find what he was looking for. A small watering hole just off the road. Quaint, quiet, with just enough room around it's entrance for a quick retreat if required. Inside they found the bar itself was dimly lit, with pipe smoke floating about. However it also had secluded booths. Perfect for hushed conversation.
There entrance did draw a few stares of varying degrees of surprise or distaste. A trio of foreign patrons, two of them half breeds and one dwarf, all clearly armed. It smelt trouble and it was apparent that a few of the regulars didn't take kindly to the intrusion. However the fact that they were armed was enough to dissuade anymore than a few dirty looks. Placing a few coins on the counter, to which the bartender (an oddly dandy looking man with pink dyed mustache of all things), gave one curious glance over the three before pointing to an open booth in the back.
Bliston motioned for the dwarf to take his seat first, before sitting himself opposite from the stranger in black. "Now," he started "you know my name, but I am unaware of yours."
Duergen
Duergen took his seat, as he ignored the strange visage of a man, if he can even call him that. The place was decent enough for a private conversation, not nearly as public as the crowded streets of Belmere, but still in a public enough setting that Bliston and Selena can feel some what secure in. Not that he had any intentions of ambushing them in some alleyway. He sat across from them as he looked towards the Half-Demon. Duergen then chuckled, "Weel, Bliston, ye aren' exactly a nobody." He responded. "Still, I shall divulge mah identity, ye may call me, Duergen Blackstone." He answered.
Selena
The dandy bartender surprised even Selena, she even stopped for a moment and stared at him, the bartender wasn't even deterred by her glare. She followed the two to the booth and sat across the dwarf that called himself by the name Duergen. "I am Selena Wulfric." She introduced herself, thought the dwarf might know Bliston's name, she is unsure if he knows hers also it's only respectful to introduce oneself.
Bliston
Bliston nodded before resting both hands on the table. "Well then, since introductions are over, I do hope you don't mind me getting to business straight away. Specifically, what it is that you want from me." He paused. "And I assume this isn't limited to me alone in this instance."
Duergen
Duergen nodded towards Selena, "Aye, pleasure tae meet ye." He spoke as he looked towards Bliston with a furrowed brow. He stared at him for almost a full minute, gauging him, studying him, as if in pensive thought. He finally spoke as his narrowed gaze lifted. "Aye, o' coorse, what I want from ye is yer service. Ye are a mercenary, both of ye, reit?" Duergen spoke as he took out a single gold coin and began to fiddle with it. "I would like tae purchase yer services, both o' ye." He spoke as he tossed the coin to the other side of the table. "Thaur is more o' it, than that in it fur ye, o' coorse." Duergen chuckled.
"Hmm," Bliston leaned back as he caught the coin mid air. "That would depend largely on the job itself." He twirled it in his fingers before setting it back down on the table. "Though you should know, first of all, before we go forward with this that technically we are already under employ with a current assignment. If it is something that would take considerable time then I am not at liberty to say if our current schedule will allow for much deviation."
Duergen then laughed, which might have seem quite strange from the abruptness. "Now that be th' thin', thes job would coincide wi' yoors, not deviate." He then chuckled again. "I am weel awaur, o' yer quest fur th' king, tae save his daughter an' his kingdom from th' dragon. Ye see, I dornt wish fur ye tae end yer quest in fact, I want ye tae continue it." Duergen spoke as he looked them both in their eyes with dead seriousness. "I too, want somethin' from th' dragon, somethin' more precioos tae me, than some over-privileged maiden. So then, are ye interested?" Duergen asked.
Bliston
This had Bliston raise an eyebrow, his curiosity piqued. It also sparked a warning signal in his mind. An object guarded by an incredibly powerful creature, wanted by a man that he knew almost nothing about save his name. You didn't need someone of his experience to see that there was something more behind all this. "And what might this item you are looking for be? Don't dance about the subject, If I'm going on a goose chase I'd prefer to know the specifics of the bird I'm hunting."
Duergen
Duergen chuckled, very smart. "Weel, then I hope if I teel ye, then ye are interested in th' job?" Duergen spoke as he sat back in his seat. He eyed them both carefully as he began to speak again. "I shall paint ye a picture. Within th' dragon's lair, thaur he amassed an impressive treasure hoard, but within all that gauld, thaur is but one object I want." Duergen paused as he mulled over his words. "Their is, a crystal, one made o' pure ebony...I want ye tae take it from him, an' bring it tae me." Duergen spoke as he leaned in. "So I ask again, are ye interested?" Duergen asked as he looked at them with a tense countenance.
Bliston
A dark chuckle escaped Bliston's throat. "And this gem certainly isn't cursed or holding the soul of some angry fallen deity." He slid the coin back across the table to Duergen. "Very well, I will look into it. But keep the advance pay for now. There is no certainty that I will be coming back from this intact, and I make it a point to not cheat my employers, even if by accident."
Duergen
Duergen chuckled, "Certainly not." He spoke. He then dropped his hand upon the sliding coin as he looked towards the Half-Demon, a bit confused. He then smiled as he looked towards Bliston after his comments. "How very thooghtful o' ye." He spoke. "I am very happy that ye will look in tae it, but thaur are some conditions I must express. First o' all, I would very much like it if ye didn' mention thes tae any o' yer companions. Ye two are professionals, an' understand it best tae no't ask alot o' questions. I am afraid th' more upstanding' o' yer crew will not be so keen about that. Furthermore, I want ye tae take thes." Duergen spoke as he took out a slip of old paper and placed it on the table. From the looks of it, it looked like a piece ripped from a bigger sheet of paper. "Troost me, ye are going to need thes fur later, so please keep it safe." He spoke.
Bliston
Bliston took the paper and held it up under an examining eye. Squinting a fair bit, Bliston could see small lines on the paper. A glance at what looked like image of a tiny tree hinted that the paper might have been part of a map.
Selena
Selena remained silent throughout the conversation, she was never good with talking. Other than reporting the situation. Heck, she don't even negotiate the price of a mission and take it as it is. Well as suspicious as it is, she's fine with taking the job, they can just check what this gemstone really is.
Bliston
"Very well. I can agree to those terms." The Daemon finally responded. "I assume there is a place you would like me to drop this gem off at if I should find it?"
Duergen
Duergen then hummed. "Weel that would remain tae be seen. But thaur is a location, I would like ye tae take th' stone at, 'ere lit me write it down fur ye." Duergen spoke as he took a pen, a small ink vial, and a piece of parchment from his pouches and began to jot down something. "Thaur ye go." He said as he laid the note upon the table. It read about a small town, named Thrushton and it described a small mill near a river side, where he wishes the stone to be handed off to.
Bliston
The horned man picked up the note and glanced it over before tucking it away for safe keeping. "I will endeavor not to be late then. Pleasure doing business with you master Blackstone."
Duergen
"An' tae ye, maister Ascur." Duergen bowed his head as the Half-Demon prepared to exit the current scene. As he watched him go Duergen spoke up for the final time, "Oh an' as ye leave, a fair bit a warnin', many a dangerous men may come lookin' fur ye, try an' be careful, aye? Wooldn' want tae wish ye luck on yer joorneys, jist tae have it mean notthin', aye?" He chuckled as he bid them both a farewell.