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A Stranger in a Strange Place
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A Stranger in a Strange Place
#1LiAra Colas walked down the alley, avoiding the puddles from the recent rain. She was the kind of person that others usually avoided. Some said she was a witch. Some said she had the luck of the devil. Still others said she was mad. Everyone agreed that there was something not quite normal about her. She didn't care what people thought of her. She was a loner by nature, and was happy to be left to her own devices. At least, that was the normal situation. As things stood now, she would have liked a friend, or at least an ally. She had not wanted Jeryn as an enemy. It couldn't be helped now. Still, even with all the trouble she would undoubtably have, she could not deny that for the first time since her father had died, she was free. Let Jeryn shout all he liked. She no longer owed him anything. But she would have to be doubly careful now. She looked around at people she didn't know and at unfamiliar shops. LiAra supposed she was safe enough for the moment, but she wished she had thought things out a little more carefully. She looked at the fresh scar on her arm. Of course, even if I had had a year to think about it, I'd have done the same thing. "What's done is done," she murmered to herself. -
A Stranger in a Strange Place
#2It wasn't the biggest city Talon had ever been to, but there were plenty of places to rest his weary limbs. Two days on the road through the miserable rain feels like an eternity to those forced to travel in it.
Talon reached to his side feeling the large package in his side satchel for his periodic relief. He recited the directions in his head over again to reaquaint himself with them. Four blocks in, right, past the small alley on the right and take the next right. Two more blocks and take the next alley on the left. Wait there for contact. Too bad he couldn't get a time frame to wait. Just go there and wait. Typical directions from those that don't have to do the work, lucky the price was right.
He made his first turn and was walking down a farming market road. Considering the hour and the size of the city there were very few shops open at this hour.
Talan decided to walk a little closer to the shops to see if he could catch wind of anything that could explain the oddity. It always pays to stay abreast of rumors, never know when they could be worth something to the right people.
Pretending to browse a clothe merchant's wares he overheard a peasant couple talking to a spice merchant, "Tis not right I say, never has happened here a'fore now and its just not right that it happens now. If the Duke does not do something 'bout it soon, there'll be trouble to pay I tell ye, trouble. And you know who usually pays it don't ye? Yeah, us." The merchant just nodded his along with the bantering but the conversation drifted to the cost of the spice. All other conversations were of a mundane nature so Talon left the merchant.
He continued on his way and found the alley on the left. Well, guess this is it. Tossing a coin to a vender near the corner, Talan grabbed a loaf of bread of the cart and slowly walked into the alley. -
A Stranger in a Strange Place
#3LiAra drifted along aimlessly, trying to work out what do next. She couldn't go home; it had ceased to be so, at least for her. If Jeryn caught her, he'd kill her for sure. She had no friends that she could trust. Jeryn would undoubtably have watchers at the Guildhall. She didn't know where she could go, although she would have to go somewhere. And she had to do something about Jeryn. He was up to something, that much she knew. She had heard some of the locals complaining about something, and there was a sinking feeling that told her he was at his old tricks again. She leaned against the wall in frustration. No one was likely to believe her, Jeryn kept his reputation scrupulously clean. And those who would believe her were all on Jeryn's side. All of them. All except... "Zyll!" She hadn't meant to say the last part aloud, and she looked around, hoping she hadn't attracted undue attention. A man gave her a peculiar look, but that was all. That was good. Zyll would help her; there was no love lost between the two. She frowned. He would help her, provided, of course, that he was still alive.
Suddenly, LiAra caught the scent of fresh bread, and her stomach reminded her she hadn't had anything to eat since she had run away a day and a half ago. Right, so food was the major priority right now. The question was, did she have any money? She checked her pockets, and was temporarily pleased when she felt something that seemed to be a coin. She pulled it out to look at it and swore. It was her guild token, which was totally useless now. Well, she wasn't above stealing when she had to. She'd steal some food and make for the rooftops, and go from there. She headed for the delicious scent, and almost walked into the man at the end of the alley. "I'm sorry, sir," she muttered, all the while mentally cursing herself in three languages. It would be right next to the bread vendor. She couldn't steal anything now, the man would remember her. Blazes. He'd probably catch me before I got to the first building. A thought occured to her. She backed away from the man a step and looked at him carefully. He didn't look like one of Jeryn's men, but she had learned to never judge by appearance alone. It was best to go the opposite way and act like she had nothing to worry about. She turned and began to walk away, praying that he wasn't one of Jeryn's agents and that he would not remember her later. -
A Stranger in a Strange Place
#4Talon ripped the bread in half as he entered the alley and was nearly ran over by a woman exiting it.
"I'm sorry sir," she muttered before she quickly turned the other direction and went off.
Talon's mind clicked and he searched his memories for the odd feeling he had when he looked into her eyes before she turned away. There was something about them, he remembered them strong, but now they held fear. No, not fear, confusion perhaps, indecision. But he remembered those eyes, and that walk. The voice. Why was Zyl's name coming into his head? Think, think. He must have heard it, the voice. Did she say his name right before he turned the corner and nearly ran into her?
Jeryn! The named screamed from his memory. That bastard. She was his Witch, at least that was what some called her, those eyes. Jeryn's witch, and she mentioned Zyl's name. This information could mean some cash. The look of indecision, something is going on.
Talon weighed his options. Go straight to Zyl? Not enough information. Still have to deliver the package, but there was no time set. Follow the witch. If she wasn't an immediate threat to Zyl then more time needs to be taken in finding out what is going on. Is there anything going on? Doesn't matter, no other jobs at the moment. What trouble is brewing in this city and what kind of information can be sold, and to who. A hunch, but the witch is a key?
Follow her! Deliver the package later! -
A Stranger in a Strange Place
#5LiAra walked back down the alley, away from the stranger she had almost bumped into. Please don't be looking for me. She didn't look behind her. It seemed like she had got away safely, and then she realized he was following her. She quickened her stride. Don't panic. Maybe he's not after you. Maybe he was going through the alley anyway. He was still following. Maybe... maybe it's just the fact that I'm a little strange, and he's curious. She fought the urge to break into a run. Don't attract more attention than I already have. She made for the main gate. She had to get out of the city, before something happened, because she was scared. Fear only made things worse. Don't panic. Must NOT panic. If I panic, I'm dead. She still felt that he was following her. She sped up again. Please don't be one of Jeryn's men. She knew, that once she got out of the city, she could either get away from or scare away most people, but not Jeryn's agents. If the man following her worked for Jeryn, one of them would get severely hurt. Just go away. Leave me alone. She most definitely had to get out of the city, because if something happened in town, and the people figured out it was her, it could not end well. Not at all. She had heard things people whispered when they thought she wasn't listening. She remembered one instance in particular.
She had been wandering around, as she had taken to doing in the last year or so. She never knew exactly who it was she overheard that night, but the words still reached her.
"You know that girl that lives up in the manor?"
"The one Lord Jeryn took in?"
"Yeah. She's a witch, it seems. People say it's a death warrant to get crosswise with her. Do you remember that guy, what was his name, Leban, four, five years ago? Friend o' Jeryn's. She killed him. And she was only fourteen at the time."
"How'd she do it?"
"Some spell or something. I don't know what. But it's a sure bet she's got Jeryn magicked."
"He does seem mighty fond of her."
"Well, o'course. He's her meal ticket. She's gonna make sure he likes her."
"Well, if we ever get hold of her, we can unmagic him pretty fast."
"I agree with you, but don't forget, she's dangerous."
She had stood in the dark for half an hour, the conversation replaying in her head. Part of her marveled at how far the truth had been twisted, while another part had known that she would have to get away soon, because there was no telling what would happen.
No, she did not want people to know who she was. -
A Stranger in a Strange Place
#6Talon knew he was being too obvious and the witch's reaction told him as much. Her steps quickened and then she seemed to force herself to slow down again. It could be that he was recognized, but the odds of that were low. When he saw here last she was way too occupied to have noticed him in the crowd, but he noticed her.
Time to dissappear and rejoin the chase farther up. Maybe the spooking of the witch will cause her to search for help and perhaps lead him somewhere else that may be worth a few more gold. The witch wasn't looking, Talon angled his body to follow a small cart that obscured him from the witch. Following the cart into the sidestreet, he then abandoned it once he was around the corner. Shadows continued to grow as evening slowly took over the city. Talon used a windowsill and the "Widow's Weave" hanging sign to jimmy up to the roof level which gave him a nice view of the street all the way to the city gates. A few easy leaps would continue to bring him along the witch's current route. If she turned, then he would just have to go back to street level.
Wait a minute, this is interesting. Talon crouched a little lower on top of the building. Unless I am totally mistaken, I do believe the follower was followed. But the follower appears lost. It was quite obvious to Talon that the heavyset gentlemen in blue merchants garb was looking for him. The cart had served a dual purpose, but it wasn't even that good of an obstruction to lose a tail. The merchant turned towards Talon and his viewed passed him on street level. The face, that is one of Jeryn's cronies. He is a cruel bastard too, but not the one anybody would choose to follow somebody, that is not where his talent lies. Why would they want me? I thought I settled my debt with them and they know damn well I won't ever work for them again.
Jeryn's merchant spotted the witch and started after her. Now isn't that interesting, guess he wasn't really following me after all and was just making sure I was gone. Talon shimmied across the roof and leaped across to the next building staying slightly behind the large merchant. The streets were far from empty, but crowded would have been saying too much. The merchant reached behind his back and under his shirt, the faint dull glow of metal was obvious to Talon's trained eye.
This just keeps getting more and more interesting. Wonder what our little witchy did to get on the wrong side of Jeryn. -
A Stranger in a Strange Place
#7LiAra finally risked a look behind her to see if the stranger was still following. He was gone. She relaxed for a split second. Then she saw the other man. She didn't know his name, but she recognized him well enough, even in that blue outfit. One of Jeryn's men, and one of the crueller ones. He had seen her, and was coming towards her. She got a glimpse of his face, and knew that he had been sent to bring her back, most likely in pieces. As much as she didn't want to attract attention, she had no choice now. The gate wasn't that far away, and if she could make it out, she might have a chance. Fortunately, there weren't many people on the street. Speed was the only thing that could save her now. He was a heavy man, and she was faster than she looked. She started to run. He saw, and began to run after her, and was also faster than he looked. I don't think I'll reach the gate... But I am not going to be quietly killed! And then things began to happen. LiAra was so frightened that she didn't take notice, and the heavy man in blue seemed too intent on his quarry to pay attention at first. A roof tile fell, and narrowly missed him. He tripped on a broken cobblestone. A drunk lurched out of a nearby tavern and careened into him. A laden wagon got in his way. Other things. Slowly LiAra put distance between her and him. She thought she might make it. Then one of the city guardsmen took notice. They saw a thin, dirty, and probably disreputable looking woman running from what appeared to be a heavyset, angry merchant. That picture said thief to them, so they started after her too. And they were between her and the gate. She changed course, and made for the nearest building. Luckily the roof was reletively low. LiAra said a silent thank you to whichever of Jeryn's gardeners had liked trees with branches at about that height. She had learned how to climb on those trees. She scrambled up onto the roof, and from there began working her way along the roof tops. The low rooftop she had started from wouldn't hold the heavier men. She heard it crack sharply as they tried to climb up. Safe for the moment. Hopefully the guardsmen would not be too serious about catching her and give up shortly; it would be dark soon. She found a hiding place on one of the rooftops where she stopped to rest. It would be a bit before anyone caught up to her. The guardsmen didn't worry her. It was the other that did. Jeryn's men didn't give up, and now that they knew where she was, it was only a matter of time before more showed up. -
A Stranger in a Strange Place
#8Talon looked in disbelief as the witch started running. Jeryn's lackey fell farther and farther behind as unlikely mishap after mishap befell him. Unnatural!
Shes heading for the gate. Talon quickly raised himself not worried about being seen anymore and started to follow them from the rooftop while trying to decide if he was going to help her or not. Bloody King Nestor!! The witch suddenly changed direction and came straight for the building Talon was currently watching from. Quickly looking down, Talon saw the small overhang and the extension off the building that made a difficult, but not impossible passage to the roof. Talon surveyed his surroundings and, to his luck, there was a small stack of scrapwood for whatever reason sitting near the back corner. It wouldn't completely hide him but chances were the witch wouldn't notice him under the current circumstances.
A small bang and the sound of scrambling feet told Talon he was right, the witch was climbing the roof. A hand came over the edge and Talon hid as best he could. Feet retreated across the roof and he watched the witch jump over to the next roof. The familiar bang was heard again as the merchant started his way to top of the roof. The sounds heard made it obvious he was having a bad time of it and a large crack echoed sounding like he broke through the housing extension. A few curses and some more crashes brought the merchant on top of the roof finally. Persistant bastard.
The merchant passed by and Talon came from his hiding place. Taking a quick look at street level the guardsman was yelling and directing the three guards that came to his call up to the roof and down the alley. The one that was going to climb the building was physically restrained by the bulky shop owner who physically stopped him from his climb. Talon had some time, as long as he kept out of sight of the street guards. Still no sign of any other of Jeryn's men, and looking at the clumsy man trying to navigate over the alleys, it might be a good time to take him out. One less of Jeryn's cronies is always a good thing.
Taking the dagger out of his belt, Talon took to the chase. The fat man in merchant's garb was too busy being careful crossing the next alley to notice Talon quickly closing in on him. Talon caught up to him as he was about ready to jump. Talon planned on jumping over directly after the man and get him while he was regaining his balance from his predictably clumsy jump. He scared of heights or what? Jeryn's got plenty of goons better at the chase then this one. Why in the world would he not get help or be better coordinated? Talon slowed his approach to better time his jump to match the merchants.
The merchant jumped but his foot, despite all his careful preparation, caught on a loose board and he tumbled down the two floor fall into the alley below. Talon's momentum brought him gracefully over the gap and he spun and looked down into the alley. A twisted shape was gathered on the ground, but whether he was unconscience or dead was another question. The witch? Unorganized chase. Talon's mind raced. BOUNTY. There has got to be a bounty on her head. One of the few reasons he thought that the overweight klutz would have mounted the chase alone. He is almost as greedy as me. Talon smiled to himself.
Talon stayed in his crouch as the sound of the street level guard came close to the alley. At the entrance a call went up and some peasant was directing the guard to the fallen body. Too late for that one either way, where did the witch go? Talon sheathed his knife, better to act the friend, she is already spooked. See what the deal is. The thought of turning in somebody to Jeryn, even for a bounty, wasn't top of Talon's list. She may be worth more alive. But to find her. Talons eyes searched the roof top and his ears tried to discern any sounds other then the growing murmuring and occasional calls from the crowds below. -
A Stranger in a Strange Place
#9Apparently LiAra had misjudged the abilities of Jeryn's man. He'd somehow made it up onto the roof after her and was following her still, if rather badly. She watched in horrified fascination as he drew closer to her hiding place. And something else. Behind him, she saw the stranger she had fled from earlier. What in blazes? Who is he? The heavyset man made it to the rooftop she was on, and she drew back farther into the shadows. But then he slipped, and crashed to the ground below. The other man made a much better leap, and landed safely. She watched as he peered over the edge. She saw him sheathe his knife, which she hadn't noticed until then. That was slightly encouraging, but still. She was hiding between a pile of old barrels and the wall of the building itself. It was getting darker, and there were plenty of shadows for cover. Maybe he wouldn't see her. She couldn't get off the roof until he left. She tried to shrink even farther into the shadows. As she did, her foot brushed against a loose piece of wood leaning on a barrel. It fell over. She froze, hardly daring to breathe. It hadn't been a big piece; maybe he wouldn't have heard the sound over the growing hubbub in the street. -
A Stranger in a Strange Place
#10Talon's head spun towards the noise. Pile of barrels, that is where he would have hid given the time and the choices. Talon let his body turn to face the same direction his head was pointed and stayed in a small crouch.
No time to flush the witch out. Enemy? Don't think so. Does it matter?
The sounds from the street below continued. Questions of death arose but none were answered. Still don't know if the merchant lived. Probably only moments before the building owner was settled and the guard took to the roof. Chances are they would still investigate even if they believe that they lost the chase already. If they came up now there would be more trouble. The witch would probably agree that we need to get out of here, but would she reveal herself to him? If she doesn't then he needs to get out of there. He can always take up the chase later.
"Witch, we only have moments. The guards are looking for a woman. You. If we can get to the street without being seen, you can take my cloak and we can walk together away from here without being noticed. I am certain I can get out of here without any worries. I would be worried if I were you. The guards are moments from coming up the way that fat merchant did and if they make the next roof we won't be able to get out of here without being seen. Its up to you, but we only have moments." -
A Stranger in a Strange Place
#11When he started speaking to her, LiAra was frightened. She didn't know what to do; whether to trust him or to play dead. He hadn't threatened her, that was good, and he was probably right about more people coming in moments. A part of her believed him, and wanted to trust him, but another part warned, You trusted Jeryn too. She suspected she was not a good judge of character, but she didn't have any time to worry about it. He already knew she was there, if he had meant to kill her he would have done it by now. He could be lying, trying to trick her, but if that was the case she could always get away from him later. I hope. Either way, he didn't seem to be an immediate threat. And if she was with him, he probably wouldn't want to risk getting caught. She cautiously stood up. If she was remotely lucky, once he got a good look at her in better light, he would believe he was mistaken about who she was. "Then let's get out of here. I think we can get down on this side; everyone seems to be over there." She moved toward the far side of the building and glanced down. She was right, there was no one there. -
A Stranger in a Strange Place
#12Talon followed her without speaking to the edge of the building. The climb down would have been difficult for others but the two handled it quite well. Once on the ground Talon removed his deep gray cloak and draped it over the woman's shoulders.
Looking at her a moment he said, "Do you have something to cover your head. There are probably more people looking now and all they have is a general description. Best to cover as much as we can for the moment." After she did some adjusting he assessed her again, "Best walk with your head slightly hunched and put your arm in mine and pretend to use me for support till we are out of this immediate area. Does that sound alright to you?"
Talon looked at her trying to guage her reaction and experience in this situation. If she only knew who I really was. Too early to tell her though, let her trust me on her own for a little bit.
"Do you have a safe house you could go to? Someone you trust to keep everything quiet?" The weight on his side of the undelivered package reminded him of other obligations. "We need to get you somewhere safe for now. I have other things I must attend to." He looked into her eyes, "I can help you, and I want to help. Jeryn is no friend of mine, this you can believe, and if he is after you then we are associates by mutual enemy." -
A Stranger in a Strange Place
#13LiAra accepted the man's cloak, and at his suggestion, covered her red hair. It only made sense. And the manner of walking sounded about right too. "That sounds fine, let's just get out of here." At his question about a safe house, she laughed almost silently. "Safe house? No. In fact, I can't think of anywhere that I know would be safe. I can think of several places that would be dangerous, though. I haven't got any friends. And I don't really trust anyone at the moment," she said quietly. "And yes, that includes you too. What you say makes sense, and in different circumstances, I think I would trust you. But I've recently been given to understand that I am not a good judge of character." There was a note of sadness in her voice, but only for a moment. She wished that she hadn't told him she didn't trust him, but, among other things, LiAra had mostly been a fundamentally honest person. It was too soon to trust him. "The only person that I could be reasonably sure about is a man named Zyll. I don't know where he lives though. And," she paused reflectively, "he may not be all that pleased to see me. He got hurt some years ago, and it was ultimately my fault." -
A Stranger in a Strange Place
#14Zyll. It was her that mentioned that name in the alley then. The name didn't really ring a bell, or should it?
"We can get you to Zyll later once we figure out where he is. Guess we will stick together then for a little bit then. I have only been here a few times so my connections are a little more scarce then I like. Maybe you can tell me a little more about this Zyll person so I can make the appropriate inquiries, unless you have some people you can safely approach?"
Talon walked them out onto the main street hugging the closer wall and staying in the growing shadows. A quick glance down the street showed a few more guards gathering and a larger crowd as others started coming out to the street to see what the commotion was all about.
"I need to get back to where we first crossed paths. If you have somewhere else to go, or somebody we can talk to, I have time. If not, then we would be just as safe in the alley that I am required to be in as any other. You are in the most danger at the moment so the choice is yours." -
A Stranger in a Strange Place
#15LiAra shook her head. "We might as well go back to the alley. I don't know anyone here; that was precisely why I picked this city. Most everyone I know works for Jeryn in one manner or another. As for Zyll... I only knew him for a short time, years ago. All I know for sure about him is he and Jeryn are sworn enemies. He's a wealthy man, or was once. And I seem to recall he was fond of horses. But I don't know. But I do remember that he seemed to be a kind man. Although," she said, "That probably wouldn't help you find him." She smiled slightly. "I suspect that if I need his help bad enough, I'll... get lucky." There was a trace of bitter irony in her voice, but probably only those who knew her or were listening carefully would have caught it. -
A Stranger in a Strange Place
#16The man with the woman clinging to his arm for support made their way back up the streets they recently went down. A set of guards ran pass them only giving them a cursory glance as the search was mounted. Things were getting busier in the street but Talon predicted that if they didn't find anything immediately it would probably die down.
The bread vender was still at the entrance to the alley. Talon, realizing that he lost the bread he bought earlier, purchased another loaf and asked the witch if she wanted one as well. They then walked inside the alley a little ways and Talon leaned against the wall raising his right foot and placing it against the back wall in a relaxed stance.
"So, mind telling me a little of what happened? We may be here a little bit and perhaps some conversation will pass the time a little bit. I go by Talon by the way." He waited for a reaction. Chances are good that she heard the name, after all he had business once with Jeryn, but you never know what information Jeryn may reveal to those he worked with.
Boy did that business with Jeryn turn out bad. Jeryn had a bad name and, after his deal, he realized why. He had some very unfortunate mishaps to the goods he was trying to deliver. Jeryn made out but Talon was out a good deal of cash after the experience. A little research on Jeryn made him realise that he wasn't the only one to have unfortunate business dealings with the man. It was on his mind, but not the reason he was here. Maybe priorities can change... -
A Stranger in a Strange Place
#17LiAra accepted the man's offer of a loaf of bread and ate it quickly. She thought about his question. He obviously knew who she was, or at least the public opinion. Talon... where have I heard that name before? She didn't see what harm it could do to tell him a little of what had happened. "I'm LiAra. Jeryn is... used to be my guardian. I found out that he wasn't as good a man as I had always thought he was. Then I found out that I-" Here she stopped abruptly. She probably shouldn't tell him everything, not yet. The fewer people who knew about what she seemed to be able to do, the better. And anyway, it was a painful story to her still. "I found out some other things. So I ran away." She unconsciously ran her hand over the still healing cut on her arm. "He didn't like that, not at all. Given what happened earlier, I assume that he's given orders to have me killed, or at the very least, captured and brought back. Anyway, I ended up here, and you know more or less the rest." -
A Stranger in a Strange Place
#18Talon sensed there was more to the story but he knew it would be impolite to press. She was seeming less and less like a witch the more he spoke with her. LiAra seemed to fit her as well as anything and was definately more appropriate.
Any other thoughts were driven from his head as a shadow entered the opposite side of the alley and a sharp clicking sound was heard three times. That would be the signal and the person he was to deliver the package for.
"LiAra, if you would be so kind as to excuse me for a moment, I will attend to this simple business and see if I can find out anything Zyll." A graceful halfbow met any reply and Talon made his way quickly down the alley removing the package as he went.
"It is late in the season for a such a new calf," Talon said to the dark figure as he approached slowly.
"Warmth and shelter should grant it a long life," the figure replied.
Talon handed the package over after the proper code words were spoken but held onto it when the figure tried to completely retrieve it. "I need to know about a person named Zyll."
The figure's pressure pulling the package held for just a moment and then he lessened his pull and replied, "Zyll is a merchant Baron that was given his baronship by the King for his services in expanding trade to the north. He has holdings here and in Isocarta. He lives here on Eten street and still has the king's ear." The man pulled the package and Talon let it go, he didn't tell him anything that the common person wouldn't know, but then again there wasn't a whole lot he needed to know.
The man flipped Talan a coin which he deftly caught. Proof that the package was delivered and something he would use to collect his fee and so Talon walked back to LiAra and told here what he found out.
(OOC: Unless you have a map and cities you would like to use, figure we could just use good old Aros that I have been messing with for awhile. http://aros.strolen.com/places/index.php I figured we could be in Fledding at the moment. It is about a two/three day trip to Isocarta to the south. We can use the actual city descriptions (what there is anyway) if you like or make it up as we go. If you have your world that you are making in a useable way, I would be more then happy to go with that too and we could upload them somewhere for easy reference. Just let me know. If you don't want to move us to Zylls I will do it, just let me know. Ran out of time tonight.) -
A Stranger in a Strange Place
#19(OOC: Aros is fine. I'd say the city of Isocarta would be just right for Jeryn's base of operations, so us being in Fledding would be just about right.)
LiAra was pleased by the fact that Zyll lived in Fledding. She hadn't known when she'd run away. It was a lucky thing. Maybe. "Well, let's go find him, then." Zyll would know what to do about Jeryn, probably. Assuming he would listen to her. She took a couple of steps and then stopped. "Um, maybe you should lead the way, because I have no idea where Eten street is. -
A Stranger in a Strange Place
#20"Eten Street. Eten Street. Nope, doesn't ring a bell. Oh well," Talon extended his elbow out as if to escort LiAra, "Shall we? We should still maintain our appearances."
With the portions of bread gone already Talon purchased another two loaves from the man and offhandedly asked directions to Eten Street. The breadmaker freely gave the directions as he wrapped each loaf in seperate cloths that Talon provided.
Talon handed LiAra one of the wrapped loaves. "That solves one problem."
As they walked, the few inns and taverns that were on their path lit lanterns hanging outside their place of business to fight of the increasing darkness and mark their entrances. Other shops had already gathered most of their displays and were getting ready to close up their shops.
"Lady LiAra. I suggest, due to the late hour, that we find Eten Street and our infamous Zyll and simply walk by and assess the place ensuring us of his location. My experience tells me that we may be recieved better if we saw him at a more reasonable hour. Self-made nobles often have a high regard for their importance and breaks in their routine may not be well recieved." Talon smiled and bowed his head at elegant lady that walked by that gave them both a leary once over.
"It also seems that we are not quite in the proper style for such a meeting. It is so unfortunate that so many people put such a high value on looks and first impressions." Talon glanced over at LiAra.
"Tomorrow, my dear. We go shopping. And before you think that this is too much too quick, please understand that, while I am more then happy to help you, it would also be in my self interest to make the acquaintance of this Baron Zyll myself as well."
The couple continued to walk down the streets following the directions of the Baker. The darkness was near complete when they finally reached a well maintained street bordered by larger, more ornate homes of the wealthy. "It appears we have found the correct street." Walking along the row of homes one stood out from the rest. It was almost twice as wide as the others and was offset from the road a small bit, enough to add a guarded entrance before the door to the home was accessible. "Well isn't that interesting. It actually looks as if that guarded entrance is a new addition to the fine livery. Wonder what kind of enemies that person has made. Do we think that is Zyrll? Is there any other of Baron status or higher that would live in anything less?"
Talon guided them past the lighted entrance and they saw that there was indeed a guard on duty. They continued their walk and turned on the next street putting them into now occasionally lanterned darkenss.
"I would like to make sure. You have any ideas how?" Talon asked while looking towards the guarded entrance. -
A Stranger in a Strange Place
#21LiAra had one objection to going shopping in the morning, even though it seemed a sensible course of action, for more than one reason. Her clothes, while one nice enough, were torn and dirty. But still.. "I haven't any money to go shopping, Talon." As for his other questions, she had no answer. "I'd say that that was Zyll's house, just because it feels right, but I have no idea of how to make sure..."
Just then, as they rounded the corner, there was the sound of hoofbeats in the street they had turned off of. A man said, "Halt! What's your business here?"
"Message for your master."
"Haven't got no master."
"Your employer then."
"All right, so gimme the message, and I'll have it sent to him."
"I'm supposed to deliver it to Baron Zyll personally." LiAra peeked back around the corner. Sure enough, the messenger was arguing with the guard by the big house.
"And I'm not supposed to let anyone in after dark. ANYONE. If the message is that bloomin' confidential, seal it up and give it to me. The baron'll have me thrown out on my arse if I give'm a message with the seal broken."
"Oh, all right then. If that's the only way to do my &#^ job..."
As the messenger grumbled, LiAra glanced back at Talon. She felt very foolish indeed. She really shouldn't have been surprised. "Never mind," she said quietly. She wished that she could go for a while without some unlikely coincidence happening. Life would be much simpler. -
A Stranger in a Strange Place
#22Talon looked at LiAra, "That solves two problems," and smiled.
"Well, it appears now we must find a way to keep ourselves entertained until the morning when the shops open. I am not horribly concerned about the money issue, we can perhaps work something out, but in the meantime we should probably stay off the streets."
Talon took off his cloak and gave it back to LiAra, "At the very least we will get you one of these. I am rather fond of this old cloak. Ideally I would have liked to stay at one of the more expensive Inns, whomever is looking for you would most likely not make any inquiries there. I think our current attire makes that an impossibility, too many questions and rumor would get out. I imagine we can find some other cheaper inn, or we could move outside the gates and spend a little time on foot and hide in the forrest that skirts us on the south." -
A Stranger in a Strange Place
#23At Talon's suggestion of finding an inn, LiAra realized how tired she was. "Let's see if we can find an inn. If that fails, well, the woods are as good a place as any, I suppose." LiAra was beginning to be less afraid of this man. Maybe meeting him had been for the best. She didn't know; she still had no idea of exactly what she was capable of. She couldn't rely on that solely; that was foolish. But it was becomming apparent to her that she was going to have to rely on others. She just hoped that she would pick the right ones. Which reminded her of something. "What two problems did that solve?"
_____________________________________________________________________________
Meanwhile, in Isocarta...
"Has anyone reported back yet?"
"No. Well, Seken said he was headed for Fledding, but then..."
"Seken's a fool. He hasn't come to grips with the fact that she isn't just some defenseless girl. He'll just get himself killed, most likely. Confound it, where the hell did she go?"
"Aren't you taking this just a little too seriously? I mean, she's a little fool, but she has to know what people think of her. People find out who she is, they'll tear her apart."
"Yes, but sooner or later that accursed conscience of hers will outweigh her survival instincts. It really should have occured to me that her talent would be working against me."
"At least she doesn't know what all she can do."
"Yet. She'll get it eventually, and that worries me."
"But at least she can't get help."
"Maybe. I've got that infernal Zyll checkmated, at least; he can't do anything even if he wanted to help her. There is comfort in that, although I suspect that was just the last gasp of my luck."
"What about assassins? You could set that Kyler fellow on her. They say that he's never let his quarry escape."
"Yes, I could do that, only the only way to contact him, so far as anyone knows, is through that fellow Talon. Whom, if you'll remember, I annoyed greatly once."
"So just tell him it was her fault."
"You know, you do have a devious bent to you after all."
"Thank you, father." -
A Stranger in a Strange Place
#24"There was a street with a couple of signs along it that might be inns back a couple roads. They are close enough to this part of town that they will probably be a little more expensive and hopefully will be questioned later by any of those that we are trying to avoid."
As they walked Talon thought about what brought him to Fledding. It had been awhile since his last 'job' and he had decided to branch out a little bit. Till recently he rarely made it to Fledding, this was only the second time here and today was the first time he had ever viewed it in the day time. Interesting how it seems so close to the other Four Cities yet is so far removed from it at the same time.
The years had kept him busy so this quiet time was an opportunity to study the elusive, elusive to Talon anyway, city. The package he had delivered had been a chance occurance in Isocarta that just sort of stumbled into his lap one day. A simple courier job that had come up in The Last Stand Tavern in Isocarta, a wonderful little Tavern run by his good friend Grothar Rockfury, a stout little dwarf with connections in Isocarta like few others. A man simply needed a package delivered and Talon saw the opportunity. Grothar vouched for him and it was settled. And now here he is, a beautiful young lady underneathe a somewhat rough exterior, an interesting mystery involving the annoying and rather upredictable Jeryn and the aforementioned lady, and the opportunity to meet the Baron Zyll who is apparently a fairly important trade Baron. Turned out to be a very nice trip so far. Talon smiled. -
A Stranger in a Strange Place
#25As they made their way to one of the inns, LiAra was preoccupied. Talon seemed to have known who she was from the very start, but he didn't seem to mind. Maybe I just think that. He'd done what he'd said he'd do so far, but she still didn't trust him. Of course, that was only because she had decided that it would be a very bad idea to trust anyone for a while. She wasn't sure it mattered at the moment. But she did keep wondering where she had heard the name Talon before. There really is no point in dwelling on that. Something else that was much more pleasant to think about was where she would go when the mess she'd gotten herself into was cleared up. Tynook, maybe. Yes, Tynook sounded just about right. -
A Stranger in a Strange Place
#26The beautifully crafted sign of the Swinging Parrot swayed gently showing off its multicolored finery. "Looks like that parrot is calling our names. Shall we give it a go?"
As they walked in the entrance the warm commotion of a busy tavern flowed over them. The steady murmur of voices, none too argumentative or raunchy that may greet you at the more seedy taverns, flowed over the two newest guests. A quick glimpse over the crowd showed them to be wearing moderate finery and many were in good spirits. Only a few glances reached them initially and thankfully, that Talon could see, none of them rested to long on them.
"Best stay slightly behind me and let me do the talking. Don't try and hide yourself, that only brings attention, but do stay behind me. It might be worth a good glance around the place and see if you recognize anybody, you never know." Talon looks at LiAra and smiles, "I think this will be fun. This is a nice place."
Talon tried to time their walk to the bar to match the finishing of the barkeeper placing another round on a waitress' tray. "Good day kind Sir," Talon spoke in a deeper conversational voice and a slight accent, "with whom do we inquire about a room?"
"Be just a moment sir," the barkeep replied and he dissappeared through a door behind the bar.
"Usually the barkeeper would know if no rooms are vacant or could turn us away if he thought us out of our station. It is a good sign that he left to get somebody. See anything?" Talon turns around and leans on the bar to get a better view of the tavern. "Looks like there are some private rooms over there. We can get settled and come down for a good meal if you are still hungry." -
A Stranger in a Strange Place
#27LiAra scanned the room, looking for anyone she recognized. Apparently her luck was holding up; she didn't see any of Jeryn's men. "I think if we get the room, I'm just going to sleep. I'm dead tired." Of couse, that's what comes of staying awake for three days. The inn was a nice place, to be sure, but LiAra couldn't immagine why Talon thought it would be fun.
______________________________________________________________________
Meanwhile, in Isocarta...
"Tell me again why I'm doing this?"
"Because father thought it might be a good idea to get the assassin Kyler to solve his problem. So that means someone has to find Talon."
"What garuntees have I got that Talon won't turn me down, or possibly worse?"
"You're going to tell him that that little witch had father under a spell, and it was her fault that the job he did went wrong."
"Uh huh. Do you have any idea where I start looking for him?"
"I had someone ask around. Talon supposedly got a contract that took him to Fledding."
"And by ask around you mean..."
"Someone with no known connection to us did the asking."
"You know, I don't think I want to know how you managed that."
"Wise man." -
A Stranger in a Strange Place
#28"Sleep, of course," Talon remarks without the accent and continues to scan the room seeing a few nice looking females enjoying a simple dinner and drink. One in particular that was sitting alone caught his attention and he tried to make it slightly obvious to LiAra who he was looking at. She was of medium height and build, pretty, but overdressed. Her attempt to look highborne revealed her middleborn roots.
From the door behind the bar entered the barkeeper accompanied by a small, stout fellow dressed entirely in scarlet from his boots to neck. "Good evening to you Sir. I have been told you are requesting a room." He reaches under the counter and draws out a ledger. "We have plenty fine rooms for you sir, what can I interest you in." He draws a quill pen from under the counter, freshly dipped, leaves it poised above the ledger as he looks to Talon.
"I am not looking for extravagance, simply economy of use, if you will. One with a desk and some privacy would be most appropriate." The accent is deeper again as Talon makes the request.
"Very good sir, I have just the thing." He scibbles madly in the ledger and reaches under his desk retrieving a ring of keys.
While the man is searching through the keys Talon nonchalantly reviewed his ledger. Talon saw marked by the most recent writings marked as a male and female with their room number. Scanning quickly upwards he found another mark with a single female and noted the room number.
The man quickly found the key. "Shall we settle this now sir, or shall we take care of the necessities in the morning?" The implication of 'now' was obvious.
Talon reaches to his belt and a moment later tosses the appropriate coin on the table. "If it is convenient, we shall be visiting here until further notice." Talon throws some more coin on the table. "I would ask that we are left undisturbed through the night and I am certain we will have a late breakfast."
"Very good, sire. Very good." The move from sir to sire was quite plain. A convenient thing knowing this man can be bought.
The man moved around the counter to escort the two to their room. "My name is Trile, if you need anything Trile can get it for you, just ask. There is somebody downstairs all night as well so if you need anything at any time just ask." His banter and offerings continued until they were brought into their room. Another coin from Talon got him on his way with the promise that a wash basin and towel would be placed outside the room within moments.
The room was moderately styled, had a single bed centered in the room with a light mosquito net covering it. A medium sized table was to one side with an ornate padded chai.. Talon breathed in with relief, while the ground would have been perfectly comfortable, a nice chair to lean back in was a welcomed sight.
A slight clunk outside the door was heard as the water basin was set down. A moment later Talon spoke. "I will be but a moment." Talon quickly walked to the door and exited closing the door behind him.
Marking the numbered rooms as they first entered he knew to take a right down the hall. Coming to the chosen door he waited a few moments to see if any sounds emanated from it. None did, so he tried the door. Locked. From a pouch on his belt he took out his picks and made short work of the poor lock. He entered the room and closed the door behind him silently.
It was a luxurious apartment, more the what he expected. Maybe he underestimated her, but that was in his favor. Across from the bed was a trunk, just what he was looking for. Unlocked, he quickly opened it and lightly rifled through it finding a long, thick undergarment that would fall to the ankles.
Talon closed the trunk and made his way back to their room. He offered the undergarment to LiAra and brought in the washbasin and cloths supplied. "You may not be hungry, but I am. I would like to go downstairs to get something to eat and give you a little privacy." -
A Stranger in a Strange Place
#29LiAra had realized Talon was trying to get her to look at someone, but as she had no idea who she was supposed to look at or why, she didn't worry about it too much. Talon arranged the room, and they went with the small innkeeper. After the innkeeper left, followed shortly by Talon, she looked around the room. It was a nice enough place. Apparently Jeryn had no idea what he was talking about when he made disdainful remarks about "the common folk," a term LiAra had come to realize meant "everyone else." Why am I thinking about that all of the sudden? It made no difference one way or another what he thought. Just then Talon returned. As he handed her the underdress, she raised an eyebrow at him briefly. She was mildly curious as to where he had got it, but as she suspected she knew, and it really had no effect on the grand scheme of things, she let it go. "All right then. Have a good meal. Good night." As he left, she looked again at the underdress. It was too big for her, but it would be warm to sleep in. She washed up and looked again at her arm. The cut was healing nicely, but it would leave a scar. Now, I'll just sit down for a moment before I change my clothes... She never made it further than that. Almost as soon as she sat down, exhaustion grabbed her and she fell asleep, still holding the makeshift nightgown. -
A Stranger in a Strange Place
#30It had been awhile since Talon had been here but he most definitely remembered his contact in the Sailor's Nest. Talon left The Swinging Parrot and tried to orientate himself in relation to the front gate. Getting his bearings he set off. It took him a little bit to make his way to the Nest. Full dark had descended on the city and the street traffic was drastically reduced. From what he remembered it wasn’t necessarily a dangerous thing to be out, accepting the fact that one knew where one was. Most shops closed their doors and people spent the last hours of wakefulness in the comfort of their own homes or, in the case of those he was visiting, the comfort of a tavern.
The streets in this area of town were not stone and the entrance to the Sailor’s Nest was a muddy tracked mess from the recent rains. Not worrying about the mud, Talon stepped to the door and let himself in. In start contrast to the Swinging Parrot, the Nest was a bustling room full of flagon swinging patrons with one hand, hollering for a refill, and groping the serving wenches with the other. Talon wove his way through the ale stained tables and made his way to a closed door in the back.
Two hard knocks brought a small spidery looking fellow that walked with a hunched back. “Captain, good to see you again.�
“Talon, it sure be you wouldn’t it? Come in, come in. Been awhile,� the hunched man crept backwards allowing room for Talon to enter. A nod from his head sent a large man sitting in a chair to the side out of the room, but not before a long assessment of Talon. A small grunt from the little man closed the door. “I am sure you remember Rastal, he still finds it impossible that you bested him.�
“Rastal shall get over it I am sure. He has his value.� Talon made his way to a seat in front of a well worn desk.
“He may yet. He has been doing some extra training and I wager you may have another go at him if you plan on staying around here for any amount of time.� The man gently lowered himself into his seat behind the desk.
“If he must,� Talon sat forward a little bit. “I plan on being in the area for a few days at least. I have a task for you to do Sheldon.�
Sheldon sat as straight as his back would allow and his eyes slightly raised, “Excellent, it has been a little slow around and, as you know, your money is always good here.�
“So I expect. ‘Tis a simple task really, but one of some importance to me. Two names. Jeryn and Zyll. I want to know about their operations here. I want to know how many of Jeryn’s men are here and where they operate. For Zyll, I just need information on him, whatever you have.�
Sheldon sat back again allowing his back to bend his head down once again, “Zyll and Jeryn eh? They have a history, as you no doubt know. In somewhat recent past Zyll has gotten the bad end of some deals with Jeryn. Currently Zyll is trying to pick up the pieces but it is slim pickings. When the deal went bad for him he had to stiff a few people that don’t normally take well to being stiffed. He has since hired extra guards and has some more city guards on his payroll to look after his well being. Nobody really knows what exactly will come of it, but there are a choice few that would like to get a piece of Zyll. Jeryn, that name most often falls from the tounges of Zyll’s men, usually in the form of a curse. Truth told, Jeryn’s business has made some rich men here as well. Whatever happened, and there are few that really know the details, took from the rich and gave to the poor. Some of the small shops that were going under because of Zyll’s strong arm are suddenly quite prosperous. Only bad when you look at it from Zyll’s point of view. Will have to dig a little bit to learn anything else. Circumstances are odd and don’t lend themselves well to questions.�
Talon nodded and paused a moment in thought. Leaning back once again in his chair, Talon reached to his side and removed the coin purse and tossed it onto the desk. “This should cover most of your expenses for what I ask. Send a message to the Siren’s Call with the name Lonat when you have what I ask.� Talon got up to leave at Sheldon’s grunting acknowlegement.
“Talon,� Sheldon’s almost whisper turned Talon around before he exited the room. “Zyll and Jeryn is bad business. The circumstances are rich with the scent of spilled blood. Something is building and there are few that know what. It may be that your presence here is not a welcomed thing, it may get the response that nobody wants. This place is like a suspended droplet of water, the slightest shake could send it tumbling into the darkness below.�
Talon paused at the open door. “I hear you, we will see what happens. I best keep a low profile and you understand the trust you have by receiving that location. Best not spoil that trust.�
Talon left the bar deep in thought. Trouble was brewing from the sound of it. Hopefully Sheldon will be able to figure something out. Talon made his way back towards the Swinging Parrot. On the way he stopped by a very large Inn called Siren’s Call that he passed on his way to the Nest. Talon entered the Siren’s call and went to the front desk where he quickly rented a room under the name Lonat and told the desk to hold all messeges.
Talon then made his way back to the Swinging Parrot taking various routes almost getting lost at one point. When finally sure of his surroundings and sure that he wasn’t being followed he entered the inn and had a filling dinner. Talon then went up and entered the room where he found LiAra asleep and fully clothed holding the nightgown. Talon set himself in the chair and gave it a comfortable tilt and proceeded to catch what sleep he could as well. -
A Stranger in a Strange Place
#31Daskil made it into Fledding in the middle of the night. It was the last place he wanted to be. Damn the little witch, damn Talon, damn Jeryn, damn them all. He could be in a warm bed with his pretty mistress. Instead, he was in Fledding, cold, and standing in a mud road arguing with a fool. And it was starting to rain again. Lovely. Just lovely. "Look, I'm just trying to find a fellow named Talon concerning a business proposition."
"I ain't never heard of this fellow Talon."
"Bloody- look, will this jog your memory?" Daskil pulled a small bag of coins and waved it at the man.
"Come to think of it, it seems I've heard old Sheldon mention this Talon. I know I've heard Rastal talk about him. 'Course, if you go by Rastal's opinion, you just might want to find someone else."
Hmm. So Rastal might be an enemy of Talon's. Potentially useful. Daskin held out the money pouch, but kept hold of it. "And can you tell me where I could find either of those gentlemen?"
"They're always at the Sailor's Nest." And with that, the man snatched the money and was gone, leaving Daskin to pick his way through the streets in search of the Sailor's Nest.
It wasn't too bad; he only got lost twice. Of course, at one point he was forced to quietly kill a would-be thief. He doubted anyone would miss him.
The Sailor's Nest was precisely what it sounded like, a haven for drunken seamen. Daskin made his way through the muddle to the bar. "I'm looking for a man named Sheldon. Or a fellow named Rastal, if he's easier to get hold of."
A big fellow looked up at him. "I'm Rastal."
"I was told you know a fellow named Talon. I would like to find him."
"Yeah, I know Talon. Blighter's in town now."
Well, at least that information had been correct. "Would you know where is is?"
"No. But Sheldon does, most likely."
Daskin's patience was wearing thin. "And where is Mr. Sheldon?"
"Over there. The little guy."
Daskin went over to the man indicated. "Excuse me. Are you Sheldon?"
"Yes."
"I understand that you know how to contact a man named Talon."
"It depends entirely why you're asking."
"A confidential business matter."
"Do I look like a fool? You have to do better than that."
"I would like to hire him. It really is a private matter." He dropped another small bag of coins. At least he hadn't come totally unprepared.
The little fellow eyed it. "I can't promise anything, but I'll mention it to him. It's really up to him."
Of course. A stream of obscenities ran through Daskin's mind, but he only said, "I apprieciate it. Can you tell me where a reasonably priced inn is?"
"You might try the Swinging Parrot. It's likely to still have rooms at this hour."
"Thank you. I can be contacted there. Name of Daskin."
"If you don't hear from me there in... call it two days, well, that'll be all the answer you get."
The man gave Daskin directions to the Swinging Parrot, and politely got rid of him. That assassin had damn well better be worth all of this. He debated the wisdom of using his own name as a contact. If Talon remembered him as working for Jeryn, it might ruin everything before he even got started. Couldn't be helped now. It didn't matter. He wasn't particularly looking forward to meeting with Talon anyway. If this plan didn't work, well, Jeryn could damn well think of something else, that didn't involve Daskin.
He found the inn without much problem, and registered for a room. He was tired, and would be glad to get some sleep. This place wasn't half bad. He'd have to see about finding someone to help him warm up the bed if he was still here tomorrow, though. -
A Stranger in a Strange Place
#32The smell of morning's breakfast reached Talon's nose early that morning. He had been awake for awhile listening to the even breathing of LiAra. She must have been beat. Wonder how long she has been on the run? She can use the rest I am sure.
Talon stood and stretched. Although the chair looked comfortable it sure wasn't built for sleeping. He had been on splintered wooden chairs without cushions that were easier to sleep on.
Talon made his way downstairs and found Trile directing a few people on various chores. "Tile, good morning to you."
"Sire, good morning. I was expecting you later, I hope your nights rest was satisfactory?" Tile was asking the required questions of an innekeeper.
"I would like a private room to break my fast. When the lady that accompanies me here comes down, please show her to me, will you?"
Tile made his way over to Talon and when the private room was mentioned he angled himself towards the row of curtained tables. "Of course sir."
Talon sat at the table and leaned against the back wall of the booth, bringing his feet up onto the bench in a very relaxed position. As Tile brought in a healthy breakfast of ham, bread, and some assorted sausages he took out a short pipe from a small bag and tightly packed it with Ring Mountain herbs, his favorite smoke weed.
Talon ate some and relaxed. It had been awhile since he could just relax. After breakfast he would take a short side trip off to Siren's Call to see if any messages were left and then they would go shopping. Once they were ready they would go pay a visit to Zyll. Talon felt another purse on his belt and figured how much he had left in his pack. Enough for shopping and perhaps a few other things, but if anything big came along he would have to make a stop at his stash. He had tokens for accounts from the local money lenders, but here he was only known as Talon and he didn't want to advertise that he was here yet. The Captain's warnings still bothered him and he would have to figure that out and see if it trully was a factor.
Talon's mind drifted in and out of a light sleep as he waited for LiAra. -
A Stranger in a Strange Place
#33When LiAra woke up, it was already late in the morning. She felt so much better after a night's sleep. Talon wasn't there; he had probably already woken up and went in search of breakfast. She wandered downstairs. Breakfast sounded like an excellent proposition at the moment. The innkeeper materialized at her elbow. "I trust mi'lady had a good rest?"
LiAra nodded. She noticed him eyeing her dishevelled clothes, but he didn't say anything. Presumably he didn't want to lose Talon's good will. "Your companion arranged a private area for your breakfast. He asked that I show you to him when you came downstairs."
LiAra allowed herself to be led in the direction of some curtain tables. She found Talon sitting at one, half asleep. After the innkeeper brought her breakfast, LiAra said, "Good morning. Assuming it still is, of course. I'm sorry I slept so long." The food here was very good, and precisely what LiAra needed at the moment. There was a pleasant smell in the air, probably a combination of the food aromas and Talon's pipe. Why can't more days be just like this? she wondered. -
A Stranger in a Strange Place
#34Talon savored the silence and allowed LiAra her own silence and privacy as she ate.
When he saw that she had ate her fill and was relaxing, Talon repacked his pipe. "I enjoy mornings like this. We can leave whenever you are ready. I didn't get the impression you were on a timetable, and I am in no hurry myself. I got some directions from Tile to some local merchants that can get us the garbs we want."
Talon lit his pipe again from a small stick he put in the table's candle. "There are two or three places a few blocks over and others scattered about if we want can't find what we are looking for."
(OOC: take us shopping. Can breeze over it or have some fun) -
A Stranger in a Strange Place
#35They went shopping. THe market wasn't that crowded, which LiAra took as a good sign. They mostly didn't have any trouble. LiAra had to admit that she really liked the blue dress she'd ended up getting. That was saying something, seeing as how she normally didn't like to wear them. Talon also got a suit, and possibly more that LiAra didn't know about. The clothes did make all the difference. Several people bowed courteously to them after they changed clothes. LiAra also got a hooded cloak, which would be useful even after this. She insisted on keeping her old clothes though. "I can clean them up and mend them later."
After they finished shopping, LiAra asked, "So where do we go now?" -
A Stranger in a Strange Place
#36"Well, I gave that question a little bit of thought.. Let us go back to our lodgings, drop off our things, and take a lunch. From there I believe you can help me draft a letter requesting an engagement with Baron Zyll. It seems that Zyll is in a bad way with the wrong people and may not be as amiable as I initially thought to anybody simply dropping by. Since we have time we may as well use it."
They walk for a bit and Talon is satisfied by what few looks they were recieiving, it seems that they both now blended in well to Fledding and Talon believed therir was little chance that whoever was chasing LiAra would be looking for her as she was. That made her almost invisible to those eyes, or so he hoped.
A couple of blocks away from the Swinging Parrot Talon excused himself so he could quickly run to the Siren's Call to see if any messages have been left for Lonat since the evening before. "Perhaps if you could think of some business we could attend to with Zyll it might make our entrance all the easier. I know he is in the trade business but as of yet I have no knowledge of what kind of business may buy us an appointment with him. I will meet you at the Swinging Parrot momentarily."
It was slightly busy at the Siren's Call with the early lunch crowd just coming in. From coversation he heard he found out that this place gave out free lunch with room. When he saw that it was stew, cheese, and a piece of bread he understood why. He could imagine the chef in the back cutting off all the mold from the bread and cheese.
Going to the front desk he retrieved a small folded note that was left for Lonat and put it in his pocket for his return to the Swinging Parrot. As he reached the door to leave something told him to turn around and rescan the occupants. He did so. He couldn't be sure but he thought that back table was occupied when he came in. Getting lax or getting paranoid? he asked himself and moved on.
Talon made his way back to have a nice quiet lunch with LiAra and make their plans. They would have to come up with some sort of cover story in case they had to play the charade longer then expected. -
A Stranger in a Strange Place
#37((OOC: And there was much rejoicing! Yay!))
LiAra tried, but she couldn't think of a way for the two of them to trick thier way into a meeting with Zyll. She just didn't have much experience in that sort of thing. As she walked back to the Swinging Parrot, she was so deep in thought that she almost missed the man. She just passed him in the street, and only until after she had gone on a ways more did she realize who it had been. Daskil. Daskil worked for Jeryn, in fact was one of the man's most reliable henchmen. Luckily, she didn't think he'd seen her because he hadn't come after her. But it was an uncomfortable situation. Apparently, they didn't have as much time as Talon thought they did. When he returned, she told him about seeing Daskil. "He can be a fool, but he's not stupid. And I don't think he'll stop before he finishes what he was sent to do. Jeryn has some sort of hold over the man." Suddenly something occured to LiAra. "This hasn't anything to do with that, but I thought of something that might get us in to see Zyll. I seem to remember he was fond of horses. Very fond. Maybe posing as a horse dealer or breeder...? -
A Stranger in a Strange Place
#38Talon got the note out of his pocket and read through it quickly.
"Seems Daskil is not only looking for you, but also looking for me...and he has found me."
Talon pauses to guage LiAra's reaction.
"Lucky for us he is not searching for us for the reason we are worried about. Seems he has a job offer for the man I work for."
If LiAra asks he will tell her that he works for Kyler the assassin.
"It harms nothing for me to go visit him and see what he is doing here. Knowing his motivations could help our case. But I fear that the reason he is visiting me is because of you, don't you think? I hope not, because if that is true then you are much more important to him then maybe I realized. Kyler is not cheap and is hard to find. If it is about you, then that is a great deal of trouble to go through for a runaway witch. I can imagine that there is another reason for requiring Kyler's assisstance, and he knows he did us a wrong turn not too long ago so it must be important to him. An interesting web is being created and we seem to be in the middle of it."
Talon loses himself in thought for a few moments.
"I suppose I should go see this Daskil and follow that thread for as far as I can."
With LiAra's consent, Talon makes his way to the Swinging Parrot. He enters the main room and takes a seat at an available side table that gives him a view of the room. LiAra was able to give him a good description of Daskil and so he will be able to pick him out. After waiting for a bit Talon asks a barmaid if she would give a message to Daskil that he was here to see him.
(OCC: you playing Daskil Ria?) -
A Stranger in a Strange Place
#39OOC: Yeah, I guess I am.
Daskil had reconciled himself to being in this pathetic town. He had even begun to enjoy himself a little. He hadn't heard back from anyone, but he hadn't seen anyone else that worked for Jeryn either, so at least the impatient bastard was letting him do his job in peace. Then the little barmaid brought him a message. It seemed that Talon had, after all, decided to see him. Well, it probably wouldn't be pleasant, but at least it meant that he could get out of here and go home. The barmaid led him over to Talon's table.
"Ah, greetings. My name is Daskil, and I am representing my employer. He wishes to contract the services of Kyler, and we understand that he's a friend of yours." -
A Stranger in a Strange Place
#40A sharp dagger silently finds it way under the table and pressure applied to Daskil's inner thigh.
"You must have been told the danger of visiting me. We did not get along too well last time we had dealings with your 'employer'" Talon allowed the word to flow through a calm exterior while his penetrating eyes pried at Daskil, "Time has not rid us of the bitter taste. My single guess is that your employer did not tell you all that came between us during our last arrangement and such is the reason you still live. I only visit now in pure curiosity and have a hard time imagining something important enough to actually ask to see me." The dagger moved imperceptibly forward, but the sharp blade had to have broken skin Talon believed.
"Did you, before this, ever think your employer thought you were disposable?" Talon tilts his head slightly, "Interesting. Regardless, he thinks so now by putting you before me."