Twinwolf Posted May 22, 2017 Share Posted May 22, 2017 Clarisse breaks the hug, taking a step back before replying. "Oh, this is my friend Rayne. Some... stuff happened, on Irvetos. Had to use most of my money, helped Rayne here get back to the other Royal Guards, and they basically hired me on as an extra hand for whatever their mission is. Which is good, since I do intend to keep travelling and this way I don't have to use more of our money." Clarisse neglected to mention being in danger - she didn't want to worry her brother. It's worth noting, the house is rather large - seems Clarisse's family is rather affluent. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rokubiraijuu Posted May 22, 2017 Share Posted May 22, 2017 Tailing behind a bit, Idei accompanies Cass to the musician's shop, curiously examining the interior. Though he himself has limited talent with instruments -- he had always been more interested in learning how to hunt, string his own bow, shoe his own horses ( "more your uncle's son than mine", his father would joke ) -- he still appreciates what he sees, and almost finds himself regretting that he hadn't learned more. Then again, these aren't much like the instruments from home, so he doubts he would be able to do much with them. "What's this?" he asks curiously, having meandered his way up to the front and now looking at the large green orb. Its stand is so ornate it seems a strange possession for a common merchant. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Zetaark Posted May 22, 2017 Share Posted May 22, 2017 "Oh this? It's a dragonstone. Or, to be more specifically, a replica of one. I wouldn't keep my own out on display like that. It's a symbol for the Z'ark Merchant Council you see. Members tend to have rather large says in large-scale deals and such. The jewel you get depends on whether you're a regular human, a manakete, or a hybrid. The green orb there is a symbol for a regular manakete, a blue heart for a human, and an orb with a heart inside for a hybrid. It's a rather interesting design, but I personally like it," The woman answers. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Raindrop Valkyrie Posted May 22, 2017 Share Posted May 22, 2017 "Hiyas! Rayne Marigold. I'm a friend of Clarisse's. She's my guard-guard~" she said trying to play off the awkwardness from before. Whether or not it was working... well... was hard to say. She shuffled around quite a bit nervously before extended her hand outward as to offer a handshake. She almost forgot to do so entirely. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Aurorix Posted May 22, 2017 Share Posted May 22, 2017 Belros just stood there in silence. He couldn't say anything back because he knew it was all true. However, it's not like he wanted to place everyone in danger. Nor did he want to piss everyone off. But it seems he's too adept at both for his own good. Maybe if he was just a bit more competent, none of this would have happened. Though there's nothing he can do about it now. I guess he should be thinking of ways to make up for it. Though that'll be a lot tougher then it sounds. After Cadence's spiel, Belros left for the local tavern. Hopefully things will end better than last time. Along the way, though, he wondered if he should even be in this army. So far he's only endangered everyone or pissed them off. Maybe it'd be best if he just left, would anyone notice? Would anyone care? I guess time will tell what will happen. Go to the Tarven/Bar and hopefully try to not get into a fight. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Zetaark Posted May 22, 2017 Share Posted May 22, 2017 "Guard guard huh? That's certainly a new one," Caleb chuckles, accepting Rayne's handshake. "Do you two want to come inside? I'm sure there's some food for the both of you," he decides to ask. ----------------------------------- As Cadence and Belros leave the shop, they bump into a man trying to head into the shop. "Oh I'm sorry," the man apologizes before taking a quick look at the pair. "If you'll excuse me," he says, heading into the shop. Belros manages to find one of the local taverns nearby, though the inside is rather shoddy and not many people are around. Cadence meanwhile heads back to the merchant stands she saw earlier. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Aurorix Posted May 22, 2017 Share Posted May 22, 2017 Well isn't this disappointing, which this many people in the bar he doubts the bar tender will know anything worthwhile. Besides, with such few people around it'd be a lot easier to be recognized. He left the bar thinking of what to do next. His mind then went to the man he bumped into when he left. Now that he thinks about it, he was pretty suspicious. Maybe he should go look into it. With nothing else to do he went back to where he first saw the man, maybe he can track him from there. Go back to the scene Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sutoratosu Posted May 22, 2017 Share Posted May 22, 2017 "..." Cade mostly stayed silent as she walked. The main market was in sight, but... something just didn't sit right about going back right now. 17 minutes ago, Zetaark said: "Oh I'm sorry. If you'll excuse me," "That guy... something felt... off about him. Like, more off than just the regular dudes who would go walking into a shop like that. God, why is this feeling so strong, like I've missed something obvio- oh... crap." Quote "Poison knifes eh? Well there is a shop in a back alley that sells them but it's pretty shady. Actually, I remember a few days ago some rich-looking man went by there for some reason. I don't think he bought anything, but I wouldn't know. I think the guy himself is one of the political nobles of Z'ark or something, not that it means too much to the merchants here. Just thought you would know." Spoiler Yes, Cade has her own detective theme. Deal with it, sons. "That was the guy... goddess damn it! I was so glad to just be out of there I didn't even notice..." The Anima of course, tricky dicks above the law as they were, suggested the very obvious and impulsive route to take, as Cadence hashed everything out "Go back... well I mean...I don't really want to get caught up in any more bullshit but..." The feeling of something being off only intensified. She finally realized what it was- the anima were actively trying to warn her... of something. What, she did not know, but... she hadn't really seen them act so strangely before. Then there was her own gut feeling backing up the push... "Goddess damn it, can't go even a full week without getting caught up in something. Fine, you wandroughts win... but only cause I've got a gut feeling about this anyway!" and with that, she turned on her heels and speed off back towards the poisoner's den as fast as her feet would carry her in the armored coat. Return to the Scene Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Zetaark Posted May 22, 2017 Share Posted May 22, 2017 Belros and Cadence both run into each other after thinking similar things. However, as they get back, the door has a closed sign on it, and the door to the shop is locked. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sutoratosu Posted May 22, 2017 Share Posted May 22, 2017 "Damn! of course the wandroughts locked themselves in..." Cade sighed at the sight of the closed storefront. "Too late, should've been paying attention from the start..." It was only then however, that she noticed the spy there as well... "Let me guess, something about that man didn't sit well with you either, did it?" Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Aurorix Posted May 22, 2017 Share Posted May 22, 2017 As Belros returned he noticed that Cadence had came back as well. "No it didn't and it seems my intuition wasn't far off mark." Belros responded before pulling out his lockpick. "However, fortunately for us, a life of thievery has it's perks. A simple lock is not barrier for one such as myself! Heh heh heh!" Belros spoke cheerfully almost forgetting what the women had said to him moments before. "I'm heading in, however, I must ask, are do you want to follow? Lockpicking isn't exactly legal and if our assumptions are wrong it won't look good on us or the royal guard. I'm not too worried though, I've already dabbled in the not so legal. You, however, I am not sure of and I don't want to get you involved in anything... messy, without your consent. So, you coming with me or staying behind?" Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sutoratosu Posted May 22, 2017 Share Posted May 22, 2017 "I've been told the man we saw may well be a political presence here on Z'ark... and that he's been seen poking around this shop at least once before a few days ago. Take a look around you, we're in an Alleyway. I was originally going to just brush this place off and ignore it, but... well given the circumstances and the location, I think we have probable cause to check it out. Besides, the Anima Spirits are practically going on high alert about the guy, and you saw how rich that dude looked. Why the hell do you think he'd be visiting a poisoner's den, of all places? Some people might say it's better to ask permission than forgiveness. But right now, I think this is one of those cases where it's the opposite. You know that coup we stopped yesterday? Well, who knows, maybe this guy's hungry for power and success just like Baron Roman... might even be planning to assassinate a rival or something..." Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Aurorix Posted May 22, 2017 Share Posted May 22, 2017 "Alright then, I'll take that as yes. Now this'll only take a second. Just keep watch while I get this lock open would ya?" Belros spoke before getting to work on opening the lock. Open the door with the lockpick Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sutoratosu Posted May 22, 2017 Share Posted May 22, 2017 "yeah, yeah, just hurry up..." with that said, she reached to her side and drew her rapier, keeping it at the ready as she scanned both ends of the alley. Keep watch while Bel makes the Lockpick Check (And try to exude an air of authority as if they've got actual orders to be raiding the place) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Zetaark Posted May 22, 2017 Share Posted May 22, 2017 As Belros tries to get through the lock on the door, he receives a slight shock. Additionally, the lockpick he was using shattered. It seems that the lock had some form of magical interference that prevented them from tampering with the lock. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Aurorix Posted May 22, 2017 Share Posted May 22, 2017 "Ah! Damn!" Belros spoke angrily as he felt the shock of the door. "This lock has some magical protection around it. I don't believe mere picks can open it up. I think we should go tell the captain about this. If things weren't suspicious before, they are now." Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Anstane Posted May 22, 2017 Share Posted May 22, 2017 "Erm, we're just a pair of travelers and we thought we could, um, maybe look around, get a tour, something..." Darius spoke out, internally screaming for Helena to take over and come up with a potentially more plausible excuse, as he doubted the two guards would just let them in. The fact that they needed guards at the door signified as much. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sutoratosu Posted May 22, 2017 Share Posted May 22, 2017 "What? they went that far just to reinforce a damn door?" The spirits vouched for the man's assessment- there was indeed something not right about the door, just like there'd been about the nobleman. Whatever the hell this shop did on the side, the operators had obviously gone to rather extreme lengths with their security. "I mean geez, I've heard of people doing that with Safes and Chests but... gah, fine..." "Yeh, we might as well go inform the captain about everything. Hell, if anything this discovery just furthers the suspicion here. Seedy location, shifty shopkeep who got annoyed when I asked a few simple questions, a bunch of high end protection when it's in a damn alleyway and probably wouldn't be that likely to be robbed in the first place... eh, come on, let's get going. I'd like to get him here before they finish whatever they're doing and this scene becomes bust." Take Belros to go find Madante and report all this suspicious stuff (so that it can become his problem now instead of ours) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Zetaark Posted May 22, 2017 Share Posted May 22, 2017 "Yes, my name is Helena Vulcan. This is my friend, and we were hoping to get a tour of the institute if at all possible," she explains. "Helena Vulcan hmm? Wait, Vulcan? As in, the firstborn daughter of the Vulcan family in Alios?" one of the guards asks in a surprised tone. "Yes, that would be me. Here's proof if you wish," Helena displays a pendant that has what appears to be a volcano etched into it. One of the guards goes up to check it. "Yep. This is the real deal. Though I could have sworn I heard something about you dying out at sea. Nevertheless, you're here right now, and I'm sure some of the mages in would love to meet a member of such an esteemed family," The guard finishes, opening the doors for the pair. "Enjoy your visit, and try not to break anything alright?" ---------------------------------------- Cadence and Belros eventually find Madante back at the docks and inform him of the happenings. "This does sound serious, though we'll need more information before we can actually do anything about it. Do any of you have ideas on where we could learn more about that shop or the man that went inside?" Madante asks the pair. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sutoratosu Posted May 22, 2017 Share Posted May 22, 2017 "Biden." Cadence answered nigh instantly. She already knew they'd need explaining though "He was a mercenary friend of Kariks back before we broke him free of Gonzap. I dueled him on the ship and injured him, karik captured him soon after and I let him live if he promised to start a new life doing something honest. Turns out he survived the shipwreck like we did and ended up running a sword shop here- He's where I originally learned about this guy and how he's been visiting the poisoner before. I don't know how much more he might be able to help, but... it's at least a place to get other leads to follow." Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Anstane Posted May 22, 2017 Share Posted May 22, 2017 Darius was surprised to learn that Helena was of a recognized house, enough so that the pair was allowed inside the institution. Once inside, he decided to ask her. "Huh, I did not realize you were of a recognized house. I admit I heard some people mention something about the firstborn of the Vulcan family while we were shopping for tomes, and how she went missing, but I didn't think they were talking about you." the shaman spoke out rather sheepishly. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bfroger6 Posted May 22, 2017 Share Posted May 22, 2017 "More Manaketes..?" Cass whispered so neither of the other would hear him as he looked at the dragonstone replica in wonder. So how many people here were actually Manaketes/hybrids? He'd already met two and he was kinda sure there were lotsa more. How did he never know this? Had he known this earlier...nah he was getting really uncomfortable right now. He couldn't think right. "Ya, well, I was just looking for any instrument really. Idei, do ya got any suggestions..?" Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Twinwolf Posted May 22, 2017 Share Posted May 22, 2017 8 hours ago, Zetaark said: "Guard guard huh? That's certainly a new one," Caleb chuckles, accepting Rayne's handshake. "Do you two want to come inside? I'm sure there's some food for the both of you," he decides to ask. Clarisse nods. "I'd love to." she says, following Caleb when he goes inside and indicating for Rayne to follow. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pyon Pyon Kyuu!~ Posted May 22, 2017 Share Posted May 22, 2017 Emilee looked over the staffs... Over and over and over.... But in the end she couldn't make up her mind. "I don't think I'll be buying anything... I'm sorry for wasting your time." She looked disappointed but as much as she wanted to buy a new staff she already had too many. Maybe she would get another chance at another time. Instead, Emilee indulged on her curiosity. "Sorry if it's rude to ask but... What's it like being a manakete? I mean flying and being a dragon and all that?" Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Zetaark Posted May 22, 2017 Share Posted May 22, 2017 "Yes, I suppose I never mentioned it, but my family is well known in terms of longstanding mage families," she explains before frowning. "Still though, you heard people back at the stalls mentioning me getting lost at sea, and these guards thought the same? That concerns me a bit. While it's true that there was a storm out on the day I went out to sea, it never ran into any trouble. The ship sailed on the southern side of the sea, so we avoided most of the bad weather. Still though, when I get back to Alios, I'll have to ask around," Helena remarks. "Still, that's something for later. Right now, we should check out this place while we still can," Helena says in a more cheery tone, dragging Darius into the institute. Inside the facility, a host of individuals are moving through. At the central desk, a lady calls out to the pair. "Welcome! I take it you two are here for a tour?" ---------------------------------------- "How is it? Well, having been one all my life I can't really say anything other than it's just normal. I'm sorry if that wasn't the answer you were hoping for, but its just how it is," Percival chuckles, amused by the girl's question. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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