One Creator

[Alter Corin]

What a peculiar creature, was the thought that ran through Alter's mind as he watched the elf scurry away. It was, honestly, pathetic. Alter wasn't big on pride or anything, but the lack of it that elf showed was just plain disgraceful. He shrugged and walked over to Cai.

"Yeah. I guess." He smiled and followed. His eyes couldn't help but watch her body as she walked. He loved the way the feminine sway of her hips looked. He could do his best to imitate it, but he just didn't have the natural skill of a woman.

"Pretty song, there, girl." He said. He wasn't sure what else to say. He decided that if Cai wanted to ignore the fight, that might be best. He shrugged to himself and began to whistle Cai's tune.

[Caiomhe Feryn]

Caiomhe walked along unconcerned and unaware that she was being looked at. Not that she would have really minded anyway, but it was the principle of the thing. Men watching her was nothing new--she was used to strange looks being directed at her because of her blindness and the way she ne\avigated the world due to it.

She stopped walking and motioned him closer. "Ye've a gud ear, tae pick up me song that quickly. Ye a music-maker?" She didn't know how to say musician, or if she did, she'd forgotten. And music-maker was just about as close as she could get.

There wasn't the usual wanting to see what he looked like, his facial structure, eye color, and so on, simply because he could change his appearence. So she didn't ask any weird and awkward questions like 'can I touch your face?' and she was happy about that.

[Iarei]

There was one thing about a city that almost kept Iarei's features from their pre-arranged serenity: crowding. She had to grab a handful of the boy's jerkin a few times just to make sure he wasn't jostled away from her, and had to slap away a few lingering hands -- though whether they were after her one in sight coin purse or after her other goods she didn't much care to speculate upon. She kept her expression in polite cheerfulness, and gave nods and smiles to several of the natives even though their guarded wariness was reflected several times over.

She was a stranger. She wasn't safe. It was annoying, to be sure, but just one more roadblock in a series of many. She'd met it before, and she'd meet it again. It didn't bother her overmuch.

She burned a few hours of daylight following a series of cryptic information that she was sure was supposed to confuse her, as she asked merchants and passersby for help locating an inn, but she took it affably enough. The boy's features were looking strained, too, as they backtracked several times and took a few wrong detours down streets that had nothing to do with catering to strangers. When they finally found an inn, Iarei felt quite ready to make a few complaints herself. But, she hid her irritation between a smooth veneer of pleasantness, and went about her business securing a long term room and rights to play for tips and a lesser room-fee. Bards were good for drumming up business, after all.

Not too long had passed before the boy was settled with some food and drink, much fussed over by the wenches, and Iarei sat on a stool at the far end of the bar across from the doorway with her lute held over her lap. The first night was always a game between herself and the innkeep; a certain proof that she would be more of a boon and less of a hindrance. Her fingers danced over the strings, and she sought to find the thin line between cheerful customers and rowdiness.

A cat's smile had curved her lips.

[Alter Corin]

“A music-maker? Not exactly. It’s a matter of paying attention. And, that is something I’m good at. In my line of work, you have to be. Or else you’ll be hanging from the gallows.” He smiled softly. His feet took him around a curve in the forest. His green eyes caught sight of a glint of light. The river. He squinted and then he caught sight of the outward buildings of Marn.

“We’re close, Cai. I can see the city.” Alter said softly and continued along the path at a slow, steady pace. He listened to the staccato of his footfalls. They rose to his ears softly and he started whistling Cai’s tune again. It really was a pretty song. Soon enough, they had reached the edge of Marn. Two guards stood at the entrance.

“You two! What is your business in Marn?” One of the guards asked. Alter smiled.

“I’m taking my Wife back to her homeland to have her baby. Tradition you know. We were hoping to stay here for the night and resupply before setting out again.” Alter said, the lies flowing easily off his tongue. Sometimes it worried him that he lied so easily. But today wasn’t one of those times. It was just easier. The guard nodded and waved them through.

“So, Cai. Anything in particular you want to do in the City?”

[Caiomhe Feryn]

Caiomhe didn't raise her eyebrow at Alter's lies to get them into the city. It was plausible enough, and she smiled demurely (an odd look) and laid her hand on her companion's arm, lowering her eyes. She didn't want questions about her blindness asked and she didn't particularly want to crash into anything or anyone. Open road were one thing, but narrower streets were difficult to navigate on her own, even after years of practice.

Plus, it lent some credibility to the story.

After they'd walked a little ways in she answered him. "I donnae know where tae gae... possi'ly fer a bite tae eat? I dinnae get bre'kest."

[Iarei]

Business was flowing, though Iarei was sure it was more due to the location of the inn and the cleanliness it espoused rather than her playing. The owner had gotten along before she'd arrived, and he'd get along after. The boy had been sent to settle their few possessions in their room (regrettably, she hadn't the money for two rooms. One day.) and in his absence she'd started up a few rowdier songs. Not that he wouldn't hear them anyways, but it took her a while to warm up sufficiently and get the measure of the patrons before she dared to play them. The innkeep had stopped watching her with hawk's eyes, and she let her relaxation flow into the music. In no short order she had a table singing along with her, slamming mugs on tables in a cheerful sort of way to keep time with the beat.

She let her eyes move their way over the crowd. There were a few who might buy her a drink, and she coaxed their bravado with a few winks and secret smiles as she sang and played. Men or women -- who cared? All she was after was information and the start of her network. Plus, one never knew who one might meet in an inn. Good or bad, Iarei aimed to meet all of them.

The song was finished to a smattering round of applause, and the boy came trotting up to her stool at the back of the inn. "'Sdone as y'asked."

"Would you like to stretch your legs?"

The boy gave her such a pitiable look that she laughed and ruffled his hair, which he scowled half-heartedly at her for. "All right, all right. Go and enjoy yourself for tonight, and get a good rest. Starting tomorrow you'll have your hands full of work."

"Thank y'mum!" His blazing smile of joy was reward enough for her softening of spirit, and she watched him weave his way into the crowd, off to do whatever it was children did when adults weren't around.

"Is that your son?"

The words startled a guffaw from her lips, and she leaned over her lute to regard the lone man who'd been the only one to dare approach her. Beyond him, the small crowd gave up a buzz of conversation as they went about their daily business, not too affected by her lack of playing. Her smile soured slightly; that'd have to change.

"No, he's my apprentice. . .I don't have any children." She'd wink at him, and he'd smile back, and thus their conversation would progress as she started to get a feel for these people of the city Marn.

[Alter Corin]

“Sounds fine to me. Let’s duck into this Inn for something.” He said and gently pulled Cai towards the Inn on the right. He pushed the door open and ushered her through. He was immediately bombarded by the smell of alcohol, sweat, and food. He walked over to the Innkeeper and asked how much food was. Then he realized he had no money, so he came up with another lie.

“Oh. We’re with the Entertainment. I’m an acrobat and this is our…accountant.” Alter chuckled at that, softly, to himself. “What kind of deal has our partner worked out?” The owner told him. Alter smiled. “Wonderful. Can you fix her up with some dinner while we perform? It’s been a long day for us.” The owner grunted and nodded. Alter turned away from Cai.

“Time for some fun.” He whispered to himself. He made his way easily though the crowd, a skill he had developed on the streets. He climbed on the stage and he made a loud whistle that drew the attention of the Inn. He smiled.

“Let’s hear a round of applause for our wonderful bard!” The crowd let out a loud cheer and he heard crude catcalls over the cheer. He smiled wider. “Now, prepare to be amazed. To be astounded. To be utterly blown away by the sheer skill of my tricks.” He closed his eyes and jumped into the air, doing two full flips before he landed. Loud cheers ran through the Inn. He quickly changed his torso into a muscular physique before he took off his cloak. The few women in the Inn let out a little cheer at that. He smiled even winder and jumped into the air again, this time flipping once and landing on one hand and balancing there before throwing himself back into the air, spinning in a circle as he landed back on his feet. He turned to the bard next to him and winked at her.

[Caiomhe Feryn]

Charm. Of course that would be how he lied his way through the innkeep and onto the stage, Cai mused as she sat eating some rather tasty dinner. She was grateful that she hadn't been given soup--while she could manage, soup was one of the most hellish foods to eat while blind. She cut the meat deftly and easily while pretending to know what Alter was doing onstage.

She knew what he was trying to do, anyway. Upstage (no pun intended) the woman and win the crowd over himself. She'd seen it before in another town, though that man's attempts hadn't gone over as well as it could have. She remembered distinctly something like rotten vegetables being flung in the direction of the stage, and she'd wondered at the mental stability of these eastern folk.

Throwing vegetables simply wasn't nice. And Caiomhe knew what not being nice was, as she tended towards the meaner side herself. She sipped at a rather good vintage of wine, grateful that this inn had at least the decency to keep an above average cellar. Or, as she doubted that there was actually a wine cellar, a good selection of someone else's cellar behind the bar.

She munched on a small bite of bread as she heard the light thud of feet signified that her new 'client', if she was the accountant, was showing off. A few ladylike shouts caused her to stifle a laugh, as she didn't need eyes to guess what he'd done. If he could give himself a woman's chest he could obviously bulk up a male one too.

She lounged back in her seat and pretended to be writing numbers on a scrap of paper, to keep up the accountant guise. She didn't know what exactly an accountant did, so she just scribbled numbers while diverting most of her attention to the stage.

[Iarei]

Iarei stood up, and clapped her hands. "Thank you for your gracious patronage." Her trained voice carried easily over the average sized room, smooth as silk. "My . . . associate and I will take a small break. Upstairs." The last word was directed to the man with a polite and easy smile. Of her inner thoughts, not much was shown upon her face but a pleasant neutrality. When the barmaid came with her own supper, she smiled until the corners of her eyes crinkled and whispered something to the woman, who dipped a small curtsey and whisked it away.

Iarei bowed to the gathered and immediately left the stage to a round of applause and cheers; if the stranger stayed upon the stage he would appear quite rude. Of the accountant, Iarei had no idea. If she had, she likely would have taken care of the matter with the Innkeeper at that precise moment. But, profits were profits and she wouldn't turn away any no matter how roiling pissed she was in her secret thoughts. If she could manipulate this into her benefit, well, no harm done then.

If she couldn't, then she'd amuse herself by having them thrown out.

She'd pause near the stairs, waiting for the man to show up. If a strange woman showed up too, well, she wouldn't show much surprise either. In either case, she'd lead the way up to her small, but tidy, room.

[Alter Corin]

Alter sighed. This could go badly. Or, it could go according to plan. He wasn’t really worried about his plan failing, because the consequences were simply not that bad. He might have to sleep outside, in the streets, but he had done that before, and he was pretty sure he’d do it again before he died. He picked up his shirt and slipped it over his body and walked over to Caiomhe.

“Cai. I’m headed upstairs to talk to that bard. You want to come?” He smiled and offered his arm to help her. He then made his way to the steps and up them slowly. He looked up at the woman and offered her a smile.

“How’s it goin’, partner?”

[Caiomhe Feryn]

Cai resisted the urge to beat her head against the table, and settled for a short laugh. She was of the opinion that her new companion didn't have a plan, that he was just making it up as he went along. Of course, that was usually what Caiomhe herself did as well, so... she stood and took his arm, smiling demurely again.

As they approached the stairs she muttered in an undertone, "That baerd? Donnae ye be meanin', our as'siates?" She couldn't pronounce associates for the life of her, so she gave up.

Cai ducked her eyes as they approached the woman and murmured a greeting as well. Since Alter seemed to be running the show (no pun intended) she'd let him work their way into the bard's good graces. And if not... well, there was always an easy way to get rid of embarassing men. She'd learned quickly that screaming out the word 'rape!' drew would-be heros to the defense of a helpless lady. With that in mind she settled for a small smile and waited for Alt to work his magic.

[Iarei]

Once in the room -- which was small and packed tight with two beds, a large trunk, and half unpacked bags -- Iarei took a seat upon her own bed. There was a crease between her brows as she crossed her legs and looked over the room. Boy had done a real bang-up job on not doing what she'd told him to do. She'd have to give him a few licks with the belt later. But ah, her current guests. She settled the lute upon the bed, taking care to draw out the silence that shrouded the room. She really hoped they weren't experienced con men. She couldn't stand con men, and if that was the case she'd have to get rid of them.

She smiled congenially, a sort of sharing-secrets smile; muted approval lingering in her eyes. She gestured towards them, palm upwards, and lifted her eyebrows in expectation.

"What's in it for me?"

[Alter Corin]

"Well. I have a business, you see. And my business is making dreams come true. I can take your wildest desires and make them a reality. I can make you money. I can find you a man. I can find you a woman, if you're in to that kind of thing. I can illicit anything you want me to. All you have to do is ask."

He smiled to the woman before him. That was the best offer he could make. Honestly, the bard would be getting the short end of the stick from this deal. But he could help her make some money. Or at least give her a good romp. Whichever she thought was better. You never knew what these artsy types were in to.

[Caiomhe Feryn]

Cai got that banging-head-against-table urge again. She stood and flicked her sightless eyes at the two people in turn. "Weel, azz'a inter'sting as this all a'soonds, I think I shall be a'leavin' ye tae et."

She made her way slowly out of the room, then put her head back through the door, almost as an afterthought. "Alt, try tae play nice, eh?" She grinned slightly and left, heading downstairs and bullying the innkeeper slightly for a private room.

Once in her room she lay down on her narrow bed, sighed, and closed her eyes. It had been a long day.

[Iarei]

Slick. Practiced. Sly. The things Iarei did not want to be directed towards her just yet. Especially not from this unknown, whose movements she had no way to predict. Two of them, though the woman made her exit quietly enough. Interesting. Perhaps she had no stake in this, perhaps she was leading it but didn't want to get her hands dirty. Iarei's quiet stare followed the woman out, and she allowed a bashful confusion to suffuse her features.

"I'm ah. . .I'm a bard." It was lame, and slow, as though Iarei were embarassed about something and trying to explain it anyways. "Truthfully I came to this city to create my opus under the protection of a patron. I -- well. . ." She looked down at her fingers, twisting in her lap. "If you're in trouble with the law, or someone, I'm afraid I won't be able to help you." She gave an uneasy shrug.

"I'm in the business of trading stories and songs, and if there's a part you can play in that, then I will accept you," belatedly, she looked towards the door, "both. I don't want any funny business."

She smiled blandly at the man, at the stranger, her eyes guileless. She was going to have a headache on her hands, she just knew it.