Ayden walked back slowly to his hideout, his face a confused and thoughtful mask of emotions, a reflection of the myriad of ideas that were running rampant though the confines of his mind. The street he followed was quiet and almost entirely devoid of life, the moon that sat in its lofty perch high up in the sky illuminated the cobblestones with an eerie and somewhat sinister light. Stopping at the corner of the street to make sure no one was watching, Ayden quickly darted into the shadows next to the blank wall of a large stone building that stood near the edge of the residential area of the city, its plain exterior and few windows blending it perfectly with its surroundings. Checking his surroundings once again, and assuring himself that there really was nobody nearby - Ayden tapped one of the bricks in the wall twice and muttered something under his breath.
With a low grinding sound reminiscent of some kind of machinery a segment of the wall moved to the side and Ayden ducked down and headed in, the wall closing behind him seamlessly. A young boy with a mop of red hair and freckles scattered across his plain features stood near the entrance, a mildly bored look on his face. Catching the boy's green eyes with his own startlingly blue ones, Ayden grinned widely and patted the boy who could have been no more than ten on the head in a slightly patronizing manner. The boy scowled and glared daggers at Ayden, moving back slightly, a series of gears and a big lever occupying the space behind him, "Don't do that Ayden," he complained loudly, swatting at Ayden's outstretched hand, "I'm not a little kid anymore..."
Shaking his head in amusement and still grinning widely Ayden lowered his hand and laughed loudly at the redheads words, resisting the urge to pat him on the head again. He really is a funny kid, isn't he? Ayden thought to himself, a far away look crossing his face, Though it's a good thing I found him when I did or the guards would have locked him up for sure. Stopping his musing Ayden refocused on his Protege, his face now wore a ruffled and somewhat indignant expression, Ayden laughed again. "Whats up with you Jeremy? If your grumpy because I still treat you like a little kid then you really should get over it because you are," Ayden said unashamedly, he felt that speaking the truth was always the best tactic in any given situation, "Why don't we go get something to eat? I'm not expecting anyone else anytime soon."
Jeremy frowned and crossed his arms, huffing loudly in indignation at Ayden's words and glaring at his friend and master once again, his green eyes turning dark with contained anger. After a few moments however he relented and followed Ayden meekly into the main part of the hideout, heading to the kitchen in search of food. Ayden laughed lightly at his efforts and guides him to the table, sitting him down forcefully and shooting him a look that seems to say 'move and I'll kill you', before going and getting some ingredients out of the kitchen himself. They remain in a comfortable silence for a while, and eventually Ayden sets two bowls full of a thick vegetable soup he'd made earlier down on the table, eating ravenously. Jeremy smiles, "Thanks Ayden," he says in between mouthfuls, getting soup everywhere in his haste, "But I still think you should stop treating me like a kid..." he complains again.
Ayden smiled again, and kept eating his soup, choosing to ignore Jeremy for the time being - he was just whining again and Ayden was very much opposed to the concept of giving in to the kid's demands. In all actuality the reason Ayden treated Jeremy the way he did was because he cared too much for the red headed terror to let him be an adult just yet. He hadn't had that much of a childhood himself, and by giving Jeremy the very best upbringing he could was his way of trying to make up for it - and he wasn't going to let the kids complaints get to him. Distracted as he was with his thoughts and the food he almost didn't notice when Jeremy yawned loudly and started slumping in his chair, but he caught it and smiled brightly. "I think it's time for you to go to bed Jeremy," Ayden said firmly, the look he directed at the younger boy cutting off his argument before he could voice it, "I'll clean up out here."
Jeremy looked sheepish, but stood up and said goodnight before heading off towards another door that led to the bedrooms, stifling another yawn as he went. Quickly clearing away the bowls, cleaning them and putting them away almost absentmindedly, Ayden returned to the table and got out a pile of papers he had been working on. It almost seems to easy... he thought as he reviewed the plan he had come up with, I've been watching the Watergate Manor for the last two weeks and it seems almost too typical for it to be real... But I'm probably just reading too far into it. Shrugging his concerns off, Ayden went back to studying the plans, making a few minor changes to to accommodate what he had observed during today's scouting trip. I put some notices out in the right circles saying I was looking for some help... It shouldn't be too long before they start to arrive... Ayden glances at the clock over the fireplace almost reflexively, it was nearly ten o'clock. The others weren't due to arrive until midnight, so Ayden went over the plans again, meticulously checking for errors in his work as he waited for the designated time.
A Perfect Plan
Re: A Perfect Plan
The long, winding cobbled street was devoid of any sort of life – all the residents of the small, squat houses, with the customary windows empty of glass, and doors made of creaking, termite eaten wood – bleached a ghostly white from years of being beaten by the driving sun, were tucked up in their small cots, sleeping.
All except a short dark figure that dodged between a small, watery alleyway – their eyes hidden by a shock of tangled, unkempt jet-black hair. Acacia stopped at the corner of two unnamed streets, her mind whirring as she gnawed on her bottom lip with trepidation. She had heard about a supposed meeting, in preparation of a robbery - around some of the scattered circles that existed in the city. The unwanted gangs of thieves and under privileged that were scorned and despised by those lucky enough to have a home. Acacia longed to have a stable life style, but right now, she was willing to go against everything that she held as right, in order to get money to curb the rumbling of her starved stomach.
A small gang existed around these parts so she had heard from whispered rumours and from what these stories implied, that same gang was hoping to rob an infamous mansion… in fact, the rumours she had heard were varied and wide – who were these people? She doubted she should even risk going. She was uncertain of the details, perhaps that was the reason she felt so nauseous. One thing however, remained constant – and that was the time and place of meeting.
Swallowing back the lump in her throat, she sprinted across the streets, so silent that the only thing she could hear was her own breath and the occasional hoot of an owl from a tall, looming tree.
Acacia stopped – and looked around, the first beginnings of confusion really settling in her gut as she looked at the blank brick wall ahead of her with a silent groan.
What is this, some idiotic joke. I’m not laughing. she thought with a sigh, rubbing her weary eyes with a long fingered hand, the world went blank for a moment, as she tried to recall the exact conversation. Unfortunately, those who she had heard the rumour off had no way of giving her the details on paper – being so poor thieves of her stature struggled to afford bread most of the time. Either way, even if it had been written, she was illiterate.
Acacia swore between clenched teeth, and in a fit of uncustomary anger, she kicked the wall ahead of her with vigour. The hollow clang that resounded from this action made her start, and her anger abate as soon as it had come. She took a cautionary step forward, and laid a hand on the cool textured brick uncertainly. She rapped her knuckles against it hesitantly, only to spring back in anticipation of attack.
She sighed, and stood up straight, a sheepish smile crossing her face as the entrance way slowly peeled away through the means of some mechanism.
All except a short dark figure that dodged between a small, watery alleyway – their eyes hidden by a shock of tangled, unkempt jet-black hair. Acacia stopped at the corner of two unnamed streets, her mind whirring as she gnawed on her bottom lip with trepidation. She had heard about a supposed meeting, in preparation of a robbery - around some of the scattered circles that existed in the city. The unwanted gangs of thieves and under privileged that were scorned and despised by those lucky enough to have a home. Acacia longed to have a stable life style, but right now, she was willing to go against everything that she held as right, in order to get money to curb the rumbling of her starved stomach.
A small gang existed around these parts so she had heard from whispered rumours and from what these stories implied, that same gang was hoping to rob an infamous mansion… in fact, the rumours she had heard were varied and wide – who were these people? She doubted she should even risk going. She was uncertain of the details, perhaps that was the reason she felt so nauseous. One thing however, remained constant – and that was the time and place of meeting.
Swallowing back the lump in her throat, she sprinted across the streets, so silent that the only thing she could hear was her own breath and the occasional hoot of an owl from a tall, looming tree.
Acacia stopped – and looked around, the first beginnings of confusion really settling in her gut as she looked at the blank brick wall ahead of her with a silent groan.
What is this, some idiotic joke. I’m not laughing. she thought with a sigh, rubbing her weary eyes with a long fingered hand, the world went blank for a moment, as she tried to recall the exact conversation. Unfortunately, those who she had heard the rumour off had no way of giving her the details on paper – being so poor thieves of her stature struggled to afford bread most of the time. Either way, even if it had been written, she was illiterate.
Acacia swore between clenched teeth, and in a fit of uncustomary anger, she kicked the wall ahead of her with vigour. The hollow clang that resounded from this action made her start, and her anger abate as soon as it had come. She took a cautionary step forward, and laid a hand on the cool textured brick uncertainly. She rapped her knuckles against it hesitantly, only to spring back in anticipation of attack.
She sighed, and stood up straight, a sheepish smile crossing her face as the entrance way slowly peeled away through the means of some mechanism.
Re: A Perfect Plan
Hearing a loud bang against the stone of the hidden entryway to the hideout, Ayden almost jumped out of his skin, glancing at the clock again surreptitiously, his sapphire eyes widening. It's still a good half an hour until anybody is supposed to show up... Maybe they got the time wrong? he thinks as he stands up and heads over to the door cautiously. Glancing through the peephole at the person standing there looking rather confused by the complete lack of a door on his dwelling, he smiled slightly, before reaching over and pulling the lever. The door creaked open with a metallic grinding, and the girl literally fell through the doorway, a sheepish smile smeared across her features in embarrassment. Ayden smiled warmly, and held out a hand to help her up, "Hello, I take it you are here for the job?" he inquired curiously, though with a hint of a challenge behind the friendly facade, "I'm Ayden, and the others should be joining us presently..."
Ayden reached over and pulled the lever again, the door creaking shut behind the mysterious guest, closing seamlessly once again back into a plain stone wall. Turning around Ayden gestures towards the small girl and heads down a small flight of stairs towards the table he had been sitting at before, a blazing fire roaring in the grate across the room. The hideout is fairly plain, although it seems to possess all of the comforts of a normal home, bar windows and a door - the underground nature of the dwelling forbidding such obvious and vulnerable points in its structure. A kettle is sitting in the fireplace and a big warm rug and several comfortable armchairs sit near the hearth invitingly. "Ayden gestures around the room, in the general direction of the armchairs, "Make yourself at home," he says distractedly, going back to the table where a hodgepodge of drawings, notes and maps are spread seemingly at random.
I hope she didn't wake up Jeremy... Ayden thinks as he starts examining the notes again, ignoring the girl as he attempts to finish up the final stages of his planning. I'm going to need him for the job, but I want him to know as little as possible so he's less likely to get caught... Ayden yawns slightly and glances up at the girl inquisitively, big blue eyes filled with curiosity, And who is she? I've never met her before but she wouldn't know about this meeting unless she has some very useful skills...
Ayden reached over and pulled the lever again, the door creaking shut behind the mysterious guest, closing seamlessly once again back into a plain stone wall. Turning around Ayden gestures towards the small girl and heads down a small flight of stairs towards the table he had been sitting at before, a blazing fire roaring in the grate across the room. The hideout is fairly plain, although it seems to possess all of the comforts of a normal home, bar windows and a door - the underground nature of the dwelling forbidding such obvious and vulnerable points in its structure. A kettle is sitting in the fireplace and a big warm rug and several comfortable armchairs sit near the hearth invitingly. "Ayden gestures around the room, in the general direction of the armchairs, "Make yourself at home," he says distractedly, going back to the table where a hodgepodge of drawings, notes and maps are spread seemingly at random.
I hope she didn't wake up Jeremy... Ayden thinks as he starts examining the notes again, ignoring the girl as he attempts to finish up the final stages of his planning. I'm going to need him for the job, but I want him to know as little as possible so he's less likely to get caught... Ayden yawns slightly and glances up at the girl inquisitively, big blue eyes filled with curiosity, And who is she? I've never met her before but she wouldn't know about this meeting unless she has some very useful skills...
Re: A Perfect Plan
Experience had told her that in situations such as these it was better to keep wavering mouths shut. The boy before her was ragged - though better off then most, seeing is hideout which, not only housed an alarmingly modern technological entrance, but was furnished, more than she had hoped for. Gauging that this thief must have been successful during his shady career, her optimism for the plan that they were about to undertake doubled, a smirk twisting the corner of her thin mouth gave away her thoughts.
She herself spent little time in the company of others of their disposition - preferring the quiet calm of loneliness to the bustle of joining a gang. However, as she glanced around with an arched eyebrow, she noted the place to lack the crowd of boisterous, loud-mouthed idiots she had so loathed in the other gangs she had the unpleasantry of having seen. As her curious gaze caught that of the host, she lowered her icy blue eyes, forcing herself to keep her face plain and mask like.
Despite her want to keep her identity a secret and leave this mission with nothing more than a few learnt lessons and a lot of financial advance, even she had been taught it was rude not to introduce yourself when entering someone's home, no matter what the said home looked like. She inclined her head, her arms folded tightly across her chest, and muttered in a muted voice.
"I realize I am early to arrive, but I thought it to be safer to arrive in staggered times. After all, is it not suspicious to see several shady characters approaching the same place at the same time?" She glanced up, her eyes narrowed and her short, shaggy black hair fell out from behind her ear to fall across her small, pale face. Acacia pushed it back with a hand carefully extracted from her folded arms, but it did little good – in fact, all it did was fall back. It was a constant hindrance, but she kept her hair such that if need be she could easily hide her character.
Acacia cleared her throat – and continued her introduction.
“My name is Acacia. I would say it is a pleasure to meet you, but truth be told that if these were pleasurable circumstances, I would not be forced to be here” she glanced at what his hands were busy doing – a pile of tattered maps and roughly sketched planning paper obstructed the entire table surface.
Walking over to it with a mildly inquisitive air, she pawed through some of the documents – and in seeing these many of the rising fears she felt in her nauseated stomach were put to rest. This thief – who seemed little more than a scruffy kid – was a meticulous planner; every step was lavishly described and laid out for even the most simple of minds to follow. Unfortunately, though she was able to determine the complexity of such, her own ability to decipher the difficult text was limited. Having never been taught to read, now she felt a little embarrassed by the ability she had often scorned and discarded as useless.
“I am sorry to say this,” She admitted with a shrug of her slight shoulders, carefully replacing the plans, she took a step back, “But I’m illiterate – so none of that will mean anything to me.” She said, running a hand through her hair, pulling a face.
She herself spent little time in the company of others of their disposition - preferring the quiet calm of loneliness to the bustle of joining a gang. However, as she glanced around with an arched eyebrow, she noted the place to lack the crowd of boisterous, loud-mouthed idiots she had so loathed in the other gangs she had the unpleasantry of having seen. As her curious gaze caught that of the host, she lowered her icy blue eyes, forcing herself to keep her face plain and mask like.
Despite her want to keep her identity a secret and leave this mission with nothing more than a few learnt lessons and a lot of financial advance, even she had been taught it was rude not to introduce yourself when entering someone's home, no matter what the said home looked like. She inclined her head, her arms folded tightly across her chest, and muttered in a muted voice.
"I realize I am early to arrive, but I thought it to be safer to arrive in staggered times. After all, is it not suspicious to see several shady characters approaching the same place at the same time?" She glanced up, her eyes narrowed and her short, shaggy black hair fell out from behind her ear to fall across her small, pale face. Acacia pushed it back with a hand carefully extracted from her folded arms, but it did little good – in fact, all it did was fall back. It was a constant hindrance, but she kept her hair such that if need be she could easily hide her character.
Acacia cleared her throat – and continued her introduction.
“My name is Acacia. I would say it is a pleasure to meet you, but truth be told that if these were pleasurable circumstances, I would not be forced to be here” she glanced at what his hands were busy doing – a pile of tattered maps and roughly sketched planning paper obstructed the entire table surface.
Walking over to it with a mildly inquisitive air, she pawed through some of the documents – and in seeing these many of the rising fears she felt in her nauseated stomach were put to rest. This thief – who seemed little more than a scruffy kid – was a meticulous planner; every step was lavishly described and laid out for even the most simple of minds to follow. Unfortunately, though she was able to determine the complexity of such, her own ability to decipher the difficult text was limited. Having never been taught to read, now she felt a little embarrassed by the ability she had often scorned and discarded as useless.
“I am sorry to say this,” She admitted with a shrug of her slight shoulders, carefully replacing the plans, she took a step back, “But I’m illiterate – so none of that will mean anything to me.” She said, running a hand through her hair, pulling a face.
Re: A Perfect Plan
Ayden glances up at the strange girl who is looming over his work and quickly covers what he is working on, eyeing her suspiciously and looking a little bit embarrassed by her observations. He stands up and gathers the papers into a pile before putting them on top of a small cupboard near the table out of sight of prying eyes, although he believed that the people he would be working with would be skilled individuals, their morals were not also to be given the same degree of trust. Turning back to the girl, he smiles widely and offers his hand to her, "It would be nicer to meet under more pleasant circumstances, but I will say that it is indeed a pleasure to meet you Acacia," Ayden says politely, his voice level and friendly. He had found that when working with others of his profession it was always best to treat them with courtesy, but not to trust them even for an instant.
The kettle starts to whistle loudly, and Ayden excuses himself before going over to the fireplace to retrieve the device and stop its insisten noise. He pours the hot water into a pot that sits nearby, and leaves it so that the tea can stew while they wait for the remaining... guests... to arrive before the actual planning can begin. "Please, take a seat," Ayden tells the strange girl, Acacia, "The others won't be arriving for some time so we may as well make ourselves comfortable."
He takes his own advice and settles inot one of the armchairs, curling up in a very catlike posture, "I'm not trying to pry, but I don't believe I have met you before?" he asks inquisitivelyk, his curious nature demanding that the conundrum of his mysterious house guest be soled as quickly as possible.
The kettle starts to whistle loudly, and Ayden excuses himself before going over to the fireplace to retrieve the device and stop its insisten noise. He pours the hot water into a pot that sits nearby, and leaves it so that the tea can stew while they wait for the remaining... guests... to arrive before the actual planning can begin. "Please, take a seat," Ayden tells the strange girl, Acacia, "The others won't be arriving for some time so we may as well make ourselves comfortable."
He takes his own advice and settles inot one of the armchairs, curling up in a very catlike posture, "I'm not trying to pry, but I don't believe I have met you before?" he asks inquisitivelyk, his curious nature demanding that the conundrum of his mysterious house guest be soled as quickly as possible.
Re: A Perfect Plan
In her somewhat questionable profession, aside from her nimbleness and speed that were essential, Acacia had been quick to pick up that observing was something that was best taken to heart. So as the girl watched the curious man quickly pull the plans and other documents away from her snooping gaze, especially considering she had just told him of her illiteracy, suspicion settled at the back of her mind like a heavy weight. Though she supposed that these precautions could just be that – precautions in assuring that his control and loyalty was maintained during the robbery – the idea of him hiding something extra was never far from her musing.
“No, I suppose you would not have done.” She surmised, with a pursing of her lips she watched as he curled up in a feline way, “To tell you the truth, I try to keep to myself most of the time, and dislike taking part in anything too dangerous or unethical – after all, some of the thief gangs can do some reckless activities.” She said with a frown, her dark eyebrows creased together ever so slightly. Licking her lips, her throat was dry and as the last traces of her spoken voice reverberated around the hide out, Acacia felt a sting of regret in her chest.
Why was it she was so inclined to speak to this young man – after all, she had promised herself she would remain studious and reveal nothing but the bare minimum to complete her task.
Sighing, she added in a gruff undertone, “As for my specialty, I am lithe, I suppose. I would be happy to do any scouting that you require.” She nodded, more to herself than to him.
“No, I suppose you would not have done.” She surmised, with a pursing of her lips she watched as he curled up in a feline way, “To tell you the truth, I try to keep to myself most of the time, and dislike taking part in anything too dangerous or unethical – after all, some of the thief gangs can do some reckless activities.” She said with a frown, her dark eyebrows creased together ever so slightly. Licking her lips, her throat was dry and as the last traces of her spoken voice reverberated around the hide out, Acacia felt a sting of regret in her chest.
Why was it she was so inclined to speak to this young man – after all, she had promised herself she would remain studious and reveal nothing but the bare minimum to complete her task.
Sighing, she added in a gruff undertone, “As for my specialty, I am lithe, I suppose. I would be happy to do any scouting that you require.” She nodded, more to herself than to him.
Re: A Perfect Plan
Grumbling under his breath, Dirken squinted at the brick wall. Would it really hurt that much for people to write clear, concise directions? He picked the brick that he was pretty sure was the right one and tapped it twice, experimentally.
Oh, good. Something is going right today. The entrance swung open and Dirken stepped in, looking back to make sure it would close again. He then turned his attention to the pair in the room.
Huh. Only two there, and apparent strangers at that. Not even close to the "gang" that he'd been led to believe that he would find. Well, he would have to make don-- their body language suggested that they didn't know each othert, so it would be easier for him to integrate himself into the group at least.
Without waiting for an invitation, Dirken found himself a seat. Sparing a special smile for the annoyed-looking lady, he announced, "Name's Dirk. We still waiting for anyone else?"
Oh, good. Something is going right today. The entrance swung open and Dirken stepped in, looking back to make sure it would close again. He then turned his attention to the pair in the room.
Huh. Only two there, and apparent strangers at that. Not even close to the "gang" that he'd been led to believe that he would find. Well, he would have to make don-- their body language suggested that they didn't know each othert, so it would be easier for him to integrate himself into the group at least.
Without waiting for an invitation, Dirken found himself a seat. Sparing a special smile for the annoyed-looking lady, he announced, "Name's Dirk. We still waiting for anyone else?"
Re: A Perfect Plan
Ayden nods his head and purses his lips thoughtfully at Acacia's words, his mind whirring away as ity finds a place for her in his plans. He almost doesn't notice when the newcomer joins them, but jumps slightly when he takes a seat and introduces himself as Dirk. Sapphire eyes watching cautiously Ayden rises and offers his hand in greeting, smiling perfectly, "It's a pleasure to meet you Dirk," Ayden says in a light and happy sounding voice, "I am Ayden, and I'm the one who called this meeting."
Pouring a cup of tea for his guests he resumes his seat and pulls out the papers once more before setting them in front of him. He quickly glances over them again before continuing, "We will wait a short while longer for any more members in our gang to arrive," Ayden explains slowly, "What Dirk, might I ask, are you specialised in? I will be performing the actual breaking and entering for our operation however I will need a number of other skilled individuals in order for this mission to work."
Pouring a cup of tea for his guests he resumes his seat and pulls out the papers once more before setting them in front of him. He quickly glances over them again before continuing, "We will wait a short while longer for any more members in our gang to arrive," Ayden explains slowly, "What Dirk, might I ask, are you specialised in? I will be performing the actual breaking and entering for our operation however I will need a number of other skilled individuals in order for this mission to work."
Re: A Perfect Plan
A petite, undersized wolf lingered near the entrance in the wall, curled up and playing the part of a mangy, homeless dog. She had been too late to sneak in behind Acaica, so knowing that others would or should be arriving later on, Charlotte hunkered down and simply waited. Luckily, her plan wasn’t fruitless and soon enough, Dirken meandered up to the entrance and rapped his arrival twice. Timing it just right, she drew to her feet once Dirk took his first step over the large threshold, and just before the mechanical workings crank the door shut, a quick skip and a hop carted the lithe lupine into the hideout.
She wasn’t, of course, very well hidden thereafter; it isn’t too hard to notice a large, dog-like creature –and yes, the poor wolf looked quite doggish. Each person present was scrutinized wolfishly, Ayden being the last and the most interesting of them all. The scent of a feline had her padding closer towards the boy, and lacking a consciousness for others personal space, she sniffed him curiously before then snorting. Not only did she have the strong urge to tempt him into a game of chase that would then end in a feast for herself, Charlotte had a foreboding feeling that the two would constantly be at each other’s throats.
Before giving anyone the chance to mistake her for a mangy, flee-bitten pooch, a series of loud ‘crack’s ‘pop’s and ‘rrrriiip’s reverberated through the stale air, and rather quickly, a nude woman was hunched over where the animal once stood. Breathing heavily, with a few beads of sweat decorating her brow from the rapid change, Charlotte erected to her full height of five foot seven and passed a devious smile to the leader of the operation. “Ayden huh?” She purred seductively, settling her hands on bare hips before strutting around the small room as though she owned it. “Dirk?” She questioned after rounding his person, once again ignoring his possible want for personal space and obviously eyeing him brazenly before waggling her brows at him in a suggesting manner. “I’m Charlotte.” She offered to them.
And then, the curvaceous woman veered her footing to settle in an empty chair. She wasn’t a prudent creature, and she proved this by racking back curly, inky locks from her startling blue-blue eyes that bounced over each face instead of worrying about the fact she was lacking clothes. Acaica was acknowledged by a simplistic nod and an inquisitive expression that silently asked for her name. She had heard the other's names after she had snuck into the hideout, but Acaica's wasn't amongst them.
She wasn’t, of course, very well hidden thereafter; it isn’t too hard to notice a large, dog-like creature –and yes, the poor wolf looked quite doggish. Each person present was scrutinized wolfishly, Ayden being the last and the most interesting of them all. The scent of a feline had her padding closer towards the boy, and lacking a consciousness for others personal space, she sniffed him curiously before then snorting. Not only did she have the strong urge to tempt him into a game of chase that would then end in a feast for herself, Charlotte had a foreboding feeling that the two would constantly be at each other’s throats.
Before giving anyone the chance to mistake her for a mangy, flee-bitten pooch, a series of loud ‘crack’s ‘pop’s and ‘rrrriiip’s reverberated through the stale air, and rather quickly, a nude woman was hunched over where the animal once stood. Breathing heavily, with a few beads of sweat decorating her brow from the rapid change, Charlotte erected to her full height of five foot seven and passed a devious smile to the leader of the operation. “Ayden huh?” She purred seductively, settling her hands on bare hips before strutting around the small room as though she owned it. “Dirk?” She questioned after rounding his person, once again ignoring his possible want for personal space and obviously eyeing him brazenly before waggling her brows at him in a suggesting manner. “I’m Charlotte.” She offered to them.
And then, the curvaceous woman veered her footing to settle in an empty chair. She wasn’t a prudent creature, and she proved this by racking back curly, inky locks from her startling blue-blue eyes that bounced over each face instead of worrying about the fact she was lacking clothes. Acaica was acknowledged by a simplistic nod and an inquisitive expression that silently asked for her name. She had heard the other's names after she had snuck into the hideout, but Acaica's wasn't amongst them.
Re: A Perfect Plan
Acacia resisted the urge to wrinkle her nose at the blatant display of immodesty that had suddenly appeared before the once quiet company. Within the space of but a few seconds, the rather tense and uncomfortable atmosphere had progressed to a startled and if it had been possible, even more discomfited crowd of what she had presumed to be strangers Acacia recalled the few whispered words of the obvious werewolf and the man ‘Dirk’, and acknowledged perhaps acquaintance had already been established with two or more of the party members previously.
With a rather purposefully languid yawn, her eyes flickered towards the werewolf, and then to the now seated Dirk, narrowing in a display of uncertainty. She had jumped due to the simultaneous arrival of two members, and yet no one was speaking, they merely assessing each other with contemplation and now she caught, directed towards her, an obvious question. Rather primly depositing the now half full (though she had deigned to take a sip) cup of tea, for which the remaining contents had spilled with wincing boiling water across her fingers. Acacia left the mug on the floor, and proceeded to suck on her finger in a rather childish, and yet from the challenging glare she directed at all, haughty way.
Sighing generously, she rubbed her hands together and shook her head ever so slightly side to side so that the dark, thick fringe that fell across her eyes swayed across her brow. The movement, though one she seemed to perform in a subconscious manner, had no effect in freeing her vision. Licking her lips, the next words she dared to mutter, so quiet it was almost under her breath, were carefully chosen and undescriptive – as all her words had been that night. “My name is Acacia… “ Her eyes were downcast, not in the sense of shyness or even wariness so much as it was to gauge the personalities of those around her, and acrimony. The latter of which was seen nagging at the back of her icy blue eyes, but carefully kept from her rather apathetic expression otherwise.
Acacia did not look at anyone, instead, she watched Ayden carefully pawing through the plans he had before snatched away. She was uncertain of much, and certain of only a few things, and yet now only questions reverberated through her thoughts, a constant churning chaos in the confines of her mind that made it difficult to keep a straight face. She bit her lip.
With a rather purposefully languid yawn, her eyes flickered towards the werewolf, and then to the now seated Dirk, narrowing in a display of uncertainty. She had jumped due to the simultaneous arrival of two members, and yet no one was speaking, they merely assessing each other with contemplation and now she caught, directed towards her, an obvious question. Rather primly depositing the now half full (though she had deigned to take a sip) cup of tea, for which the remaining contents had spilled with wincing boiling water across her fingers. Acacia left the mug on the floor, and proceeded to suck on her finger in a rather childish, and yet from the challenging glare she directed at all, haughty way.
Sighing generously, she rubbed her hands together and shook her head ever so slightly side to side so that the dark, thick fringe that fell across her eyes swayed across her brow. The movement, though one she seemed to perform in a subconscious manner, had no effect in freeing her vision. Licking her lips, the next words she dared to mutter, so quiet it was almost under her breath, were carefully chosen and undescriptive – as all her words had been that night. “My name is Acacia… “ Her eyes were downcast, not in the sense of shyness or even wariness so much as it was to gauge the personalities of those around her, and acrimony. The latter of which was seen nagging at the back of her icy blue eyes, but carefully kept from her rather apathetic expression otherwise.
Acacia did not look at anyone, instead, she watched Ayden carefully pawing through the plans he had before snatched away. She was uncertain of much, and certain of only a few things, and yet now only questions reverberated through her thoughts, a constant churning chaos in the confines of her mind that made it difficult to keep a straight face. She bit her lip.
Re: A Perfect Plan
"Acacia." Dirk spared her another smile before turning his attention to Ayden. "I'm a man of ideas and diplomacy, as it were. I don't break in through windows, but I can trick my way through a front door when required." He didn't elaborate -- it was one thing to part with necessary information for the purpose of carrying out a plan, but there was only so much he could tell a pack of low criminals he didn't know.
Dirken didn't openly inspect his teammates for fear of offending them, but enough was obvious for him to know that he needed to play this carefully. A werecreature in a magic-hating town, a competent and apparently experienced ringleader... of course, if they pulled it off, it would be brilliant. If they pulled it off.
"Ayden, every second we sit here we're in danger of a bust. When are the rest of your guys getting here? Are you... are you going to explain why we're here?" Dirken quickly amended. Are you sure you can trust them? was a pretty appropriate enquiry, but the last thing he wanted to do was throw suspicion around and be wrong about it.
Dirken didn't openly inspect his teammates for fear of offending them, but enough was obvious for him to know that he needed to play this carefully. A werecreature in a magic-hating town, a competent and apparently experienced ringleader... of course, if they pulled it off, it would be brilliant. If they pulled it off.
"Ayden, every second we sit here we're in danger of a bust. When are the rest of your guys getting here? Are you... are you going to explain why we're here?" Dirken quickly amended. Are you sure you can trust them? was a pretty appropriate enquiry, but the last thing he wanted to do was throw suspicion around and be wrong about it.
Re: A Perfect Plan
Ayden ruffles his nose slightly and looks pointedly away from Charlotte before heading over to a small cupboard at the side of the room and getting a towel out from inside it. Still averting his gaze he offers it to Charlotte, holding the towel out at arms length, "Please, can we at least attempt to show some modesty here? There is a child in the house," Ayden asks politely but forcefully. With that done he turns his attention back to the mysterious Dirk, his eyes evaluating. It appears that I am surrounded by a pack of dogs... Ayden thinks to himself, catching a similar yet slightly different scent to that evident on Charlotte from his other house guest. He smiles to himself at the thought, his eyes seeming to laugh at a joke that only he seems to understand. Walking back over to the table and resuming his seat he waits for everyone's attention before continuing, "I believe that this is all of the members of our group that will be attending tonights meeting," Ayden says, still perfectly calm and in control.
Ayden's eyes flick over to examine Dirken's face a blank expression going over his own features as he seems to be concentrating on something. Naturally they're questioning if the people in this room can be trusted... although I do believe we have reached our quota for tonight, so it is probably best if I lock the door... Ayden thinks. After a couple of seconds his eyes come back to reality and he smiles brightly at Dirken, playing the perfect host once more with his poker face in action. Suddenly a door to the right creaks open and a tiny person with bright red hair and a multitude of freckles emerges from behind the entrance, hair ruffled and a sleepy expression on his face. The child's eyes widen at the large number of people gathered around the living room, before honing in on Ayden with a questioning look in his eyes, "Umm... Ayden? What's with all the noise?" the small boy asks, his voice sounding tired. He quickly crosses the width of the room and sits on Ayden's lap, curling up and closing his eyes again to escape from the gazes of the mysterious guests.
Ayden seems very much embarrassed and offers a quick apology with his eyes to the others. "These are our guests Jeremy," Ayden explains slowly, allowing the child to curl up happily, "We're doing work, I didn't want you to lose sleep because of it, I was going to tell you in the morning..." Ayden adds to placate him. Turning his attention back to the other people in the room he then goes back into a more businesslike mode, evaluating their reactions, expressions and thoughts with practiced ease. Acacia seemed to be a nit unsure of why she was here, but had talent and was loyal to the money at least. Dirk and Charlotte he was as yet unsure about, however the debonair attitude and complexity of thoughts showed by Dirk indicated that he was a master in the subtler arts of diplomacy. Charlotte on the other hand seemed the type who would be skilled in other areas, he would have to incorporate this into the planning... Shaking his head free of thoughts, he smiles widely, "Everyone in this room can be trusted for now, however if you are so worried about being caught you can just go and lock the door Master Dirk," Ayden says politely, "I apologise for not doing it myself, but I don't want to wake him up again," Ayden explains, pointing at the once again sleeping Jeremy.
Ayden points towards the entrance hall, "If you pull the lever in there the door will be closed so that you can't get in from the outside without a battering ram," he says, sounding proud with the security of his house, "There are also other... mechanisms... that protect us from curious eyes and ears," he adds mysteriously, purposely leaving it unexplained.
Ayden's eyes flick over to examine Dirken's face a blank expression going over his own features as he seems to be concentrating on something. Naturally they're questioning if the people in this room can be trusted... although I do believe we have reached our quota for tonight, so it is probably best if I lock the door... Ayden thinks. After a couple of seconds his eyes come back to reality and he smiles brightly at Dirken, playing the perfect host once more with his poker face in action. Suddenly a door to the right creaks open and a tiny person with bright red hair and a multitude of freckles emerges from behind the entrance, hair ruffled and a sleepy expression on his face. The child's eyes widen at the large number of people gathered around the living room, before honing in on Ayden with a questioning look in his eyes, "Umm... Ayden? What's with all the noise?" the small boy asks, his voice sounding tired. He quickly crosses the width of the room and sits on Ayden's lap, curling up and closing his eyes again to escape from the gazes of the mysterious guests.
Ayden seems very much embarrassed and offers a quick apology with his eyes to the others. "These are our guests Jeremy," Ayden explains slowly, allowing the child to curl up happily, "We're doing work, I didn't want you to lose sleep because of it, I was going to tell you in the morning..." Ayden adds to placate him. Turning his attention back to the other people in the room he then goes back into a more businesslike mode, evaluating their reactions, expressions and thoughts with practiced ease. Acacia seemed to be a nit unsure of why she was here, but had talent and was loyal to the money at least. Dirk and Charlotte he was as yet unsure about, however the debonair attitude and complexity of thoughts showed by Dirk indicated that he was a master in the subtler arts of diplomacy. Charlotte on the other hand seemed the type who would be skilled in other areas, he would have to incorporate this into the planning... Shaking his head free of thoughts, he smiles widely, "Everyone in this room can be trusted for now, however if you are so worried about being caught you can just go and lock the door Master Dirk," Ayden says politely, "I apologise for not doing it myself, but I don't want to wake him up again," Ayden explains, pointing at the once again sleeping Jeremy.
Ayden points towards the entrance hall, "If you pull the lever in there the door will be closed so that you can't get in from the outside without a battering ram," he says, sounding proud with the security of his house, "There are also other... mechanisms... that protect us from curious eyes and ears," he adds mysteriously, purposely leaving it unexplained.
Re: A Perfect Plan
Acacia remained as still as she could muster, watching the child with a rather curious gaze, for which was mostly due to her utter bewilderment at this ‘Ayden’ allowing a mere child access to their meeting. Was the job they were planning not totally water tight for leaks… she doubted it herself. Either way, the girl ran a hand over her eyes, and told herself to stop acting in such paranoia. Listening to Ayden speaking – his polite but challenging comment to the man Dirk left the ghost of a smile playing across her lips, left an awkward silence, something which she did not hasten to fill.
Mild curiosity flared as Ayden explained the rather strange security system employed – the deliberate hesitation and ambiguous ending only sufficing to increase her frustration. Yet something about the way he spoke to answer a question that had not been spoken made her instantly on edge. She bit her tongue, and after a swift but thorough glance around the still room she cleared her throat; “I am at the understanding there is no one else expected here?” she asked, but without waiting for a reply continued in a muted but purposeful undertone, her fine, dark eyebrows raising in the question, “I would rather we stop this inconsequential nonsense and focus directly on the mission at hand. If we are to continue, that is.” The scowl he directed at the curled up child on Ayden’s lap was evidence of her malcontent at his presence in their affairs.
Is he really going to let a mere child be here… the entire mission could be… Wait – no, just relax Acacia… She cleared her throat, running a hand through her hair again, this time sighing slowly and looking out towards the door in an almost wistful consideration, perhaps it was not too late to still escape from this rather inane meeting, and the impending doom she felt eating at her very breath. Acacia rose to her feet, carefully avoiding the still steaming cup of tea, and took a few steps until she stood behind it, her posture as always shrouding her true nature, misleading. She looked across at Charlotte, Dirk and Ayden, her jaw tight and her shining blue eyes as cold as a crisp winter morning.
Mild curiosity flared as Ayden explained the rather strange security system employed – the deliberate hesitation and ambiguous ending only sufficing to increase her frustration. Yet something about the way he spoke to answer a question that had not been spoken made her instantly on edge. She bit her tongue, and after a swift but thorough glance around the still room she cleared her throat; “I am at the understanding there is no one else expected here?” she asked, but without waiting for a reply continued in a muted but purposeful undertone, her fine, dark eyebrows raising in the question, “I would rather we stop this inconsequential nonsense and focus directly on the mission at hand. If we are to continue, that is.” The scowl he directed at the curled up child on Ayden’s lap was evidence of her malcontent at his presence in their affairs.
Is he really going to let a mere child be here… the entire mission could be… Wait – no, just relax Acacia… She cleared her throat, running a hand through her hair again, this time sighing slowly and looking out towards the door in an almost wistful consideration, perhaps it was not too late to still escape from this rather inane meeting, and the impending doom she felt eating at her very breath. Acacia rose to her feet, carefully avoiding the still steaming cup of tea, and took a few steps until she stood behind it, her posture as always shrouding her true nature, misleading. She looked across at Charlotte, Dirk and Ayden, her jaw tight and her shining blue eyes as cold as a crisp winter morning.
Re: A Perfect Plan
As Ayden handed her the towel, she offered him a smug grin in exchange before obliging the man and stood to wrap it about her body. "Better?" She asked as she tucked a corner of the cotton material into itself to keep the item around her well-endowed figure. And thankfully Charlotte did such, because as soon as she sat back on the couch cushion, Jeremy slinks from his bedroom; she didn't mind flaunting her figure around adults, but children weren't ones she'd allow to see her nude.
"Well hello there Jeremy." She purred, waggling her fingers at him as he moved to crawl into Ayden's lap, and although he didn't respond, she wasn't sour and instead watched the expressions of those present at the sight of the child. Acacia's response caused her to grin, and then her words curbed her attention back to the feline. "Yeah, I agree with her." She stated as she bent over to rest her elbows on her knees before throwing an appraising look towards Dirken quickly.
"Well hello there Jeremy." She purred, waggling her fingers at him as he moved to crawl into Ayden's lap, and although he didn't respond, she wasn't sour and instead watched the expressions of those present at the sight of the child. Acacia's response caused her to grin, and then her words curbed her attention back to the feline. "Yeah, I agree with her." She stated as she bent over to rest her elbows on her knees before throwing an appraising look towards Dirken quickly.
Re: A Perfect Plan
The child was a nice touch.
If he was a plant as Dirk suspected, though, he was doing a very good impression of sleeping. Dirken dismissed the issue with a note to try to frame Ayden if the brat got them caught.
"Everyone in this room can be trusted for now, however if you are so worried about being caught you can just go and lock the door Master Dirk," Ayden told him.
"Go on Master Dirk, if you're gonna be such a smartarse why don't you just lock yourself in with a bunch of dangerous strangers; let's see you dodge that one without looking like a paranoid idiot," Dirk mentally translated as he stood to lock the door.
Acacia didn't seem to respond to his charms. Poor kid, had probably been hurt in the past. Ah well, it didn't hurt to try. The other woman was looking at him, but she was probably just deciding whether he was a threat. Besides, she wasn't his type. He spared her a charming smile anyway.
Seating himself once again, he turned his attention back to Ayden in the hope that they were finally ready to get to work.
If he was a plant as Dirk suspected, though, he was doing a very good impression of sleeping. Dirken dismissed the issue with a note to try to frame Ayden if the brat got them caught.
"Everyone in this room can be trusted for now, however if you are so worried about being caught you can just go and lock the door Master Dirk," Ayden told him.
"Go on Master Dirk, if you're gonna be such a smartarse why don't you just lock yourself in with a bunch of dangerous strangers; let's see you dodge that one without looking like a paranoid idiot," Dirk mentally translated as he stood to lock the door.
Acacia didn't seem to respond to his charms. Poor kid, had probably been hurt in the past. Ah well, it didn't hurt to try. The other woman was looking at him, but she was probably just deciding whether he was a threat. Besides, she wasn't his type. He spared her a charming smile anyway.
Seating himself once again, he turned his attention back to Ayden in the hope that they were finally ready to get to work.