He could still feel the influence of the strange mixture of drugs that he had already taken over the past night but he was not about to let an offer for more go unanswered. He never knew how long he was going to have to go between his current fix and the next, so when drugs were offered to him, he wouldn't miss the opportunity.
Calmly taking the plants the the demon mistress held before him, he stuffed them within the small pouch at his waist, there he would be sure to have them for a later usage.
Now was not a time for taking part in the joys of a magical release, now was when they needed to move. They needed to be away from this open market of wide-eyed shoppers and its flock of carrion birds. Though the last drug he had taken had scared them away, he knew that they were out there hiding amongst the crowd. They waited for the judging eyes to point him out and then they would make their move. They would swarm in on him and they would tear him apart, eating his intestine as they laughed the way that only birds could laugh.
Talion took a second to clear the thoughts out of his head as he readjusted his grip on his walking stick. He was ready to leave this place as soon as the others were ready. "I wouldn't suggest that we head back to your house demon but if you know of any place equally as private, we might be wise to head there."
Borrowing Back Taken Magic
Re: Borrowing Back Taken Magic
Surprisingly, Anther looked up at Tsai's words. "Th'Library?" He hissed, gawking as incredulity bloomed. He hunched into himself, folding his arms. "There's rumors fly 'round that place. Never been, meself." He stopped, closing his mouth on the words as he eyed his strange new cohorts. He was not so confident in them, but even as he thought it he knew who might be able to help.
He groaned, and sighed. He knew what came next, and he feared it equally as he feared the demon lady.
"C'mon, y'can bunk at my place." He stressed the word 'my' as though by claiming ownership he might forestall any unfortunate circumstances that were to come. Rue, for one, would not be happy, and Anther winced at the thought. He trudged past the three, not looking back to see if they followed. The demon lady would certainly stop him if she wanted him stopped. He had no doubt of that.
But, if she let him, he'd take them down the alley, careful and slow. Through the maze of the markets, surreptitiously looking for other man-childs who might take note of his unwelcome presence. Yet, Anther knew his way about, and they would amble through deteriorating scenery, into the rot and the refuse of old residences that had long ago been abandoned by legal tenants. But they were not unoccupied, for the unwelcome of the races had crawled into their dingy holes and crumbling masonry to claim that which none other than the desperate would fight over.
He would shuffle to a non-particular looking bit of sagging wall, slipping near to the gloomy shadows where one wall had half-collapsed into another. "Rue." He would grunt, swear, and call her name again. "Head up, mate. Got. . .a job. Thievin'."
A blustering, bulky young woman would make a scowling appearance next to Anther, and they'd both turn to look at the gathered assemblage, bruised eyes cautious and wary. Rue's only comment was to hawk and spit to the side.
He groaned, and sighed. He knew what came next, and he feared it equally as he feared the demon lady.
"C'mon, y'can bunk at my place." He stressed the word 'my' as though by claiming ownership he might forestall any unfortunate circumstances that were to come. Rue, for one, would not be happy, and Anther winced at the thought. He trudged past the three, not looking back to see if they followed. The demon lady would certainly stop him if she wanted him stopped. He had no doubt of that.
But, if she let him, he'd take them down the alley, careful and slow. Through the maze of the markets, surreptitiously looking for other man-childs who might take note of his unwelcome presence. Yet, Anther knew his way about, and they would amble through deteriorating scenery, into the rot and the refuse of old residences that had long ago been abandoned by legal tenants. But they were not unoccupied, for the unwelcome of the races had crawled into their dingy holes and crumbling masonry to claim that which none other than the desperate would fight over.
He would shuffle to a non-particular looking bit of sagging wall, slipping near to the gloomy shadows where one wall had half-collapsed into another. "Rue." He would grunt, swear, and call her name again. "Head up, mate. Got. . .a job. Thievin'."
A blustering, bulky young woman would make a scowling appearance next to Anther, and they'd both turn to look at the gathered assemblage, bruised eyes cautious and wary. Rue's only comment was to hawk and spit to the side.
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Tsaikatlaua
- Citizen
- Posts: 72
- Joined: Tue Dec 02, 2008 5:39 am
- Name: Tsai
- Race: gods-blessed human
Re: Borrowing Back Taken Magic
Tsaikatlaua nodded regally and followed Anther back to his haunt, after disdainfully sneering at him. "Yes, the Library. You know you only have to say the word if you want out." She changed a hand to a paw and back again, unsheathing her claws and flexing them lovingly. She passed a supreme little smile over his way and beckoned to her people.
She tried not to roll her eyes at the primitive face of this so-called city of self-proclaimed civilized people. She longed for the pyramids and smooth, solid stone of her homeland, dripping with the humidity even in the morning, where the air was so thick that it seemed like she was swimming through it rather than walking. The plants were always integrated in the architecture of the cities, and the streets were paved with worn stone with a strip of green in the center of them, the greenest grass anyone had ever seen, the brightest flowers, the clearest water that sickened the unworthy to tread among their lands. It was their blessing and a sign of peace and prosperity, a gift and show of favor from the greatest god.
But this... this dusty, dirty, disgraceful place... Tsaikatlaua's face tightened. Her shoes were already scuffed, but her feet felt cramped. At home they never wore shoes because there was no need. But here she had to try and blend in--and there were such hazards as broken glass. Of course, she could change her feet into caiman skin, but that seemed so... weak. She would walk barefoot or with shoes, not cheat and use her gods' given gifts for her own comfort.
Once they reached the lair of her easily-scared thief (or what she considered easily-scared, at any rate) she set eyes on another woman. Relishing the thought of two thieves, she decided to give this one a chance to play nice. Anyway, Anther was hers.
She tried not to roll her eyes at the primitive face of this so-called city of self-proclaimed civilized people. She longed for the pyramids and smooth, solid stone of her homeland, dripping with the humidity even in the morning, where the air was so thick that it seemed like she was swimming through it rather than walking. The plants were always integrated in the architecture of the cities, and the streets were paved with worn stone with a strip of green in the center of them, the greenest grass anyone had ever seen, the brightest flowers, the clearest water that sickened the unworthy to tread among their lands. It was their blessing and a sign of peace and prosperity, a gift and show of favor from the greatest god.
But this... this dusty, dirty, disgraceful place... Tsaikatlaua's face tightened. Her shoes were already scuffed, but her feet felt cramped. At home they never wore shoes because there was no need. But here she had to try and blend in--and there were such hazards as broken glass. Of course, she could change her feet into caiman skin, but that seemed so... weak. She would walk barefoot or with shoes, not cheat and use her gods' given gifts for her own comfort.
Once they reached the lair of her easily-scared thief (or what she considered easily-scared, at any rate) she set eyes on another woman. Relishing the thought of two thieves, she decided to give this one a chance to play nice. Anyway, Anther was hers.
Re: Borrowing Back Taken Magic
While the thief led the way, Yyan trailed just after Tsaikatlaua. He kept his gaze moving, studying their surroundings, using periodic bursts of quickening to commit details of their route to memory… and also to watch out for unwanted eyes. His previous sense of unease had not fully abated, though as far as he could tell, the basis for such feelings could not be found in their environment. Most people noticed them not at all, or spared their passing token glances. Those with lingering eyes seemed drawn to Tsaikatlaua’s gold, their looks calculating. Yyan tried his best to play bodyguard with those people, giving them hard stares until their gazes slid elsewhere.
But that was all. Outside of their little group, no one suspected Tsaikatlaua’s plan. Still, the back of Yyan’s neck prickled.
Their thief brought them to a shadowy hole between two broken walls, where a second underworlder joined them. Next to her, their enlisted thief seemed a kindly and social young man. There was a cold, bitter hardness in her eyes that reminded Yyan of a senior slave in the master’s old estate. Knowing he would never earn real respect, Carse would bully and beat fear into the rest of the slaves. Yyan still had scars across his spine from the time Carse slashed him with a gardening hoe.
He had a bold mental note to never talk to her.
Yyan peered past the two thieves and into the “lair”. There hardly seemed enough to it to suit two people, let alone five. After being ill for weeks, he didn’t relish the thought of holing up in such a cramped rat-nest, and he doubted the girl called Rue would be any more pleased. Besides, Yyan was hungry.
He touched Tsaikatlaua’s shoulder. My lady, he whispered to her, with your permission, we could do with a bit of food. Shall I take our new thief with me and see what I can find?
But that was all. Outside of their little group, no one suspected Tsaikatlaua’s plan. Still, the back of Yyan’s neck prickled.
Their thief brought them to a shadowy hole between two broken walls, where a second underworlder joined them. Next to her, their enlisted thief seemed a kindly and social young man. There was a cold, bitter hardness in her eyes that reminded Yyan of a senior slave in the master’s old estate. Knowing he would never earn real respect, Carse would bully and beat fear into the rest of the slaves. Yyan still had scars across his spine from the time Carse slashed him with a gardening hoe.
He had a bold mental note to never talk to her.
Yyan peered past the two thieves and into the “lair”. There hardly seemed enough to it to suit two people, let alone five. After being ill for weeks, he didn’t relish the thought of holing up in such a cramped rat-nest, and he doubted the girl called Rue would be any more pleased. Besides, Yyan was hungry.
He touched Tsaikatlaua’s shoulder. My lady, he whispered to her, with your permission, we could do with a bit of food. Shall I take our new thief with me and see what I can find?
Re: Borrowing Back Taken Magic
Talion was growing increasingly aware that it was becoming his job to bring up the rear. As before, he had fallen behind the others in their little tour of the city. He did what he could to try to keep pace with him but with the extra burden of his limp and his less-then-skilled ability to find every little crevice in the cobble stoned streets in which to lodge his walking stick, he fell more than a few yards back.
"You're less likely to draw attention to yourself this way."
"But he's more likely to loose the others."
"Isn't that the point?"
"Is it?" The voices within his head argued amongst themselves. First came the Master, then another voice. The lizard. He had almost forgotten all about his reptilian friend with everything that had happened this day.
Looking down, he saw the purple-green thing rub up against his leg as if were some sort of stray cat begging for some love and any treats he might have to spare. Like he had anything to spare to a demon or even a cat for that matter.
Around another corner and had managed to relocate themselves in a part of the human maze that fell in even worse condition then the little back-alley market they had spent the morning scrounging for the lowest of the low. Seeing another human in a similar condition to that of their thief climb out of the hole in the wall, he couldn't shake the thought of rats. Rats lived like that, crawled out of the wall in search of food and what other little things they could steal.
"And how are you all that different? Wouldn't you be in a similar position if only weren't crippled?"
He couldn't help but to feel disgusted at the way these people lived but as the Master was to point out, he really wasn't any better off then them. He in fact was probably worse off because he lacked a place to call home as they had.
"Rats would eat you rather then go through the effort of burdening themselves with your weaknesses."
"You're less likely to draw attention to yourself this way."
"But he's more likely to loose the others."
"Isn't that the point?"
"Is it?" The voices within his head argued amongst themselves. First came the Master, then another voice. The lizard. He had almost forgotten all about his reptilian friend with everything that had happened this day.
Looking down, he saw the purple-green thing rub up against his leg as if were some sort of stray cat begging for some love and any treats he might have to spare. Like he had anything to spare to a demon or even a cat for that matter.
Around another corner and had managed to relocate themselves in a part of the human maze that fell in even worse condition then the little back-alley market they had spent the morning scrounging for the lowest of the low. Seeing another human in a similar condition to that of their thief climb out of the hole in the wall, he couldn't shake the thought of rats. Rats lived like that, crawled out of the wall in search of food and what other little things they could steal.
"And how are you all that different? Wouldn't you be in a similar position if only weren't crippled?"
He couldn't help but to feel disgusted at the way these people lived but as the Master was to point out, he really wasn't any better off then them. He in fact was probably worse off because he lacked a place to call home as they had.
"Rats would eat you rather then go through the effort of burdening themselves with your weaknesses."
Re: Borrowing Back Taken Magic
There was quiet.
Anther licked his lips, uneasy under the stolid regard. Rue, being of a less easily impressed nature -- and fond of expressing (often) how she had more balls than any of her male companions -- was the first to speak. "I got no want t'be dusted with taggers like 'em."
"Shut up!" Anther turned on her with his own suppressed anger and fear. "You ain't comin'." He was gruff, eyes flickering back to Yyan and Tsai, his field of vision glancing off of Talion before focusing with greater ease at Rue.
Now was not the time to squabble.
"Why not?" Rue bristled, as though she'd not just told Anther she thought the three were likely to drug him and sell him in the underground slave market.
"Ya got a hole in y'head. Gonna need Sagath." His hair crowded forward into his face, and he plucked at his ragged sleeves. "C'mon, better get inside before the eyes start gatherin'." Rue snorted, but moved to the side, and soon was preparing to fade into the shadows with the skills of a street brat who'd learned to survive by hiding. Anther expected her to, and looked back at the three as he ducked under the sagging hole. "C'mon." He repeated. He would not notice if Yyan stayed behind to take Rue with him to search for food.
Anther showed them the brief hollow that lead to the hole in the wall which opened up into a sunken basement. Its only light was from small cracks and crevises from splits in the masonry above, and a few pilfered oil lamps and their equally pilfered fuel that cast dim circles of light and wide shadows over time-worn walls. It was dank, and cold, but it was also dry and reasonably hidden. Off in one corner, a large tangle of debris marked where stairs had once been, and the blockage was so complete that entrance or exit from that angle was impossible.
The contents of the basement were meager. A few roughly cobbled chairs, limp pallets for sleeping. A single table -- their pride and joy -- and recycled, broken crates in the corner that held food when they had it.
Anther's eyes swept over all of this in a new light, in the light that had glinted over Tsai's dangling jewelry, and felt shame darken his cheeks. He covered this unwelcome emotion by bluster, a bluster that helped when Sagath started to his feet from a seat at the table at the sight of strangers.
"Caught?"
"No. Sit. Job."
"Job?"
Anther ignored Sagath, noting with a small and weak concern that Yoger had not yet returned. "Sagath'll help." He didn't quite meet Tsai's eyes. "If any knows th' richer sections, 's him."
Anther licked his lips, uneasy under the stolid regard. Rue, being of a less easily impressed nature -- and fond of expressing (often) how she had more balls than any of her male companions -- was the first to speak. "I got no want t'be dusted with taggers like 'em."
"Shut up!" Anther turned on her with his own suppressed anger and fear. "You ain't comin'." He was gruff, eyes flickering back to Yyan and Tsai, his field of vision glancing off of Talion before focusing with greater ease at Rue.
Now was not the time to squabble.
"Why not?" Rue bristled, as though she'd not just told Anther she thought the three were likely to drug him and sell him in the underground slave market.
"Ya got a hole in y'head. Gonna need Sagath." His hair crowded forward into his face, and he plucked at his ragged sleeves. "C'mon, better get inside before the eyes start gatherin'." Rue snorted, but moved to the side, and soon was preparing to fade into the shadows with the skills of a street brat who'd learned to survive by hiding. Anther expected her to, and looked back at the three as he ducked under the sagging hole. "C'mon." He repeated. He would not notice if Yyan stayed behind to take Rue with him to search for food.
Anther showed them the brief hollow that lead to the hole in the wall which opened up into a sunken basement. Its only light was from small cracks and crevises from splits in the masonry above, and a few pilfered oil lamps and their equally pilfered fuel that cast dim circles of light and wide shadows over time-worn walls. It was dank, and cold, but it was also dry and reasonably hidden. Off in one corner, a large tangle of debris marked where stairs had once been, and the blockage was so complete that entrance or exit from that angle was impossible.
The contents of the basement were meager. A few roughly cobbled chairs, limp pallets for sleeping. A single table -- their pride and joy -- and recycled, broken crates in the corner that held food when they had it.
Anther's eyes swept over all of this in a new light, in the light that had glinted over Tsai's dangling jewelry, and felt shame darken his cheeks. He covered this unwelcome emotion by bluster, a bluster that helped when Sagath started to his feet from a seat at the table at the sight of strangers.
"Caught?"
"No. Sit. Job."
"Job?"
Anther ignored Sagath, noting with a small and weak concern that Yoger had not yet returned. "Sagath'll help." He didn't quite meet Tsai's eyes. "If any knows th' richer sections, 's him."
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Tsaikatlaua
- Citizen
- Posts: 72
- Joined: Tue Dec 02, 2008 5:39 am
- Name: Tsai
- Race: gods-blessed human
Re: Borrowing Back Taken Magic
Tsaikatlaua watched the exchange between the two people of questionable moral standing in front of her, raising an eyebrow as Anther said that the woman wasn't coming. If Tsai had deigned to feel it, she may have professed to some degree of relief--that woman looked like trouble, and as much fun as shapeshifting was to inspire terror in the populace, it was also noticeable if she didn't manage to cow enough people into serving her. And she could only have so many people working for her... these easterners were annoyingly observant at times.
She nodded acceptance to Yyan's suggestion. "Go then. Bring back enough for all of us..." she tried thinking the next part at him, just to see if it would work, if the magic coursing through her body had the power to speak as he did. She, having little modesty when it came to her powers, wouldn't be surprised. Test the thief, and ensure that she remains silent about us. Should she speak, deal with it as you see fit.
Tsai looked steadily at the newcomer, one by the name of Sagath. The surroundings could have mattered less to her--indeed, she was contemptuous of most things in the cold lands. They simply lacked the grandeur and power that her home had. "I care not for most of the 'richer sections,' as you call them, only the Library. What I seek is a small book, leatherbound and hardback. There is a green design on the front of it, and purple stitching along the spine. It resides in the Library. I will do whatever it takes to have it back, and you will help me." It wasn't a question.
She nodded acceptance to Yyan's suggestion. "Go then. Bring back enough for all of us..." she tried thinking the next part at him, just to see if it would work, if the magic coursing through her body had the power to speak as he did. She, having little modesty when it came to her powers, wouldn't be surprised. Test the thief, and ensure that she remains silent about us. Should she speak, deal with it as you see fit.
Tsai looked steadily at the newcomer, one by the name of Sagath. The surroundings could have mattered less to her--indeed, she was contemptuous of most things in the cold lands. They simply lacked the grandeur and power that her home had. "I care not for most of the 'richer sections,' as you call them, only the Library. What I seek is a small book, leatherbound and hardback. There is a green design on the front of it, and purple stitching along the spine. It resides in the Library. I will do whatever it takes to have it back, and you will help me." It wasn't a question.
Re: Borrowing Back Taken Magic
Yyan’s fingers pressed involuntarily against his forehead in response to the sense of pressure within his mind. Tsaikatlaua’s words filtered into his brain, and he stared at her for a moment in astonishment. Her “voice” wasn’t at all like Hyalith’s. The wild magic she commanded beat like a strong tide upon his mental barriers, her words nearly drowned by the rush. But he understood, and at last he nodded. Yes, my lady, he replied, dropping back to let her pass into the thieves’ den.
When the girl Rue made as if to move off, Yyan quickly tapped her on the shoulder. He jerked his head in the other direction, took a step, then waved his hand for her follow him.
When the girl Rue made as if to move off, Yyan quickly tapped her on the shoulder. He jerked his head in the other direction, took a step, then waved his hand for her follow him.
Re: Borrowing Back Taken Magic
As fascinating as it was to stand outside in a dirty back alley, in probably one of the poorest parts of Marn, Talion was growing tired of all the little delays of bringing new people into their plan. More people meant more problems and that was the last thing they needed.
"Might as well just let the whole city in on the plan. You're sure to get something done even if it is just getting yourself locked up."
"I don't like it either but it has to be done." He mumbled under his breath.
He turned to watch Master and his new human friend disappear back down the street that they had come from. Where is he going? And why with her? He couldn't help but to feel jealous that his Master was making so many new friends in such a short time. He was his Master and his friend, he need not bother to waste his time with others.
He wanted to chase after the two but he knew that that would only cause more teasing. If Master had wanted him to go he would have said something. No, Master wanted him to stay for some reason. But for what?
Use your brain for once or go and destroy it, it's not like you use it anyways."
He opened his mouth to yell out his protest but realized that it was better to keep his mouth shut. He could argue all he wanted or he could prove the demon wrong. that would show him.
So he placed a hand on the side of the crumbling wall for support and slowly lifted his injured leg over the rubble and into the hole. The real trick was to get the walking stick into the hidden little room without causing more damage to the structure that looked as if if would crumbled down on top of him at any moment.
Once inside, he leaned his back against the exterior wall near a pile of rags that looked like some sort of bedding. A nap would be nice. He decided on some reading though. Reading would please the Master as well as give him something productive to do while waiting.
Tal's left hand fell to where the large pocket inner pocket on his cloak should be, that was if he was still wearing it, before he remembered that he had offered it to the thief. "If you would be so kind, can you hand me the book within within my cloak and be gentle about it."
"Might as well just let the whole city in on the plan. You're sure to get something done even if it is just getting yourself locked up."
"I don't like it either but it has to be done." He mumbled under his breath.
He turned to watch Master and his new human friend disappear back down the street that they had come from. Where is he going? And why with her? He couldn't help but to feel jealous that his Master was making so many new friends in such a short time. He was his Master and his friend, he need not bother to waste his time with others.
He wanted to chase after the two but he knew that that would only cause more teasing. If Master had wanted him to go he would have said something. No, Master wanted him to stay for some reason. But for what?
Use your brain for once or go and destroy it, it's not like you use it anyways."
He opened his mouth to yell out his protest but realized that it was better to keep his mouth shut. He could argue all he wanted or he could prove the demon wrong. that would show him.
So he placed a hand on the side of the crumbling wall for support and slowly lifted his injured leg over the rubble and into the hole. The real trick was to get the walking stick into the hidden little room without causing more damage to the structure that looked as if if would crumbled down on top of him at any moment.
Once inside, he leaned his back against the exterior wall near a pile of rags that looked like some sort of bedding. A nap would be nice. He decided on some reading though. Reading would please the Master as well as give him something productive to do while waiting.
Tal's left hand fell to where the large pocket inner pocket on his cloak should be, that was if he was still wearing it, before he remembered that he had offered it to the thief. "If you would be so kind, can you hand me the book within within my cloak and be gentle about it."
Re: Borrowing Back Taken Magic
Rue was filled with contemptuous scorn, and a deep anger that events had been decided and approved without her consent. It was the first time since she could remember that strangers were brought to their lair, or of any need that would have strangers being brought. The only explanation her devious mind could come up with was that Anther -- never trustworthy, never trusted -- had sold them out for a pittance of the gold that had adorned the whore's limbs and maybe a quick rut in a dirty alley somewhere.
Rue didn't trust men. She didn't trust women either. She didn't trust anyone. She stayed with those who had provided her with an acceptable bargain: she kept them safe, they kept her fed and clothed. Now though, there were new terms on the lot, and it made her nostrils flare with seething disgust that the awkward boy would try to pull a fast one on her. On any of them. She'd respected the partnership for what it was, but this! Unacceptable.
And then she'd been cut out of the deal, kept out of the loop as Anther had bypassed her entirely.
But she would be meek. She would wait, and bide her time, and let them think she was merely the bully-girl they'd cowed into submission by their logical threats of dessertion. Thick skulled, and unable to comprehend anything but eating, shitting, and being disagreeable at their reluctance to kill. She sneered, in the shadows, and flung up her head in alarm when she was brought to an awareness that she was not as ignored as she'd thought she'd been.
The shadow of a man tapped her shoulder, and motioned her to follow. For what? Her upper lip curled in quickly concealed disgust, and she kept her face smooth-stone impassive as she followed him, becoming the dull-witted guard with a sharp tongue they kept her around for.
They'd understand, soon enough.
________________________________
Anther was quickly losing his hold of the situation. The surreal events were trickling from his fingers, and his thoughts followed with rapid succession as he lost any sort of idea of what to do. Sagath's eyes were narrowing in the way that indicated hell was about to unleash itself from his tongue, and Anther knew of no way to tell the other boy that the demon-lady would take the tongue, and gods knew what else, if her quest was held up any longer. They would hate him when they found out what he'd brought to them. He'd had no choice!
"Th'libr'y 'sin th' richer side." He mumbled to his feet, even as Sagath's eyes grew bright with scarce contained disgust at Anther's behavior. However, Anther was spared the younger man's sharp tongue when Talion scuffed his way down, and spoke.
"If you would be so kind, can you hand me the book within within my cloak and be gentle about it."
Anther had forgotten about the cloak, and without hesitation clumsily searched for the cloak, tripping over quiet words in his haste to get the other man what he needed. It wasn't that he was a coward, he was just. . .
Yeah, he was a coward.
"This fool hasn't seen the gold to separate rich from public property." Sagath's words, once released, dripped with scorn. They lacked the street accent that he sometimes adopted, and was eyeing Tsai with a keen appraisal. "But I know better. Anther is a good thief, a great thief even, but I can get you there, and can find what you need so he can steal it for you."
Anther felt the cold slice of mockery, and heard more than saw the coy smile that had curved Sagath's lips. They'd always known he'd come from somewhere that reeked of opulence, suspected it, but he'd never spoken about it and they'd dared not asked for the fear he'd abandon them and rob them of his smooth skills.
There was an expectation that Sagath would immediately start haggling a price for the job, and Anther hung his head as he moved away from Talion after fumbling the book to the other man, but none came. He looked at Sagath, met the boy's calculating eyes for a brief second of the knowledge that Sagath wasn't on his side, and then the other looked away towards Tsai.
"So," Sagath said, and in a way that let Anther know he had been found wanting, slid back into street patois: "When we gettin' off?"
Rue didn't trust men. She didn't trust women either. She didn't trust anyone. She stayed with those who had provided her with an acceptable bargain: she kept them safe, they kept her fed and clothed. Now though, there were new terms on the lot, and it made her nostrils flare with seething disgust that the awkward boy would try to pull a fast one on her. On any of them. She'd respected the partnership for what it was, but this! Unacceptable.
And then she'd been cut out of the deal, kept out of the loop as Anther had bypassed her entirely.
But she would be meek. She would wait, and bide her time, and let them think she was merely the bully-girl they'd cowed into submission by their logical threats of dessertion. Thick skulled, and unable to comprehend anything but eating, shitting, and being disagreeable at their reluctance to kill. She sneered, in the shadows, and flung up her head in alarm when she was brought to an awareness that she was not as ignored as she'd thought she'd been.
The shadow of a man tapped her shoulder, and motioned her to follow. For what? Her upper lip curled in quickly concealed disgust, and she kept her face smooth-stone impassive as she followed him, becoming the dull-witted guard with a sharp tongue they kept her around for.
They'd understand, soon enough.
________________________________
Anther was quickly losing his hold of the situation. The surreal events were trickling from his fingers, and his thoughts followed with rapid succession as he lost any sort of idea of what to do. Sagath's eyes were narrowing in the way that indicated hell was about to unleash itself from his tongue, and Anther knew of no way to tell the other boy that the demon-lady would take the tongue, and gods knew what else, if her quest was held up any longer. They would hate him when they found out what he'd brought to them. He'd had no choice!
"Th'libr'y 'sin th' richer side." He mumbled to his feet, even as Sagath's eyes grew bright with scarce contained disgust at Anther's behavior. However, Anther was spared the younger man's sharp tongue when Talion scuffed his way down, and spoke.
"If you would be so kind, can you hand me the book within within my cloak and be gentle about it."
Anther had forgotten about the cloak, and without hesitation clumsily searched for the cloak, tripping over quiet words in his haste to get the other man what he needed. It wasn't that he was a coward, he was just. . .
Yeah, he was a coward.
"This fool hasn't seen the gold to separate rich from public property." Sagath's words, once released, dripped with scorn. They lacked the street accent that he sometimes adopted, and was eyeing Tsai with a keen appraisal. "But I know better. Anther is a good thief, a great thief even, but I can get you there, and can find what you need so he can steal it for you."
Anther felt the cold slice of mockery, and heard more than saw the coy smile that had curved Sagath's lips. They'd always known he'd come from somewhere that reeked of opulence, suspected it, but he'd never spoken about it and they'd dared not asked for the fear he'd abandon them and rob them of his smooth skills.
There was an expectation that Sagath would immediately start haggling a price for the job, and Anther hung his head as he moved away from Talion after fumbling the book to the other man, but none came. He looked at Sagath, met the boy's calculating eyes for a brief second of the knowledge that Sagath wasn't on his side, and then the other looked away towards Tsai.
"So," Sagath said, and in a way that let Anther know he had been found wanting, slid back into street patois: "When we gettin' off?"
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Tsaikatlaua
- Citizen
- Posts: 72
- Joined: Tue Dec 02, 2008 5:39 am
- Name: Tsai
- Race: gods-blessed human
Re: Borrowing Back Taken Magic
A perfect eyebrow arched up over a doe-like honey-colored eye. "Stop your minor squabble, Sagath and Anther, you are mine now." She had no time for in-fighting, she'd leave them to that as they fled the Library... should Sagath prove able to gain them access.
She watched as Yyan and Rue left, noting the annoyed expression that flashed across Rue's face. She trusted, however, that Yyan would deal with her as he saw fit on their outing. Looking over the rest of her motley crew she stifled a sigh, recognizing that it was the best she could have done with only one evening trawling the taverns.
Tsaikatlaua shifted to lean up against the meager wall, letting the gold on her arms and throat and legs glint and throw yellow rays out in the dim light. She didn't have the local knowledge, or the language skills, to know that the thieves' battle was fought on more than competition; something more like a struggle for superiority was taking place. The gods-blessed girl didn't care. She'd let them get to their fight once they'd gotten the book... before she washed their city all the way to the ocean.
The girl smothered that thought. There was no time for thinking about that now, she'd just have to wait to plot her revenge later. But it would be done eventually--the gods had ordered her to take the book into safekeeping and then exact revenge for the injustice done. She was the only one ever to be gifted with the power to read the sacred text, and the approval of the gods to do so. It was an honor beyond all other, and she would undertake it with vengeful wrath for her gods.
"We leave as soon as you are ready. I have a small place that we may hide out in, unless you think that we should move now. Have you a plan?" Tsaikatlaua demanded.
She watched as Yyan and Rue left, noting the annoyed expression that flashed across Rue's face. She trusted, however, that Yyan would deal with her as he saw fit on their outing. Looking over the rest of her motley crew she stifled a sigh, recognizing that it was the best she could have done with only one evening trawling the taverns.
Tsaikatlaua shifted to lean up against the meager wall, letting the gold on her arms and throat and legs glint and throw yellow rays out in the dim light. She didn't have the local knowledge, or the language skills, to know that the thieves' battle was fought on more than competition; something more like a struggle for superiority was taking place. The gods-blessed girl didn't care. She'd let them get to their fight once they'd gotten the book... before she washed their city all the way to the ocean.
The girl smothered that thought. There was no time for thinking about that now, she'd just have to wait to plot her revenge later. But it would be done eventually--the gods had ordered her to take the book into safekeeping and then exact revenge for the injustice done. She was the only one ever to be gifted with the power to read the sacred text, and the approval of the gods to do so. It was an honor beyond all other, and she would undertake it with vengeful wrath for her gods.
"We leave as soon as you are ready. I have a small place that we may hide out in, unless you think that we should move now. Have you a plan?" Tsaikatlaua demanded.
Re: Borrowing Back Taken Magic
All told, their excursion lasted about an hour and a half, and yielded a bounty of a dozen apples, a skin of cheap sour wine and a loaf of two-day-old bread. Meager fair for any working man, but possibly more than the thieves had seen all at once in a very long time. As they ducked into the entrance hole, Yyan stole a sidelong glance with the girl Rue and gave a nod of acknowledgement of a job well done.
He was rather surprised at how well it had all worked. It had taken a bit to convey his simple plan to Rue without speech—basically providing distraction interference for her while she did the lifting. A bit of mental projection to a stall worker, like a perceived shout behind them, was all it took, really. Adjusting the canvas sack on his shoulder that held their loot, Yyan thought that he could make a decent living this way… if he chose to shake off any bounds of morality that Hyalith had instilled in him. No, that would not be his way, his fate. His mother had given him too much, and he wouldn’t forsake her memory by leaving it in a gutter in this place. This was a necessity, and nothing more.
And stealing a book from a government library? That was merely another kind of necessity, one that he would be glad to see the end of.
Squeezing his way into the hole, Yyan sent an unintrusive announcement to Tsaikatlaua of their return and the results. In the gloom of the hideaway, he noticed the presence of the third thief for the first time. Under the pretense of unpacking their bounty, Yyan whispered, I encountered little problem with the girl, my lady. I think she will do fine, as long as she understands that you command.
He was rather surprised at how well it had all worked. It had taken a bit to convey his simple plan to Rue without speech—basically providing distraction interference for her while she did the lifting. A bit of mental projection to a stall worker, like a perceived shout behind them, was all it took, really. Adjusting the canvas sack on his shoulder that held their loot, Yyan thought that he could make a decent living this way… if he chose to shake off any bounds of morality that Hyalith had instilled in him. No, that would not be his way, his fate. His mother had given him too much, and he wouldn’t forsake her memory by leaving it in a gutter in this place. This was a necessity, and nothing more.
And stealing a book from a government library? That was merely another kind of necessity, one that he would be glad to see the end of.
Squeezing his way into the hole, Yyan sent an unintrusive announcement to Tsaikatlaua of their return and the results. In the gloom of the hideaway, he noticed the presence of the third thief for the first time. Under the pretense of unpacking their bounty, Yyan whispered, I encountered little problem with the girl, my lady. I think she will do fine, as long as she understands that you command.
Re: Borrowing Back Taken Magic
Like so many times before, Talionous had given himself to flipping through the molding pages of the ancient text. He was convinced that at any moment he would make that breaking discovery that would unlock the mysteries that the book alluded to but it seemed as if that moment would never come. He had been studying its many pages for years now, even before the old elf parted ways with it but still he had learned nothing.
His fingers traced the intricate designed that formed both the notes of his old teacher and the earlier writing in a language that he could not understand. From the notes that the elf had left him as as guide, it looked as if the not even the old one was able to fully understood what it was that he was reading. What really caught his attention was the way the letters flowed together, were the lines met up and crossed and the way they seemed to change into pictures around the borders without obstructing the intricacy of whatever it was that they were trying to say.
He imagined that whoever it was that had spent the many hours compiling such knowledge into written word had done so in a way that they meant to educate the future generations of what they knew. Why else would they have taken the time to beautifully illustrated it than?
On this particular day it had been the birds that had captured his attention. Like the ones in the marketplace, these birds of ink slipped in and out of the shadows and wove their way across the pages. Some of them swallowed words as food as they flew through the yellowing paper sky while others merely showed off their aerial feats by flying in formations too complicated for him to wrap his mind around.
Whatever it was that the text said about these birds, he could not say. He had hoped that there would be some sort of clue, some sort of connection between the ones that had sought to eat him and the ones that captured his imagination. Perhaps it tells of their origins or one might go about communicating with them?
"Or perhaps it is a warning that if you mess with magic you don't understand that they shall come and peck your eyes out."
Talion was too absorbed in his own thoughts to notice the actions of the others but as long as they did not disturb him in his time of pondering into the unknown, he did not care.
His fingers traced the intricate designed that formed both the notes of his old teacher and the earlier writing in a language that he could not understand. From the notes that the elf had left him as as guide, it looked as if the not even the old one was able to fully understood what it was that he was reading. What really caught his attention was the way the letters flowed together, were the lines met up and crossed and the way they seemed to change into pictures around the borders without obstructing the intricacy of whatever it was that they were trying to say.
He imagined that whoever it was that had spent the many hours compiling such knowledge into written word had done so in a way that they meant to educate the future generations of what they knew. Why else would they have taken the time to beautifully illustrated it than?
On this particular day it had been the birds that had captured his attention. Like the ones in the marketplace, these birds of ink slipped in and out of the shadows and wove their way across the pages. Some of them swallowed words as food as they flew through the yellowing paper sky while others merely showed off their aerial feats by flying in formations too complicated for him to wrap his mind around.
Whatever it was that the text said about these birds, he could not say. He had hoped that there would be some sort of clue, some sort of connection between the ones that had sought to eat him and the ones that captured his imagination. Perhaps it tells of their origins or one might go about communicating with them?
"Or perhaps it is a warning that if you mess with magic you don't understand that they shall come and peck your eyes out."
Talion was too absorbed in his own thoughts to notice the actions of the others but as long as they did not disturb him in his time of pondering into the unknown, he did not care.
Re: Borrowing Back Taken Magic
If Sagath was surprised at anything that was going on, he didn't show much beyond a childish, stubborn look that set in the purse of his lips and the flash of his eyes. Anther tried not to look at anyone beyond careful glances, and just nodded occasionally at the floor as if to reconfirm that the whole mess was actually happening.
"Plan?" Sagath asked after a pause, during which the quiet man had entered their hole in the ground. Anther got a glimpse of Rue's angry face, and tilted his head in studious curiosity. She slipped out of view. Anther surmised she was keeping a watch on the street. You could never be too careful in the ghetto. Especially when there were others angry at you.
Anther realized Sagath was staring at him. "Y-yeah?" He slid his gaze away from Sagath.
"You got a plan?" Sagath was smiling. Anther was not.
"No."
"No plan." Sagath reported brightly to Tsai. Had Anther been close enough to the other, he would have given the younger boy a good kick.
"W-we still got time fer ready-makin'." Anther interjected before Tsai might choose to get angry. He had no desire to see her angry. "We can. . ." Under the eyes, the attention, Anther found himself sweating. He swallowed and tried again. "We can make th'plan as we goin'. T-to yer place? Rue'll havta stay. We don't leave here without someone watchin'. I'll hafta see. . .before I get. . .t'thinkin' about a plan. . ." Anther trailed off lamely, feeling himself flushing with acute embarassment and unease. He wasn't made for this sort of ruckus, dammit!
Why had he chosen to pickpocket someone so brazenly displaying wealth in a dirty back alley? Why? He slumped into himself, biting his lips and cursing himself inwardly for his awkwardness.
"Plan?" Sagath asked after a pause, during which the quiet man had entered their hole in the ground. Anther got a glimpse of Rue's angry face, and tilted his head in studious curiosity. She slipped out of view. Anther surmised she was keeping a watch on the street. You could never be too careful in the ghetto. Especially when there were others angry at you.
Anther realized Sagath was staring at him. "Y-yeah?" He slid his gaze away from Sagath.
"You got a plan?" Sagath was smiling. Anther was not.
"No."
"No plan." Sagath reported brightly to Tsai. Had Anther been close enough to the other, he would have given the younger boy a good kick.
"W-we still got time fer ready-makin'." Anther interjected before Tsai might choose to get angry. He had no desire to see her angry. "We can. . ." Under the eyes, the attention, Anther found himself sweating. He swallowed and tried again. "We can make th'plan as we goin'. T-to yer place? Rue'll havta stay. We don't leave here without someone watchin'. I'll hafta see. . .before I get. . .t'thinkin' about a plan. . ." Anther trailed off lamely, feeling himself flushing with acute embarassment and unease. He wasn't made for this sort of ruckus, dammit!
Why had he chosen to pickpocket someone so brazenly displaying wealth in a dirty back alley? Why? He slumped into himself, biting his lips and cursing himself inwardly for his awkwardness.
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Tsaikatlaua
- Citizen
- Posts: 72
- Joined: Tue Dec 02, 2008 5:39 am
- Name: Tsai
- Race: gods-blessed human
Re: Borrowing Back Taken Magic
If Tsaikatlaua had felt like tormenting her people she would have done, but the day was lengthening the shadows on the wall and she wanted to get the book and go home. "I care not for the logistics of the theft, only that it happens quickly. Tonight, if at all possible. I do not like this land and I wish to fly home."
She debated momentarily about shifting into her eagle form, then decided against it. As much as she loved showing off and intimidating people, there wasn't time for that right then. She nodded curtly at the suggesting of going back to her place and swept out of the small, dilapidated room, regally leading the way back to her small house. She opened the door and ushered them all in, shutting it firmly behind the small party.
Once inside and all the entrances were barred she called on her magic, increasing the humidity and water content of the air for her own comfort, neither wondering nor caring how it affected the others. She settled back into a crumbling chair like it was a golden throne, then, as if only just occurring to her, she decided to try one of her other powers. Touching the stone with a long finger she closed her eyes briefly, then opened them to find herself seated on a chair of pure gold, the flaking, rancid wood turned to the precious metal. She flicked her mantle over the armrest and leaned her head on her hand, looking lazily around at the people gathered in the small room.
"Plan." It was not a request, rather a word that she ordered curtly. "We have until night falls properly over the city, then I want to move out."
She debated momentarily about shifting into her eagle form, then decided against it. As much as she loved showing off and intimidating people, there wasn't time for that right then. She nodded curtly at the suggesting of going back to her place and swept out of the small, dilapidated room, regally leading the way back to her small house. She opened the door and ushered them all in, shutting it firmly behind the small party.
Once inside and all the entrances were barred she called on her magic, increasing the humidity and water content of the air for her own comfort, neither wondering nor caring how it affected the others. She settled back into a crumbling chair like it was a golden throne, then, as if only just occurring to her, she decided to try one of her other powers. Touching the stone with a long finger she closed her eyes briefly, then opened them to find herself seated on a chair of pure gold, the flaking, rancid wood turned to the precious metal. She flicked her mantle over the armrest and leaned her head on her hand, looking lazily around at the people gathered in the small room.
"Plan." It was not a request, rather a word that she ordered curtly. "We have until night falls properly over the city, then I want to move out."