(Continued from Rendezvous)
Autumn, 122PW
Anja knew that she had to act quickly. The ogre had complicated things. It was now entirely possible that the city guard, along with the rest of the town, were now aware that the lord of the manor was not, in fact, on vacation, but very much dead. Were this the case, the stolen seal would be worth nothing. One night had already passed since the theft. She could not risk waiting any longer.
Benjamin was sent to the morgue, post-haste, gobsmacked with identity-concealing makeup and accessories to look like a humble runner, and armed with a letter of requisition that was sealed, by all appearances, by our dearly departed Lord Venreace himself.
It went off without a hitch, and the only thing Benjamin lost on the journey was about seven litres of nervous sweat. Just as Benjamin had predicted, the custodian had inspected the seal thoroughly, but barely glanced at the letter. Soon, he was safely back in the sewers, delivering a large, pointy package to the centuries-old Greatweaver.
*************************
For some months following, the usual sewer routes were closed, and neither Puck nor Benjamin were seen much around town. Puck had requested that Dianelopa keep her distance until contact was made, and it was a good while before she heard from them again. Then, when Anja declared her work done, the approach was made: Not to Dianelopa, but to Thad.
Puck sat on the east bank of the Ofriyu Mar, feet playing in the water, smoking his pipe under the smothering darkness of an overhanging tree. It was as still as midnight ought to be, but for a (very) occasional passing barge. He was further south than the patrols, and he therefore watched every sign of movement, on or off the river, not without a touch of trepidation. He was getting to be a little too old to run these sorts of backwoods errands, but Anja had insisted that matters involving such powerful and downright illegal weapons as the one whose sale he was working to ensure, could not be entrusted to Dianelopa. Not yet, at any rate.
He couldn't help but wonder why, then, they were going to Thad. He and the wolf-girl were as thick as thieves (cough). Perhaps Anja was looking to test the mettle of their bond.
He didn't have it with him, of course. He was just fishing. And if Anja's tracking of Thad's habitual movements was correct, he ought to be getting a bite any moment now.
My My, What Fetching Horns You Have
-
Dianelopa
- Citizen
- Posts: 200
- Joined: Fri Sep 12, 2008 8:50 am
- Name: Dianelopa
- Race: shifter human werewolf
Re: My My, What Fetching Horns You Have
Dianelopa had long ago given up her straw-filled spot in the stable and had lived in relative comfort in the sewers. Thus when Puck suggested she stay away for a while, she was a bit confused. "Did I do something wrong?" she muttered.
"No, no, no, not at all," he said. "It's part of your job," he added. "I'll let you know when it's time."
She walked out of the sewers a bit dazed, following Thad who seemed quite happy, almost skipping along. She didn't understand his upbeat mood. She, in fact, shuffled along, getting further and further behind him.
He soon noticed that she wasn't beside him and turned. Seeing the downcast look on her face, he said in consternation, "what's the matter?"
"I," she said and hesitated, her voice almost cracking. "I lost my home."
"What?" he said.
"That's where I lived, she looked back. All my things are still there.
Thad laughed. "All the things they gave you. What does it matter?"
"Don't laugh, Dianelopa said angrily. "It does matter. My books. My clothes. Puck and Benjamen can't wear them."
"Look girl," said Thad. "Did you see what's in that sack Puck gave you? You've got enough there to buy all the clothes and books your heart could desire."
"And where do I live?"
"With me," he said simply. Perhaps there was a tinge of triumph in his voice, but mostly it was matter of fact satisfaction that a problem could be solved so simply.
"We aren't married," said Dianelopa.
Thad was now almost rolling on the ground with laughter. "Were you married to Puck or Benjamin?" he finally got out.
"That was different," she said.
"Oh?" said Thad and stopped laughing. "You'd feel better being married to me, but it didn't matter with them?"
"Umm", said Dianelopa. She realized she was getting into a kind of complicated bind.
"You know what," he said. "if you want to get married, I'll do it. OK? But you can think about it first, and maybe you don't want to. I mean, it's up to you. And in the meantime, you get a bed in my place. I'll buy you a bed, a queen's bed, he added and jingled his coins a bit. So come on and cheer up." He grabbed her hand.
Reluctantly at first she let herself be dragged along by him - into a wood shop where he told the woodworker that he should build a bed fit for a queen and paint it pink.
"Pink?" said Dianelopa in astonishment.
"Don't girls like pink?" asked Thad.
"OK, pink is OK," said Dianelopa, "with red and yellow roses and violets and black birds.
"Huh?" said the woodworker, "I'm not an artist."
"Well, we'll get an artist, we will," said Thad. "just make the bed as soon as possible."
Meanwhile Dianelopa was already forgetting how down she'd just been feeling.
"No, no, no, not at all," he said. "It's part of your job," he added. "I'll let you know when it's time."
She walked out of the sewers a bit dazed, following Thad who seemed quite happy, almost skipping along. She didn't understand his upbeat mood. She, in fact, shuffled along, getting further and further behind him.
He soon noticed that she wasn't beside him and turned. Seeing the downcast look on her face, he said in consternation, "what's the matter?"
"I," she said and hesitated, her voice almost cracking. "I lost my home."
"What?" he said.
"That's where I lived, she looked back. All my things are still there.
Thad laughed. "All the things they gave you. What does it matter?"
"Don't laugh, Dianelopa said angrily. "It does matter. My books. My clothes. Puck and Benjamen can't wear them."
"Look girl," said Thad. "Did you see what's in that sack Puck gave you? You've got enough there to buy all the clothes and books your heart could desire."
"And where do I live?"
"With me," he said simply. Perhaps there was a tinge of triumph in his voice, but mostly it was matter of fact satisfaction that a problem could be solved so simply.
"We aren't married," said Dianelopa.
Thad was now almost rolling on the ground with laughter. "Were you married to Puck or Benjamin?" he finally got out.
"That was different," she said.
"Oh?" said Thad and stopped laughing. "You'd feel better being married to me, but it didn't matter with them?"
"Umm", said Dianelopa. She realized she was getting into a kind of complicated bind.
"You know what," he said. "if you want to get married, I'll do it. OK? But you can think about it first, and maybe you don't want to. I mean, it's up to you. And in the meantime, you get a bed in my place. I'll buy you a bed, a queen's bed, he added and jingled his coins a bit. So come on and cheer up." He grabbed her hand.
Reluctantly at first she let herself be dragged along by him - into a wood shop where he told the woodworker that he should build a bed fit for a queen and paint it pink.
"Pink?" said Dianelopa in astonishment.
"Don't girls like pink?" asked Thad.
"OK, pink is OK," said Dianelopa, "with red and yellow roses and violets and black birds.
"Huh?" said the woodworker, "I'm not an artist."
"Well, we'll get an artist, we will," said Thad. "just make the bed as soon as possible."
Meanwhile Dianelopa was already forgetting how down she'd just been feeling.
Re: My My, What Fetching Horns You Have
Morry had been watching.
Since he had left Thad in that dreary place on the bench, he had decided easily that the thieves were not going to get away with not giving him anything. So lacking in social understanding was he that the werewolf had started to believe that if he followed them for long enough, there would be some kind of reward. If not for him then both Dianelopa and Thad would probably be dead. He had tested his physical abilities and pushed himself to the limit for them. He could have run at any time, but instead he proved to the world that he had some amount of understanding for other people. He had a conscience, and that was hardly helping him now. Rejected by the pair in his mind (though it had really been Thad who had driven him off, and in true reality, it had probably been Morry's own fault), Adamor felt that it was necessary to get closer to them, and take what was his.
He had convinced himself that he was in it for the money. He was, after all, wanting to buy real food with that money so that he wouldn't have to eat from garbage bins anymore. It had been a long time since he had slept in an actual bed, also, and oh, to enjoy alcohol again would be incredible.
That afternoon he had woken, curled up in some drab alleyway, the kind whose walls ran with filth and whose cobblestone pathways were caked in an inch of dirt. It had rained and because he was running out of time (why did the sun have to set so quickly?), Morry ran his wooden brush under a steadily dripping gutter and rubbed the small tool around his teeth until his gums bled. He would also appreciate proper dental hygiene rinses when he could afford them, and possibly a few spice balls if he could find them.
The reality was simply that Morry was a terribly lonely individual. He did not enjoy being classified as a 'lone wolf'. Though he would never admit to it, he was naturally a social creature. He craved the attentions of women and he reveled at the idea of a friend. Sadly, he had never been treated with such things. Pity would have been out of place for him, however, as it was likely his foul attitude and cruel nature that drove others away. It was a vicious circle, truly. These days he was more unstable than ever, ready to snap the moment something set him off.
Tracking the movements of Dianelopa, Morry had taken more than an interest in her and her thieving friend. This interest had developed into an obsession, so bad that he plotted out all of his movements just to keep tabs on her and Thad when he was able to. He told himself it was because he wanted revenge. He told himself it was because they deserved punishment. He would never admit to the truth:
He wanted a friend.
Dianelopa had been managing to stay out of sight from the werewolf. He didn't know why she went to the sewers, nor had the will to risk going down there himself to find out (so he thought). She was far easier to keep tabs on than was Thad. That day she had gone off with Thad, but he could not follow them. The familiar, painful, pulling and stretching feeling creeping under his skin as the sun fell below the horizon signified that this would not be a comfortable night. He needed to get to the forest before he hurt someone (and of course he didn't care about the people he hurt, he just didn't want to be thrown out of town...right?).
As he moved through town, his hurried feet tripped him a few times, apparently not wanting to help Morry in his race against time. Still he quickly crossed the long bridge, ignoring the sharp twitch of his back muscles along with the eyes that briefly stole a glance at him, probably wondering why he was running but not bothering to ask. Few people on earth would want to ask; diseased from malnutrition and poor hygiene (not dental, of course), Morry was not so much intimidating as he was terrifying. People avoided him for fear that he was some insane, homeless creep (which he was) and could give them a disease or something (which he could).
When he reached the east bank, he quickly dove off of the main road, much to the surprise of a passerby farmer and his ox. Not a moment after that, Morry felt a horrible crack in his spine and he bent backward, suppressing a yell. The moon was rising. Darkness had coated the sky. The pair created an ominous glow in the woods, casting the man in shadow as he recovered for a minute. Gasping for breath he stripped off his clothing despite the early chill, and let the curse finish what it had started.
His bones made horrible cracking noises as they were modified, growing in length on some parts and shorting in others. Morry screamed as his muscle structure changed. The paroxysm overwhelmed him as his skin stretched and ripped. His jaw extended forward and blended with his nose. Fur grew rapidly and flushed where the skin had split. Brown and grey fur coated him, a tail grew, and the curse left Adamor so weak that he could not move for several long minutes, breathing heavily.
When he finally was able to regain his strength, his pupils dilated to adjust to the night lighting. Wolf eyes truly were better to see with. Morry rose from his crumpled position and stood on two wolf-like, man-like legs, feeling their renewed power once more. He let out a growl and felt his voice rumble through his throat and body, clenching a fist. It was time to eat. The wolf within him told him so.
Morry could feel power, violence, and will flowing within his blood. These were the things that made him move forward, running swiftly until he caught the scent of his prey; tonight, a fawn just a foot too far from its mother. The hunt was quick, and the feed was slow and leisurely. Bones crunched between his teeth.
Just past midnight, a lonely howl rose out through the forest. The werewolf, fed and focused, lie in wait, hidden by dark trees. New excitement would reach him tonight, though he didn't know it.
Since he had left Thad in that dreary place on the bench, he had decided easily that the thieves were not going to get away with not giving him anything. So lacking in social understanding was he that the werewolf had started to believe that if he followed them for long enough, there would be some kind of reward. If not for him then both Dianelopa and Thad would probably be dead. He had tested his physical abilities and pushed himself to the limit for them. He could have run at any time, but instead he proved to the world that he had some amount of understanding for other people. He had a conscience, and that was hardly helping him now. Rejected by the pair in his mind (though it had really been Thad who had driven him off, and in true reality, it had probably been Morry's own fault), Adamor felt that it was necessary to get closer to them, and take what was his.
He had convinced himself that he was in it for the money. He was, after all, wanting to buy real food with that money so that he wouldn't have to eat from garbage bins anymore. It had been a long time since he had slept in an actual bed, also, and oh, to enjoy alcohol again would be incredible.
That afternoon he had woken, curled up in some drab alleyway, the kind whose walls ran with filth and whose cobblestone pathways were caked in an inch of dirt. It had rained and because he was running out of time (why did the sun have to set so quickly?), Morry ran his wooden brush under a steadily dripping gutter and rubbed the small tool around his teeth until his gums bled. He would also appreciate proper dental hygiene rinses when he could afford them, and possibly a few spice balls if he could find them.
The reality was simply that Morry was a terribly lonely individual. He did not enjoy being classified as a 'lone wolf'. Though he would never admit to it, he was naturally a social creature. He craved the attentions of women and he reveled at the idea of a friend. Sadly, he had never been treated with such things. Pity would have been out of place for him, however, as it was likely his foul attitude and cruel nature that drove others away. It was a vicious circle, truly. These days he was more unstable than ever, ready to snap the moment something set him off.
Tracking the movements of Dianelopa, Morry had taken more than an interest in her and her thieving friend. This interest had developed into an obsession, so bad that he plotted out all of his movements just to keep tabs on her and Thad when he was able to. He told himself it was because he wanted revenge. He told himself it was because they deserved punishment. He would never admit to the truth:
He wanted a friend.
Dianelopa had been managing to stay out of sight from the werewolf. He didn't know why she went to the sewers, nor had the will to risk going down there himself to find out (so he thought). She was far easier to keep tabs on than was Thad. That day she had gone off with Thad, but he could not follow them. The familiar, painful, pulling and stretching feeling creeping under his skin as the sun fell below the horizon signified that this would not be a comfortable night. He needed to get to the forest before he hurt someone (and of course he didn't care about the people he hurt, he just didn't want to be thrown out of town...right?).
As he moved through town, his hurried feet tripped him a few times, apparently not wanting to help Morry in his race against time. Still he quickly crossed the long bridge, ignoring the sharp twitch of his back muscles along with the eyes that briefly stole a glance at him, probably wondering why he was running but not bothering to ask. Few people on earth would want to ask; diseased from malnutrition and poor hygiene (not dental, of course), Morry was not so much intimidating as he was terrifying. People avoided him for fear that he was some insane, homeless creep (which he was) and could give them a disease or something (which he could).
When he reached the east bank, he quickly dove off of the main road, much to the surprise of a passerby farmer and his ox. Not a moment after that, Morry felt a horrible crack in his spine and he bent backward, suppressing a yell. The moon was rising. Darkness had coated the sky. The pair created an ominous glow in the woods, casting the man in shadow as he recovered for a minute. Gasping for breath he stripped off his clothing despite the early chill, and let the curse finish what it had started.
His bones made horrible cracking noises as they were modified, growing in length on some parts and shorting in others. Morry screamed as his muscle structure changed. The paroxysm overwhelmed him as his skin stretched and ripped. His jaw extended forward and blended with his nose. Fur grew rapidly and flushed where the skin had split. Brown and grey fur coated him, a tail grew, and the curse left Adamor so weak that he could not move for several long minutes, breathing heavily.
When he finally was able to regain his strength, his pupils dilated to adjust to the night lighting. Wolf eyes truly were better to see with. Morry rose from his crumpled position and stood on two wolf-like, man-like legs, feeling their renewed power once more. He let out a growl and felt his voice rumble through his throat and body, clenching a fist. It was time to eat. The wolf within him told him so.
Morry could feel power, violence, and will flowing within his blood. These were the things that made him move forward, running swiftly until he caught the scent of his prey; tonight, a fawn just a foot too far from its mother. The hunt was quick, and the feed was slow and leisurely. Bones crunched between his teeth.
Just past midnight, a lonely howl rose out through the forest. The werewolf, fed and focused, lie in wait, hidden by dark trees. New excitement would reach him tonight, though he didn't know it.
-
Dianelopa
- Citizen
- Posts: 200
- Joined: Fri Sep 12, 2008 8:50 am
- Name: Dianelopa
- Race: shifter human werewolf
Re: My My, What Fetching Horns You Have
That evening Thad and Dianelopa were sitting together eating grilled rabbit which Dianelopa had prepared. Since she'd come to live with Thad, there wasn't that much for Dianelopa to do. Thad provided the income for their daily necessities, but sitting around doing nothing was too boring, so Dianelopa would often go to the woods beyond Marn to keep up her hunting skills, mostly looking for small animals which she'd bring home. She'd never really learned to cook very well. Now she began to practice, trying out various ways of preparing meals and testing them on Thad, who always praised them. This was not useful since Dianelopa knew her experiments were not always equally good and one day she simply bawled him out and said, tell me the truth, or how am I ever to learn how to make better meals?
That night the grilled rabbit was actually very good. After Thad's noisy consumption of a large portion of the rabbit, he said, "Something strange happened today."
"Oh?" said Dianelopa. "What was it?"
"Puck asked me to meet him."
"My Puck?" said Dianelopa surprised.
"Yeah."
"What for?"
"'e didn't say. Just that I go down to the river and wait."
"And me?" said Dianelopa feeling a tinge of something not so pleasant, maybe it was jealousy or abandonment.
"I suspect caus' it's dangerous and needs my, umm, profession, is why he wants me. And you stay 'ome and out of trouble."
"Sure," said Dianelopa with a note of uncertainty in her voice.
Once it got dark, Thad went off, as he usually did, not revealing his thoughts.
Dianelopa cleaned up and then sat down picking up a book, which she found she couldn't concentrate on enough to read it. She got up and started pacing back and forth. Finally her steps, almost unconsciously led her out the door and she found herself sniffing to catch Thad's scent. However, too much time had passed in the fairly busy city streets. She couldn't smell him. But she knew he'd been headed for the river. And that's where she went.
That night the grilled rabbit was actually very good. After Thad's noisy consumption of a large portion of the rabbit, he said, "Something strange happened today."
"Oh?" said Dianelopa. "What was it?"
"Puck asked me to meet him."
"My Puck?" said Dianelopa surprised.
"Yeah."
"What for?"
"'e didn't say. Just that I go down to the river and wait."
"And me?" said Dianelopa feeling a tinge of something not so pleasant, maybe it was jealousy or abandonment.
"I suspect caus' it's dangerous and needs my, umm, profession, is why he wants me. And you stay 'ome and out of trouble."
"Sure," said Dianelopa with a note of uncertainty in her voice.
Once it got dark, Thad went off, as he usually did, not revealing his thoughts.
Dianelopa cleaned up and then sat down picking up a book, which she found she couldn't concentrate on enough to read it. She got up and started pacing back and forth. Finally her steps, almost unconsciously led her out the door and she found herself sniffing to catch Thad's scent. However, too much time had passed in the fairly busy city streets. She couldn't smell him. But she knew he'd been headed for the river. And that's where she went.
Re: My My, What Fetching Horns You Have
Puck sat motionless, watching the pole-driven barge approach. It obviously wasn't Thad's boat, for he was clinging to the underside, as usual. Puck whistled gently, and Thad disembarked into the cold waters. When the thief was dripping on the shore beside him, under the concealing protection of the high-water bank and the overhanging trees, Puck held a blanket out to him. "I thought you might appreciate a warm conversation. You burglar types are a cold, lonely lot."
Re: My My, What Fetching Horns You Have
Wandering through the woods on sturdy, half-wolf limbs, Morry could easily hone in on his senses. He wasn't looking for anything or anyone in particular, just something to keep him occupied for a while.
In this state, he interacted very differently with the world around him. On one hand he wanted to tear everything apart, yet somehow he was far more coordinated and precise about his movements and his attacks. While his senses weren't heightened a terrible amount, it was enough to cause him to stop when he caught the unmistakable scent of Thad on the wind.
He changed direction immediately, creeping closer to the source until he could just barely see Thad and some other person speaking with one another. Hidden behind a large tree, he made his way up the back of it silently, pulling his claws into the trunk until he reached a branch that could hold his weight. There was a rustle as he moved, and he kept very still in case they had heard. If they would come this way, he could strike them both (he thought) easily.
Or perhaps they had some sort of gossip to listen to; his ears perked.
In this state, he interacted very differently with the world around him. On one hand he wanted to tear everything apart, yet somehow he was far more coordinated and precise about his movements and his attacks. While his senses weren't heightened a terrible amount, it was enough to cause him to stop when he caught the unmistakable scent of Thad on the wind.
He changed direction immediately, creeping closer to the source until he could just barely see Thad and some other person speaking with one another. Hidden behind a large tree, he made his way up the back of it silently, pulling his claws into the trunk until he reached a branch that could hold his weight. There was a rustle as he moved, and he kept very still in case they had heard. If they would come this way, he could strike them both (he thought) easily.
Or perhaps they had some sort of gossip to listen to; his ears perked.
-
Dianelopa
- Citizen
- Posts: 200
- Joined: Fri Sep 12, 2008 8:50 am
- Name: Dianelopa
- Race: shifter human werewolf
Re: My My, What Fetching Horns You Have
"There ye be," said Thad. "Now, why is it you want me 'ere? Hope you aren't disappointed bout that seal. It was a bit tricky. Mmmm. But I got it to ya OK. I 'spose you're wantin another 'aul of some kind then?" He took the blanket Puck offered him and dried his hair and face, then wrapped it around his shoulders. "Tis a bit cool out 'ere tonight. But I'm not so cold and lonely atall. Got a warm bed at 'ome and 'spect she'll be waitin fur me. And I got a nice surprise for 'er." He held up a necklace to show Puck and it captured some moonbeams that caused a burst of sparkles from the diamonds, almost like mini fireworks going off in his hand. "Wonder who they were in that boat to have some-um like this." Thad chuckled softly.
Re: My My, What Fetching Horns You Have
"I would think she'll like that very much. I must say, it's very charming that you two have shacked up. I wish you both the best of luck, and while I am loath to scuffle the lovenest, I do have a rather pressing matter on my hands, to which your special set of skills is most well-suited, if I'm not terribly mistaken."
Puck proceeded to relate to Thad an abridged, and heavily censored, anecdote about a certain nobleman associate of his, one who was suspected of behaving rather foolishly, to the great upset of all those concerned, specifically Puck's own superiors, thence to fall off the map rather mysteriously, and not give any word of his whereabouts for three years. This nobleman had then popped up again in Shim, and gotten word to Puck's superiors through something the old elf enigmatically referred to as "the usual channels", requesting that a highly unusual item be conjured forth for him.
"No mention of the scuffle of years past, mind you," said Puck as he re-lit his pipe. "The fellow seems to be under the impression that all that's just water under the bridge. Rather misguided, if you ask me. He might have gone a century more in hiding, and my superiors would not have forgotten, of that you can be sure. I digress. We've procured for him the requested item, but we certainly don't want him to have it. Nor do we want him to lounge around the fringes of Marn stirring up trouble for our little operation. Doing away with the fellow while he's in Shim would be bad mojo for all concerned, and we don't see any prospect of him leaving until he's convinced he's gotten what he wanted."
Puck straightened his robes before continuing. "So we want it delivered to him, and then we want you to steal it back once he's a good ways out on the highway. Make it look like a proper highwayman's coach-robbing, the sort of thing that might happen to any traveling noble. Oh, and give the fellow a red necklace while you're at it."
Puck sliced a finger across his own throat as he said this. He didn't like conducting this sort of business. The whole cloak-and-dagger thing was highly distasteful to him; he had too much respect for peace and for human life, and were it up to him, he would have left the whole affair up to somebody else. However, Anja needed him at the moment, and his duty was not to be ignored. Perhaps, should Thad prove himself trustworthy, Anja could delegate such unsavoury affairs to him in the future, rather than leaning so on her reclusive translator.
_______________
At that same moment in time, Benjamin was just coming up to an unassuming door on an unassuming street in Marn. Anja's study of Dianelopa's vibrations in the city above had led her to believe that the wolf-girl had made her home there, along with Thad, and Benjamin tapped the wooden door lightly with his knuckles. The stillness that ensued brought a furrow to the elf's brow, and he knocked again, louder. Dianelopa wasn't home.
Seeing little choice in the matter, Benjamin opted to wait. He crouched on the sill of the door and surveyed the un-peopled gloom.
_______________
Nestled within the heart of the sewer's labyrinth, the walls of a cramped stone space glowed faintly with a bluish light, which rattled in shadow with the passing of Anja's scuttling spider limbs. She regarded the Ephemera that was perched on the web before her, admiring the brilliance of its shifting form. It would make a potent weapon indeed, but not for that fool noble, Salazar. Rather, it would be returned to her, untouched in its ephemeral form, and it would be granted as a reward to Thad, for overseeing its delivery.
Puck proceeded to relate to Thad an abridged, and heavily censored, anecdote about a certain nobleman associate of his, one who was suspected of behaving rather foolishly, to the great upset of all those concerned, specifically Puck's own superiors, thence to fall off the map rather mysteriously, and not give any word of his whereabouts for three years. This nobleman had then popped up again in Shim, and gotten word to Puck's superiors through something the old elf enigmatically referred to as "the usual channels", requesting that a highly unusual item be conjured forth for him.
"No mention of the scuffle of years past, mind you," said Puck as he re-lit his pipe. "The fellow seems to be under the impression that all that's just water under the bridge. Rather misguided, if you ask me. He might have gone a century more in hiding, and my superiors would not have forgotten, of that you can be sure. I digress. We've procured for him the requested item, but we certainly don't want him to have it. Nor do we want him to lounge around the fringes of Marn stirring up trouble for our little operation. Doing away with the fellow while he's in Shim would be bad mojo for all concerned, and we don't see any prospect of him leaving until he's convinced he's gotten what he wanted."
Puck straightened his robes before continuing. "So we want it delivered to him, and then we want you to steal it back once he's a good ways out on the highway. Make it look like a proper highwayman's coach-robbing, the sort of thing that might happen to any traveling noble. Oh, and give the fellow a red necklace while you're at it."
Puck sliced a finger across his own throat as he said this. He didn't like conducting this sort of business. The whole cloak-and-dagger thing was highly distasteful to him; he had too much respect for peace and for human life, and were it up to him, he would have left the whole affair up to somebody else. However, Anja needed him at the moment, and his duty was not to be ignored. Perhaps, should Thad prove himself trustworthy, Anja could delegate such unsavoury affairs to him in the future, rather than leaning so on her reclusive translator.
_______________
At that same moment in time, Benjamin was just coming up to an unassuming door on an unassuming street in Marn. Anja's study of Dianelopa's vibrations in the city above had led her to believe that the wolf-girl had made her home there, along with Thad, and Benjamin tapped the wooden door lightly with his knuckles. The stillness that ensued brought a furrow to the elf's brow, and he knocked again, louder. Dianelopa wasn't home.
Seeing little choice in the matter, Benjamin opted to wait. He crouched on the sill of the door and surveyed the un-peopled gloom.
_______________
Nestled within the heart of the sewer's labyrinth, the walls of a cramped stone space glowed faintly with a bluish light, which rattled in shadow with the passing of Anja's scuttling spider limbs. She regarded the Ephemera that was perched on the web before her, admiring the brilliance of its shifting form. It would make a potent weapon indeed, but not for that fool noble, Salazar. Rather, it would be returned to her, untouched in its ephemeral form, and it would be granted as a reward to Thad, for overseeing its delivery.
Re: My My, What Fetching Horns You Have
Gossip indeed.
Morry lie in wait, hidden by the tree, his brown and grey spattered coat blending with the trunk perfectly as he listened. His sense of hearing was so much more defined in this state that he could hear nearly every word of speech coming from the two figures. There was a plot. A plan to give, take, and kill. The wolf was too stupid to understand the real logic behind this, but he wasn't stupid enough to deny the very obvious opportunity here.
This was indeed that foul thief and someone he and the girl were connected to. There was a chance to take this item of value and perhaps sell it on the black market. He'd be able to buy food for months, maybe buy a home. Buy some whores while he was at it, too. Oh yes, that was quite the opportunity.
He could wait for the noble in question to be killed, and steal this valuable item for himself. Or he could do the good thing of saving the noble's life, but that wasn't the way he operated. He was only concerned about himself, and that mysterious item that was going to let him live the rest of his life in peace.
He grinned to himself, licking his teeth as he imagined himself breaking the neck of that idiot of a thief. Karma's a bitch, he thought.
Morry lie in wait, hidden by the tree, his brown and grey spattered coat blending with the trunk perfectly as he listened. His sense of hearing was so much more defined in this state that he could hear nearly every word of speech coming from the two figures. There was a plot. A plan to give, take, and kill. The wolf was too stupid to understand the real logic behind this, but he wasn't stupid enough to deny the very obvious opportunity here.
This was indeed that foul thief and someone he and the girl were connected to. There was a chance to take this item of value and perhaps sell it on the black market. He'd be able to buy food for months, maybe buy a home. Buy some whores while he was at it, too. Oh yes, that was quite the opportunity.
He could wait for the noble in question to be killed, and steal this valuable item for himself. Or he could do the good thing of saving the noble's life, but that wasn't the way he operated. He was only concerned about himself, and that mysterious item that was going to let him live the rest of his life in peace.
He grinned to himself, licking his teeth as he imagined himself breaking the neck of that idiot of a thief. Karma's a bitch, he thought.
-
Dianelopa
- Citizen
- Posts: 200
- Joined: Fri Sep 12, 2008 8:50 am
- Name: Dianelopa
- Race: shifter human werewolf
Re: My My, What Fetching Horns You Have
Thad listened to Puck's words trying hard not to reveal his emotions. The task Puck was describing was something far more complex and dangerous than anything he'd ever done. He was after all a simple thief not an assassin. He'd never killed anyone, consciously anyway, and he didn't like the idea of doing it. Delivering the package was easy enough; stealing it back could be arranged, Thad was sure of that. It was the last bit that worried him. But he didn't want to say no. He felt like he'd gotten so deep in this thing, whatever it was, that he couldn't just walk away. And what would Lopa think? Yes, what would she think about the whole thing? Did it even matter? Apparently Puck hadn't wanted her to be part of it. He now had a notion why. If I say yes, Thad thought, maybe by the time we get to part three, I'll be able to figure out a way. I'll have a little time to think. He'd been staring at Puck's feet. Now he looked up. "OK," he said. "Let's 'ave a go at it. But tell me, is this man alone? armed? accompanied by a guard?"
Meanwhile, Dianelopa's meandering semi-automatically led her in the direction of the sewers which was after all near the river. Since she didn't have a clear goal of where she was headed, she didn't go fast. Instead she just let the movements of life around her waft over her senses. None of this was communicating anything, not that she even knew what she would have liked to be told, except maybe where Thad was. But why did she even care about that? Thad disappeared almost every evening. And she knew what his job was. Wasn't that enough?
No, said her mind, this time it had to do with HER Puck. Why hadn't she been told. What did it mean?
She took a seat on the old log not too far from the entrance to the sewers where she'd often sat in the past to watch the river flow by and wait. The log was getting rotten though. It was hard to find a spot that wasn't soft and crumbling. Toward the end of it she found a tiny section where she could settle down without landing on the ground and think. But none of it made any sense. An army of ants found their way marching over her hand and she hardly noticed it.
Meanwhile, Dianelopa's meandering semi-automatically led her in the direction of the sewers which was after all near the river. Since she didn't have a clear goal of where she was headed, she didn't go fast. Instead she just let the movements of life around her waft over her senses. None of this was communicating anything, not that she even knew what she would have liked to be told, except maybe where Thad was. But why did she even care about that? Thad disappeared almost every evening. And she knew what his job was. Wasn't that enough?
No, said her mind, this time it had to do with HER Puck. Why hadn't she been told. What did it mean?
She took a seat on the old log not too far from the entrance to the sewers where she'd often sat in the past to watch the river flow by and wait. The log was getting rotten though. It was hard to find a spot that wasn't soft and crumbling. Toward the end of it she found a tiny section where she could settle down without landing on the ground and think. But none of it made any sense. An army of ants found their way marching over her hand and she hardly noticed it.
Re: My My, What Fetching Horns You Have
Puck gave Thad a serious look. "Our sources tell us that he has three bodyguards, and that they will be armed to the teeth, you can bet your life on that. In fact, betting your life is exactly what you'll be doing. I would recommend enlisting some of your less savoury accomplices in the final stages of this endeavour. There ought to be enough loot in the coach to keep them entertained, and they won't be worried about one dull metal box for their ringleader.
"As for Salazar himself, he's a foppish little twit. I doubt he could draw a bowstring far enough to fit his head through. But one thing, and this is very important: Do not put your hand in the box. And tell Salazar not to either until he is well out of Shim. All of this will be in vain if anyone messes with the merchandise."
He stood up, reached into his robes and drew out a satchel, identical to the one that held Thad and Dianelopa's payment for the manor job. He hefted it in his hand as if to test the weight, and grinned conspiratorially before giving it to Thad. "That there is travel and expenses. Take the bridge and meet me by the old theatre in an hour."
With that, Puck strode into the river. Despite its being very deep and fast in some places, he seemed to know the locations of a few well-placed footholds, and made it to the other side with nothing worse than wet shins. From there, it was a short walk into the Historical District, through a junk-strewn back yard, into a trap door in the grass, and home.
________________
Benjamin, having waited for half an hour, had resolved to return to the sewers and ask Anja to track Dianelopa's biorhythms. He was resigned to a dull night of wandering Marn and the surrounding forests, so the sight of the wolf girl sitting on a log outside of the Ofriyu Mar sluice gate made him beam. "There you are! I was about to form a search party! Come in, come in, quick, we have much to discuss!"
He made for the sluice gate, which opened before him, so that he didn't even need to break stride. Within the Parlor room, he glanced at the great iron door leading deeper into the sewers, and took a seat in the second-plushest chair, offering the best one to Dianelopa. Once they were comfortable, he smiled a great big sunbeam at her once again. "So, dear Lopa. You and Thad have settled in together, have you?"
"As for Salazar himself, he's a foppish little twit. I doubt he could draw a bowstring far enough to fit his head through. But one thing, and this is very important: Do not put your hand in the box. And tell Salazar not to either until he is well out of Shim. All of this will be in vain if anyone messes with the merchandise."
He stood up, reached into his robes and drew out a satchel, identical to the one that held Thad and Dianelopa's payment for the manor job. He hefted it in his hand as if to test the weight, and grinned conspiratorially before giving it to Thad. "That there is travel and expenses. Take the bridge and meet me by the old theatre in an hour."
With that, Puck strode into the river. Despite its being very deep and fast in some places, he seemed to know the locations of a few well-placed footholds, and made it to the other side with nothing worse than wet shins. From there, it was a short walk into the Historical District, through a junk-strewn back yard, into a trap door in the grass, and home.
________________
Benjamin, having waited for half an hour, had resolved to return to the sewers and ask Anja to track Dianelopa's biorhythms. He was resigned to a dull night of wandering Marn and the surrounding forests, so the sight of the wolf girl sitting on a log outside of the Ofriyu Mar sluice gate made him beam. "There you are! I was about to form a search party! Come in, come in, quick, we have much to discuss!"
He made for the sluice gate, which opened before him, so that he didn't even need to break stride. Within the Parlor room, he glanced at the great iron door leading deeper into the sewers, and took a seat in the second-plushest chair, offering the best one to Dianelopa. Once they were comfortable, he smiled a great big sunbeam at her once again. "So, dear Lopa. You and Thad have settled in together, have you?"
Re: My My, What Fetching Horns You Have
Three bodyguards, armed and not people that Morry wanted to deal with. He easily decided that he would let Thad handle this nonsense alone, and would take advantage of the situation as it was best presented to him. Things was be a whole lot easier that way and the less work that Morry had to do, the better. He didn't know what was in that box, but he had decided with devilish certainty that he wanted whatever was inside; it would surely make him rich.
The werewolf licked his canines with interest and grinned to himself, feeling quite proud of his little plan.
Now it was time to follow Thad in utter silence, and wait for his opportunity to emerge. He would have his revenge for the thieves screwing things over at the mansion. He'd have his days in the sunshine at last; no more of this creeping about in the moonlight nonsense.
The werewolf licked his canines with interest and grinned to himself, feeling quite proud of his little plan.
Now it was time to follow Thad in utter silence, and wait for his opportunity to emerge. He would have his revenge for the thieves screwing things over at the mansion. He'd have his days in the sunshine at last; no more of this creeping about in the moonlight nonsense.
-
Dianelopa
- Citizen
- Posts: 200
- Joined: Fri Sep 12, 2008 8:50 am
- Name: Dianelopa
- Race: shifter human werewolf
Re: My My, What Fetching Horns You Have
When she saw Benjamin coming Dianelopa shouted out his name joyfully and jumped up from the log to greet him. His beaming face as he led her into the sewers made her feel warm inside, home-coming. She was expecting some kind of happy news as she took a seat in the big chair beside him. "Yes," she said answering his question. "I went to live with Thad because I had no where else to go, but it's turning out just fine. There are no bad smells coming from behind the door, but sometimes the street doesn't smell so good either when the street cleaner hasn't been there for a while. Thad does what he does, but he provides me with everything I need, so I guess it's OK. I mean, well.. I don't know what I mean" she paused, frowned and took a breathe. "Sometimes I buy cream cakes for the children next door because their mama can't," she added. "And it makes them happy, and so the money isn't all bad. You know what I mean. But what do you want to discuss? Do you know where Thad is?"
Meanwhile, not so far away down the river, Thad had taken the satchel with bishani, weighed it as Puck had done and stuffed it away in one of his hidden pockets. He had an hour before he was to meet Puck and he would have liked to have found a couple companions who'd be willing to join him in the task ahead. But the family hide out was too far away to manage that. He didn't trust the other thieves he knew in town. Sure, they all had a silent agreement not to get the others in trouble because everyone knew it would be bad for themselves too. But they didn't work together, nor did they work against each other. They tried to avoid each other during work hours, and otherwise, they were just like any other hard-working person in Marn.
Thad figured Puck was going to give him the package he had to deliver. From there he would have to go to Salazar with it. For the second part of the task, the more difficult part, he needed help. But how was he going to get to the family hide-out and then back to Salazar? Would there be time enough? Which road was Salazar going to take? That might determine whether he could get to the hide-out. If not, hmmm. Thad wondered if there was anyone else among the thieves who would at least be willing to come along without causing undue trouble. He began to flip through all his acquaintances in his mind as he headed toward the bridge. Not paying a terribly lot of attention to his surroundings. There was a bit he still had to discuss with Puck. The plan was not yet sufficiently in place and Thad was getting nervous.
Meanwhile, not so far away down the river, Thad had taken the satchel with bishani, weighed it as Puck had done and stuffed it away in one of his hidden pockets. He had an hour before he was to meet Puck and he would have liked to have found a couple companions who'd be willing to join him in the task ahead. But the family hide out was too far away to manage that. He didn't trust the other thieves he knew in town. Sure, they all had a silent agreement not to get the others in trouble because everyone knew it would be bad for themselves too. But they didn't work together, nor did they work against each other. They tried to avoid each other during work hours, and otherwise, they were just like any other hard-working person in Marn.
Thad figured Puck was going to give him the package he had to deliver. From there he would have to go to Salazar with it. For the second part of the task, the more difficult part, he needed help. But how was he going to get to the family hide-out and then back to Salazar? Would there be time enough? Which road was Salazar going to take? That might determine whether he could get to the hide-out. If not, hmmm. Thad wondered if there was anyone else among the thieves who would at least be willing to come along without causing undue trouble. He began to flip through all his acquaintances in his mind as he headed toward the bridge. Not paying a terribly lot of attention to his surroundings. There was a bit he still had to discuss with Puck. The plan was not yet sufficiently in place and Thad was getting nervous.
Re: My My, What Fetching Horns You Have
Benjamin smiled at the obvious affection this simple, lovable farm girl held for the crook. "In a manner of speaking, we know where he is. Or at least, what he's up to. If all has gone according to plan, Thad is soon to be on his way to Shim, to deliver a package to a certain man in Shim. This man is a long-standing contact of ours, one whose patronage and loyalty is a huge asset to our operations. Thad, on the other hand, is a crook, and you... well, let's just say you're a little too naive sometimes."
He said it with endearment, and tried not to sound patronizing. The lie was delivered perfectly. "So Thad's part in the operation is designed as a test of loyalty. If he delivers the package, and returns to Marn, we will be more inclined to trust him. If not, I am afraid we will have to relieve him of his services."
He let the words hang in the air for a moment, making sure she understood the implications. He considered it likely that she would, having lived with Thad and his shop talk for nigh on a month now. "What I'm now asking you to do is simple, in theory: Especially for a girl of your talents. However, in practice, it might prove to be a rather grueling test of your own loyalty. I want you to tail Thad, and report back to us a complete account of his errand, and the return journey. Should he prove to be a betrayer, it might be very hard for you to reconcile your feelings for him with the reality of the situation. This is your chance to prove to us what you're made of. We're counting on you."
He leaned back and snapped his fingers. The great iron door leading into the inner workings of Anja's domain slid open. Puck and Anja had been in the adjoining listening room, waiting for exactly that signal to open the doors and admit Puck. It was those little magic tricks, those swaggering displays of power, that kept their simple little hermit operation shrouded in fear, awe and mystery.
Puck chose a seat at an angle to both Benjamin and Dianelopa, and favoured the latter with a gentle, fatherly smile. His robes were wet around the ankles, and he smelled faintly of rust from his route through the derelict scrap heaps of the condemned house.
"It's wonderful to see you again, Dianelopa. I do hope you'll forgive us for the long silence. In our business, it's sometimes necessary to go to ground. I assume Benjamin has filled you in?" He knew, of course, that his colleague had done just that. He had been listening.
He didn't like the situation they were moulding here; one of wicked mistrust, intentionally ruining a just-blossoming relationship simply in order to subjugate its parts to Anja's promise of security. But in truth, he was too terrified of Anja to do anything but fill his role in the malevolent clockwork of the Greatweaver's machinations, and that to the best of his acting abilities. Stage fright, fueled to an intense blue glare by compassion for this innocent soul from Shim that was now irretrievably caught up in their wicked games. He hoped she would simply report what she found, and not try to do anything so foolish as to show herself, or to stop this fool thief from running his plotted course. In time, when it was safe, and both the thief and the girl were securely in Anja's pocket, perhaps the truth could be made known to her.
He said it with endearment, and tried not to sound patronizing. The lie was delivered perfectly. "So Thad's part in the operation is designed as a test of loyalty. If he delivers the package, and returns to Marn, we will be more inclined to trust him. If not, I am afraid we will have to relieve him of his services."
He let the words hang in the air for a moment, making sure she understood the implications. He considered it likely that she would, having lived with Thad and his shop talk for nigh on a month now. "What I'm now asking you to do is simple, in theory: Especially for a girl of your talents. However, in practice, it might prove to be a rather grueling test of your own loyalty. I want you to tail Thad, and report back to us a complete account of his errand, and the return journey. Should he prove to be a betrayer, it might be very hard for you to reconcile your feelings for him with the reality of the situation. This is your chance to prove to us what you're made of. We're counting on you."
He leaned back and snapped his fingers. The great iron door leading into the inner workings of Anja's domain slid open. Puck and Anja had been in the adjoining listening room, waiting for exactly that signal to open the doors and admit Puck. It was those little magic tricks, those swaggering displays of power, that kept their simple little hermit operation shrouded in fear, awe and mystery.
Puck chose a seat at an angle to both Benjamin and Dianelopa, and favoured the latter with a gentle, fatherly smile. His robes were wet around the ankles, and he smelled faintly of rust from his route through the derelict scrap heaps of the condemned house.
"It's wonderful to see you again, Dianelopa. I do hope you'll forgive us for the long silence. In our business, it's sometimes necessary to go to ground. I assume Benjamin has filled you in?" He knew, of course, that his colleague had done just that. He had been listening.
He didn't like the situation they were moulding here; one of wicked mistrust, intentionally ruining a just-blossoming relationship simply in order to subjugate its parts to Anja's promise of security. But in truth, he was too terrified of Anja to do anything but fill his role in the malevolent clockwork of the Greatweaver's machinations, and that to the best of his acting abilities. Stage fright, fueled to an intense blue glare by compassion for this innocent soul from Shim that was now irretrievably caught up in their wicked games. He hoped she would simply report what she found, and not try to do anything so foolish as to show herself, or to stop this fool thief from running his plotted course. In time, when it was safe, and both the thief and the girl were securely in Anja's pocket, perhaps the truth could be made known to her.
-
Dianelopa
- Citizen
- Posts: 200
- Joined: Fri Sep 12, 2008 8:50 am
- Name: Dianelopa
- Race: shifter human werewolf
Re: My My, What Fetching Horns You Have
Dianelopa listened to the explanations first from Benjamin and then Puck with increasing discombobulation. It all sounded strange to her. She frowned, tried to assess it all and couldn't. Finally she said, "Why in the world would Thad not deliver the package if you asked him to?" As no answer was forthcoming she allowed the whole project, as much of it as she'd just heard, to go through her head again. There was a long silence. "So," she said at last, "you think Thad will steal the package. You want me to spy on him, and see what happens. Perhaps it is something very valuable," she added. "But I don't think he will steal it, because what good would it do. He steals bishani or things that can be sold. Ordinary things, that can't be traced. I know that much." She paused, seemed to be considering and then said, "OK, I'll follow him, because I don't think anything bad will happen. But where is he?"
In the meantime, Thad had hurried to Marn thinking he might run into someone he knew who might join him in his task. He saw a couple shady figures, both trying to pick pockets on Marn's main street. One of was so clumsy that the subject noticed, shouted for the guards, while the thief ran. Thad decided he best leave the area before anyone caught sight of him thinking he was involved. "Idiots," he muttered. The time was running out and he had to get to the theater to meet Puck. He hadn't found any accomplices. Suddenly, an idea came to mind. Dianelopa. He wasn't so unperceptive that he hadn't noticed that she had some abilities that he didn't understand, but that, he thought, could be useful. He dashed home to find her. But she wasn't there.
Oh shit, he thought. Why isn't she there when I need her? Now what? Time had run out. He slithered quickly through the back streets hoping not to be seen by anyone and arrived at the theater in the nick of time.
In the meantime, Thad had hurried to Marn thinking he might run into someone he knew who might join him in his task. He saw a couple shady figures, both trying to pick pockets on Marn's main street. One of was so clumsy that the subject noticed, shouted for the guards, while the thief ran. Thad decided he best leave the area before anyone caught sight of him thinking he was involved. "Idiots," he muttered. The time was running out and he had to get to the theater to meet Puck. He hadn't found any accomplices. Suddenly, an idea came to mind. Dianelopa. He wasn't so unperceptive that he hadn't noticed that she had some abilities that he didn't understand, but that, he thought, could be useful. He dashed home to find her. But she wasn't there.
Oh shit, he thought. Why isn't she there when I need her? Now what? Time had run out. He slithered quickly through the back streets hoping not to be seen by anyone and arrived at the theater in the nick of time.