News and Drinks

[Vluharqih]

CREDIT

Date: Arc 716,11th trial of Zi'da
Time: 10th Break
Location: Midtown Tavern

The door closed behind her with a slam, shaking the frame. Alex’s face twisted up into a snarl, lifting her skirts as she trod through the heavy snow. She smothered a curse as she stepped into a particular deep patch, the heavy, wet snow slipping into the boot.

The morning had gone about as well as Alex expected it to- her father demanding that she move past her “childish” and “immature “ dislike of him, and get back to their true purpose. They had taken on worn out roles, repeating the same lines time and time again. At least there wasn’t any thrown crockery or breaking furniture anymore. She set her face, trying to move past her arrogant father’s actions, but she found it harder and harder to do as the trials went by.

At first he had given her the space she wanted, but that barely lasted three trials. Since then he had been pestering her incessantly to trust him, and she had actually started disliking him more for that than her initial reasons. With a snort, she realized that could’ve been his plan all along, the sneaky bastard.

Finally emerging onto the street, she bent over and scraped out as much of the slush as she could. The wet did nothing to improve her mood, but she tried her best to ignore the feeling, The walking helped clear her head, as it always seemed to, and soon a smile crept onto her face. She had to stop for directions several times, but at long last she found herself at the tavern.

She pushed open the weathered door, the heat inside a welcome relief from the cold outside.

Alex walked over to the fire, her wet boot squelching with every step she took, pulling a chair close to the flames. She pulled off the boot, her shoulder relaxing as her frozen toes felt the heat wash over them. She dumped out the water, the splatter of water quickly disappearing as the heat from the fire baked it away. She leaned back, closing her eyes. She could find someone to ask about her target later- for now…

[Rey'na]

Rey walked through the snow-ridden streets of mid-town. It was rare she came to this part of town, it was normally low-town if anything, but she wanted to do some shopping. Sadly, she had little in the way of nels, so the most she would find herself buying would either be a new dagger or a couple of drinks.
Considering she recently bought the best, albeit most expensive dagger she'd ever laid her eyes on, she decided the best cause of action would be the tavern.

As she arrived at the door to this particular tavern, she stopped and took in a deep breath. She was wearing a long cloak, with a skirt that went down to her ankles and a blouse. Perhaps it would be a good investment to get something warm, made of wool, she thought to herself. Her worry, however, wasn't the cold in the tavern. She didn't trust many people, especially those under the influence. Scratch that, men under the influence.
Luckily, ten of her throwing daggers were attached to a small leather bag at her leg - just under her skirt. Alongside it was her newest addition, her Masterwork Dagger. She gave a small smile to herself. Then, she changed her smile to be one of happiness and purity and walked in the Tavern.

A few eyes looked to her, because she didn't exactly fit in. Her glowing eyes were often put down to her Biqaj heritage, but that didn't make them any less noticeable. As well as that, her outfit wasn't particularly casual or fit for the weather, but it was all she had as of now. She really needed a wardrobe upgrade, so she could fit in a lot better.
Rey walked towards the bar and took a seat beside one particular drunkard, who seemed as far from conscious as possible to be. It was disgusting, and should he carry on like that he would die from the toxic effects of alcohol. She felt no sympathy for those who damaged themselves in such a way. If he wanted to die, there were much faster poisons for the job than that. If she had any, she'd consider helping him out with that - just like Lissira would. But, if Lissira didn't have poison, she would also help the man in his death.

"Two shots of Vodka, please" Rey asked the bartender sweetly. As they got the drink, she turned to the man.
"Excuse me sir, you look exhausted. How about one more drink and then you get to sleep?" she said with a polite smile. When the bartender slid over her drinks, she handed both to him. "Just those, then you can sleep friend" she asked. The bartender looked to her, uncertain.
"It will help him rest" she assured, handing over the four gold nels it cost her. 'This is for you, mother' she thought in her head to Lissira.

► Show Spoiler

ooc: Deducted 4gn from ledger for 2 vodka (Used, so not adding to Item list)

[Vluharqih]

CREDIT

Several bits passed as Alex soaked up the warmth of the fire before finally rousing herself and pulling back on her boots. They were almost dry by that point, and she turned to the bar, at long last ready to get information.

Several people had come and go in the time she had spent in front of the fire. Three men were slumped over the bar, the faces long and their glasses full.

Too drunk or sad to help me, she thought, and dismissed them.

Two more figures were sitting close together, a man and a woman judging by their clothing, the bartender nearby.

Three more men were huddled around a table, dice in their hands. Their faces had various scars and tattoos, and their hard eyes met her as she stood, making it blatantly obvious she wasn't invited to sit down with them.

That left the pair at the bar.

Alex walked up next to the woman, just in time to hear her order the shots. Without missing a beat she gestured to the barman, and he handed her a full bottle of the vodka. She cracked open the lid, lifting it to her lips and taking a long drink. Grimacing at the taste, she set it back down, a quarter gone already.

The alcohol hit her asterism like fire, sending tingles throughout her body as it began to turn into energy.

Where to start small talk? Or should I just be direct?

"Damned cold out, isn't it? At least there's some snow- this would be worse if it was all slush and ice, don't you think?" She said to the woman, turning her body slightly to start their conversation.

"I'm new to Rynmere- we don't have this snow in Nashaki," she said, hoping to keep her true identity a secret, "I'm thinking of making the trip to each of the regions- you ever been out of Andaris?"

OOC

15GN deceduction for Vodka, will be gone by thread end.

[Rey'na]

As the woman beside him approached, Rey turned her gaze. She ordered a whole bottle of vodka, then drunk a quarter of it in one go. Rey was never one to make much small talk, but the fact it was a woman made her somewhat more comfortable than if it was one of the droopy and miserable men in this place.
She turned back to the man and watched him as he drunk the two vodka shots. "Now, sir, you should head home" she said to him in a low voice so few people heard it. The man nodded, and stumbled his way off his chair and towards the door. As he fell to his knees, the barman jogged over and helped him up, then walked out of the Tavern to help him find his house. Perfect. Knowing how much he had drunk, the man would be at least sickly for a few days, if not poisoned from the alcohol. Rey prayed to Lissira at that moment. 'For you, mother' she thought to herself.

Rey turned to the woman beside her with a smile. She asked about the weather, of all things? "Somewhat cold, I suppose. I've seen much worse" she said softly. "As for snow, I've never minded it to begin with. But I do suppose ice and slush would be much less pleasant than this, yes."
This woman was fascinating to Rey'na. The way she just approached and spoke like it was nothing. It seemed like an attempt at small talk, but that was often a cover up. Trying to start conversation because there was a purpose behind it. Or perhaps she just wanted to find comfort in what was seemingly the only other female in the entire tavern. Rey understood either, she'd done both previously, it was just strange to be the one having it done to her. It felt like a trick of some kind. She kept herself aware.

"I have been outside of Andaris, and it would be worth doing. Perhaps not in such a cold season, however, the travel would be rough" she said, blunt but friendly.
She was unsure of what this woman wanted, but decided to meet the friendliness to draw no suspicion. "My name is Rey, it's a pleasure to meet you. What is yours?" she asked curiously, giving a sweet smile.

[Vluharqih]

CREDIT

As the man beside the woman staggered off, Alex paused. Were they not together? Granted, they had seemed an odd couple, but judging on how they appeared now, Alex guessed not.

Alex missed the woman's suspicion, though that was hardly surprising- it seemed everyone here walked around with their backs up, except for Faith and Padraig, she amended. They seemed like nice people.

"Oh really? I'm not too sure about it so far. I like my warm years and sands far more than the constant blizzard that seems to happen here every trial," she paused, giving in to a shiver that worked its way over her body. "Do you live here then? How long have you been around?"

Alex nodded as the woman replied, and took another long drink from the bottle. Belatedly, she held it over to the woman beside her, feeling the energy begin to surge through her body. She began to jiggle her leg absently, and finally got to the point of her conversation.

"So do you know of the Andaris then? I was sent here to speak with one of them, but my...employer wanted me to find out whatever I could before they agreed to a trade deal." She said easily, the lie a simple one. "One of them in particular- Evelyn Andaris?"

[Rey'na]

"If warm sand is what you're looking for, I've heard Venora is rather beautiful in the hotter seasons. Perhaps that should be on your list of destinations" Rey said calmly, still not trusting the situation. She didn't know this woman, and perhaps it was just being paranoid, but she didn't like having to make small talk with anyone. Sure, the woman was lovely - but that didn't make her trustworthy.
"I do live here, yes. Have done for many Arcs now. It's a beautiful city, should you go to the right places" she said with a hint of sarcasm. 'The right places' meant 'not low-town' in her mind, but that was just because it was where she spent most of her time. Scabby, run-down and full of crime. For her, it was the perfect place. For most others - far from it.

The next question was a strange one, knowing of the nobles of Andaris. In truth, Rey knew little to nothing about them. But it made her curious. It was claimed that her 'employer' wanted her to find out, but what kind of trade deal went through with people you had no knowledge about. A scout, perhaps? But if she was sent here to speak with one, it would be assumed that information was already known. But that was none of her business.
Rey shook her head at the drink she was offered, then replied. "I know nothing of them, unfortunately. I don't tend to get myself involved with anything political" she said. It wasn't a lie, but there was a small undertone of bitterness, only noticeable to some.

After that conversation, Rey stood up. "Well, it's been great, but I must head home. Thank you for your talk anyway" she said, walking to the door without waiting for an answer. As she got close to the door, the barman came in and blocked her path. Her eyes went up to the barman, who was significantly taller than her.
"'S'cuse me miss, but I'm gonna have to stop you right there" he said, with a strong accent that Rey didn't recognize. He was a young human, not too bad looking. Short brown hair, blue eyes. Rey would find it a shame if she had to kill him. The way it was going, however, that might be a very possible option. She'd have to make it subtle though - and the shouting he was doing made that near impossible.
"That man you gave the drinks too is bein' sick, and I'm thinkin' that you wasn't planning on trying to get him to sleep" he said openly. Rey chuckled, and smiled sweetly to the man. "Sir, I believe there's a misunderstanding. I originate from a small part of Venora, and my family had a belief that just a little vodka would guarantee a good night of rest. His sickness was his own problem, drinking as much as he did. But once the sickness calms down, he'll sleep for Trials. I can promise you that."

[Vluharqih]

CREDIT

Alex nodded her head- it made sense what she said. The beaches sounded lovely, though she didn’t intend to go there. She took another swig from the bottle, nearly finishing it.

She smothered a chuckle as the woman talked about going to the right places. She was pretty sure Lowtown didn't classify as "the right places", nor did the dungeons or the courthouse. All in all, she hadn't seen much good come from Andaris.

She pursed her lips as Rey admitted to having no knowledge of the nobles. Did no one in this rat-infested dump of a city know who they were? It didn’t seem that difficult- at this point anything they could tell her about them would be helpful, but the nobility must have kept to themselves.

Alex shrugged her shoulders, letting a half smile cross her face. “Well, that’s too bad. Can’t say I blame you- I had a run in with some nobles myself upon my arrival, and if it wasn’t for my job, I’d stay as far from them as I could. “[color]

"It was nice meeting you too, Rey,” she said with a guarded smile. She tipped the bottle back, finishing the last of the vodka, shivering as the energy burned a path to her center. She left a silver nel for the bartender as she rose to her feet, only a pace or two behind Rey. This bar seemed to be too low end to have anyone with knowledge of the nobility, and she needed to get a move on anyway.

She drew up short behind Rey as the bartender blocked her way. Alex’s forehead furrowed as she watched their interaction. Maybe it’s just me, but vodka doesn’t seem the best to get someone to sleep…

The pair totally blocked the exit, and Alex shifted from foot to foot as she tried to move around, but they took no notice of her. A couple of the weary heads had turned to look at the commotion, and the men playing dice had stopped their game to watch. The tallest of the three stood, coming to stand beside the bartender.

“What seems to be the problem here, John?” His voice matched his looks- hard and weathered with a hint of a snarl under it all. His hand dropped to his belt where a wicked looking knife sat as he looked Alex and Rey up and down.

Alex raised her hands, taking a step back. Whatever was about to happen had nothing to do with her, and she liked it that way.
But somehow on her way backward, Alex managed to trip over a chair leg, tumbling to the ground as the chair shot forward, straight for Rey’s legs. A small cloud of barkskin powder flew up from the hem of her cloak, an errant corner dragged through the powder.

Her eyes opened wide as she realized how careless she had been. Anyone who had worked with it before would quickly recognize it, and though it wasn’t solely used for poisons, it was rare to see it in the world of medicine.

Shit

OOC: Sorry for the delay. Been busy with RL family and friends

[Rey'na]

Rey smiled politely to the two men, hoping to avoid any conflict. The last thing she needed was a fight, especially with a man as strong as the one that had just approached. She pondered how she could get out of this, not sure how to go about it.
"There's clearly a misunderstanding here" Rey said, hoping that she could get out of this situation in one piece. Before she could reply again, she noticed his hand going to his knife. She took a small step back, her eyes analyzing the room for someone that might jump in and help her. When it came to weapons, she knew her limits, and limited was definitely one word for it.
"There's no need for any violence, sir. Like I said, I was jus-" Rey said, before a chair crashed into the back of her leg mid-step. Before she could recover, she found herself falling to the floor. To break the fall a little, she turned and caught herself with her hands, her back now facing the men. She turned around and sorted herself out, to make sure she wasn't looking at all indecent and that her back wasn't facing the armed man.

But what caught her attention was the poison on the ground in front of her. She'd seen it occasionally, never used it though. Her eyes met Alex's, a look of understanding - met by a subtle smile. Rey then moved back and away from the powder, not sure of what it would do if she inhaled it or even touched it.
"So, we're on the same page?" she whispered to Alex. "Or do you just carry that sort of substance with you for 'protection'?"
Rey looked to the two men again, both confused by the cloud in front of them. "So, is that cloud about to save our asses or do we need another plan?" Rey whispered to Alex again, not taking her eyes off the men. "Because once we get out of her, I think we could help one another. What do you think?"

[Vluharqih]

CREDIT

Alex's stomach sunk as she saw the light of recognition in Rey's eyes. It was time to disappear, pretend this whole day never happened. Her legs were already gathering under her, preparing for her to leap to her feet when she heard Rey speak, quietly.

She had to smother a smirk as Rey asked about it, despite their circumstances. The woman obviously recognized it as poisonous but didn't realize what it was actually for. The barkskin was about as inert as a compound could get, working best as a binder and nothing else. The two men looked suspiciously through the cloud at them as Alex whispered back, "I suppose we are then. But that cloud is harmless, so unless you have a better idea, I think it's time we leave. There should be a back door through the kitchen."

Alex hoped it was true. It made sense, and she had seen people come and go in other taverns from the back, she just hoped this one would be the same. She leaped to her feet, turning tail and sprinting past the drunks at the bar. She didn't bother looking back as she slammed through the kitchen, barreling over a man in a heavy, grease-spattered apron. She heard him yell, but she was already outside, in the disgusting alley. Piles of refuse were everywhere, and she quickly picked her way through the sea.

She leaned against the alley wall, touching the part of her cloak that would change to a scrap of fabric sticking out. In the dark, it wasn't obvious what happened, and Alex waited a few trills for the transformation to be complete before walking out confidently onto the street. Her cloak was now a dark gray and she pulled it tight about her body, faking a slight hunch and shuffling her feet. Anyone who was looking for Alex of the bar would never find her.

"Quick, hold my arm like you're giving me a hand," she hissed at Rey, looking back for the woman.

Just as she did, she caught sight of the bartender with several guards, animatedly talking and gesturing down the alley they had just emerged from.

"Now would be a good time to go I think."

[Rey'na]

Rey'na was more than relieved to hear that the cloud wasn't poisonous. It wasn't high on her agenda to die today. Although, it seemed that the cloud was the least of her worries. The two men didn't seem happy about this situation, at all. She'd been too reckless, and she'd have to be more careful next time.
"I have no better ideas, so it's worth the risk" Rey replied. She waited, watching Alex's movements carefully, ready to bolt as soon as possible. When Alex ran and the opportunity rose, Rey ran quickly behind her - keeping on her tail. She sidestepped the man in the kitchen, narrowly avoiding his attempt to grab her. Adrenaline overthrew her. God, she loved her life. Reckless or not, there was no denying that this was fun.

As they made it out to the alley, Rey'na was shocked. The girl had changed? She only knew one person who could do that, and that was Denebah. His ability to transform was his biggest secret, yet this woman had just done it in front of her? Was she a Yludih as well? So many thoughts went through her head at once, many uncertainties. But she didn't have time to think about it.
Rey took the woman's arm, appearing to help her walk. She kept her head low, taking the woman's word for it that it was time to go. She didn't know how close she was to being caught, or if the men were approaching, but she wasn't risking looking and finding out. Instead, she turned her head to the woman beside her.
"Where now? I have a house outside Andaris, but if you know somewhere better we can go there?"