Closed Calypso (Edreina)

[Eldritch]

Justus simply regarded Razkar with stony silence in response to his observation, the silence speaking more than his words ever could. For all of the implications however, he did not appear disturbed or perturbed by possibly acting against one of the more powerful men in the city. It was clear that either the political gain was great or that he was genuinely doing this out of the goodness of his heart. Possibly neither, possibly both, Justus certainly wasn't going to elaborate.

Instead he settled back again, humming slightly in approval as though both had passed some unknown test. His eyes regarded both in equal measure, not exactly examining or appraising any more but certainly watching carefully.

"It would be wise, Mr. Razkar, if you did not repeat that thought outside of this room. Whispered into the wrong ears it might prove... dangerous." The man said simply.

"The threat these individuals face within the city is indeed great, they have been moved from safehouse to safehouse for sometime and never when all together. It might be that I can escort you to one of these safehouses. However I have to be certain that you are willing to take this job, which could very well see you dead before you even have the chance to sail out of port." He continued.

The man reached into the folds of his cloak and produced a rather fat leather pouch, setting it down on the table as it were mere dead weight and little else. He pushed it to the other side of the table, a gentle smile once again on his face.

"Regardless of whether or not you wish to take the job, which will entail escorting them to Sunberth and possibly elsewhere depending on the exacts you work out with them, I would have you take this. If anyone asks you, you have never met Justus." He said simply.

Looking inside they would find no less than fifty gleaming golden Miza's, the price for silence. It was possible they might very well be able to get more from him if they so desired to try, however Justus seemed to care very little for personal material items. His mind seemed more focused on others than himself. A curse and a blessing.

[Razkar]

"It would be wise, Mr. Razkar, if you did not repeat that thought outside of this room. Whispered into the wrong ears it might prove... dangerous."

Razkar just blinked in response. He had to resist the urge to cock a sardonic eyebrow, as if he was unimpressed by the warning. In point of fact, much of him was, but there were always the whispers that told him only morons and the dead made the mistake of just assuming they could overcome any threat.

"I thank you for the advice."

"The threat these individuals face within the city is indeed great, they have been moved from safehouse to safehouse for sometime and never when all together. It might be that I can escort you to one of these safehouses. However I have to be certain that you are willing to take this job, which could very well see you dead before you even have the chance to sail out of port."

More intrigues, more details, and one more fact that Razkar knew anyway. Any sellsword worth his salt knew that the contract he took could be his last; the secret was either making sure it succeeded with your survival... or you simply ensured your own survival above all.

Razkar was a warrior, true, but first and foremost in the service of Myri. He had no desire to lay down his life for barbarian political games.

Still... the mizas seemed real enough. He took the proffered bag and nodded with a pursing of his lips, feeling the weight of it in his hand. Felt like... at least fifty. Maybe more. He opened the top and was not proved wrong. And this was just for the conversation?

Deep pockets, this one... which proved he's bent on getting the job done.

"Regardless of whether or not you wish to take the job, which will entail escorting them to Sunberth and possibly elsewhere depending on the exacts you work out with them, I would have you take this. If anyone asks you, you have never met Justus."

"Who?"

Razkar spoke the word as if to play for humor, but there was little to be found in Justus' face. Poor effort, really, but the Denvali's reaction (or lack thereof) told the Myrian that this was serious business to him. He was willing to reach out to foreign mercenaries and throw gold around like confetti to protect these poor wretches. His face was a mask, but his eyes...

Razkar saw a terrible weight there, ever-crushing him, but it never showed to the world at large. He was responsible... no, he had made himself responsible for an entire Quarter in the city. Hundreds, thousands of people depended on him, and he had taken up the mantle of their protection willingly.

Because someone needed to, and he could find no-one else who could. An idealist, this one... a man who cares for others more than himself.

"I understand your time is valuable," Razkar said as he tossed the purse to Edreina, not taking his eyes off Justus, "But would you allow us a few chimes to confer in our room?"

He leaned forward again, hands clasped, voice lower than before so Edreina had to strain to hear it.

"I won't insult your intelligence by swearing a vow or offering a blood oath. You strike me as a man who has been let down too many times by men who cried out of their loyalty to be fooled by it again. But know that one doesn't get far in this trade by stabbing his employees in the back."

He reclined back into his seat and the ghost of a smile played at the corners of Razkar's lips... but it did not reach his eyes. They were cold and serious and solemn.

This was not just his trade, after all. He was a Myrian. This was his life's calling.

"I intend to go far."

OOCGo ahead and keep the 50gm, Edri. Raz doesn't need it.

[Edreina]

OOCAre you calling me poor? Arse.

Anyway. Sorry for the shyke reply. I'm just trying to keep this going.

Abruptly, Edreina was utterly enrapt by Justus. Finally, he had managed to force her to relate to him. That need to help others, no matter the cost it brought to himself, was something that Edreina recognized. It beckoned to her soul and caused her to feel a bit more confident in their involvement in this operation. If Justus had seen fit to throw his lot in with them, she had no reason to complain.

For several ticks, she was lost thinking about it, about the job and about all that it would entail. It would be hard, but there was more in this than the whims of the wealthy and to that Edreina could also relate. Being so softhearted, she finds the plight of the scorned to be engaging as a rich woman's need to sail the ocean blue would not. And then, her mind started to wander, leaping along from thought to thought until she was daydreaming.

What brought her back to the present was the odd fumbling of her hands as they attempted to catch the purse Razkar threw at her, leaving her surprised by the weight. "I don't need to confer with you, Razkar. We may work together often, but we are still separate entities." Her head cocked to the side as she eyed him. Blue eyes told him that now was not the time to play coy, that this was the sort of business they handle as quickly as possible. "Besides. The longer he's here, the more danger we are both in." Without another word to her counterpart, she turned to Justus and nodded resolutely. "I'm in on your venture if you'll have me, Justus." A brilliant smile appeared as her lips parted and she settled back in her seat, bright eyes filled with curiosity finding his an instant later. Almost on instinct, Djed flared in her eyes, suggesting that she understood his methods and would offer her support to whatever end was needed. It was meant to strengthen his confidence in her trustworthiness and her adherence to his cause.

"Just give me word when the time to leave and I will be ready and waiting at the docks." Thoughtfully, she glanced over to Razkar, wondering how she had affected his plot. Though her intentions may have seemed pure enough, she was terribly bored with the proceedings. All this secrecy and mincing words grew tiresome. She was the sort that preferred to have a job assigned and do it; even scraping barnacles was bearable when handled in such a way.

(c) Wanda Endust

[Eldritch]

Justus nodded slowly at Razkar's words, moving to rise but was halted by Edreina's assertion that she would join his cause. A warm smile raised to his lips, his gaze holding hers for a moment and it seemed as though some affection flickered through them but vanished the next instant. The handsome leader of the Denvali regarded Razkar, as though looking for confirmation from him that the venture was good.

If he gave his own assent then Justus would stand, glancing outside the window as if searching for something. He nodded to himself and turned back to the pair of mercenaries.

"Excellent. I shall then take you to the safe house nearest here, I already sent word for a friend to meet us there. He'll be the man to hash out payment with, as well as give the official word on your contract. I shall vouch for you and in all likelihood he'll take you both on." He said, rounding the table and opening the door.

He beckoned for the pair to go first, giving a slight wave of his hand. Ever courteous even in the smallest things. As with many things about him it almost seemed supernatural. The now trio would make their way out through the bar, Justus giving a nearly imperceptible nod to Wallis on his way out which was returned.

The city was cast in a shroud of darkness, Leth's light barely shinning down through the clouds. Justus occasionally cast a few alert glances this way and that, as though making certain they weren't followed. The pair he was leading might occasionally notice a flicker of shadows in the odd alleyway, but it was up to them whether that seemed worthy of suspicion. Justus actually turned into one of those alleyways, stopping at a small square door to a small cottage.

He knocked once, paused, twice in quick succession, and four times slowly. After a couple of tick the door swung open and the trio would be ushered inside by an aging old woman. The door would be shut behind them, the sounds of a lock being slid back in place audible.

The Cottage was very small, too small for the six individuals it housed. It would indeed feel a bit cramped to stand there, but Justus seemed not to mind as a tall, broad shouldered man with an almost comically large mustache stepped forward. His grey eyes were soft when they gazed over the handsome man, however they immediately hardened when they noticed their guests.

"Justus, who are these two? Friends I hope?" He asked, nodding towards the pair.

Justus held out his hands in a gesture of supplication, his expression unperturbed by the man's suspicion. He was obviously easy to adapt to changing situations on the fly, rarely did he seem anything but calm.

"Relax, William, these are indeed friends. I present to you Razkar, Warrior of the Shorn Skulls, and Edreina Whitewave. They have offered their services as protection on your exodus, my friend." He replied.

William stroked his facial hair slowly, his eyes softening a bit at the words. He looked more curious now than anything else.

"Is that so? Hmm... Interesting. What prowess do you bring to the table, mercenaries? What makes you worth hiring?" The man asked.

[Razkar]

Razkar struggled to keep his composure when Edreina spoke. No, he really had to work at it. He never had any doubts about her being her "own woman", or whatever she called it, but you never presented anything but a united front to a potential employer, no matter how pretty or compassionate he seemed. She had violated that, and judging by Justus' smile, he'd seen a chink in their unity.

Naive girl, and much too bold. But, nevertheless...

"My partner speaks when she should listen," Razkar said with a wry smile, ignoring the brief hiss of in-drawn air behind him, "But she is correct. We shall agree."

Then suddenly they were on the move, Justus laying out their journey with efficiency and his usual calm, effortless tact. As Razkar and Edreina got to the door and her eyes flashed like fireballs, he flashed one right back at her... and much as she had grown in his shadow, perhaps even moved beyond it, one thing Edreina was not, was capable of out-staring that face.

He mouthed one word - "Later" - and the two of them went on in silence, following Justus through the fog-shrouded streets. Scrapes and shadows and muted mutterings dogged them as the streets became alleys became seemingly a collection of alcoves, with deep shadows and endless exits and entrances. Justus gained entry to a small dwelling and Razkar instinctively bowed low to the old woman that allowed them in.

Involving an Honored Elder in such affairs? Very dangerous...

"Justus, who are these two? Friends I hope?"

The new face - William, as it turned out - looked down at Razkar, and this wasn't an easy thing, considering the Myrian was a touch over six-feet-tall. His eyes were hardened, not just by time or age... but by experience. Razkar knew such eyes. But the whiskers were what really set him apart. Flowing and falling and tumbling down his face like he had a fox tail strapped to it.

"Is that so? Hmm... Interesting. What prowess do you bring to the table, mercenaries? What makes you worth hiring?"

There was a short, awkward silence as Razkar regarded the man as calmly and placidly as a dog. Then he closed his eyes... and started talking...

"Ten pace forward, left turn... forty-three paces forward, right, ten paces then left again... past the bakery... lookout, possibly in the right alley..."

Frowns and worried glances were exchanged. Had the Myrian gone mad? Had he snapped? Was he channeling some spirit or bad memory? Then Justus blinked for a little longer than usual, realizing what he was doing.

Reciting the exact, winding route they'd taken to get here, and he had made sure it was winding. That apparently didn't matter to the preternaturally-observant Razkar, however.

"... and then we arrived at the door." Razkar's eyes opened and saw the still-frowning William loom up before him. "I watch. We both do. We see and remember things. We know how to swing steel and we know when not to swing it, and concentrate on getting those we've been hired to protect to safety. We have survived Yukmen, rampaging Balicani, bandits that would make the scum of East Street look like well-scrubbed Syliran squires and I did not earn the ink on my flesh nor the coin in my purse by being bad at swinging..."

It glowed. It throbbed. He paused, let his hand fall idly to where he wanted it, smiled softly... then let his gnosis explode-

"-this."

A blur. First dark and dull, then silver and flashing. Enough time passed for the Denvali and Svefra to blink, and when their eyes came back up... Razkar's gladius was held in a reverse grip, like a dagger, at mouth-level with William. The big man's eyes crossed as he looked up and down the straight and unwavering blade in front of his face... and it tapped his moustache.

"First order of business: that has to go." Razkar said matter-of-factly, already sliding into a tone of command and responsibility. "You are fleeing Zeltiva, and fugitives want to avoid attention. That thing on your face might as well glow in the dark, so distinctive is it. Those traveling with you must do the same. Anything that stands out goes, and you go to new safehouses as soon as you can. Our services do not come cheap, and thus your enemies are not two-copper thugs who will balk at a drawn sword or a man of your stature. They will be killers, well-paid and motivated."

He sheathed the weapon with a calm sniff and shrugged.

"Much like us, in fact. Which is the best reason I can give for you to hire us." The Myrian cocked his head at the look on William's face. There was a man who didn't like being taken by surprise. He was too important for too many people for that to happen. Razkar nodded slightly. "I know what you're thinking. That perhaps we... or just I... are too wild for the job. For your trust. Well, I ask you this: when the situation is dire and extreme, whom is best suited to resolve it? The stolid and unimaginative... or one willing to go to those extremes and back again?"

Razkar remembered Edreina and the scar on her shoulder, felt a flicker of guilt an repressed it with his iron-shod resolve. His eyes hardened to onyx orbs and William stared at his own reflection in them.

"We are such, William. That's why we'll keep you alive."

In the surprised silence that followed, Razkar turned to Justus and cocked a quizzical, somewhat-amused eyebrow.

[Edreina]

While her savage lover saw fit to show off, proving his worth, Edreina did not feel the same need. Instead, she stepped forward, hands and fingers knotted behind her back, a sincere smile on her face. "My skills do not like in swinging metal as my partner's do. I am proficient," mentally, she kicked herself for not bringing her whip, "but it is by no means my greatest strength." Immediately, she saw a wary curiosity enter the muscled man's mustachioed features. The grey in his eyes glinted like the edge of Razkar's blade. "Blending in will be the name of the game when it comes to building your new life. I can make you walk, talk, dress and behave like a Svefra. No one will bat an eye at you or any with you. Well," she shifted slightly, smile becoming a bit sheepish, "any of yours with a more opulent build will have to take on a different guise."

A paler hand danced through the air as if dispelling a wisp of smoke. "Anyhow, Razkar will surely be able to teach any of yours willing to learn how to defend themselves as well. But he's already shown you his skills... You're curious about what I can do." Her laugh was quick and thoughtful as she found herself wondering the same thing. "As wild as you fear Razkar being, you need not fear the same from me. Razkar is quick to leap into action and he is very good at solving those problems. But, when you're wondering how to keep everyone on the ships safe in s storm, how to make sure that no one gets scurvy, that everyone is fed, that your crew is behaving honorably, you can rely on me. I've been sailing the Suvan since birth, the people you will be traveling with are my people."

"So... yeah. That's me." As much as she hated to admit it, the look in Razkar's eye earlier made her a bit more wary about what she said. For speaking out, she would pay later on, the young woman knew. From this point on, the decision was out of her hand, but she hoped that they would be able to see through her quirks and right down to the asset that she very well could be.

(c) Wanda Endust

[Eldritch]

William was naturally quite taken off his guard by the almost unnatural speed in which Razkar was able to be so close with his weapon. His expression paled slightly and a quick glance was sent Justus' way who simple remained as calm as ever, seemingly unperturbed by the action. The tall man looked a bit stricken as mention of ridding himself of the mustache was made, Justus gave him a sympathetic look before regarding Edreina.

"As you can see William, between such expertise in dealing with the Svefra and an obviously talented warrior they will no doubt see you safely to Sunberth." Justus remarked.

William still looked a bit off put, however the man managed a nod to the voice of Denval. Clearly, if nothing else he trusted Justus' judgment and was at least a little impressed by the mercenaries ability to sell themselves. He regarded the pair again, stroking his mustache as a more curious light entered his eyes.

"Hmm... as you say Justus. Very well, I think we can work out the details then. Our destination, the group, and of course the price." The man said at length.

"Sunberth, not exactly the safest city all things considered but a good place to lie low for as long as necessary. As you know we intend to travel by ship, gods willing nothing should imped us during the journey but you know how it is. Its actually getting out of the city without attracting notice that is the difficult bit." He continued.

William stepped off to the side for a moment and gripped a piece of parchment that laid on the table, which he presented to Razkar. It was a list of addresses and names, as well as dates and times. He looked at Justus once more and received a nod in return, some form of understanding passing between the two.

"This is the list of Safehouses and the times in which each group is moved and where they are moved to. As part of your contract we'd like you to check up on them periodically and conduct subtle sweeps around them, just to ensure things are safe. My group will be out of here before dawn." The man said, pointing to his name near the bottom of the list and the next location listed.

"Our group is rather diverse, a number of merchants like myself, some artisans, even a few students from the College of Djed. With the lady's assistance blending in shouldn't be an issue. Once we reach Sunberth there may be some of the groups wishing to go elsewhere, in which case they may contract you separately." He stated.

"So this all being the case all we need is your price." He finished, crossing his arms and looking expectantly at the pair.

[Razkar]

Information. Intelligence. Facts. Whatever you wanted to call it, Razkar couldn't get enough of the stuff. Bright, unblinking eyes watched and retained; his ears twitched infinitesimally as he absorbed every word William said. He nodded in agreement with his brief appraisal.

"Yes, leaving will be problematic, especially you're already hunted. Given you are Denvali, this is a port city... you are leaving by ship?" He didn't wait for a response, despite the quick look that flashed between William and Justus. "Hmm. We'll get to that..."

The parchment was produced and Razkar realized just how desperate these people had become (he was not so idealistic to think it was a sign of trust or camaraderie). There, in plain Common, was whispers enough to wipe out everyone Justus had such concern for. All Razkar had to do would be cut both their throats, the old woman's and then run to the nearest Waveguard patrol. Just like that.

The Myrian sighed inwardly. If only it were so easy...

"We'll get to it," Razkar murmured as he absorbed the information, burning the names and addresses into his brain, all trace of the cursive script and then handing the scrap to Edreina, "And the people we'll be escorting?"

William told him in the same concise manner as before. Razkar was growing to appreciate that: the man knew he had a job to do, and wanted it done as efficiently and safely as possible. Very useful.

A full picture was forming now. The names in his mind were not merely formless figures. They had identities, professions... his mind fabricated stories for them, facial tics and possible problems. Merchants? Greed. Students? Curiosity. And they might be moving beyond Sunberth, too? Well, that was a job, at least, and if they had the coin, all the better for it...

"If you have this level of organization, I'm assuming you have a date for when you intend to leave?" Again, that telltale, asking-for-permission glance from WIlliam to Justus, but Razkar plowed on. He could guess the answer. "If you have, change it. Now. Tonight." William opened his mouth but Razkar held up a hand, look of stoic but patient firmness on his face. "And tell no-one. From this point on, the only ones you can trust will be the people in this room. Us four, and no others."

William nearly blanched, and Razakr understood why. Anyone could see traitors and spies in the shadows, or in the faces of those they liked... but to see them in friends? Family? Lovers? No, that was always harder, and now William was offended the Myrian had assumed such.

Well, deal with it. The world is full of treachery, especially in these decadent lands where wheels of yellow metal are counted higher than the lives of infants.

But what he said was: "Deep pockets are hunting you, William. Deep pockets with no consciences, no scruples and if their depth won't work, their men with red-hot pokers and skinning knives certainly will..."

William crossed his arms and moved onto the matter of payment next. Justus could have smiled at the way Razkar's fierce, martial demeanor seemed to shift to one of a musing merchant, stroking the stubble under his chin as he stared upward... calculating... wondering how far he could push his luck.

"A thousand golds mizas. Each. Plus two hundred for expenses." He saw the expressions on the two Denvali and shrugged, patting his blades and gesturing to the ever-poised Edreina (yes, I used that word in relation to that Edreina). "Think you it sounds excessive? I got roughly the same working as a caravan guard, and that did not involve keeping a watch over refugees in a crowded city, escorting them over the waves, then further safeguarding them in Sunberth and ensuring my partner is safe and productive when it comes to having them establish new lives. No, this is a much steeper job, thus so is the price."

[Edreina]

The Svefra lass could not hide the flicker of surprise that appeared in her eyes at the price of their services. Surely he was setting it high so that they would have room to barter? Her fingers twitched on her thigh thoughtfully. Being a Svefra, most of her life had been spent bartering and trading and working for anything she wanted. The concept of money still unnerved her. "Sounds fair to me..." she breathed thoughtfully. Her voice danced with the barest hints of Djed, just enough so that, as she flicked her blue eyes up to William, if only for an instant, he would feel once again how valuable she could be.

"Once I meet a few of your people I can start creating their Svefra identities should they choose to take one for the public eye." As much as she would like to pretend it was the first time, she was thankful for the pseudo-identities taken up by herself and Razkar around others. Pretending to be someone she was not for the better part of a season had taught her a thing or two about maintaining an image.

(c) Wanda Endust

[Eldritch]

At the mention of price William blanched, a gleam in his eye seeming to awaken as he had been quite the merchant once before. He was silenced by a calming hand Justus placed upon his arm, the glancing telling him that this was no time for arguments and that their position was bad enough. He grumbled slightly but gave a nearly imperceptible tip of his head in assent to the price. He certainly didn't seem overly pleased about it but there it was.

"Very well, we'll pay your price. Twenty four hundred Gold Miza's." He said, his expression a little pained.

"As for the date, yes we had one set up but if you believe it should be changed then very well. We had settled on the 60th, we'll move it back accordingly by a few days." He assented.

Justus seemed pleased by this whole development and regarded both Razkar and Edreina in turn, smiling in his charming way. Rattling him over much was clearly a task in an of itself, as was trying to find a limit to his compassion. Myrian, Svefra, or even Nuit it hardly seemed to matter to him.

"Well then, as you all seem to have this figured out I shall take my leave. Thank you Razkar of the Shorn Skulls, and to you as well Edreina Whitewave. If ever you find yourselves in our fair city again I would welcome the chance to repay your kindness and discretion." The man said, heading out the door and into the street beyond with an easy grace and confident step in his stride.

William watched as he departed, turning his attention to the pair once more. Her stroked his facial hair once more, seeming to appreciate the action a little bit more than he had previously.

"You both had best be off as well, you'll be contacted again tomorrow. We'll have your payment ready then." He said, nodding towards the door.

OOCOkay, unless you've got something else you wanted worked out this should be the last post from me. Once you both reply, I'll put up your grade.