Completed Message Received, Blades Unsheathed

[Rene Rafar]

Message Received, Blades Unsheathed

43th of summer
6th bell

When Ren woke up for work she was the only one moving around in the Gem for Kelski was currently sleeping on the couch where she and Ren, in her ocelot form had curled up at Kelski's feet. It was already showing that it was going to be a bright and very hot summer day. As she shifted from her feline form to human, she let out a big sigh. She quickly got dressed. There was no time to waste today if she wanted to get done and home again before it got really to hot to do much.

Grabbing an apple on her way out the door she only stopped long enough to lock it back up again. Ren took off at an easy loping stride that ate up the ground but would not leave her tired or smelling of sweat. Her first stop was to the commons market where she did her usual rounds checking with the vendors before heading off to Goldfinger's.

“Morning. You have any thing that needs delivered today?” Smiling as she greeted each vendor in turn. They would either nod their head “Yes” and they would giver her what needed delivered as well as pay her a small fee or shake it in a “No” It took about a quarter bell before she had checked with all the vendors. Today she was in luck only a handful of vendors needed her help. Thinking to herself “If the rest of the day would go by this easy then I should be home before the 12th bell.” So she once again picked up her easy lope and was soon on her way to the GLA and to start her shift.

When Ren reached the the agency she saw a young tall man of at least 6’ with a lean, strong build. He had a light tan with dark brown close cropped hair. His eyes a dark sea-green in color, and very calloused hands.

“Morning here to see Mr. Goldfinger?” She smiled at the tall man. “Here let me get the door.” Reaching to open the door for him to walk through first before following after.

When she entered she could see that it was standing room only with people waiting for their turn to meet with Goldfinger about whatever business that had brought them here. There was also a long line at the secretary's desk as she took down each name and their reason to see Goldfinger. Quarter of a bell later it was her turn as she greeted the secretary. “Morning Marill, busy morning I see. It looks like everyone just wants to get what they have to do done before it gets to be hot as Hai outside.” Smiling at the woman she asked. “What you have for me today?”

“Morning to you too Ren. I was told Mr. Goldfinger wanted to see you when you came in and before you ask, no he didn't tell me why. Now if you would kindly follow me back to his office.” She got up and started to walk down the hall to the Boss' office.

Ren was shocked that she had to go to the boss' office. For the life of her she couldn't understand what she had done to be called in to see him. She thought that her work was satisfactory so she would have to wait and see what it was he wanted from her.

Marill quietly knocked on Goldfinger's door. “Miss Rene is here sir.”

“Let her in.” His tone was a jovial one, even as he watched the door open. He motioned his hand towards one of the heavy, although plushly seated, chairs on the opposite side of his desk. “Take a seat, Miss Rene.”

Ren took the offered seat clasping her hands in her lap as she waited for him to address her.

“I have a special commission for you.” He smiled pleasantly. “I need you to find two items for me. One is a red ball and the second is a black mouse. This is a very important gift for someone and I need it by the end of the day. This is also to be done with your other duties. Is there any questions?” But it was in a tone that left no room for questions.

Ren wisely shook her head no. She gulped before replying, “No sir.” she squeaked.

“This is for the purchase.” He said handing her a small coin pouch full of gold mizas. “I'll be sending someone with you to protect you on your search. Please wait in the main room until your escort arrives.”

With that clear dismissal Ren stood taking the pouch to set in a special pocket before leaving his office. Hoping it won't take to long before her guard and her could be on there way. “So much for having a short day.” She thought with a sigh. Just as she entered the main room she stopped at Marill's desk to ask about her courier bag. “Hi Marill you have my courier bag ready? It looks like I'll be having a long day today.”

Marill nodded with a smile handing her the bag which wasn't very full today this way she had room to put the items she will need to buy. “Take I easy out there,” replied the woman.

“I'll try. I just need to wait on an escort today. So I'll be over here out of the way as much as I can.” Pointing to a small corner of the room before walking over to it.

Word Count: 944

[Tarn Alrenson]

Tarn eyed the grand buildings of the gated community with a critical eye. This part of the city seemed almost peaceful in contrast to the rest of the city. It was peaceful, actually, with a civil guard to enforce it. Here lived the people who could afford the price of safety in this chaotic cesspool of a city. Not that Tarn had anything to look down on them for. The protections Tarn could reap on account of his affiliation were supplied by means as underhanded as the worst of these people had used to accrue their fortunes. And Tarn had paid his own price for his part in that, though not one that could be counted in Mizas. The butt of his spear struck the smooth paving stones as he strode through the streets, using it as a walking stick. The now-familiar weight of a longsword sat on his hip as well, although he was admittedly far less skilled with it than the spear. He wore his Sun’s Birth shield on his back as well. In combat, he hadn’t the faintest idea how to use it properly, but it was a bit of an anethma to anybody seeking to casually stick a knife between his ribs from behind, so there was some value in keeping it. It wasn’t long before Tarn reached his destination. Goldfinger’s Loan Agency. The economic heart of the city, pumping lifeblood out into Sunberth in the form of massive loans only for the money to eventually return back here, often having grown more massive from its brief time outside Goldfinger’s pocket. For all its importance, and for all the rumors and gossip surrounding the place, the building itself was somewhat underwhelming. Blocky and hewn from simple stone, it was far from the gilded masterpiece its owner could doubtless afford if even half the stories shared about him contained even a glimmer of truth. Tarn hesitated at the door. He had been sent on assignment to escort some courier for Goldfinger. The man himself owned a small army of mercenaries—and very capable ones at that, if the drunken rambling of his fellow Dragoons was to be believed—but apparently none of them could be spared for the task. As he stood contemplatively, a rather petite young woman stepped out from the corner of his eyesight. He dipped his head in a grateful nod at her greeting and entered the door she opened. Once inside, he found the nearest wall and leaned against it, pressing his head back against the cool stone. He didn’t take a place in the line that dominated the room. He had no interest in meeting the man behind the stories that circulated through the local taverns like wildfire. He was here to do his job and be done with it. A thought crossed his mind considering how the courier he would be accompanying was supposed to find him, but he dismissed it. In his studded leather Dragoon armor and with the spear he carried, they should be able to find him. He closed his eyes and let out a long breath. The room was filled with the sounds of its occupants murmuring and shifting nervously. Tarn tried to block them out. He didn’t slip into sleep, even though he was tired. His exhaustion wasn’t from lack of rest, or from overexertion. It was not a tiredness of his muscles at all, but one of a different kind, one that had grown stronger recently, and one he hadn’t found respite for in quite a while. Tarn’s mind wandered for several minutes, his fingers tapping aimlessly on the haft of his spear. Lost in thought, he caught a snippet of a conversation, I'll try. I just need to wait on an escort today. So I'll be over here out of the way as much as I can.” Tarn’s eyes cracked open. That must be the courier he was supposed to accompany. With a sigh, he stood up, shaking his legs from where they had grown numb standing there. He walked over to the courier, noticing with a start that it was the same woman who had opened the door for him earlier. “I’m afraid you won’t have long to wait,” he said. He stretched out his hand to shake. “It seems I’ve been given guard detail over you today, so let’s try and keep you from getting killed.” Tarn glanced inquisitively at her courier bag. What was so important that he had been sent along to guard her? Was she ferrying some secret message Goldfinger wanted secured? Or carrying a large cache of Mizas to an assossiate? He mentally shrugged. It didn’t matter really. As long as she got to where she needed to go without problem, his job would be done. With a few strides Tarn walked over to the door and opened it, saying, “If you’ll allow me to return the favor?” Word count: 821

[Rene Rafar]

Ren looked up at the sound of a male's voice smiling as she recognized the young man she had open the door when they first came in. Taking his offered hand and shook it. “I'm Ren, its a pleasure to meet you. I hope you won't mind doing a lot of running in this heat? A side from my normal job I've been give a special assignment.” Standing she headed to the door nodding at his words only pausing for him to get the door.

Once outside Ren tilted her head to the man as he stepped into stride with her. “I think I can tell you about my assignment seeing as you will be with me today.” Smiling up at him. “I'm to look for two items one being a red ball and the other is a black mouse for a a child's gift. You have any ideas as to where would be a good place to look I as thinking checking out the Commons, I know a few people there I can ask also checking the Seaside Market. Other than that I just have to hand out my letters. Is there anything u need to do while we are out in the city?”

As they made their way up to the commons Ren would stop and ask where she could find what she was looking for so far she hadn't had any luck with finding a mouse but Dominic had some children's toys that she could go check out. It didn't take them long to reach Dominic's vendor stall. “Hi Dom,” Rend called to the tall lanky blond.

The man turned to see who was talking to him and his warm chocolate brown eyes shown in recognition. “Ren dear! Good to see ya again. I can see your are working so what brings you to my corner of the commons? I have already made my payment for this month.”

“No its nothing like that Dom, I'm looking for a child's gift. A red ball in fact do you have any?” she asked hoping he did.

Smiling he went over to a box under a disply table and pulled out a medium sized red ball. “Will this do?” he asked.

“Oh yes thank you what I owe you?” Fishing in a side pocket of her courier bag pulling out the small pouch of miza coins.

“It will be 1 gold and 6 silver for a ball Ren.” She handed the man 2 gold mizas and he gave her 4 silver back in return before handing the ball over to her. Where she placed both coin pouch and ball in her bag.

“Thanks Dom I'll see ya tomorrow. Have a wonderful day.” She waved as she and her guard continued on their way.

Word Count: 467

[Tarn Alrenson]

Tarn listened to the woman’s task, tilting his head. This was the job he had been sent along on as a guard? Gifts for children? He returned her question with a shrug. “I don’t find myself in the market for either of those objects often, so I really couldn’t say.” He rubbed the back of his neck, “The only place I know to get animals is ol’ Killroy’s place, but I’m not sure they’d have mice. Especially if it has to be black.” He followed Ren’s lead, jogging slightly behind her through the muggy streets. When she approached the blonde merchant, he stepped to the side, leaning casually on his spear and turning his eyes to the crowd. Tarn scanned the mass of people, his eyes drifting across the square like a lazy summer wind. Almost by happenstance, his gaze caught that of another man, some distance away. Their eyes locked, and something about the man caused Tarn to feel uneasy. He shot the man an acid glare and turned back to his companion, just in time to see the exchange of coin. Great, he thought, we’re on a shopping trip. They continued on and passed through the market, back onto a narrower, less crowded street. As they walked, the strap securing Tarn’s shield to his back loosened, and began to slide off his shoulder. After a few minutes it fell, catching awkwardly on Tarn’s elbow. With a muttered curse he stopped, turning his head to the side as he adjusted it. A familiar face stood out from the edge of his vision, and he turned fully to see the same man from the market strolling along casually. Tarn’s eyes narrowed, and that uneasy feeling returned. Tarn fixed the shield, tightening the strap across his back. His gaze lingered on the man for a moment, before turning to quicken his pace in order to catch up with his charge for the day. Tarn tried to listen for the man’s footsteps, but he couldn’t isolate the sound. Shyke, he thought. It was probably nothing, but in Sunberth “probably nothing” killed people all too often. With a ruefull shake of his head, Tarn acted. “Ren!” Tarn hissed. He jerked his head towards an alley to their side, and he jogged into it, half-pulling her by her sleeve. Tarn nearly cried out in relief as he quickly found what he was looking for. A door with a deep enough threshold to hide him from casual observers on the main street. He silently indicated a similar spot farther down the alley for Ren, doing his best to convey urgency in his motions. Tarn forced his feet to be still, holding his spear by his side, careful not to let it show out of the nook he was huddled in. The better half of a minute passed away in silence, and Tarn started to hope that his fears had been unfounded after all. Just then, footsteps rang out through the alley. Tarn held his breath. Surprise could be the turning point in combat, and he didn’t want to lose it from carelessness. From his spot in the doorway, Tarn waited, his muscles tense, and he felt on the verge of snapping. A leather boot fell into view, not five yards from Tarn’s position, and he struck. Whirling around the corner of his hiding place, Tarn lunged forward and thrust low with his spear. The blow caught the first man in the hip. He drew back his polearm, falling into his stance and taking a few retreating steps to make space. There were three of them, including the one he’d spotted for the first time in the market, who was now clutching a heavily bleeding wound on his hip. Tarn almost grinned in satisfaction. He bounced lightly on the balls of his feet, switching which of the two unhindered thugs the head of his spear was pointed at back and forth to keep them from getting to close. Both of them were armed with wicked looking knives. Grimly, Tarn spotted the telltale mark of the Daggerhands on their skin. Of course. This far from their seat of power, the giant Sunbursts on his hand and the shield on his back were targets. Tarn mentally readied himself for the rigors of combat. If they ran, the injured Daggerhand wouldn’t keep up, but he would be turning his back on two others, and Tarn wasn’t willing to bet his life on his ability to win a footrace. Word Count: 749

[Rene Rafar]

At Tarn's hiss of her name she turned her head at him seeing him nod over to the alley as he pulled her along she followed his silent command she hid in a the second alcove just across from him drawing her daggers getting ready for a fight she really wish they could avoid but was glad she had him with her for there were more than what she could fight or out run if she was alone. She silently groaned to herself when she saw the gang mark of the hand nearest her.

Great. Daggerhands just what we didn't need. She thought as she prepared for a fight her main advantage would be taking them down from behind even if it meant cutting them in the hamstrings to bring them down If one cant stand meant they couldn't fight or follow you when you made a run for it.

Waiting for the right time to strike was the key so she waited until then she stood still until all four members were past her with their backs to her as they spotted Tarn getting ready to rush him. Ren quickly made two slashing motions with her daggers taking out two of the gang members closest to her. They let out a cry of pain as they went down. She wouldn't go for the kill unless she had no other choice. Ren didn't like to kill not that she hadn't done so before she just tries to avoid it when ever possible.

The four gang members we quickly taken care of and they were once again on there way making their way to the seaside market just on the off chance they have mice for sell if not then sh will have to go to Killroy's and hope they have what she is looking for all the while delivering what is left of the letters in her bag to the intended people.

It was a half a bell later when the two of them made it down to the Seaside Market. Ren and Tarn walked the rows of vendor stalls with no luck in finding anything that would work as a pet so they continued down to Killroy's Kennels.

Ren wasn't sure what she would do if Killroy didn't have a black mouse she'd hate to return to Goldfinger with only half of gift list she was given. She really didn't want to fail if she could help it.

As they made their way up to the kennel's they had to cross through some of the Daggerhand's turf. With a little luck they could get through with out attracting to much attention. The way things looked know that wouldn't be very likely.

Looking over at Tarn she asked just trying to making small conversation while walking deeper in to the Daggerhand's turf. “How long have you been with the Sun Births? What do you like to do in your free time when you are not doing guard duty or being an escort for a lowly courier? Not that I'm ungrateful for your company and skill. Normally I do a foot race or avoid the rougher parts of the city if I can avoid it.” But before he could answer they were ambushed by a group of wanna be gang members. One of the younger members quickly cut Ren's courier bag and took off running with it.

WC: 566

[Rene Rafar]

It took Ren a few ticks before she fully realized what had happened. “Get back here!” She snarled as she chased after the young girl. The two of them weaved their way through the streets until Ren's longer legs caught up with the girl and stopped her by grabbing her by the collar of her vest. “That doesn't belong to you.” Reaching for her bag Ren took it back looking at the now ruined strap of her bag. While her attention was distracted the young girl slipped out of her vest and took off running again. This time Ren didn't follow her instead she carefully checked the contents of the bag.

Good It's all here the letters, the ball and most of all the coin pouch. She thought as she discreetly checked the weight of the coin purse. *There was no way was I going to go back and tell Mr. Goldfinger I was robbed of his money. You had to have a death wish to think otherwise.* Shivering she gathered the bag close to her and continued on her way doing the job she was paid to do even if she had lost her armed escort.

It was about a bell later when she finally made her way to Killroy's Kennels. Walking up the the main door she opened it and was greeted by a dark haired woman who smiled at her. “Welcome to Killroy's I'm Hanna, how can I help you?” She asked in a pleasant voice.


Ren returned the smile “Yes I hope you can I'm looking for a gift my employer's friend. I was looking at a mouse?”

“Hmmm let me think... Yes we have one mouse have would you like to see it?” Hanna asked. At Ren's nod she lead the way down to the holding cage for the mouse.

Looking at the mouse she saw it was black just what she needed. “How much are you asking for this little one?” Ren asked.

“Two silver mizas is the standard price for it is an untrained mouse. We do offer training but it would cost more.” Hanna informed her.

“No I don't think I will need it trained.” Ren smiled as she pulled out the correct amount for the mouse. “Do you have a carrier for it?”

“Of course its included with the price.” Hanna went over to a shelf in the corner and pulled down a small cage and gently set the mouse inside before handing both cage and mouse over to Ren. “I hope you will have a nice day.” Hanna called after Ren as the young red head headed back to Goldfinger's with her tasks completed.

By the time Ren made it back to the GLA she was so ready to go home but before she could do just that she had to go see Goldfinger again and give him back his gold and the two gifts she had gotten for him.

“Just a minuet Ren I'll take you back to Mr. Goldfinger's office please have a seat.” Marill smiled when she saw the young girl come in through the door.

Smiling back Ren took an empty seat. The lobby was no where near as crowded as it had been when she came in to work this morning. It was ten chimes later before Marill was able to take Ren back. Knocking on Goldfinger's door Marill waited for him telling her to open the door. “Miss Rene is back Mr. Goldfinger.”

“Show her in and thank you Marill.” Dismissing his secretary and calling to Ren. “Come in Miss Rene I hope you didn't have much trouble finding what I asked for?”

“No sir. In fact I have both the ball and the mouse. With both items didn't come to more then one gold and eight silver mizas.” She said as she first handed him his coin pouch and then the ball and mouse. “I did not pay more then I needed to and the rest of the mizas are there as well.” She replied then looking down for a second letting out a sigh she told him about the young gang member trying to steal her courier bag.

“Sir, I must confess for a short time someone tried to steal my bag. The person didn't get very far before I caught them and I did make sure that nothing was taken. Unfortunately the thief did escape by slipping out of their vest and vanished into the shadows.” She said nervously not sure what he would do or say.

He listened carefully and nodded “I see. Thank you for being honest about your day.” He gave her a smile before dismissing her for the day.

With that she nodded at him and left his office and headed back home to a very well deserved soak in the tub.

WC: 813
Total WC for Ren: 3,238

[Kynier]

Grades!

 

Rene

Skill Rewards

• Observation +5
• Running +2
• Socialization +3
• Tactics +1
• Weapon: Dagger +1

Lores Learned

• Running: An easy lope is quick but won’t leave you tired or smelling of sweat
• Tarn: With the Sun’s Birth
• Location: Killroy’s Kennels

 

Tarn

PM me for your grade.

Other Notes
Combat-Fighting multiple opponents is a difficult thing to do, even for experts. This combat scene should've been longer and challenging for the characters.

If you have an questions or concerns about your grade please feel free to PM me.