(The Drunken Fish) Possibilities (Open)

[Antar]

"ooc:"Sorry for the long post, my char's kinda a trickster with words." Plastering a bemused expression on his face, Noth inextricably quietly cursed the misfortune of his glancing at the rowdy bunch to possibly be seen. 'But what could one expect in the midst of Sunberth?' It was a place where every person would greet you with a smile, shake your hand on parting, and drive a knife into your back as soon as you turned away. A place where your only chance of survival was to make your death desireable to none, and even less profitable to a few. So far, in the tavern, there was quite an interesting crew forming as they flocked amidst the personalities that drew them in like gnats about a sun-baked carcasse. However, there were other personalities at play, besides the five sitting at the table he was interested in. Four out of the five had opened contact with one another, speaking in brusque tones to one another with bits of the usual abberant posturing. The one who seemed to keep to himself a sordid-looking somber sort might prove either fickle or interesting to speak with. Making a decision, one way or another as things went, Noth eyed the approach and stood up from his chair before sliding amidst the bustling denizens of the tavern room. He slipped behind the waitress, currently swiping a full pitcher of cool water and six mugs off another tray after slapping a coin down as payment before darting off before the serving wench could protest. Without missing a beat, he slid himself beside the table's party and filled a mug full of water before setting it down at the one lady who identified herself as 'Joyce's' side. He wasn't remiss to the idea of not being honest in a town of dishonest thieves, but anyone might seek to garner some protection of their true identity in yon ilk places such as these. He, in times of working for instance preferred to be called , 'Anthony.' For a moment, he simply stayed in that manner as he continued to set the second mug of water down before this, Craevan man. Then still smiling like a cheshire cat he continued the charade, serving another mug of water to each in turn. During this venture, he blithely kept an eye to all these people, the 'Craevan person' in particular in order to amusingly see if he noticed anything amiss as he settled the last of the pitchered water in his own mug and calmly but succinctly pulled out the chair by the man who had not spoken much of things. With a smile Noth spoke,"Your second round of drinks, good Sir. But they're not the mead or ale you were expecting , just water to cool the tempers I see hereabouts." Taking a slow turning of his gaze to meet each of their eyes in turn, he mused aloud, "Don't worry that they might be poisoned, for they are just water, water which might serve to cool some tempers, but in a place like this even I who brought them can't guarantee a hundred percent that they're not." Giving a small chuckle and a sly grin towards one man he might presume a barbarian he spoke softly, "After all, the best poisons are those placed upon the inside of the cups, and since the cups themselves are randomly grabbed from a tray, it should come down to some luck in the matter of possibilities in case anyone else had a grudge against someone else here." He winked at the woman who turned down her cup of mead, and spoke quietly if he still had their attention, before turning his head slightly towards 'Joyce.' "In a place like Sunberth, lass it's best not to even trust even the serving lasses, for they might as soon kill you and take your coin if you upset them enough. And they'd have no qualms about doing it openly or through other means. " With that same wry smile with his eyes crinkling in amusement he finished, "Oh dear me, my good friends. Where are my manners? My name is Anthony if you please. And all of you seem to be a very..." Noth paused a moment as he spoke, just politely nodding to each of them in turn, before continuing on as if he had never paused at all. "...Interesting group if I might say so myself. Please forgive my jesting at this moment. It's a sign of the times to be sure, I just find it so hard to approach people of any worth around these parts." With a bit of a shrug Antar took a large gulp from his mug of water as he amusingly waited patiently to see their replies to his opening statements as he took a long draught of water as sense of chagrin deepened all the more.

[Corinth]

Day 1 Summer 511 AV Water! Corinth slowly grabbed for her glass and sipped cautiously. I wouldn't have even worried that they were poisioned until he mentioned that they werent... Cor set it down next to her still rather full too mugs. one almost filled with honey mead, the other, god knows what...but the point was that Corinth wasn't much of a drinker. But water, water was a different story and Cor at that moment was beginning to feel a bit de-hydrated from her last long sip from the stream that ran along the edge of her fathers farm. it was a small man maid stream her father constructed to run from the well. He was an interestingly enough, briliant handyman. Corinth sat relatively still and quiet, trying not to maintain eye contact with anyone. Every person that had now joined them at the table seemed to have something spectacular to them and Cor was beginning to realize her own plainliness, especially after Joyce entered their midst. It appeared that every man at the table, including Cade, was fully aware of her erie beauty. Corinth hardly got along with other girls. Particularly pretty girls. They un-knowingly created a sort of competitive air of Cor's part and she almost always let herself be defeated. Mayber I should just get up and leave? I do want to see my horse, perhaps that would be a good excuse? But then what about Cade? Well he probably wouldn't care. He'll probably find someother girl with a sob story to woo..or maybe he'll try his luck with Joyce. That is if he can seem to get past Craeven. Oh goodness, do I really care? Corinth took another swift drink of her water. It was so cool indeed and it really did do exactly what this knew member of their party suggested. Corinth immediately felt cooled down. When she saw Cade's hand rest on the hilt of his sword and the tension began to build, it was no match for the sudden rise in Cor's fear. She grew up outside of Sunberth. She ran these streets with young friends as a child, she saw plenty of fights, but never was she invested in one and never was she so close. If they went after Cade would they go after her too? Cor had her small dagger in her boot, just like her father said to wear it but she never had to use it before. She wouldn't know what to do. Maybe I should go... Cor began to look around in small glances as to not be obvious, for a sort of escape root. Her chair being against the wall didn't make matters easy. She'd have to get past Cade on one side or...everyone else on the other.

[Cade]

Cade’s grip on the longsword’s hilt gave way upon request, tho his hand never strayed far from its reach. The savage calmed himself down, changing his tone of voice from protected to more tolerance as his eyes were picking up on Corinth’s body language that was hinting she wanted to retreat. He nodded at the new stranger to this gathering accepting him in to the conversation amongst them. Well, this is a tavern and if you wish to gain intel or any kind of news it was best to mingle with the locals, the only problem was, he was doing all the mingling while his crooked friend, Eryss, has seemed to stayed his distance.

“ Well ladies and gents........... Lets all be honest with each other, well as honest as thieves could be” His heavy myrian accent played through with a tone of light, in hopes of controlling the tempers amongst the strangers and himself. “ Lets talk of profitable ventures or possibilities for I am a man in need of work and so is my partner” The truth was, if you looked around the table and more of the entire room, it seemed everyone needed some form of work or more of it. He leaned closer to the table, his words now becoming softer and more serious “If none of you have jobs to offer, then we might come up with ideas to ‘make’ work for ourselves”

Cade slid his class of water towards Corinth who seemed much delighted with her first and he hoped a friendly gesture would keep her put longer. “ Cor, you can have my glass of water for I have this man’s mead to keep me occupied” The goliath chuckled deeply vibrating the table before taking another long gulp of the honey wine. As he placed the cup down, his brown eyes locked on to Corinth once more, as if you could will her to stay just by staring at her. Then, if he had those kind of powers.......... let’s not go there. He wanted nothing more at this moment then to spend time in company with the beautiful farm girl. It was just above acquiring a job on his priority list.

[Eryss Waldu]

[Eryss, tattered and crooked, remained at his table while Cade did the majority of the mingling with these newcomers. Truth was that Eryss was lost in his own thoughts much of the time and had never been one for crowds such as those found in the Drunken Fish. He could become withdrawn and a bit of a recluse during these times but his mind was still alert and despite not joining in on many of the conversations he hung on every word that had been said. Nothing eluded Eryss that he did not want to and while Cade did much of the talking, alongside perusing the woman whose acquaintance he had made, he remained seated away from the majority of others.]

[However while Eryss was listening he had also gone about making a mental note of the faces he had seen. Unnoticed, or overlooked by many, due to his apparent lack of anything to say Eryss had committed the faces of those gathering near Cade to immediate memory. Of course there was the woman Cade fancied, the one referred to as Cor, and then there were the two other men and the second woman. All of them had the gaze of Eryss rest over them briefly before moving on. When he was finished Eryss stared back out across the Drunken Fish satisfied that he would remember all of the faces were he ever required to.]

[It wasn’t until Cade started talking about work that Eryss decided to say something, after his nose had begun scrunching beneath his cowl due to his dislike as being referred to as a thief, when he did speak it was in a crackling voice that seemed to hiss and pop with different words...

“There are always a large caravans if we want one. Maybe something big enough that we could group together and make ourselves rich men when it’s done.”

...after he had said that Eryss looked away again though. His attention returning to his table he looked into a mug of water that a barmaid had delivered to him and dipped his finger into it. Stirring the water until it became a slow and twisting whirlpool at which time he’d withdraw and watch with detached interest. In the depths of his eyes there was fire though, burning brightly as though wanting to consume whatever it could touch, Eryss always seemed to be quite calm and composed but just behind the facade he showed others he was ready to erupt.]

[Kiara Killraven]

Kiara moved through the crowd slowly, making sure not to jostle anyone too roughly. Sunberthians weren't exactly known for their gentle nature. She was already trying her best not to stand out too much and getting into a fight in the middle of a crowded street would have caused a lot of attention to swing to her. You didn't survive as long as she had as a girl in this town without being careful. In her opinion there was no such thing as being overly careful. Her eyes darted back and forth along the streets. Finally her eyes fell on it. The Drunken Fish it was called. In a city like Sunberth the taverns and inns were where a large majority of the population spent their time. She had finally made up her mind. She was going to have to find something more profitable then living off the few people she could rob on the streets. Up till now it had been enough to keep her fed but in the recent weeks it seemed that marks had become particularly sparse. On top of that, the many street gangs seemed to have been tightening their territories lately, an indication being the increase in the nightly murders. All in all it seemed less dangerous to through her lot in with one of the many groups then to stay out on her own as she had been up to this point. Kiara slipped her way into the tavern. It seemed to be almost filled to the brim with inhabitants. This hadn't been the first tavern or in she had stopped in, to see if any of the many syndicates were looking for fresh blood. This one however, had the most patrons of any she had visited so far. The traveling cloak she had donned, blended in well with the crowd of outsiders and like minded people, not wanting to attract undue attention. It was what was underneath it that would have caused many of those standing by to focus on her. The ink-black silk like leather, hugging her feminine form tightly, each of her thighs sporting a sheathed one foot long dagger. She stopped for a moment, scanning the crowd slowly, trying to pick out colors or insignia that she recognized as belonging to one of the city's many crime lords. She let out a slight sigh that was lost in the noise of the crowd filling the tavern. No such luck. She had begun to turn and leave when her eyes fell on an odd assortment of people in one of the corners. Normally she would have left the town anyway, curiosity being the thing that killed the proverbial cat. But for some reason, this time she didn't. Slowly, cautiously she made her way closer to the group, doing her best not to stand out from the crowd too much as she got closer. She seemed to get into earshot just in time to hear the their conversation turn onto the very things she had come to this tavern for. Still she eased closer, the crowd beginning to thin as she neared the odd group. Still attempting to stay unnoticed she slid into the chair at a table adjacent the one the others were at. For a short time she was content to just listen, the barmaids not noticing she was unattended to. Finally she decided to speak up, hearing the proposal of giant's creepy looking companion. "Such a venture does sound profitable enough for me to want to come along." She had never been one that was fond of subtlety when it came to words. Things like that were a waste of time in her opinion. Even if her slight stature hadn't been a give away that she was female, her voice clearly proved she was, despite the hood of the cloak still obscuring her face from view.

[Darian]

To Darian's eyes, the gathering before them was getting quite busy, and if this where a law oriented town like Syliras he would have left the gathering right then and there, but it wasn't, it was the town for the lawless, and for now it suited his needs. As of the moment, he witnessed the man he had glimpsed over trying to smooth his way into the odd gathering, the silent woman stay silent, the silent man speak, and the barbarian actually suggest something worth his time. The only thing that struck him as interesting though was the fact that the woman to his left had gotten so close to them without his noticing, and silently he applauded her efforts, along with Cass's use of an alias as he had done. One could never have enough masks on after all, and in a group like this, such a thing was invaluable. He wasn't sure what to make of the man who had brought the water, not figuring to know his angle in all of this other than a opportunist, the two real doers sitting across from him, being no other than the monster of a man, and the other man who had kept quiet up until that point. Other then the two of them, himself and Cass he wasn't quite sure what any others of the group would think of the job offer, but he was sure they would most likely jump on it if they had any sense about them, or not, since he had other ideas in his head.

After everyone had said what they wanted, he decided to speak, aiming his response at the bulky man's 'partner' in regards to his suggestion. " While hitting a large caravan does sound like a wonderful way to make a profit, but I doubt any of us, myself included are ready for such a undertaking. Caravan's tend to take pride in their well trained guards, they make a living by surviving in the wild, and without proper training as a group, I doubt we would even make it past the first defenders before being slaughtered " he said coolly and without a ounce of doubt, for planning was everything, and they certainly did not know each other’s combat styles, and any plan they wanted to make would depend on such important information. " However, I have a little hobby I like to do that could make powerful items out of something easy to get, all I would need is bones " he said, musing on it even now on the possibility of selling the maledicted bones could rake in quite the profit, and if they were good enough they could use them, him and Cass getting first pick of course, and use the money to further buy training supplies, so they could indeed reach the sneaky one's lofty goal. " We could use any coin we made from them to get weapons and other supplies that would make training, and eventually your partner's plan a lot easier to pull off " he said now addressing Cade.

Taking another gulp of mead, he slid his hand off of his hidden dagger and into Cass's lap, patting her kneecap in reassurance while he looked at the others to see if they had any response. Of course his plan had holes, all plans did after all, and malediction items where notoriously hard to sell, but this was Sunberth, and if he had a good chance in any city to sell such wares it was here, in the city of bloodshed where one might look upon a carved bone like priceless treasure. Still, it all really depended on whether this group's imaginations where big enough to comprehend what he was saying, and understand the possible value from it, along with the lower risk. He wanted to do better things of course than kill a bunch of animals and carve things from their bones, well while fun, helped him only slimly towards his goal, and could get rather dull, pretty fast.

[Cass]

Cass was a bit surprised at Anthony's sudden arrival, but the surprise wore off as a mug full of water was served. Cass instantly picked up the mug and eyed the water within after hearing Anthony's warnings about drinks being poisoned. Not spotting anything strange about the water Cass took a large sip. The cool water ran pleasantly down her throat. After taking a much larger gulp of the water, Cass set the mug down. Her attention drifted back to Cade as he spoke up again, this time about finding work or something to earn coin. She quickly glanced over at Darian but he was masking his features too well to tell if this is why he was mingling with strangers or not. When the odd fellow next to Cade mentioned targeting a caravan Cass looked around the table to see everybody else's reactions.

The sudden invasion of another voice caused Cass to blink in surprise. Looking over to the table adjacent to theirs she spotted an unfamiliar female. Feeling Darian's hand fall to rest on her kneecap Cass simply looked around at the group. She didn't really know what to say. The only reason she had even ventured into the tavern was to find Darian. And now that she had found him, she considered her mission over. Of course she planned on following Darian, taking the road he chose to travel. It sounded like he wished to earn more coin as well. In that case, she would help him.

Finishing the mug of water Cass set the empty mug down and licked the excess water from her lips. Looking over at the man who had paid for the round of water Cass searched her mind for the proper way to respond. "Erm. Thank you. For the water."

[Darren]

[GUEST STORYTELLING] The little back and forth between the group was watched by an unseen patron taking sitting in the corner of the bar. Sitting in the shadows the seat was a preferred area for the merchant since it offered him a full view of the bar. If he hadn't stood up from his seat, the patrons close to him wouldn't have realized the shady figure has been watching since they have seated. He strolled casually around the tavern, looking as if he wanted to leave before taking a standing over the table suddenly. Already an easy smile touched his features as he rested his hand over Antar's shoulder to address the group. "Hi" he started as he gazed at the beautiful, awkward group before him. A myrian, a conjurer, a resourceful farmgirl, a man with a hidden agenda, the rogue, the survivalist and even a female fetale. Yes this will do. he mused, happily as he rubbed his fingers together in the universal sign of money. "I hear you children need a job. And by the looks of it this group seems like it can do it all" he compliented as his eyes turned to the barmaid. A slight rise from his eyebrows and a dark cup filled with a distinctive green composition was brought to the table. Wrinkling of noses followed as the man took a small swig from the cup. A deep appreciative breathe before he started he first introduced himself. "My name is Reacher. I am a merchant of sorts that has a very prospective job for all of you if you'll hear me out." he explained as he remained standing. Granted he wasn't as tall as Cade but the small figure still manage to look imposing despite the casual demeanor shown. "On behalf of my employer, i would like to offer you a very basic but very vital part of our operations. My director is a very influential man in this city, with very big plans in it's development. But there are those that would compete or even oppose him" he announced as his smile quickly disappeared. His eyes glazed over at the mention of the rivals as he slowly placed his mug on the table. "That has to be stoped, taken care of and ultimately routed." he spat as a cruel scowl replaced his once happy features. He looked around the table to make sure he had each of their attentions, this was something that they all must realize. "Use any method you want to complete this task but make sure the goal is achieved." He withdrew as a sudden vigor and liveliness enveloped him. "The task is easy. Intercept a delivery for us and take care of the ones getting the package" he said as cheerfully as humanly possible. A simple but very vital task. Crippling their source of income would help their plans go that much smoother. "Our sources tell us they are trading drugs into the city, though I think it may be something else. Something intriguing. We have already found where exactly where they keep it. We just need you to position yourself as the guards for that warehouse and confront the people who would come to pick them up. ...I shall come visit myself when this is done. Check on the merchandise then pay you for your services." He gave a somewhat irked look as he quickly told his offer. "We are offering you 50 Miza individually to do this task, a bit more if I find you efficient, and a bonus even." He smirked as he looked at Corinth "Something that I know you fancy. Something that would make your stay in Sunberth almost extravagant." He then turned to Darian and Eryss a slightly amused tone in his words "Or equipment you wouldn't find anywhere else" he teased as he took faced back at the table. Hands move slowly as he reached over to the tankard that has been producing a pungent aroma during his speech. "So what do you say? Are we all agreed?" he asked finally as he raised his glass to the center of the table. oocGo ahead and post. Turn order is determined after this one. For the moddy mods/DS's : http://www.mizahar.com/forums/topic10877.html

[Cade]

The six foot four Myrian half blood rose from his chair, towering most of those around him. His body chiselled to perfection from a lifetime in the warrior ways. His hazel skin littered with scars of battles and tortures of the past, playing evident that he was a man that lived by the sword and one day will expect to die by the sword. The barbarian looked upon this creature of business with intrigue, knowing it was best to accept this man’s offer. Good jobs where hard to come by and the best ones were the ones that were backed by wealthy men.

“I do not speak for the others at this table Reacher” Cade’s deep savage voice rumbled from his throat as he drew his sword skilfully, expected from a man that has made blades his life. “I am Cade, my sword and I are at your service” His answer was given as his sword rested on his shoulder so the merchant could inspect its quality. Cade being Myrian had served in their army for three years and the due care of equipment showed in the sword’s impeccable condition and in turn, showing the quality of the man wielding such a weapon.

Cade knew his friend Eyrss would join in this venture but the rest including Corinth who he had been pursuing since entering this tavern he dared not guess to what their answer would be. The job sounded to be a task for such a size crew and he hoped that they all would agree to this venture. In the mean time, Cade extended his large hand out to shake Reacher’s to seal the deal.

[Eryss Waldu]

[Eryss had shrugged his shoulders when he heard the newcomer tell him that he doubted any of the people sitting at the table were ready for such an undertaking. Sly as he was it was difficult to tell if Eryss wouldn’t have used many in the group as shields for himself during such a venture anyways, Cade was his only real ally amongst those present, though he had begun to see how others amongst those present here could make themselves useful. Indeed looking between those who had gathered at the table Eryss saw many who were skilled, in their specific trades, who might one day become beneficial to know from time to time.]

[Like the others Eryss let his gaze drift towards the cloaked individual, obviously a woman due to her voice, as well after she had spoken too. It was hard to make out her exact features dressed as he was but Eryss thought he had a decent idea of what her face might look like, he had an active imagination after all, and lingering on her form for a few moments he’d eventually look away and begin focusing on his water again.]

[Dunking his fingers into the water one more time Eryss began to stir again. Others might think it looked as though Eryss were idly drifting between thoughts, paying no special attention to what went on around him, but he was quite aware of everything that was happening around him and considering the possibilities of it all. He was quite the complex creature with schemes and designs all his own. True Cade and Eryss were partners and as close to friends as either likely had but Eryss had grand designs far beyond merely raiding merchants on the road that lead to and from sunberth, he had a goal that he kept well and close to himself.]

[When a Barmaid moved closer to his table Eryss reached out, his lengthy and twisted fingers gripping her arm and sending a chill throughout her ample frame, pulling her closer to him so that he could lean close and whisper something into the corner of her ear...

“A Room. Tell your master I want one. On the third floor.”

...the Barmaid wouldn’t hesitate to retreat from the wizened mans hold, she’d likely return to the proprietor as instructed and inform him of Eryss desires, while he glanced back in the direction of his drink and continued to listen. The third floor of the Drunken Fish was were an assortment of private rooms and seedier services could be found, whether or not Eryss wanted a room for the privacy or because he had a keen interests in the acts one could perform with an unbroken slave were unknown and left to the imagination, when these conversations were over he would likely retire though. The Drunken Fish, while not his favourite establishment, would suffice for the moment when Cade retired with the whimsical girl he favoured for the time being and in the morning he would plan his next move or conduct a bit of business for himself.]

[Around this time is when the man who would introduce himself to the group as Reacher would approach and begin to proposition everyone with a job offer that was difficult to turn down. Listening to him as he explained the work that he needed done Eryss was quite intrigued, more so when further in the man mentioned a decent sum of money, and with a brow creasing he would think over the pros and cons. It could certainly be beneficial to have this man, Reacher, and his employer as contacts for future work. Influential men were always a boon to have and Eryss construed that this man could be one such individual.]

[Before Eryss could speak Cade had already stood and drew his sword, in classic fashion he thought, pledging its service to our new acquaintance loudly and for those in attendance at these tables to hear clearly. While he did not rise from his seat Eryss would look at Reacher and with a wave of the hand remark...

“I accept.”

...words were wasted when more than what was required needed to be said so Eryss kept it simple and straightforward when he addressed the man personally. Unlike Cade he did not extend a hand, or any similar gesture, that he had said he accepted the business proposal was enough for Eryss and if the man needed a handshake then Eryss would have indicated Cade could shake twice for him. Letting his gaze wander towards the half blooded Myrian Eryss had to chuckle, one of his low and reserved jostled of dark mirth, Cade was good with the sword but such savages did not always have much foresight. It was all well and good though, Eryss would ensure his friend did not leap to rashly into things when the time came if only to have his size as a weapon later on in life.]

[Without much else to say Eryss would then listen to the others, curious to hear what their answers would have been, he believed that several of them would also accept but who could say which ones without hearing their own words. Craning his head towards the table where most of them sat, across from his own where he remained, Eryss waited to hear what would be said and by whom only now showing a bit more interest than he had been previously.]

[Also on his mind was something else though. Though he never came out and said it he wondered what the man, Craevan he had said his name was when introducing himself to Cade, needed with bones and what he could do with them once they were in his possession. It sounded like something that Eryss had heard of once before but never taken a keen interest in however if he was able to see what this man could make firsthand he might well supply him with such things, bones were not hard to come by after all especially when you went straight to the source for them. Eryss would definitely keep this in mind.]