The Associate

[Rail]

Spring, Day 16 512AV As he walked out the door he looked around noting his surroundings and taking a big whiff of the stale air.With a sigh Rail set off for the markets whistling a somber tune. The streets were bustling with the usual traffic of the day as he made his way to the markets. He moved through the crowds quickly shrugging people out of the way. Many complained and turned to confront him until they noticed his eyes, which glowed with a feral light. He was ready for a fight. After searching around the market for a time he finally came to a stall that matched his new employers description. He picked up the tune again as he walked up to the stall noting the guard nearby. In his most pleasant voice Rail asked," Excuse me sir you wouldn't happen to be a certain Beeker now would you?" The shopkeep took one glance at the young man in front of his stall and made a small gesture signaling his guard," I may be who are you to ask?" With a disconcerting smile Rail leaned closer," Im a.. messenger if you will for the fence. He would, appreciate, it if you would pay him the money you owe. I am here to collect." For a moment the merchant seemed to stumble over his words until he finally blurted out," Y-You Dare!! I have friends in high paces in this city you little rat!" Throughout the mans small tirade Rail stood patiently slowly twisting the chain around his arm until it was slightly loose," Well my friend I do believe that the Fence is a fairly powerful man... and you have angered him." With that Rail slid the chain off his arm silently spinning around to sling the weapon wrapping it around the guards neck as the clumsy oaf tried to charge him. With a grunt Rail tugged the chain to pull man off balance and let out a warning growl as he threw a vicious punch to the mans side driving the wind from him. While he was attempting to breath Rail grabbed the back of his head and smashed it with a loud 'thunk' against the side of the stall. When he looked back up at the merchant his grin was much grimmer that it had been at the beginning and his eyes were flashing with an almost inhuman light," Now if you would be so kind?" The merchants face visibly paled as he dug out the 20 gm and stuck it on the counter," Here! Take it just leave me alone." With a grunt of satisfaction Rail scooped up the coins and dropped them into his hidden pouch. Stepping away from the stall he unwound the chain from around the guards neck and gave a slight bow," It was a pleasure doing business with you." With that he turned away from the pair and slid into the crowds followed by the comic sound of the guard hacking and coughing for breath.

[Rail]

Rail let out a happy whoop as he trotted away through the crowds carefully making his way back to the fences little shop. With deft hands he counted out the coins in his pouch and laughed to himself. The merchant hadnt been much tougher than he had expected and the guard had barely put of a fight. Slowly shaking his head the large man pushed through an especially thick knot of people finally breaking from the crowds. With only the barest of pauses to check his pouch he stepped up to the little door of the fences office and pushed it open. A small grin spread across his face as he walked up to the table and placed the coins upon it," 20 gm as promised sir. I did not permanently harm the merchant nor his guard and they may be more eager to make payments in the future." With a small chuckle Zeke scooped up the coins and counted them quickly," Well done my friend maybe you can be useful after all."

[Ink]

And in the Aftermath . . . The Rewards are Revealed. Rail : Skills: Observation 1 Intimidation 1 Weapon (Chain Dart) 1 Unarmed 1 Lore: A Job Well Done Retrieving Payment From the Unwilling Written in the ink : If there are any concerns or problems with my grading please feel free to toss me a PM. I am more than happy to explain my reasons or reevaluate them if you feel I've been unfair.