Dark Water [Levi]

[Hush]

10th Of Summer 512 AV

The sounds of gulls and the pungent smells of salt loomed across a tapestry of both modern and ancient architexture. The aging mercenary was lost, a dog of war with no master. It was a strange feeling to not be yanked and pulled by a leash, it was as refreshing as the rolling waves but it was also a burden. As much as he would like to believe he was out to better mizahar, he was only lieing to himself.

A man like him; he was a butcher

No contracts meant no blood to spill which meant no coin in tow.

He was itching for a conflict one that would swallow the realm, but until that day did come he would be scraping the sludge from the bottom of the barrel and hope to hit pay day. It was unlikely however, the most he felt he would accomplish was bully some folk that like to lolly gag on parting with there mizahs; those little gems that like to show up a day late and a dollar short.

Gorgoths tongue slid to one side of his mouth flowing past where it should have stopped at the wall of his lip. It slithered all the way across until it stopped at the back of his cheek before delving back into its proper resting place. The top and bottom rows of teeth completely visible. He liked the tang from his war wound, it tasted like biting the inside of your mouth. It was a bad habit that made those passing by cringe, look away or his personal favorite just stare. The whole side of his face looking like a petching jackolantern, the giant had seen a world of shyke but still managed to shovel his way out of it.

The world was filled with dime a dozen pretty boy heart throbs prancing with swords, when they realize its not a game they leave pretty ugly corpses. For those who really wanted his oppinion; people like that made his job all the more worthwhile, that look of complete shock or disbelief it was priceless. no coin could match the sensation of delivering a mortaly wounding blow just below the belly. Nothing better watching some greenhorn try to shovel his gizzards back in.

As he towered over the lesser manlings there was something in those cold souless blue eyes, something that almost cried desperation.

[Levi Athan]

OOCWe need this thread timestamped. Could we make it for the 10th or so of Summer, AV 512?

Every day that Levi held onto Lunafang and Crivus was another day he spent feeding them, along with himself. His money would not last forever. Despite his advanced planning for this business, problems had occurred. For him to get anywhere better than a shallow grave or death from empty stomach, he would need to make a good little fortune on his very first trip. This meant, nothing could go wrong. He needed his merchandise to be alive, well fed, and still caged up when he made it to Ravok. Timid and obedient only made it better. Yet, Levi wasn't certain he could make it there, quick enough, and with his merchandise still intact. Yes, it was true that Ignotus had his value to Levi, being an undead companion that neither ate nor slept, and of course the trick with fire shooting from his palms was a bonus. Still, the two of them couldn't do it alone, which is what brought Levi back to the city again, leaving Ignotus to watch the two enslaved people at camp. Levi needed help. And he knew that he couldn't invite just anyone to the team. No, Levi needed muscle, someone who could intimidate the shyke out of slaves, assailants, and businessmen alike. Someone who could lift and throw and kill and protect. Levi needed a harsh man that he could count on to keep him alive, and more importantly, be loyal to him as a companion and business partner. Sadly, most people with the needed skills and qualities weren't quite looking for this kind of partnership. They were like Levi, schemers (like Ignotus, who Levi still didn't really trust, another reason why he wanted help), plotters, planners of wicked things like betrayal. He needed someone that would be loyal to Levi, and Levi alone. And, the only way he could do that, is by making them loyal to his money. Which was a problem in its own right, but he would have to take the risk for now. Levi needed to find a mercenary, someone who wouldn't find it better to kill Levi and take his things because a longer, constant employment meant a longer more enjoyable life, satisfied stomach, and plenty of work to keep them sharp. Levi needed someone like Gorgoth. Again there was a problem. Levi had no clue this man even existed, let alone was simultaneously wandering the same city. Levi wandered into the Kelp Bar, sauntered up to the barkeeper, and said the same thing he said every few days. "I'm looking for some help. If anybody comes in and asks for any work, send them my way. A finder's fee is in it for you." Levi and the barkeeper nodded to each other as the business was done, short and sweet, but quite worthwhile. He then find himself a seat in the usual situation, back to the wall so that not a soul could sneak up on him and take him unawares. There he was, once more, waiting for a bite on his lure. This was like fishing, except for the perfect stronghanded companion.

[Hush]

Just as Levi needed Gorgoth so did the hound need a master, a dog of war with no purpose was nothing. He needed to be back at the helm in the heart of chaos eyes closed and reminsicent sounds of gulls flooded intangibly into a cacaphony of the shrillest screams of agony; compliments of his most trusted and nefarious of companions the man opener.

Eyes opened and he was snapped back into reality, he continued to stride forward the clang of steel and the jingle of chainmail was his favored theme music. Everywhere his dead gaze fell upon people looked down, like ostridges trying to hide from the boogy man.

Gods be praised he loved his freakin life.

It stood before him now the entrance to the Kelp Bar, he hadnt been in there but unlike his slaughter sword that souly thirsted for blood. Gorgoth had a variety of thirsts some unquenchable like seductive wenches and mead, to be diligintly noted in that order. What was worse then a slice of sweet pie without a cold beverage to wash it down?

As he entered the building he soaked in his surroundings, his eyes gently swept across the room carressing each individual and violating others. His gaze even fell upon Levi and his eyes locked fixated on the sea green for a moment. He always liked to know who had weapons in plain sight and where they were. It was impolite to stare, but being impolite by his very nature was one of his better qualities.

He was a shining example of humanity at its finest.

When he turned and arrived at the bar he spoke.

Aye, Barkeep
Got any problems you need resolved?

A real raspy, nasty voice, a real emphasis on the words problem and resolved. A little bit of an under the table message for work that might get uglier then him, maybe even messy.

[Levi Athan]

Gorgoth may have entered the room and saw the people there, and even for a moment or two gave the inconspicuous Levi a quick stare of curiosity and caution. Levi, on the other hand, watched Gorgoth with much greater intensity. The way the slaver watched over the giant of a man, face only too present with the past mutilations of combat or torture, and the way he carried himself, tall and fierce as could be. Levi felt that Gorgoth was more than the typical strong deckhand or sailor that plagued the city of Zeltiva. Their strength was for picking up cargo and placing it elsewhere. This man, Levi felt was a bit more aggressive in those eyes to just be a laborer. For just a moment, Levi allowed himself a sliver of hope. As Gorgoth spoke to the barkeeper, the older man nodded slowly, not as to raise too much attention. In fact, it was difficult to be more subtle than he was. With a casual nudge of his head, he pointed him in Levi's direction. "Your bearded friend has been waiting for you. You'll have your drinks soon." And with another painful casual motion, the barkeeper turned to Levi and offered a swift nod, before leaving to get them Kelp Beer. Terrible stuff, but there was literally nothing else served here. Levi waited for Gorgoth to approach before speaking. "I'm glad you could make it, have a seat." Levi had some work to do with Gorgoth before any final decisions were made. He needed someone that could defend him against Ignotus if need be, despite them being allies, Levi didn't trust him. Of course, there was the need for some muscle so that they could restrain and take slaves, the very job of this business. Lastly, he needed someone that wasn't intelligent, to the point where they might argue or disobey Levi's orders. He already had one ally that showed he could think for himself, with or without Levi, he needed someone that wouldn't do that. "What happened to your face?" It was blunt, but this simple interrogation had to happen. How else would Levi get a feel for his motives and personality?

[Hush]

It was a perplexing notion, almost double edged. The slaver wanted total obedience to the point were free will was non existent, perhaps the notion of free will terrified him. But did he truly want an idiot to stand between him and all those that might want to do him harm? A man like Gorgoth 32 years of age in a profession were careless and reckless mistakes make for an early grave. Though he did not know precisely what the slaver was looking for or the details. The truth of the matter was Levi saw what the undead magi was capable of and it unnerved him. Of course no matter how he played his hand whoever he decided to have champion him, should they fail it was death by fire.

Gorgoth took a seat next to Levi and waited for the complimentary cocktail, it was always the same cheap swill. Nice that it was cold, but it would taste like dirty swamp. Didn't stop him from partaking though, beggars can't be choosers. When the drinks arrived he scooped up the drink and began to slug it back.as he did so beer began to trickle through his face wound. And he promptly used his plated shoulder to wipe clean his mouth. Looking at the flagon, the dark brew sent him back a couple years when asked about his mouth.

Aye mate, it was a long treck through the jungle wilds. Used to be employed as muscle in one of those adventuring parties. Welp we were looking for a band of Myrians that were stirring up a spot of trouble. The whole off with there heads spiel, so we followed there trail in hot pursuit. I swear I could almost taste the gold off the mizas. For days we followed until we cornered them in the marsh waist deep in murky water, they disappeared. Long story short we got ambushed by Dhani, some big shyke busted me mouth open real good. Strong pething bastard, lucky me I was in good company took the head clean off that serpent. If I hadn't of been wearing armor I'd of used its throat as an outhouse. Amazing the kind of stuff you run into out there

[Levi Athan]

OOCI'm so sorry for the delay. I've completely forgotten about this thread. Honestly, Levi wasn't particularly interested in Gorgoth's war stories. Not yet at least. The point alone that he had them told he had experience, at least enough to guard him to some extent. That was one major concern tossed aside. Levi watched as their Kelp Beer was delivered to them (since that was the only drink offered here), and intently stared at the waitress until she was well out of earshot before he began to speak. "Fair enough. Here's what I would require you to do, and there's no room for excuses, failure, or second guessing. I need protection, simple as that. I need someone with strength to make up for what I am not. I need someone to keep people in line, allies and merchandise alike. And, I'll need someone to kill to earn their coin." Levi paused for a moment to watch his potential comrade sip on the crude drink, he himself mirrored the action (and he too disliked the taste, but would tolerate it). "Feel free to ask questions." In fact, Levi hoped for questions. You could judge a man's intelligence both by what he knew, and what he wanted to know. Levi grinned, feeling fairly confident that he could convince Gorgoth to join him, since all he probably needed was to promise a bit of coin (and even that, he thought he'd be able to withhold a little without notice, but that comes much later).