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[Zandelia]

So far so good, the arrival was honest enough in their dealings and truth be told she had expected no less. The smart thieves always waited until the markets had truly begun to bustle, it was far easier to hide their actions. Zandelia was not a thief, had practices little larceny in her time - petty larceny at least - but she considered herself intelligently equipped enough to discern and understand the methodology. Logic was a very undervalued thing these days she had found, few appreciated that you could deduce much purely from observation and application of tuned mental processes. Still, she did watch them as they came and went, it was her job for the day after all and it would not do to be careless. Not so much because she cared for the shopkeeper, belligerent fool that he was, but because a poor reputation was more damaging than poison in Sunberth. She would not allow hers to be ruined on this watch, much less Fallon’s and Kaie’s.

I can just claim it was because I am a web weaver not a mercenary. They have no such luxury, unfortunately. Failure is not an option she thought to herself firmly as a stony set came to her face.

“Oh, the hungover barbarian told a joke! Yes an…eye…for such things. If only I had your ability with humor,” she stated airily, she did not find insult from someone she called an ally but she still disliked being reminded of her disability and so affected a lack of concern, “of course I’d make the observation, for now, that I am still twice as good looking. Though less exotic perhaps. Do you know Brega‘s? We should go test that observation one day” she continued smoothly as she flicked a warm gaze at the woman, she was merely playing to pass time of course.

There was also the age old observation that Sunberth was a city of surprises and, as she was about to continue with a small game of her quick invention, it proved itself to be worthy of such a title. The mob closed in quickly, though in truth is was not so large as it at first appeared she noted with a quick shifting of her gaze across the numbers. Noting the noose and linking it with the rising anger at the phantom menace of the magi her mind had made its conclusion before the words were even spoken. They were facing down a damned lynching party, though she presumed there would be a burning too. The populace believed in making sure a magic user could not return to life after their ‘punishments‘. Immediately she knew the danger, it was obvious enough. Stand in their way and they would be considered enemies, or at least friends to mages if not mages themselves. Her gaze flickered to Fallon briefly, she new her feelings upon such things and shared them but it was dangerous here, to express them and defend them in the open.

Then Kaie stepped in smartly and made the decision for them, the smarter one to be sure if not the most empathetic and decent one. It was good to know that she held a decent mind behind those strong arms, hidden surprises indeed. Or prejudice, she could not be sure. Many hated magic users - mostly because they didn’t have their powers and feared them. Rightly so given the fact that mages had not exactly helped their position across the lands of Mizahar. What was that phrase about bad apples? They ruined the bunch. Mages were tainted in Sunberth, worse than vermin and far more likely to plague the populace - in the people’s minds at least. A breath she had not noticed she had held seeped out of her throat in a sigh. She eyed the mob and then Fallon, fists clenched tightly against such a criminally immoral act about to be stepped into.

“Aye, let her go,” she stated firmly, voice strong despite her misgivings as she looked away and nodded silently, “no reason to get involved with a mob now. Go on girl, there is no sanctuary for you here. We guard a stall, we do not guard everything” she finished darkly.

"That's right mage! We're going to show 'em what we does to yer inds round here!" the one who supposed leadership growled with clear enjoyment.

"Sure she's a mage?" Zandelia asked with interest lacing her words, conspiratory camraderie feigned.

"Damn right! Says she burned down a house with a family that discovered her so she did"

"A fire? Really?" she puffed out her cheeks and blew hard and long, consideringly.

"So they say"

"Ah yes, they. Strange though I reckon friend, burns down a house but don't burn all of us right here and now"

"Don't give 'er ideas! Prolly just too scared to do it right" he snapped at her, she gave him a long look as the mutters spread she thought, logic perhaps speaking some sense of reality to them. Still she was wary, she had planted a seed of doubt that might lead to their disbanding but to stand in their way would surely unite them now with a new common enemy. She looked away before looking back down at the woman.

"Fair enough, who am I to argue with an expert mage hunter friend. Must now a lot about magic yourself then I expect. To know them from us normal people. Go on then, grab the bitch" she planted the second seed in a friendly manner, glowering down then at the woman with a hate she did not feel.

Fingers unclenched and wrapped around the handles of weaponry at her thigh and the small of her back, daggers ready to un-sheath if required. It was not the girl that she was fearful of using them on though, it was the mob. Dangerous and fickle beasts at the best of times. What would stop them from just trying to kill them too, simply because their ardor for destruction was well and truly stoked into a bonfire. She had done what she could to plant rationality to them, she could do no more without risking all of their lives. Two quick deaths she could deal before having to reposition herself if a fight was given. Her gaze was fixed upon the captive but her peripheral awareness was firmly watching the others.

“We’ve got goods to take care of" she spoke to Fallon then, truly hoping she would not put a moral compass above their lives.

A trying test indeed, even at the best of times. She waited.

[Fallon]

For a moment, Fallon's world dropped into a slow slur of movement and noise. There was a glance to the Myrian, the watching of the shift of movement and her eyes giving a glance down to the drawn gladus. It took several more moments to work out what was going, or at least attempt to ground her thoughts to process the events going on around her. She could hear the hunger to kill, the want to destroy and rip apart the prey before them, the rising voices of the lynch mob and finally the feeling that all eyes were upon. They wanted an answer, not that it mattered what one they were given - she doubted they would not stop if they were declined.

But what could she say? What could she do? These monsters were to butcher her own kind - at least that was what they claimed. Kill, slaughter and destroy simply for something they practice. She knew the Sunberthians feared mages, a poison that needed to be cleansed not only from the city but the world, but with it staring her straight in the eye it was becoming something difficult to gain a grasp on. Words continued to fail, even as Kaie acted and forcefully dragged the supposed mage away. And it was perhaps then that the world of Fallon erupted once more into life.

Surfacing rather forcefully, it took a flurry of blinks to see the shrieking woman be grabbed and taken. Swamped by a sea of hands and arms, she could only hear the screaming and the heavy weight that came with it. Fingers around the tulwar loosened, her brow falling away into a blank expression. She was powerless to do anything, to right and wrongs that may have come about, to fix any issues or the taint that existed in Sunberth. Or more overly, she felt the bitter taste of cowardice and simple surrender - to have no spine to go against her enemies. Her throat tightened, constricted, as an exhale hissed out between her lips and the power plays continued. Somewhere behind her Zandelia spoke up, the subtle suggestions planted within their thoughts - not that they seemed to care. Once more, it was clear their mind was decided, but what made her begin to feel nervous herself was the way the other women were quick to push away. Enough so that it made her wonder just how long it would be before they turned on her.

And that in itself was frightening enough. Kaie made her return, the pause and press of lips. Both of them spoke not to react, to focus on the task at hand and to look away if she wished to. Her gaze turned back to the woman, or at least where she would be if the bodies were not in the way. She did not shift, she simply looked and burned the scene, the memory, into her mind as the mass moved on, with the screaming turning into little more than muffled noises of mercy.

Venom rested, seeped and bloomed, and it was a steeled gaze that swept back to them when the mob was finally gone. The merchant continued on with his business, or attempted to with the occasional nervous glance back around. Occasionally he piped up in his nervous stuttering voice, tempting to try and bring in others to view his wares, but for the most part there was little more than an absence of others - for now at least. It still did not stop him from speaking however about the situation.
"Mages," he spat, "Burn the lot of them if I could, nothin' but trouble. Did good though, putting her back in place. Teach her to grovel for mercy. Pathetic." Fallon swallowed and gave him a glare, silence was her answer on the subject, "Still, could have set off further away. Scared off the customers... don't petching need this. Not today of all days." The man shook his head and grumbled, going back to his feeble attempts of tempting people over once more. The people grew, the steps closing in as the heat of the day rose and the population begun to truly stir into life. Begrudgingly Fallon turned her head away and moved back to what was at hand. Her job, her task, her focus.

Bringing change, it seemed, would have to wait.

[Kaie]

It was astounding how quickly a time for humor-intended low blows and exchanged jibes, could transform into such a somber one that left a taste far more bitter than the ale in the Myrian's water skin. It was almost equally disheartening for one to discover a secret alignment within themselves to such a macabre cause. The odd twist of something resembling guilt in Kaie's stomach indicated she was experiencing that exactly. Coming from a society that held physical prowess in high regard, it couldn't be too surprising that such a culture viewed some magic forms with deep disdain. Some skills such as Reimancy, Morphing, and Malediction were perceived as admirable and useful tools, but Projection and Hypnotism were quite another story. Dhani magic was what such arts were dubbed by the Myrians. Much like a crossbow versus a more traditional bow, they were seen as a sort of crutch. Its mages were commonly believed inferior in body for using underhanded modes of combat and persuasion to reach their accomplishments, and thus best removed the moment they presented themselves a threat. The mentality, Kaie was discovering, wasn't so different from the common people in Sunberth. Perhaps only more extreme and absolute in their magic hatred. Nonetheless, after hearing the accusations against the condemned woman, the savage found herself a bit less sorry to see her go. What of her companions?

Bitzer appeared to watch in a frozen state that might've temporarily numbed her to the world. Web's reaction was far more engaged in the unfolding chaos. It was a convincing display to say the least. So much was it, in fact, that Kaie wasn't certain exactly where the woman's beliefs on the subject rested. Web and Bitzer had clearly acquainted themselves with one another long before they threw a Myrian into their schemes. Wouldn't it be safe to assume that Web was aware of Bitzer's abilities as well then? There was no way to tell and she had no mind about her to reveal a detail of that nature. Especially not in a city like the one they were in. Instead she found herself uneasily content standing back at her post, listening to the curious banter between Spider and lynch mob. It wasn't until later that the Myrian detected a seed of doubt being planted within dull minds. Apparently the gathering's skulls were far too thick for a smidgen of wisdom to grow, because soon enough the violence ended with the tightening of the rope as was their intention. At the very least, the three mercenaries pulled off the safer and more cunning plot, and all without collusion.

There may just be hope for us indeed, Kaie thought coldly, focused more on the deep exhale of the tension from her body than the babbling merchant. The Squealer spoke little more than air, she knew. His mouth was far bigger than the muscles of his arms. He could have a mage sitting blatantly in his path and he'd cower without an angry horde to lead after them. Spineless little prick. Her boot scoffed bitterly against the dirt, sending a small collection of gravel sputtering before her.
"Like business was going so well before," She mumbled under her breath. Evidently, it wasn't as quiet as she had thought because the merchant shot her an annoyed glare. To hide a grin, she thought to change the subject instead. Her sights drifted toward Web.

"For the record, I had meant 'eye' more...what is the word? Figuratively." One of the kukri at her back was retrieved from the harness, and a set of bronze fingers tested its edge. A few taps were given to its point in vexation when she found the sharpness of the weapon waning. "But, if you want to test your theory we could make a quick stop at Brega's after all this to let the whores decide. Though I wonder... Some of Ruby's girls used to complain about how some men liked to finish. The sight of you might bring those traumatic memories all rushing back to them: stumbling around a dim room, half blind, in search of a handkerchief." There was a mischievous curl to her lips and a false innocence portrayed in the lifting of a brow. Yet then she found her lips pursing in wonder, and kukri acutely focused on picking the dirt from under one of her nails. "How did your lot allow your males so much...empowerment?"

[Zandelia]

Well…that could have gone worse. Much worse indeed. Safe for now, no one hunting us down. Just others. Innocent others probably she thought to herself morosely.

She glanced in Fallon’s direction briefly, she didn’t want to meet those eyes. Eyes that she thought would be accusatory and possess a depth of meaning to them about this unfortunate event. What choice did she have? She was a mage herself, albeit one that was very difficult indeed to sniff out. Only those she trusted know of her ability and even then she knew they were smart enough to never give it away. She disliked having to let the mob have their way, it grated against what she held inside. On the surface she hated mages as much as anyone else but beneath she couldn’t - not without being a hypocrite, something she tried not to become. Hypocrites tended to die young in her experience, too foolish to see their own shortcomings. She made a mental note to visit the ringleaders and ensure that they would not be around long enough to hang anyone else on words alone.

It was ironic really, she embraced freedom in its truest sense yet found herself wishing there were courts to mete out justice based upon more than the words of hate and fear. She shook her head, at least some might be thinking twice. It was the best she could do without being killed but she did watch carefully, committing the treachery to memory, as the woman was noosed and walked off to somewhere far more…enjoyably public. It wasn’t until Kaie kicked the flurry of stones away that her attention truly turned back to the matters at hand - companionship and protection. She tilted her head and smiled at the growing boldness of the humor. Perhaps not intended at first but now very much so, a test perhaps.

“Customers will come soon enough, I believe the people are thankful for such…protective acts. Mages indeed,” she stated flatly, leaving the interpretation of her tone to his own mind, “here we go. A few come now so why don’t you be a dear and serve them?” she told him succinctly.

“Ah, so you are familiar with such establishments. Good to know. I shan’t ask precisely how you know these things. Though perhaps you have had need of a kerchief before?” she led with the fanciful, airy tone, “but perhaps we should. I could teach you how to catch something without ramming a sword into it to the hilt” she shrugged at that, it was banter and ultimately a passing of the time.

She watched the first crowd of shoppers make their purchases and move on, a second slipping in behind along with someone holding back ever so slightly. She watched her carefully, possessed of a very long coat that could hide many things. Her movements were too deliberate she thought, bumping someone’s here and nudging them there. Slipping into a position just behind those at the stall but between them. A perfect place from which to reach through the gap and lift an item whilst being hidden. Nothing untoward was occurring yet but she still kept her gaze upon them, shifting here and there occasionally but keeping them in her peripherals. She had to wait for something to be done that required protection before she could disrupt the commerce - wouldn’t do, after all, to do it if they were a paying customer and she was being paranoid.

“Let them?” she asked thoughtfully, “no one let them. They just ended up being on top and since then have had a desire to stay there. As they say, the whore is always on the bottom unless otherwise instructed. How many fighting women do you know in these parts? I mean…real ones. The majority are not able to fight for supremacy and those that are half of them don’t have the ability. If you are thinking of teaching them then I’m all ears but to be honest…I don’t think they care” she spoke from a distance, testing the words.

“All in all it is the job of the few of us, us happy few, to make sure the men don’t forget how dangerous we can be. Sword arms and mind. And a few other choice pieces of manipulation or browbeating. Never met a man who was stubborn enough I couldn’t club him down. Except Robern, he was a uniquely intelligent man. An oddity to be sure” she finished.

“Dead now, guess women just got a boost,” she stated flatly, “why? Women are on top where you are from I take it?”

If she were honest she had never really thought in terms of genders. To her it was all about opportunity, it didn’t matter if they had a nice arse or pair of stones to kick. She supposed it would be a decent question to ask but one which fundamentally she believed there was no answer to. Men were naturally stronger it seemed and thus forced their way to the top. The women who did have power possessed it through guile and charm for the most part. If the Scars succeeded in their bids for influence then they would probably be one of the few sets of women who managed to fight it to the top rather than use softer methods. She had no illusions that women could hold their own, it was just rarer. Rarity did not breed cohesive wholes. She continued her watching and the woman slipped something into an inner pocket of her coat - she had not paid for it.

“A way of proving my words…seize her,” she pointed to the woman, “she has something inside her coat I believe. Always wanted to say seize too…so dramatic eh?” she grinned.

[Fallon]

Fallon continued her silence, brooding almost in nature as she watched the world continue on around her. Her thoughts were still turbulent, even as the other women spoke up and continued their playful banter - passing the time and working away the day. Around the crowd swelled and throbbed, her awareness taking them in and looking for those subtle, telltale signs of a hazard approaching. Lips were licked, her gaze flickering back for a moment and then returning forward.

"Brega's? Count me out," she finally spoke up, a slight shudder to the thought. The very idea of entering a brothel, a black hole of bad luck made her internally writhe just on the idea of setting foot in such establishment. They brought her nothing but trouble, suffocating and a place she frequently associated with danger. Fingers gave a flex, and then pulled at her collar once more to will the air into circulation. There was a nonchalant shrug after that, a forcing of the hand to wave the thought aside, "Still, have fun ladies if you do go and partake... just don't come back with unexpected surprises."

Inhaling she let her eyes rest upon the woman in the long coat, gaze boring at the back of her head she shoved her way through. Suspicion gave a flicker, prickling almost as she watched. Just beyond she could hear the merchant shouting still, attempting to make deals as he sold his wares, but otherwise there wall little more than the noise of the rabble. Besides, a more interesting topic had cropped up and left her thinking. Tilting her head to one side she paused and listened, confused almost as to where it came from, "Male? Empowerment?"

She knew it was so and it was far from beyond her awareness, but it was something she never truly considered - or perhaps more correctly saw and acknowledged it. Exhaling she turned her gaze briefly back to the swarming people, looking to wares and their purchase.
"Most women who learn to fight here generally only learn enough to try and protect themselves. Beyond that I would have to agree that most do not care. They have no reason to go further than that after all. Sure, they have ambition... but it seems to lie in other areas," Fallon gave only a shrug in response, and then snorted loudly "Guess you've never fought a knight then Web? They never seem to know when to give, they'd probably keep on trying to fight without arms and legs too. Threaten to beat your kneecaps off or something." Shaking her head, her eyes drifted once more, and then settled.

The announcement however made her return to her duties. There was only the brief rising of the brow before she became animated. A step in, the target clearly pointed out, it was the right hand that reached out to grasp upon the thief, and the gaze met the look of alarm. There was a firm, shove of the person next to her, a stoop and a stagger as she looked to make a move and get away. It was the other hand that jerked out after that a firm swing round and a grasp upon the closest arm. A firm pull back, her voice rumbled out a firm and hard tone, with her other hand held open in gesture, "Give it back little thief."

Something glinted in her eye, a flash of something metallic as the thief pulled against her hold. A swing round, the rising of a sharp point in reflex. There was a sharp turn of the head to the side in recoil, her free hand rising up as she saw what could only be described as a small knife with a keen edge swept across the corner of her vision. Her grip loosened, the thief pulled and stumbled a few steps away - somewhere beyond her immediate reach. There was a blink, the momentary surge of adrenal rising up. She had still yet to grasp upon one of her weapons, but the order of process was clear. Disarm, disable, and deal with. Her weight shifted, a quick step and both hands open to grab, only the commanding voice came after that, "Flank, quick!"

[Kaie]

The Spider is right again, the Myrian woman mused quietly, that smug grin aimed only down at the blade that worked beneath her thumbnail. There was a level of concentration dense within her eyes. One might suppose that would be necessary, considering a break of focus might earn a nasty slice in vulnerable flesh. Nonetheless, Web's clever rebuttal earned a quick laugh from the foreigner in any case. Her smile turned guilty in the face of the accusation about her sword, too. Playful banter between sharp tongues had always proven to be an amusing past-time. It helped alleviate the heaviness she still felt in the air in the wake of the latest crisis at the very least.

"Before you managed that you'd have to teach me patience first," Kaie shot back just as quickly with a mirthful gleam to her exotic eyes. The Kukri vanished back into its harness. That's when her sights traveled back to Bitzer with a turn of her head. "Partake?" The Myrian's face twisted in displeasure. "Not with all the shyke that goes around there. Besides, Brega's does tend to feel a bit...entrapping, don't you think?" There was a bored shifting of weight from one foot to the other before she finally chose to move. The gladius on her hip bumped as she strode toward the knife stall. Already was the merchant babbling away again at a client that more than likely would refuse his merchandise. Well, assuming he had any wits about him of course. Leaning one elbow up onto the side of the old wooden stall, she settled in to ponder once more the question she had posed before.

It was fascinating to her, their world so twisted and grotesque in comparison to hers. Such a culture was unthinkable, to let the men rule the women in a way that crippled them in society. For all their musings and explanations, Kaie still found herself glancing between her two companions in deeper thought than before. Her brow pulled tight above her eyes, lips sucking in subtly as if she were trying to work something out in her head. Why wouldn't they care? Why would they cover in the shadows of their counterparts with no desire to better their station, to dominate and guide their race in the direction that was necessary? Who the petch is Robern? So many questions and no time to ask. Not on this job, anyhow. Just when her lips parted to confirm Web's suspicions regarding her own society, Web and Bitzer's shouts terminated any thought for answering.

Thief.

There was a pivot upon a heel, the first hazardous step forward to place herself dead-on with the threat before her. Her eyes followed their stares, and in a moment, her feet were dashing at the coated woman steadily. She noted the shine of metal and the whipping sound it made through the air, and immediately her hands came out defensively before her in a guard. Her run slowed and her body fell into its natural combat stance, knees bent and body squared to the enemy. Having come in from the side, she sealed the flank she protected in their perimeter. You'll find no escape on my end, amber eyes taunted sharply with the tightening of her pupils.

The sweep of the small knife toward Bitzer prompted a burst of deep irritation within the savage. No need for the gladius or the kukri. For this, hands will do. With a hard scuff of her boots upon the ground, a curtain of suffocating dust vaulted from where it settled upon the ill-kept docks into the face of the assailant. Her next move, perhaps unorthodox or reckless, left her launching her body at the woman to wrap her in a tight bear-hug tackle. Tan arms wrapped around the biceps of the thief, pinning them to her sides while gravity tore them both down with a thud. With the woman writhing in her grasp, it was rather obvious to the Myrian right then that her plan hadn't exactly been thought through...at all. And in that moment, it was plain on her face.


OOC:Sorry about that wait, guys! I didn't get a chance to proof-read or beef this one up much, but I wanted to give you something to go off so we can keep this thread in motion before I got sucked into more homework!

[Zandelia]

She had to smile at the returned comments, they were jovial enough to assume that the Myrian was at least enjoying herself enough despite the fact they had so far had little to do. It was the philosophies expressed, however, that engaged her attention the most. It was strange to think that there was a race where the women ruled by right and that it was considered the normality. For clearly that was what was being suggested to them, that Myrian's took it for granted that women reigned supreme. She wondered, idly perhaps, whether that was etter or worse. To her mind there was little point in holding power if it was given as a right of birth rather than having earnt it. Still, she knew little of Myrian ways and as such she reserved judgement for now. She would have to sit down with Kaie and fully explore it, question her on her past and where she had come from – where she was hoping to go.

And that's the real question isn't it? Where she wants to go, what she wants to do. She is a skilled combatant, no doubt about that. A sword. But swords are only as good as the hands that wield them, the directions that they are swung in she mused to herself as the thief was apprehended, demanded to hand over their stolen goods.

She was not overly concerned truly, Fallon was capable enough and the little woman seemed more street rat than adept of larceny. Small game indeed, a little titbit of a delight truly. She had been spied and caught, wrapped up in the trio and surrounded. There was no threat to their stated terms of contract that she could see and as such she turned her gaze away to instead gaze out upon the throng of citizenry – for lack of a better word. There were other, more pressing, potential threats perhaps. She saw little though, her practised art of observation was developed enough to see that there were no other thieves in the current vicinity. It was the way they always held themselves, trying to hide within plain sight. You could always tell if you looked though few often even tried. Detection was found in the way they placed their feet, the flickering fingers and the furtive gazes to the surroundings. Everyone else around the stall seemed more interested in purchasing their way through life honestly.

Or as honestly as you can in this city she snorted to herself privately.

It proved to be a mistake as was soon shown, the thief breaking free and forging a mad dash for freedom with their stolen wares. Her head whipped around at the short scuffle and the barked orders, feet shifting as she began to throw her bodyweight into a low momentum, the beginnings of her own chase. She was beaten to it, however, by Kaie who bodily barrelled into the young girl as if she were brawling in a tavern. She had to slide to her side, swaying to avoid the tangled heap of splayed limbs as it pushed into the crowd and people scattered and squawked their consternation. Cursing she took up a position as best she could, blocking the intended escape route as she pushed people aside. It was difficult until she pulled a dagger from its sheath at her thigh – people moved like the wind then. The young girl was up on her feet, Kaie still tangled in her legs and preventing her escape.

“Don't” she growled as the blade was pushed out before here, pointing menacingly at the would-be thief.

There was a frozen few moments then, time ticking by as the decision hung in the balance. She glared at the girl who decided to take her chances and ran at her bodily, now free from the fallen Myrian. It was a pitiful attempt to beat en experienced combatant, a move made of desperation than wise counsel. It ended as quickly as it began, knife jabbing out somewhat inexpertly but enough to gouge a slice into the upper arm of the girl, the free hand grappling her jerkin as her right leg slipped behind her knees. In the end, as with so many things, it was all about balance. Pushing her grapple she pivoted the thief over her leg and her back slammed into the ground. The knife came against her throat.

“I did say...don't. By rights I should kill you now, I could you know. But...I admire spirit when I see it”

“Spirit! She damned well sto-” the merchant cut in amidst the almost silence.

“Shut up...yes...spirit. Now hand over those goods and we;ll see what we will be doing with you. I could press my point but I'm not sure how much pressure your throat can handle. Bitzer...Kaie...you okay?” she asked as she kept her grip as firmly as she could, knee pressing into the girl's abdomen with her full body weight.

[Fallon]

Movement came, her eyes burning down as they bodies of the two other women surged in around her. Movement, swiftness, her eyes caught the shapes of Kaie and Zandelia moving in quickly. The Myrian had essentially tackled the woman to the floor - something Fallon probably would have done herself given the situation - and took the thief down to the ground in a mass of limbs and objective curses. The gloved finger tips gave a tap to the side of her face - reflex almost to see if she had obtained a new wound, and upon finding none she simply relaxed and turned her gaze to both the women.

The crowd was already coming in around them, the jeering pokes as the pair wrestled it out and the three came to surround the victim. It made her skin prickle, her eyes darting around to the tens of eyes that were watching expectantly. Even as Zandelia gave her firm push through the crowd - pure intervention and the closing of the gap - did she feel the hairs rise and the buzz of annoyance reach her. It made movement hard to say the least, but it also meant that they were to the views of the public. How did the Scars deal with thieves? Or did they just break to the whims of the merchant who hired them? She frowned at that, a chew on her lip as the bodies split the moment the blade was brought into the fold.

Still, the thief took her chances - and Zandelia took hers. Expertly executed and the girl was once more on the ground. The upper hand went to the spider, and the thief was ensnared in her web. Eyes peeled back to the crowd, a low click as she made her move around. There was no need to interrupt with the way Zandelia was dealing with the girl anyway, so Fallon simply moved on to other tasks at hand. She watched the small struggle, the attempt to rise up and fight back. The point gave the small enough incentive it halt her however, and the movement stopped.

"I'm fine," Fallon spoke up, her eyes lifting to look to the Myrian. There was a small shrug, and her attention turned to the closed in crowd. A suck in of the air, she set her gaze out to burn, "Alright you lot, show's over. Scatter." She heard the disappointing snorts, the piggy eyes of the merchant fixing upon them - waiting for the return of the goods and the dealing of the just punishment of Sunberth. Her eyes peeled back, the smallest shooing wave to send the locals back to whatever they were originally here for - purchase or simply moving on.

The thief gave a gentle press in objection, a youthful stubbornness control her movements. The point prickled, a snort, and the thief simply surrendered the pilfered items. Lips gave a twist, a flicker of observation as the thief simply spat her words, "Fine. Take them. Petching-"
"Serves you thief," the merchant gave a firm shove past then, snatching the goods back with a large hand. He returned to where he was, the careful inspection of the iron wrought object with his eyes - checking for damage or worse. Fallon gave a nod, a step away to take her position back to where she was. At least, that was until the merchant spoke up once more - which only caused part of her to internally groan.

"This. Got... got a mark on it," he grumbled. Fallon shot him a glare, eyes narrowing into slits as he seemed to almost begin to complain. Lips wetted, her expression no doubt clearly marking that she was far from amused in his sudden complaint and then turned her gaze to the other two once more, "Spirit indeed. Get's people a long way, still need to learn to be careful though," she gave a nod towards the dock waters, "What you want to do with her? Give her a ki-"
"Little bitch got it dir-"
"Oh, do shut up," Fallon gave a leer, and promptly turned to what was at hand, "Kick to the water or something else?"

[Kaie]

Was it anger or sheepish shame she felt first? The Myrian wasn't quite certain. Although her timely tackle halted the thief's swift escape and disappearance into the growing crowds, she had proved herself an almost worthy quarry. With panicked thrashing and yanking of entangled limbs the woman had managed to slip from Kaie's grasp. A flurry of savage curses escaped the warrior's lips and her bronze hands grappled to maintain a hold on her prey, heels whipping out to perhaps hook with the other's legs and end her fleeing. There was a flash of metal swooping down toward her flesh which the Myrian dodged to save her fingers, giving the thief an opportunity to permanently free herself from capture. If only she had been so lucky. It would seem like an almost perfect set up: the tigress running the fly right into the waiting spider's web.

The savage's body shifted rapidly, torso turning and feet twisting to find her feet in time. With one kukri aggressive returned to her grasp and amber eyes seeking the ideal victim she had failed to subdue, Kaie was satisfied to watch the street urchin hit the cobble on her back. Web's dagger was expertly placed upon her throat. And she wouldn't be the first youth in Sunberth whose neck was kissed by steel, the Myrian thought darkly. Without a word she stood and glanced about the crowd about the pair. The kukri twisted anxiously in her fingers, eyes hoping to catch an accomplice trying to impose retribution before a move was made. It never came. With a stern bark from Bitzer, curious bystanders adverted their gazes and wandered to new stalls. Reluctantly, the kukri disappeared back into its sheath.

"Just peary," She responded with the common barbarian expression, hands brushing the dirt off from where she hit the ground and squabbled with the thief. Or is it supposed to be "peachy"? she paused to ponder foreign terminology. A shake of her head and an exhale of audible irritation in the thief's temporary evasion was given, yet immediately her eyes drifted between her comrades. Only a glance was offered to the merchant, who had already decided to test their patience further. Instead of involving herself in the verbal abuse, she wandered over toward the subdued thief and crouched down beside her. Amber eyes peered curiously toward the indignant face. At least the girl had the wits about her not to try to spit. Spirit. Alright, I'll give her that. A glance was offered toward the docks and the waiting sea and a mere shrug was given.

"She's a thief. We'd do best to take her hand," Kaie voiced with an ancient certainty and rose to her feet. It seemed an obvious decision to her. Any caught swiping in Taloba received the same fate by Myri's law. Crime was a rare thing in the Myrian city. Still thinking in line with her origins, she supposed the remaining hand afterward would still allow her to be useful, though in Sunberth Kaie wasn't sure the populace really cared. Tradition was tradition in any case. Despite Kaie's bias, it was important to note the level of poverty she'd observed, too. Unlike her birthplace, brutal punishment like the one she suggested wouldn't deter other desperate rats from weaseling between the crowds. Their decision would reflect their judgement and their character, and nothing more. Yet was it not better to come off hard when enemies prowled the shadows than soft? "If she has spirit as you say, she'll still make it."

[Zandelia]

“Peachy Kaie, just…peachy,” she spoke between cackles of laughter, “ peary…oh my, you are a keeper indeed. Oh, excuse me” she wiped a few tears from her eye and took a deep breath to compose herself before looking at the Myrian.

“Was a good tackle though, could use some training in planning. Lateral thinking. If you so desire I would be happy to do so, Bitzer…well she is the tactics one. And the fighting. Though I can fight quite well myself if I say so myself. For now though, what to do with you?” she asked herself softly as she stared at the would-be thief.

The suggestion given by the young barbarian woman was harsh, brutal perhaps but she had to admit possessed and effectiveness that most law an order – if it could be called that in Sunberth – lacked. She could not likely carry on being a thief with but one hand to steal with, too many techniques required both hands for misdirection and subtlety. Yet the flippant nature in which it was said, as if it were a normal thing, made her cautious about what values Kaie held close to her heart. Camaraderie and a binding by blades was a worthy thing to hold dear and she hoped to earn that bond herself in time, with care and a consideration born from effort over expediency. She was a Scar, she was a part of this budding family.

Yet just cutting it off here before the crowd, hardly the best way to ingratiate ourselves with the locals. To prove that we are different that the exploitative and bloody regimes they currently strive to not live under the boot of. So…what to do? she thought, eye glinting hard as she glared at the girl – it always behoved to put on the show, no matter who was watching.

“Spirit cannot survive everything, this city crushes many. Some who possess agency and initiative turn to baser things to govern their lives – to provide. Yet they can be converted to a better course. We exist for something better than just punishment. Would you expect people to kill you, Kaie, just because you are good at killing for a living? Mercenary, thief and spy. Guard, shop keeper or tavern owner. These are but titles, they don’t state the person behind them – whether they are worthy or not” she stated simply as she circled the girl.

“Here now! She stole my wares!”

“No, you have them back. You, however, seek extra recompense despite the fact they are no different than before she stole them. Hate rules your heart in regards to thieves. Understandable. Yet you seek to take more than is owed…does that not make you one also?” she stated quietly, softly yet with an underlying steel.

“Now see here! I-“

“Oh do be quiet…please. Your stall is safe. The obligation fulfilled this time. Justice is not your decision to make, we caught her. It is ours. So little one,” she squatted down before the lass now and looked into her eyes, “should we take your hand for your crime? Or rather…should the stupidity of getting caught cost you your hand?” she asked, a rhetorical question.

“P-please…don’t! I just take enough to get food! I have family!”

“Don’t we all? And what of other’s families? Do you not stop food from getting to their mouths? What makes you worthy of release?”

“Not my hand! Please! Anything, I’ll do anything!”

“See how the spirit breaks?” she stated to the other two, “pointless to crush. How about a figner? Something to remind her of her mistakes but still leave her with enough to continue. If I catch her again…well…then I’ll take her hand. I hope it won’t come to that though”

“What in the Hai are you talking about!?” the shop keeper shouted before being stared down once more.

“Hope. If she survives and wants to o better, live a better purpose…she can come to me. Anyone who seeks to improve themselves can come to me. I am not perfect, not by a long shot. But this Matriarch, last of her blood, perhaps she can pass something on to the future beyond death” she stood up, tone tired and philosophical.

“I leave the choice to you Bitzer, you’re the leader” she stated as she looked through the crowd.

She thought she saw a flash of red.