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Post by Walid bin Kasseem(D) on Mar 20, 2008 5:14:37 GMT -5
I had many things to do, and one of them was to furnish my study with a new drawing table – mine had at long last been broken, and rather than having it repaired, I had decided to buy something new.
Seeing as my inventor’s tools were something I was particular about, I didn’t send anyone, and I’d ordered Da’ud and Sayd to stay at a reasonable distance, in fact as far as possible from me as they could. I was growing weary of being constantly escorted. Upon my orders, they were wearing D’Angeline garb, as I was, but inevitably, they and I stood out. It was a curse.
Trying to keep this off my mind, I proceeded to wander around Night’s doorstep in search for the appropriate shop.
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Post by Delarri Esponda (D) on Mar 20, 2008 13:04:14 GMT -5
It was mid afternoon, pale sky over the city, and a rather bland day if anyone were to ask. Contrary to popular belief, a high minded criminal doesn't lift all forms of food and service for free. I was spending my days in the market, learning the local sellars, paying them well, and of course, setting up informants. I kept a wide array of Alias for use in this system, so that no group could ever trace back to me.
During my time, I took in the local fare, sizing up the populous. One caught my eye. A forgeigner though far more obvious than myself. By looks alone, he stood out, cutting a wide berth among the crowds. Possibly a good target. Royalty, and with fewer connections, reprieve might be minimal. I would have jumped him first opportunity if upon closer inspection I hadn't noticed two makeshift commoners trailing uncommonly close. Not dumb enough to believe he was simply unaware, they must be some hidden guard of sorts.
No matter, for now, reconniscence. I kept a generous distance, and made my way through the crowd, ready for his first slip into a building.
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Post by Walid bin Kasseem(D) on Mar 21, 2008 4:56:58 GMT -5
Ah, a shop. Not wanting to lose my time, I stopped by the window, allowing myself to categorize the goods. They were lovely items, truth be, exquisitely carved and elegantly decorated. One drawing table, slanted and beautiful, caught my eye. A movement was made to enter the shop, but at the last minute, a little boy ran out of the alley and tripped over my foot.
The slobbering, sniveling child started crying, and heedless to the fact that he was dirty, I knelt, trying to comfort the little one as I could. A glance indicated that my men were about, a little closer. Suddenly, I didn’t mind – perhaps it was for the look of repulsion the child gave me. It exacerbated the fact that I was indeed much of a foreigner here, and not a reassuring figure.
I gave the child a bronze ducat, pressing it gently into his hand, and what my words could not achieve, the money performed with rabid efficiency. I stood, looking once more at the shops goods through the window. What was it I was considering, again?
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Post by Delarri Esponda (D) on Mar 21, 2008 17:19:33 GMT -5
Passing benevolance. Interesting. But not discouraging for my duties. I took noted of the now assured guards reactions. The one on the right looked to be a bit more about himself, so I'll stay in his blindspot more often than not. As luck would have, as they stopped, I found myself near a fruit seller, and paused as well, pretending to survey the wares. I waited for the next move.
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Post by Walid bin Kasseem(D) on Mar 22, 2008 7:58:31 GMT -5
Ah, yes. Drawing table. It seemed to be arranged in Aragonian style – something exceedingly elegant and delicate. Not unlike… the thought made my heart tighten a moment. No, I wouldn’t bear to work on this table, if it always reminded me of what could have been.
There was no other, and so I continued walking on to the next shop. The sniveling mess that was the boy was lurking about now, smiling at me shyly. I smiled back, and winked. He hid behind a column, and peeked at me.
I wondered if a child of mine would be so curious – perhaps. I extended a hand, and he took off behind another column. Smirking in amusement, I pretended not to see him and instead looked around, taking stock of the different sellers.
A wood worker. Perhaps best to have the table ordered and custom made, I decided. I took a lazy step towards his stand.
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Post by Delarri Esponda (D) on Mar 23, 2008 13:06:39 GMT -5
A few moments passed, the royal entering a shop, while one guard remained outside, the other following. Standard procedure it seemed. Protecting from insurgents on the inside, and warning for disturbances on the outside. I schooled my face to ignorance, and walked inside.
Wood. Blast, I doubt I could look very enthusiastic or in need for very long in a place like this. Quickly, I noted the man, who seemed to be wandering toward a clerk, though he seemed distracted. The other guard lay huddled in the corner, rather bored at first glance.
I feigned interest in models as I made my way closer, pausing interminably to not seem eager.
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Post by Walid bin Kasseem(D) on Mar 23, 2008 18:01:07 GMT -5
I had made my way to the shopkeeper, finding the little boy’s curious eyes hiding behind the counter. How the child ensconced himself there, I had no idea – children can be overly surprising.
“Greetings,” I said to the man, smiling politely. “I would like to discuss a possible order.” Interest bloomed on his face, and he drew closer, abandoning the plank he was polishing and wiping his hands. From my pocket, I took out my pad, and proceeded to drawing exactly what I wanted. “Can you do this?” I asked curiously.
He was following my drawing hand with blatant interest, nodding, visibly already making mental notes. The boy was stalking a little bit closer, and behind me, someone stirred. I looked, finding another customer had entered on my tail. Not overly concerned, I resumed my attention on the transaction.
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Post by Delarri Esponda (D) on Mar 24, 2008 16:25:34 GMT -5
I moved to a table nearby, hoping to put myself in a better position to observe the transaction. As I turned the corner, a young lad seemed to be running about. Was this a son. I looked closely. He looked of city born, not like the royal.
Well, if I can get a measure of this mans worth, I might be able to figure out the risks. He seems rather calm, which could be to my advantage.
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Post by Walid bin Kasseem(D) on Mar 25, 2008 0:23:52 GMT -5
The carpenter was asking questions, curious as to the use of a slanted table, and obligingly, I explained. I was amused at the fact that drawing tables had not crossed his path – but maybe it was he, and not his people. I’d known enough about the Siovalese and their inventions to have respect for D’Angeline engineering.
The boy was suddenly out of my sight, and I let myself get immerged in the conversation with the man. His name was Manfred, he was from L’Agnace, and his specialty was dining room furniture. He had talent for lovely woodwork, but little knowledge of engineering. Still, he thought he could do the work. That was well – I was willing to give him a chance.
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Post by Delarri Esponda (D) on Mar 25, 2008 16:15:42 GMT -5
I bidded my time. I had no real interest in this stuff, though, they definitely catered to people who had the currency to be selective, or the time on their hands to purchase it. Most citizens are quite well off having any sort of table that doesn't tilt, and is stable. I'd learned as much during my years.
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Post by Walid bin Kasseem(D) on Mar 25, 2008 23:02:45 GMT -5
The transaction completed, I took an appointment to visit again the following week, to see if the table was coming along smoothly. That done, I turned to leave the shop, satisfied with the outcome.
I took a moment out, and breathed in the business of the crowd. Perhaps I’d pick up a little something for my fairy. That summoned a secretive smile.
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Post by Delarri Esponda (D) on Mar 26, 2008 10:17:29 GMT -5
Dammit. That was quicker than I thought. I couldn't follow right away, or else he'd be suspicious far so quickly. As he turned, I distilled my patience, opting to watch from the window, to give myself some room. I heard the shop keep address me, "Hey, going to buy something." I ignored it, and waited until he just parted that perspective before ducking out again, and continuing the trail.
Perhaps, maybe I could take out the guards, one seemed to be trailing the others by a good majority. Just need a shaddy spot.
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Post by Walid bin Kasseem(D) on Mar 26, 2008 14:22:55 GMT -5
My smile was maintained as I started to take a turn in to market where lovely pins were proferred. It was a wink between us, of sorts, ever since I’d stolen hers at dinner, and used it as a secret signal. Sayd came by, closer than was warranted, and in our tongue, mentioned the possibility that I was being followed.
That information was met with a surprised eyebrow, and with instructions in ‘Rab, that which suggested they pretend to leave, and merely use a boy as their eye. I could hold my own, and I’d shake the follower, if there was one, more easily than they would.
With efficient words, I said in D’Angeline, “Go and buy some material for the salon, and see me at the cockerel in a moment. If you don’t find me, ask for Joras Timbule.”
That done, I turned a corner into a dark street, and then into an entrance, taking the shadow for my mantle.
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Post by Delarri Esponda (D) on Mar 26, 2008 19:14:41 GMT -5
That was almost too good to be true. He called them off. I caught just the beginning, seems they were errand boys as well. Poor saps. Oh well, makes my job easier. But, no time to get sloppy. I slowed my pace as I passed the alley he entered, reconnoitering where and how fast he moved. I stopped after I passed the alley, and waited for the others to be out of sight. One, two, three seconds, giving the illusion I'd not followed. I turned the corner, he'd turned his as well.
I crouched, and moved swiftly, holding my body and stepping softly. I also reached behind, ready to draw my dagger. It was just as much a persuasive tool as a death dealing weapon. I closed in on the corner.
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Post by Walid bin Kasseem(D) on Mar 28, 2008 12:42:02 GMT -5
I wouldn’t have heard him, but so dark was the corner, he must have not noticed me. I’d not breathed, true enough, and I’d not moved. He had waited, but it was his crouch and his care that drew suspicion. When he drew out a dagger, I understood his purpose. Cut throat, perhaps – or was he sent by my brother to kill me? I hated to think it was possible, but no doubt Karim was growing eager for the throne.
As quietly as I could, I unfastened my scimitar from its light bindings. A little more, and he would be in range, before he cut the corner. Swiftly, the blade sang, staying barely a pin from his throat, my arm pinning him. I would not kill him – but I had to know what business he had stalking me. I can’t say I was pleased, and so the order came down in harshly accented D’Angeline. “Don’t move.”
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Post by Delarri Esponda (D) on Mar 31, 2008 15:38:22 GMT -5
I was getting to old for this. I rounded the corner, and had measured my quarry poorly. A rush of wind, and I felt myself against stone, the cool hum of steel at my neck. However, I'd at least save my life, positioning my dagger hand in front of my chest, point as his stomach.
I kept my cool "Funny, I might say the same thing," I responded in my own accent. Not the best scenario I could have hoped for. But I wasn't dead yet. Which yielded a couple of options. Either, he underestimates me now, or....he was expecting to be followed.
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Post by Walid bin Kasseem(D) on Mar 31, 2008 16:50:10 GMT -5
For now, I kept my stance, holding him clearly in check. "What do you want with me?" I hissed, not pleased one bit with my eager follower. The dagger was well placed, but he needed to cut his own throat to gut me... as I needed to press against the steel to off him.
It wasn't an option anyway - foreign rulers don't kill abroad, no matter what law they instill in their own country. The question was asked, and I probed his face with my eyes. A bit younger than me, Caerdicci, visibly so. I had no quarrel with La Serenissima. What did he want?
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Post by Delarri Esponda (D) on Mar 31, 2008 23:11:13 GMT -5
I snickered despite my situation. "Why, to follow you home of course." I said at first. Not surprising, he reacted not to kindly. So I followed up. "If you must know, your no one of consequence to me. You just happened to be the biggest walking target out today. Had I known you'd be so paranoid, I would have opted for less quarrelsome prey."
I stilled my breathing. I don't think this man would off me, at least not at this point. Perhaps I can use him as a springboard for other targets.
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Post by Walid bin Kasseem(D) on Apr 14, 2008 9:54:58 GMT -5
"Idiot." I spit the word out without hesitation. "In my country, you'd be dead already for following me. Have you no better judgement than to go for one who is so well protected?" I almost wanted to laugh just then. Of course, we were at each other's throats - an amusing situation, that. We'd have to bail out, one way or the other. Dying was not an option.
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Post by Delarri Esponda (D) on Apr 14, 2008 10:23:47 GMT -5
"It seems like your the one a little misguided," I said with a smirk. "Why would anyone have others to guard oneself unless that person was in fact worth something of consequential value." I let that idea sink into him first.
"Clearly, you didn't. And don't even bother going into what ifs. Where ever you're from, it's not here. Now, would you be so kind as to remove that piece of metal from my throat, it's really irritating."
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Post by Walid bin Kasseem(D) on Apr 16, 2008 4:04:16 GMT -5
"I guess I could say the same of you," I replied, not moving the blade one iota. "You won't be surprised to find that your behaviour has not earned much trust, and so that I am quite uninterested in removing the only thing which prevents my gut from spilling out."
I didn't argue on the matter of retainers - this was an order which I kept on insisting upon, but my entourage was quite heavy headed on the matter, and I had not the heart to threaten them with dire consequences. Perhaps now I'd have it, though.
My blade still secure under his throat, I said, "You first, cut-throat!"
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Post by Delarri Esponda (D) on Apr 18, 2008 19:13:00 GMT -5
"Trust, probably not. I've never relied on anyone's trust, it's far to unreliable of an emotion. However, respect, fear, and convenience work much better for loyalty, you should try it sometime. However, your a fair match for such a relationship I might think. If you think about it,"
I toyed with the dagger ever so slightly ignoring my postion, "your obviously the paranoid type who could probably use information every now an then. Am I just looking for coin at this point. Perhaps theirs a better way to attain it from you with out any undue bloodshed." One of the first rules of being a mercenary is never underestimate the power of money and what it can buy you. That goes for both you, your allies, and your enemies.
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