Finding a connection

[Odette Lamberte]

Amid the questionable admiration shown me, I gazed at the pair, becoming strangely lost in a moments thought that quickly became interrupted as I felt a sting on my buttocks. The pinch tore me away from watching the men for any length of time, robbing me of a thought that I was beginning to find intriguing.

I yelped at the burning sensation in my flesh. In an instant, I was up on my feet, scorning my former capturer with a few stern words and a scowl than ruined the youth of my brow. It was all for naught, he and his companions burst into drunken laughter as I returned to the barkeep, none to happy though prepared to deliver more drinks, and avoid more of what I just received.

[Adrian Roux(H)]

I gave the berry in his hand an astute glance, then looked into his face; he really did need the stuff, though Anael alone knew why. Still, it wasn't my concern. "I've seen it around," I said dismissively, though my gaze was interested. "But it's hard stuff to get sometimes, being a poison and this being the Imperial City."

[Eduardo de la Rosa]

I slipped the berry back into the tin and put the tin back in my pocket as I replied, “if it was easy to get, then I wouldn’t be here asking for your assistance.” I looked at him directly. “Will you be able to assist me?”

[Adrian Roux(H)]

"I'm not sure- as I said, it's illegal stuff, and as far as I can know you could be a member of the Guard, or worse, an itinerant traveler unable to make a monetary contribution toward my hard work," I replied nonchalantly. "As awful as it is, one must expect to be cheated in this day and age."

[Eduardo de la Rosa]

“We both know I am not a member of the guard, I’m rather sure a man of your cunning would know them all on sight,” I said. “As for itinerant, I am anything but.” Another fact I was sure he was able to guess at just by the cut and nature of my clothing. “Perhaps I was wrong in my thinking you were than I needed to speak with. I shall endeavor to find someone else willing to be rewarded for the risk I am asking. Forgive me taking up your time, sir.”

[Odette Lamberte]

I poured a smile across my lips once the drinks were presented upon my serving tray then slipped gracefully around tables, and patrons alike, to arrive back to their table, lowering my serving tray proficiently to present their drinks.

“I beg your pardon for the delay in which your drinks arrived. There are some pitfalls in this profession that are difficult to bypass, betimes.” I glanced over at the still chuckling drunkard, the fellow that once held me prisoner, before focusing my attention back on the pair.

“Without challenges to overcome, life would not be worth living, yes?” I truly smiled then, placing each drink in its respected spot before them.

[Adrian Roux(H)]

Smiling broadly and raising my brows in friendly and intellectual speculation at her words I took my drink, slid her the coin for a modest tip and raised my glass. "That depends on the challenge."

[Eduardo de la Rosa]

“And whether you really want to overcome them,” I added, almost under my breath, as I rose.

I looked at the man. “Again, forgive me for taking up your time,” I said, inclining my head as I headed back to the table I’d occupied before.

[Odette Lamberte]

If it was at all possible for my smile to grow, it did in accepting the coin with an appreciative nod of my head. I was about to reply when the dark haired fellow stood. For a moment his action fractured my smile, as I thought he would completely leave the tavern as he started off. I stared after him, worry filling my eyes.

I must have looked a fool when relief flashed across my face as he wandered towards the table he first occupied.

“Indeed…it depends upon the challenge.” I murmured lowly.

[Adrian Roux(H)]

Chuckling and shaking my head I watched the man walk away- well, if he chose to go about getting the things he needed in the most difficult way possible rather than deal with my intelligent caution that was his choice. Still I waited patiently for his mind to change- or to pick a woman over what was supposedly an addictive substance.

[Eduardo de la Rosa]

It was with a far less pleasant attitude that I took my original seat. I could still feel the shape of the belladonna berry in my palm and my body had begun to itch for it.

I took a long drink of my ale, finishing it for I’d left the new mug on the other table. It was his, he’d paid for it. The ale tasted bitter in my mouth now and I closed my eyes, taking a deep breath to try and coax my body into relaxing again.

It wasn’t working.

Dios I’d never survive if I couldn’t find someone to supply me with what I needed. I ran my fingers through my hair and scrubbed at the back of my neck where my skin was starting to prickle with cold fear.

[Odette Lamberte]

I sighed heavily to myself, reflecting on the challenge posed by my companion some moments ago. In the grand scheme of things, it was a challenge that stacked the odds against me. I frowned at the thought.

Why had I accepted such a ridiculous challenge, was nearly beyond the scope of normal reasoning. Clearly I had taken up the notion purely out of desperation for the coin I would gain, if I was successful in my endeavor, I felt a bit sickly for it.

I chased away the worry to address my patron. “If you are in need of somewhat more, you need only motion or bellow for my attention. I'll be more than happy to serve you another round!" I smiled brightly for the sake of my patron before wandering off to have a quick word with the other bar matron about a certain challenge.

[Adrian Roux(H)]

The Aragonian was becoming more anxious and I was getting the feeling he'd be a bit more open to negotiation now. Rising, I picked up his mug and my own glass and went to the table where he sat. "You forgot this, I think," I said, setting down the mug and cleverly dropping a small seed to match that in his hand subtly beside it. Sleight of hand is something one picks up on the streets as a pickpocket and thief and I doubted the girl had even seen it at all.

[Eduardo de la Rosa]

My hand slammed down on the berry, fingers curling around it possessively as I raised my eyes to him.

“I did not forget it, you paid for it and as you seemed unwilling to do business with me I didn’t feel right in accepting your generosity,” I told him.

[Adrian Roux(H)]

"I do have to be cautious- if I get into trouble there's no one to bail me out except myself," I said mildly and with a shrug. "I'm old enough to know better than to enjoy prison cells or the notoriety of being caught at something; the comfort of doing well and escaping to relish my spoils appeals to me far more. Forgive me if I seem hesitant in light of the situation."

Relaxed as ever and comfortable in my surroundings I raised a brow inquisitively at him, wondering if he was going to take a chance just as he wished me to, or simply move on to those less careful and therefore less likely to actually deliver their goods without being caught.

[Eduardo de la Rosa]

I studied him for a moment. “Caution is good in such matters, as is discretion,” I replied finally. “I am not a member of any legal or military group, nor am I unable to reward you for your services, caution and discretion. Are you interested in perhaps furthering our relationship?”

[Odette Lamberte]

For a scant passage of time, I conversed with the other bar matron, quickly addressing the challenge set in place between us. I wove my words carefully, hoping that she would see reason in dismissing our little wager but she would not hear of it. Desperation makes fools of us all it seems.

Half chuckling, half sighing I simply nodded then glanced across the tavern to see that the mysterious fellow had been reunited with the patron I recently served. I paid little attention to their interaction, momentarily becoming absorbed in soaking in the features of the dark haired man.

[Adrian Roux(H)]

"Of course," I replied with an easy, slow smile that was probably reminiscent of my days as a child growing up on a small farm- at least for those who had never done so. IN reality, those living on such lands with such failures found very little reason to smile most of the time. "Do you mind if I sit?"

[Eduardo de la Rosa]

“Not at all,” I said, motioning to the empty chair.

[Odette Lamberte]

Helplessly I sighed, shaking my head lightly from side to side, displacing the soft locks of hair that once perched atop each shoulder. Carelessly they rolled to lay at the back of my neck whilst I returned to pursuing the turn of good coin, for my benefit if naught for the taverns.

[Adrian Roux(H)]

"Many thanks," I replied as I sat comfortably, setting the glasses on the table. "I take it you're looking for more of the same product we've already been considering?"

[Eduardo de la Rosa]

“Yes, and a supply of it for as long as I am in the City,” I answered.

[Adrian Roux(H)]

Nodding I took on a thoughtful expression. "And in what quantity, my lord?"

[Eduardo de la Rosa]

This was always the most difficult question. What I wanted was enough to keep me in a constant state of bliss, but then I would lose my music. That was the only thing that kept me from living in a drug painted world all the time.

“A small pouch,” I said, indicating the size with my fingers. Something small enough it could fit in my palm. “Every fortnight.”

[Adrian Roux(H)]

"Very well," I replied sensibly. "That can be managed." No doubt for a cut of the profits one of my siblings back home in the country could use their pack of children or grandchildren for gathering the seeds and preparing them. "And will you be picking up the wares or should they be delivered?"

[Eduardo de la Rosa]

“Delivered – discreetly – to my rooms at the Palace,” I answered.

[Odette Lamberte]

Pacifying a few more drunkards with another round of drinks, I began to approach their table. Having a mind that business was being conducted, it was a constant in this tavern, my movements were slow. Providing them an opportunity to take pause in their conversation as neared them.

“Another round for my strikingly handsome patrons?” Despite my inner, gloomy mood, I presented them with polite cheer, smiling warmly to each man while they decided upon another round or no.

[Adrian Roux(H)]

Well, this girl was certainly intent on keeping us well-serviced; another visit in less than ten minutes. "I'm fine, what about yourself?" I asked the Aragonian with a raised brow.

[Eduardo de la Rosa]

I looked at the bar maid and smiled. “I’m fine for now, thank you. When he and I are done though, I’d like a glass of brandy, thank you,” I said. This was a subtle message that I’d like to finish up with this man, but would speak with her afterward so she need not worry.

[Odette Lamberte]

There was somewhat more I desired to say though it wasn’t needful, so I merely bobbed my head politely before leaving them to their private conversation.

Shemhazai help me, I was too curious for my own good betimes. Frowning, I continued on with my duties, refraining from returning to their table until I was beckoned.