Not for the first time and certainly not the last, Morrigan Moonweaver was running for their life. While these occurrences were often well-deserved, especially considering the circumstances that led up to these daring chases- botched sales, angry clients, and even the occasional jilted lover- the angry mob was, for once, not their fault.

Well, mostly.

Really, though, how was Morrigan supposed to know that the lovely pirate lady selling them herbs at Thorock’s marketplace would take offense to being asked if she wanted a remedy for the blisters on her face, or that her husband would round the corner just as Morrigan calling her a horrid troll in response to her insult referring to them as a fork-tongued devil?

Either way, Morrigan’s bag was woefully sparse of any concoctions that might help them out of this mess- precisely why they had been stocking up on materials in the first place until they were so rudely interrupted. They were left with no choice to run, with a couple of angry pirates chasing after them with big, deadly blades and the intent to murder.

It did not help that Morrigan was completely unfamiliar with Thorock’s terrain, having only just arrived at the city, and they couldn’t keep running forever. It was in a moment of desperation that Morrigan rounded a corner into an empty street that their eyes landed on a lone person wandering around. Someone who looked capable.

Desperate for help, Morrigan grabbed their shoulder, catching their attention.

“Please, you have to help me. I’m being chased by a horde of angry pirates!”

Marik had just left the blacksmith; she had acquired a new shiny toy that was very...... stabby. She was quite pleased with her new Katana, the blade black as night and the hilt had a beautiful dark purple accent. She had waited a long time for this, and she was ecstatic. She decided to make her way back to the tavern she currently called home, she took the back way to avoid the crowds. The crowds were avoided however the drama, not so much. She saw a Tiefling turn the corner at high speed, Marik went to move out of the way when the Tiefling grabbed her by the shoulders pleading for help. 
She raised an eyebrow at the tiefling, chased by some pirates? Grant it the ones around here could be rather testy and annoying however they very rarley chased anyone without reason. But sure enough it was shortly after that a bunch of pirates rounded the corner, very much not happy. 

The mystery Tiefling got behind her, as the Pirated drew closer. Marik reconized two of them as Cresilas and Mason, she knew them from the market she bought a couple thing from them once. She didnt make that mistake again.
"Move out the way before we kick your ass to!"  
Marik smirked a little and pulled her knew blade out of the sheath, and pointed it towards Cresilas neck. "Is that so, go for it. I need to try out my new toy anyway" 
Cresilas put her hands up a little, "Calm down Tiefling, we aint looked for death just ruff them up a little."
"They insulted my wife, and she deserved justice!" Mason piped in, there three goons cheared behind them
Marik rolled thier eyes, "I really could care less what stupid escaped your on. Your in my way, that i do care about, so take your wife, your lackys and justice and screw off back to where you came from. I am sure you have someone to rip off" Mason huffed up and she pushed her katana closer to his neck making contact but not breaking skin. He growled, "Fine, but keep them away from our stall. We wont be so nice next time." They turned and headed back to wherever they came from. 
Marik rolled her eyes, so melodramatic, she sheathed her sword, and turned around to the Tiefling behind her.

“Good riddance- I don’t want your smelly old weeds anyways!” Emboldened by the presence of the woman that had protected them, who clearly knew what to do with the blade in her hands, Morrigan couldn’t help but taunt the retreating pirates. When they were out of earshot, Morrigan pulled themselves out of her shadow, catching their breath after that exhausting run. “And all that for a bit of herbs.” They lamented, staring at the crushed plants in their hands.

Oh, well. The venture hadn’t been all horrible- the herbs were still salvageable, and Morrigan had now met a new protector. As the other fellblood sheathed her sword and turned to face them, Morrigan plastered an effortlessly charming smile on their face. She was only a little shorter than them, but her eyes had a steely sharpness to them that spoke of a rough exterior.

“Thank you kindly for the assistance. If you hadn’t chased them off, I fear to think of what might have happened to me.” Those pirate thugs would no doubt have turned Morrigan’s bones into powder. “I could have used my magic, of course, but I’m afraid that would have turned this entire block into ash.” They added hastily.

Of course, Morrigan doubted there were many here in Thorock that knew of their reputation, but it had been so long since they had started living under this illusion that it only felt natural to continue to do so, even if that ruse was highly unlikely to work right now.

At this point, playing the part of the great mage was all Morrigan knew how to do.

“Ah, my name is Morrigan Moonweaver- you may have heard of me.” They paused. “... No? That’s quite alright, there’s plenty of time for that later. The night is still young. Please, let me take you to a tavern and buy you a drink for your troubles.”

It had been a long time since Morrigan had seen another fellblood - aside from their own reflection, of course- let alone one that was generous enough to extend a hand to a stranger. Morrigan quite liked their own face, and was grateful that it had not been smashed in by a slighted lady-pirate and her overprotective husband. The least Morrigan could do was pay their savior back.

Marik staired blankly at this Morrigan Moonweaver, who was apparently quite full of Thier self, she wasnt originally from Thorok but been here long enough to know they were defiantly not from around here. She was somewhat apprehensive to take them up on their offer, not that she couldn't use a drink that was actually where she was headed anyway. They seemed to attract trouble, but despite her better judgment it was hard to pass up a free drink.
"okay, I could use a drink, but try and refrain from pissing any more pirates off if at all possible"

The two made their way to the tavern that was a couple streets over, there were a few people there but as Morrigan said it was still fairly early in the evening, so the crowd hadnt gathered yet. Which Marik was fine with, they made their way to the bar, Kathy a human in her fifties greeted them. Marik had become a regular at the tavern, and Kathy was usually the one who was bartending when she stopped by so Kathy knew her fairly well.
"Ah Marik, good to see you dear. Would you like your usual?" Kathy asked with her normal smile, she noticed Morrigan standing next to Marik.
"Oh and you brought a friend, lovely to meet you, what can I get you?"

As expected, they received nothing more than a blank stare in response to their name. I guess my reputation hasn’t quite reached Dragon’s Cradle yet…

It was just as well. Rather than discouraged by the thought, Morrigan saw opportunity, and it came in the form of the tiefling in front of them. All it would take was a few carefully-placed rumors, and Morrigan’s name would be known around Thorock by nightfall.

“I make absolutely no promises.” Morrigan said solemnly as the woman let out a resigned sigh before turning and promptly making her way to the nearest tavern, or at least a building Morrigan assumed must have been one. The building was dreadfully dull, with absolutely no spark or charm to it. It was just another hole for people to get drunk and lament their miseries for a couple of hours, only to go home and repeat the cycle again the next day.

Ye, Gods… Morrigan suppressed a cringe at the dirty interior as the woman strode up to the counter, where a human woman recognized her instantly. So she was a regular? The woman- Marik, as the bartender had called her- maneuvered around tables with a practiced ease that said she'd spent more than enough time around here to get the lay of the land. Morrigan trailed behind, taking in the scenery, when the bartender called out to them with a friendly smile on her face.

Morrigan strolled to the counter, immediately leaning one arm on the old wood, a dazzling smile plastered on their face. “I’ll have a firewhiskey, if you’ve got any. And I’ll be paying for whatever Lady Marik wants, as well.”

They fished a rather generous amount of solars out of their pocket, placing them on the table before turning to Marik with a wry grin. “We celebrate tonight, yes? Both for my life, having been spared a most horrible fate at the hands of those wicked pirates, and for new friends.”

Most horrible fate? That was a tad overdramatic, more like a good ass kicking but that would have been about the extent of it. 
"Of course, deary coming right up." Kathy replied with a smile
She returned shortly with two drinks in hand and sit them on the counter for the two to grab. Marik gave Kathy a small smile in thanks and grabbed her drink. She spotted a table in the corner, away from the crowd that she knew would be coming in here shortly. Taking a seat, she took a nice big gulp of her drink. Sitting her glass down, she looked over at Morrigan. 
She took the time to really observe them for a moment, this area of Thorock tends to attract a wide variety of individuals. For the most part not the most trustworthy types either, so Marik was always cautious when dealing with new people. 
"So its pretty clear you are at least somewhat new to this area, so what exactly are you here for? This isnt exactly a vacation spot." She asked as she takes another sip of her drink. 

The two collected their drinks from the kindly bartender and made their way to a table that Marik pointed out in a more secluded part of the tavern, where they would not be so easily disturbed by any crowd. She was the cautious sort, Morrigan observed, though there was no real surprise there. Morrigan may never have been to Thorock before but they knew of its unsavory reputation.

In a place like this, Morrigan Moonweaver may as well have been walking around with a target on their back that said, “Come rob me!”

Morrigan leaned back in their seat, sipping at their drink in a rare show of restraint- partially because the night was still young, and partially because Morrigan was wary of any more pirates popping out from unsuspecting places.

“Aside from accidentally inciting angry pirate mobs?” Morrigan chuckled as they drummed their fingers against the table. “I am visiting your lovely town in search of components for potions. You see, it’s difficult for me to obtain certain plants in my home country- the desert is lovely, but quite difficult to grow anything in.”

While Thorock wasn’t exactly the kind of place one might think to look for rare and exotic plants, Morrigan was an opportunist, and what the underground city lacked in a wide variety of flora, it made up for in people who were willing to trade such rarities for a bit of coin.

The charlatan let out a wistful sigh, resting their head in their palm. “But I’ve run into nothing but scalpers and thieves since my arrival.” They supposed that was to be expected around these parts.

They perked up as an idea occurred to them, their tail swishing behind them like a particularly excited cat. “You’re a local, aren’t you, Lady Marik? Have you any advice about the city to impart upon a humble traveler?”

Marik took another sip of her drink before setting it back down on the table, "To be fair, that's basically what this part of Thorock survives on." She went quite thinking of all the somewhat trustworthy merchants, though that wasn't a long list. 
"Advice? Keep a low profile. When you start pissing off the pirates, they start banding together and it can get messy quick. Learned that the hard way. As far as some plants, I might know a place."
The two finished their drinks, and left the tavern, the shop was off the main street it was about a ten-minute walk. This shop wasn't really well known, even in Thorok and the owner like it that way. 
They arrived at a small shop, no signs just a small window with various small plants and a door painted green. Marik had no knowledge of plants, herbs or anything of the sorts. The only reason she knew about this place was a job she had several years earlier lead her there. Come to find out he has the best prices in town on healing potions so she would stop buy on the occasion to restock. 
Opening the door a small bell rang, walking in he had several plants of different sizes, colors even a few that she questioned if they were actually a plant or not. A half orc was had his back turned to them and was tending to a odd looking plant. He finished and turned around, looking at them he gave a small nod. "Back so soon?" 
"No this visit isnt for me, thank you though." Marik moved to the said so Morrigan could talk to the owner.

“Low profile?” Morrigan almost sounded affronted at this piece of advice, gesturing towards their colorful clothes and jewelry they were currently wearing, as if to ask, have you met me? Lady Marik may as well have asked a star in the sky to stop shining! Though getting mauled by even more pirates didn’t seem especially pleasant, either…

As they sat there, though, finishing off the last of their firewhiskey, an idea came to Morrigan. They set down their mug with an audible thud, tail flicking behind them as this half-baked plan began to take shape. “I’ve an idea, if you’re interested in making a bit of coin, lady Marik.” She was a lovely woman, but she certainly looked like she knew how to use that sword, and in Morrigan’s opinion, the prettiest roses had the sharpest thorns. “I’ll be in Thorock for some time before I head on to my next location, and I’m no sooner to watch my tongue than I am to keep a low profile. How would you feel about being my bodyguard during my stay? I assure you, I pay handsomely.”

They had already finished their drinks now, with Lady Marik beckoning for Morrigan to follow. Morrigan didn’t hesitate- if Marik had wanted them harmed, she would have left their fate to the hands of those pirates. She brought them down through a couple of streets until the two tieflings eventually reached a dingy shop that didn’t look like much on the outside. The inside, however, was a different matter. The walls were lined with any kind of plant and elixir component Morrigan could think to name, with a burly half-orc in the back gently tending to what looked like a pot of mint with tender, loving hands.

He looked up at them as they entered, nodding at Lady Marik in recognition. She stepped aside, allowing Morrigan to take the center stage- Morrigan stepped forward, examining the plants in awe. There was a surprising variety in here for an underground city, and a lot of plants native to Dragon’s Cradle.

They procured a list from their pocket, unfolding it and handing it to the man. “I’m looking for these. If you have anything on this list, I’d be much appreciative, good sir.”

The orc perused the list before grunting. “I’ll see what I can do.”

He retreated into a back room, leaving Morrigan and Lady Marik alone once more. Morrigan hummed, an old Zeinav lullaby, before turning back to Lady Marik. She wasn’t much of a talker, but that was just fine with them. Morrigan could make enough conversation for the both of them. “You seem awfully well-connected around here. Any particular story behind how you met this fine curator of flora?”

While Morrigan was talking to the Orc, Marik looked around the shop. He had some odd-looking plants in here, he even had a cabinet with glass windows that was locked with four different plants, she had no idea what they were, but she guessed you were not supposed to touch them. 
Morrigan had asked her earlier if she would be interested in being their bodyguard during the duration of their stay here in Thorok. Marik could use the extra coin, but she wondered what kind of trouble they would get into. Plus she tried to stay away from the bodyguard gigs, she was exactly a people person. Her contemplation was interrupted when Morrigan asked about how she found this shop.

"I had a job request a few years back, someone was looking for some rare leaf of a plant. After looking for almost a month for it, I had decided to take another job that didn't go quite as planned. The owner found me pretty messed up in the ally close by and brought me back here and gave me some healing potion that he makes. After I was able to think straight I talked to him about what I was looking for. He was able to get it for me."

The orc came back out with some items, catching Morrigan's attention. As they discussed what he had available and prices, Marik excused herself and headed outside of the shop. She leaned against the all directly across from the shop to wait for Morrigan to finish up. 

Lady Marik didn’t give Morrigan an answer to their proposition right away, which was just fine with Morrigan. They would let her stew over the offer while they made their way through Thorock to her botanical contact. She had still yet to provide an answer as Morrigan asked about how she’d met this particular curator of floral curiosities. Despite their seemingly self-centered nature, they listened with rapt attention as she wove her tale in short, to-the-point sentences. If there was one thing Morrigan loved more than a scheme, it was a story. They collected the tales of others as easily as they did coin, coveting the glimpses of grandiosity that they could weave into entertaining tales for their own profit.

“He sounds like a competent fellow. No one else I’d rather trust to take care of my plants… nor another more experienced that I’d rather have watching my back.” They added that last part thoughtfully as they regarded Lady Marik. It was obvious that she’d been through a lot- they would wager she had any number of stories along the same vein about her work here in Thorok. “I’m a picky person about my potion components, you see. On top of being a powerful mage, I make a living selling elixirs to the fine people of Zeinav. Making miracles doesn’t exactly pay the bills.” They added with a laugh. “If it sweetens the pot, I would be more than willing to provide some of my own wares in exchange for your services.”

It was unfortunate the orc chose that particular moment to return with the items Morrigan had requested. Morrigan approached the desk while the orc went over the prices of each component, which were substantially more expensive than Morrigan had anticipated.

“Forty solars for a single gram of crushed Kali-Kali leaf? My friend, I may as well venture to the forests of the Crescent Isles and harvest the plant myself at that price…”

It was at that point that Marik decided to step out, apparently realizing that this haggling would take a while, and smartly deciding that she’d much rather wait outside than be subjected to Morrigan’s incessant ramblings while they tried in vain to get the stubborn botanist to lower his prices.

About ten minutes later, Morrigan emerged from the shop with their arms full of bags and their coin pouch considerably lighter, grumbling under their breath in infernal about criminal prices and I’ll show you where you can shove that cactus. They brightened considerably, however, when they spotted Lady Marik still waiting for them outside. She was the quiet and stoic type, so it was difficult to get a proper read on her- Morrigan had given it a 50-50 chance that she would have left them while they were inside.

“Thank you for waiting!” They said, tail flicking behind them in excitement as they tucked their new purchases into their bag. “That fellow of yours is rather talented indeed. He had almost everything I needed, give or take a few plants, and all much higher quality than what those pirates had.” They flashed her a fanged grin. “You must allow me to thank you again for your assistance- tell me, is there anything you need from any nearby shops? Name it, and it’s yours.”

As Marik waited outside the shop, she thought about Morrigan’s offer. To be fair it wouldn’t be a bad idea, she needs to replenish your pocket from her new shiny sword. And there is always the possibility of it branching to new contacts for more work. 
It wasn’t to much longer Morrigan emerged from the shop, hands full of various items and mumbling to themselves. Though they brightened up rather quickly, and seemed fairly excited about there new items. They then offered to to buy her something, which she did consider for a moment, “Let’s just leave it at you owe me a favor” 
She started heading back towards the center of town where they originally came from. 
“About your offer from earlier, you got a time frame you plan to be in town? And how much is the pay?”  She asked, she definitely wanted to know as many details before she agreed to anything. 

Morrigan’s attempts to offer Lady Marik more payment in the form of coin were quickly shut down as she picked herself up from the wall. Morrigan deflated somewhat- the confidence man understood things in terms of money and transactions above all. They fancied themselves an entertainer, but even the best storytellers understand that the world worked in a give and take, and even manufactured smiles and joy didn’t come for free. Morrigan wasn’t sure what to make of Lady Marik, who didn’t seem especially interested in their money even after she’d helped them, which… didn’t make sense.

But then she offered recompense in the form of a favor- this, Morrigan could repay. A favor for a favor.

Morrigan swooped low into another showman’s bow, a little flourish that Marik had no doubt grown tired of by now- but oh, was Morrigan fond of little displays of whimsy. “Very well. A favor then, if you wish. Name it, and it’s yours.” They wondered if she had something specific in mind, or this was something they would pay back when the time came. Morrigan filed that information away for later.

The two walked back to the main square, Lady Marik finally turning to Morrigan, the faintest glimmer of interest in her eyes. Morrigan considered her inquiry- admittedly, they didn’t think they’d get this far. Lady Marik kept her emotions close to her chest, and Morrigan had yet to parse out the guarded swordswoman’s true feelings. Still, they really could use a hired hand. “Two weeks, give or take. I shall be collecting everything I set out for and then I will return to my home in Zeinav. If you’re interested in the job, I shall pay no less than one hundred solars a day, assuming we run into no danger. Prices will be adjusted if necessary.” They paused. “I have my own room at the Chipped Pickaxe- you need not watch me at night, only when I am out and about on my ventures.”

Perhaps they would even try to sell some of their wares here. Morrigan had bottles of snake oil sitting in their inn room, and it would be nice to make a little extra on the side while they had the added protection of a hired sword.

… Assuming Lady Marik accepted the offer.

Marik listened carefully, making sure she had all the information before officially agreeing to anything. Marik kind of looked around the area as she contemplated the offer, honestly one hundred solars a day would be very difficult to turn down. And if things did go south there could be even more solars involved. She liked the sound of that. Looking back at Morrigan, whom was waiting for a answer, She nodded. “ Alright, I will take you up on your offer. With that said, I suggest we make our way back to the chipped pickaxe so you can put all the things you just bought away before someone decides they want it.” She replied while starting to walk in the direction of inn. Carrying all that was basically an invitation for someone to try something stupid. The Chipped Pickaxe wasn’t to far from there current location. 
As they approached the inn, Marik let Morrigan take the lead into the inn and to their room. Marik stood just outside the door as Morrigan put their finding away and did whatever else they needed to do. 

Marik listened very carefully as Morrigan described the details of the job. Though she’d seemed initially hesitant, they could already tell by the time they finished speaking that she would accept, even before she opened her mouth.

What could they say?

Money talks.

One hundred solars a day was a lucrative offer, to boot. It was a price worth paying, in Morrigan’s opinion - while you could put a price on a sellsword, you couldn’t put a price on personal safety, especially considering how often Morrigan seemed to find themselves in trouble. Yes, a bodyguard would be a welcome change. They brightened, clapping ring-clad hands together with excitement sparkling in their icy eyes.

“Oh, wonderful!” They cheered. “Lady Marik, I have a feeling this is the start of a wonderful working relationship.” Perhaps even a friendship, if they played their cards right. Morrigan was nothing if not opportunistic. “That sounds like a safe idea. It would not do for me to nearly meet my end by vicious scalpers twice in one day.” They paused. “I could fight them off with my magic, of course, but not without doing considerable damage to this fine city and its people. Yes, much safer this way for everyone.”

By now, Marik might begin to realize that Morrigan’s continued insistence was nothing more than a crock of bullshit, if she hadn’t already.

They dropped their things off quickly, barely taking a couple of minutes in their room to freshen up and change out from their daily work wear to something more fashionable. Their hair was pinned up with glittering ornaments and pins, and a little bit of extra glitter smacked on their face to make the lavender sparkle. When they finally poked their head out of their hotel room, Marik would notice that the elegant shirt and pants they currently wore were far nicer and more impractical than what they’d been in before, showing off their plethora of tattoos from shoulder to wrist.

“I think I shall go out for a night on the town.” They declared, excitement sparkling in their face. “If you’re going to accompany me, then perhaps you’d like to freshen up yourself?”

One hundred solars a day might have been a lucrative offer, but Morrigan’s spontaneous fits of whimsy and their flighty nature would soon prove that the price of protection was properly fitting indeed.