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Post by Vail on Dec 17, 2022 20:49:54 GMT -5
“Simple problems require simple solutions, don’t overcomplicate things. Why don’t you drink or loosen up a bit? How about you just give me your whole life story? See? I can ask dumb questions too. The difference is, I’m not the one being evasive here.” The truth was as simple for Vail as he stated, an honest living wasn’t in the cards for him. He had to stay on the move just in case Darkveil was still looking for him. He once thought of joining a traveling merchant group, but he couldn’t exactly clean his image. His scars were a perpetual warning sign to all common folk. Any goods he might try to sell would likely have the image of ill-gotten gains. Mercenary/Protection work was out of the question; too much violence would likely set off his condition, and he feared the end result of such a life.
It was much easier to live within his means, taking minimal risks and only occasionally engaging in relaxation, as was the plan for tonight. His comments about loyalty obviously struck a nerve. Understandable, it is not like Darkveil had quieted down in the past seven years. Betrayal was as certain as the ash that enveloped the city. He knew how ironic his ideals were, he died for the mere suspicion of betrayal after all. In spite of it all, there was one thing that gave him hope in that city of darkness. The way the members of his gang looked at him. Call it childish ignorance, but they trusted him. There were those who stayed by his side all the way until he was officially welcomed into his father’s family. They nested their hopes in him. It was one of the few memories that still elicited a smile from him. He leans forward and starts tracing the rim of his glass again. “Say what you will, I doubt you got to where you are all alone. You probably have those you find reliable and those you find disposable. Trust me, I know how fickle that ideal is Darkveil. I'm just hoping there is more to you than the typical greed and power struggle of the Fathers. You would be quite disappointing otherwise.” He looks up to meet the tiefling's gaze with a smirk.
“And no, It wouldn't surprise me. I'm just saying it’s pretty ironic that the elusive person in this conversation is the one questioning if our souls are honest. We may have a similar weltanschauung but that doesn’t mean our behaviors are the same.”
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Post by Eameia (Zarius unavailable) on Dec 19, 2022 15:13:58 GMT -5
"The selection of drinks here are simply not to my liking. No. And I have every right to be evasive."
Vail certainly was a chatterbox. More than the tiefling had expected. At the same time, he didn't actually say much that was usable. For someone criticizing another of being dodgy, Vail was keeping his own cards quite close to his chest. Fair enough, they could turn out to be enemies by association after all. If Vail was a member of a rival crime family, he could either be a useful ally or a saboteur. Without
"Well, I certainly would not want to disappoint some random stranger." He shakes his head.
This was turning out more and more like that conversation with Vakker and Cyran when they first met at the Marrowvines' Black Harvest Ball. Sometimes he preferred the simpler conversations he would have with those who were too naïve and trusting to these conversations with like-minded individuals.
"I will tell you one thing. I intend to change how business is done in Darkveil. It is a slow process, but I have been making progress."
He had made a lot of progress actually. Traveling as he has for the past few months has earned him many strong allies ranging from fellow criminals to powerful mages and potion makers. He felt fairly confident that they would be able to actually start making a difference in the nation and potentially elsewhere around Charon. Though he didn't care much for what happened in other regions so long as it didn't complicate matters in the Ash Lands specifically.
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Post by Vail on Dec 20, 2022 19:47:45 GMT -5
“You are the one who interrupted my peaceful night. A good host should keep his guest entertained at the very least. You won’t share a drink with me and you're also not the best conversationalist. Come on, you can do better than this.” Vail replies with a smirk. He had fun toying with the tiefling, but it was growing stale. He wanted more out of this than just a job. Slowly but steadily, the monotony of his daily life grows more and more trifling, especially as his condition progresses. There was a calling within him, he wasn’t sure if it was entirely his own, but it hardly mattered now. He sought knowledge. Not the kind you can sell, the knowledge the shapes the world, shapes all mortals. What kept people like him functioning?
He stares into his glass for a brief second. Were these really his desires? His eyes drift towards his hidden right arm. It had been quite some time since he had last blacked out. Was it beginning to manifest in different ways? Does it need violence to be appeased? These thoughts lingered aimlessly, waiting for answers that will never arrive. He momentarily closes his eyes in frustration before refocusing on Zarius. “As for Darkveil, well, there is only one direction to go when you are at the bottom of the barrel. In truth, I’m past the point of caring about the squabbles of the Fathers. The Darkveil I knew can be consumed by that volcano for all I care. Almost any change would be an improvement.” He plants both hands firmly onto the table as he leans forward, staring deeply into the tiefling’s eyes. “No, that’s not what I’m interested in. I’m more interested in you now. Forget your past, forget Darkveil. I don’t care where you are from, I care about where you are going. What are you after? What calls out to you from the depths of your heart?”
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Post by Eameia (Zarius unavailable) on Dec 21, 2022 23:04:33 GMT -5
Zarius sighs exasperated.
"I am not hosting you."
Vail certainly was a character and he had confidence in spades. Still, there had to be more than just confidence to him and that was the only reason the tiefling kept putting up with his teasing. It was just a feeling that Vail was not only hiding something, but was somehow familiar, and that bothered the tiefling. He couldn't put his finger on it. It wasn't like he recognized the man or had met him previously. No, it was more something about how he was talking and acting.
He notes the way the man stares at his glass and drift about as he is lost in thought. So, there was more going on. He had assumed as much but seeing these subtle motions helped confirm that. Perhaps this would end up being a worthwhile encounter after all.
"Well, maybe you will change your mind. There is still a chance it can become more than just a hiding place for the likes of us."
The comments about Darkveil he can understand, but he hardly agrees with. The city was salvageable, more so than those which were locked into their ways and were more stable. There needed to be a certain amount of instability to tip the scales in his favor. There was no other place in Charon for the likes of him to actually gain power, at least not without an army and risking a civil war. That was too flashy for him. He would like to keep things at least a little quiet if he could.
He chuckles a bit.
"I am afraid you will get very little from me if you ask me to forget about my past or Darkveil. Both motivate me to do what I do best and pursue my goals for the future. Not everyone wants to escape their heritage. I am quite fond of mine."
He meets the human's unblinking stare.
"I am after many things. For the time being, I am after allies I can work well with. Having a large network of people with diverse skills is important for my future plans. That said, I do not expect anyone to owe me any favors or give their aid for nothing in return."
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Post by Vail on Dec 23, 2022 17:28:22 GMT -5
“Well aren’t you lucky? I suppose that’s where we differ. I prefer the loyalty of those I chose to keep around, whereas you hold your family in high regard.” He throws back another swig of ale while still keeping an eye on the tiefling. He could see where Zarius was coming from, had he not died for his father’s sins, he would likely have a similar point of view. His course was set for him at birth, influenced directly through the Father’s ambitions. A cushy lifestyle, trained to be productive but lacking the desperation and endurance that the average soldier must rely on. It was only after that tether to power was cut; did he begin to realize how dependent he truly was. There was more than his own past to reflect on, Darkveil itself had been reshaped in his mind. Why was the city so different from everywhere else in Charon? To him, the city had become stagnant, only seeking self-sustainment. No matter how much power flowed in from Charon, it would be stymied and diluted by the structure of Darkveil. Bits and pieces trading hands as in-fighting grows, new bodies rising to fill the voids left by betrayal. An almost unconscious will that taps into every part of the city, from the streets of the common folk to the darkest corners trodden only by the families. He didn’t hold Zarius’s position against him, he just wanted to see how far the tiefling was meaning to go. Does he truly want Darkveil to change, not just at the seat of power but at the very foundation? Or is he simply a well-oiled cog whose ambitions unknowingly sustain the machine of entropy? Putting his glass back down, he closes his lips into a smirk as he leans forward. “Here’s a riddle for you, how many Ashen Fathers have you actually seen? Would you even recognize them if you had seen them? They might as well be ethereal. How long have you heard rumors of their names? Think about it, there is no way some of those men are still alive after all this time. You’re not fighting people per se. You need to be fighting the very idea of the Fathers. That is what causes the average citizen to look over their shoulder in fear, what causes the dregs to aspire to power, what keeps the very idea of Darkveil in check. That is the only way to truly change that place.”
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Post by Eameia (Zarius unavailable) on Dec 23, 2022 21:55:26 GMT -5
"I take that as your family situation is less than ideal."
That wasn't surprising. Darkveil wasn't the best environment to cultivate a happy family life. Too many families were more than willing to throw their own kin under the wagon wheel in order to pull ahead if only for a brief moment. It was unfortunate, though not much different than the nobility in other regions. People just aren't as accepting of the reality of those actions elsewhere.
Zarius' goal was to ultimately assume control, and while that goal is spurred on by concern for his family, it is also spurred on by those he has chosen to give his trust to. Many of his closest allies have invested in his goals and in Darkveil, even choosing the Ash Lands over their home nations. It spoke to how much his act had worked to build positive relations between them.
At this point, if he were to abuse that trust, it would be a betrayal likely to result in him being felled by the very people who helped him get as far as he has. That was of little interest to him. His allies were shields and spears he much preferred to have defending him rather than attacking him.
His smile gets more smug the longer Vail talks about the Ashen Fathers. The young man really had no idea who he was talking to.
"I have seen a few and I know of more. I can confirm that they are flesh and blood and not some kind of phantom. It may appear that way, but that is intentional. People can be found, people can be manipulated, and people can be killed. The less they appear as people, the easier it is for them to avoid the law and competitors while pulling the strings from the shadows."
His father was much like the other Ashen Fathers, keeping his identity a secret out of necessity. It was an all too real possibility that their family would get targeted by rival crime families. Assassination was a constant worry. His aunt had already fallen victim to the blade of some hired killer that had yet to be identified. There was a chance they would never know who was responsible or get revenge, and that was something his family all accepted. Just an unfortunate risk of the life they were born into.
It wasn't good enough. He didn't want to just accept things so passively. Things could be better. He could make them better.
"That is not how I work though. I am much more interested in being someone people know they can trust and not someone who hides behind false identities out of fear for their own life. There is only so long you can survive using such tactics. Being known creates doors that anonymity can never hope to open."
He looks about the Brass Dragon. The place wasn't so different from the Dancer's Den, though these people here could walk around the streets at night without as much concern about being jumped. Sol City was relatively safe compared to Darkveil City. In Sol City, crime was still an issue, but it wasn't nearly as violent and the number of children with happy families far outnumbered the orphans sleeping in the streets. Sol City wasn't perfect, no city in Charon was, but Darkveil still could be vastly improved if the squabbling of the Ashen Fathers was silenced.
The only way to do that was from behind the scenes. Those standing in the audience couldn't see past the curtains. Only those who know the ways of the criminal underbelly had the expertise to carefully cut the ties that had been made between the syndicates and their precious puppet until only one set of hands was left in control.
His gaze returns to the young man, the practiced friendly smile still adorning his face.
"Even the Ashen Fathers are well aware that there is only so much they can do without someone known to the public. That is why Darkveil still has a figure head. A force that wishes to maintain control needs a face, even if that face is just painted on."
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Post by Vail on Dec 24, 2022 17:35:46 GMT -5
“Let’s just say, we are all equally dead to each other.” Vail replies with a smirk. He knew how common his story was, Zarius had likely seen it countless times in Darkveil. The difference lay in his perspective, the past seven years had shown him that political births and betrayals occurred all throughout Charon. He’d even taken several jobs from clients eager to overtake their brethren in both economic and political squabbles. The distinction lay in where these betrayals occurred. These events were reserved for the upper-middle class in the civilized regions of Charon, whereas they occurred regardless of class in Darkveil. He saw how the smugness grew on the tiefling’s face as he talked of the Fathers. He didn’t particularly care where Zarius sat in Darkveil’s power struggle, all that mattered was how far the tiefling was willing to go. “I don’t care how many Fathers you kill or control, that is beside the point. The problem resides in the very idea of them, it breeds stagnation. All they do is take for their own self-interest, never looking past their small circle. They are short-sighted, Darkveil is not a long-term investment to them, just a hideout which can be abandoned if need be. If you truly care for your home, it’s time you start looking at the big picture. Not just what you can bring to Darkveil, but rather what Darkveil presents to Charon as a whole.”
All of Charon knows Darkveil’s reputation, it’s what causes everyone to look at Ash Landers with such distrust. For a long time, he thought nothing of it, the opinions of common folk hardly mattered, but his travels had broadened his view. Darkveil needs reform, it can’t be a true seat of power if the rest of Charon views it with such chagrin.
Zarius words did inspire some confidence, albeit they still came from the perspective of his power struggle.
Stretching his arms behind his head, slight smile crawled across Vail's face.
“Perhaps there is hope for you then. When I lived there no one in power cared for those at the bottom. Everyone was expected to scrape by taking from those around them. You yourself scoffed at the idea of loyalty, because you are so used to dissidents. A society can’t exist in such a state. Darkveil needs to be lifted, not from the top, but from the bottom. You can keep your underhand affairs, but the benefits need to extend to the city.” Vail lets out a sigh as he inspects his glass once more. He expected the usual rigamarole about the Count, it was all too lacking for the future he saw. “Of course, the Fathers aren’t stupid after all. Figureheads and puppet governments are a necessity, not just for the people of Darkveil, but for all of Charon. In its current state however, it is unsustainable. Never forget why that city was founded. People like us had nowhere else to go, so we scampered off to the literal dark corner of Charon. We’re in a new age, it’s been hundreds of years since any great war. The longer peace reigns, the smaller our world becomes, and more discretion is needed to ensure our survival. We’re not like those savages in the Marsh Flats, we represent a threat. If power keeps trading hands, it’s only a matter of time before it’s held by the wrong person. Someone will inevitably bite off more than they can chew, bringing in ire from outside of Darkveil. A rabid dog can only exist for so long without society putting it down.”
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Post by Eameia (Zarius unavailable) on Dec 27, 2022 14:46:19 GMT -5
Zarius listens in silence to Vail's comments. It was interesting to meet someone with Darkveil who was so willing to share feelings of distain for how it is run. Most people there revel in the freedom that comes from being out of reach of the law of Capitol Landing or the watchful eye of the Sand Soldiers of Zeinav.
Count Mallock of course was present, but he hardly had any control over the dark dealings conducted in the streets of Darkveil City. In reality, he was just there to placate the Sultan who was a much larger threat to the reign of the Ashen Fathers even more so than the King of Charon himself.
The only other power that could pose an issue would be the Court's Council of Thorock in Dragon's Cradle, but they were far away and geographically isolated.
Regardless of any of that, Vail certainly had some strong opinions. Zarius wasn't necessarily opposed to what the young human has said, sharing similar feelings about the need for reform in Darkveil. Still, Vail talked in a lot of flowery words but presented few specific details that suggested he had any plan for how to achieve this vision of his.
"If I was not looking at the bigger picture, why do you think I would be all the way out here, hm? I can assure that all you have said has already been taken into consideration. I am no fool."
He hadn't spent the past few years slogging across the entirety of Charon for nothing. The change that Vail was insinuating required a lot of resources and connections, otherwise things would be a bloody mess and just fall back to its usual routine. This was a territory controlled by liars and manipulators after all. People who are willing to do all sorts of heinous acts in order to satisfy their greed and protect their pride.
"You clearly have a lot of thoughts on the matter. You all of a sudden are very chatty about your personal beliefs on how you think this issue should be approached. So, being someone with so many thoughts, what assets do you have to turn those thoughts into action?"
Perhaps Vail had more cards in his hand that he had yet to show. Maybe he was more important than he let on. The tiefling couldn't be sure without some more cooperation from the man. At the very least he might be able to determine if Vail's criticism has any ambition to back it up or is just a tirade of complaints from a frustrated child.
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Post by Vail on Dec 27, 2022 22:47:11 GMT -5
Vail claps his hands together as a big smirk adorns his face. "Congratulations! You’re one of the few in Darkveil who can take their eyes off their neighbor’s riches long enough to see that their whole city is being set aflame." He was glad Zarius wasn’t your typical Ash Lander, the night would be rather boring otherwise. The tiefling was ambitious, he'll give him that, but suffering for another's ambitions was a scenario he was all too familiar with. He wondered what the tiefling saw in him. He knows curiosity when he sees it, perhaps the tiefling already had an idea of who he was. The fact that his unusual appearance hadn't been brought up yet was more disconcerting than anything.
“Mate, there is a reason why you haven’t seen me around. I’m a drifter, I’m not exactly pooling resources for some proxy war against the Fathers. I’m simply sharing ideas with a tiefling in some fancy gold trim clothes. I already told you that place can burn for all I care, you’re the one who cares so much about your dark little corner of Charon. I’m just making sure that you recognize the cancer growing before it’s too late.” He leans back for a moment, mulling over his lingering thoughts. It had been a long seven years, was there anything left for him there? Should he have fled so fast and so quietly? Surely some members of his gang and family knew of his innocence. Things changed so quickly. How should one react after being betrayed and rising from the dead on the same day? Throwing down the last of his 5th glass, Vail folds his arms together and leans forward. “I guess a small tidbit wouldn’t hurt.” He thinks to himself. “I used to have a gang, but that seems like a whole nother lifetime ago. Who knows how many members are still alive, much less how many remember their former leader.” He states in a rather despondent tone. A smirk crawls back across his face once more. He wasn’t planning on being the downer in this conversation. After all, it was Zarius who was staying dry in this tavern. “I did consider myself rather personable during my time in Darkveil however, when I wasn’t being a menace of course. Who knows, I’m full of surprises. I don’t show my entire hand to anyone, sometimes not even to myself.” With that, he pulls out his own notebook. A move he figured would catch the tiefling’s attention, but he didn’t particularly care. It had been a while since he reviewed it anyway and he wanted to make sure he wasn’t forgetting anything. Who knows, there might even be new pages for his eyes to view.
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Post by Eameia (Zarius unavailable) on Dec 28, 2022 14:43:50 GMT -5
Zarius' expression is more than unimpressed as Vail congratulates him. The man sure was good at patronizing people, good thing Zarius wasn't someone who took everything as an insult.
It was probably the alcohol talking at his point. The man had worked his way through multiple drinks at this point and had gotten increasingly chatty and less discreet. Zarius however, remained calm. Reacting too overtly to anything would certainly draw the eyes of the rest of the tavern to them more than they already were. He smiles at Vail.
"Well, thank you for your council."
The tiefling watches the man's body language. He was certainly loosening up and being more telling with his posture and expressions. There was an unsaid trust forming between the two, if a tenuous one.
He listens to the man talk about his old group and how he considered himself their leader and a menace to society. Curious. That would be something to look into when he returned to Darkveil.
"It is pretty risky to gamble with cards you do not know how to play. It is very easy to make a mistake that could lose you the whole game."
The notebook certainly does catch the tiefling's eye, his curiosity instantly piqued, but perhaps not for the reason Vail would expect. Zarius had an eye for calligraphy, specifically forgery. The more styles of writing he could replicate flawlessly, the more tools he had to fool others in ways that do not even require him to be present.
A tilt of the tiefling's head is enough of an indication to Vail that he had his attention.
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Post by Vail on Dec 28, 2022 22:59:41 GMT -5
Vail knew his condescension was being matched in turn by Zarius. He was a bit too clean to be the type who engages in banter. Any insults would be met with a smile, a facade that wouldn’t be dropped by light jabs. He didn’t care how Zarius took his opinions, after all, he was just a stranger in a tavern. If the tiefling was going to pry into his background, he might as well be direct about his thoughts of former home. “Charmed, I’m sure.” He replies, returning a smile. His tidbit was clearly of interest, no doubt the tiefling would be digging through his records back home. He wished him luck; gang leaders and menaces are quite ubiquitous in Darkveil. Plus, he would probably be going through all the living ones first, if he even bothered looking into the dead. His kind always errs on the side of caution, which made them quite fun to string along. Coming off as too much of a wildcard would no doubt scare him away, whereas a drip feed of intrigue would keep the conversation afloat. Like the simple act of fishing, it was simply a test of patience from both sides. “I already laid out my conditions and prattled on about my humble lifestyle. Believe me, I’m taking precautions for all sorts of possibilities. I’m sure my constraints have already annoyed you. It’s hard to find proper work that you can accomplish with your hands tied.” Reviewing through his notebook, he was relieved not to find anything new. Having no memory of blacking out in quite some time, it would have been even more unnerving to find a new page. At least he could find some solace in the fact that his conscious mind was still his. He closes his notebook with a clap of his hand upon finishing his assessment. He tilts his head to match the tiefling’s gesture. “If I told you someone keeps writing in this book, despite it always being on my person, would you believe me?” he asks with a grin.
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Post by Eameia (Zarius unavailable) on Dec 29, 2022 12:03:43 GMT -5
"You conditions do not bother me. I have worked with stricter folk."
Most of those he surrounded himself with, while maybe willing to tread into morally grey areas a bit, were not likely to approve of some of tactics. Caedes was likely fully aware, but Cyran surely would not approve. Iryla was a child and even if she grew up aware of the cruelties of the Ashen Fathers, she didn't need to be directly involved in such things. Veliky would never approve of some of his methods, even if they were the most efficient and effective. Gerhart, Cirice, and Astrid were all still bright-eyed and naïve to such things, and it would be best to keep it that way. Kvasir and Vakker were ones to keep their hands clean, and Kamille was plenty good at making her own messes. As for the Lord of Ghouls...yeah, no, fuck that guy. Best if they stayed well out of each others' business.
Zarius' expression softens a bit at that question.
"I would. I have met others with...guests taking up residence in their minds. The world is full of strange things. I would be a fool to discredit your claims so quickly."
He wouldn't admit that he had suspicions of his own. Whispers in the back of his mind, the sting of smoke deep in his throat, unnatural strength and powers that he barely has any control over himself. He hasn't had the time to really investigate his own situation fully. From what he has heard and seen from others who receive boons from other entities, they at least seem to be able to converse. Whatever his was, it wasn't particularly chatty. A few single commands in dire situations was the most he had ever gotten out of it.
Meeting Vail's gaze once more, he ensures to lower his voice as the conversation becomes more personal.
"What does this other person write about?"
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Post by Vail on Dec 30, 2022 14:17:13 GMT -5
“Whatever you say, just remember some people’s restrictions may be in place for more than just them.” Vail replies with a stern expression. Vail didn’t doubt Zarius, he figured anyone working outside of Darkveil would likely take issue with how things are normally done there. His concerns didn’t come from a squeamish demeanor; far from it, he’d done far worse than his current restrictions. Control was simply the main priority now, and wet work would likely cause collateral damage at this point, which wouldn’t be good for him or his clients. His eyes widen ever so slightly at the mention of others harboring entities. “Is that so? Finally, you give me something of interest. I love meeting interesting people. Honestly though, you invite me over to your table and then bore me with talk of work and politics, you should have led off with a tidbit like this. I’m here to relax and this conversation hasn’t exactly placated me.” He wondered just what Zarius meant by his words. He knew of people bound to spirits and those who have made pacts with forces far greater than themselves, but his situation was different. Possession wasn’t the right term for it either, it was more along the lines of... influence. It was distant, but it had a tendency of creeping its way in almost seamlessly. Sometimes he wondered if it was all just in his head. People experience impulses or mood swings for reasons they can’t explain, was this really all that different? Regardless, he was eager to meet these people. Any information might lead to answers. He smiles as he slips his notebook back into his coat. "Why me, of course, it’s my journal after all. You might say that I have a secret admirer. No doubt we both value information, the difference being who that information pertains to.”
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Post by Eameia (Zarius unavailable) on Dec 31, 2022 16:10:06 GMT -5
"I apologize for boring you. It would have been strange to lead with that information. Not everyone is comfortable with such topics, even those who share in such an affliction. From what I have noticed, it varies greatly from person to person and is quite a personal topic."
Zarius leans back in the chair a bit. He was not an expert in magic by any stretch of the imagination. The arcane arts did not come naturally to him...if at all. Things that fell into the more occult and obscure magical realm were even more beyond his own expertise and understanding. That included possession, host-patron contracts, and any other strange and otherworldly connections.
He'd been both harmed and healed by those with celestial powers. Likewise, he'd seen demonic influence up close and personal. Part of him figured that his own situation dwelled in the demonic circle, but much of the information he has managed to gather so far has not be definitive.
"I hope your admirer writes kind words about you," he says dryly.
Towards the front of the inn, Zarius' attention is caught by someone entering the inn with a flustered expression on their face. The stranger glances about quickly before spotting the tiefling and the human and hurrying over. The tiefling watches their approach closely, noting their disheveled attire and a satchel tucked under their arm with the strap haphazardly slung over their shoulder. Seems this was the person he was waiting on.
He looks at Vail.
"Seems my contact is finally here. Are you still interested in a sort of, test run contract?"
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Post by Vail on Dec 31, 2022 23:48:58 GMT -5
“That’s one way of looking at things but consider this for a moment. Who is better to talk to about personal topics than strangers? Unless of course you value their opinion for some reason.” Vail replies with a big smile. “Regardless, I would like to meet some of these people. Exchanges of information may be mutual beneficial, not matter the personal baggage.” Revealing his past would be a small cost for any leads. Worst case scenario he would be hunted for his previous crimes, a scenario he was already addressing. He had plenty of questions regarding his condition and few answers, so he was likely to get more out of these strangers than they would get out of him. The major question on his mind was his own mortality. If he was killed again, would he stay dead this time? Or would he revive simply over and over, his mind and body becoming less and less his own? “Awww... thanks for the kind wishes, I’m sure they appreciate it. Maybe you’ll meet them one day.” he replies in a matching tone. The new entrant drew his attention as well. Clearly, he had a reason for his late arrival, his distress was apparent as he desperately searched the room. The man’s clothing was closer to his own than Zarius’s gold trimmed attire. He wondered if he always worked for people like this or if this was merely a messenger. Regardless, the panic likely meant this urgent, he would have to make a decision here and now. “Took them long enough. Sure, we’ll see where this goes.” He replies with a stern tone. As the contact approaches, Vail rises from his seat. With a slight bow and a smile, he offers his chair to the disheveled man. “Don’t worry. You’re in good company here. No harm will come to you.” he reassures the contact with a calming tone.
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