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Post by Arashi Tento on Jan 16, 2023 20:10:15 GMT -5
Arashi's had a trip to Sol city in mind since he first began adventuring, the capital of the continent, the seat of the throne of Charon, It was a very important place, and as any capital, it was huge. So many buildings and people, Starlight City while the capital of the crescent Isles, was quite a bit more relaxed than this in it's traditional style. Here people seemed to be rushing, as merchant's screeched to call attention to their wares, It was Chaotic.
Another thing that piqued Arashi's attention was the size of the buildings and the walls, a huge fortified city that seemed to spare no expenses even on decorations. The biggest problem for him right now was being slightly lost and not sure where he can stay, so after asking a few people for directions, he wound up at The Brass Dragon, the most popular tavern on the city, Despite the Chaos outside, the tavern at least when it was this early, seemed pretty calm aside from some chatty people, and one or two full tables that were a bit rowdier.
He went to the counter and asked the tavern keep for a drink, not sure what to order since he didn't know much about the mainland's beverages, he went with a simple Ale. hoping to learn more about the place by listening to the locals.
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Post by Eameia (Zarius unavailable) on Jan 17, 2023 14:33:04 GMT -5
The human man with long hair and dressed in foreign attire wasn't the only one keeping ear out for interesting conversation in the most popular watering hole in the grand Sol City. Zarius sits at a table not that far away from the man keeping a keen eye on the stairs up to the next floor where the inn's rooms are. He had picked up word that there was someone of unique interest to the tiefling spending the night here. Knowing that this person would likely not be so happy to see him, the tiefling bides his time and waits for them to appear in the tavern proper.
It doesn't take too much more time before a half-elf dressed in clothes that suggested they were headed off on a long journey to distant lands descends the stairs and enters the tavern, a heavy back slung over their shoulder and a nervous energy in their step. They glance about the room, quick to return their room key to the innkeeper who is behind the bar at the moment, and urge for a quick meal of anything that is available.
The tiefling makes his move, quietly standing up from his table and crossing the floor over to the man. As the half-elf fumbles about in their bag for some coin to pay for the meal, the tiefling places down some coin on the countertop and slides it over to the innkeeper.
"Allow me, sir. After all, your money was already promised to someone else, was it not?" The tiefling gives the half-elf a smirk.
Startled by Zarius' sudden appearance and clearly caught off guard, the half-elven man just stares for a moment before snapping back to his senses. "That...that is not necessary."
"Nonsense. Please, join me at a table for breakfast." He gestures back to the table he was at moments before.
"I-I'm in a hurry. I have a-"
"-Boat to catch?" Zarius interrupts. "The Sunny Pelican, correct?" He leans in close and lowers his voice a bit. "I am afraid its departure has been delayed, some of their crew got in a scuffle last night and are sobering up in the local guardhouse. They likely will not be released until the afternoon. So, you have no reason to rush."
The half-elven man stares once more, the color drained from his face.
"Come on then." He gestures to the table again.
Clenching at the strap of his bag, the half-elf man reluctantly nods and goes and sits down at the table. He passes by Arashi and it's pretty evident that there's a rigidness through the man's shoulder, a tension of anxiety and fear. The half-elf man glances at Arashi then back at the tiefling who is following close behind. In a moment of panic and poor decision making, the half-elf grabs the back of Arashi's coat and pulls back hard to try and throw him in Zarius' way before making a mad dash for the door of the tavern.
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Post by Arashi Tento on Jan 20, 2023 0:32:46 GMT -5
Soon after Arashi Ordered his drink a Tiefling passed by and sat on a nearby table, He seemed to be waiting for someone as he looked towards the stairs that went into the inn's rooms, Not sure what that was about Arashi put his attention elsewhere there were some people playing darts over on one corner while other's chatted over some food, The atmosphere was nice, a bit homely even. He caught a glimpse of someone going down the stairs as he turned his attention the waiter that handed him his Ale.
"Hope it's to your liking sir! Are you from the Crescent Isles?" The waiter asked as the day was slow and e tried to make conversation as well as make the traveler feel welcome. "Indeed, I decided to adventure for a while, know more of the world and different cultures too" Arashi Replied as he began to forget his surroundings "That's quite admirable, you must be tired though if you traveled from all the way over there though. Do you have a place to stay? we have some rooms free if you need!" Arashi was glad as he hadn't yet asked and was waiting for an opportunity to do so. "Thanks I might just take you up on that offer." Just as he finished saying this he noticed the Tiefling get up and walk behind the man who had come down the stairs just before. Just as he began to notice the anxiety on the half elf. The Waiter talked again "I am glad to hear! Well hope you enjoy your drink sir!" Arashi lifted his mug in a toast motion, "Thank you for serving it."
Just as the mug was about to touch Arashi's lips a hand suddenly grasped his shoulder, and tried to topple him, being completely distracted he fell backwards into the way of the Tiefling he managed to turn slightly to not fall back first and hit his head, but he ended up spilling the drink over himself and the other man behind him. "Hey! What the hell?!" He yelled while looking at the man dashing out the tavern, "I'm sorry for spilling the ale on you sir, I'm guessing that's not really a friend of yours?" Arashi turned around to face the now soaked Tiefling, as he apologized. "Want me to help you search for him? I understand it is sort of my fault he got away..."
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Post by Eameia (Zarius unavailable) on Jan 20, 2023 13:00:38 GMT -5
Zarius reacts quickly and manages to help Arashi from crashing back into him, course that doesn't stop the momentum of the man's drink being flung across the tiefling, soaking him from head to shoulder. The ale stings his nose and eyes and he wipes his face only to see the half-elf run out the door.
"Damn, my apologies. Are you alright?" He rights Arashi back onto his feet and quickly rummages through his coin pouch for a few spare Solars which he puts in Arashi's hand as well as toss a few to the bartender for the mess that now had to be mopped up. "Next round is on me. Excuse me." The tiefling slips past Arashi and starts heading out after the man.
When Arashi offers to help, Zarius glances back over his shoulder at him, giving him a quick once over. The man is not much taller than himself and is dressed in attire that reminds the tiefling of the Crescent Isles. The hilt of a blade is easily visible on his hip, so the man must know how to at least use it. The whole situation was not really anyone else's business, but the half-elf had roped this man into things and if he desired an explanation then the tiefling wouldn't decline.
"Help is not necessary, but appreciated." He nods, allowing the foreigner to choose if they want to get further involved or not before he races out of the tavern.
Exiting the front doors of the Brass Dragon, Zarius takes a look down the street to either sided of the establishment. The streets are pretty busy with a few carts and groups of people heading off to work. None of them seem particularly alarmed, suggesting the half-elf hadn't passed by them in a panic. For a moment, the thought that he had already lost the man to the city crosses his mind, but then the tail end of the half-elf's cape catches his eye as it flutters around the corner of the tavern into a back alley.
"Tch. Sir, if you could circle around we may be able to corner him behind the tavern." He says to Arashi before chasing after the fleeing man.
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Post by Arashi Tento on Jan 25, 2023 16:55:44 GMT -5
As the Tiefling commented on the prospect of Arashi helping him he nodded and followed along, He exited the tavern Behind Zarius, and as he spots the half-elf responsible for the mess, The Tiefling tells Arashi that they can capture him if they go around the tavern through different sides, "Alright!" he nods and goes towards the opposite side of where they saw the half-elf going, going around the Tavern to try and catch him.
Sadly the way was blocked by some boxes and kegs so it wouldn't be as easy or fast to go through here, but he would try regardless. Arashi began Climbing onto a box "Careful now..." then he jumped towards a Keg which was slightly higher than the box, he lost his balance a little almost falling backwards but he managed to recover it and not slip "That was too close..." he sighed to himself. Walking over the row of kegs jumping one at a time, he got to the blocked part of the alleyway, which had boxes stacked as high as the first story of the inn, being at around half that height, He jumped the small distance between the kegs and the wall of boxes, As he managed to grab the top of one he froze in panic, the stack of boxes began shaking like a badly played Jenga, the only thing he could do right now was pray that the boxes didn't topple over...
And after a moment the boxes stopped swaying, and with a sigh of relief everything seemed right with the world once again... except Arashi was still hanging there and still needed to get to the other side. With one last push he climbed on top of the box, "Ok, let's hope it's not too late..." He muttered to himself as he jumped down the box wall into the alleyway behind The Brass Dragon, Landing with a roll he stood up to meet the Half elf who had almost arrived at the other side and was just a few feet away from Arashi...
"You..? what are you doing here?!"
Arashi simply answered, "You don't throw someone who's drinking by themselves while running away and not expect them to at least try to get involved..."
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Post by Eameia (Zarius unavailable) on Jan 25, 2023 19:44:51 GMT -5
"You don't understand!" The half-elf whispers urgently, glancing about nervously. "That man is a criminal and he is trying to steal something incredibly valuable from me. Please, sir, you must help me!"
Stepping out from around the corner behind the fleeing man is the charcoal skinned tiefling, his hands tucked into his pockets.
"Oh, you caught up to him. Good." He starts towards the man and Arashi.
The half-elf spins around and backs up towards Arashi. "Please, sir, if you do not help me, that fiend may kill me," he pleads under his breath. The glint of a dagger blade peaks out from under he half-elf's cloak.
Zarius pauses a few steps away from the half-elf and Arashi. He narrows his golden eyes at them both, assessing the situation quickly before flashing a toothy smile. "Look, this does not have to end poorly for anyone. I am merely collecting what you owe. Once everything is settled, you can be on your way."
"As if I could believe that." The half-elf glances back at Arashi again. "Sir, you do not want to help this man, he associates with assassins, hunters, and other thieves across the Luna Sea."
"All true," the tiefling interjects. "I will not deny that. It changes nothing. You are the one with a debt yet to be paid here."
"Sir, I beg of you. Please help me." The man makes one final appeal to Arashi for aid.
Zarius eyes Arashi with a curious head tilt. What would he do now? Would he fall for the man's pleas, or would he keep his word to the tiefling despite not having all the pieces to this puzzling situation.
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Post by Arashi Tento on Jan 28, 2023 16:26:25 GMT -5
"What do you mean..?" As Zarius arrived Arashi nodded towards him, The half elf began getting even more desperate begging for his life while looking at Arashi, as he turned Arashi noticed a bit of light reflecting off of a blade under his cloak. As the two other argued a bit Arashi listened hoping to Understand what was happening in this situation... whatever it was he was gonna try to see it through and keep everyone alive and as unharmed as possible. A bit surprised at the other's admission to crime, he considered his options, which was either going back on his word and letting the man escape probably making an enemy off of Zarius, or throwing some of his morals to the side and allying himself to him which might help him even if it would leave a bad taste on his mouth...
As the Man began to plead again at Arashi, he felt a bit bad for him he was clearly desperate, but maybe it was a misunderstanding? he realized there might be a third option "Hey, let's just talk about it ok? Besides if you owe him that much that he'd come here for you, I don't think you'll get away on a boat that easily." Arashi decided to call out what the glint of the dagger he saw under the half-elf's cloak "If it's ok I maybe can try to mediate so that no one gets hurt, just take your hand off the dagger will you, it is not helping your case." He looked at the Tiefling to gauge his reaction to a mediator, hoping to figure out if he just wanted money back or if what the other was saying was true and he wanted a corpse too.
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Post by Eameia (Zarius unavailable) on Jan 29, 2023 23:12:33 GMT -5
Zarius pulls his hands out of his pockets and shows that he is unarmed. He smirks at the half-elf then crosses his arms. "I am find with talking, that was all I was trying to do in the first place."
"You are making a mistake," the half-elf whispers to Arashi.
"I would not try anything, so far this man is the only reason you do not currently have a bloodied face and broken bones," the tiefling warns. "We can be civilized about this transaction. Unless you would prefer we get the local law enforcement involved." [1]
The half-elf narrows his eyes as he tries to discern if the tiefling really intends to do as he says. "You wouldn't call the guards on yourself."
"Oh?" The tiefling's smirk turns into a toothy grin. The light in the alleyway darkens as an unsettling aura emanates from the man.[2] "Want to bet? You are a gambling man, are you not?"
The half-elf sweats and his grip on his dagger starts to tremble in fear. He considers his options, glancing nervously around for a way to escape, but finds none. Frustrated, he sheathes his dagger and holds up his hands in surrender.
"Good choice." Zarius walks over and looks at Arashi. "Thank you for your offer to mediate. I apologize for the inconvenience."
[1] Smooth Talking [2] Invoke Fear
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Post by Arashi Tento on Feb 3, 2023 15:31:23 GMT -5
As the Half-elf assured Arashi that he was doing something wrong he began to doubt... Why was this man so Afraid of the Tiefling..? As the two exchanged words, He began to understand why, as with a sinister grin, the light seemed to fade from the alleyway, and even though he wasn't the target Arashi could feel the atmosphere growing thicker and more ominous.
As the man he had helped capture trembled in fear, Arashi felt pity for him, and while not aware of the details he wondered if he was doing the right thing. But it was too late to back out now as Zarius had already thanked him for offering to mediate.
"Well so, what happened why do you owe him money?" He asked the half elf, hoping to gauge the situation and what was actually happening. "I know you're afraid, but if you run away he's eventually gonna find you And judging by what's happened already. He might not let anyone interfere or mediate next time... So let's try and solve this in the most civilized way possible shall we?"
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Post by Eameia (Zarius unavailable) on Feb 5, 2023 0:52:56 GMT -5
"I don't owe him anything," the half-elf hisses.
"He owes someone else quite a bit," Zarius interjects. "I am merely collecting what is owed."
"I don't have the money."
The tiefling taps his fingers on his arms. "Well, that is a problem, though I believe you have something else that could be a suitable substitute."
The half-elf jerks back and puts their hands defensively on their bag. "I don't know what you're talking about."
"Please, just make this easy on yourself. Your secret is already out."
Glancing back at Arashi, the half-elf is clearly considering his options. It didn't seem like Arashi would stop the tiefling from just taking what he was after. So, seeing no other options, he reluctantly opens his satchel and pulls out something wrapped in cloth and tied off with twine.
Zarius steps closer and holds out his hand expectedly.
The half-elf grimaces but hands the item over. "Fine. You have what you want, now let me leave."
"Patience, you have no reason to be in such a rush."
Zarius unwraps the item and checks that it is the real deal. Arashi would see some sort of strange relic of a sea serpent wrapped around a large opal sphere. It's a beautiful piece that clearly is worth more than just a pocketful of Solars.
Satisfied, Zarius nods to the half-elf. "Thank you for your cooperation."
The half-elf thinks better of swearing at the man and just scurries off down the alleyway away from the two men.
Zarius looks at Arashi as he wraps the relic back up and slides it into his own bag. "While I appreciate your assistance, I have to ask that you keep this whole event between us."
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Post by Arashi Tento on Feb 11, 2023 17:21:21 GMT -5
Arashi just watched the exchange the other two were having, after a bit the half elf gave up and handed Zarius an impressive ornament, that would clearly be worth quite a bit, he still didn't know what this man had done to end up with such a debt, so he wasn't sure whether he was doing the right thing or not... As the half-elf got away he could at least find peace by knowing he probably saved someone... Maybe...
As the Tiefling looked back at Arashi asking him to keep it between them, he nodded "Don't worry about it, I understand. Besides it's not like I know either of your names so I wouldn't be able to divulge much." He said with a bit of a chuckle. trying to make some of the tension leave his body, He wasn't a stranger to the concept of risking his life, but he was one to the criminal world so he couldn't really tell how much danger this whole thing may have put him and others in. Either way He hoped there was no hard feelings with the Tiefling, he seemed like someone to keep an eye out for, and someone who was better to be on friendly terms with...
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Post by Eameia (Zarius unavailable) on Feb 12, 2023 18:39:31 GMT -5
"That is true, but it would be rude to not at least give you my name. My name is Zarius and I hope this incident has not put us on bad terms." He gives Arashi an apologetic smile. "I cannot speak to the finer details of that whole exchange. Confidentiality and all that."
The tiefling starts walking back towards the front of the Brass Dragon. Things have settled back down and they have cleaned up the spilled drink off the floor.
Some of the patrons glance at the pair as they return from outside without the panicked half-elf. There are a few people who look concerned, contemplating if they should get the guards or not. Others are unsurprised and more just glance over the pair curiously or ignore them completely.
Unfortunately in Sol City, it is not commonly accepted in civilized society to mind your own business. Gossip was all too tempting for the bored middleclass-men.
Zarius pays them no mind though, keeping a friendly smile on his face and acting as if nothing happened despite the reek of alcohol soaked through his cloths. He sits down at the bar and waves the bartender over to take Arashi's order.
"You do not look like you are from around here. What brings you to the sunny shores of Capitol Landing? If you do not mind me asking, of course."
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Post by Arashi Tento on Feb 15, 2023 0:26:00 GMT -5
"I'm Arashi, and don't worry about it, although I'm not much of a fan of the saying sometimes ignorance is indeed bliss." Or at least granted him a sense of safety if he didn't know much he probably wouldn't be a target and while he would like to know if what he did aligned with his own morals that didn't really matter in the grand scheme of things so it was probably better to not know just in case.
Following the Zarius back to the Brass Dragon he priced the nervous glances some of the other patrons of the tavern were giving them. Hopefully they'd notice the lack of blood on them and err on the side of nothing much really happened, it was a bit of wishful thinking but Arashi didn't want to say anything just in case he would make things worse, although having the guards called on him on his first visit would be quite counterproductive he would rather avoid the criminal record...
"Oh I don't mind at all. I'm from the crescent isles, and not much brings me here, other than wanting to know more about the world and explore a bit. Granted here I'm less an explorer and more of a tourist but well, I did want to visit the capital after all" That was his personal reason at least, although he should take the opportunity to gather intelligence for his homeland, which is why he'd hate to end up labeled a criminal already, he needs certain anonymity and freedom to act, otherwise his agreement with the starlight council would probably end.
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Post by Eameia (Zarius unavailable) on Feb 15, 2023 14:42:46 GMT -5
"Pleasure to meet you, Arashi." The tiefling nods to him.
No one bothers the pair as they take seats at the bar. Zarius refrains from ordering anything himself but does slip the bartender a few Solars. Perhaps it was hush money. It wasn't clear, but the bartender pockets the coins anyway.
"Ah, well the capital is a good place to start. From here you can go wherever else in Charon. Though I would not recommend going northward. Frost Gale and the Dragon's Cradle have terrible weather." He waves his head dismissively. "Though I suppose if you are a fan of snow and lightning, then you may enjoy it. Frost Gale at least has some very nice hot springs."
He props an elbow up on the counter surface and then rests his chin in the palm of his hand. "The east coast of the Zeinav Desert is also quite beautiful, but I would recommend getting there by ship rather than trekking across the sand. At that point you might as well stop in the Marsh Flats and King's Valley. The people are friendly for the most part. So long as you do not pick any fights with the local bandit groups that is."
He does not mention his home in the Ash Lands. There was little there for travelers who were naïve to the world at large. It was a place where people disappeared either because they were fleeing from the law, or because they got on the wrong side of the many crime families who called the ash covered lands home.
Arashi seemed like an honest man. While he could very likely fend for himself, he would likely become a target for anyone who was looking to take advantage of someone so clearly foreign and out of the element.
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Post by Arashi Tento on Feb 28, 2023 21:33:11 GMT -5
As they sat down Arashi noticed the coin pouch being slipped to the bartender but didn't think much of it, so he didn't say anything.
He listened attentively as the Tiefling told him about most places in the map of Charon, "I do like thunderstorms and lightning, I find their power majestic. I don't mind snow either as long as it's serene, although I find strong snowstorms might be a bit bothersome..." He seemed a bit ashamed of himself after Zarius talked about the Zeinav Desert and how it was better to go by boat. "Well, I already went to Zeinav... and while it is a beautiful place, I did not go by boat, I must say the marsh flats isn't my favorite place... I don't mind Kings Valley though the plains there are really nice."
Arashi noticed the lack of one area in Zarius recommendations, He was well educated on geography after all but it was probably because there isn't much to do there, still while he didn't know he was hiding something he still almost out of naivety asked "What about the ash lands? Well I guess they are a part of the Zeinav Initiative..."
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