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Post by Issala 'Izzy' Arodre on Mar 11, 2023 12:08:50 GMT -5
"Oh, so you didn't wear that stall-vendor's skin back there? My mistake." she grins; her hunch was still strong, and was pretty sure he wasn't actually wearing the vendor's skin, as she had seen Zarius and the vendor in the same place at roughly the same time, but control, as Azalea had surmised, was a possibility. But now, Azalea would get to ask her many questions to him. As Azalea gives her a sharp glare, Izzy holds up both thumbs in encouragement. She had this. She totally had this.
Oh, dearie, no, she did not have this.
Izzy chuckles quietly as she watches Azalea burn up under the sudden spotlight, clearly flustered by the presence of Zarius himself. She steps up behind her and pats her shoulder reassuringly. There, there. You'll get 'em next time.
But as she listens, there's a note of intrigue there, a tempting offer. Izzy grins, interested. "Motivations for providing an assist for earlier, of course, with that vendor, but we don't haaave to discuss that. Because you're right; a detective or someone who works within the formal realm of law would have to abide by procedural standards, otherwise, they couldn't make a case." Her grin widens, all sharp teeth and predatory delight. "I am decidedly not."
Having worked for as many criminals as she did, things like 'ethics' where concerned with law would be... a bit of a hurdle. An insurmountable one, even. Who would hire her if they thought she would rat them out to the authorities? And the guard wouldn't rely on her either unless they needed someone as bait or a witness. Neither of those things interested Izzy. It was so much easier to deal with red-tape when you didn't have any. Plus, no need to pay taxes!
"But we do have to keep up appearances, yes?" It's unclear as to whom she's talking about-- probably all of them. "You certainly don't have to answer any questions; as I said, this isn't an investigation. Just a chat. A little pique of interest. And trading information for information sounds just like our sort of interest." What was something for free that she could give Zarius that wouldn't compromise her, her clients, or Azalea. Hmm.
"A former servant of the King was in the area not long ago. Apparently broke out of prison and made their way here. There's not a lot of details, but there were a few deaths that came in the wake of those reports. Everyone's tight lipped about it, even the guard, but there was a little flower found at the scene, carved from wood found in the King's Valley." She gestures with her cigar towards Zarius as if to say and now your tuuurn.
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Post by Azalea Euanthe on Mar 23, 2023 19:40:30 GMT -5
She was not the shy type. Azalea for the life of her could not figure out why she was so tongue-tied, nor why Izzy put her on the spot like that. Azalea was never known for her subtlety after all. While she was still simmering a bit, the glare towards Izzy hopefully going unnoticed, she listened to the two chatter.
Izzy knew information Lea didn’t - Which is not a surprising fact. But nonetheless, she would zip her mouth and listen - That is what she was good at. She could throw in something to make it easier for them to trust, maybe… “We’re not after anything,” She says, backing up what Izzy had said. “While I understand knowledge is the key to everything, we have no ill intentions for whatever you choose to share… Frankly, I am just a nosy little shit. Curiosity is rarely satiated.” She looks up at Izzy and Zarius as they speak again.
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Post by Eameia (Zarius unavailable) on Mar 23, 2023 20:15:10 GMT -5
The fellblood listens to the taller woman cover for her junior. Shame the girl didn't have more confidence, but that was something that could be nurtured over time with the correct guidance. He wasn't wholly convinced that the white fellblood could provide the appropriate tutelage though. She played coy a lot and her toothy grin didn't exactly sell the innocent playful angle she was going for very well.
"I am afraid I do not know what you are talking about. If something odd happened with a vendor then as upstanding citizens surely you would have brought it to the guard and not taken advantage of the situation, correct?"
Okay, now he was just toying with them. The towering woman seemed like the type to enjoy little social games. He glances towards the young girl again as she reaffirms Miss Arodre's claims. The young girl must have a great deal of faith or admiration for the woman. It's curious as to how the pair ended up working together. He wouldn't be shocked if it turned out that Miss Arodre stole the kid right off a street corner.
"Curiosity is not necessarily a bad thing," he comments to Azalea. "Though it is important to weigh the risks and rewards of asking questions and know when to cut your losses."
He attention goes back to the ivory fellblood as she offers up a tidbit of information. His eyes narrow sharply. A former servant of the King who was imprisoned and broke out. That sounded far too familiar.
"Not so long ago. Are we talking weeks? Months? Years? Was this person a spellcaster?"
If this woman actually had the information he was looking for, then it was certainly a stroke of luck their paths crossed this day.
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Post by Issala 'Izzy' Arodre on Mar 25, 2023 14:08:59 GMT -5
"Oh, of couuurse, you are so right," she nods along without missing a beat, rolling her wrist flippantly. "So very upstanding and dutiful civilians are we. Why, we would never." Izzy gives Sparks a little smile, seeing how she tries to smooth things over. Good, good for her to start getting her feet wet in this whole negotiating thing.
Oh, ho. That got a bit of a response. Now that she has Zarius' attention, Izzy's smile grows. She looks over at Azalea, brows wiggling as if to say 'see?' and shifts her gaze back to Zarius to answer his line of questioning, keeping it casual. "A couple of months; mention of a spellcaster was non-specific, but did allude to abilities that could be magic. Like I said, whole thing was relatively hush-hush, people are keeping it to some very specific circles. Though, y'knoooow," she steeples her fingers together in thought before spreading them apart, as if she had just stumbled on an idea.
"I just had a crazy thought-- we could look into it for you~. Because it sure sounds like what I have is definitely of value to you, and you did say the words 'exchange' as far as that information goes, my good sir. Quid pro quo, mm?" She tilts her head with a wry look.
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Post by Azalea Euanthe on Apr 10, 2023 17:33:57 GMT -5
Oh, Azalea should have expected this from Izzy. How smart, turning an encounter into a job. Lea hid her smirk as she watched Izzy do her thing, standing there with clasped hands in front of her. She could tell Zarius was interested in their dynamic. The way he was watching the interactions between the two, it was sort of funny to her, and his advice was well taken. Az Izzy suggested their involvement, Izzy hummed a little. “That would be very nice of us to do… Plus it sounds fun.” Lea smirked a little, still keeping her head down a little.
Lea still glanced up. The envelope Zarius had swindled from the corp was nowhere in sight, but oh, how lucky it was that Lea was not a single-minded person. She was always taught to look at the bigger picture. She nods towards his hand that had the envelope. “Is that the information you were looking for, from that guard? Or was that… Entirely unrelated?” Might as well bring it up. She hadn’t forgotten. As said, her curiosity is rarely sated.
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Post by Eameia (Zarius unavailable) on Apr 11, 2023 21:04:11 GMT -5
Couple months. Well, that didn't line up. Shame. He's been looking for a lead on the man the Witch of Moonglade asked for his assistance in finding, but it has certainly been years since he disappeared and there's been few sightings.
"Do not get ahead of yourself." He folds his arms and looks at the pair. "That is not the lead I was hoping for, but the information is something to keep in mind I suppose."
It was interesting that this woman was now trying to secure a job from him. While the timeline didn't match up, it was possible that this person might know something if they were held in the same place as the person he is actually looking for. And it never hurts to have some dirt on people the Crown would probably be eager to put back in prison.
"Well, I would not necessarily say that it is a crazy thought. Maybe ill-advised. I am willing to at least consider it depending on what information you are would want in turn."
He narrows his eyes at Azalea then glances at Izzy before addressing the young investigator in-training. "Unrelated. And I am afraid that information is already spoken for."
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Post by Issala 'Izzy' Arodre on Apr 16, 2023 17:27:22 GMT -5
"Ahhh, so there's a different mysterious figure that came through the city that is on the run from their service to the Crown? Gooood to know." She winks.
--and then snorts, feigning indignance. "Ill-advised! We're the best there is, good sir! Harrumph and such." she looks to Azalea, smiling proudly at their very good and pertinent question. She reaches down and gives their head a light, congratulatory pat. Even though Zarius didn't give up anything that was worthwhile, it was still a good question.
"So it doesn't belong to you, then? Interesting." An interception on behalf of someone else? Now who could an upstanding member of Zeinavian society be working for. Still, it was a good question. What information would they want in return? "Hmmm. she shifts her gaze to Azalea. The young woman really should be the one to ask. Izzy was vaguely aware that this was an exchange of sorts. But she wondered... "Well, unless Sparks here has any particular burning questions of her own, and I am sure she does, just look at her," it was funny because of her elemental heritage. Ha. "--buuut I do have one... any names or organizations that currently have any 'requests' regarding one Morrigan Moonweaver?" her brows arch slightly, watching Zarius' expression.
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Post by Azalea Euanthe on Apr 17, 2023 18:34:42 GMT -5
Azalea watched the two as they interacted - She felt like Izzy definitely had more than what she was giving. She did always say, every piece of information has a price. She mostly stayed quiet during the conversation, though in a sort of response to Zarius narrowing his eyes at her, she scrunches her nose, mocking the same expression. Then came the joke.
Lea looked over at Izzy, looking a little annoyed. “Really, an elemental joke?” She mumbled, pinching the tall lady on the arm a bit before moving her attention back towards the fellblood. Why Izzy was interested in a Morrigan Moonweaver was something she was not privy to, but she chose not to question it. She just watched for the man’s response.
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Post by Eameia (Zarius unavailable) on Apr 17, 2023 20:58:31 GMT -5
"They did not necessarily come through the city,” he corrects the pale fellblood. “If they had then that would be unfortunate. And really, who is not on the run from some sort of authority these days?"
He snorts a laugh at Issala's dramatic indignation. "My apologies, I did not mean to insult you."
He then shakes his head. "Things that are lifted from someone's possession without their consent or knowing often do not belong to the person who did the lifting in the first place.” If Issala wanted to be cheeky, he could be cheeky back.
Zarius gives Issala a questioning look when she brings up a familiar name. One he would have preferred to forget but it was irritatingly impossible to put out of mind after such a theatrical and comical first impression.
“Morrigan Moonweaver, the great Wizard of the Wastes. Enchanter, diviner, storyteller, creator of miracles and maker of elixirs most wonderful,” he quotes the purple fellblood’s introduction with a mocking tone and accompanying eye roll. “Or so he claims. I do not believe I know of any organizations that are after him, though I would not be surprised if there were. He is a member of the Golden Consortium, but other than that I do not think he has any affiliations with any other groups.”
There were no falsehoods in his answer. That was about all he knew about the scam artist from their brief meeting that one fateful visit to the Desert Rose where he saw way more of the purple fellblood than he would have ever liked.
“I am afraid that is all the information I have to give. Why is he of any interest to you?”
He wouldn’t mention where Morrigan is now or his ‘friendship’ with Kvasir in case it put the foxman in danger. As much as he disliked Morrigan, Kvasir was a very valuable ally. It was incredibly frustrating that all the potion makers he knew and liked had annoyingly obnoxious love interests. That said, if this woman had something against the man that would be good information to have at least to warn him to watch out for her in the future.
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Post by Issala 'Izzy' Arodre on Apr 26, 2023 20:00:34 GMT -5
"I shall accept your apology, sir, seeing as we are so well acquainted." Izzy says sagely, completely insincere, seeing as this was only their first meeting. The first of many, she hoped. Or it would be, if she had anything to say about it.
Izzy gives Azalea a too-wide grin and tips her an obvious wink, before looking back to Zarius. "A clever little caveat. But you're not returning it to the 'rightful owner' of said contents, mm?" It wasn't a question so much as a statement, but the Cheshire grin Izzy sported spoke volumes, happy to play along with the little back and forth they had going.
She nods carefully, non-chalantly, at the detailz Zarius provides of Morrigan Moonweaver, the Wizard of the Wastes. She's careful to ensure the smile stays fixed in place, but her eyes are sharper than she lets on, wheels turning behind their ember-like appearance. Not a lot of love lost there, by the sounds of Zarius' tone. Though more interesting was that Zarius did not know of any organizations that were pursuing them. Good to know.
Also a little troubling, but that was neither here for there.
"Morrigan and I aaare. Acquainted, shall we say," Izzy gives Zarius another sly grin, before dropping her eyes to Azalea, "I'll introduce you some time, you'd like 'em." Her gaze lifts back to Zarius; she wasn't sure what sort of relationship Morrigan and him had, but she was assuming it wasn't great. Better to not tip him off in either direction. At least for now. "They're in high demand. Never a bad idea to keep an eye on. So," Izzy takes a step closer, grin widening. "Does that finish answering your questions? My associate here and I don't expect trust-- not yet, not ever, if you're smart, and you seem smart. But, we can find you what you need, when you need it. That has to be of some value to a man of your persuasions."
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Post by Azalea Euanthe on Apr 27, 2023 19:22:34 GMT -5
Azalea playfully scowled at Izzy as she charicature-winked at her about the fire joke, but she clearly didn’t mind the joke as she giggles slightly as she continues, feigning indignance along with Izzy. Zarius clearly was not a huge fan of this Morrigan person, according to their reaction, and Azalea is sure Izzy noticed that as well. Still, Lea wasn’t quite sure where this entire thing was going. When izzy had mentioned that Lea would like this Morrigan person, she shrugged in response.
Was this where this was heading? She sort of pulled at Izzy’s sleeve, trying to get her attention. “So we’re forming a business relationship with Mr. Zarius?” She mumbles questioningly. “Of course, he seems useful, and very nice..” How does she ask this without getting in trouble…? She assumed he would be listening in to whatever she was saying, and she wanted to avoid insulting him. He was a little scary, after all. “And certainly there are things we could do for him that he would find very useful, but… What would we get? Besides… a very powerful… client…?”
Gosh, she really needed to get better with her words. Even she was wincing at herself.
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Post by Eameia (Zarius unavailable) on Apr 30, 2023 14:48:32 GMT -5
Geez, this woman was not very subtle. He shifts his weight and gives an idle glance around them just to check for anyone getting too curious for comfort.
"I see no reason to do so," he replies to Issala's question about returning the items he took.
Zarius narrows his eyes then scoffs. "High demand, I am sure. They seem like the type to be good at getting themselves in trouble and not so good at getting out of it."
He watches Issala closely as she takes a step closer to him. His eyes narrow. Was she aware of his skills? If she was and still chose to close in on him, that meant she either had the means to counter him if he turned hostile, or she was just incredibly confident he wouldn't strike her.
"I appreciate the vote of confidence about my intelligence," he replies with a hint of sarcasm.
Then Azalea tugged on the alabaster woman's sleeve. As he thought, the poor kid was just being taken for a ride by her taller companion. They hadn't come into this conversation with a clear cut plan, nor had they agreed on what they were supposed to be trying to get out of him. Regardless of if this was for 'training' purposes or not, the fellblood woman sure was putting this young lady in a dangerous situation. If they had pulled this with someone who was more trigger happy or easily provoked, they could have easily started a fight they might not be able to finish.
"Do you two need a moment to actually discuss what you are trying to accomplish here? You do not seem to be on the same page."
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Post by Issala 'Izzy' Arodre on May 7, 2023 21:06:37 GMT -5
Izzy glances down at Azalea with a little smile and a wink, as the young woman clues in to the angle she was shooting for. But this was not merely for Izzy's sake; this was to help Azalea build her own connections and see how things worked around here. Zarius had, thus far, been quite a good subject for instruction, all told.
He was also wily and sly himself, noting that Izzy had not given Azalea any sort of run down prior to this meeting. Which was precisely how Izzy ran her own show. Pure improv.
"Why, cooperation, of course!" Izzy taps her the back of her hand into the palm of the other for emphasis, answering both Sparks and Zarius at the same time. "Information isn't cheap, we deal in it. Always nice to have friends with those connections, folks who are in the know about these sorts of things. I did make you that offer between myself and my sweet, darling apprentice as well, which I cannot help but note that you did not address," She examines her talons with a wry eye, before placing it gently on Azalea's shoulder. "The offer stands, but if you'd like some time to think it over, but otherwise, we won't take up more of your valuable time. If you change your mind, I'm sure you can find us."
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Post by Azalea Euanthe on May 21, 2023 23:19:11 GMT -5
Azalea smiles at Izzy, then looks over to Zarius with a bit more confidence. Something she’s been picking up from Izzy is that confidence is key, after all. “I, for one, would love to work with you, Sir. I do believe my mentor and I are running out of daylight, though… I’m sure someone as esteemed as you know the importance of time, and have somewhere to be.” Azalea gestures to the setting sun as she speaks. “Plus, I’d rather not be around when the salesman ‘remembers’ how much he could have gotten with this dress.” She adds, glancing at the garment they had picked out before. She glances back up at Zarius, smiling sweetly. “Pretty dress, right?” She adds, alluring to the fact that they both know more than she’s saying. “So what do you say? Would you like some time to think about it, or would you be willing to… ‘cooperate’ with Miss Izzy and I? I do, after all, love making new friends!”
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Post by Eameia (Zarius unavailable) on May 22, 2023 11:54:35 GMT -5
This woman, she sure was eager. And it clearly was rubbing off on her young apprentice. It is difficult for him to tell just how much a potential threat they could be to him and his business. Issala at least doesn't seem like the sell-out type. He considers what they're asking for a moment then nods.
"I am well aware of the price of information. Though such conversations will have to wait." He glances past them and sees another patrol of guards go by, they seem to be searching for something. Time certainly was running out.
The fellblood smiles at Azalea as she mentions the dwindling daylight. "Fair enough. I will not keep you two investigators from your business."
He rises to his feet and gives a discerning eye to the garment Azalea refers to as if he is seeing it for the first time. "A fine find indeed."
Looking up at the towering Issala, he nods. "I will consider it. If you find yourselves in the city of Darkveil, feel free to reach out at the Rookery. We can discuss any deals in more detail there."
Not wanting to hang around much longer with the guards widening their search area, the fellblood bids the two farewell before stepping away and heading for a nearby alleyway. A veil of invisibility shimmers and falls over his form once he's past the corner of the building, and he disappears from sight.[1]
[1] Invisibility
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