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Post by Aledüne Nevaar on Sept 2, 2023 12:53:35 GMT -5
The heat of the day kept most people idle, even the locals would be careful to not spend too much time under the scorching sun. It is because of this that the life of the city is only really seen as the sun rests below the horizon. Traders and travellers of all kinds gather to buy and sell goods from all across the world. A perfect place for people of all walks of life to apply their trade.
Aledüne who had spent plenty of time getting to know the noble families of the city was out walking with the wives of some of the lords. Concubines where many, and surprisingly the lords were appreciative of him taking them of their hands for a night or two. Naturally this was only an advantage for the vampire as well, and he had found that he thoroughly enjoyed himself here.
Walking in a group, the women walk from stall to stall, gossiping about various topics of court and family. Aledüne walking with them remains a quite spectator unless asked directly, keeping a charming tone as he kept his distance from them in public, allowing the servants of the families to take care of the direct needs of the women. Eventually he excuses himself, having grow bored in the moment and decides to take a walk through the bazaar on his own before returning to his nightly habits.
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Post by Delta on Sept 2, 2023 13:21:18 GMT -5
The bazaar was a bustle of activity as a small crowd had gathered, warping the otherwise more evenly distributed population. Any mystery as to the reason why was shattered with a cry of, "Come one, come all!" echoing into the dying light of evening. Through the small throng of people gathered around stood a silk wrapped gentleman holding a colored elixir of something or another bound with a red bow and with sparkles of pink in the vessel. A range of skeptics, curiosity seekers, and some batting eyes of various genders created an atmospheric mix of emotion that Dante appreciated.
"He's bluffing! There's no way it does that."
"How does it work?"
"Hey good looking~"
To the last person that spoke, Dante said, "Not a question, but an offer we can discuss later. Now this here is something I've discovered on my travels to your very city. There I was, walking through the harsh yet dazzling desert. Oh how your charming landscape captivated my mind as I was the dust swirl like the paintbrush of the gods themselves drafted every stroke and every dune. And yet, it is of great embarrassment to admit that my normally fit and well cared for body had succumbed to the unforgiving heat. It was not long before I was prone upon the sand when my eyes caught something..."
He saw some folks were getting bored, but for the most part they were captivated. He let some go, but he saw a few who seemed to be interested in his product so he layered his tale with an embellishment that would suppress their desire to leave. He didn't know how he could live before learning Calm Emotion charms.
"In the distance, I saw a great and powerful wyrm. In much respects, the copper scaled reptilian resembled much of a dragon except its face. It would constantly change its countenance so much that I had at first mistaken it for a chimera of some kind. It wore the faces of great beasts and people. I was terrified it would soon have my face! The great primordial said nothing, merely stared upon my collapsed form. I wasn't sure if was debating whether to speak, to spare, or to salivate at the thought of my body's meat in its stomach. What cannot be denied ladies and gentlemen was the gentleness of their heart. With a shed tear, the produced these dragon tears I hold before you and beckoned me to drink. I did so without hesitation, caution thrown to the four winds. Its effect was not immediate as I had hoped, and a flutter of despair weighed on my heart when I collapsed once more.."
He took a knee and closed his eyes, feeling more comfortable to lay it thick on the theatrics now that he had his select audience of suckers. He then whispered, "But then..." before shooting backup and shouting, "I awoke with a vigor and mirth that I had not known even in the finest of feast halls. It was by the kindness of a stranger that I am here with you today. Trust that I have no near the virtue of the great dragon, and my weak flesh requires the sustenance and needs we all share. Thusly, my price named is cheap and according to the needs of my life's continuation."
He held out the elixir and said, "It is the people's price! We will auction it by your whims as my gift to you!"
It never ceased to amaze him how people would get so fired up over what was basically snake oil. Well, a man had to get his bread in a new town somehow. And people were so much better at lying to themselves than they realized. They'd believe they were stronger after, so they would be. Ah, thought Dante. Placebos, may you never change.
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Post by Aledüne Nevaar on Sept 2, 2023 13:41:03 GMT -5
Much of the bazaar was just boring everyday goods that held no interest to a wanderer or the dead. Let alone a dead wanderer. Maybe it was time to get back on the road again before he was discovered. The city was a refreshing change compared to most other places and he knew he would miss it.
As he continues to move in between the stalls he eventually comes to hear the fascinating tale spun by the graceful tongue of Dante. An elixir that could revive someone on the brink of death in the desert. Quite something. Even more amazing was the fact that the man seemed to be speaking the truth, or he was just a very good liar as there was not a hint of deception in his voice. But when all was said and done, his tale was just too fantastical to the point that you would be foolish to believe it outright without some sort of proof. The elixir itself could be as real and effective as piss in a bottle and these people would be non the wiser until it was too late and the money gone. Still, if it was real this was something worth investigating.
A creature whose very tears could bring life was something he had never heard of in his arcane studies, but it wasn't like he was an expert on the subject of magical creatures. Moving up and through the crowd who steps aside as he makes his presence know, Aledüne asks a very simple question.
"And how do we know that this is real and not a scam?"
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Post by Delta on Sept 2, 2023 13:56:42 GMT -5
The bidding was about to get rolling after a few bids before a dashing gentleman arrived. He was struck by the man's grace and fashion sense that he had nearly forgotten that was in the middle of earning his keep this evening. Dante gave the handsome newcomer a short laugh and said, "Why my good sir it is unfortunate but perhaps for good reason that committing someone to death's door is a most heinous crime. And so publicly! I'm afraid for the sensibilities of the realm and her peoples that I cannot possibly exercise the full capabilities of these dragon's tears without a night in the irons and a minute upon the hangman's rope."
He plopped down on the crate to get more eye level somewhat with the crowd. He swirled the bottled pixie dust nonsense around in a sort of musing way before wistfully saying, "But I suppose I can demonstrate its vigor to a certain extent. Energy, vitality, and overall good health don't have the showmanship I would naturally employ. Then again, we could discuss it over a meal and some good conversation if you'd like." He gave him a flirtatious wink. His skepticism would complicate the con. Perhaps his advance would put him on the back heel and still his tongue.
Strange, he thought, his complexion hardly reflects the unforgiving nature of this place. Foreigner? From his dress he seems like nobility. He was drawn back by another bid called out, and he seized the opportunity to pivot.
"Ah yes! Going once... twice... sold!" It was a little quicker than usual, but he tried to smooth it over.
"As I have said, I am certainly of lesser virtue but not entirely divorced from it. I couldn't in good conscious sell it to you for higher when such kindness and miracles were bestowed upon me." The gentleman produced a modest coin purse for Dante. The Fellblood didn't bother counting and stepped aside from the slowly dissolving crowd. He shot a look at the newcomer and said with a gentle smile, "I'm so sorry, I hope I didn't catch you off guard. I'm Dante by the way, and you are?"
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Post by Aledüne Nevaar on Sept 2, 2023 14:27:03 GMT -5
His attempt to deflect the topic was in Aledüne's eyes clear proof of the mans attempted deception. He seems to loose interest in the matter and turns to leave as the man suggests to continue the conversation elsewhere. He stops and gives him a look of scepticism, but it is replaced quickly with a polite smile.
"I will be honest, I do not normally waste time on con men, but you have impressed me, as I have never before seen someone with a silvery tongue such as what you have demonstrated. So we can talk, though I would ask that you speak the truth from now on, cause if I find myself a victim of your lies I will be sure to never forget it." His words are smooth, direct and polite, but the threat is difficult to misunderstand.
"Please follow me. There is a shisha den where we can relax and talk. Oh, and I am not of noble origin, so feel free to address me casually as Aldeüne."
Without waiting for an answer the man starts walking to the outskirts of the bazaar, closer to the docks. In a small building on the corner there is a small shisha den with a simple sign on the outside. Inside the place seem mostly used by dock workers and sailors, but nobody reacts despite Aledünes presence, indicating that he might be a regular. The place smells of spices and herbs, and while some customers seem to be drinking tea, most is here to smoke in the flavourful tobacco. In one of the rooms in back there is a pipe and pillows to sit on. The room is empty and a curtain allows for privacy from the rest of the establishment.
"Please, sit. But close the curtain first." Sitting down before you he lights the fire under the smoke apparatus to ignite the tobacco inside.
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Post by Delta on Sept 2, 2023 14:57:06 GMT -5
Dante looked over his shoulder briefly before following Aledune to the hole in the wall shisha den to make sure none of the folks he was swindling were following him. Truth be told, with how cheap he had sold the elixir he could have probably just done a street act instead. A very expensive street act.
He closed the curtain and sat cris cross across from Aledune. He smiled and said, "Well now this is a quaint little oasis. Could be a nice investment, a bit of passive income never hurt." He leaned in a little and said, "So Aledune my nobly dressed yet common blooded friend what can a gentleman of my persuasion do to entertain you this evening? If you are actually a statesman and needed a speech written up, I can assure you now that I always keep my business dealings discreet."
He leaned back and got comfortable, sighing with delightful relaxation.
"It also wouldn't be the first time I had stumbled on a lord slumming in up. Wait, you're not a concubine are you?"
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Post by Aledüne Nevaar on Sept 2, 2023 17:18:46 GMT -5
He doesn't respond right away. Instead sizing Dante up for a moment with a neutral expression. Leaning back while sitting on the pillows he supports his weight with an arm on the floor as he takes a deep breath of the tobacco, holding it in for about half a minute before breathing it out again, unaffected by the lack of oxygen.
"No, I am not a concubine, nor am I slumming it up I am afraid." Another puff of smoke is released from his lungs as he speaks.
"But I was impressed by your power of persuasion. A useful skill if applied correctly. You however oversold it, anyone with an education could smell the deception, and if not for your silver tongue I can guarantee you that you would have already been shackled long ago." He smiles gently to be reassuring.
"Luckily for you, you are not. But before I get any deeper into the subject of todays topic I am going to need to know a little bit more about who you are and where you are from." He leans over the table and hands you the pipe.
"That is if you are looking to for something more than just petty street jobs."
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Post by Delta on Sept 2, 2023 17:34:14 GMT -5
Dante extended his arms over his head and stretched, his back and shoulders making satisfying popping sounds. He sighed deeply and said, "Well I'm glad that I could meet the arbitrary expectations of handsome and well-dressed strangers." He grinned and cocked his head and an eyebrow. "So what is this work you're talking about? Clearly you don't need me to help you in the realm of seduction or fashion. And you seem eloquent enough to do what I do. Sounds more like you need a fall guy for something. Oh the speculation his absolutely killing me!"
He takes a hit of the pipe, blowing out the smoke through his nose. The air grew hazy along with the rest of the den. Dante knew the vibe these places gave: it might be tobacco in these bowls, but it might as well have been opium with what effect they had on the habitual customers. It also was a hotbed of good marks and fools whose money must surely be parted. For their sakes of course.
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Post by Aledüne Nevaar on Sept 2, 2023 17:46:26 GMT -5
"My questions still stands, but I understand your hesitation to share anything about yourself, and so will try to elevate your worry."
He leans forward, placing his arms in his laps as he takes a deep breath of the air, or lack their off before continuing.
"You are clearly an ambitious individual, I can already see that much. And you are right in that we share similarities in how we approach a situation. Difference is that I do not use deception for something as simple as coin, but I understand your desire for wealth. For now I will simply say that I am looking for another man to work with as working alone can often prove difficult. Your life is still your own I promise." His words ring true, as if you had said them yourself. He does not seem intend on deceiving you, and his argument is valid conveying a sense of ambition unlike most.
"Now if you will be so kind as to let me know who it is that I would offer to share my ambitions with, it would please me greatly." Another polite smile, disarming and honest as they come despite the topic of conversation.
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Post by Delta on Sept 2, 2023 17:56:58 GMT -5
Dante twirled the pipe in his fingers and said, "It's not hesitation. It's a calculated pause. You certainly don't carry yourself as the usual fixer. As for wealth? Money is good. Money is useful. People often go on long winded speeches on the emptiness of money even as they starve in the street. Quite the con artists, philosophers. It's like getting paid to think."
He laced his fingers together and said, "Obviously I'm interested if I'm sitting here, smoking with you, talking with you, flirting with you... was I too subtle? I can be accused of that sometimes. What sort of work did you have in mind?"
Something odd Dante noticed was the man hardly blinked, breathed, or otherwise seemed alive. It was like the figure was a wax statue immortalizing a long lost prince than another person. He gestured to his face and said, "I will say though that thing you do where you keep your face perfectly still is pretty good. It's so difficult to communicate just how hard it is to be perfectly still."
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Post by Aledüne Nevaar on Sept 2, 2023 18:20:08 GMT -5
Having realized that he had let the mask slide for a moment long enough for Dante to notice something he can't help but laugh.
"Oh my. Well, flirting aside, while I am flattered is not why I asked you here. I have a bad habit of becoming a bit motionless when I am serious, you will have to excuse me if I made you uncomfortable."
He takes the pipe and breaths in while still chuckling, causing the smoke to blow out his nose in puffs.
"But as I said, before I suggest anything I want to know exactly who it is that I will be working with. Money and its values aside, I am sure I can be a boon to have as an ally, as I hope you will be to me. But who you are matters as I have no reputation to go on. Will you not be so kind as to stop deflecting my question?"
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Post by Delta on Sept 2, 2023 18:36:21 GMT -5
Smirking, he said, "The name is Dante Discreet my good sir. You'll have to forgive me, it's in my nature to tease from time to time. I do apologize for holding out on you like that. Truth be told I've had to say my own name so many times today I'd think the whole damn city would know it by now. Not very wise of me is it? But despite my ambition I've been rather humble in my aims."
He stroked his chin and said, "If you haven't heard of me before you may have seen me at parties. My more... official title is that of 'master of ceremonies.' I've been known to throw quite the ball. If I've done my job properly you'll probably be too drunk to remember much of it. But it would have been spectacular."
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Post by Aledüne Nevaar on Sept 2, 2023 18:48:45 GMT -5
"I don't drink, alcohol. Though a fine vintage is something I can enjoy. But I am afraid I have never had the pleasures of one of your parties."
"Its a start, but I will need a little bit more to go on." He seems almost disappointed that you haven't been more open.
"But lets share turns, that way the trust can flow a little bit easier. Keep to the truth please, because I will know by the end of this conversation how truthful you have truly been with me." Another warning, delivered on friendly words.
"Where to start....?" He thinks for a second. "...From the beginning I think suitable. Dragons Cradle is where I was born and grew up, and my full name is Aledüne Nevaar. I haven't been home in a long time however." He bows his head and motions towards you as if it was your turn.
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Post by Delta on Sept 2, 2023 19:00:16 GMT -5
Dante hardly noticed the subtle vampiric power working on his mind. It felt natural for him to speak as he did, his mind rationalizing the uninterrupted honesty of his words. He said, "I'm from the Ash Lands. I know right? A Fellblood from the Ash Lands? Who could have guessed? But seriously though, there's not much to speak of in that regard. It's dark, it's dreary, and you're likely to get gutted if you're looking down at your feet too long and turn the wrong corner. That kind of place and all that."
He took a drag from the hookah and mused, "Honestly it's not much different than the bad side of any other town I suppose. The volcano fallout certainly gave the air some character, if by character you mean choking, smoldering ash and burning soot. I must have lungs of silver to still be breathing as I am now."
He grinned and said, "Dragon's Cradle you say? Fuck me, you might have had a worse childhood than I did. But only by a little. It wasn't all bad. Parents were actually quite charming and sweet on me. Not something you'd expect in a mudhole within a shithole, but life is funny that way. What more did you want to know, Aledune of Dragon's Cradle? You're not that far from a place you claim to not have visited in some time."
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Post by Aledüne Nevaar on Sept 3, 2023 8:41:32 GMT -5
Glad that he is being honest he gives a nod. "We all find our ways to deal with the trouble aimed at us. You seem to have adapted well." There is a strange look of sympathy in his eyes, as if this was the first real time he actually looked at Dante.
"And yes, home is but a few weeks away should I choose to return. Doesn't mean that what awaits me is pleasant. Its by choice that I distance myself from it." His mood turns grim, clearly remembering something unpleasant.
He gets to his feet and starts stepping towards the door before stopping. "We can continue this conversation another time as I am no longer in a mood for it." His faces away from you so you can't see his face, but your experience with people of all kinds tells you that he is about to do something dangerous.
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