Expeditious Employment

[Wayfarer]

Well, this looked like the place.

 

It was an immense building, calling it an inn really didn't do it justice.  A large hall topped with flags of a downward sword upon a shield, it was attended by additional structures on the block, the entire property ringed by a waist high cobble wall.  Within those borders lay many benches with covering shade and a number of people who were already enjoying the fruits of hops and vine before the sun had reached its zenith.  Not that Ashar was one to judge, but he had chosen the time in the hopes that not too many would be blind as a newt and he might get some relatively sober contenders.

 

He'd agreed to a contract, travel to Malkier providing additional security for a caravan.  He needed at least five others to join him, with any luck he'd find at least a couple of willing souls here.  It was less dangerous than it appeared, Shienar had its own patrol the way to the nation reborn, but people with money rarely kept it without some measure of caution.  For Ashar, this was an opportunity not only to make some money, but perhaps make some contacts doing the work he was born for.

 

Setting foot on the property, the main hall loomed over him by five storeys.  In there was a grand interior packed with more tables and chairs and drinks to go with the meals they provided.  That was not what interested him though, not yet at least.  Instead, as he made his way through the grand doors, he looked to the right to see a counter and a massive cork board.  The paper in his hand was made for it, though he needed pins and an open spot that would catch the eye.

 

"May I help you?"

 

Looking to the inquiry, Ashar smiled and nodded as he recognised the livery and symbol on the dark-haired boy that was perhaps no more than fourteen.  "I do, would you happen to have some pins?"

 

"Pins I can supply and I can even put it up for you.  However, you will need to register at the counter first."

 

Frowning, Ashar's tone was cajoling.  "Surely there is no ne-"

 

"No free advertising, it must be registered and paid for same as everyone else."  The young boy seemed pleased at the statement as he shrugged, "it isn't my doing, people more important than me make these choices."

 

There was a time that Ashar had been convincing, maybe his boyish charm was fading with age.  Sighing, he nodded and walked over to the counter indicated to.  An older gentleman in matching livery nodded in greeting as he opened a ledger before him.  "Welcome, I am Donal Arvan, welcome to Riposte, where we meet every demand in a timely manner."

 

Ashar smiled as he asked, "who came up with that?"

 

Getting a smile in return, Donal shrugged, "someone richer than either of us I'd wager.  I take it you wish to register?"

 

"It seems so, yes?"

 

The man's response was to dip his quill in the inkpot as the questions came.  His name, his purpose, how many people he needed and their requirements.  Ashar Dovinhald, guarding a caravan to Malkier, five and a willingness to travel north.  Getting a raised eyebrow at the last, Ashar said nothing of it as Donal finished the note as he then gestured to the poster he was holding.  Handing it over, an artist's exaggerated likeness of Ashar asked if one would care to change their stars, then one might seek their fortune north with him.  First come first served, must be willing to follow instructions and commit to the entire trip.

 

Getting a look, Ashar shrugged at the man, "I thought it would stand out."

 

"That it does.  Uno," Donal looked to the young boy and handed him the poster, "put that up and find a nice spot at eye level.  Your registration fee is two silvers, and with that is also included a lunch and two drinks here while people have the opportunity to come meet you.  Anyone who asks we will direct your way."  Three stones came from below the counter as Ashar handed the fee over, one red and two blue.  "The blue will get you a drink, the red a meal.  Our servers will come by every now and then to see if you require anything, be sure to order during those times."

 

"Done."  The boy looked ready for another task and Donal already had it in mind.  "Take this man to one of our booths by the south wall, purple."

 

"This way."  Uno gestured for Ashar to follow, leading him down a corridor that opened into a large hall.  It wasn't too packed at this time of day, with the weather being fine without most people were happy to drink there.  But the southern wall contained a number of booths, each booth table had a different coloured rock of some kind upon it.  The purple made sense as he saw the violet orb set in the middle of the long table and Ashar took his seat as Uno disappeared to return with water and several cups.

 

Settling in, Ashar relaxed as he took everything in.  The long bar at the north side, the stairs either side that led to a second level where he could hear some general noise from patrons and a third level above that he could take little in from.  Each level's balcony hung a variety of banners, he recognised nations on the second level, the third were flags that meant little to him.

 

He mused on why that might be so even as he poured his cup and relaxed, this would not be a quick day.

[Matalina]

Kia followed a routine, much like his father. It made like simpler knowing where to go, what to do and kept his mind steady. He was by no means crazy or insane or anything of that nature, but his mind wandered. He knew that. His fathers knew that. Everyone in Kai's life knew that -- and sometimes Kai wished they didn't. Just once, he'd like people to stop reminding him to stay on task. 

 

Mucking out the horses' stalls, then a quick washing before breakfast. It wasn't his favorite chore, but at least he liked the horses. All three of them were grand geldings purchased from the finest horseman, -- nothing but the best for the Gilyard family. At least, that's what his dad said. And it was good exercise which kept the body fit. Kai hated running, but he'd do that too before he headed off to the Unity Towers for his lessons. He couldn't wait for that to finish and be over and done with. He wasn't learning much these days -- mostly teaching and learning through teaching.  

 

Then on his way home for lunch he'd scoot by each of the meeting boards around town -- looking for adventures he could never go on. They always said he was too young. He was 18 now, he should be able to go. He was a better fighter than a lot of those slackers he'd seen venturing around. Kai had probably been fighting for more years than they have, but all they saw was the boyish face and the distracted look in his eyes. He couldn't help that the people were boring.

 

The Riposte always had a lot messages to read. He'd probably read every one of them a thousand times.  He pulled open the door and Uno greeted him with a big hug. "Kai."

 

The boy straightened himself with a gruff grunt from Donal at the counter. Kai waved at the keep with a bright smile and made his way to the board.  Smack dab in the center of the board at the perfect height was a brand new detail. Kai's smile widened.

 

Uno tugged on Kai's tunic, and the bells on the red sash around his waist jingled like someone opening a door. "I hung it."

 

"That is such a great place, Uno. Catches the eye right away. Good job. You better get back to work. I don't want you to get in trouble again cause I'm here."

 

Uno ran off to finish whatever chore he was supposed to. He turned to Donal with a hopeful smile, and the man just shook his head. Kai didn't even have to ask before Donal nodded towards the purple booth by the south wall. "Purple Booth, South wall."

 

Kai skipped a couple of paces before remembering himself. He was a noble born son, he'd better act like it and not some foppish kid who thinks he knows everything -- cause he didn't. But he wanted to.

 

The man sitting at the booth kinda looked like the guy in the picture. Kai wondered if he drew it. He might have to ask, but he had a more pressing question. "How exactly does one change their stars?" he asked the man sitting in the booth. 

 

Edited March 18 by Matalina

[Wayfarer]

Looking up at the blond young man whose hair jingled as he walked over, Ashar smiled at the question as he stood and opened his palms upward as he spoke.  "One takes a path others shy away from.  Come, sit and I will explain this, yes?"

 

Gesturing to the seat across from him in the booth, Ashar waited till the man had seated himself before he did.  Reaching for the water and a spare cup at the table, he poured it close to the brim before placing it in front of the man and only then did he speak.  "I am currently under contract to help escort a caravan north to Malkier where goods will be delivered.  Now I am new to these lands, I had not thought there would be so much work for one whose sword commands a price but where there is work there is opportunity, yes?"

 

Leaning forward so his elbows were on the table and hands clasped just below his mouth, Ashar lowered his forearms so they sat on the edge and gestured with his right hand to the man across from him.  "I am in need of people to join me in this task, you could be such a person.  The roads are meant to be safe and warriors of both Shienar and Malkier patrol the way, but those who employ me are flush with coin and see little reason to entertain risk when for a small cost it may be mitigated.  To that end, I am to find several others who are willing to assist in the escort of the caravan."

 

Leaning back against his seat with his hands resting by his side, Ashar nodded at the other man.  "You look young.  Tell me, what are you doing now?  Does it make you happy?  If so, then why come here?  I think perhaps that you are not just curious, but want something different for yourself?  Why did you come?  And if you were to agree, what skills would you bring with you?"

[Matalina]

Kai sat down and listened politely. He wasn't sure his fathers would let him go. But they really couldn't stop him, either. North to Malkier? But why didn't they just hire a portal straight there? Here in Merrilor gateways were as easy as finding a horse.

 

The questions he asked made Kai shrugged. "I'm finishing up my schooling. Mostly teaching right now. Best way to learn is to teach. Or so my fathers say." He didn't know if it made him happy. He liked what he did. He was good at it. And it was unique. Not exactly what his father did, and definitely didn't want to be a diplomat like his dad.  Kai wasn't any good with words.

 

"I have always liked traveling the world. My fathers have taken me many places. I could travel anywhere in the world I wanted. Though I don't think I can make a gateway big enough for a wagon." He wasn't his father. He could make one big enough for a man to take a horse through, and that was about it. But he could do that for a long time, but a wagon that was wider than he could muster. "I've been training with a quarterstaff and short sword most of my life and I now teach my own style at the Unity Tower a combination of the weapons and the One Power." Kai didn't often tell strangers what he was capable of, most people still feared a man who could channel but here in Merrilor he felt safe -- it was home. And the city was built with male and female powers alike.

[HeavyHalfMoonBlade]

Children scattered in front of Kaylee as she strode down the road. She struck the paving stones with more force than was strictly necessary with her spear, glowering at the fleeing children. One of the boys paused, as if to hurl a complaint back at the woman who had disrupted their game, but a good look at Kaylee’s scowling, scarred face and seeing how she appeared to be looking for something or someone to use that spear on, made him spin on his heel and race off down the alleyways after his friends.

The wondrous impression Merrilor had made on her was starting to wear off. In fact, it was gone as completely as the warmth of the sun two hours after sunset. Kaylee drew her cloak closer, these Northern climes were so much colder than Illian. Her bruised knuckles smarted as they gripped the spear she was using as a staff. When she had first arrived in the city that was rapidly growing across the plain of Merrilor, everything had gone so smoothly. The first inn she had stumbled upon was reasonably priced, comfortable and with an exceptional cook (though she used far too many herbs for Kaylee's taste). The very first leather shop she had visited had had some very profitable work for her and gladly offered a letter of introduction to merchant with a lot of influence in the city. Kaylee had briefly entertained thoughts of having her own shop by the end of the month. 

But then she had met the merchant, an oily overbearing man, Danvid Collarn by name, who had peered myopically over her work. The fat Andoran had made disapproving noises in throat quite at odds with the surreptitious glances he kept darting at Kaylee. Her irritation soon grew to anger as the esteemed Danvid had explained with feigned regret that there was no work available in Merrilor, though if she would care to entertain thoughts of some more intimate agreement for her lodgings... Kaylee had been satisfied to see oily lech spit out a bloody tooth as she spun on her heel and left his office. Her bruised knuckles were a small price to pay for the opportunity to let Danvid feel just exactly how she felt about such an offer.

At last she found the inn she had been looking for. After returning to her own inn to gather her belongings, she visited the first leather working to collect her earnings and bid farewell for the time being. Then she had headed out on her back-up plan that she had thought she would not need. The tall building was certainly imposing, but Kaylee was in no mood to be affected by the Respite's grandeur. 

Inside she was directed to a large cork board, where her attention was immediately drawn to a gaudy advertisement. Kaylee snorted derisively at the text. A young boy with dark hair dashed past on some errand. Kaylee caught his arm.

"I don't have time.." he began, and then cut off with a yelp as a grip, that had spent long hours cutting, hammering and sewing leather, tightened painfully on his arm.

"You do be well having the time to be telling me where I can find the fanciful bard who wrote this detail, boy. Fortune prick me, or I'll be convincing you of otherwise." Kaylee was wondering exactly how many teeth she would have to knock out today. It started such a good day.

"The purple booth, on the South wall." The boy squeaked. "Mistress," he added belatedly, as she fixed him with a flat stare. Kaylee fished out a copper for the lad before letting him go. It was not his fault after all, not exactly.

As the boy had said, the mercenary was sitting in conversation with another boy at the purple booth. The mercenary was not much older himself. Kaylee sighed. 

It be yer own fault for having to leave in a hurry. Serves you right if you have to babysit the whole way. Just be grateful they probably won't need lullabies at bed time.

Stomping over to the booth, Kaylee cleared her throat loudly, leaning on her spear.
"And so where in the north do we be going, Captain? And where do be the gleeman that writes your posters?"
 

Edited March 21 by HeavyHalfMoonBlade

[Wayfarer]

A channeler.  Well, that changed things, and depending on how capable the young man was that changed things drastically in their favour.  He seemed humble as well, and if he could weave a traveling gateway, well that meant they had an escape route if things became messy.  Not to mention healing, or a flinging fire.  The fact that he didn't look so obvious in this regard, dressed practically rather than the showiness of one confident in their otherworldly powers, well, that could be very useful indeed.

 

"I have to admit, I did not consider the possibility of one of your stated skills being interested in such a task.  You are more than welcome, and w-"

 

Ashar paused as they were joined by a woman who seemed imposing despite her size.  Definitely looked more seasoned than the lad before him, Ashar smiled at the mention of being a Captain even as he rose to his feet only to then grin at the comment about a gleeman.  "A Gleeman?  Well, that was another lifetime but I thank you for the compliment.  Please, join us."

 

Ashar moved around the bench so he sat against the wall with the young man to his left and gestured for the seemingly formidable woman to sit to his right.  Taking another one of the cups, he began to pour water for her and offered the drink as she took a seat.  "As I was explaining to the young man here, I have been contracted to arrange security for a shipment heading north.  It will stop by several settlements and perhaps pass by the new capital along the way.  The trip will be some weeks and while the areas are heavily patrolled by Malkieri and Shienaran soldiers, the merchants have the money to spare.  For me it will be my first time this far north so I am curious to see what it is like.  I am recently new to Merrilor, most of my work has been in the southlands so I would like to see more of this land."

 

"The young man," Ashar gestured to their companion, "has just spoken to me of his skills.  What would you be bringing to our company?  You seem armed and formidable, but what would you say for yourself?"

[HeavyHalfMoonBlade]

The mercenary recruiter offered Kaylee a drink of water as she sat with a barely contained sigh. A faint aroma emanated from the cup, was it apples or... chicken? Kaylee took it with a grimace. Probably the cup was not clean, she was not going to drink from it. 

 

The boy do be having skills now? Kaylee narrowed her eyes at the youth but shrugged. He could be a blademaster five times over for all it mattered to her. At least he was not a runaway apprentice.

 

"I do be Kaylee Tammuz, late of the City of Illian, Captain No Name." Kaylee drew a finger along the table, it looked sticky. "Looking for a hire to take me out of the city. I be skilled in the working of leather, and can take care of any repair work that is needed, and I know which end of my spear has been sharpened. This last year I have been employed in a mercenary band round Cairhien, though our Cap'n be dead now, wasting sickness from cut from a rusty knife in a bar fight. Nasty business, that." Kaylee shook her head and nearly touched the suspicious water to her lips. She took in the mercenary's open countenance. Could be worse, she grudgingly admitted to herself. "That be my skills, if they do be to your liking." Kaylee coloured slightly, uncomfortable with the possible double meaning in her words. "This do be quite far north enough for me, but work is work."

 

She called to the youth that she had accosted when she entered the inn. 

 

"Boy! Bring some wine. And damp cloths." She caught his arm again as he tried to rush off, causing another yelp. "And clean this table, my aged grandmother would no be eating from it, and she ate in the worst inns in the perfumed quarter every night." Kaylee frowned at the boy as he shrank away from her, which did not seem to improve matters. Sighing she fished out another copper. It would have been cheaper just to have knocked a few teeth out in the first place.

[Matalina]

Rude much? Kai thought to himself. It always bothered him visitors were always so rude to folks like it was their god given right to just do whatever they wanted because they didn't live there. He tried to listen to the conversation but his anger only boiled below the surface distracting him.  Uno was shuffling by doing his job when the woman snatched his arm and began issuing orders.  That was enough for Kai.

 

He stood up and frowned. "You don't have to be so bloody rude all the time. Uno is not your serving hand. He's a runner. He doesn't fetch things for you or me or whatever unless his bosses tell, so stop pretending you are some sort of boss around these parts because obviously you don't know up from down."

 

Kai walked over to the bar and ordered her precious little askings, which she could have done all on her own bloody own. He growled under his breath as Uno tugged on his sleeve. "It's alright." Donal just grunted as he started preparing her drink and Stella, the serving girl, started making a damp clothe from a clean bar rag in the small linen cabinet.

 

Kai shook his head. "It's not. I got this. Go back about your duties." Stella gave him a weak smile as she passed, carrying another tray of mugs and food to a nearby table. He just glared at her, letting Uno take the brunt of this woman's ire. This was her job.

 

He walked back with the tankard of wine and damp clothes and accidentally sloshed some of the ruddy liquid to the table. "Here's your bloody wine. Next time, do it yourself."

[HeavyHalfMoonBlade]

"No, lad, I choose to be this bloody rude all the time." Kaylee carefully placed a damp cloth to the side for herself and then with another wiped up the spilt wine. No one appeared to be hurrying to clean the table, the wench was obviously as bone idle as the boy. "Lift the mugs." When the two men did not move quickly enough, Kaylee moved them herself and then wiped down one side of the table, and then moved them back again to clean the other half, Glaring at the young man, Kaylee fastidiously cleaned her hands with the second cloth. "These days, I do be finding little reason to be all simpering and kind to people doing a job they are paid for." Finishing with her hands, she quickly cleaned her face and neck. "I have never remarked that a boy will bring you a cup of wine quicker if you have a soft tongue." Kaylee appeared to hesitant to go on. "Thank you for bringing the wine, Fortune prick me if I knew you could not just call for it. Even if you did spill half of it." The last was muttered nearly inaudibly. 

 

Kaylee picked up her wine cup, then hesitated, placed it back down and then snatched the used cloths up and took them the bar. Uno flinched as she passed. Kaylee rolled her eyes extravagantly, which did unfortunate things with her scar. 

[Matalina]

Kai shook his head with annoyance.  "Do you like to be grabbed by the arm and ordered about? Just because you think he's beneath you doesn't give you the right. You can order food with Stella.  Uno is a runner, not a bus boy, not a server, a runner.  He does errands for those who pay him.  Do you pay him?  Did you even tip him when he led you to the table? Manners gets you a long way in life."

 

Kai looked at the woman with a nod. "You are welcome for the wine."

 

He turned his attention to their potential employer. "I'm sorry if my outburst causes any potential problems, but I don't like when people bully others."

[HeavyHalfMoonBlade]

Kaylee again carefully placed her wine cup untouched on the table. 

 

"Manners indeed do be going a long way. And insulting me won't be helping you to live long enough to have to shave everyday, boy. I be no having the best of days, and I'll no be having some child insult me because he's trying to protect his pillowfriend from the rough side of my tongue. I'm no the most polite of people, there you have me to rights, but call me a bully again and we'll be seeing exactly what skills you do be having after all."

[Matalina]

Kai's look got smug. He knew he wasn't a great fighter, but he knew he was a good one. He'd best many a man who thought he was just a child. But he let it flit from his lips with a laugh. "A pillowfriend? Do you think everyone someone stands up for is someone's little toy in the bedroom? Uno is a kid. He's a friend I see every day. And I will stand up for those who can't stand up for themselves."

 

He stood up with a wave of his hand out the door. "Ifin you do be wantin to fight, then by all means. Show me the way." Kai didn't have his quarter staff with him but he had his sword at his side and with the One Power he didn't need one. He could create a quarterstaff of fire or air, or earth or even spirit if he wanted to. He was not afraid of this bully.

[HeavyHalfMoonBlade]

Kaylee stared up at the young man looming over her. The bells hanging from his braided jingled gently, as he smiled down at her. She balled her fist, ready to let loose the frustration that the day had built up and stoked inside her. Shifting her weight preparing to launch herself at this overbearing popinjay, Kaylee felt something popping in her hand.

 

Glancing down, she could see the angry bruising around knuckles. Experimentally she squeezed her fist. Again, she felt the subtle movement. She had broken at least one of her knuckles. The ache would set in in a few hours. The merchant had had a tougher jaw than she would have given him credit for. Probably punching someone else was not going to be a good idea. That did not mean it would not be worth it.

 

Slumping back on the bench, the humour of the situation caught up to her. She chuckled and finally took a long drink of her wine. 

 

"You actually be wanting to fight a duel with me, puppy? Because of the honour of your runner? You do be lucky that I be rationing myself to punching only one man a day." Fishing a silver mark out of her belt pouch, she placed it beside the young man's cup of water. "Here, buy your pretty little friend something nice to make him feel better, if that be making you feel better. I'll just mark the cost up to a bad day. I have had worse."

 

Grimacing, Kaylee finished her wine, pointedly turning her shoulder to young man.

[Cass]

"For the love of ever-blasting Light and..." Eb rolled her eyes and entertained the idea of simply leaving the grounds of the Riposte then and there, not for the first time since the Tarabonner's notice had been pinned up on the board.

 

Her growl ground itself into a grimace. She stayed where she was, leaning against the East wall of the room at a point where she could blend in somewhat with the scenery, arms  hidden in the slight flares of dark cotton sleeves folded over her dark leather vest, watching events unfold in and around the purple booth. Twenty years ago, when she was the age of those at the long table, that grimace would've been a definite scowl. But she'd managed to learn a thing or two since then, apparently - despite the fact she didn't feel much older. And the grimace was 'an ... improvement, of sorts' that she'd mostly managed to keep.

 

Bloody babies. 

 

Ok. So she was definitely older in comparison to those at the table. Lessons in mature civility fled. She scowled.

 

But she switched from casual lean to careful attention.

 

Kai was still standing. 

 

Eb slipped her right arm out of its folded pose, checking with a slide of her fingers to her chest that the hidden medallion still sat in place under her shirt. She shifted her weight slowly forwards, away from the wall, noting in silence that Uno managed to duck around her through the space she'd left. Without a breath of wind from his movements, and for once successfully avoiding a give-away glance her way. 

 

Good.

 

She flexed her wrists as she moved toward the booth, feeling the hilts of the belted daggers under her sleeves. 

 

She likely wouldn't stop the boy - Light knew that it was usually not her style to even try,  and she had a vested interest in observing the actions and outcomes here - but if Kai and the Illianer woman were going to fight, outside was definitely the better option. She had further business here today and couldn't afford for the room to be closed due to damage. Not to mention the difficulty it might cause Kai's fathers, and therefore Kai. 

 

She folded her arms again as she neared the end of the table. She stood a short distance away from the corner on the Illianer's side, ensuring everyone still had a clear path to leave if required.

 

She looked momentarily at the silver mark the woman had placed next to Kai's cup.

 

"What defines 'fortune'?" she asked outright.

 

"And just how far are you planning to go with this..." she let her voice carry the meaning as she shifted her coal-black gaze upward, past Kai's bright green one, towards the Tarraboner's face, "... trip up North?"

Edited April 13 by Cass

[Wayfarer]

Some would have leapt to control the situation as quickly as possible, they needed to feel like they were in control at all times and anything that violated that sense of control prompted quick action.  Not so much in Ashar's case, he found moments like these instructive.  Kaylee seemed to want to push and challenge, the young man was also biting.  Whatever was at the root of it, he wasn't sure but it no doubt had to do with the one punch of the day.  It seemed when violence loomed that Kaylee was willing to back off at least, but it did leave him with the question of how to pro-

 

Looking toward the new arrival, Ashar was mildly approving in his appraisal.  She was short and had the look of a Domani, but what impressed him was her eyes.  She was alert, whether that was natural or learned he wasn't sure but he stood and inclined his head to her in respect as he answered her question.  "Fortune is in the eye of the beholder, yes?  But in this case, money spends well for most people and their fortunes.  As to Malkier, we'll tour several settlements and then visit the Seven Towers before returning south."

 

"Which brings me to our current drama, and my views on it."  Ashar turned his attention to the other two.  "You come to me interested in work, yet within moments the pair of you were ready to go outside and throw down.  I don't need that on a job."

 

"You."  Ashar looked to Kaylee, "I don't know what happened to you earlier that required you to punch someone, but that is not my fault, yes?  You want a job, leave your past at the door.  I want to work and get paid, if you're going to piss on everyone around you because someone we don't even know got under your skin, this won't be a good fit.  Do that to the wrong person and start a fight, then I need to wonder whether some idiot you've enraged is going to stick me with steel as a result.  Not a good investment for my safety let alone the caravan's.  Up to you whether you can do that, but you need to decide."

 

"As for you," Ashar now turned to the younger man, "your principles are commendable, but you've let someone you don't know provoke you to action in less than a minute.  We both know that if you were to use every tool available to you, no one in this room could reasonably stand against you.  It also means you have other options before it comes to throwing down outside, not to mention it is the proprietor's responsibility to decide what behaviour they wish to tolerate.  I doubt the proprietor would appreciate violence, even if it was taken outside of this booth.  Not everything requires a fight to resolve and that is how I approach my work.  If you are on board with that, then we will be right, otherwise you need to think about what you want from this."

 

Turning his attention back to the new visitor, Ashar gestured for her to take a seat as he sat and poured a cup of water for her as he spoke.  "My apologies, my hope is that this is just the nature of a beginning.  A beginning is the time for taking the most delicate care that the balances are correct, yes?  My hope is that with the right people this may be achieved."

 

Passing the water over to her, Ashar spoke simply.  "Our run is for simple goods, but needed in reconstruction and Malkier has not really stopped in its rebuilding efforts ever since the land was reclaimed from the Blight.  The employers see little reason to rush so taking the overland route seems to be their preference.  We will provide additional security though the land itself is patrolled by both the Shienaran and Malkieri soldiers.  The pay is reasonable and the trip will take some time so it is steady employment for the round trip there and back.  If such a thing works out well, then perhaps there will be other opportunities.  What skills would you bring to such a venture, I must ask?"

[Matalina]

Kai looked over at the newly arrived, with a jolt of recognition and a frown. He liked Eb. But she'd tell his fathers and that could go just as badly. The woman pushed the coin to him. Her words tightened his resolve, and his ire grew even larger. 

 

Their potential employer spoke his truth, and Kai listened. His first instinct was to say she started it and he even opened his mouth to say just that, but one look at Eb and he clamped his mouth shut and rethought his words.

 

Yeah, he could have done a lot of damage. He could have done way more than offer to take it outside. Most people backed down when they were given the option of a fight, and that had been the case here. But if he saw his offer for violence as his response, then he wasn't thinking either. And Kai knew that if he got off on the wrong foot with anyone in the party, he'd have issues for a lot longer. Better to cut and run now. Maybe his fathers were right. Maybe not, but right now, Kai was done with all of it.

 

"I don't work with bullies." He said, picking up the coin on the table and pushing past Eb with a murmured apology. "Sorry." 

 

Kai pulled Uno aside with a smile and handed him the coin. "For your troubles." 

 

So much for that adventure...

 

[[ ooc: So apparently Kai is also a hot head and he couldn't drop it. I didn't want to force him to back down, so walking away is his best solution. Feel free to stop him. ]]

[HeavyHalfMoonBlade]

Kaylee looked at the newcomer with interest. Would she look similar when she was older? The short woman wore her scars well. She moved with a lean grace that drew the eye. Her appraisal was cut short as the mercenary started talking to her. Berating her actually, Kaylee's eyebrows rose as he went on. Piss on everyone around her? By ordering a drink from the wrong person in an inn? Idiot Northerners. For not talking like some Lady who has spent her life with servants waiting on her every wish? Kaylee was so indignant she could do little more than splutter helplessly as the Taraboner continued. He spoke to the young man as well - commending his principles! - and then started talking to the scarred woman again. 

"I don't work with bullies." The young man with the braided hair picked up her coin and walked away. She had told him what would happen if he called her that again, very clearly. The Taraboner worried she would get a blade stuck in him. The newcomer with her old scars...well, Kaylee could not rightly think of what she had done to annoy her but even then. It. was. unbearable.

Kaylee slammed both fists onto the table with all her might, instantly regretting it as the pain from her damaged hand shot up her arm. Opening her mouth, Kaylee let out a wordless scream of pure frustration, that tore through the inn making several people jump in alarm.

"STOP! You be no just walking away after insulting me again!" Kaylee yelled at the retreating figure. "So I no be some fine lady in silks and be no simpering and giggling. I've worked me whole life since I was a mere babe, and I have never looked down on someone doing an honest day's labour. I have never bullied a single flaming person, as my aged grandmother stands witness." Kaylee glared at everyone. "If the boy no be taking drink orders, he could be saying that to me, no? Northerners! The water smells of chicken and you be having to clean your own tables and you get called a bully if you be ordering a drink in an inn!" Kaylee's chest heaved with emotion. A tear leaked out of her eye, and ran down her scar. I will no cry in front of them. Taking a deep breath, she tried to calm herself. In a much quieter voice ended with "It looked like it was going to be such a good day."

 

So Plan B was no great success. Sadly, she did not have a Plan C and she had just given away her last silver crown. More tears ran down her cheeks but she refused to cover her face in front of these people.
 

Edited April 14 by HeavyHalfMoonBlade

[Matalina]

Kai turned around and glared at the now crying woman.  He had no sympathy for her.  Tears could flow and sobs could rend the air, but he didn't care.  "You aren't a bully?  You grabbed Uno by his arm and you glared at him when  he didn't move fast enough.  What do you bloody call that?  Being polite?  If that's polite I hate to see what being a bully looks like to you.  Just because you are having a bad day does not mean you can take it out on other people."

 

Uno tugged on Kai's sleeve. "It's okay.  Really."

 

Kai looked down to the boy.  "No it's not." He returned his attention to the table he'd vacated.  "I am sorry for my behavior."

Edited April 15 by Matalina

[Cass]

With one eyebrow half-raised, Eb shook her head at Uno and held back a scowl at Kai's apology.

 

She turned to the deep-breathing Illianer woman, took in the twisted old scar on her face, the clear muscle tone of her hands and the fresh bruising around the broken knuckle. She didn't doubt the man who'd been at the receiving end of the woman's fist might've deserved whatever damage had come his way. But any marks on Uno's arm, however faint, were a different story. 

 

She caught and held the younger woman's eyes with her own. She flicked her unsheathed daggers once around her thumbs and slid them back into place under her sleeves.

 

"The boy," she pointed out, voice low, "didn't yelp twice at your hands for nothing."

[HeavyHalfMoonBlade]

Kaylee glared at the blonde man with pure loathing. 

As if there do be nothing between being polite or a bully! The Light burn him to ashes! She now regretted not hitting him earlier, it would have been worth another handful of broken knuckles. But her anger was fading, the energy that had fueled her throughout the day was dwindling. Kaylee was tired, bone tired, empty within from the disappointment.

 

The short-haired woman snagged her eyes, and twirled her daggers unnecessarily theatrically. 

 

"The boy didn't yelp twice at your hands for nothing."

 

Kaylee held up her hands as if beseeching. 

 

"I did no be hurting the lad." She turned to Uno. "I did no hurt you?" She repeated it as a question.

 

The boy looked away and rubbed his arm, shifting uneasily.

 

"So, that do be that, then. I grabbed the arm of the most beloved and fragile boy in all the Westlands. But I did no mean to be hurting ye, and be sorry if I did." Kaylee offered her wrists to the group at large. "Will ye be binding me fast while you call for the Watch? No?" With a disgusted snort, Kaylee snatched up her spear and strode to the door. 

 

Or tried to. No one moved out of her way. They were all looking at her, as if they were all judging her, looking down at her. She wanted to barge her way through them, but her explosive anger was spent. Kaylee felt tired and alone, and very far from home. She looked at the floor and waited. 
 

Edited April 15 by HeavyHalfMoonBlade

[Matalina]

Kai didn't move. He pulled in his lips in an effort to not smile. He was taught to respect everyone. He was born in a shit pile, his fathers loved him. He knew what it meant to be both noble and crapped on. His fathers were a dichotomy of two lives, and Kai was the product of both of their experiences, having started out in a shit one of his own. You shouldn't be given respect because you think you deserve it. It's earned like everything else. He knew Eb, and it made him smile inside, knowing she didn't think he was in the wrong. But he wasn't going to make this about him. She was doing that enough.

 

She was making it all about her. All about how bad her day was. How she hurt someone. Were the tears even real or just a thing to cause a scene? Did it matter? Kai didn't move.  He looked to Eb, he'd follow her lead on this. But he wasn't presenting a threat, only to protect Uno from any further ire.

Edited April 15 by Matalina

[Cass]

"Will ye be binding me fast while you call for the Watch? No?" 

 

Eb grit her teeth at the combination of the Illianer's drama, sarcasm and disregard for her actions against those smaller than herself.

 

The woman snorted and moved for her spear, head down.

 

Eb closed the distance between them with two quick steps, snapping a hand to the shaft of the weapon as it was snatched into the air. At the same time, the force in the taller woman diminished - at least, she didn't try to stab anyone, or barge her way past.

 

"I'd prefer we all just got on with things ourselves, actually," Eb growled, moving the spear aside with carefully schooled 'reasonable force' so that she could reach for the water that Ashar Dovinhald had offered her. Whilst doing so she silently but vehemently cussed out herself and her choice of non-action, the High Council, their Light-blasted 'standards' and the years of bloody reprimands and repercussions - all of which clearly made situations like this more complicated than they needed to be. 

 

"If we're not fighting with more than words?" she shrugged, raising her eyebrows in invitation.

 

"Back to business."

 

Still standing, she turned her dark gaze to Dovinhald, wondering if that really was his name, and nodded slightly back at him as she lifted the cup. 

 

"I was hoping to know how much money, exactly."

 

"I'm ... good with security," she said, meaning it as both a comment on the proposed plan and a response to his question of skill. "And I've experience enough rolling with the dice, however they land," she grinned wryly, the faded scar on her face crinkling at her cheekbone.

 

 "...As long as you aren't looking for someone who's good with archery, or gateways,"  she amended. The grin and scar twisted into a grimace.

Edited April 17 by Cass

[Wayfarer]

The additional byplay was making Ashar consider whether the arrangements he was making would last, but perhaps he would simply have to take what he could get.  The sooner he could confirm a contingent, the sooner the pay could come in and it had the possibility of being a relatively easy run.  If genuine danger had been anticipated, he would have expected more than five to be required.

 

Of all of them, Eb was shaping up to be a good possible second.  She confronted the issue but also de-escalated it, mercenaries who didn't keep the peace either had to be too useful or terrifying, otherwise they didn't last.  Cocking his head slightly at her as she moved back onto business, he listened to her as she took up the cup while asking her questions and explaining herself.

 

"Pay is always important, yes?  Four silver crowns a day at Andoran weight, meals provided while we are on the road but in the settlements it will be up to us to make our own choices.  You won't become rich, but for what should be a quiet run it will be a tidy profit.  An additional bonus is still to be determined based on how well we perform and in what condition the caravan is in by the end.  Don't expect it to be high, but expect it all the same."

 

Looking at all of them, Ashar leaned back a little as he spoke.  "Whatever your reasons are, you are here, yes?  We look to leave in three days, time enough for you to finalise any matters you have and make any necessary arrangements.  We go north and back, and if it works out then perhaps we look to continue on together.  If not, we do a good job and part ways a little wealthier.  I will be staying here during that time so I will be easy enough to find if you need anything."

 

"But what I need to know is if you are in or not.  Also, if you are in, if you're capable of riding a horse.  If so I may be able to arrange one for you, otherwise you will be on the wagons."

 

"So, questions?  Decisions?  Who would speak first?"

[Matalina]

Kai chuckled at Eb's disgust at gateways -- she knew what he was capable of. Knew he like his father could weave a gateway as much as she hated them. But the man already knew his talents. So he said nothing. With Eb along, he might not practice his ability as much, but she wouldn't fault him for staying on top of his game, either.

 

There was one problem with accepting, and that was what his fathers would say. He mentally prepared his argument and would land last with 'but Eb is going'. He felt he was strong enough to do this. Could do this without their permission -- he was old enough, after all. But he didn't want to disrespect his fathers either.

 

Kai looked at the now saddened woman and then at Eb. This was an opportunity he was likely not going to find so easily. An easy run. Something he could easily convince his fathers. He nodded from across the room. "I'm in. I can ride a horse and have one of my own."

[HeavyHalfMoonBlade]

The atmosphere had changed in the Riposte - it was palpable that people's attention was now on the prospective job. Kaylee was surprised that the Taraboner was still holding the offer open for her. She carefully lifted her spear so she could lean on it. 

 

"I have no horse, and well, I can sit on one." Kaylee sounded unconvinced. "The wagons will be good enough for me. I do be in, if you'll still have me."

Edited April 22 by HeavyHalfMoonBlade