Job Well Done

[Fletcher]

[OOC: Woo! First-person POV! Wanted to try something different, I've only ever posted in third-person before; hope it works. Oh! And sorry for the lame title; for the life of me, I cannot come up with them.]

"... So, uh, is this the best you got?" The tow-headed adolescent asked, scrutinizing, doubtfully, the slender green vile clutched between his thumb and index finger.

"Most certainly is, my friend. You needn't doubt that." I replied, giving an unintentionally wry and toothy grin, making the kid back away some. Whoops-- A mistake, but no harm done. I managed to snatch the vile back from the boy, with it completely unscathed; a feat of which I was rather proud. "What's it going to be?"

The minds of children were easily tempted. Especially in their later, more rebellious years. This is where a good deal of my clientele lay. Teenage kids looking to send their minds on a fun little trip; Trying to find fun in an 'adult' manner without having to steal or daddy's booze. Perhaps they were just trying to theoretically give the finger to dear ol' ma' or pa' (either and any way, I don't particularly care)? This is where I fit in-- I'll hook you up with something to mess you up, no problem, no questions asked. For a price, mind you.

Hesitating for a moment, the boy dug into his pocket, scratching up a good lot of coins, "Right, you've got yourself a deal."

I tossed him the vile a second time and accepted the money with a second glance. It looked to be enough, I never have been too concerned with exact prices. I wasn't very concerned if the money was legitimate, either. Around these parts I had built a reputation, complete with (partially) true rumours about my past (some are just grand, but, I'll not bore by going into them) Despite being a gawky little thing, no one cheats Simon Barrett.

"You've made a good choice, my lad, much obliged." I said, pocketing the money, "Oh, and one more thing: That can kill you, slowly and horribly, if you-"

"What?! Y-you mean I can die? You never told me that!" the boy cut me off, his voice cracking. Quite rude, this one; I very well may have to kick him.

"Yes. And horribly, don't forget.", I said, reassuringly. I would have left it at that, but then the deal would have been called off, the kid would have run off; we don't want that, now do we? "Everything in excess, kid, everything in excess. Just pay mind to the notches on the bottle and you should be fine. More than one and you'll not feel too... lively."

"Oh.. o-okay. Just one?"

"By Jove, I think you've got it."

"I do? That's good!"

"Be off with you, then." I said, shooing the blond boy from the alley we both were standing in, "We don't need to keep our little transaction longer than necessary-- The guards don't take kindly to things of this nature."

Ah, corrupting the minds of today's youth by way of barely legal chemicals; What a wonderful business, wouldn't you say? I left the alleyway, a feeling of a job well done looming over my head. That boy would probably run home, disregard my words, get blitzed out of his skull, and end up dead-- cold as the clay-- not a day later. The idea had made me laugh just a little bit, I have to admit.

I glanced around the busy streets of Tamasha's market district, searching for any figure of authority who might have been watching me. I doubted it, since the district had been rather full this afternoon. But, as I said, guards don't take kindly to the things I do. Or, me, in the case of one in particular (a story for another time. let's just say the moral is: don't ever tell an ill-tempered drunk man that his mother is a "brothel-broad". it will never end well, especially if you use a more vulgar term than mentioned. as I had done at the time)

Unsuccessfully spotting what I was looking for, I decided to hang out in front of the alley I formerly was in, I had nowhere else to be. I lit a cigarette with one of my last matches. I couldn't help but hear my mother's voice in my head: "Those things are bad, Simon! Go outside, you're making the room all smoky." I hated the woman, I truly did, and still do, but the memory had brought a smile to my face.

It was a good day, and it was only noon! What luck! And I hadn't even woken up in an undesirable place this morning. Again, what luck! If only I could sustain it.

[theseawitch]

(May I join? If not, just ignore this post :3)

I moved with great caution through the crowd, my full figure making it slightly more difficult to squeeze through the packed market than it would have done had I been less voluptuousness. Not to say that my "curvy" figure was unattractive; my full-bosom drew many admiring glances and had gotten me many a free drink in the past. I spotted a gangly, strange looking man exchanging some kind of potion with a youth in an alley. My heart leaped as I strode over. Being a cecaelia, I had to consume a very special concoction to turn me into a human. It lasted for roughly a month before I required more, but my own brew had just run out, and I knew that once my true form returned, I couldn't possible find my way back to the sea, not this far inland. I was hoping this man, this arrogant, prideful man, could help me. No "proper" potion shops would assist me. I moved to his side, my two-coloured eyes taking in every detail, long white hair tumbling down my back, caught slightly in the wind.
"Excuse me,"I murmured, "My name is caspian and I require a very particular kind of potion."

[Shaher]

I strode aimlessly down the crowded streets, glad that for once people were not cowering in fear, my wings were hidden from sight by the heavy cloak I wore around my body, my face concealed by the hood that ended abruptly just past my eye line. Despite my lack of vision, my celestial senses warned me of imminent danger should it approach.
So far, no such luck.
My latest...escapade had landed me with a bounty upon my head, I pitied the fool that tried to claim that bounty. Despite my longing to kill any man that moved against me, I knew I could not draw such attention.
There were more powerful forces at work then humans.
As such, I hid within the enemy, hidden in plain sight as it were. My current plan? Find the nearest ale and drain it dry. Followed by more.

As it turned out, fate had other plans in store for me. I stopped in the middle of the street as soon as I senses the presence of a magical being. It did not appear hostile but then again, I could not see it. I raised my head slightly as to see what lay around me.
Stalls selling pathetic junk no doubt found in the garbage and advertised as original antique relics.
Orphans and beggers following the rich for money.
Bodily women selling themselves for petty coin.
Bodily...women...
Speak of the devil, my senses honed in on a gorgeous woman, white hair streaked with gold, conversing with a potions salesman.
Curious.

Doing my best to remain anonymous, I moved to the side of the street, casually browsing over what a bearded man told me was genuine basilisk venom. My nose told me it was nothing more then swamp water mixed with common sulfur but I nodded in mock-amazement as he talked, my attention lying with the woman and the salesmen as they spoke of a special potion.

{OOC: ....Any issues with this? }

[Fletcher]

Now, I fancy myself an observant man, one prone to give extensive attention to his surroundings. But it gets rather difficult when you're, quite literally, half blind.I hadn't seen this peculiar woman nor was I aware of her existence until she had spoken. At which point I jumped a tad in surprise. (In my defence, she was on my bad side)

I uttered a rather nasty curse in my native tongue as I fumbled with, and eventually dropped, my cigarette. Last one, too-- Damn. I wasn't going to pick it back up, though; If ever I've learnt anything in my time here, it was 'don't trust the streets to be clean'.

"Yeah?" I cleared my throat, trying to rid my voice of it's ugly rasp to the best of my ability, "Simon Barrett, at your service-- pleasure to meet you, milady." I forced a grin (quite well, dare I say) and gave my standard introduction. I then turned to face the peculiar woman to my right. It wasn't as simple as just turning my head, I had to actually shift my entire body. Inconvenient, but- hey, eye contact is important. You can't be certain whether or not someone'll pull a knife on you.

I figured this Caspian had probably either heard of my work through word of mouth or had seen me before, so I wasn't too inclined to play coy; act as if I hadn't a clue what she was talking about. I wasn't suspicious of her, but I was suspicious of something else. I had a nagging sensation of being listened in on. Sure- it was most likely my own paranoia, but I would take care to keep quiet.

Armed with a newly acquired line of sight, I took the opportunity to take note of as many details as possible.
I wasn't quite sure why, exactly, but I had a strange feeling about this woman, Caspian. It wasn't her bi-toned eyes, the uncommon colour of her hair, or her somewhat haphazard manner of dress; I had a sense it was something deeper than that. If I'd been more proficient in a magical or, better yet, supernatural skill, I might have been able to tell with precision. But, unfortunately, I'd not gotten my father's ability in this department.

"Well then, what kind of 'particular potion' are we talking about?" I said at a low volume, I still felt as though there was someone trying to listen in on the conversation, "I'll be happy to help if I'm able."

[OOC: Not a problem with anything; glad you both posted!]

[theseawitch]

I smiled slightly.
"Now, you might have noted that I'm rather different than your usual customer, am I right? Most humans feel a little ill-at-ease with me. I'm a predator, you see. It's instinctive,"here, I leaned forward, my smile at its most beguiling, "I am, sir, a cecaelia. I take a potion that allows me to look like a human. Usually, I brew it myself, but I can't, currently, and thus require your services. I will pay you with whatever currency you require, anything you desire, you may have it from me."
I took a hesitant step back. The offer of anything from me was often more than any man could resist. I was in the position where what I wanted was easily acquired, not to mention my full bag of money suspended on a leather tie at my waist beneath my armour.
I felt as if I were being looked at, but ignored the sensation; I was not easy to miss.

[Shaher]

I chuckled darkly to my self, the vendor at my right now a noiseless buzz.
A Sea Hag, fascinating... I thought to myself.
My gaze remaining on the peddlers wares, I strained my senses to continue try and hear more, but the potion maker was obviously a cautious fool, his voice was too low to fully grasp the situation. It was my immediate reaction to move closer before the vendor I was vaguely listening to began peering under my hood.
"You, you are the demon with the bounty!" he said quietly before turning to shout to the guards. Without hesitation, I swiftly grabbed him by the throat and dragged him in front of me, hiding his pain from the rest of the crowd by obscuring his body with my own.
"Involving the officials would be most unwise Friend" I said darkly, pressing my thumb harder against his throat. He noiselessly mouthed words at me and flailed his limbs against my stony embrace until he fell silent and I lay him behind his own stall, a vision of peaceful, never ending slumber.

With a sigh, I turned into the building in front of me and made my way to the roof, avoiding eye contact with the patrons.
From the roof, I could hide behind the chimney, my senses could not pick up every word the man said to the witch but at least I could follow them if they left.
Sitting down, my fingers absently tracing the scars on my face, I waited patiently to hear how the situation would evolve now that this cecaelia had revealed herself.

{OOC: Take no offense to my words, I am evil after all. }

[Fletcher]

"You're right; I did detect something.. odd about you." I said, quite statically. If I were a more sheltered individual, I might have been alarmed at the fact that this lass was not as human as she appeared, but rather some sort of sea-beast. I had encountered, shall we call them, strange people in my thirty-one years, "But I can assure you, I've not been made ill at ease due to your presence. Don't think so highly of yourself." I had to admit, I felt a bit offended. It was not often when I was regarded as--or implied to be, as the case was--solely of human blood. Though, honestly, I couldn't put blame on anyone for it.

Caspian was acting in a somewhat sneaky style. Offers of "anything I desire" from her, that alluring smile. I saw what she was doing there. I am a man (I'm able prove it, if you wish..), but I'm not so easily swayed by proposals of sex. Money sure-- but I'd like to think I have some self restraint when it comes to a pretty gal offering herself for little to nothing. I was tempted to play along; make a lewd comment or two, an obscene gesture- maybe. Though soon decided against it; that was low, even for me.

"Is that so? I've not met many of your kind," My voice had been laced with snide undertones; I am unable to say it was unintentional, "Or at least not many who would outwardly admit their race to a stranger."

Now I was almost certain there was someone dropping in on our little conversation. I'd heard something too close for my liking. As I said: I fancy myself an observant man. Hell- it had once been part of my job to find tailgaters meddling in affairs they shouldn't be. I might have done something, had I known the location of aforementioned meddler (or had I been completely certain of their existence). For the time being, I decided it would be best to keep as I was doing and remain as quiet as possible whilst remaining as casual as possible, hoping that this Cecaelia would follow in suit.

Speaking of whom-- Caspian had taken an apprehensive step
back, no doubt thinking I'd do something I had jokingly considered.

"I hardly regret to inform you, Miss Caspian, that I'll not take payment other than the standard forms of currency-- I'd be more of a guard than a businessman if I took such bribes." I said with mock kindness (once again, dare I say, rather well done), "But we'll discuss payment later. I've not dealt specifically with what you're asking; Similar concoctions, sure, but not close enough. Would you mind providing me some more details about the potion?"

[theseawitch]

I smiled once again.
"Darling, dear, I was not speaking of paying you with sex,"I paused, a mock look of horror flitting across my features, "I was suggesting that I am useful. I am, despite my size, surprisingly adept at a great many things. I do have money here also, so as I say, pick your payment method."
I shrugged, slipped a hand inside my clothing and extracted a bag full of coins that jangled noisily.
"And I will tell you now, I am proud of my race. I see no need to hide what I am. The human form is convenient rather than preferred. Now, the potion has to be served fresh or it curdles and becomes lethal. It's administered in small doses and contains fairly easy to obtain ingredients. Once the brew is created, a spell must be cast, but I can do that myself. It's only that I lack in ingredients, otherwise I would make it myself..."
I tailed off apologetically, keeping an eye on the hooded fellow who seemed to hover about us. I was sure he was listening.

(Caspian is a ho XD)

[Shaher]

I smiled inwardly, it appeared that the vendor at least knew of my existence if not my whereabouts, he seemed the observant if not overly bright kind of mortal. Harmless for the most part, but mostly irritating. Humans had a way of doing that, slipping in snide comments in a pathetic show of bravado where the possibility of fear lingered, and their pride refused to fall.
Despite my curiosity, I did not move closer, from where I was they could not see me, but his instincts seemed relatively obvious, falling silent and occasionally glancing about himself.
Silently, I took a step forward without realizing as I strained to hear what was being said. No doubt this Cecelia would sell well in the black market, her body and her blood would make fine additions to any number of buyers and their...leisure's. My foot brushed against a rock, knocking it from the roof top to the ground below.
Cursing myself, I slipped back into the shadows, my dark cloak masking my mass from the unwary observer, but the more keen could no doubt distinguish a form from the black shadows of the chimney where they on the rooftop with me.

Speak of the devil, a drunken man stumbled upon me, retching on my armored boots.
"I am sho shorry..." he mumbled, looking up at me with pleading eyes, his words followed by a hiccup.
Disgusted, I batted the man aside with the flat of my hand, quickly drawing my blade and plunging it into his sternum in one fluid movement. Spluttering for a moment as he tried to scream but failed as air ceased to travel through his lungs and up his throat, he died in a mass of flailing limbs and gurgling sounds as in his last moments the intense pain rocketed through his senses, logic a distant friend lost to the winds.
With a snort, I turned back to the scene below, growing impatient as the pair endlessly talked between themselves.

[theseawitch]

I smelt death thick on the air, and I whirled, but quickly composed myself and returned to my conversation. I remained wary of the hooded man, who I was now certain was observing us. Subtly, I prepared my magic. I was not powerful in a fight, but I had my talents.

[Fletcher]

"Whatever you say..." I took Caspian's word in jest, as she seemed to do herself.

Though I wasn't completely sure, but I think I might have been a little offensive. I didn't feel like losing my teeth today, especially not from someone as unimportant as this. I didn't feel like taking this particular risk, even if it was an improbable and insignificant one.

"Hey now.. Don't take my words with any ill will. I was just saying it was strange to see a supernatural someone freely state what they are; what with the basic human instinct to eliminate anything different from they..." I trailed off, more for effect really, "It was not intended to be a criticism of one's pride, rather one of personal safety."

I felt exceptionally wordy today. Honestly; these were words. Usually I just swore and hoped someone understood the point I was trying to get across. It was fun to talk, though I was probably over-doing it at this point.

It was best to keep the conversation moving, than let it stagnate in trivial matters.

"Right. I have only the slightest idea of what you are talking about. I've got a small place not too far out of the town you might be interested in." I said, making a pointing gesture blindly, probably in the direction completely opposite of the actual location, "I could take you there, should you wish; I've got a nice collection of reagents and what not. I'm sure you'll be able to find something of use."

I kept up the act; I allowed myself to remain tense and continued to blatantly survey the immediate and surrounding area. I wanted this bastard to know I was aware of him. Not sure why. I guess it's better to be the overly perceptive fool, than the oblivious idiot. Or it was a matter of unrelenting pride; that was probably it.

"Looks as though you noticed him too." I forced a laugh, noting the Cecaelia's change in stance, "Good to know I am not simply going mad."

I knew where he was; I felt calmer. The guy had dropped something, or knocked something off the roof on which he was perched, that didn't matter. What did matter, though, was that he gave up his position in one way or another. I love it when that happens.

"So, what do you suppose we do now?"

Inevitably, I- we would have to make contact with this nameless, faceless, watch man. And it would most likely not be a pleasant meeting. I was hoping it wouldn't be too violent.

I am not a fighter. I never have been and never will be. I have one--count it, one--advantage: skill with a blade. And even then, that was hardly any advantage. As I've said countlessly: I am a skinny little runt; a light breeze could knock me down. I could probably just run off unnoticed and hope I didn't cough up my lungs, if the situation called for it. It would probably work too. Because, really, what good is a wimpy half-breed to anyone? Thus being the reason I was certain it was not I, specifically, who was being tracked.


[OOC: Sorry for the delay. There was a ton of real-life stuff going on for me these past few days.]

[theseawitch]

I listened to him abstractedly, nodding intermittently, but keeping my eyes on the hooded figure. I tilted my chin in defiance and my blue and grey eyes rose to glare at the hooded man.
I turned to Simon.
"I am adept enough at magic to hold my own in a fight. Not very powerful, but I think I can get us out of a tight spot here,"I murmured, moving myself closer to him so the eavesdropper couldn't hear.

[Shaher]

I growled in contempt, they were aware of my position, the girl openly stared at me in fact. With a sigh, I stood up, making my way to the exit from this roof. Making my way down the stairs, I heaved the body of the man I had just killed with me. Turning into one of the side rooms, I removed my cloak and tossed on the mans filthy rags, wrapping my armor in the cloak and tucking it out of sight, I could easily return to claim it later following the stench of evil I had left upon it.
I greased my hair into a mess, swigging from a bottle of whiskey until I was unrecognizable, my face no hidden under my matted hair. The smell of the alcohol was enough to make me gag but I held my own against it, taking up the stance of a drunken fool down on his luck, noticing the blood stains on my new attire, I growled at myself, it was not always that I left behind proof of my deeds.
Tucking my sword into my holster and strapping it to my back under a second layer of rags, I stumbled out of the room, inwardly smiling as I moaned at anybody who passed by me as I made my way out of the inn.

In the crowded scene of the busy street, I felt hands brush against my pockets as I tripped over my own feet in the illusion of intoxication. I stumbled onto the Cecelia, pleading for help.
"Please, my chest. It hurts" I moaned, showing her the blood stains on the disgusting rags, my hair revealing only one eye, shifting slightly every time I spoke. My breath wreaked of the alcohol I had consumed, a blast of the odour escaping from my lips every time I spoke. My legs shook slightly as it took all my effort to not simply fall on the woman, at such an angle it was difficult to stay upright.
I clutched my chest and faked a cough into my arm as I moaned in pain.

Tag SeaWitch, Fletcher

[theseawitch]

My sensitive nose burned as I recoiled, staggering away from the seemingly drunken man. My back was pressed up against the wall, and I drew myself up in disgust.
Something, however, didn't smell right. The blood on this man's shirt smelt different from that which pulsed through his veins, but I waved away this observation, deeming it unlikely.
I reached into my bag, scrabbling for the familiar sharp edges of a diamond phial, filled to the brim with a powerful healing concoction.

[Shaher]

Stumbling forward after the women, I subconsciously smiled at her disgust. With another few steps forward, I was close enough to feel her heavy breath on my hair as she backed herself up against a wall.
"Greetings Cecealian, it is a dubious honor to make your acquaintance" I said in a deep, raspy voice dripping with malice. Without waiting for a response, I heaved myself forward, at the same time throwing back my cloak and extending my wings so that when my shoulder heaved into her stomach, I was already in flight. The moment we made contact, I soared into the air and over the building beneath me.
Hovering miles above the potion sellers stall, I called to her above the roar of the winds.
"Most fascinating of views, isn't it? One man with wings and you'd have thought they'd seen the devil!" I cried, glancing at the crowd screaming under neath our feet.

The air blew at my clothes, mixing the wind with the scent of blood and grime as I rose higher.
"Fear not sea witch" I said, dropping a rock attached to a note towards the merchant. "Provided I am payed, you won't be killed" I said in a dark voice, chuckling evilly before gliding towards the south.