Two can keep a secret (Genesis)

[Khalanssmiasook]

Season of Spring, Day 10, Year 512AV Ravok was a peculiar kind of city. Outwardly it was beautiful. An elegant city that one could only dream of in their bedtime stories and never actually believe is real. Tall intricate buildings, the sliver of the canals mixed with its equally elegant people, even the slaves had a certain sense of poise and dignity. Even now, in after the storm the building held almost a sort of elegant decay. The rebuilding was going well and some structures were better off having been ruined by the storm for now they held an even greater beauty. Of course inside—inside its people thrived on espionage, hidden words, lies and betrayal. A carefully wound type of chaos bundles up in a neat little package. Only those cut out for the life could live there. The rest fled during the first sun up. But even amongst the tightly woven threads of destruction everything had its place. The poor, the common, the middle and the wealthy; each had a particular spot they held in society and it was very hard to keep any secret in such a place. After all, loose lips sank ships and even your mother could wind up selling you for a cracker. With this type of happenings going on each ‘friendly’ smile and passing word made mischief and rumors run amuck. It was never hard to find out something about someone in Ravok and whether it be true or not was never of importance so long as you gained something in the end. Then again, one misstep and you would be on the receiving end of the Ravokian people’s justice and depending on who you angered, well, there are fates worse than death, some that would make even the finest torture a blessing. Sook, of course, found the whole dealings to be highly amusing. What better form of entertainment than a living chess board? The stakes were obviously higher but one could not have fun if there was not some grieve consequence at the end of the road. As such it was no great thing for her to pay off a young beggar lad to go and fetch juicy tidbits. Most likely he would have no qualms selling out that Sook was the one looking for information but it mattered not. If the boy was unlucky he would be dead by nightfall. Though she had to admit he had given her better information than she bargained for. It was no small secret that not everyone in Ravok worshipped Rhysol but none would dare have anything as foolish as the Gnosis of another God or Goddess, not unless it benefitted Rhysol or their caretakers. Yet, there was a woman who obviously had secrets and did not want them told. And what better leverage was there than the simple and elegant style of blackmail? None. Basics were, after all, the foundation of any good game. But as simple as getting information was, finding a person was another matter entirely. Unless they were a person of a large name and to simply go knocking on such a persons’ door would not only be foolish but deadly. But this girl…she could not possibly be one of such a name. Not if she would end a man’s life to protect her secret. “Good boy.” Bending down Sook pressed her lips to the boys temple in a poor parody of affection and slid a silver miza into the boys hand, “Now go get her. I'll be here waiting.” "What shall I tell her, mum?" "Whatever you want, just be sure to mention that I have a loose tongue after a good drink. We wouldn't want me to spill the beans now, would we?" Giving a quick wink, she leaned against the side of the tavern. Sook let a small smile grace her features as she watched the boy meander off down the street. Unknown and unnoticeable, the perfect little puppet and actor. Closing her eyes and crossing her arms only when he was out of sight Sook began to count the chimes slowly, waiting for her playmate to come.

[Genesis]

Genesis stared out of her shop's single window, watching people pass by.
Since she had been in Ravok the people have continued to surprise her. They almost seemed to have no conscious, their pasts weaving in and out of one horrible deed and the next. It was taking it's tole on Genesis, her eyes sad and heavy. But, maybe it would desensitize her as she had constantly strived towards.

It was a good thing that she no longer needed men. Before, it was how she made money and kept her mother alive. But for now, she was content at having nothing to do with men of any sorts. Here in Ravok the men were rugged and manly but lacked the ability to give her the romance she desired. Ravok was not the place to find husbands in the least.

Today was going by slowly, the sun slinking across the barely blue sky. Genesis had only been visited twice, both readings boring and typical. But nonetheless she was happy.

Green eyes were drawn to the door as a little beggar boy slipped through the gap he had managed to create. He looked serious, as few children did, and marched right up to her counter. Genesis could smell the bad news emanating from his presence.

Genesis was taken back, her eyes squinting and hands growing cold and clammy. "May I help you?"

"Sook would like to speak with you, I'm here to bring you to her." At first, Genesis was confused, who was Sook, was she a client? Before she could ask she was interrupted. "She knows your secret and has a loose tongue once she has a few drinks."

The fortune telling woman stared. It was like a smack in the face from a lion. Was this connected to the man se had resorted to killing? Or was she done for. HEr mind was busy as a bees hive buzzing with tragic ends. She never should have came to Ravok, but it was too late to flee now.

"And she drinks quite often," Then little boy smirked proud of his witty comment. Genesis wished he had never been born to bare her such dreadful news. But she couldn't truly hate him, for she had sunken lower than him for money. Besides, if not him, another would have surely taken his place.

"I'm not going to walk into a death trap am I," Genesis mumbled monotonely as she pulled on her cloak. Not that is matters, she has no choice if this Sook knows where she lives.

"If she wanted you dead she would have sent someone with a bigger blade," the boy chuckled as he wielded a small pocket knife, pretending to fight an imagined attacker.

It was a relief, but not enough to quiet her throbbing heart. Not enough to still her shaking hands. What did this woman want from her? Her life was in this stranger's hands. Genesis followed the little boy onto the street, locking up behind her. Every corner, every turn Genesis grew tenser. But now her face was paler than usual, which was already pretty colorless. Her cloak was pulled over her head, shadowing her face. The normally beautiful canals seemed red to he and the once grand buildings now loomed threateningly overhead.

When the boy stopped in front of a seemingly innocent door it took all her strength not to run as far as she could in the opposite direction and never, ever come back. She had to knock twice for the first was so quiet not a soul could have heard.

Dread seeped up her veins like quicksand as she waited for that door to open. Could she get out of this? She simply did not know.

[Khalanssmiasook]

She had seen the girl walking from a mile away. If anyone could pull off looking like she had been sentenced to death, it was this girl. Honestly, why must people be so melodramatic? If she was anyone of true importance or of real threat the girl would either already be dead or her escort would have been much more delicate. And although Sook itched to get thing sunder way she had to be sure the girl would not fight but judging by her pallor and the way she knocked, there was no doubt that would be docile enough. Moving away from the tavern Sook wandered casually over to where the girl waited anxiously at the door. She let her stew for a few more moments, the boy catching her eye and giving her a slight nod. He may just be of further use later. Digging into her coin purse she dropped a gold miza this time and finally sauntered over, looking every bit like the cat that got the canary. “Hello there, dollface.” Sook smiled, she was genuinely happy even if it was for reasons not exactly appropriate. “I’ll swing you a piece of advice, just for showing up. If people you don’t know send a messenger—“ She reached out and tapped the young girls nose, “—don’t follow.” Pulling back she relaxed against the frame of the door, the building was actually empty for the time being, not precisely next on the list of repairs in Ravok. It was close enough to the tavern that if the girl fought Sook could slip away but far enough away as to not attract attention. It was well played. The boy deserved every miza he had wriggled out of her. “So tell me, when you spill all your secrets to you purposely make them public knowledge? And I’m curious, why would someone with another Gods marking show up here? That’s asking for trouble.” She didn’t really care but she wanted to keep the girl off guard, if she proved useful and willingly to go along with the blackmail things could work from there. If she fought, well, Sook found it had been quite a while since the last time she’d eaten a human. After all, the best kept secrets involved the other party being six feet under.

[Genesis]

Genesis stared at the fiery haired woman before her, "I... I, I," she stammered, damn she should have ran for it. No, she wouldn't back down. She had too much at stake here. She looked around, it was the perfect place for Sook, but potentially deadly for herself. Her neck was starting to sweat and she did not think this was the time to be showing weakness. "I've done things I'm ashamed of, and I feel like I won't be judged by them here, not that I would tell them to anyone. But It's a little bit of an ego boost being around all the people of Ravok."

Her voice was honest and soft as she answered, her hood falling back revealing her long dark curling hair. Genesis was offended, but she deserved it, she had behaved rashly and with ignorance. Surely she would pay for it now.

"Besides, I'm sure If I had ignored your little messenger, you would have slipped our secret, and I'd be dead by nightfall," she muttered, voice a little cold. She put a lot of emphasis on our secrets, hoping to give this strange woman a hint. For the woman, this was a game of power and leverage, but for her it was life and death. There were very few things Genesis wouldn't do to keep her secret in the dark.

"I know you brought me here for a reason, let's skip the pointless chit chat. What do you want from me," she asked bluntly, even facing possible death Genesis can't manage to be less straightforward. She wanted this done and dealt with. Either way, she surely wouldn't sleep for a countless amount of time.

As Genesis looked up at her, she noticed something particular about her eyes. There was something... off about them, as if she was being hunted. She wanted to look back down but she couldn't, she wanted to know what the woman's strange eyes meant. It was... confounding.

[Khalanssmiasook]

Sook could not help the bark of laughter, a little spitfire was she? A real seeking salvation type of girl. How cute. How annoying. Either way she was amusing, “Oh, honestly! They don’t judge you? These aristocrats?! Exactly where do you think you live, dollface?” The name was a neutral one but when the girl pulled back her hood, Sook found that the name did suit her. Almost a little too well. But contrary to her features she was a sharp girl, shrewd almost, Sook would get no more amusement out of her save for the facts. Nodding in acquisition, she relied her idea, “I’ll give you that one. Then again I could kill you now and none would know or care!” She waved her hand flippantly and moved forward to link arms with the girl, attempting to take her with her on a ‘stroll’. No matter how empty an area look, the walls were living beings in Ravok and they had stayed in place far too long already. “Don’t be so curt, it’s not becoming,” her tone was obviously mocking, “Now, let’s get ourselves acquainted. I am Sook and what I want from you is a very simple thing but first! How about we get a bite or would you rather a stroll?” Before the girl could answer she leaned in close and whispered, her voice a tad annoyed. She enjoyed a good banter as well as the next person but outright disrespect and arguments she would not stand for, especially not in a potential partner. This girl would learn her place and learn it quick or Sook would enjoy her finer arts much more than she would. “Don’t fight me, dollface. Just start moving or this will take much more exercise on my part than you really want.”

[Genesis]

Delicately, hesitantly, Genesis let the woman take her arm. Sook wanted to play a game, pretend to be great friends and have civil discussion over her blackmail! A sophisticated meeting with small talk was not exactly what Genesis had in mind. But, for year she had learned to charm people, convince them she wanted them and wanted to be with them when in fact the truth was opposite. If she played along now, would the woman show her mercy? Genesis couldn't afford to anger her, this was not time to be brave.

"Whatever suits you best," Genesis offered, trying to keep her voice smooth and soft. She could play games, but it would be easier if she would forget what was at stake. "And I did not mean they don't judge my divination, they would kill me for it. But an ex-prostitute isn't as out of place here."

Genesis's eyes skimmed the ground as they began to walk, her skirt trailing lightly on the ground. She couldn't believe she had told the woman that, revealed her past. Although here, she probably didn't really care. There were so man brothels in this city.

"You are right though, no one would care if I died."

[Khalanssmiasook]

“An ex-prostitute? You don’t look it, I’ll give you that. They tend to get haggard with age,” with Sook’s careless manner of speaking one would think they were discussing what color their clothes were. Since the girl agreed with her so readily though, she felt in good spirits. This was going well. Then again she also wanted the girl to be a bit more rowdy… “How would you feel re-taking up your previous field, hm?” Continuing there walk Sook avoided both the tavern and other food places, ears tended to hide in your food with places like those. She tried to keep that pace even, not really paying attention to what the girl was saying but working out how she would go about her idea. Taking in a better look at the girl while the walked to try to pint-point her mannerisms, did she tense under pressure? Yes, but she held her ground. She had a bit of a loose tongue though, letting information such as her previous occupation slip out. It would only add fuel to the proverbial fire that was Sook’s blackmail. But she held herself up, her gaze not seeming to be completely focused. Planning? Perhaps. It was a good thing, it meant she was quick, Sook like that. It made her want to break the girl down and watch her decay from the inside out. “So look here, dollface I have a secret you don’t want let, no one cares about you, so no family. I could end you but where would the fun in that be?” she shook her lightly; “Instead, I think this could be some proper leverage, wouldn’t you agree?” Stopping suddenly she gently pulled her into a darker street, mostly empty and headed towards the outskirts of the city, where the beggars and poor alike began to increase in numbers. It was also a bit more damaged than the rest of the great city but still holding up fine. Its people were a tad hardier than the rich. “I have a proposition for you.” Realizing the girls arm she stepped away, her face hard even if her words were soft. Her finger point to the street they had just left, “You can leave. I would not stop you but I will make sure you are dead by morning.” Grinning she spun in a small circle and clapped her hands, keeping her back to the girl, “Or we continue our walk and discuss the terms of you employment.”

[Genesis]

As she was pulled into a dark street, Genesis grew no more terrified. The threat lied within this woman and her mouth, not the darkness of shadow. She was not afraid of the dark, in fact she felt safer, hidden. She could leave, but she was tired of running. It seemed her whole life that was what she did. Genesis ran from her mother's illness until she dies, ran from her past and ran from those who would reveal her. Her pale, heart-shaped face turned firm as she decided. She would not be weak.

"I was young then, I'm only seventeen now. And just so you know, I was in high demand," she defended herself. Her voice was not curt or sharp, just very matter-of-fact. Genesis was ashamed of her past, but she knew she had what men wanted. Not that it really benefitted her much now. "But I would rather you stick your knife into my gut than have to sell my body to get by. If that is your proposition, give me a head start, I'll atleast give you a chase."

Realizing that there were in fact worse things than death gave the dark haired girl strength. She would never go back there. She wanted romance, love, and a happily ever after. Although, she did doubt it would ever happen for her. She looked to Sook, her eyes clear and open.

"However, if your demands are different, I will gladly walk with you and discuss this employment," Genesis looked over Sook's shoulder at the canal, reliving the kill that had brought her here. She took a deep steadying breath and prepared herself for what was to be demanded of her.

[Khalanssmiasook]

Sooks grin was positively feral, the girl was posturing against. Her words were steady and purposeful, she knew what she wanted and what she did not want. It was fair trade but she couldn’t help but want to pester the girl some more, she had the strongest urge to see her cry only because she highly doubted the girl would. “And if I force you? Human lust has many forms but it is always stronger than fear,” she inched forward and danced around the girl, light and quick steps as she circled her, “determination and any other emotion.” Reaching out she quickly patted the girl’s head and retreated back, “But don’t worry, dollface. I have much bigger plans for you and seeing as you’re so compliant, I’m sure we can strike a deal that works in both our favors.” Sauntering ahead of the girl she paused only briefly, “Come along before I change my mind, I always have loved a good chase.” No to mention she was quite hungry and in the mood for some pleasurable, pain inflicted forced fun. It was not until she reached a simple empty street that she decided to stop, not really caring if the young woman had followed her. She was truly young, it’d be a waste to get rid of her but there was no point in keeping useless things. Even if she was pretty eye sweets. But when she turned her head slightly she could see the girl keep pace beside her. Good. “Now, tell me dollface, you are aware of what goes on. Everyone knows what it’s like if they’ve lived here long enough.” she stretched, briefly, cutting off her words in favor of popping her back, a contented sigh escaping, “If I'm not going to sell you what use are you? Do you have a set of eyes and ears?” She gently tapped the girls nose with one nail and smiled, “For if you do I can think of many uses for you.”

[Genesis]

Genesis looked back to the woman, honestly surpassed. Her parted pink lips and furrowed brow showed it. She had been thinking worse, like smuggling and mercenaries. She almost frowned when the woman tapped her nose again, it was rather annoying and belittling. A set of eyes and ears? She had better.

"I'm divinated," Genesis reminded wondering what the woman actually knew of her gnosis. She ran a now steady hand through her dark hair before explaining. "When I touch someone, I can search their past. It is very difficult for me not to learn those things. Besides, everyone that comes to me for a reading places their hands in mine and I know."

But the question was would she be willing to share that information? She certainly wouldn't prefer death. Genesis still had a place on this world, she could feel it. Being a little snitch was the least of her worries. This woman wanted information? Dirt? She would give it to her. It was as simple as that.

"Just for pondering, would you just want me to relay interesting things to you? Or would you send me out to find things on specific people?" That would say how involved she would need to be. Using her own job to please the woman would be easy, but searching for particulars would be a little more time consuming.