Closed Strangers by the Docks (Kelmar)

[Hazel Richardson]

Hazel watched the man with the same curiousity washing over her as he spoke. She wasn't sure whether to trust him. The hesitation would have shown easily in her expressions, as she nervously stroked her hair back from her face and shuffled her feet slightly. She had never been a decisive person, and at the moment her thoughts were battling to be reasoned with in her mind.

Although he described her lacking abilities without sugar coating, she knew he was telling the truth. She'd be deluding herself if she thought otherwise - especially after her earlier performance. She stared at the ground numbly for a few moments, continue to weigh the options in her mind. Really, she had no idea who this man was, or what he did - though by his words it was obviously not something legal. He seemed secretive, and intimidated her slightly with the emotionless way he held himself. But, then again, she could always use some extra coin, and she'd get some, if this man was to be believed - although she was not sure on that yet, either.

But, before she could convince herself otherwise, she held her hand out as if to shake (she had seen it being done by many humans before, and although it seemed strange she had taken to doing it on the occasions she interacted with them) and tried not to think about what her parents would say if they could see what she was doing right now. But, she had accepted, and she thought it would be foolish to go back on her promises to someone like him.

"What's your name, then?" Her voice grew a little in confidence, although she still held wariness and mistrust in her eyes. She had taken a small step forward to hold her hand out to him, but that was all. Her other palm was clamped to the wall at her side, for fear of dropping into the water.

[Kelmar Hedos]

The pickpocket's hesitation was quite blatant, the way she nervously pulled her hair back and fiddled with a few strands, in the way she shifted her weight uneasily from foot to foot. Nonetheless, he could see in her gaze curiosity, a sort of temptation tugging at her. He knew then that she was at least considering his offer, and it was only a matter of time before she realized she had more to gain from him than he from her. Her eyes swept downward, facing the planks for a few moments before refining to meet his even stare. While she seemed to be the picture of indecisive struggle, Kelmar was the complete opposite. Remaining still, his head and hands unmoving, all Kelmar had to do was ride the bobbing motion of the boat to keep himself from falling, keeping his hands free should he need them. It also meant he was talking from a position of physical power, which sometimes daunted the weaker of heart. Though this girl did not seem to be weak of heart. It was a small victory when she stuck out her hand like those petching merchants, a symbol of a deal, that they had an agreement. She was on board, at least for the moment, and he hoped that this partnership could become valuable. Though he did not take her hand, staring at it as it bobbed slightly a foot away from him, instead answering her question. "Kelmar," was his one word response. "If you're in, then just say so. Don't gesture, don't mimic, just say so. If you are not busy tomorrow, then come to the Nitrozian plaza at the seventh bell. There, I will introduce you to someone who might be able to show you what she knows." Though it sounded final, he did not leave, instead sticking around to see her response and seeif she had any questions. He had many, bit not all were important and he did not need to grill her on the spot.

[Hazel Richardson]

Hazel blushed a little with embarrassment, and slipped her hand beneath the folds of her cloak again, to guard it from the cold.

"I mean, I accept, then." She said - a little louder than before - glancing fully upwards to look Kelmar in the eye. She nodded a little, as if to convince herself more than him that she was actually making her own decision, and then allowed herself to release a small smile. This was going to have to be something she hid from her family, a secret, but in the same way it made her feel a little guilty it also gave a jolt of excitement. It was taking all of the composure in her not to laugh at herself, but she managed to keep near enough a straight face - only letting the smile slip. Although the mistrust was still there, Hazel allowed herself to hope a little about what it must be like to have her own money to spare. Her family had never been rich, and had barely earned enough to get by - and now, with her parents out of work, this had become worse.

"Who is this person, exactly?" Hazel asked, although more because she felt as if he was expecting some enquiry from her. Hazel pulled up her hood again, to cover herself from the wind which seemed to be rising in intensity, and tightened her grip to the wall as the little boat began to bob on the water in a much more energetic manner. "Oh, and my name's Hazel."

She wasn't sure if he really wanted to know her name, but it seemed right to mention it. However, she was hoping that she'd soon be able to move from the boat; the risk of her toppling off and dropping into the water was growing, and she did not wish to embarrass herself even further in the same day.

[Kelmar Hedos]

Things were going well for the agent. What started as a slow day with barely any information circulating turned into a - so far - successful recruitment. All he had to do now was find a some work and a use for this new contact. In the meantime, teaching her would be good enough to start with and to make sure she was more refined when it came to the field, though talent without purpose was wasteful. For now, there was work to be done, and this new contact - Hazel - was on board. "Her name is Heldora Genanis," Kelmar informed his new acquaintance. "She's a street performer in the Nitrozian Plaza, part of a regular street theatre troupe, and a good larcenist. She grew up stealing and picking, so my guess is she can teach you a few things. She's never taught before though, so how much you'll be able to pick up is questionable." Indeed, he neither had ever had to show someone else how he did things before, though he hoped his analytical mind could break it down into small enough parts to explain. As he shifted his weight in time with the boat, he noticed that the pickpocket was becoming more uncomfortable, her eyes darting downwards and shifting her weight slightly more frantically, still gripping the dock. Perhaps now was a good time to conclude. "Nitrozian Plaza," he repeated. "Tomorrow at sunrise. I won't wait forever." With that, he reached up and grabbed onto the top of the dock, pulling with his hands and arms until his torso had cleared the top. Shifting his weight forward and to the side, he brought his legs around in front of him and stood up, looking both ways. This wasn't the first time Kelmar had concluded a meeting, but this one was especially curt and to the point. Regardless, he began briskly walking away, returning to his earlier routine of combing through the crowded area for something useful.

[Hazel Richardson]

"I'll be there," she replied, although she sensed he was no longer listening. In fact, he had already begun to heave himself over the side of the dock and onto the path. Hazel mirrored his movements further to the side - although it took her a while longer to hoist herself up, as her hands did not quite reach the top without finding a foothold in the wall. But, by the time she had managed to tumble over, he had already begun to walk away.

Whilst his back was turned, Hazel took a few moments to sort herself out. She roughly brushed her hair behind her ears with her fingertips and tugged her hood over her head once more. She wiped the soft skin of dust which now coated her clothing away, and turned to the water to take a small breather. It was probably the quickest decision she had ever made independently, and now Kelmar had left she felt doubts peck away at her. However, she knew she'd meet him again - her curiousity compelled her to.

So, trying to ignore her own worrying thoughts, Hazel headed in the opposite direction to home. Although she longed to sit down and find something to eat, she was cautious of Kelmar following her again, and she wanted to keep her home as her own sacred place. The short walk would take a lot longer, she knew, but the cool air would be good to clear her head. Soon Hazel was nowhere to be seen by anyone who passed the small, rickety boat - and as she made her way home she made sure to check behind her often, caution guiding her actions.

[Astator]

Experience Earned Hazel Richardson   Skills Skill Name Points Earned Larceny +1   Lore Lore Earned Getting Caught Red Handed Getting a Job -- Working for Hedos Kelmar A Brief Description of Heldora Genanis -- Street Performer Hedos Kelmar   Skills Skill Name Points Earned Observation +1 Stealth +1   Lore Lore Earned A Man of Many Talents -- Sneaking up on the Sneaky Gaining another Associate -- Hazel Richardson Questions or Concerns : Nice read! Please, any questions or concerns about my grading. Please PM me!