This Guy. (Agathon)

[Gad]

84th of Winter, Seaside Market, Low Tide

Gad jostled the dice around in his hand under the shade of his commandeered stall. He was really a squatter, the fishmonger who'd been using this for the past few weeks had been slow to rise, and Gad had taken advantage by setting up shop in his stead. Well, "shop" was a loose word. Really, it wasn't much more than a craps table, with sign that solicited passerby's to "Test Their Luck". Unsurprisingly, none of Sunberthers on the boardwalk felt particularly lucky this morning, and the traffic was low, because many of the waterways were still iced over. Gad leaned back and sighed "I need a better way to get money." He sucked his teeth and clinked the dice in his hand.

A fat greasy sailor with a beer gut over his waistband strolled up and eyed the stall appraisingly, and smiled a crooked smile with several faux gold teeth. He spoke "Hey, I'm feeling pretty lucky."

"Oh? Well take a seat my main man, we can test that feeling for ya if you want." Gad replied and gestured to his setup. The sailor grinned at let out a breath that smelled of bad alcohol and worse food.

"S'how ah won these." He said, point a grime covered digit at the fake teeth."

"Wow that's amazing," Gad said with clearly feigned enthusiasm "you could probably get some more if you want. Here, just take a seat."

"Yep," The man continued, as if Gad hadn't spoken at all "just like this. Not dice though, cards it was. Man thought he could pull one over on ol' Willy, but I'm the luckiest man in Syliras, taint dumb neither, saw the cards up his sleeve an dall ."

In a flat and unamused tone. "Gee. That's great. You're amazing Willy." He sighed. "Look guy, you wanna play the game or not?" Gad was strapped for cash, and didn't have time to waste on idle chit-chat. Then, his ears twitched. He wasn't sure why or how, but he had an odd feeling. This sensation that something was close but he couldn't place it. The moist air upset the poorly healing gash on his right shoulder and just as his hand reached up to massage it, his eyes got a glimpse of something immediately recognizable. Out of the corners, he saw the movement of yellow hair, flaxen threads jostled by the sea breeze. "This guy." Gad was sure it was.

Did his eyes decieve? No. It was Him. That rat bastard. Oh, he's got a lot of nerve showing that face around my end of town. Gad thought. Wasting no time, he planted a sandal on Willy's chest, then applied force to shove the old drunk out of the way. "Back it up fatso," he said as he leaped over the table "got some real business to attend to." Sure enough, there he was, that little urchin who went out of way to screw Gad over. "Hey, you!" It lacked originality, but it would do the job. Gad swaggered over to the young man with his chest puffed out and shoulders back, closing the distance. He seemed to be saying something but the blood pumping in Gad's ears was too much for him to notice. "You think you can just walk around here after what you did!?" Gad swung hard, aiming right for the punk's nose.

[Agathon Minorium]

Agathon was thinking for the whole morning before he made up his mind. His job was not paying that much and he had figured a way to change that. That man, Gad, if he would become his partner they would definitely prosper. He already knew where he usually was. Agathon had been watching him for the past few days, sneaking around him, trying to find the correct time to make his business proposal but he just couldn't find the guts.

But it was different that day. He had woken up full of confidence. He put his clothes on and left his apartment some time in the afternoon. He didn't wear his hoodie like he usually did so that Gad could recognize him. The air was cold, making the ugly and cracked streets of Sunberth seem even worse than usually. He rubbed his hands together to warm them up, as he exited an alley and entered the seaside market.

Fortunately, Gad was right there, trying to scam some poor drunkard off his money in a game of dice. Yes, Agathon believed they would make an
amazing team. He took a deep breath and started walking towards him. Gad noticed him. He threw the drunkard of his seat and started walking towards Agathon with a menacing look.

''Wait! I have a proposal...'' and before he could even finish his sentence, Gad jumped at him and attempted to land a Punch in his nose. Agathon moved his head at the same direction as Gad's fist. He didn't have enough time to dodge it or block it so he just tried to reduce the damage that he would take. Besides, it was more than fair after what happened the other day.

The punch was aiming for his nose but it ultimately hit his left cheek. Agathon got pushed back, stumbled on a man and fell down on the ground. But Gad didn't seem like he was done. He started walking towards Agathon again, with the same intimidating look that he had at the beginning. Agathon raised his right hand up while he held his left cheek with his left hand. '' Wait! I have a proposal.. for you!'' he
Shouted, hoping that Gad would listen to him this time. '' How about we ...work together?''

Yes, together they would make a lot more money than the 13 lousy silver mizas that he had lost because of Agathon. '' You've seen my skills... I've seen yours... We can reach the peak...together...''

A partner or a beating... Agathon wad not sure what he was about to get.

[Gad]

The kid was quick. Gad was no slouch, but this kid's reflexes were something else. His dodge didn't save him from all the damage, but he'd managed to keep from getting a bloody nose and ended up with only a reddened cheek. It wasn't a total loss on Gad's end though, as the guy had tripped and now the young wizard had the upper hand. Gad stood over the guy with his foot raised, ready to stomp him into the ground. It was Sunberth, things like that happened on a regular basis, so there wasn't much fear of repercussion. Still, for some reason, Gad stopped.

"Wh-...what the shit are you talking about!?" Was Gad's immediate response, followed by a "Hm." as he processed the man's proposition. This guy came after me, after what happened?...And now he wants to team up? This is ridiculous, if it weren't for him, I wouldn't be here now! Gad could feel his teeth crunch together in rage as he recalled what had transpired just a few weeks ago. Then, his rage died down as his reasonable side took over. Hmph. Well, I guess regardless of what happened, I am here now. Can't live in the past. He stroked his wispy chin hairs between his thumb and forefinger. Even more, I know this guy's got moves. One second he disappeared, then out of no where he's shanking Bludo in the shins...Hm...and I heard he lifted Blu's knife right out his pocket too... Where Ovek had seen fit to meddle with Gad's chances for the worse before, it seemed that now, through the same vessel the god of chance had sent an opportunity. It was an appetizing morsel, and Gad was hungry.

After much internal deliberation, which externally only took a second or two, Gad gave the man his answer. With a hand extended to help the guy up, he replied nonchalantly. "Okay." Grudges weren't Gad's style, they kept you from taking advantage of what was right in front you, and Gad needed all the help he could find. Either way, as soon as Agathon took Gad's hand, the wizard pulled him in close and in a grizzled voice set the record straight. "They way I see it, ya owe me one anyways. Bygones be bygones, but if you cross me, or waste my time, let it be known: I'll end ya." Gad really wasn't about that life, but it was better to clear the air now.

He gently brushed some of the dirt off of Agathon's shoulder's and in a more friendly tone said "Well? What'd ya have in mind?"

[Agathon Minorium]

To his surprise, Gad accepted his offer quickly. Maybe he was a lot more reasonable than Agathon thought and that wad another plus. Gad gave his hand to help him get up. Agathon grabbed it firmly, not only to get up, but also as a symbol that they have a deal. '' Don't worry about it...! I'm the most.. Trustworthy thieve in Sunberth! '' he said as he smiled to Gad. '' I don't think we should talk about... Business here.. And apart from that, I don't think I have formally introduced myself.. to you. I'm Agathon! Thief since I remember myself. More than glad to be working.. With you Gad! Now, how does the pig's foot..tavern sound?''

Agathon was getting more fluent in speaking with people. During this winter he had more social contacts with people than he had in the past 3 years or so. Yes, his life was getting better at last, and he deserved it. Now hopefully things would turn out well with Gad and they would make a lot of money together, maybe they would even become friends. But for now they had to plan how they would start off, maybe a couple of schemes that would get them a decent amount of money. An amount big enough so that they can put Agathon's biggest plan into action.

[Gad]

"Uh...yeah." Gad said scratching his cheek with a solitary index finger. This guy had an odd way of speaking Common, they'd have to work his people skills. Then something he said really caught Gad's ear. He already knows my name!? The shit? Did I say it before? Has he been watching me? Gad considered the guy for a second. Nah, he looks too dumb for that, but I can't let my guard down. Even around 'The Most Trustworthy Thief in Sunberth'. Gad surveyed the area, behind long Benshira eyelashes, squinting to keep the sun at bay. "Yeah, Pigs Foot sounds good to me. But uh, how bout you lead the way? I'm kind of new in the city, always get turned around." It was only partially true. Really, Gad wanted to stay behind the man, in case he was trying something funny.

Gad stretched his arm out and did the universal gesture for "after you" and began walking alongside Agathon on his right hand, and just a few steps behind him at all times. "So! Agrathong was it? What's your deal, huh? You a pickpocket or what?" Gad inquired, wanting to establish a frame of reference for his potential business partner.

[Agathon Minorium]

Agathon started walking ahead. The tavern was very close, about five minutes from where they were.'' The name's Agathon.'' he said as he threw an akward smile. ''I guess..yeah, you can say i'm a pickpocket, although..i would rather be called a thief. Breaking into houses, emptying somebody's pockets in the middle of the street...I can do everything that involves stealing! the sun was up in the middle of the sky, but sunlight barely escaped the clouds. It was getting colder and the sky was getting darker. It would soon start rainning.

''So, what about you Gad?...What do you do, exactly?'' and at that point he realised that Gad had no formally introduced himself either. Well, he would surely remember that he had a whole conversation with Bludo and how they both called each other's names. He smiled at the thought that Gad could be wondering where he knew his name. You should know that...The main reason i chose to approach you was because you have guts...and attitude. But i would surely like to know what else you can do.

And like that they made it to the Pig's foot tavern. He hastily opened the old wooden door, which made an awful screeching sound. The tavern was full of people, other singings, other drinkings and other beating each other up without mercy. Agathon made some fast steps and sat on the nearest free table. He looked at Gad in the eyes and his look suddenly turned a lot more serious than it was before. ''Well then, let's talk about business.''

[Gad]

Gad rubbed his chin at the question of occupation. "Hm...what do I do? " He was, primarily, a con artist. "Well, I like to say I'm in the business of 'creative wealth redistribution'. Some people have money, I relieve them of it. Through various means." He shrugged. "You saw this for yourself just a few weeks ago, and just now at my stall." As he walked Gad peeked over his shoulder, a greasy fishmonger was already filling the void of the unoccupied stand. It was a short stroll to Pig's Foot, and despite all the cold and snow, it looked like the weather would be relatively nice the whole way.


When Agathon questioned Gad's abilities, the young wizard responded in kind. "Weeelll... I can do a lot. How bout you just clue me in on this business plan of yours...then I'll decided whether or not I have the skills needed." Not too long after, the two rouges were walking through the doors of the Pig's Foot, and they strolled back to the most secluded booth in bar. It wasn't very private at all, but the bar was noisy enough to mask their low volume talking, and just about everyone there was up to no good in some way. At Agathon's suggestion to talk business. "Not much to it but to do it huh? So, you brought me here. What exactly did you have in mind?"

[Agathon Minorium]

''Okay, here's the big idea...We pull of a number of scams...Which we will make up together. We each put some money aside for our personal expenses but we put most of our earnings aside, in order to buy some farming land outside this cursed city. Once we buy the land...We grow some Pulp. We sell it together and make...more money than you can think off.'' he smiled at Gad, who would for sure take some time to process what Agathon had just told him.

''Of course, it's not as easy as...i make it sound. We will need to think of some...Very profitable scams. I'm sure that if we work together...We'll make it.''

A couple of seconds later, the waiter came and asked what they would like to order. ''A small cup of ale.'' he said without even looking at the waiter.

''Apart from the scams that we'll have to figure out, we will also have to be in good terms with the..Larger organizations that control pulp around Sunberth. That means..We'll also have to gather a lot of information and make some strong connections..Or otherwise make ourselves known around their area and hope that they'll want to co-operate with us.'' He drunk a couple of sips from his cup.

''So, what do you think?''

[Gad]

Gad's ears twitched and his eyebrows raised to his hairline. "You wanna...hahahaha. Lemme get this strait. You're business plan is to shoehorn in on the most deadly cut-throat industry in Sunberth? Your suggesting that I, who barely know you, join you in some crazed delusion and endeavor to put myself in position of maximum peril without certainty of even minor profit....and you want to know what I think?" Gad's eyebrows now dipped down and he leaned forward, his eyes toxic green as they looked at Agathon with what seemed like abject condescension. The quietness between the two men swelled for a few moments after Gad's response and during his subsequent stare down.

Through the dead air, Gad reached over and grabbed Agathon's cup of ale and gulped a good portion down. After setting the glass down he sighed. "Alright." He slid the cup across the table. "Sounds good to me. We need to start right away, the year is about to turn over, and we need to make our moves as quickly as possible. If you're serious about this I think we can do it." Gad stroked his chin. "The Gated Community. That place is like a treasure chest. The only problem is the Sun's Birth. Which, admittedly, is a big problem....hey, I have a question. When have you worked with pulp before? Where've you grown it?" Gad questioned.

[Twister]

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Grade on Hold.

Both of you are inactive and your ledgers are outdated. I can't post your grades until you've updated them and subtracted your Seasonal Expenses for the seasons you've threaded in. In the event of your returns, shoot me a PM once you've addressed it and I will happily post your grades here.

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