Open The Wind. The Sea.....And A Woman?

[Tlazotinya re Jahrid]

Spring 15, 513 A.V. Tlazotinya stood on the pier over looking the ocean, after all that had transpired over the last week she was in need of an escape. And she had wandered down to the docks to watch the setting sun over the water, the sky was a kaleidoscope of colors. Rich reds, fiery orange and deep purples, all mingling and entwining together like long lost lovers. She still couldn't get over the fact of how beautiful the setting sun over the vast ocean was, it took her breath away and made her feel as if everything was going to be alright. As she watched the sunset her mind wandered. It made her think of the times when she would watch the setting sun with er mother and father, bringing tears to her dark eyes, she lifted one hand to wipe it away. The sighed, she had finally begun to feel at peace, not completely, but the inner turmoil and guilt she had been carrying for over a year had begun to lessen. She allowed a sad smile to pull at her lips, she was an idiot. For thinking that she could do all of this on her own, and to even think that she would be accepted by the humans, again just as foolish. If her mother could see her now she would have scolded Tlazotinya.

[Leila]

Leila was wandering along the docks with the Steward of the Shipyard, Ethan Wayfarer, Shaco plodding along next to him. He was an old friend of her father and had always looked out for in some capacity or other. "So you finally received permission and a loan for your shop? Congratulations! Who are you indebted to?" "The Lord of Council is paying for it all. They've already begun construction on it, over on the outskirts of West Street. I spoke with the men in charge, and it's going to be a lovely little setup. And they aren't charging me any interest! Ever since the plague, they are really interested in helping out new businesses. But I came specifically to you today to discuss a possible business agreement. My shop will open up at the beginning of Summer. And I was wondering if I could talk to you about the various things you use at the shipyard? Like aside from wood and nails, what sort of supplies do you use?" "Well, that sure is an interesting question, looking to perhaps corner a market? That was something your father should've done, but he didn't have the drive for business. He needed a manager, so he could just play with his plants. But back to your question. I know our old supplier of healing kits for voyages died in the plagues, so there's that. And your dad knew the best recipe for making tar. We use that to seal up the leaks in ships when we build that. I believe it comes from pine trees. Not sure of anything else though, did you have any ideas?" "Well I'll have a lot more land than needed to grow herbs, so I suppose I should ask what your ropes and sails are made out of, and who makes them?" "Ah you are a keen one Leila, always were. Most of our sails and ropes come from imports, and is often expensive, really chaps my arse sometimes. However, I know they are made from the hemp plant, both the ropes and sails, but I don't really know the process, and I don't know of any local suppliers of either. If you could allot land to hemp, I'm sure we could find a deal to strike up." "Hemp, I don't think my father ever taught me about that one. I'll look into it and get back to you, thank you so much Ethan!" "And between you and me, if you ever get into the Philtering business, I'd be more than happy to deal with you than with those snobs up at the University. They charge outrageous prices, and are more worried about their research than meeting deadlines. Your dad always talked about becoming a Philterer, to help people more with his herbs. Maybe you should take a few classes from the snobs, then steal their business out from under them. That would be a hoot!" He was laughing loudly, slapping her on the back, turning a few curious heads. Leila felt a tug on the leash that held Shaco, as the large dog pulled her over to a woman, who was busy watching the sunset. He quickly began to sniff at the woman, being the friendly dog that he was, then proceeded to lick at her arms, hoping she'd pet him. Ethan's laughter continued, now fueled by Shaco's friendliness, while Leila blushed red, "I'm sorry, don't mind him, he's not dangerous or anything. Down Shaco, down." Her dog was still new to commands, and she had to repeat them a few more times until he walked over to her side and sat down. "Sorry about that, I didn't mean to intrude." Ethan then piped up, "You should definitely make this woman a customer next season. I can tell by her hands and arms that she's a fighter, and fighters are always getting injured. Foreigners especially so around these parts it seems." Leila shot him a look, now that he'd embarrassed her in front of this stranger, "What? Nothing wrong with shameless advertising." "I'm sorry for my friend here, he's... not the most tactful person. I'm Leila, Leila Hughes, and this here is Ethan Wayfarer." Note for Grading ModI received permission from Paragon to self moderate Leila becoming the supplier of various goods and services to other businesses.

[Tlazotinya re Jahrid]

As Tlazotinya felt a wet tongue touch her hand she stiffened, instinctively her hand went for her short sword t her hip, she backed up a few steps, her eyes trained on the two humans. Upon seeing the canine she made a sound in her throat, it was one of not disgust but it wasn't friendly either. As the woman commanded the canine to leave her alone she couldn't help but think of how funny it looked, she raised one of her left hands to her mouth. This shifted her cloak to reveal a flash of dark skin, as well as her six arms. She quickly shifted her weight to cause the cloak to shift back in its original position, hiding her form from wandering eyes. What should I do now? They know what I am.....I will have to wait and see their reaction.... She mused to herself, she kept dark eyes trained on the other, and when the man spoke about her being a fighter she scoffed."I am a fighter yes, but I am more so a political weapon. I always have been, and I quite like watching men squirm......Pathetic really'' She turned away from the two, her eyes drawn back to the setting sun, the approach of the pair had put a slight damper in her mood, but that was soon replaced by a peaceful state of mind and the promise of a warm meal after the sun disappeared over the horizon.''As for making me a customer, I don't have the time. I am in search of a few people, and once they are disposed of, I will move on, or perhaps stay in Zeltiva. But either way, I am not interested.... She spoke with an emotionless yet refined voice, it was accented and flowed like a melody. Yet it seemed cold at the same time, and when the other introduced herself she adverted her gaze to the woman. "I am Tlazotinya re Jahrid, for what it is worth.''

[Leila]

'I am in search of a few people, and once they are disposed of' Those words were bouncing around Leila's skull as a pit formed in her stomach. Was this woman talking about killing people? That would be absurd, and yet... the woman's tone, colder than ice in the bay, seemed to support that theory. This woman was dangerous, a threat, scary. Leila made sure to burn her name into her mind, this Tlazotinya re Jahrid. She studied her quickly, taking in the dark skin, six arms, bangles on her arms. She also noted the sword at her hip. Leila knew it was time to take action, for the good of the city. She mustered up the courage to speak, "My apologies for interrupting, I know just the person that could help you find anyone in the city, he's great with names and knows nearly everyone. I'll go fetch him, be right back." She grabbed Ethan's arm, and tugged at Shaco's leash, and pulled them both down the dock, not too quickly. Just out of earshot, "What are you doing Leila? Why would you help a person like that?" "I'm not, I'm helping the city." She quickly began searching the docks for a member of the Wave Guard, to at least question the woman. At least the docks were long, and with the woman at the end of one, she couldn't disappear, without jumping into the bay at least. Leila looked over her shoulder, to make sure she was still there. Then she spotted the blue uniform at the beginning of the dock, and ran up to it, his back turned to her. Leila tapped him on the shoulder, then pointed down the dock at the woman, "Please help, this woman at the end of the dock is talking about killing people. Her name is Tlazotinya re Jahrid and she's Eypharian. I think she's dangerous!" OOCSince you marked this thread as Open, Leila called for Ricky, another PC here to join in, so if you don't mind waiting, he'll reply next.

[Ricky Maze]

Ricky was posted at the Docks today, which meant he had to keep a weather eye for any type of suspicious behavior. Of all the places in Zeltiva that were busy, the docks was the area that could most easily be packed. However with the plagues passing the city seemed a bit emptier, which meant that the docks weren't as busy like they used to be. A good thing to benefit from really, even though it came from a bad effect. 'Everythin seems to be well.' He told himself with a pleased sigh, the past couple of weeks have been a plague of their own. So much has been going on around him he was likely either lose his mind or lose himself to the city, in his case it already felt like he was doing both. Yet he still stood strong, ready and eager to keep his home safe. With courage and vigilance, Ricky would hold onto the hope that one day the city would be a peaceful one again.

'At least its been a good start this season, the new year is lookin more promisin at each corner I turn.' He let a soft grin form on his face, comfort there as he actually felt good about his life. His thoughts were cut off though by a civilian, a lady who tapped his shoulder. but when Ricky turned to listen as she asked for assistance because of some other woman with possible intention to kill, he found he knew exactly who this lady was. "Who- Oh petch! Leila?!" He exclaimed as he looked at her in surprise, she was with some other man he never met before.

"Ye say ya found this woman talkin about murderin someone?! Where's she at?! Take me to her!" He insisted with a determined look on his face, Ricky's intent to know more grew as he mentally prepared himself. It's a good thing he remembered standard protocol for the guard, bear a sword or weapon you use to defend yourself. Especially after Kip's murder.

OOCDidn't want to impose that Leila lead him to Tia, so go ahead and post her reaction to Leila temporarily leaving, and from there Leila can lead Ricky to her.

[Tlazotinya re Jahrid]

Tlazotinya knew the way she chose her words would cause alarm in the woman beside her, yet she paid little mind as she wandered off. Although the Eypharian knew the young woman was going to tell someone about her, she had watched Leila scan over her form with her eyes as if taking in every small detail. She took a deep breath and turned her eyes back to the sea, her mind wandering. She stayed like this for the remainder of the time, that was until one of the Wave Guard was now approaching her. The Eypharian steeled herself for what was to come.Once the Sea Guard was upon her she didn't change her posture, she didn't even look fully at the man. "Don't you dare touch me, you have no right, and also if you do try, you will have a boot up your ass....Understand?" He voice was deadly calm, when she finally turned the chocolate colored eyes to his own, her face passive. "I am not helpless, I could tear you apart without a second thought.

[Leila]

Leila grabbed Ricky by the arm and led him down the dock toward the killer woman. Ethan Wayfarer mentioned something about finding other guards, and left. Leila stopped a safe distance from the woman, "That one there, the Eypharian. Please be careful Ricky, I think she's dangerous." Leila watched helplessly as they met, and the woman began spewing threats and venomous words at the Wave Guard. Leila had a heavy pit in her stomach, praying to any gods that may listen that he not get hurt. If he did, because she ran to him, instead of just running away from the woman, she wouldn't know what to do. But he'd have wanted her to come to him. The law is the law, and it is to keep everyone in the city safe. Leila wondered if wherever this woman came from, if announcing to strangers that you were a murderer was normal. That would be a terrible place to live for anyone. She held her arms, worry on her face, wind whipping her hair, eyes on the verge of tears. A silent speech in the wind, "Please don't die Ricky." She wondered that if they survived this, if she could get Ricky to teach her some things to better protect herself. She couldn't keep running to others for protection, as her dad had tried to teach her. It couldn't be too difficult to use a sword, everyone seemed to have one.

[Ricky Maze]

Ricky followed Leila quickly as he too steeled himself for the worst, in situations that were like this he really did have to expect anything; especially the worst. Leila pointed out the woman who was the likely suspect to a crime waiting to happen, and when Ricky laid eyes on her he knew she was likely bound to be trouble. "Thanks Leila, I'll take it from 'ere." He gave a gentle pat on her shoulder as he passed her, soon to find foul defensive words thrown his way before he got near her. She glared at him in a cold and calm manner that rather intimidated Ricky, enough to make him almost withdraw back. Alas with fear he searched for courage, and with courage he found strength, strength to stand up for what he believed was right.

"Aye, ya be the one plannin on hurtin another in the city?" His hand was already on the hilt of his sword, ready to draw the blade at any given moment should this woman prove to be a loose cannon. He saw no fear or sway in her crisp brown eyes, nothing that showed any sign of a concious in them. This unnerved him greatly, already he wished he'd brought with him his shield. Something Ricky planned to do everyday on the job now, after all this would be said and done. Whatever would be said and done anyway, Ricky wasn't out of the storm yet and so far the winds showed no favor in either of their sails. "By order of the Wave Guard I demand to know yer plan's, or I have no choice but to place ya in questionin'" He warned as his heart beat quickened, a small quake was in his voice.

He had to be strong now, he had to be strong for Leila, and the rest of the city. That meant he had to be brave as well, brave enough to do what he would have to should things get out of hand. "I want no trouble lass, I'm only keepin the peace 'round here," He assured her with a slight build of confidence, "which is why I only want to talk, figure out why ye're driven to the motives ya have." It was a means he had to resort to first, a extended branch of peace that would either be accepted or denied. Either way he had tapped into the font of his confidence, and he now showed less and less aprehension with each passing tick. 'With fear find courage,' he reminded himself, 'with courage find strength. Strength to take a stand, strength to protect what matters most.' He began a slow breathing exercise now, each intake was followed with an exhale that helped keep his mind calm. He was ready and able to think clearly now, all he had to do was wait and see what would unfold.

[Tlazotinya re Jahrid]

As the male approached Tlazotinya, the Eypharian's first reaction was to be on the defensive, and be as imposing as she could, rather then try and be friendly, knowing that if she was, it would only cause heartache in the end, she didn't have very many friends as of late. It was too dangerous, for both her and any of the people she decided to befriend, although when she saw the Wave Guards reaction to her words it gave her some pause. She closed her eyes for a few moments, drawing in a calming breath, before opening her eyes again, they were not as cold as they had been in the beginning, yet they were sad, almost. "Why am I in this city you ask.....Well, I am here to take down the bastard that killed Mama and Papa, and I am not the only who wants him, the Eypharians do as well...." Her voice had been strained, as if speaking about the tragedy of her parents pained her, and in truth, it did. She had nearly gone insane in the beginning, although she had managed to make it through, she was not unaffected. She was in some ways a loose cannon, she had a tendency to hate with a passion, especially towards those who had a hand in her parents' deaths. "I really don't want to be dragged into questioning, I simply wanted to watch the sunset, is that really such a crime?" Her voice was tired, as if she was emotionally exhausted, in truth, she was. Her spirit was tired, following the never ending path, and knowing that after each lead, it could be a dead end. She had been doing this for a year, she was growing weary. "Life is only so long, live......prosper, and indulge...." She whispered beneath her breath, remembering her mother's words, it was a line that usually was able to bring her comfort, but now it seemed empty.

[Khal'iah]

At long last, the sun began its final descent towards its resting place beyond the horizon. As it steadily lowered ever closer to its destination, the heavens were painted with a vast array of vibrant colors in its wake. Crimson. Magenta. Mandarin. Goldenrod, and everything in-between. It was truly a breathtaking masterpiece wrought by the hands of nature; and hands-down the favorite time of day for the violet-skinned foreigner. This day, he roamed about the docks, his attention plastered upon the heavens as he stepped along with not a care in the world and his only thoughts being that of procuring his evening meal. To say the very least, the day had rendered the warrior tired; but that came with the territory of being a mercenary. As typical, his day had been spent patrolling the streets of Zeltiva, but not in the name of protecting and serving its denizens. No, unlike the "esteemed" guardsmen garbed in blue, his directive was simple: keep an eye on the movements of the Wave Guard, protect the people of Denval, and occasionally sneak a shipment or two of arms into a storehouse. These tasks proved simple enough for the Akalak, born to the name Khal'iah Vojak, and they were always completed with not even the slightest incident. Finally, after many hours spent roaming the streets, his shift was over and he was free to go about resting up for another day of work. But then, just as he rounded a corner, his ears were greeted by two voices that were all-too familiar to the warrior. The first was that of a male and it sent chills running up and down his spine. It belonged to one of the Wave Guard by the name of Ricky, who had confronted Khal'iah a few days prior within the city's tavern. The exchange was...interesting...to say the least, and though Khal'iah's attitude towards the Wave Guard remained the same, Ricky had at least earned the Akalak's respect. The second voice was female and belonged to a particular foreigner who had a knack for getting herself into trouble. The mere presence of her voice made Khal'iah want to turn on his heel and walk in the opposite direction, as she was most likely in trouble...again...but the thought of abandoning someone who wanted to be his "friend" to the likes of the Wave Guard didn't sit right with him. 'Ah shyke. Here we petching go.' he growled mentally, steeling himself for whatever situation would await him. When the group came into view, he made a quick assessment of the situation. Ricky and a woman stood before the foreign woman and tension was in the air. Though Khal'iah had not managed to catch all that was said, he was perceptive enough to note that Ricky's hand was upon the hilt of his weapon. 'Well this certainly isn't good.' he observed, quickening his pace to an almost-jog. When he came to a halt, he gave his offhand a solid shake, setting his buckler into place, and was now at Tlazotinya's side. His swordhand rested upon the hilt of his signature weapon, his longsword, while his Lakan was only inches away from his offhand. Unlike the vast majority of Zeltivans, and typical of mercenaries, Khal'iah was armed to the teeth: a fact that brought he and Ricky into conflict previously. "What a surprise," he began, addressing Ricky first and foremost, "we have just got to stop meeting like this my friend. What seems to be the problem?" He then turned his attention to the foreign woman, giving her a slight smile in greeting. "I sincerely hope you're not in any sort of trouble..." He awaited a response from both parties and began to contemplate his next course of action. Going toe-to-toe with a Wave Guard wouldn't exactly go over well. Even if he managed to defeat him, there was still a witness to worry about; and he would not be harming even a single hair on any woman's head. So, combat was out...perhaps he could assist in diffusing the situation. "So tell me, what brings us all here on this lovely evening? Are we all admiring the sunset?"