Open [Temple Of The Black Sun] Live Fast, Die Beautiful

[Tallis Ishtari]

4th of Summer 513

It had only been a short stop into one of his favorite haunts for a quick drink. The quick drink turned into a sip as Tallis spotted the one individual who knew where the hit money was. When they locked eyes he didn’t waste any time getting out of the tavern. If the man caught up to him he was as good as dead. Shit! A fine time to leave my dagger at home. He muttered to himself as he ran out of the building at a dead run with the tavern door slamming behind him.

Immediately he ran into a crowd of people. He knew the city better than anyone. The only people that might know better than him were his fellow Ravokians. Fortunately for him the man chasing after him was not from the island city.

In the beginning it was a sprint across bridge after bridge and over and along canal after canal, a race of life or death. Tallis did not even think about stopping. If he did he was as sure as dead. He could hear the slamming of running footsteps start to fade in the distance the longer he ran. If he could get to his destination he would be fine. No one would ever think to look for him in the Temple of the Black Sun. At least he prayed that he adversary would not look for him there.

For a moment he thought of Marxander but immediately slammed the thought out of his head. He was short on breath and the last thing he needed was to worry her when she was looking for a job. It was better that she just know that he was out of breath.

Totally out of breath Tallis stopped and rested his hands on his hips. He gulped in large quantities of air and managed to slow his heart rate which up to the point he stopped running was pounding furiously in his chest. Scanning in all directions he could not see the man who was chasing him. What he did see encouraged him, the Temple was just ahead. All he needed to do was catch a canal boat and get to the other side without being seen.

Rhysol must have been smiling at him when he saw a familiar face, his Uncle Revis was piloting the boat. As the boat pulled up to the landing without a splash, and barely a sound from the paddle, for Tallis to board Revis greeted him with a huge smile. “I see you be running for your life again.”

Wagging his head Tallis entered the boat and took a seat. “How is it you always seem to find me when I’m neck deep in trouble? How, Uncle Revis?” Tallis said as he slouched down into the wooden boat. Uncle Revis did not answer but paddled the boat to the landing at the Temple. It left Tallis to his thoughts. Even when Tallis disembarked Revis said nothing but waved with huge smirk on his face.

The Temple of The Black Sun, its impressive size and grandeur still had a powerful effect on Tallis phyche. His inner desire was to head for the inner chamber and pray. It had been a long time since he had felt the power of Rhysol and in the inner chamber it felt like it was possible to meet face to face with him, and worship.

A tussle between an Ebonstryfe guard and worshiper alerted Tallis to why he had come to the Temple. And the altercation was just the distraction he needed. As a crowd gathered he made his way into it keep his eye on who might be careless enough to leave their pouches within his nimble and quick hands.

As hard as he looked everyone he bumped into did not have anything within his reach and when he reached close enough to see the end of the scuffle he knew why. The man the Ebonstryfe guard was tussling with was a thief. Everyone was aware that there might be those at the Temple that would separate them from their money so the tourists had taken precautions.

It was cursed bad luck. First he was chased by someone who wanted to kill him and now one of the very things he made a living at, stealing, was closed to him for the moment. Not to be totally dismayed Tallis made his way into the Temple. It smelled sweetly of incense and burning candles. As he made his way along one of the corridors he noticed that the atmosphere had changed. It felt stiflingly warmer and evil.

Panic slowly crept its way through his body and to his brain. By then it was too late. Tallis found himself leaning against the wall to keep from falling. It was eerily quiet. He could no longer hear the soft chanting of worshipers. Then as quickly as it came it was gone. The temperature of the corridor started to cool and the presence he felt was lifted. Despite it all he was feeling queasy.

Moments passed. Tallis was able to make the sickness go away with slow steady breaths. When he raised his head he spotted a shadow on the wall. Someone, or something had been watching him the entire time.

[Wrenmae]

"Overwhelming, isn't it?" The shadow had a voice, the nonchalant observation of made almost in passing...but directed at the only man in the hallway. "When I first came to the Temple, I certainly felt the awe the people hold for beloved Rhysol."

The figure moved from the darkness, revealing a young man in a black cloak, torn slightly on one shoulder. The glint of weapons momentarily caught the flare of the torches in the hallway, concealed beneath the cloak he wore. "I wonder if the gods promote this sort of thing...grand buildings for their worshippers to occupy. Are they like voyeurs, slinking between the prayers of their faithful to spy out the lives of the mortals they are not?" He shrugged, slinking beside Tallis, subtly blocking a quick exit.

"I had thought to find myself a quiet corner to reflect in, but you seem to have found me. I wonder if that's fortune or the will of something higher." He looked the boy up and down, shrugging, "Perhaps fortune, but I find myself in need of information."

Another pause...a long wait as the stranger glanced both directions down the hallway. "Tell me...are you a native of this city?"

[Tallis Ishtari]

Having regained his equilibrium he quickly scanned the shadow which had now moved out into the open. Years of being a thief helped him recognize something that an ordinary person might not have, or at least not as quickly. The lighting was poor, but it was there, the man was armed. There was not any sense of despair at the sight, but it did make him feel vulnerable considering that his only means of escape to the outside was cut off. He would have to deal with what was in front of him.

Tallis stood up straight. He no longer needed the wall to hold him up. The fog that had covered mind was lifting as he regarded the young man who appeared to be slightly younger than himself. He had never encountered him before so his curiosity was peeked. “Yes, I was born and raised here.” He replied cautiously as his was still scanning the younger man for more information that might help him understand who he was.

“What information are you looking for? I’ll certainly help if I can.” Tallis flashed his patented smile that usually charmed almost everyone that first met him. It did not work so well on those nefarious organized crime figures of Ravok. They knew him too well. “I didn’t catch your name…” His smile changed to a slanted one and a raised eyebrow to go with it.

Tallis’ thoughts drifted for a few seconds toward Marxander, the love of his life. He wondered how she was faring and if she was in any trouble. Ravok could be tricky for those that did not know their way around, and for a young Kelvic it could be real dangerous. He was care though to mask any thoughts that he might be in some danger. The younger man in front of him did not seem to present any sign that there might be a problem. As he shifted his thoughts back to the younger man he knew that he should be wary.

[Wrenmae]

It was always interesting to watch people transform. Set with new circumstances, most shifted and contorted into new shapes, throwing out their previous emotions and laying siege to the situation with the ardor of a drowning man. This fellow's first reaction was to look him over, eyes practiced and drifting to the most important places. Hands, then waist, then eyes and face. It was a survival technique practically patented in Sunberth, but humanity had found a way to make it ubiquitous to most who would live troubling lives.

In that first set of reactions, Wrenmae had a personality built for the fellow, all up to the smile.

Charming, disarming...a thief, a murderer, a guard undercover, or a vagrant.

All useful.

"I didn't give one," Wrenmae said with a small smile of his own, "And nor will I ask yours for the time being. I find myself new to the city and I'd like to get to know it a bit better. What can you tell me of its politics, who holds power, what people seek out for jobs, and what you do?"

[Tallis Ishtari]

This was not the first time he had dealt with this personality type. The majority of his jobs with the mob were the don’t ask and don’t tell type, he preferred it that way. His recent encounter had him wondering though what they had in store for him. In the back of his mind Tallis knew, they wanted him to move up in the organization, a thought that thrilled him but also scared him. If he moved up like the mob wanted there would be no way out except feet first. As it stood right now he had a chance, a chance to have a normal, a family of his own.

New to town… but he’s not a tourist that for sure. Tallis’ eyes narrowed slight as decided what to say. He would have to be careful. Even though he was younger he was certainly not someone to be trifled with. Not many would have thought cut off his only exit. Perhaps a deal could be struck. “Power in the city is pretty much spread. On one side you have the members of organized crime, who controls is anyone’s guess. On the other hand you have the Ebonstryfe who controls the other parts of the city. I couldn’t tell you who is stronger. But it’s The Voice… she’s the one who is really in control.” He had never met The Voice, but had felt her influence in his daily life. Everyone had who lived in the city had.

[Wrenmae]

"Tell me about this...Voice."

There was a moment drop in the mans facade, a narrowing of his eyes and a conscious recognition that his exit had been blocked. From now on, the fellow would be seeking a way to escape...or to perhaps turn the tables. In any conversation, the trick was to find out what the stakes were. For Wrenmae, he wanted to know the city a bit better in order to temper his further searches. For this fellow...well, he would be gathering information on the man who had stopped him...no doubt to trade for coin or other information later.

From his experience in Ravok thus far, Wrenmae had begun to build an acute perception of the city. On the surface, the beautiful architecture and the devoted populace, it seemed calm...serene, even perfect. Below that level, however, lay the strict hand of Ravok's foot soliders and control...a control that apparently was bucked by the organized crime.

Or perhaps funded?

Organized chaos...just the sort of city Wrenmae imagined that sadistic god to have.

Reaching down to into his cloak, Wrenmae tapped on the coinpurse he carried. He made sure to hit the rims, so the metallic clack of mizas echoed briefly in the corridor.

"Lay your suspicions to rest," Wrenmae chided quietly, "I won't let you leave without a reward for your time. I just need the quickest way possible to be brought to speed on what I need to know about Ravok to prosper here."

[Tallis Ishtari]

It was a reflex action. His eyes instantly followed to where it heard the sound of clinking coins. Silently he chided himself for not having the self-control the situated demanded. Bring his eyes back up to he acknowledged that some sort of deal could be struck. All the man wanted was a little information. Could it be that easy? And what would the consequences be? And the repercussions?

Betraying his associates in organized crime could be costly especially if their intent was what he thought it was. As far as the Ebonstryfe was concerned he could care less. They could be damned for all he cared.

The Voice. There was no way he could betray her. No sooner had the thought hit his brain he could hear the chants emanating from the main chamber. The chants had an effect on him that he had not expected.

"The Voice is Rhysols agent here. His directions and his wishes are made know through her.” There was no waver his voice as he continued. “She is his high priestess and the leader of The Black Sun whose order is dedicated to Rhysol."

“If you’re planning on getting anywhere near her you’ll be dead before you get anywhere near her.” There were many in Ravok besides the Ebonstryfe that were entirely dedicated to The Voice. Even he, if pushed, would do what he could to protect her. She was second to Rhysol and very important to all who lived in Ravok.

[Wrenmae]

"A favored perhaps?" Wrenmae mused, more to himself than the man. It would make sense. He'd sensed many other Chaon in the city besides himself. It would follow that perhaps the most favored of Rhysol was here as well. What sort of person must it be to follow such a maniacal god? Betrayal, mood swings, the overwhelming power he possessed...certainly it would have to be an impressive person...she...a woman...an impressive woman indeed.

He looked Tallis up and down and snorted derisively, "Often people who make grand threats about killing don't have the means to follow through. We're alone here, I'd be careful about a promise you cannot back up."

Reaching into his purse, Wrenmae pulled out two gold mizas, holding them up, he let them drop from his hands to clatter to the floor.

"The Ebonstryfe are the militants we see in the streets, the black armored men and women...the Black Sun are...Rhysol's priests? That leaves only the organized crime and any families of note."

He stared holes through the man, fierce, angry eyes. While Wren had never felt the urge to use hypnotism yet, it came as a comfort that he'd know when the time was right to seed that sort of magic.

"Speak up and you'll have more."

[Tallis Ishtari]

Again the reflex action could not be stopped in time. His eyes watched as two coins hit the floor. Two mizas would not help him and his girl get out of Ravok but it would help. Maybe there would be more if he said more, but he made his mind up to choose his words carefully.

Tallis turned his eyes up toward the man. He looked angry but it did not phase Tallis. He had dealt with mob figures worse communication skills and plenty of anger issues. Rubbing his stubble on his chin with his thumb and forefinger he hesitated as he looked for the words. “Organized crime in the city is interested in power and money. I’m not even sure if they are interested in the Ebonstryfe. For all I know, the two of them are working together.”

“As far as high ranking families…?” Tallis shrugged. He knew that his family received contract work from both sides besides other families of note. His family got wealthy because of their ties to both parties but how much influence his own father had with either group he did not know. “I would suppose there are families out there that have influence in the government in the city. I really wouldn’t know who they are. Money equals power in this city. You have families that run the Ravosola boats and the Water Gliders.”

Tallis’ crooked smile reappeared. It was his turn to sneak in a question. “Why do you need to know all of this? You’re just one man in a city that loves Rhysol and the leadership of The Voice.” No matter what the outside world thought Rhysol was their protector and The Voice had taught them how to survive in a world that did not understand Ravokians way of life.

[Wrenmae]

Not the most helpful of information...mostly generalities. Either the boy didn't know much or he simply wasn't letting that information spill. No matter, he'd learned more than a bit about the city...at least enough to start making bold moves.

Since Sunberth, Wrenmae had been ill at ease to sit still. His blood boiled for combat, for conflict, to match his mind to new puzzles and problems and to triumph over those in ways others could only dream of. He was Wrenmae Sek, the chosen of Vayt and blessed of Rhysol. Let the sea god be damned, he was the man who brought precious Zeltiva to its petching knees.

He had only so much time to play with rabble like this.

A moment. He paused, digging his fingers into the inside of his palm. For a moment, his mind had slipped into the rampage of arrogance, of pride. It was easy these days, easier than ever before. Since his mind was brought crashing together, the fault lines formed old habits...and hypnotism, magic in general had a way of exploiting those kinks and making him feel...godly.

It was dangerous, especially here...in a new environment.

Wrenmae took a breath.

"I'm simply a man who wants to know more about he city he's come to," he said at last, raising an eyebrow at the boy. "If I were an enemy of Rhysol and daring enough to consort my business in his own sacred temple...do you not think it would have been wiser not to question me? Perhaps in this case it would be best to assume I am no enemy to the city, simply at a loss for where to begin."

He rubbed his chin, pushing a calm into his voice that spread through Tallis' mind like a salve. There was something, if not likeable, at least understandable in this man. He was lost, confused, and perhaps Tallis had originally misjudged his demeanor.

It was all hypnotic suggestion, of course, but a little effort never hurt.

"I see you have an eye for money...and yet I do not see you dressed in rags nor show signs of malnourishment. If I may make a guess...you want this money to put towards something...a saving of some kind, an item?" His eyes flashed, "A woman?"

With a knowing smile, the hypnotist took out another two coins, "I may be a traveler, but I am accustomed to need. If you cannot provide me with anymore information, perhaps you would be interested in...well, both a challenge and employment."

He grinned, pushing that same faint feeling of calm and trust into the thief, "What do you say? Interested in at least listening?"