Closed Similar Minds Think A-Like [Sisas]

[Sherashadiss]

Day 20, Summer, 514 AV

Sunberth was the name of the city that the young Dhani had decided to place down roots in, it was a city that was known for being lawless. Some people were captured and sold as slaves, other killed in the streets while thieves stole whatever shiny object that they could find. Strong men were not that hard to find, especially here in Sunberth, it was be strong or be enslaved. Shadiss loved the lawlessness of the city, for it gave her free reign to do whatever the hell she wanted to do, not like in Zinrah where she was constantly scrutinized. She couldn’t be who she really wanted to be and so, she had left and had found Sunberth instead. Was it occupied by many Dhani? No, there wasn’t and that was how she liked it. In the whole time that she had spent in Sunberth, never had she crossed another one of her species and she counted herself lucky for that. Although, sometimes she would wonder when that kind of luck would run out, luck is a funny thing, it’s there when it wants to be and it abandons the person when they least expected it. Luck was such a fickle thing, she thought to herself as a sigh graced her lips.

Today, the sun shone brightly from the large blue expanse above and its warmth settled upon her pale skin. Her over-all build was slim and was considered short at 5’1, but she never let that deter her from certain pursuits, in fact, it made it that much more enjoyable. Today, she was dressed in a pair of black pants, a plain white shirt and a pair of black boots. Her destination? The Seaside Markets. She wanted to get her hands upon a few poison ingredients and she was more than happy to pay a visit to the Seaside Markets. Besides, she needed to get out once in a while and to get ingredients was a perfect excuse. Her crimson gaze made sure to keep a close eye on those that travelled passed her and she kept her purse even closer. Nimble fingers were around Sunberth and she was just glad that she didn’t carry her full purse. She only needed a small portion to buy some poison ingredients and so she didn’t carry more than what she needed.

Once her booted feet had carried her to the desired destination, she paused in front of a stall, her gaze flickering over some of the ingredients as she muttered to herself in snake-tongue. ”Sssome-timess there and sssome-timess not.” Not that it really mattered, however, she always loved to be kept busy doing something and the woman was growing restless. She had let her needs go for far too long and so she felt a growing need to work on poisons, she needed ingredients to do so and here she was pouring over the possible range provided. Although, maybe it was because she didn’t have a specific poison in mind and maybe it was because of her restlessness, that she was taking longer than she normally would.


Common | Snake-Tongue | Thoughts

[Sisas]

Sisas was in need of ingredients-- he'd used the last of them on a poison designed to cloud a mind so that it would not know what it was revealing. That little session had proved... quite informative.

Still smiling over the memory, Sisas made sure to double- and triple-check that his bracer was secured properly, the spring blade ready to release, and that his Tamo daggers were in quick reach. He grabbed his bag, slinging it over his shoulders and securing it before checking to make sure he had his coin pouch. He did, and the Dhani nodded, satisfied, before grabbing his naginata and whistling sharply for Rikit, his war dog. The dog's ears perked up, and Sisas snapped his fingers, pointing to the ground at his side. "Heel," he said firmly, and the dog fell into step beside him, on the side that had his master's coin pouch. A little extra protection never hurt. The dog had come in handy; before leaving Ravok, Sisas had bought the striped dog from a passing dealer. The animal had already been well-trained, and Sisas had quickly won its loyalty through food, care, and attention. Rikit had proven invaluable on the journey to Sunberth, helping to warn Sisas of impending dangers, and often helping him get out of them. Idly, Sisas mused that he'd need to get Rikit some armor-- for what was a war dog without his barding?

Between the Tamo daggers sheathed in Sisas's belt, the Naginata that he also used as an improvised walking stick, and the large dog(its shoulders came up to Sisas's waist; the Dhani stood 5'4" tall, all told, while in human form), Sisas was relatively confident that he wouldn't be messed with on his way to the marketplace; however, in a city like Sunberth, one could never be too cautious. Sisas had learned that even in the few short days that he'd been in the city.

By the time he arrived, the marketplace was bustling. Sisas took a few moments to simply scan the crowds; it looked like the average mix of vendors and customers. Off to the far right, he could see a thief attempting to pickpocket someone else, and doing a fairly good job at it, as long as he didn't bump into the woman next to his mark. Making his way through the crowd, Sisas didn't hesitate to bare his teeth at anyone who looked at him funny-- he could defend himself, and he had Rikit. And, if worse came to worst, he could always shift to Dhani form and take advantage of its added strength and speed. Still, it was a route he was reluctant to take; he didn't like screaming to the world that he was different. Being different was a sure-fire way to get oneself noticed in a bad way.

Eventually, Sisas found himself standing in front of a stall selling various ingredients-- magic may have been distrusted in Sunberth, but poisons and other concoctions were deemed a necessary evil, even though there was nothing inherently magical about the products. Standing next to the stall was one other customer: A young woman, who was speaking in snake-tongue. Sisas didn't say anything immediately, rather trying to see what he could observe of her before making his presence known.

The woman carried herself confidently, that much was immediately obvious. She also seemed a bit impatient, perhaps because she could not find the ingredients she was looking for. Judging from her size and build, this female Dhani was a Viper, like himself. Smirking slightly, Sisas finally spoke. "Perhapsssss you are not looking hard enough." He kept his voice low, just loud enough for the other Dhani to hear him. "Many thingsssss come to thossssse who sssssearch."

[Sherashadiss]

Surprise flickered across her features as she heard the words softly spoken in snake-tongue. In had been years since she heard another speak in such tongue, occasionally she had muttered to herself within it, but no one understood what she had been saying… Till now that is. Her crimson gaze silently lifted to view the male standing beside her, taking particular note of the fact that not only was he a Dhani, but he was a viper Dhani. His slim figure was the dead give -away. Perhaps her luck had decided to abandon her now, of all times, she thought to herself as her gaze drifted back to view the assortment of ingredients before them. She had to silently admit, he was easy upon the eyes. However, after seeing another dhani present, she wasn’t sure whether Sunberth still held its appeal. Dhani rarely left their nest to go venture forth in the human realms, preferring to remain in nests where the numbers were greater, so seeing another Dhani here was a surprise. The female lifted a hand so then she could tuck her short grey hair behind her ear as she attempted to return her attention back to the ingredients before them. While her eyes saw, her mind did not think much about their properties. No, her mind was focused upon the male Dhani that stood nearby.

”Perhapssss, what I sssseek, issss not an ingredient,” She softly spoke in response, however she was very much interested in the reason why the male was here and not back at one of the nests. Snake-tongue was not a language that she used often and so she was beginning to tire of it. She mostly spoke common, after-all it was the most basic of languages that many races used and so she had adapted to using the common tongue because until today, she did not have much use for the native tongue. Her motives were her own of course and so she remained speaking in snake-tongue for she was very much uncertain as to what tongue this male could speak in. Drawing in a slow breath, she lifted her gaze to take particular note of the rest of the crowd, just to make sure that there were no thieves or ears that might actually understand snake-tongue. As one might have learned, you could never be too careful.

Angling her head she looked back to the male, her gaze flickering over his form once more, her hues settling upon the dog beside him and a brow was raised at this fact. While many people had pets, it was interesting to see a dhani with a pet. Shadiss never kept one, for she was sure that should it annoy her, she would just simply eat it. Animals, after-all, was her main source of sustenance, she wasn’t above eating someone’s pet either. Small animals were great to enjoy as dinner, easier to swallow really and they digested a lot faster than a larger animal would. A simple smirk fell onto her lips as she glanced back at the male before looking back at the array of ingredients in front of them. ”There are ssssome ingredientssss, that you mussst find in the wildernessssss yoursssself. Tell me ssstranger, what bringssss you to Sssssunberth?” She had asked such a question, because she indeed wondered how long she could expect to see this male wandering these streets. While she wasn’t fully opposed to seeing a fellow Dhani, she just didn’t like her own kind very well. Finally after she had watched him for a couple of chimes, she finally gave him a name. ”Shadiss”


Common | Snake-Tongue | Thoughts

[Sisas]

Sisas tilted his head in acknowledgement of the Dhani's words; truly, some herbs were... stubborn, and sneaky. If one wanted those, one would have to hunt them down oneself. When the female introduced herself, Sisas nodded and gestured to himself, speaking now in Common; he did not want to risk bringing too much attention to their conversation. "Sisas," he said, introducing himself. "I come to Sunberth because Ravok was not... to my liking," he said carefully. "I prefer the controlled chaos of anarchy to simple chaos."

Turning back to the stand, Sisas perused the ingredients for another moment before selecting a few bundles of Emilvirute(12SM), and one of Acson(5GM). He hummed idly while he worked, keeping one eye on Rikit; the dog was usually good about giving advanced warning should something go wrong. After he had his herbs, Sisas turned back to Shadiss. "And what brings you to Sunberth?" he asked curiously. He had not met any other Dhani since leaving his birth nest almost a year ago. Dhani rarely ventured from their nests, but Sisas had simply not felt a part of his, even when he was younger. As soon as he'd reached full maturity, he'd begun finalizing his plans for leaving, and then he'd put them into action.

[Sherashadiss]

Her gaze had drifted back to the assortment of herbs, roots and plants before them as the male beside her began to talk. His answers were not very detailed, this she had noticed, however, she hadn’t asked for details, so he could answer however he liked with as much detail that he cared to share. Finally Shadiss settled upon four ounces of Heldrog leaves and Bunwol Berries and she held out her coin for the shop attendant to take from her while she gently placed the items within the backpack that she had so thoughtfully slung over her shoulder, a hand now grasping at the strap tightly, so then no thief could easily take the bag. She did not want to lose such precious items. Well, precious to her and completely useless and dangerous for the thief. These roots though, Shadiss could make into potions and sell to make a profit as it was her way of surviving here in Sunberth. Potions, was her escape, it always had been and it had also been a life-line to leaving Zinrah.

A slow smirk fell onto her lips as she finally looked back towards the Dhani male who had revealed his name to be Sisas. She was surprised that Ravok was not to his liking, she had heard so many things about Ravok and its famous Black Sun. She might well have ended up in Ravok herself, but Sunberth called to her, it was more to her liking and had less rules, if any at all. ”I came to Sunberth for its scenery.” She simply said. It wasn’t as if he could prove that she had come here for anything else, unless he knew her personally, of which case, she highly doubted for she did not remember him. She would have especially remembered the male with his brown hair and highlights, had she known him. She shifted upon her feet just a little as the itch to set about working upon the recently purchased roots began to sink in, however, as she had begin to reflect upon the male’s previous words, she began to wonder if there was anything else behind their meaning. ”Tell me Sisas, what do you think that I am looking for?” She questioned him, as she angled her head slightly to the right. Indeed, she did expect an answer, but she was very much intrigued as to what kind of answer the male would give.


Ledger+ 4 Oz of Heldrog Leaves
+ Bunwol Berries
- 2GM 5SM

Common | Snake-Tongue | Thoughts

[Sisas]

Sisas handed the shopkeeper the money to pay for his purchases, tucking them into the bag slung across his shoulders. As Shadiss spoke, Sisas turned to more fully face her, studying her carefully in reaction to her question. The female Dhani seemed... inscrutable. But Sisas thought that there would definitely be more beneath the surface. What he was most curious about was why Shadiss had left her nest-- it was very rare that females left the nest, matriarchal as the Dhani were. "I do not know," he said finally, honestly. "Others have their motivations; I know only my own."

The viper continued studying the female, at least until Rikit growled; then Sisas became aware of a presence at his back, and whirled, twiling the Naginata so that its point came to rest at the throat of a young, would-be pickpocket. "I would keep walking, if I were you," he said, his voice falsely pleasant. "It is never wise to target one who owns a war dog. Rikit is... loyal."

The thief swallowed, nodded, and fled, the blade nicking the side of his neck as he moved. Sisas brought his hand to the blade and wiped the blood from it with a finger. He licked it off quickly, raising one eyebrow. "More scared than I thought," Sisas mused. "Pity that we were in public. I would have liked to savor it."

[Sherashadiss]

If she hadn’t been looking at the male, she probably wouldn’t have noticed the thief herself. For thoughts swirled within her mind as she kept her facial features blank, so then the male Dhani could not determine her true intentions and the true reasons behind as to why she was really here in Sunberth. Her reasons were her own, that was how she saw it and should someone really want to know why she was here, they would have work extremely hard. Trust was too rare for the woman and the only person that she trusted was herself. However, her gaze caught sight of the thief just before the dog growled a warning and the Dhani name Sisas whirled around to face the thief with a weapon of some kind pressed to the thief’s neck. A glint of glee filled her crimson gaze as she found herself almost wishing that Sisas would spill the blood of the thief onto the street, instead the blade only nicked the skin and a drop had fallen upon his blade. Her gaze watched as he wiped the blood off of the blade only to lick it off of his finger. Shadiss would have savoured it, regardless of who was looking on in horror.

The female turned her gaze to the dog that was still seated at the male’s foot and a light chuckle rose to her lips, ”Well, well, well. The animal does have a purpose. Does it also play catch the thief and bring back its head?” A simple smirk slipped onto her lips as her gaze reflected the humour that she felt within. ”Are you saving the dog for a late night snack?” She couldn’t help it, she had to ask as another chuckle bubbled onto her lips. She really couldn’t see the point of keeping an animal around. If she had an animal, she would probably eat it at some point which was the exact reason why she didn’t keep one. Glancing over her shoulder she then angled her head towards further down the street of stalls, they might as well continue walking if the male Dhani wished to keep this conversation going. ”Shall we keep walking? I’m sure that the shop attendant would appreciate if more paying customers could visit him.”


Common | Snake-Tongue | Thoughts

[Sisas]

Sisas could not help but chuckle at Shadiss's question about Rikit's usefulness. "He does," he said proudly. "Rikit is well-trained, and knows his job well. His job, however, does not include being a meal. He has saved my life too many times for that." In truth, it had crossed Sisas's mind in the early days of owning Rikit that the dog would make a handy snack, but after the first few times Rikit proved his worth, Sisas had decided against that. The dog was more useful to him alive and whole than dead and digesting.

In response to Shadiss's question about walking, Sisas inclined his head and swept his arm to one side. "As you wish," he said, pleased to have captured the female Dhani's attention. "You are correct; merchants must make a living, same as anyone else."

The Dhani clicked his tongue, and Rikit instantly fell into step on one side of his master. Sisas walked beside the female Dhani, his gaze sharp for any other dangers, for even with his little demonstration a moment ago, there could very well still be some fool who thought that they could do better. Sisas would not be so kind a second time. "It is truly a pity that there were so many people around," the Viper said with a touch of disappointment coloring his voice. "I do so enjoy teaching a lesson to inept thieves. Their blood sings with their terror."

[Sherashadiss]

”I don’t get attached to things,” She gaze drifted to the dog for a moment, before glancing away, paying attention to the others who happen to be walking upon the street. ”Especially not to pets. They have a short lifespan, but they are very useful to eat. I am not above digesting a stray or two whenever the need tickles my fancy, however I crave the taste for something else.” The blood of a human. While it was true that she had bathed in the blood of her brothers and sisters as a hatchling, she had also tasted human blood for the first time when her mother had gotten a bite. Whether the human had lived or not was the question as the body was never found. Perhaps he had an accomplice? Shadiss glanced at the male beside her for a moment before glancing to look at a stall and feign an interest in its wares. In truth, it didn’t hold much interest. It was a jewelry store to be precise, she had never been interested in such things, she thought of them as nothing but useless trinkets. ”It is interesting, you come to a lawless city, yet you feel as if you cannot savour a drop of human blood, something which is so natural to the likes of us.”

The woman lifted her gaze to view the male, her gaze flickering over his form, he was indeed quite the looker, however, she was still only trying to figure this male out. He was intriguing to say in the least, but she didn’t want to return to Zinrah any time soon simply because she had let herself be caught up in the looks of a fellow Dhani, a viper no less. Her crimson gaze returned to view the trinkets once more before moving on, she could only bare to feign attention for so long. ”I enjoy the taste of human blood, I don’t really care to mind who might be watching whenever I taste and savour it. For a meal is to be enjoyed.” A shrug was given at this, ”But then again, I also take pleasure in giving pain.” And receiving, she thought to herself as a smirk once again fell into place upon her lips.


Common | Snake-Tongue | Thoughts

[Sisas]

"Natural it may be for us, but for humans, not so much," Sisas replied. "I have found that it is rarely wise to advertise the ways in which one is different from the rest of the population. There may be many races walking this earth, but few are so numerous or so dangerous as the humans. They destroy what frightens them, and Dhani frighten them greatly. Had the market been less crowded, or had there been more cover, I would not have hesitated in dragging the thief off. The taste of human blood is one that I have not had time to savor for a long time. I miss it, but I would miss my head more."

Sisas couldn't help but smirk at the words that fell from Shadiss's lips. Vipers were well-known among the other Dhani, and even most of the humans, as taking great pleasure in giving pain to another being. That held true for Sisas; he loved the taste of their fear upon his tongue, no matter the form he was in, and he greatly enjoyed seeing just how far he could torment someone until they broke. For the short time he'd been in Ravok, he'd done well as an interrogator, but the Black Sun and the city simply had not been well-suited to Sisas himself. "As do I," he replied. "I believe that there are few pleasures in life greater than knowing that one has brought another to their knees with pain."