10-11, fall 514 AV There he was, standing face to face with the man who had taken everything from him. The air smelled of rot and sour. Old foes danced the midnight duet that tore day from day. The horizon itself did shake as the final nail was put in the coffin that would alter Flaren's life permanantly. "full blush, quills." Boethefus Laid down his two cards. "Now you'll pay me back for that one night with my sister." "I told you Boey, she was coming on to me! it would've been rude if i hadn't at least kissed her on the-" "Hey now, you know i can't live that down still." Flaren had his forehead laying against his hand. He had bet the very last off his 9 gold and 99 silver mizas in this card game. His composure returned as he handed the his bag of gold and silvers to Boethefus. "Quite a small bag you got there... or so I've been told." "You wouldn't be saying that if you heard about what i did to your mother!" "BAHAHAHAHAHA!" It echoed through the room as the plump little man rocked back in his chair holding his gut. The party was full of the more reserved crowd. Pompadours and bourgeois standing around batting their gums sharing their helping of cheese and wine. "I knew it was a good idea inviting you. I'm a richer man because of it, here have a glass of Zeltiva's finest on me." The drinks were complimentary as were the interested stares that were directed at the stammers and blush table. "You haven't changed more than your pant size," remarked Flaren sarcastically. The duo fit in like a mouse in a snake pit, constantly dodging the up tight scene had become a force of habit at this point and Flaren couldn't even remember why he got dragged along to this dinner party. "Don't you have a skirt to chase." Boetheifus had to keep his smile from breaking his cool demeanor. His gaze didn't break from Flaren who had a cup of wine pursed to his lips as he responded coolly "I did, but i think that was your wife." The room was gilded with the finest embroideries used to hang the drapes and keep a Lamp's light in the room. The room was full, everyone back to chatting and socializing, having fun and laughing, dressed to the finest. Waiters had given up at this point trying to pass out the snacks and had retreated to the wall where they could reach the few who had chosen to be seated at the tables. It was late afternoon by the poker game had finished and all the patrons were well and inhibriated. There was a man in a dark cloak standing near a corner, he had patiently watched the poker game occasionally checking his wristwatch. Flaren had glanced over at him a couple of times and it would've looked like (if his hat weren't so lowly brimmed) that their eyes mt more than once. "I believe its time for me to retreat to the latrine" Boethefus belched something about the ladies room then continued to gurgle down some wine and tell stories Flaren was less than happy about being told. Flaren made his way towards the bathroom keeping his back close to the wall. The cloaked man was still checking his wristwatch just as he had planned. Flaren bumped into the man as he went to turn the corner and the man's wristwatch flew into the air. Flaren kicked it away from the two of them while his apologies were distracting him, he was acting as drunk as he could "sorry sorry you know id i were more of an oaf they'dmake me keep or maybe i'd have your job? eh? heh heh heh!" Flaren's nervous chuckle didn't have the slightest impact on the man's stoich demeanor. "The fault is all mine." said the cloaked man as he put his hand to his chest. "a closer look at the man showed that he had pale grey eyes, and almost none of his face was left uncovered. a black and blue striped scarf was wrapped around his face, but Flaren could make out a scar on the right side of his eyelid. He had grey thin hair poking out fromunder a buckled top hat. his trenchcoat was black as well as his blaack pants and high leather boots. "well" Flaren gave another forced nervous laugh "i best be off" Flaren stood in the bathroom gazing at the wristwatch. It was made of pure gold, the hands moved seamlessly around the face of the clock which seemed to have been made with some of the thickest glass Flaren had ever seen on such a small accessory. The engraving on the back read Q.E. 'come to think of it, the man's buckl on his top hat seemed to be made out of solid gold as well.' "Where'd you find that?" the old man had snuck behind Flaren in the bathroom. Flaren kept his cool and tossed the wristwatch at the old man. "Maybe it found me." "Maybe you should be more prepared before you go on starting trouble" the old man poked Flaren's quarterstaff at his chest. The old man pulled it back as Flaren attempted to grab at his staff multiple times but the old man was quick with his reflexes and he couldn't get a firm grip on it. How could he have left his precious staff unguarded and unprotected, perhaps the alcohol was getting to him. "tut tut now, you will apologize for your rudeness one way or another." the old man smacked Flaren across the head who was rendered unconcious. He was tied to three other hostages in the back of a cart when he awoke. |