Letters of the Damned:Endgames (Shai)

by **Antar** on November 24th, 2011, 6:26 am

For the first time that day, Antar simply smiled as his gaze softened towards the spider though his brain had to stifle a low appreciative whistle from his lips. His act held no mockery, but he would not feel right with at least making a token gesture to the stunning vision which confronted his gaze now. Shai's dressed matched her form quite well, and for a moment the rogue allowed his imagination to wonder about the sheer amount of effort it would take to get her out of such an ensemble. Putting such thoughts aside, he made a courteous bow,"My dear, I do believe he shall indeed like that attire. You look absolutely ravishing."

Taking her fingers in his, he gently allowed his lips to brush the top of her hand with all the manners of a nobleman before he straightened up to look towards the clerk. "Very well good sir, my lady and I approve of these selections, it is time to discuss the price of such things."

With a bit of haggling and counters, and counter offers Antar bought the items for a total of Ninety Two Gold pieces even. The dress which had caught Shai's eye was the real problem and he had managed to wheedle out the fact the merchant wanted to use it as a gift for a rather comely maiden, or perhaps to Silvertongue's shop mistress for it's potential to carry throwing daggers.

When he asked what silvertongue's was, he was told of the jewelry store and then smiled a moment, "Don't worry good sir, I'll be taking the lady there next and we can show Miss Silvertongue your fine wares as I browse for a small necklet to adorn my woman's slender neck. Perhaps then she might be convinced to come see your work. Would that suffice to let us buy it?"

For a moment the man was flustered but a few choice words and the clinking of coins into the man's hands was enough to seal the deal with a stuttering acceptance. Taking his rucksack, with his armor and weapons he tossed it like a travel bag over his shoulder and paid for an extra rucksack for Shai as well.

One gold miza was a small price to pay for his companion to carry her garments and things of worth for a day. So that made his price Ninety Three Gold mizas.

Without further ado he took Shai's elbow in his arm and lead the way to Silvertongue's Silver Tongue and promptly began looking at the wares there... soon his eye fell upon two signet rings of silver, their etched coat of arms seeming to be of a red dagger and small silver necklace which might match. Taking time to let Shai be sure they matched her outfit, he'd pony up another fifteen gold for the total of the three items. Thinking that the bloody dagger of the signet ring matched closely the ideas of the Crimson Edge's Symbol.

Not that he'd tell Shai that, but the rogue planned that if they both survived this day to offer her a chance to gain a place in their organization. He'd only pray she'd accept.

Receipt :

by **Shai** on November 24th, 2011, 4:45 pm

As her companion haggled Shai busied herself with her attire. It had been so long since she had worn a dress it almost seemed foreign. Untying her braid Shai pulled out several locks to spill out of her hood and smoothed the rest at the base of her neck. A few deliberate pats brought the front of her dress under smooth command; she was as ready as she would be. Taking his arm Shai allowed him to lead while focusing on keeping her steps just a hair behind his. They were nearly at their next desitnation by the time she finally got the pacing down properly.

Have human women no dignity? They pull themselves along their men like they’re the last bastion between them and destitution. Nothing more than ornaments to hang from the arms of the wealthiest or strongest. It was probably the reason Shai held so much respect for Zandelia, unlike other women of her race, she was happier without coat tails to ride. Normally this lady accompanying Noth would have been more than happy to walk alone but this job demanded she play into the role humans expected of their women. It was a useful façade for a thief but it allowed her mind to brood which could very easily cause someone’s day to end reprehensibly.

Until they actually arrived at the new store Shai had assumed Antar had lied regarding Silvertongue’s. Jewelry was not part of their bargain although it would be a nice touch. She left his arm to pursue the shop, jewelry was something she usually considered frivolous; it made noise and usually served no real purpose. The collar embellishment she had first shown up with was as close as she had been to wearing jewelry since Kalinor and to call it a trinket was at best a jest. The spider meandered, she couldn’t tell quality of these items nor did she have any real preference for any of what she saw. They simply weren’t practical enough for the thief. So when Antar produced the ring and necklace Shai was presently surprised. A signet had uses, the first she would probably never need since she rarely wrote letters but the second was much more appropriate. With matching rings, something subtle and easy to hide but impossible to invent on the spot, they could prove affiliation or stash the jewelry and deny any relationship.

Taking the trinkets she nodded her ascent to Antar, they matched well. As he paid she clasped the new and decidedly more pleasant collar around her neck. The little dagger emblem satisfyingly filled the void between her neck and low bust line. It wasn’t until he returned from paying that the hypocrisy of the situation hit her. She had just been complaining that human women allowed themselves to be little more than decorations and here she was allowing this man to pay for every stitch, link, and design on her body. It was his job she was doing and she had use beyond decoration, but still the situation rankled. Shai kept her undermining derisions and brief sanatory justifications to herself. They served no purpose today she could be upset about it another time. But gods forbid any of her acquaintances saw this display; she would never hear the end of it.

During her wanderings she noticed two small spiders nestled in the velvet displays. Shai had assumed they’d been stolen from another of kin sometime in the past and were likely difficult to sell. Humans often didn’t see the charm in arachnids. Shai’s initial intention had been to let the silver insects rest but if she was going to wear Antar’s daggers he’d be wearing a mark of her. Picking up the two matching pins she paid quickly, producing coins from the rucksack Antar had purchased her. They weren’t terrible expensive only totally nine mizas for both a price she’d happily pay to keep them equal.

Shai drifted back to her partner and attached one of the little spider pins through his coat’s lapel, Much better. Taking Antar’s arm again, she titled her hooded head towards him although there was no way she could see with it pulled over her eyes. In the same quiet accented tones as she’d used in the tailoring shops the lady thief inquired “Do we have any further errands to run today?” Shai honestly had no idea where else they might be going, the only places she was certain where destinations were Johnny’s and the Pig.

Receipt :

by **Antar** on November 24th, 2011, 6:28 pm

Antar smiled at the inflections of Shai's tones as he bade goodbye to the shopkeeper before turning to take Shai by the arm again. The brooch on his jacket was a welcome addition to their disguise, and one he might wish to keep later if they ever had need to play such parts again. The only real problem was that it was in the form of a spider... well Shai was the only spider Antar might tolerate, so he'd leave it alone for now

Leaning close to the woman as they left the shop, the rogue whispered politely in her ear to ask her laugh as if he had been telling a joke, as his eyes carefully scanned the rest of the street. His glance picked up an interesting tidbit of a man glancing in their direction, moving off with them as he turned back towards the Gated Community's entrance. "There was only one place left to go before we begin the real job, The Knight's Armory for me to sell a few things, and to get you a weapon. However Shai, there's a slight problem I feel the need to tell you. Don't make any signs, but we're being watched."

With a charming smile in her direction cocked one eyebrow as if he was saying something wittty and expected her reply and after a bit of a few bits of 'small talk' between them both they strolled along and out the gate towards the Knight's Armory with one hand on Shai's back. Turning the symenestra suddenly, he wheeled her about like a lovesick sot, keeping an eye as the shadow resolved itself into the form of a man. A man dressed in a sailor's attire to be exact who had found some excuse to lean against the wall next to some others around the commons plazas to gaze at the ancient tower of the church of the Unknown.

"Do you see another Shai? If it's not some random mugger, I imagine there to be at least two." When Shai whispered her reply in his ear, he stole a quick kiss to play the part of a couple, noting to himself that when this was over he would have to compliment the woman on her acting skills. The brief kiss seemed to be a camouflage which was needed right now, even if her lips seemed half filled with irritation at his taking liberties with her. Potent enough to strike him dead, perhaps... though with the venom that was quite true as well. He couldn't call it a chaste kiss by any occasion but was definitely still in the category of a quick peck on her lips. But in a moment, the ruse was over and he had whisked Shai inside the building to ponder what she had related to him.

Marching towards the clerk, the rogue reached into his rucksack and pulled out three items he had obtained during the last of the summer. An Old Hide mail, a dulled handaxe, and a set of spiked gauntlets. At a buying price they would net at least seventy six gold mizas in cost. His bargaining only gained him half that anmount... an amount of thirty eight gold mizas which he quickly pocketed.

Turning towards Sha, he arched an eyebrow in her direction. The Knights Armory was one of the better shops in the city with their quality of weapons. With the one(s) which may be shadowing them, it might prove extremely useful for the little spider to have a weapon she might use to protect herself. An investment well worth the mizas if it meant Antar might improve his own chances of completing this days events alive. Keeping his tone in character he politely asked,"See anything you like my Dear? No matter what, something to help ward away the scum would be most helpful."

While his words were kindly raising the issue as if nothing was wrong in the the world, his eyes were looking behind the facade in her direction. Calculating the means of which plans might be necessary to change if she was not willing to find something of which to help defend herself with.

Bill of Sale :

by **Shai** on November 25th, 2011, 7:16 pm

Shai let out a clearly forced laugh the kind women often used to pamper egos when jokes were so ridiculously awful there was nothing to even snicker for. For once, it wasn’t difficult to act her part since there was no quip to begin with. Antar was either far smarter than she gave him credit for or just had excellent timing because if she hadn’t been running the possibilities of a tail through her mind he would have gained some scars with his next maneuver. What he did receive was a hearty blush brushing across his partner’s cheeks.

In retrospect Shai would realize it wasn’t a bad idea, it gave her an excuse to examine their flanks but she would still seek retribution when he least expected it. To steal, even just a kiss, from a thief was disregarding professional courtesies! But for now the brief glimpse Shai garnered was enough to delay her wrath. Letting Antar sweep her into the Armory with him she smiled bitterly, “So after you and I, you said there would be at least three at tonight’s dinner if I recall?” She wasn’t sure if he would understand what she meant, but the number was clear enough. She wasn’t sure if she had seen the same scouts that Antar had but she had spotted two tails, one dressed like a tough but stalked instead of swaggered and one was a sailor who seemed incredibly perceptive. Even assuming she saw the same eyes as he had it was better to overestimate rather than underestimate.

“A weapon? But you know I am absolutely dreadful with weapons. . .” Shai wandered around the store awhile looking over the wares. The weapons on display were as she expected blades, maces, and spears. They simply weren’t weapons she would use or had experience with. Shai stopped by a rapier, it was small and she had briefly used one once but it wasn’t appropriate for a lady so she moved on. A dagger was silly it didn’t offer any extra ability her claws didn’t already afford her, except that maybe she could throw it but that took practice to be effective. Finally she came to the end of the weapon racks and mounted on the wall was exactly what she was looking for.

Someone who didn’t know better would assume the silk display was just a decoration. Anyone with more than two mizas worth of intelligence would recognize that such an embellishment would be out of place in an armory. Unfortunately the little spider couldn’t actually reach the wall-mounted fan. While she waited for the apprentice who had helped Antar, Shai examined the weapon.

The war fan was a fine piece of work at least aesthetically, Shai couldn’t tell tin from isurian steel as far as metal went. The outermost ribs of the frame were made with a fine, solid, and dark wood and gentle carvings. As the apprentice pulled the fan down the sharpened metal ribs hidden behind the obsidian fabric flashed in the sunlight. It was perfect, just like the one her mysterious mentor had possessed. In truth, she didn’t feel ready for the deadly fan. The practice fan was still new to her hand and that was a totally different weight, but she could manage to use the wicked fan as a diversion for her claws. Perhaps the most appealing part about the weapon was that there was nothing at all strange about a lady sporting a fan, especially not one that almost matched her attire. The tones were much darker than her gold and burgundy dress, its base color was onyx splashed with gold and finished with scarlet embroidery.

The apprentice closed the fan and handed it to her for her inspection. Shai grudgingly took the weapon to Antar to have the metal checked, she knew better than to purchase anything in Sunberth without having it looked at. After receiving the rogue’s approval she more or less ignored the haggling.

With a barely concealed excitement the spider flicked open the fan which ushered a large clack as the metal clicked into place. It was much heavier and the span was over double the length of the little wooden practice fan. It actually seemed like the added weight might make it easier to use, the small fan spins would be easier with more weight to balance it. Still, Shai understood the wisdom behind practicing with its nonlethal cousin first. She needed to know the positions the fan could take and precisely how long it would take to shift into the next action, preferably before she had to use it in real combat. But when it was vital even a spider could be creative. Snapping her wrist up caused the fan to close itself, she latched it to be sure and slipped it into the pocket of her right sleeve.

The, exempting the fan, empty pockets reminded Shai that her normal tools were still secured in her cloak in the rucksack. Taking a few precious moments she transferred the thief’s tools, keeping each instrument hidden from view by the bag and her sleeve. She had no idea who was watching and wanted to keep her belongings at least relatively secret. As she finished she retook her place at Antar’s side. He had only just finished purchasing her iron fan. She spoke up to him, syllables rippling into words as she kept her accent and betrayed her delight at this final acquisition. “So, my dear, shall we invite your friends to Casino with us before dinner tonight? Or do you think a little blood sport might put them off their appetites?” When she got no useful answer from Antar she let her mind play through the options.

We could kill them, but that would draw attention to me which I would prefer to avoid just yet. We can continue with our plans and hope that they don’t rush to the other scene and ruin our chances. Or we could split up, if they follow me they’re muggers if they follow Antar they’re tails. Or better yet. . all three

“I suppose it would be rude not to invite them.” She smiled and wrapped her arm around his and with gentle pressure urged him foreword but maintained the appearance that he was leading. The pair headed off towards the closest of their destinations; Tall Johnny's, with two little tails following subtly behind.

by **Antar** on November 26th, 2011, 4:42 am

In any other circumstances the rogue would have remembered the blush which came to Shai's features with a fond bit of mischievious intent. However, once they were inside the armory, his mind was set to business as the rogue nodded at her counts of how many tails they had acquired. He absentmindedly haggled the clerk of one of his favorite shops down to a price of twenty five gold mizas for the fan and paid it out of the money he had received for the sale of the items... making the clerk pleased to increase his profits.

At her notion of inviting their 'friends to the casino his mind pondered the actions he would have taken. Normally he would have dealt to meet with them in person in one of the side streets, in order to extract whatever information he could by taunting or torture before ending their pathetic lives. But then again, that was his training speaking to him. His present adversary had received the same training, and that made Noth's actions predictable. He needed to break that habit with this foe. To deal with this situation successfully the rougue would have to do something he considered the hardest thing to do: he'd have to rely on Shai's talents of making decisions that were not like his own. And to a greater extent, place his trust in the woman's judgement to complete her set of short term goals to keep them both alive.

Leaning close he whispered, "My dear let's take them to the casinos, it's only a block farther then the bend around the gated community. Besides, normally I'd ask them in person, perhaps in a meeting place in an alley. But right now, that might be too predictable in this city." If Shai could read between the lines, she'd see Antar was subtly voicing his tremulous concerns about his own judgements being predictable with this enemy and his forced reliance upon her today.

With one hand on her back and one about the assassin beads at his throat, the white haired man settled his thoughts and leaned close again to mock whisper in his companion's ear. One eye glancing back to see the pair of ruffians following him. His astute observation noticed the sailor wearing an engraved set of beads for laviku and his forced smile seemed to plaster itself on his face as he recognized the contrived hidden weapon to be much like his own he wore around his neck. Worse the 'sailor', though large in bulk was younger then he seemed, his barely bearded face telling the tale of a boy of thirteen years despite his size. Was an apprentice involved now that Antar had burned down Rastar's Palivar in his earlier attempt with Eridanus to kill him? Did this mean others of his old organization knew of his surviving the shipwreck?

No, his mind denied the possibility. His enemy wanted him dead on his own terms which meant the sailor/boy's presence was explained as watching a 'person of interest.' Not that there was anything there for the sailor boy to grasp as a real threat. Otherwise, due to the old code Antar would have been attacked or killed on sight. No, the boy's presence was better explained as his former colleague's willingness to close their little game of cat an' mouse quickly. Though the boy's death would ahve to be assured to keep his identity safe. " Ware the sailor's beads, the boy is not what he seems and a garotte is hidden within. I would bet on his interference within the casino if he thinks he can take you alone. The others eyes seem to be riveted to me. Our friend has rented a few back rooms of the casino for a party of sorts today."

By a small explanation he directed shai's gaze downwards to his own set of beads and pulled the garrote wire apart an inch or two so she might see the contraption for what it was. Forewarned was forearmed as they said.

Swallowing loudly as the casino entrance came closer he finished, "The room's have been reserved since last week, after I burned his ship down in the harbor to meet with others. If he's there, you'll recognize him by the way he carries himself... even if he's in disguise. I'll simply need you to find out whether the book exchanged hands and if you can to nab it. I'll be right by your side unless we're split. I imagine if he recognizes me he'll come and taunt me awhile. That will give you time for your search of the other party goers. I don't think others of my past organization will be there, it's probably for a meeting with a client but stay sharp my little Shai'sha. Be careful in the extreme."

He didn't know why he added the bit to the woman's name, turning it into an alias of sorts, but for a brief moment his hand gripped hers a little tenderly as if some small part of his soul was truly worried for her safety. But then Antar regained a small bit of control for his emotions. This was business today, no matter the night he spent with Shai before, or the attractions which still felt just as strong as then, he could not risk the days events to cut the strings tying him to his past today over something as innocuous as caring for another in the slightest.

The rogue had learned that lesson from Sabia's death, when his dagger had pierced her heart long ago on the roofs of Ekytol.

receipt :

by **Shai** on November 26th, 2011, 7:25 pm

Shai nodded her acknowledgement she would watch her neck now. The thief had to keep her excitement down at the prospects; she might get a chance to use her new fan much sooner than she had thought. The fan was a perfect way to block a garrote especially if she knew it was coming. But the enthusiasm had to go since it would lead to careless mistakes. Calming herself with the rhythm of his words she sharpened her attention, it was time for them to split up. Whispering one last time to him, “If you see my fan flash thrice behind my back, escape. Something has gone irreparably wrong.” She left out that she could get away on her own, but it would create quite a spectacle when a woman in a dress skittered up a wall.

It couldn’t be considered much a feat for her to get into this party really. A woman dressed as she was could have walked right in, well if the guard was anyone but Tall Johnny. The second avenue for gaining entrance involved connecting herself with a legitimate partygoer. Slipping her hand from his grasp she headed out into the crowd alone. As she departed her left hand, hidden inside her sleeve, clenched. Some part of her felt vulnerable for the lack of his company and every other part of her was disgusted by the pathetic surge of emotion.

Her plan settled into place just as soon as her gaze landed upon a young man clearly headed for the back room. He was perfect really, at that age where men believed they could conquer the world and no god could give the world a greater gift than himself. She had to step up her pace to get in front her target, but even walking briskly she kept her poise. After finally over taking the lad, her last preparation was to pull her fan from her sleeve pocket although she still kept it hidden. It served two purposes the first was to stop any wires from ceasing her life.

The second purpose she executed precisely as planned, crossing the young man’s path Shai ‘accidentally’ bumped into him. Her weapon just happened to slip from her hand, clattering to the floor at their feet. The spider swooped down to grab it, sleeves providing cover for the wicked black claws use to grasp it, and while a normal person would have bent their knees to reach to floor instead she bent at the hips. Giving the young man a spectacular view of her natural gifts and giving her a chance to glance behind her to see how far off her sailor friend was. This precise moment was the most vulnerable in her entry scheme but it seemed to go off without a hitch, no cable wrapped around her neck. Regaining her posture was also premeditated; she stood in a liquid ascension beginning at her hips and working its way up. Keeping her eyes hidden by her hood she still turned as if she were looking at the young man. In a voice fit only for telling a mouse’s secret she apologized, “I am so very very sorry excu--.“ The bump from behind her should have been expected, she had stopped them in the middle of a bustle of people. Unexpected did not mean Shai didn’t take advantage of it, normally her Symenestran balance would have kept her in place but her shoes happily prohibited it and the little women fell foreword onto the man.

Pulling back after only a counted moment of ‘shock’, Shai began her tirade of verbal amends. It was really a good thing that all that was really required of her was to mimic voice, because facial expressions were utterly beyond her. Additionally her diminutive size helped her garner sympathy from the larger man. Eventually between the apologies and corresponding assurances that it was no real matter, the two arrived at the door to the back room. The young man was clearly admitted with a small flick of paper, an invitation. Shai made a small display of looking through her things, “it is gone!” The little finally glad woman spun, “The man who bumped into me must have. . ..” her voice took the shape of a plea, but while it seemed aimed at Tall Johnny he wasn’t the intended audience.

The thief was worried her show would fail as the silence took an entire beat before the awaited assertion came. “She’s with me. Come m’lady the festivities wait for no one.” Shai draped her arm across the one offered by the young man and followed him beyond the guard and into the backroom.

“So very generous. How could I repay you?” Shai asked with a too innocent hint for anyone in Sunberth to mean the words at their face value, some things were just understood among scum. The two bantered back and forth in half-veiled promises. But while they spoke Shai’s attention wondered, she lifted her head slightly to pull the cloak dangerously close to revealing her eyes, she was surveying the room.

The thief had been to the Casino before, but this back room was entirely new. It was laid out almost like the main room. In the middle of the room sat an enormous ring of designs that Shai couldn’t really understand but the intent seemed clear; it was a miniature fighting pit. Surrounding the pit was a couple of rows of seating that put to shame the stands that surrounded the main cage out front. Stretching farther beyond the pit the spider found herself looking at extravagantly clothed tables where a great variety of wagers were being placed, all of which had one thing in common; they were high.

The basic layout now constructed in her mind, the spider turned her attentions to the people. Watching stances she sought the ever-ready step of trained assassin. An assassin who might lead her to the very book she needed to acquire.

by **Darian** on January 10th, 2012, 4:02 am

Guest Modding Permission Here!

Men shuffled from table to table, ale spilled to soak into the saw dust strewn across the wooden floor, and exotic pipe weed smoke ran thick in the air. Even Sunberth had places where 'luxuries' could be found, and known well they were by the rich and powerful. Here, men with true weight in the affairs in Sunberth ran bets, and discussed business all while indulging themselves to the many pleasures readily available in the back room. On the far wall scantily clad women leaned not so innocently, beaconing fresh winners from the tables and into their arms, while bartenders served overcharged mead to young wealthy patrons new to the back rooms, their minds too addled by the excitement of the moment and the strong drink to realize they were being grossly overcharged.

Hoever despite all these distracting pleasures, even the most addled fool could see that the back of the room carried the most attention, for in the center of it against the wall, four men sat at a table playing cards, and even though they had abandoned their escorts, the way people walked lightly when near them spoke volumes. In unassuming clothing the group continued idly placing bets, while the quieter words among them spoke words of their true business there. From her angle the spider could see each of the four forms, one grotesquely obese, one thick with muscle and towering even seated, one lithe and small, and the last skinny with beady eyes, and quick hands. There words where still too hushed to be heard over the clamor, but perhaps there was something to be gained from advancing further?

by **Shai** on January 18th, 2012, 5:01 am

oocIs this enough to work with or would you like me to continue with her first hand? Wanted to give you the chance to have them turn her down XD

At some point in her life Shai had stumbled upon the idea that the very best lies were not lies at all. Instead, to best misinform one should use as much truth as possible. The trick was not to reveal the intended deceit but leave hints so that the audience might come to the conclusion themselves.

She had the first potentials in her sight; a table curiously given berth and devoid of women. Shai would never claim to be an expert on men but one think she did know; men like money, booze and women. If any of the three were missing there was a good reason for it. Money was inherent at any gambling table and drink not far behind, but not a single shred of femininity graced the group. It meant she had an opening but taking advantage of it would be exponentially more difficult. Eaves dropping seemed out of the question with the void of bodies around the table, how would she be able to listen inconspicuously? Which, in her limited subterfuge knowledge, left one option; she would make herself part of the game.

Shai gave her escort’s arm a gentle tug in the table’s direction. She hadn’t a lot of facts about this situation but clearly the young man who’s arm she hung upon was a guest, and the men at that table were probably the type that were due respect; it was only appropriate that her companion pay his. As they approached Shai probed with small talk, “What game do you suppose they are playing?”

“Probably Blind Man’s BetBlackjack except the first cards dealt are unknown to everyone, fewer people get shanked playing that than Stammer and BlushTexas Hold ‘Em”

“Oh? How is it played?”

“You try to make the card’s numbers total twenty-one, but in the beginning you’re dealt one card no one can look at until the end. The character cards are all worth ten points, but the rat is worth eleven.”

Shai slowed their progress momentarily and brought her lips a whisper away from his ear, “I would like to play a game or two…” The spider let her voice trail off as she pulled away, thank gods she could get her keep her lips straight and her eyes were hidden by her hood. Her eyes would have shown the revulsion she felt at playing so intimate with this human.

He replied quickly with a promise to pay for her to play a bit, before turning his attention to the men to give his respects. Shai took a subtle breath of reassurance; this was moment where she really committed.

The spider brazenly took one of the seats at the table that thus far no one else apparently had the stones to occupy. “I wish to play, now.” She announced as though there was no doubt she would be accepted. She never gave a glance towards her escort but she would wager his own coin purse that he had a spectacular expression displayed. Shai surveyed the cards; it looked like the game he had described. Tilting her head slightly towards the young man in what she hoped seemed expectantly, although nothing was visible above the tip of her nose. She placed her hands gently in her lap and waited until the young escort felt it necessary to put down her buy in and a few extra gold mizas for betting. Shai’s mouth curled into a smile. Now, to see if the 'gentlemen' would allow the woman at their table at all.

by **Darian** on January 22nd, 2012, 6:09 am

Roth, a man thick with muscle and sitting across from the one the spider had so brazenly took her seat in bristled at the sight of their unannounced guest, his smile quickly turning into a frown. "This is a private game" A small man spoke up before the other had a chance to vent, his thin hand held up in a way the restrained Roth for now. Rubbing his belly, and bitting savagely into a leg of roasted duck, the fat man gave Shai a lewd grin, even having the audacity to toss in a wink.

"If my oaf of a bodyguard sent you over here, you'd best have him gather you to my room with the rest of the ladies. I'll make sure your well satisfied once I'm finished here" He spoke to the pale woman, supposing her for one of the many escorts taken up to his room at his request. Sitting closest to her, a lithe man with small calculating eyes looked her up and down, his fingers adjusting the scarf wound around his neck with surprising deftness. "I don't think this one is one of your whores Brecarth" Tanthen spoke, his voice cold and crisp. Turning an eye towards her escort, he snapped his finger and the youth scampered off leaving the woman alone with the four imposing men for now.

"The question is, what makes you think you have the kind of mizas to play with the likes of us?"

by **Antar** on January 22nd, 2012, 7:08 am

Within the main hall of the Casino...

Antar watched with a bit of trepidation as Shai vanished into the back room, this was the part he hated: having to trust someone implicity to do whatever the job took. That didn't mean he wasn't readily on the lookout for trouble himself. They had been followed, by those two tails , the one with the funny beads as well and watching his back, while trying to watch for a way to gain entrance to the back room as well was harrowing to him.

Two things were certain, barring the spider's potential failure, if those tails got into the back room they would make her and Antar would gain no further information without getting in himself.

In this case, he had to keep the tails from reaching the entrance, and that could only be achieved two different ways... he caused a very loud commotion to have them dealt with by the guards in some way, or he lured them in by being bait.There was a commode people rarely used here... perhaps that could be a killing ground, or at least enough to make them unconscious without alerting others to the struggle.

But what would he do?

Propping up one leg against the wall he waited and shifted his bag to his shoulder to block the view of his face as he noted one of the men entering the Casino by the front door.

The one with the prayer beads where a cleverly hidden garrote was kept...

Of course, the 'sailor' might enter ahead of another one, while the other remained to watch the outside, just to ensure they didn't escape. That of course was only if he discounted the possibility the entire place was a setup for today, or that there was a third watcher.
Pushing off the wall, he shifted his bag to his back and snagged a drink off a waitresses tray after throwing five silver down onto the plate. It was worth far more then whatever the drink should have been, but a smile and wink towards the scantily clad lady was enough to get her to giggle, smile, and then go right back to get another drink without much of a fuss.
Using the glass as a mirror of sorts, even though the reflection in the liquid was upide down if he tried to look through it, and hazy if he caught it as a side glance, Antar began to move around the room, weaving too and fro amidst the crowd., looking for two things; that his follower had spotted him... and if he was following.

He deftly sauntered past a drunken fat woman, a rarity in sunberth as she waddled back towards the betting tables, and used her girth to slide even more along another vector to keep the majority of the crowd blocking the searching gaze of his newest mark; the beads around his wrist seemed to ache for the weapon to be drawn, though he would not do so unless absolutely necessary. Noth was too much a professional to let nerves foul up his efforts even after a long game of cat and mouse... hopefully.

For now, he'd just have to trust Shai to deal with her end, and him to deal with his. Though after maybe the sailor was dealt with an opportunity to enter the meeting area would present itself.