[Various]The Gray Search [Zandelia]

[Robinson Gilli]

62nd of Fall, 514 A.V. 12th bell 37th chime

Robin was on the hunt….though where to begin he had no idea as he wandered the streets of Sunberth once more. The left side of his face being bandaged as well as his left arm which was hidden beneath his clothing. Those Gray Caps….a small gang of three, formerly five, were still on the loose and his job would not be complete without handling them. When he told his handler for the job what had happened he gave him this look of utter confusion, it seemed he we was truly just the middle man in this contract ‘ No answers from him, no answers from the employer probably’ It would only make sense that it was his employer, or someone in relation to him, would know of this job. When he first began this search for these gangers, he had been ambushed two of them who seemed to know exactly who he was. One he had killed through using their recklessness and a bit of a deceit, another he had killed through a well-fought battle and claimed his blade as something ‘borrowed’ and now he sought to return it to the gang.

For now, alongside his battle axe and longbow with it quiver filled with arrows, he carried the iron scimitar in its sheath let it hang from his harness. The reason for this was simple, a taunt to any of the gray caps who recognized the weapon…. Also as a means to identify their members. Such a small gang whom would know what he looked like would definitely recognize the weapon of one of their comrades, if he carried it around then they would recognize the blade and in turn would probably be one of the caps he needed to kill.

It had been many days since he first encountered them, days he needed to briefly rest ‘I will not be caught off guard again’ He had told himself when he sat off once more in search for the small and illusive gang. He hoped their numbers still remained at three, it would be a pain if he had to deal with more of them suddenly…. The amount of time since then is enough for them to quickly replace their numbers after all, they could have gain more than two in fact if they had enough resources to do so. Small gangs were a funny thing after all, unless completely annihilated they tended to come back faster… nothing like the larger gangs who needed to spend larger resources when they are hit heavily.

It had been perhaps two bells since his search behind and the Merc began to feel irritation that his search had provided nothing, not that he did anything of worth…simply walking around with your eyes looking around from place to place could barely be called searching. He sighed as he fell upon the familiar sight of the Pig’s Foot Tavern, he supposed it was time to take a break as he entered the rowdy place and sat at the bar counter, ordering for himself a watered down ale. Even if watered down the taste was welcome, especially after the end of the food shortage that had struck them so recently.

“Now, who knows where those Gray Caps are…?”

[Zandelia]

She was splitting her time between The Pig’s Foot and the Fish Bowl, partly because she liked to change the scenery but mostly due to the fact that her mannerisms and persona were decidedly different at each location – she could hardly relax and put her feet up at the Fish Bowl after establishing herself as a singing, dancing and generally entertaining individual who was not afraid of bawdy humour and a portion of grabbing hands if it served her purpose and the purpose of its proprietor – Manowar. At the Pig’s Foot she was the quiet, grizzled warrior with a penchant for protective mannerisms and an aptitude for solving problems. She could enjoy the peace and the quiet, relaxing when required. She rather enjoyed it now it wasn’t occurring every day. As such she was smoking from her pipe and enjoying a full-bodied red wine – in a metal cup no less.

Moving up in the world indeed, no more rough wood and splinters for me. Helping out the owners of businesses holds more benefits than coin it seems she mused to herself as she simply watched the gathered patrons, amused at their enjoyments.

She often wondered whether their lives were as interesting as her own was rapidly becoming, whether they faced the same dangers and intrigues or just yearned for, and lived, quiet lives of simple pleasures – the blade, the wench and the ale. Or perhaps the business, the family and the gold. She doubted that many actually went beyond such things, she could not find fault with them. At least her life had become less tumultuous, her partner had returned and for the most part she was at peace. She still had a few tasks to finish, a few employers to pay their asking but other than that life was grand. She had a home, heart and happiness. She still required stimulation though, she was growing slightly bored with the lack of major events in terms of espionage – her forte and enjoyment.

Smoke curled around her face as she watched the door open, a youth striding in as if trying to be unobtrusive, though she thought it was more the fact he naturally did not advertise. He seemed troubled, r at the very least vexed at something by the look upon his countenance. She watched him carefully, eye following him as he found himself a place and ordered himself a drink, a sure sign he as planning on being within the tavern for some time – hiding or scouting? There were no other reasons to enter without an intent to drink yourself stupid, he did not hold that look…just yet. She intently listened, watched and waited for him to reveal his purpose here, she liked to know such things. It meant she would not have to worry about an attempt upon her life.

Grey caps? Strange name…a smaller group of thugs perhaps? Wait…I think I remember something…need more information. And I as enjoying my smoking and drinking too…alas…curiosity… she thought to herself as she tilted her head and pushed out a chair so that it scraped against the ground slightly.

“Come lad, take a seat and talk. Tell me of your problem with this little colour of yours” she asked him, he could take it or leave it but she doubted he’d find a more skilled or killing participant in such a search.

[Robinson Gilli]

Date

He turned to the new voice behind him, it was a woman who was obviously a decade older than him. He couldn’t quite tell, but she seemed to be some sort of merc much like he ‘ Though probably has more experience’ He noted. Despite her age she was a fine looking woman, even with her marred face…. In her probable line of work that just seemed to add to the charm. Still, he couldn’t let his guard down with such a person, she had overheard his words after all and the fact she called him over to talk about it smelled like a bad novel, not that he had read any novels in his life ‘ But if it turned out she knew anything…’ Yes, it would be a bit of a conundrum. He could have played it safe and simply walked to the bar counter as he intended to, or he could take a seat with her and inquire about the Gray Caps.

He looked at her a bit more, reluctance evident on his face, yet eventually the rash part of his mind won out and he took the seat that had been offered. Still, he found it difficult to find the words to speak, still staring at the lady warrior with a look of wariness that said ‘Why should I speak to you? What proof I have of ye bein’ trustworthy?’ Although the answer to that was obvious; He had no reason to. Yet here he was sitting with her and he knew that if he wished to have a bigger chance at finding the remainder of the Gray Caps he would take his chance with this woman.

“ This ‘colour’…” He began with even more reluctance, finding it distasteful to share information about his job to a possible enemy or business rival”…..They are my targets, three once five that wear gray hats” He told her simply, not wishing to divulge more quite yet as he studied her face for a reaction of some sort. Some obvious tell that could probably show him just who he was dealing with…. But from the looks of things it would be a bit hard to get one from this person and she didn’t particularly wore a gray hat proudly, then again she didn’t look like a dumb shyke.

“I was tasked to eliminate them, only to be ambushed by two. Two out of five are dead, now days passed and I be lookin’ for the rest to finish me job” He felt uncomfortable saying so many words, yet this wasn't a time of leisure anymore he could just gesture and say a few words....now it was still a job.

[Zandelia]

“So you are a mercenary then. A trusting one at that,” she stated, pulling her pipe away slowly as she considered the lad before her, “to tell another armoured individual about both your employment and your potential weaknesses. Ambush…nice ruse. I’d keep that to yourself, if you understand me? These fine patrons are not always above theft and murder for their own benefits” she pointed the tip of her pipe at the general throng around the tavern.

“Says the spider” came a response from the corner behind her, safe in presumed anonymity.

“Duly noted Rickard, still living happily down Castle Commons way?” she enquired, voice soft and altogether too sweet for the implication of the phrase.

“How did yo-“

“Your voice, it grates metal. It is most annoying….distinctive too. Please be quiet. I’ll be walking this evening, don’t make me change my plans and visit the Commons instead” she purred, steel beneath the velvety tones.

She took a small sip of all and a draw upon her pipe happily, she did so like to keep up her reputation at the Trotter Trough – it meant she could be as obnoxious and threatening as she liked. She never caused trouble, rarely fought in any brawl. She was the model patron and she kept it that way, yet she still managed to keep people from challenging her. Words were so much better than fists in her opinion, they caused far more fear and certainly more confusion. Silence after her comments, just the way she liked it. Upstarts did have a tendency to ruin her day beyond any salvaging and the lad before her intrigued her. He was rusting but reluctantly so, cautious perhaps. That meant he was desperate, most likely. Seeking these remaining thugs so that he could get paid, he reminded her slightly of a younger woman in much the same predicaments.

“So, now that the annoyances have passed shall we start with first principles? My name is Web, yours is?” she asked directly, looking him in the eye solidly.

“So you are after them due to employment, a decent occupation. Better than a flesh fencer that’s for sure. You are in luck, few know as much as I about finding and locating what is desired. I can certainly assure you of that. So…first questions I suppose” she stated as her fingertip traced the rim of her cup and smoke coiled around her.

She tilted her head, the better to get him into her visual range, tapping into that energy which was hers alone. Others could see the same but never could they use her resources, her own self-taught ways of summoning up the Djed into useable pathway. Ebbed and flowed, rising and falling, directed into her head and emerald orb to light up the world beyond the physical dullness – it was life itself, sweetly pulsating as his aura came into view. She narrowed her focus and concentrated, perceiving him in his entirety as best she could, seeking to memorize his aura. He was an interesting man, she could do worse than learning his. Besides, she did so like tags only she could discern. Only recently had she realized she could ‘memorize’ them. She was not sure how it worked, or even if she was using it to its potential – she used it all the same.

“So…you were attacked and finished two of the five. Impressive. What garb did they wear, were their weapons of decent make? Were they healthy and hearty? Where did the ambush take place? Do you know why they are wanted dead? Who hired you?” she asked, one after the other as she studied the flickering colours intently, “these are the things that can lead you to your answer. If…of course…you know why they would and how to follow the trail. So, care to share more than base parameters? Or is it that you want someone to do your work for you?” she asked simply, it was always best to be upfront with the martial types, they were so often angered by more circuitous approaches.

[Robinson Gilli]

Date

Robin felt annoyed, he did not want to be trusting but circumstances he was unused to force his hand to be so and jt was becoming rapidly obvious that the person before him was more than meets the eye ‘ One of those shadowy types, perhaps?’ With the way she spoke and presented herself that was definitely a safe bet. The way she handled the new annoyance only cemented further than it ever could be, and that added a new dilemma to the young mercenary….. He eyed the person cautiously, she was definitely capable of protecting herself in some manner, no doubt about it.. But these shadowy types were far more dangerous in other ways, they knew things like the back of their hands and what they don’t know they ruthlessly find out quickly.

His mouth felt dry, unable to discern whither he was in danger or not was a danger within itself and this probably wasn’t a danger he could solve with an axe and bow. He noted that she was obviously studying him as well, nothing subtle about especially with that curious look sparkling in her one eye. When her questions came it was like a barrage of arrows, upfront and to the point and that was another annoyance…. He wasn’t a good talker and so felt strain whenever he had to speak, it seemed these days his mouth had to be blabbering about and that was a change he did not like at all.

To calm himself he took a deep breath through his nose and out his mouth, much like trying to calms ones breath after a h arrowing exercise and began to answer “ Their garb is immaterial…..all that matters is their hats, gray caps” He reached into his memories to bring up what he could vaguely recall “ Both were cloth caps….gray colored and it fit snuggly on their ‘eads, everythin’ else about looks jus’ like the stuff it was made out of” He answered the first question easy enough and it was on to the next “ The ambush ‘appened in an alleayway, close to the docks on account I remember the sea smell bein’ stronger there an’ their weapons were crap…but they knew how to us e ‘em just as much as I know ‘ow to use me own”

He sighed in frustration, Robin wasn’t a simple sort but he felt his mouth dryin’ up and he would have killed for even a cup grimy water to wet his lips “ They why, now that there would rhyme with lie… the gang was supposed ta be weak, but of course it turned to be differen’….. They knew I was comin’ and they knew where I was lookin’. Two of their boys waitin’ for me…. Two of their boys dead” He took grim pride at that, he survived an ambush if one an ill executed one, so a bit of pride seemed to be a good thing. “I dunno who my employer is, the handler I went through dunno him either…. I didn’t question on account I like me head where its at, know too much is like knowin’ too little…. Could get ya killed” He shrugged the last bit, it was an honest enough fact in a city like Sunbirth, he then leaned forward to her to add a few more words “ I don’t leave me jobs ‘alf-arsed. Even if its probably a fix, I dunno how they knew or why Ah’m a target but I intend to finish things through… only way a merc should do things”

[Zandelia]

Her cup remained motionless for a time at his revelations, paused between the table and almost being touched to her lips ready to be tilted for that nice warm watered ale taste. She was not entirely sure she had just heard him correctly at first, sure she had misunderstood until she told herself she was being foolish. She had honed her senses beyond most and though she was not immune to mistake she knew words when she heard them. They were just so counter to what she thought, how she lived, that she refused to accept them at first. She knew there were others who lived differently, but to be a mercenary who didn’t even ask basic questions…surely that was akin to suicide?

It almost had been, as he said. Almost killed. Being set up perhaps? she thought to herself, seeking something convoluted to maintain her intrigue.

She realised she was still paused and so completed the motion, sipping from her drink for a while so that she gave her mind enough time to reassess and work within. So she was dealing with a smart yet still very simple man, clever enough to survive and thrive but not gifted with wanting to burden himself with knowledge beyond his bearing. She could sue a man like him, though first she had to keep him alive and ingratiate herself with him enough to get him to work with her. She reviewed is words, dissecting them and finding them to be relatively opaque. She stepped back mentally and started with the grey cap motif, it was distinctive and easily formed. Easily found also, if you looked in the right place.

“I would counsel against working for people you don’t know in the future, clearly it is terrible for your health. So, three left and they are poorly equipped. That rules out the more desirable portions of the city, people who can’t afford decent weapons won’t afford decent lodgings,” she spoke aloud slowly, turning it all over before speaking it, “your employer clearly tipped them off, using you as a scapey for some reason. All I know is you can’t trust them, for more I’d need to meet them. As for finishing it…I can help you there. I fight almost as well as I think and three mongrels are easy prey. The problem, of course, is tracking them” she continued casually.

“Drink,” she placed her cup before him half empty and ready to be finished off should he so choose, mercenaries were always more amenable after a drink, “and let me tell you that five members does not a gang make. Not unless they know what they are doing and these lot can’t even kill you. They’re minor thugs, nothing more” she shrugged at that.

“Tell you what, I’ll offer you an agreement that you won’t get better anywhere else. I’ll help you find them, you’ll have your men’s location by the end of the day or I’ll resign as an informant and problem solver. I can even help you kill them. Then you can tell everyone that your reputation is battle hardened and still worth a damn, perhaps more after this. Surviving betrayal has a way of making you seem more dangerous and worthwhile. Sound good to you my man?” she asked him with a tilt of the head.

She knew he would ask what was in it for her next, most likely. Yet she held back, she wanted to get the fullest measure of his as was possible before launching further. Once this last stage of conversation was over she would get the tracking underway. The next stage was important, the most important and so could not be skipped.

[Robinson Gilli]

Date

Robinson chose to disagree on that bit but accepted the drink having had seen her drink it herself but a tick before so he had no fear of poison “A gang is a group of people miss, don’t matter what skills they got…..You look like ye’ve been livin’ here long enough ta know that’s always been the meanin’ here in Sunberth” Robin said as he after he had gently placed the now empty mug back on the table.”And I dun mean to complimen’ me enemies, but they weren’t slouches…. Crap weapons an’ all they knew how to use ‘ em, least one of ‘em did anyway…killed the other guy cause he got cocky” He left whatever that meant to the air, though to someone like her the gist would be obvious.

His brow raised quite a bit after had heard her offer ‘ that’s one of them too good to be true offers….’ Robinson would admit that when choosin’ and acceptin’ the job he’d been right lax at it, you could know enough about who’s hiring you but knowin’ too much and askin’ too many questions could get you killed….but so did accepting offers that you don’t know what the other guy is getting’ out of it. Robinson knew the reputation out of this could probably make him more known, it helped in getting’ more jobs also makes ‘em more respected by the rest of the gangers and mercs,

He looked back at the person before him, this woman was dangerous…. No doubt about that, in a fight she could probably kill him and lying in a pool of his own blood ‘Nah, in a fight I could probably cut off a limb, probably the type to kill before the killins’ even begun thou…’ There had to be an ulterior motive too….and he didn’t like this woman, she scared him somethin’ fierce and he usually took that fear as a sign about the people he was dealin’ with.

“Sounds Good..but no” Was his reply to the whole thing “not meanin’ to offend ye ma’am, ….but I’ve got nigh a reason to accept yer offer, ye hardly seem ta be the trustworthy type either... what assures me ye won't be sellin' me out to 'em? What assures me ye aren't related to them already?" He leaned back whilst still looking at her.

"As much as I don't fancy fallin' inta another ambush, I also dun fancy fallin' into a trap by someone who tells me who can find 'em like its all a game...so what reassurance 'ave I got? And what is it that ye get from this?"

[Zandelia]

There was no smile this time, no attempt at a charming veneer as it clearly either didn't affect the man before her or made him more on edge. She stepped back, face neutral as she reassessed him from what little of his persona she had so far gleaned. He was a mercenary, that much was obvious, yet he clearly possessed a personal code that was different from most of their ilk. No questions meant no morals so they said but she had never believed that. There were lines even the coldest of hearts usually did not cross, which meant he tried hard not to project them outwards. He had started with that philosophy yet now he was asking questions, reassessing himself as he went and that spoke of intelligence coupled with a small sliver of humility. Or at least a lack of stupidity when faced with a basic set of facts.

Yet now he questions me, the very person who offers to help him. Wise or foolish...that depends upon perspective. Certainly a portion of paranoia, perhaps healthy considering the mess he has seemingly managed tog et himself into. So...a man who appreciates frank talking and action over words and offers. A different approach is required perhaps? she thought as she kept her silence and simply looked at him in return to his gaze.

“You started by saying no questions now you ask questions...having second thoughts?” she asked him softly, words lacking all sense of charm now and sinking into the duller tones of business in response to his changed tactics.

She thought through his questions, they were fair in their own way even if they were slightly obstinate given his situation. That could be read as a man possessed of the ability to take risks she knew. He must have known she wouldn't be sitting there with such an offer if she knew she couldn't make his life difficult if things became insulting or treachery seemed to seep into the air. She did not possess the air of someone who lived by chance, or unreasonable chance at any rate. She tapped the table with her fingers, a steady rhythm as she tilted her head and considered how best to answer his words. It was a delicately balanced situation, one word spoken in the wrong tone could break any possible deal – or make one perhaps.

“Your questions are fair, you don;t know me and I don;t know you. I could ask you the same, mercenaries tend to work for the highest bidder. I offer you my aid but I do not do so selflessly. I would be a fool if I did that and I haven;t lived this long to be one of those in this city” she spoke frankly now, “I have needs of my own, workers and muscle for various tasks. I always like to recruit by watching how someone works. So...in short I get you. Possibly. You get your task done and you get paid”

“Doubly paid actually as I may decide to call upon you and I can safely wager I can pay better than most other employers. In various ways. Gold, favours, influence, murders. I am a problem solver, and whilst I have my own code I solve most problems. So really the question is what do you want?” she posed the question, pausing for a while after to let him consider.

“I also don't leave things for chance and most definitely do not go into jobs shyke handed...like some do,” she looked at him pointedly, “I could teach you some of that if you wish. Or at least tell you of those as should be avoided. There are many psychopaths in Sunberth but I am not one of them. Web is a name known for its fair deals. I offer when I choose to, not because I have to. And I offer something to you. It is not something to be easily dismissed without at least a negotiation surely?” she continued her questions, designed to manoeuvre him hopefully without being realized.

“So, do you wish to dismiss my offer of help immediately...or do you want to negotiate terms? What have you got to lose? You came here for help, that much is clear. You might have found it. I am not forcing you to do anything, I am just sitting here buying you a drink. If you don't like what is discussed you can get up and leave at any time. As it is...” she waved for the tavern lass to come to her and whispered into her ear, “I might just help you for the same of it. I need no reason to clear up the streets a bit. And, for the record, you are wrong about gangs. Most of them have no purpose beyond blood. But there are some who seek for a betterment fore everyone” she did smile then, faintly, wondering if he ever wondered.

"We shall see what my sources can discover whilst we sit, you may be surprised. So, care to open negotiations?" she pointed at him casually.

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