Through the Streets of Atanlia (Started)

[Tiger Sora]

"Well our resident 'herbal tea' drinker decides to join us. You've been tending to the demon garden within your head"? Fleur had a dull look aimed at Gerik. She didn't like when he was drinking the drugs. It made him, unpredictable.... impossible to read. And that put her on edge, as fascinated with the unpredictables of the world were to her. Something like that which can be controlled, shouldn't be left to grow likes vines on a building.

 

[drmigit2]

Davarious ignored Gerik like he usually does. He dislikes talking to people out so far out of touch with reality. He would have considered getting rid of Gerik if he was not so damned useful to him. It was not that he was difficult to predict, in fact he was rather easy to predict as far as the assassin was concerned. He gets mad, he kills things occasionally. He could never get over the irony of Gerik calling himself a "professional" as he goes and drinks herbal tea while planning a mission.

"Careful Fleur, he could still bash your head in." If there was one thing he learned on the roads, getting on the nerves of someone who is not aware of their actions is a good way to get stabbed.

He diverted his attention from the bursting in of the thug and proceeded to question Draven. "How soon could you get us in and under what pretense and position? I need to know." Sneaking in another organization to slaughter some rat again, gods, this almost got me killed last time. If this is what I have to go through to get to him, I had better decide to kill him.

 

[JokerboyJordan]

"You ever heard of this Leximor guy?"

"Never in my life, and if it wasn't for the fat reward waiting for me, and the fact the Royal Guard are up my arse, I'd plan to keep it that way"

He strode past Cadius, going up the stairs to join the others, he paused and waited for him

"You coming?"

He reached the roof and took a seat by the rest of the group.

"How soon could you get us in and under what pretense and position? I need to know."

"Yes Draven, do enlighten us to your plan for the Destroyers. They aren't the most talkative folk."

 

[Malyc]

Draven continued leaning against the door, nodding to each member as they came through. He listened to the others as they tossed ideas around, mostly involving one form of intimidation or another, until Davarious and Dirge both questioned him.

"How soon could you get us in and under what pretense and position? I need to know."

"Yes Draven, do enlighten us to your plan for the Destroyers. They aren't the most talkative folk."

"Well, how soon depends on if you are ready or not." He responded. "As for pretense, most likely potential recruits. It wouldn't give you much power, but at least you'd be in the door without a fight."

Draven hesitated a bit before continuing. "Well, maybe not without a fight... I may have made some of their members less than happy when I left. Mercenaries tend not to like other mercenaries leaving the group, but the leaders of the Destroyers understood my reasons for going, and didn't seem overly surprised when I finally did."

"Regardless, they would be unlikely to believe that I was bringing potential recruits if there were more than two or three people with me, so don't expect everyone to be involved in this."

 

[drmigit2]

Only two or three...a fight...

Davarious was aware that in a physical fight he would almost always lose, and he was not sure how the Destroyers would react to him pointing a gun in their faces. Maybe the alternative for him would allow him to get close, get the kill.

"If that is the case, I will work with the guards outside, do other odds and ends, get in with that crowd. If myself and a few others can corner him, it will make him desperate, desperation is good. He will need allies, that is where you come in, you will protect him until the opportunity arises to kill him alone without others bearing witness, then the two groups rendezvous and we share the money. Do not think of double crossing us as we will be in with the guards, I will not hesitate to kill you if you betray me. With that in mind, I suggest Gerik goes to be with the Destroyers as he wont fit in with the guards and could win a fight."

His eyes had a bit of a twinkle, the planning, the stalking and the kill. He almost sighed seeing what he had become over the years, apathetic to sociopath, who would have guessed aside from everyone he grew up with? Davarious looked around and said loud enough for the room to hear. "I need a few of you to come with me, we are working with the guards directly and that means I need you to have a mostly clean record. I will take a maximum of four others with me as beyond that the guards could become suspicious as to our motives. The other option is to go with Draven and join the Destroyers. Make a decision."

 

[Redryhno]

"Well,"Clarissa said, while fluttering her eyelashes,"If you can point me to any little Officer of the Destroyers, I'm sure I can find some way of convincing him to tell me anything I want to know."

She hugged herself then, the cold wind had started to get to her and she felt goosebumps as well as other...things, popping up around her body. She grabbed the pillow she was sitting on and hugged it close to herself when she realized that it didn't hide everything.

"I could also persuade the beggar's guild to begin looking for any information on the man, they owe me at least this one favor."

 

[drmigit2]

"So Clarissa can work alone then until she can get within the Destroyers. I suppose then she could either work with Draven and group or keep solo, just don't get too distracted. I do understand if those in here do not trust the guards, or simply don't have any desire to work with me. Happens a bit, so I am willing to pursue the guard route alone if need be, some company would be nice though."

Davarious looked at the looming palace, always visible that damned thing, maybe we can blow it up after this is over, that would be fun for us.

 

[Jeff Gibson]

Tom could hear the group talking when he reached the top of the stairs, and opted to silently re-enter the meeting. As he sat back down, he put his bag back on his lap, and the poster upon his bag.

As he listened to their plan to infiltrate the Destroyers, and the parts each of them would be playing, he spoke up. "Well, as per usual, I and my warped spine will be staying well away from the fighting. But I'll be sure to supply you all with any potions or chemicals you might need," he said with a smile on his face. Probably need to bring the portable kit, he thought to himself, Just in case.

"Oh, and here's that poster, by the way," he added, holding up the sheet of paper for all to see.

 

[Yorgmiester]

Jin laughed. "Yes, you are an artist of admirable passion and talent, my boy!" He clapped Gerik's shoulder then moved past him to speak to the rest of the group. "It may not be a good idea for Draven to return to the Destroyers. Familiarity breeds contempt in those types of company. You may be better off without that history."

"Tomorrow morning I am receiving a few crates of opiate in my regular supply shipment. They're going to a customer in the rich district. He and his friends employ the services of the Destroyers often. If a few of you take the delivery and pose as potential mercenaries for hire, you may be able to get some information from him." Jin eyed Davarious quizzically for a moment. The man was very paranoid and antisocial, even for a wanted criminal. The old man didn't know anything about Davarious' past; none of them did; and he had never asked. Maybe the time had come to find out what made him so mistrusting.

"As for you," Jin said, turning back to Gerik, "I have a job for you tonight. Come."

~​

The shop was empty now, darkly lit and looking a bit forlorn. The sharp scent of soap was a reminder of what had happened right there in the middle of the floor that evening. Elli was cleaning off the tables and making sure all the windows were latched. They were closing early tonight. Jin stood behind the counter among cups and pitchers, mixing a drink. There were ingredients under the counter for which he occasionally reached, and the water boiler bubbled happily behind him.

"You abuse those herbs. They are meant to be consumed in moderation. They are also expensive! Not much money is needed to keep some of that cheap swill on hand for Cadius and Dirge, but your habits tend to be a bit more costly." The double meaning merited an accusatory look at his friend, then he turned his attention back to his concoction. Steam hissed off of the surface of the liquid as he sprinkled a handful of blueish powder into the small cup.

"Drink this, it will clear your mind." Jin said as he handed the drink to Gerik. He disappeared into his room and emerged a moment later with an envelope and some small objects.

"This must go to Arthur Festige, in the rich district. His address is on this paper here." Jin laid out the delivery's contents on the counter. There was a written letter, the slip of paper with the man's address, and a small wooden square with a willow tree carved on to it. "He has connections with the Royal Guard, and might be able to get protection for the Blessing. He won't let you in, so simply give this to the doorman and say that I sent you. The letter looks like a normal correspondence between friends; it's only there for appearance's sake." He placed the letter and the tile into the envelope and sealed it, then handed it to Gerik with a smile.

 

[Tiger Sora]

"If he ever got rough we me no one would like the outcome of the resulting actions. The consequences would be rather dreadful. I don't believe I'll ever do something to bring them about, as I try to avoid conflicts to my interests". Fleur stood up, sitting for so long caused her legs to stiffen up. She also wanted to get out of the cold. "Davarious, I shall join you with the guards. The closer I am to my enemy, the farther I am from harm. Not to forget the valuable information I could collect. I'll meet you tomorrow here, for now I'm off".

Fleur left the company of the band, heading down to the first floor. It seemed things had closed down early, she had wanted some food and drink. Jin and Gerik we're there though. "And my apologies for not returning this book the day I had retrieved it". Fleur liked to craft her speech to never say a hello to often. "I'm sure you understand I'd never let this fountain of knowledge just slip away before I crafted notes. Shall I give it to you now, or leave it in your room"? Her tone was unchanged, eyes hidden in the shadows. She'd never seen his room at the back of the tea house. It was probably unremarkable, but it was something that had always aroused her curiosity since she learned of it.

 

[ShindoL Shill]

Serena glanced at Tom. "Could you get me a long-lasting sedative? I have a way of getting myself in without Draven using his influence. And my way, it would be temporary. No long obligations." she asked.
She stood up to stop her legs cramping, and stretched. "It would only work with one, maybe two, people. And I'll need some help picking the mark."

 

[Jeff Gibson]

Tom grinned a little as he put down the poster. "A sedative, eh?," Tom repeated. "Shouldn't be too hard." Tom thought back to his little laboratory. Yes, I've got just the recipe for that, he thought. This'll be fun. "I'll have it ready for you by tomorrow," he said to Serena. He looked around as he stood up, assuming that the meeting was winding down. "Well, if that's everything, I'll be on my merry way," he declared with a huge smile.

 

[Nukey]

The sensation of a thousand, microscopic daggers danced throughout Gerik's head as he sat atop one of the stool adjacent to the counter, watching Jin prepare a remedial tonic with bloodshot eyes. Jin went off on a tangent about his frequent and excessive drug use, which he paid little attention to, aware that the elderly fellow would no doubt forget about the issue after a nap. He listened to the ranting of his employer too often and, through practice and experience, had taught himself how to tune Jin out without appearing as if was ignoring him. Gerik nodded while Jin spoke, smiled when he had to and refrained from responding with snide comments, doing his best to be respectful of Jin although cared little for what the old coot had to complain about.

"Drink this, it will clear your mind."

Gerik glanced inside the cup he had been handed, a dumbstruck look plastered across his face. The bluish color was most unusual and, as such, made him suspicious of its contents. Jin had no reason to dispose of Gerik, however, and chugged the drink down in a swift gulp. It tasted like rancid milk and left an aftertaste not unlike strong liquor, burning his tongue and throat, and stained the roof of his mouth, although within mere seconds of consuming the foul beverage he found his headache relieved and the world returned to normalcy. It had been many, many months since the last time he had been completely sober, and Gerik appeared to take pleasure in the sudden sense of total control he had recently been gifted.

"This must go to Arthur Festige, in the rich district. His address is on this paper here." Jin ordered, placing an assortment of miscellaneous objects on the counter in front of him. "He has connections with the Royal Guard, and might be able to get protection for the Blessing. He won't let you in, so simply give this to the doorman and say that I sent you. The letter looks like a normal correspondence between friends; it's only there for appearance's sake."

"I say killin' and you have me deliverin', kinda makes me think your hearing is goin'." Gerik chuckled to himself as he rose from his seat and collected the papers, then headed towards the door. He turned towards his employer before leaving and smiled. "You know, Jin, if I didn't like you so much, chances are I'd never put up with your shit. But, luckily for you, I happen to like you quite a bit, so I'll oblige."

He took a step out of the door and, before going any further, glared back at Jin. "You better have me hurtin' someone soon, though, I need some practice!"

 

[Malyc]

Draven watched as several of the group left the rooftop. He nodded to Jin as he passed, indifferent to the fact that he had offered a different plan to Draven's own. In either case, it seemed as if he would be appearing as a mercenary to gain access.

As the meeting appeared to be winding down, he said "I suppose we can figure out which plan to use tomorrow. I'll be in my usual hangout if anyone needs to find me before then." With that, he left the roof and wandered back to his room in one of the inns in the poor section.

Once inside, he set to work honing his blades, as he suspected that he would need them, regardless of which plan they ended up using to gain access to the Destroyers.

 

[drmigit2]

Davarious stood up and began walking out. He told everyone that if they felt like joining him and Fleur, that they would meet him at the tea shop tomorrow. There a plan would be hatched, most likely taking some crap job for a bit of coin.

As he headed home he saw the city, a bit of a rat-hole, a setting he was used to. The town square had a series of wanted posters, people for petty crimes, thievery and assault. Then, one of the posters caught his eye. Wanted for murder... small time gang member... seen around the streets on occasion... 500 gold coin reward. Davarious snatched it and ran off, best to make good time. It did not take Davarious long to reach the house he had rented out, though house is a loose term. It was a small room with little in it aside from his weapons, gear and what little coin he managed to bring with him here. Won't be long now old friend, I will be visiting you real soon. Keep under protection while you can, it is all you have until I get to you.

 

[Redryhno]

Clarissa stood up from her spot on the cold roof, the night seeping into her bones.

"Well, I guess I'll be leaving now, you guys know where you can find me."

She went down the stairs and dropped the pillow on the counter,"Here ya go Jin, I'll be back in the morning, red hair, I think."

She left the Tea House and wandered the streets, making sure no one followed her, all she had let the people of the gang she worked with was that she lived near the beggar's guild gathering spot, nothing more. Funny that she only lived right down the street in a three room apartment that she rented from the widower that owned the block. At a severe discount of course, she had worked him the same as any mark, except she'd robbed him legally.

She heard a noise as she walked towards her home, but nothing came forth from the shadows. She walked into a mess, as it should be. There were clothes strewn across the floor, peasant clothes mind you, nothing she'd wear for a job or a mark. That was her first two rooms, her bedroom was slightly different, a small bed with linen sheets and a silken pillow filled with down and lavender, it had been very expensive, but worth every copper. behind her pine wardrobe, there was a small tunnel in the wall, filled with her wigs and clothes she did wear on jobs. She fished the blonde wig out of her trousers and set it on it's special mannequin after smoothing out the rogue hairs that had cropped up. It wouldn't do to have a bad wig in her line of work. Kala's Arms had taught her plenty of things she was proud to know today.

 

[ShindoL Shill]

Serena decided it would be best to leave as well. "I will be back tomorrow for the sedatives. I advise anyone who wishes to use my plan to meet here as well." she said, picking up her bag.
Serena left the tea house and made her way to an inn, which she had a room in to stay the night. She rubbed her hands along her arms to warm them up as she walked.
Serena notices Clarissa leave as well, but thought nothing of the direction she took.

 

[CloggedDonkey]

Slowly, as the night drew on and became older and older, the members of this misfit gang, be they mages, seductresses, thieves, thugs, or just an old man that smuggles some of what he smokes, soon fell to bed. All except one, that is. He was a massive man, Gerik, and more than likely was still shaking a hangover "cure", but he could take it like he had many times before. And he was told to deliver a package to the rich district. The district that made is a sport among the more eccentric to blind those who entered during the day. The district guarded not only by City Guards, but by Royal Guards and even Crystal Clan members. The district that housed Arthur Festige.

The streets were, luckily, black from rain and the light only revealed the path ahead. That is, of course, until Gerik reached the gates to the rich district, which had at least twenty torches around it, some of which were lighting up cannons or rifle positions. A man dressed in red plate armor approached Gerik as he came around a corner and yelled something indecipherable at him. He nearly body-slammed him, but noticed a tile on the package and instead turned around, yelled another indecipherable sentence, and walked back to the gate, the iron bars swinging open as he did. None of the soldiers shot or made any attempt to attack as Gerik came through the gates and into the district.

It did not take long for Gerik to find the home of Arthur Festige (partly due to the sign out front advertising that he lived there and that he was the owner of several building projects), and the knock on the door in the night caused a slight stir in the building, and a second pounding on the door caused a light to come on on the second floor, another brief stirring, and finally the door to come open, a slightly angry looking man in pajamas standing at the door.

He looked Gerik over, then sighed. "One of Jin's boys, I see. Jin always did like to keep up with old friends, always thought he was foolish. Old friends become new enemies fast..." He looked into the distance briefly, then studied Gerik some more. "You're... Daniel, right? Oh, doesn't matter, a thug's a thug..." He looked around briefly at the cold surroundings and nodded. "Oh, come in, come in. I know that you criminals aren't ones for the cold, all of the leather and fabric. I'm surprised you don't have one of Patrionone's little 'gifts' already..." He stepped back into the house, leaving the door open for Gerik.

 

[Nukey]

"The name's Gerik, actually." Gerik said, mildly irritated, as he stepped foot within the enormous, luxurious home. He was unaware of the man's reasoning for inviting him inside, although he had no reason to reject his offer, not like he had anything else planned for the night. He observed his surroundings, keeping an eye out for anything worth stealing, then turned towards his host. "Nice place you have here..."

 

[CloggedDonkey]

Arthur smiled. "Indeed it is, Gerik. Worked all my life to get here. Even worked with your boss, or at least friend, Jin. He was smart and all, but he just wanted to help people, never actually make much money." The man walked into a living room and turned on an oil lamp, filling the room with light. He took a seat on a chair and motion for Gerik to sit in the chair adjacent to him. "So, Gerik, you have a package for me. Let me see it..." He grabbed the letter from Gerik's hands and opened it, tearing the paper off. He examined the paper inside briefly, then looked in the envelope for a second before pulling out a small package. The light sent of flowers were given off by the letter and bag.

"Thank you for delivering this, Gerik. I look forward to doing more business with you... oh, and tell Jin I shall meet with him tomorrow at his restaurant, say, noonish? Good..." He examined the white fabric bag and nearly pushed Gerik out the door, then closed it behind him. He returned to the upstairs room, Gerik left for whatever room he was staying at in the city, and the light soon rose again over Atanlia, giving the rise to a new day.