A Heated Exchange

chuklfuk | wants to rp-Last Monday at 5:39 PM

Albion is found within the central hall of Castle Davona, packing up his illegal merchant stand. It had been quite the profitable day after the encounter with that oddly charitable buffoon, but no more- a few too many guards had a chip on their shoulder and something to prove, and he had been hassled out of selling his wares in the crowded atrium. Some kind of official 'ceremony' was going on, apparently- an uptight gathering for uptight people. Bloody ridiculous. He packs the odd assortment of goods scattered across the small dining table into various bags and boxes, as the traffic of the castle halls flows through.

Deallocate-Last Monday at 5:56 PM

After she finished unpacking, Shanoa decided that she'd spend some time exploring the halls of Castle Davona. Best to get my feel for the place during our short stay. I'm not likely to get a chance to stay in a castle again, so I'd best enjoy it while I can. Her exploration eventually brings her to the main hall of the castle, where she takes stock of the numerous people passing through like estranged cattle. The Fire Mage sits on a table in the corner of the room, too cautious to devote herself fully to her explorations and delve into the crowd. However, not even the utmost sense of caution can reign in her curiosity for long. Her eyes catch sight of a curiously-dressed merchant packing up his wares, and the various bottles of powdered herbs in the corner of his display ignite her eagerness. Wait, that can't possibly be... In this region? Impossible! Within seconds the young woman was over at Albion's table, kneeling on the floor to examine the various herbs at eye level. A slight gasp escapes her lips, and she looks up at him with sparkling eyes. "Where did you find powdered bloodroot on this side of the country?! It's sooo rare, and even harder to grind without having it lose its color and medicinal effects! You have got to tell me who your supplier is!"

chuklfuk | wants to rp-Last Monday at 6:07 PM

Albion smiles, and prepares to greet the customer- his open mouth freezes into an awkward expression as she cuts him off with enthusiasm. "...Bloodroot?" So that was what it was. Not particularly qualified as an herbalist, he had been prepared to sell the unlabeled bottle at a low price- but this certainly changed things. That last-minute trip to the castle storeroom had paid off in spades. "Er... it certainly is! I'm afraid our supplier is no longer available." What price could he put it at, then? He didn't want to sell it too cheaply- on the other hand, he might lose out on the sale. Did bloodroot go bad? "It pains me to say, but I'm closing up shop for now. I'm afraid some people-" Albion directs an exaggerated glare towards a guard leaning against a distant wall, who returns the expression. "...don't approve of my choice of location."(edited)

Deallocate-Last Monday at 6:20 PM

Shanoa glanced at the guards momentarily, careful to only turn her head and keep her torso facing the merchant. "Hmm. That puts a stopper in the works. Under normal circumstances, I'd just call it fate and walk off." The witch bit her lip in thought. "But for something as expensive and valuable as bloodroot," she said as she glanced down longingly at the bottle. "I just can't let this opportunity slip out of my hands." Shanoa stood up to her full height and looked Albion up and down. "Here's an idea. How about the two of us take your shop upstairs so we can discuss the sale at somewhere a little more... private." She punctuated the last word by draping a lithe hand on his chest suggestively.

chuklfuk | wants to rp-Last Monday at 6:30 PM

After a moment, Albion backs off reflexively at the forward gesture, his face rapidly turning red. He looks down at the table, raking a hand through his hair uncomfortably. "Um- heh. How about we just... speak here." Eager to change the train of thought, Albion grabs a couple of the other bottles of herbs, starting to pack them into one of the smaller boxes. "After all! I was promised a few minutes to set up shop. You wanted to discuss price, didn't you?" He grins, returning to his earlier facade. "Let's hear your offer."(edited)

Deallocate-Last Monday at 6:38 PM

A smug grin flitted to the witch's face. Now that's more like it... In an instant, the smirk was replaced by a cheery smile. "Aww, thanks. I was thinking 50 gold would be an appropriate sum. After all, look how small the bottle is! It's not that precious." She looked directly at him with wide, innocent eyes. "You trust me, right? After all, I'm an expert on such matters." Oh gods I hope I'm not overdoing this facade...

chuklfuk | wants to rp-Last Monday at 6:46 PM

Fifty? Please. Even his fortunes cost at least a hundred. A clear undersell- which meant she recognized his inexperience. Still smiling, he cheerfully rejects the offer. "Did you miss a zero? I was thinking we might start at, say... five hundred gold."(edited)

Deallocate-Last Monday at 7:13 PM

Her smile froze on her face. So he really is oblivious to the worth of his goods after all. I had no idea throwing him a ludicrous lowball like that would give me such a great deal... After a moment, she finally managed to speak. "A bit on the pricey side, but I think that'll work out just fine." Shanoa whipped her large brimmed hat off her head and shook it until a small pouch fell into her hand. The bloodroot is worth several times that at the very least. Heck, at that price, I'd buy a dozen bottles if he had the stock. The fire mage pulled open the pouch and reached in to pull out some money. And then stopped when she realized that she had gravely overestimated the amount of gold she had on hand. Shit... That's right, I haven't gotten my first paycheck yet. Shanoa flashed him another cheerful smile. "Hey, you look like a kind and trusting person. I don't suppose you'd be willing to let me pay you back at a later date?"

chuklfuk | wants to rp-Last Monday at 7:26 PM

Albion pulls back the bottle, placing it in with the box with the other powdered herbs. He tries to look a little disappointed- not that he truly was. She was entirely too eager to take that offer. "See, I sell my wares. I don't loan them. Sorry- but I'll have to hold onto this until you find payment." He finishes boxing the piles of goods- neatly ordered, and placed in a stack to be easily carried. Sorting through the various trinkets and pieces of jewelry, Albion slides them under the sleeves of his jacket, concealing them. "Is that all? With that kind of pocket change, I don't imagine there's much you can afford."(edited)

Deallocate-Last Monday at 7:43 PM

A look of shock crossed Shanoa's face. I didn't even let him see the contents of my moneypouch, and he knew I had that little? Gah, maybe I haven't been giving him enough credit... Her mouth settled into a grimace. "I didn't want to have to play like this... You seem so nice." She closed the distance between them in a single step, and leaned forward to whisper in his ear. "Want to know a little something? Bloodroot is a class III illegal substance in six of the eight nations of Junith. Something to do with it only growing when watered with the blood of the freshly slain, or some other morose condition. By itself, it only packs a hefty fine for those discovered in possession of or selling it. But..." She reached over and flipped the lid of the top box open, revealing the other bottles from earlier. "Here we have wyrmsbane and morlock. Quite a nasty bunch. My my, if somebody were discovered with all three of these on hand, it would earn them..." She placed a single finger on her chin as if pondering the question seriously. "Oh, about 5 years in prison. Now, as an official Celanthian herbalist and apothecary, it's my duty to report such serious infractions immediately." She twirled a lock of her hair with a smirk. "But if, for example, you decided to hand over the bloodroot as a show of good faith, I could be convinced you simply came across these goods and had no idea of their legality status."

chuklfuk | wants to rp-Last Monday at 8:51 PM

Albion's face reddens again. She must realize she was putting him on edge- she was doing this on purpose. He didn't appreciate being... toyed with, like this. Worse, these were dangerous allegations. Could she be telling the truth? He had already lost most of his wealth- he couldn't afford to fall any further from grace. Not when he needed to make a good impression on the young prince... But still- why would the good Count Albane have a storeroom chock full of illicit herbs? And bloodroot- illegal in six of eight nations, convieniently omitting Ethysia or Floribar. Too convienient to be true. He backs away, stammering a bit as he speaks. "You're bluffing. Besides- what use would you have for illegal herbs? Maybe I ought to report you for extortion."(edited)

Deallocate-Last Monday at 9:04 PM

"Oh, am I bluffing? That's odd, your expression doesn't seem to agree with you." She lets out a sweet laugh that echoes through the hall, drawing a few heads. "I have the perfect solution to this. We'll just bring these to those nice guards over there, and see what they think. You're on good terms with them, right? I'm sure they'll give you the benefit of the doubt." She idly fingered the buttons of his elaborate coat. "I'm afraid you have no grounds for accusing extortion, either. It's your word against mine, And as I just mentioned, I think the guards will be more likely to listen to a beautiful damsel over a shady, but admittedly handsome young man." Shanoa straightened out his collar with an air of indifference, not bothering to mention her purpose for the herbs. "Shush now, we don't want to make a scene. So, what'll it be, cutie? A small bottle that you didn't even know the significance of until I showed up? Or your earnings, your reputation, and 5 years in a federal prison? Think quickly! Lest I regain my common sense and report you immediately."

September 6, 2016

chuklfuk | wants to rp-Last Tuesday at 8:23 PM

Albion glares- no one had the right to give him this much trouble. It would probably be smarter to hand over the bottle, but she had made it personal now. Red-faced and flustered, he grabs his jacket by the collar, straightening it with an audible 'hmph.' "Keep your hands off me! And try me- you don't have an ounce of... proof..." His words cut off midsentence. The stranger's hair drapes to one side as she fiddles with the collar of his shirt, and he notices something- just a faint glimpse of her back, and his vision blurs. Whatever it is is too unclear to make out. He puts one hand on his temple, feeling a little dizzy- the reaction draws a few stares from the surrounding crowd. Muttering under his breath, he curses. "Bloody witch..."(edited)

Deallocate-Last Tuesday at 8:36 PM

Shanoa noticeably jerks back as a pained expression crosses her face. "Hey now," she says halfheartedly. "Being a witch is a perfectly viable occupation, I'll have you know." This time, her playful facade falls through quite miserably. The witch levels her gaze at him, now frowning. "Are you okay there? The effects can be a little disorienting the first time you experience them. Looks like you just caught the edge of it, though...." Her voice trails off as she watches to see how the merchant will react.

chuklfuk | wants to rp-Last Tuesday at 8:56 PM

The effects? It seemed this was a spell she had used before- he wasn't dealing with any ordinary thief. Keeping one eye on the stranger, Albion starts to sort the rest of the herbs. "The first time? So you admit it- you cast some... hex on me!" Whether dazed by the spell, or simply distracted, Albion seems to forget the bloodroot in his haste to close up shop. Everything else packaged, Albion lifts the pile of boxes- a bit hefty for a magician like him, but he had no better means of transport. The bottle of powder rattles a little on the table. "This- is not how I do business. Are you quite finished?"(edited)

Deallocate-Last Tuesday at 9:12 PM

Shanoa pursed her lips in a thin line. "Believe me, I wouldn't be hexing you if I could help it. It's something of a... unfortunate side effect of my life." She cursed her own bad luck under her breath, and takes a step toward the encumbered man. With his arms occupied by the boxes, it's easy for her to pluck the top one off the stack and drop it back on the table. The box misses her hat by an inch, causing it to squeal and skitter a few inches to the side. "And anyhow, I don't need magic to get an upper hand on men, I was doing just fine on my own." The Fire Mage snagged the wide-brimmed hat, threw the money pouch in it again, and stuffed it on her head. She then proceeded to stack the bloodroot neatly among the other bottles before hefting it up in her arms and glancing at him with a furrowed brow. "Now, where are these going? And before you say anything, no, I'm not gonna let you run off with these on your own. You look unsteady on your feet as it is. It's the least I can do to help you out after causing this mess in the first place." He really does seem to have reacted quite badly to it. Hmph. I hope it's not getting stronger...

chuklfuk | wants to rp-Last Tuesday at 9:23 PM

Albion raises an eyebrow distrustfully. "Oh? Help me? Or help yourself? How do I know you won't run away with those?"

Deallocate-Last Tuesday at 9:29 PM

She gave an exaggerated sigh. "Really, now? You're going to play that card?" Shanoa let out a sarcastic laugh. "Don't make the mistake of thinking my beauty comes at the expense of brains. First off all, we're in a crowded hall. You could shout 'thief!' before I made it five feet. And secondly..." She lifted a leg and wiggled her foot. "I don't even know if I could run five feet in these heels." She set her leg back down on solid ground, ending her frantic balancing act. "So be a gentleman already and let me help you. If I wanted to steal from you, I would have taken the bloodroot when you had your brains addled. I may be manipulative and cunning, but if you so much as imply I'm a thief again, I'll make you wish you were being hit by curses as weak as the one you just experienced."

chuklfuk | wants to rp-Last Tuesday at 9:44 PM

Albion rolls his eyes. "Alright, alright- you win. Help me take these to the supply convoy, if you would." He starts to walk off, with the stranger in tow. The crowd seems confused- more than likely a little agitated- but doesn't give them any trouble. The chatter gradually gives way to the sound of footsteps. A half-smirk makes its way to Albion's face- he starts to regain his former composure. "I have to ask- why didn't you take the bloodroot? You seemed quite pleased to blackmail me before, um..." He lets the sentence trail off- 'I called you a witch' seemed a poor choice of words, and 'You cursed me' was entirely too accusational. He didn't entirely understand what had happened, but her show of goodwill suggested it was likely unintentional.(edited)

Deallocate-Last Tuesday at 10:02 PM

"-before you almost fainted?" She tried to shrug, before realizing it was both too hard to attempt with the box, and he couldn't see it anyway from his position in front of her. "It's no fun unless you give it to me of your own volition." She paused for a moment to contemplate what to say next. "Look, the bloodroot is very worthwhile and all. But I'd rather lose the herb than permanently scar myself in the eyes of a possible friend. This is me just getting on your good side before I turn the tables again and force you to give it up." She ran a few steps to catch up to him and turned to flash him a grin. "My turn to ask a question. So, how come you reacted so badly to my runes? I'd expect somebody of your..." She glanced at his appearance again. "...caliber to be slightly more resistant to mind magic."

chuklfuk | wants to rp-Last Tuesday at 10:22 PM

Albion laughs- a bit sarcastic, but his cheer is genuine. "A friend? Yes, we've made a lovely impression." He returns the grin. "...I suppose I should introduce myself, then- Albion. Pleasure to meet you. Normally I shake hands, but- well." A tilt of his head gestures towards the boxes in his arms. "I'm not sure what you mean about my caliber, but... Most magic, and most magicians, certainly. But a man of my trade can't shield his mind- rather, he has to open it, and listen clearly. Even when that sound hurts to hear." Albion peers at the stranger cautiously, but detects no sign of the strange sensation from earlier- long locks of crimson hair ran down the witch's back, obscuring whatever it was he had seen before. "As far as your 'runes' are concerned- you'll have to elaborate, for me."(edited)

Deallocate-Last Tuesday at 10:47 PM

Shanoa nods at his introduction. "A pleasure to meet you, Mister Albion. My name's Shanoa. Fire Mage under the employ of Finn for the time being." "And that's an interesting way of putting the nature of the mind. But perhaps I've simply built up an immunity from witnessing the nature of my own marks for so long." she mused to herself. She looks up as he makes the request of her. "Oh, my runes? As you saw briefly, I've got a series of mysterious markings on my back. Been there for as long as I can remember. At any rate, they tend to disorient and generally mind screw those who stare at them." Shanoa stared forward, as if reliving harsh memories. "People tend not to appreciate them. I get threatened and called a witch alot. But hey, such is life." She tried to smile nonchalantly, with mixed results. "I don't suppose you happen to have any knowledge of that area, do you? It would be a lie if I said I wasn't looking for a way to remove my curse."(edited)

September 7, 2016

chuklfuk | wants to rp-Yesterday at 7:01 PM

Albion rubs the back of his neck, uncertain how to handle her history- the word 'witch' left a poor taste in his mouth. It hadn't been the kindest remark, sure, but... he wouldn't have said it if she hadn't pushed him so far. Right? "Well..." It would be a lie to say he was entirely unfamiliar with the sort of "mind screwing" she was referring to, and it piqued his curiosity- and his sympathy- but he didn't want to commit to a job he couldn't do. "...Probably not. I hate to ask, but- is the mark just on the surface of the skin? Can it be covered? Can you touch it?"(edited)

Deallocate-Yesterday at 8:01 PM

Shanoa shifted the set of boxes in her hands as she walked. "As far as I know, it's just on the surface. But I've never tried to cut away at it or anything." She continued speaking in a matter-of-fact voice. "It constantly exudes heat. The level of heat fluctuates under certain circumstances. As such, my mark can be covered, but anything that contacts it for long periods of time tends to catch on fire." She walked in front on him for a moment, her hair only barely managing to obscure the runes. "As fashionable as it is, my backless dress serves a purpose. And I grew my hair out specifically to cover the mark indirectly." She turned around to face him, walking backwards all the way. "And as for touching it... I don't recommend it. Apparently it's very unpleasant. And by that, I mean you're not guaranteed to live through the experience."

chuklfuk | wants to rp-Yesterday at 8:47 PM

"But you can, clearly- your skin isn't on fire. Or your hair. So it must be... attuned to you, in some way." The nature of that attunement was less clear- a protective spell against the heat, a defensive heat spell, or something else entirely. 'Cut it off' seemed like the most straightforward solution, but he doubted that answer was news to her- and there was no telling if the mark might resurface somehow, with the source unclear. "I'm afraid I can't offer you advice you haven't heard already." Her sullen attitude was difficult to ignore, as best as she tried to hide it- Albion felt compelled to say something positive. He smiles, trying his best to offer reassurance. "But I imagine you'll figure it out- you're quite the remarkable witch, after all. A few harsh words have no right to drag you down, so... cheer up." The exit to the long hall ends at the bright field outside the castle- Floribar's caravan can be seen preparing for its travels, the supply convoy among them. "That's where we're headed."(edited)

Deallocate-Yesterday at 9:33 PM

"Oh, but my hair can catch on fire. I know from experience. And it's not pleasant. But you're right, my skin never experiences the effects of the heat." She gave pause. "Huh. I never thought about that before." Shanoa fell back into step beside him. As Albion attempted to comfort her, she raised her eyebrows. "Oh, so you can play the part of the gentleman. You're so much more charming that way. I think it fits you rather well." She let out a small giggle, apparently back in a good mood as fast as it was originally fouled. "Okay, enough about boring old me. Tell me about yourself, Sir Albion. How does a merchant like you end up in a castle like this selling stuff like that?" She asked, directing her gaze pointedly to the boxes that they carried.

chuklfuk | wants to rp-Yesterday at 10:04 PM

"Just Albion, please. And I'm hardly a merchant- used to be a fortune teller, under the venerable Count Albane. Former venerable count now, I suppose. Now that I'm working for the young prince, I need gold- and I don't need a few cumbersome bottles." He chooses to omit where exactly where the herbs came from. The pair approaches the supply convoy itself- currently unattended, but under watch by guards. Albion sets down the boxes of merchandise, leaning against the nearby caravan.

Deallocate-Yesterday at 10:16 PM

The witch set down her box of materials next to his before dusting off her hands on her cloak. She eyed him warily, taking note of his limited display of details. "Well, I'm sorry to hear your previous life was ripped away from you. But not all too sorry. After all, I'd have never met you otherwise. And truth be told, you don't seem to be having that bad of a time right now." She looked back at the castle. "After all, we have some pretty cozy arrangements for the time being. And an exciting adventure ahead of us. People like you and me wouldn't normally have the chance to be a part of something bigger." Shanoa looked back at him, a wide grin on her face. "But now we're in the process of making history! You couldn't force me to go back to my old home in the forests for anything in the world."

chuklfuk | wants to rp-Yesterday at 10:31 PM

Albion chuckles. The mage was certainly a dreamer- personally, he was keeping an exit strategy in mind if things didn't work out. He had been lucky to salvage the loss of his previous employer with what he had. "True, things could certainly be worse. And I agree- I have a feeling the future is looking up." Albion taps the wooden board of the caravan he leans against, accentuating the silence. "Anyways... I appreicate the help, but it'll be quite some time before the merchant returns. I imagine you have things to attend to?"

Deallocate-Yesterday at 10:40 PM

Shanoa took the hint and nodded. "I suppose I do have some herbs I need to check up on. I'm going to use them for a poultice..." She gave a small wave. "But it was a pleasure meeting you, Albion. May we meet again soon. She turned to leave, and then thought better of it. "By the way. Your wyrmsbane and morlock. It's actually ginger and powdered talc." She winked. "Sorry for deceiving you. But on the other hand, you bloodroot is genuine. No idea where you picked that up, but be sure to keep good care of it, and above all, keep it out of sight."

chuklfuk | wants to rp-Yesterday at 10:49 PM

Albion tilts his head, surprised- he makes a mental note to hide the bottle, and quickly. "...I see." He smiles, seeing Shanoa off with a quick wave. "Take care, then."(edited)

Deallocate-Yesterday at 10:51 PM

"And you, handsome." With that, she skipped off back to the castle.

 

==END RP==