Curse

Marion · May 24, 2005, 09:00 AM // 09:00

"300 gold pieces for a square of fur?" The young warrior stammered somewhat confused as he scratched his head.

Marion sighed and tilted his head slightly as he watched the man try and make up his mind. He shrugged."Times are tough friend and such materials are not as abundant as they used to be. I wouldn't be so certain that you'd find a better price elsewhere."

"But even so...." the poor warrior was struggling. Marion couldn't be sure if it was the numbers that were confusing the brute so, or the fact that he had to think about something other than smashing things. He was growing impatient and other customers were waiting to spend money.

"Look, friend, You're heading to the shiverpeaks aren't you?"

"Well, yes, but..."

"Then you're going to need this fur to keep you warm. Feel how thick it is."
Marion handed the fur to the warrior, who inspected it, pretending to know exactly what to look for. " The wealth and treasure you find to the west will more than pay for this petty expense. It is an investment and one you would be wise to make. Just take it over there to Corwyn. Tell him Marion sent you and He will take care of you."

The young warrior sighed, pawing at the fur. Then without a word he slung the fur over his shoulder and untied his belt pouch, Tossing it to Marion. That jingle of coins was sweet music to Marion's ears as he caught the pouch and fingered the thick gold pieces thorugh the supple leather of their container. A smile tugged at the corners of his lips as he nodded to the warrior who grunted in reply, seemingly none to pleased with having given up all his gold on hand. The warrior turned abruptly and dissappeared down the dusty paths of Ascalon city.

As the warrior withdrew from sight, Marion's smile turned into a sneer, his fingers working their way into the pouch until his fingertips kissed the smooth surface of the gold within.
"Poor Brute." He thought. He chuckled softly to himself and wiped a long strand of thick blonde hair from his eyes.

Marion was rich. Quite rich. What could he say? The searing was good for business... well at least for those who were lucky to have been peddling weapons to the krytans when Ascalon fell. Business was what he was skilled at. He wasn't a warrior, not a mage by any means, he was a merchant and his quick tongue and influence had amassed him a small fortune. Especially after the searing, when most of the competition was levelled. Life in Post-searing Ascalon was tough... but Marion was quite comfortable. He lived for money, it was what he knew. Marion ran a rather modest shop in ascalon city. He preferred not to be flashy and most of the Ascalons were already familiar with him and for the most part trusted him. He dealt fairly and honestly with most customers but was slightly biased against fresh young warriors, seeking fame and fortune.

The sun was beginning to set and golden shafts of light poured through the ruins and shattered walls of once fair Ascalon. Shabby little huts and hastily erected shanties were engulfed in the shadows of the Broken reminders of days long past. Marion Placed the bag of gold in a locked chest behind him and Raked long thin fingers through his shoulder length blonde hair.
All sorts of customers were trying to fit in last minute shopping, perusing through his wide assortment of wares neatly arranged on tables, or hanging from racks. Marion had everything for sale. Bones, weapons, cloth, Idols, runes, powder, dyes.... anything and everything had a price. Marion breathed deep, his lips fading into a charming smile as he leaned forward over his desk and asked:

"Who's next?"

Strife · May 26, 2005, 02:44 AM // 02:44

The mercenary moved quietly through the ruined streets of Ascalon, his cold blue eyes trained ahead of him. He didn't attract much attention these days; shady figures were a common sight after the Searing. Merchants called half-heartedly from their tents and booths, their moods weighed down upon by the cheerless atmosphere and dusty air.

Work had been scarce after the Searing for the assassin. The destruction that the Charr had wrought against the once vibrant city had quelled many feuds and doused old hatreds, banding the survivors of that fateful day together in a fight for their survival. That was well for them, he supposed, but it still put him out of a job.

Now, the once potent killer named Ray Strife was forced to perform menial tasks for his wages. Because he refused to stoop to common thievery, he had applied his skills with his bow and blade to take care of the city guard's dirty work, tracking down and disposing of any hostile creature that may wander too close to the front gates. It was a waste of his talents, but he needed to eat.

However, fortune had smiled upon the cold, blue eyed hunter the previous night. He had chanced upon a gargoyle that had slain a rather rich merchant's porter, who happened to be carrying some gemstones of considerable value for his master. The fight hadn't lasted long, but gargoyles were notoriously hard to kill when they were guarding something. The money he would pawn from the gemstones would be enough to repair his shattered blade and a new set of leather armor.

As he continued on his way, he noticed a particular merchant dealing business with a few patrons. He appeared a bit more energetic than the other wretches lining the shattered streets. Turning, he made his way to the booth.

Though not as thick as some of the muscle bound warriors that roamed the streets, Ray was an intimidating figure. He stood tall and walked with a deadly confidence, with icy blue eyes that could have frozen a lake. His dirty blond hair was pulled back with a lose leather cord, a few strands brushing against his sun browned skin. Though most of his features were concealed by his cloth mask, his voice was clear as he stopped before the merchant.

"I need leather," he said with a cool voice that matched his eyes. His gaze wandered about the small shop, taking in every detail. His eyes gaze about the small shop, searching for any possible necessity he may need. When he located the rack holding a various assortment of weapons, he continued. "And a weapon." He had delt with merchants before, but from the gleam in this one's eye, he knew haggling would be a waste of time. He never was good at negotiating; when he wanted something, he generally took it. Instead, he produced a small leather bag and loosened it. Reaching in, he fished out a small red gem and placed it on the table. His eyes never left the merchant as he added, "A good weapon."

Marion · May 26, 2005, 12:41 PM // 12:41

Marion's golden eyes had followed the warrior into his shop and He could tell that this particular man had seen many battles and spilt much blood. Marion was a master of appraisal and he leaned forward across his desk spilling his blonde hair over his shoulders as His newest customer approached him.

"I need leather," The stranger said clearly through his leather mask.
Marion folded his hands together as He watched this man look around his shop. A polite smile remained on his face as Ray spied the weapon rack.
"And a weapon"
"Well you've come to the right..." Before Marion could finish his sentence This mysterious figure reached into a pouch and withdrew a bright red gem, setting it on the table before Marion's eyes. Now this was the kind of haggling Marion liked and his very blood sizzled with that familiar lust for all things valuable, though his outside appearance did not betray his inner desires to reach out and take it. His eyes lowered from the icy blue of the warrior to the deep red of the gem and He spoke softer so that his words were only heard by the two of them.

"I can see sir, that you are a customer of discerning tastes. I knew another merchant with a gem like this...." Marion chuckled softly and then reclined in his highback chair placing his hands behind his head as his eyes rested once more on the warrior.

"You're indeed a preferred customer of mine if you've taken out some of my competition. I have exactly what you need my friend. But first, you seem to me to be different from most of my other patrons. I think I've been looking for someone like you To help me with... a little task. Would you be intrested? I promise you I pay quite well."

Strife · May 26, 2005, 06:55 PM // 18:55

Ray listened quietly as the merchant talked. Deciding not to waste time explaining that he hadn't actually killed the merchant's competition, he arched a brow at the question he posed. It wasn't uncommon for a vendor to request aid in gathering certain materials outside of the ruined Ascalon walls, but it was rare for one to ask a complete stranger for a help with a task. The former assassin didn't require money at the moment, as the few gemstones he had left would pay for him for quite some time. However, he knew that in this time of shattered spirits, having a well placed ally could take one a lot further than a strong sword arm.

"What little task?" he inquired in his low, ice rimmed voice. He had placed a leather wrapped hand on the table, his finger idelly toying with the red gemstone, as if to insure that it wouldn't dissapear before he had recieved his goods. However, he knew that this merchant was probably one of the more well off, which meant he knew how to do business.

"There are many porters about these ruins," he continued, his eyes never wavering from the golden gaze of the other. "My services do not come cheap. You would be better off seeking out one of the desperate wretches that hang about the merchant's stores; you'd be sure to get a bargain out of them." He stopped as another customer ambled by, tossing a curious glance at the wares before trundling on.

His voice lowered slightly, he added, "What job could one such as yourself have that would require my aid?"

Marion · May 26, 2005, 09:22 PM // 21:22

Marion stood to his feet after Ray had spoken and looked past him to all of the customers still milling about in the store. He cleared his throat and clasped his hands before him saying as politely as he could in a loud voice
"Attention customers, the shop is closed for the night. Please make your way out and I'll be open again bright and early tomorrow morning. Thank you for your patronage."
All of the customers had watched him as he made his announcement and they all turned their heads away in unison when he was done. One by one the customers shuffled out of the shop and Marion gave some of his return customers a polite nod and a farewell. When Marion had been satisfied that the shop was empty save for Ray and himself, He turned his back to him and pulled out a small key from his coat pocket. He then proceeded to unlock a large and rather ornate chest which had been resting behind his chair.
"This is where I keep my most valuable merchandise."
He opened the lid and delicately placed a few shiny items aside, eventually pulling out a thick stack of leather squares. He turned around, and placed the leather flat on his desk beside the beautiful red gem.
This leather was not like the leather displayed elsewhere in the shop. One could tell just by looking at it that this leather was already superior to anything else found in Ascalon. Marion placed the fingertips of his right hand on the leather and kept his eyes downward as he spoke softly.

"Tydus has always taxed the merchants in Ascalon and we have put up with it just fine until now. The king's brat son Rurik is pressuring Tydus to levy a new tax on all imported materials and dyes to pay for his campaign against the Charr."
Marion shook his head and then lifted his eyes to meet those of the warrior.
"The merchant guilds have had enough and Rurik needs to know just how much sway we have in this land. We bear the economy of post searing Ascalon on our backs, not Him and his foolish and wasteful raids. so here is where you come in.
Tydus has a lover who goes by the name Amara. Cute thing she is, she is the only bright spot in Tydus' bleak life. Find her and hide her. Do not harm her. We just want to pressure Tydus to refuse the prince's request. Tydus would not dare move against the merchant guilds, He knows Ascalon will crumble if the merchant's are abolished."
Marion once more looked down at the supple leather which he had placed on his desk.
"I offer you this as a sign of my sincerity and trustworthiness. There will be more for you and much gold if you chose to participate. I will also find you a weapon of equal quality. What say you?"

Strife · May 27, 2005, 02:09 AM // 02:09

Ray studied the leather squares carefully as he listened to the merchant's proposal. He was a little dissapointed that this wasn't an assassination, but the man had a valid point. Rurik was well known for his overbearing furvor against the Charr; as much as a threat as they were, the consistant raids were taxing to the already frail economy. He wasn't a hot headed brainless warrior. He knew the problems a heavier tax on the merchants would pose for him in the future.

His eyes flicked up, locking with those of the man across from him. "This is an extreme undertaking that you propose, merchant. If one were caught in such an act, he could be tried for treason. While I hold no extensive manner of patriotism for our Prince, I would assume being caught between the Charr's spite and the crown's vengeance would make life...difficult."

He leaned forward, his hands planted firmly on the wooden table. "Under normal circumstances, I would suspect you were trying to catch me in some political game. However, as my reputation is no longer reknowned, I can only assume that your plight is genuine. I have one condition before I even agree to continue this discussion. I would have your name; then, I will give you my own in good faith. After that, we will discuss this task of yours."

relientK_fan · May 27, 2005, 02:10 AM // 02:10

A man dressed in a full black cloak walked through the meager streets of Ascalon City. Merchants in stalls and soldiers were returning to their homes and barracks. His time to operate. The Elementalist smiled slightly, and jumped lightly from a small cliff to the ground.

A rather stupid merchant had left some of his wares out. The thief pulled his backpack off and lifted some staves, wands, dyes, and swords into it, and slung his backpack around again. The impact knocked off his hood, revealing short, neat brown hair, and mud-brown eyes.

The crafty Elementalist put his hood back on, and walked to the shop of Marion. He peered in and knocked on the door. Another "shipment" would surely grab him at least a platinum piece.

Marion · May 27, 2005, 01:18 PM // 13:18

A moment of silence hung in the stale air of his merchant's booth as Marion and Ray locked gazes on one another, each trying to calculate the intent of the other. The wily thief poked his head in at that moment and Marion's attention was stolen and redirected towards the newcomer. He smiled brightly.
"Ah, my friend do come in... you know you are always welcome here. What have you got for me this time?"
He then looked back towards Ray and locked eyes with him once more. It was important that one maintained eye contact in negotiations such as these. The smallest hint of insincerity or cowardice would surely lead to betrayal and death. He spoke quietly to Ray.
"You see me and my friend here have a special deal worked out between the two of us. He brings me goods and I pay him for it. It's a nice little way to avoid much of the taxes. No questions asked. I do not inquire where he got the goods and he happily accepts my generous payment for them. It works out quite well for the both of us."
"The dangers my friend are considerable I know. However the question of whether or not you get caught is a matter of your own skill, is it not? If you are not so certain that you posess the talent necessary to complete an operation like this succesfully... Well then perhaps I should look elsewhere.
As far as my name is concerned, Like I said, I prefer a "No questions asked " policy. "
Marion then sighed and reclined in his chair, breaking his gaze with the former assassin.
"However, this is an important task and if you continue to persist in knowing my name I will tell you. Of course you could ask just about anyone else in Ascalon."

Strife · May 27, 2005, 02:11 PM // 14:11

Ray didn't bother to turn around, hearing the thid enter the shop. He continued to stare down at the merchant. Things would have to be concluded quickly, as he did not trust whoever it was that had just arrived.

"I don't ask many questions; anonymity is a personal friend of mine, as well. However, I require the name of my client for personal reasons. Consider it colateral. As for my being caught, regardless of one's skill, there is always a chance that one is discovered. Though it isn't likely, this is no simple assassination."

He brooded for a moment, turning his icy gaze to the gem on the table. "This gem is worth at least ten thousand in gold; however, fashioned into a ring or ornament, you could easily raise the price." He kept his voice low, intending his words for the merchant only. "Give me a bow worthy of this gem, and the gem is yours. After our little friend has left," he said motioning with a slight nod of his head to the third, "we'll continue this discussion. Now... your name."

relientK_fan · May 27, 2005, 09:06 PM // 21:06

"Don't mind me." the Elementalist smiled. "I took an oath of secrecy when I came to work here." he said with a sneer to Strife. "Swords, staves, and some materials. That Laren will catch me one day, but when he does, a nice Flare spell will teach him." he stated. "The name's Carth by the way. I need to rest here, like I said, don't mind me."

Marion · May 27, 2005, 10:36 PM // 22:36

Marion smiled and then nodded to Carth.
"Please just place the bag of goodies here by my desk, I will sort through them later. Feel free to rest here as long as you like."
He then redirected his gaze into the icy stare of Ray and smiled widely. With a slight chuckle he spoke.
"Marion Felronde. That's my name. To many around here its either a curse word or a phrase of delight. But that's it... so you have your collateral and I have your trust yes?"

He then sighed and took the beautiful red gem in hand. He held the gem up before his eyes for inspection and then pulled a small magnifier out from his desk to inspect it more closely for flaws.
"Ah yes... a very fine specimen. Indeed it is worth the price you state and I could take it to Laryn who could turn it into a very fine piece of jewelry. I can double the price of this I think."
With a smile he set the gem down and placed the magnifier back into the desk drawer. He then stood up and rummaged around in his chest of valuables.
"I believe I have just what you're looking for my friend."

He pulled from the rather large chest, a bow shaft and a small silk pouch.
the bow shaft was a beautifully crafted piece of art, smooth and stained with a deep black finish. Marion gently placed the bow shaft on his desk before ray and then opened the silk pouch and turned it upside down, releasing a shiny bow string onto the surface of his desk.
"As you may know my friend, the shining blade produces some of the finest rangers in all of Tyria. nobody can match their honed skills and refined marksmanship."
He smiled and Sat back down in his seat with a sigh, shifting his gaze back and forth between the bow and Ray.
"This particular bow was carved by a master ranger of the shining blade from the finest Yew in the maguuma jungle. It has been imbued with special magical qualities which will dramatically improve your marksmanship. The bow was stained with the boiled blood of all of the white mantle which this particular ranger had killed in his journeys. "
He then picked up the bow string and held it in the outstretched palm of his hand.

"This string was fashioned from the twined silk of the maguuma spiders and imbued with Magical properties which causes arrows to pierce even the toughest of armor. I have been told that this particular bowstring can make it seem that even the toughest white mantle knight is wearing armor of leaves and paper."
Marion set the bowstring on the desk and leaned back, folding his arms over his chest as his focus rested on Ray.
"I think combined, these two items would make a suitable weapon don't you think?"

Strife · May 27, 2005, 11:16 PM // 23:16

"We'll soon find out." Ray reached out and took the weapon, holding it up to take a closer look. His blood boiled as his fingertips ran gently down the smooth finished shaft, his heart pounding as he thought of the possibilities. Finally, he set the weapon back down on the table. "It will do... now, to business." Glancing at the one called Carth, he hesitated.

"This task will require a bit of intelligence. What information have you about this woman I'm to apprehend, and her whereabouts?" His demeanor had transformed into a more professional one, as if he were a merchant bartering with goods. "I'll need to know everything you know about her. If I need to gather my own intelligence, it will take more time. Is there a particular area in which you'd like me to deposit her for safe keeping?" As he spoke, his mind was already forming plots, calculating the risks versus possiblities, and never once leaving those of the merchant.

Marion · May 28, 2005, 05:00 PM // 17:00

Marion smiled having knowing that he had gained the warrior's confidence and then wrapped his thin fingers around the gem, placing it in the pocket of his cloak before he spoke.
"She lives in the remnants of the wall, where she is well guarded.... most of the time.
However I have been told that she sometimes ventures to the arena to watch the matches there, for some fresh air and entertainment. My sources tell me she has only one guard escort her to the arena and back and there are many dark nooks, crannies and hidden places on the way there and in the arena itself. It will not be easy, but if I had to make a suggestion I would say wait until she's at the arena, when everyone is focused on the match and drunk on Ale, then make your move. Take her outside of the city and keep her someplace safe and well hidden. Report back to me when this is finished."

Strife · May 28, 2005, 06:30 PM // 18:30

Shaking his head, the hunter replied, "There is no safe place outside of the city. If you want me to keep her out there, it's going to cost you extra." He paused, seeming to think for a few moments. "The arena is often crowded, but if she's held in high esteem by the Prince, she'll be put in a more esteemed position on the arena grounds. I won't be able to snatch her until either after the matches are over, or before she gets there."

He turned and folded his arms across his chest, lost deep in thought. Finally, he turned back to Marion. "Do you know who the guard is that escorts her to the games? Or better yet, where I can find him?"

Marion · May 28, 2005, 07:47 PM // 19:47

Marion was also lost in thought. Ray was right, it was not going to be as easy as he supposed. He sighed when Ray asked for more money to secure the lady outside of the city.
"I have given you two of my best items, the finest leather in Ascalon and still more money you ask? Very well, Take her to Sardelac. I can provide perhaps a cart or barrel you can stuff her in to get her in the gate there. After that nobody will notice you because of all the chaos there. I have an associate there who will watch for you and take over from there if that's the route you take."
Marion then nodded and leaned forward on his desk, folding his hands over one another.
"The guards change often as Rurik sends more and more willing young whelps to get killed by the charr hordes. However I believe he pulls those particular guards from the center section of the wall right behind the city since they are closest to her quarters. They are vanguard if my sources are correct and there is a small tavern built into the wall at the base of the old main gate where the guards go after their shifts are finished. That is all I know."

Strife · May 28, 2005, 10:41 PM // 22:41

Ray nodded, pushing a few rebel strands of dirty blind hair away from his icy blue eyes. "Very well. I'll get the girl and hide her away. Have your carts ready just in case; I may not need them." He hesitated a moment, then took the leather pieces and placed them in a pouch on his side. "I'm going to gear up. There's a match tomorrow between a few favored gladiators at the arena. I'm sure her ladyship will attend."

He remained quiet for a few moments as he collected his thoughts. Finally, he picked up the bow and strapped it to his back, turning on his heel. "Have your man ready to meet me this time tomorrow. If he's not there, I'll be forced to take her out into the wilds myself. If that happens, you'll have to fashion that gem into something more valuable than a ring to pay the expense."

Ray stopped at the door, glancing over his shoulder. "This is a big job, merchant Marion. I suppose I should thank you for giving me something to do other than hunt Charr and gargoyles. However, should anything go wrong... We never had this discussion." Turning back to the door, he murmured, "And now, to pay our faithful guard's of the East wall a visit."

Marion · May 29, 2005, 03:27 AM // 03:27

Marion peered at Ray as the warrior turned and made his way toward the door. He kicked his feet up on the desk and formed his fingers into a little steeple before his unflinching gaze.

"I have confidence in your abilities my friend. If you succeed we will both be better off and you may come by my shop for anything you may need in the future free of charge. The other merchant's will recognize your favor as well.
My contact's name is Sarek. he poses as one of the lunatics there at Sardelac. I will send word tonight that he should be expecting you by tomorrow evening. Should you be needing anything else a cart with empty barrels will be standing by at the Arena exit. If anything goes wrong we will most likely never see eachother again. good luck sir."

relientK_fan · May 29, 2005, 04:38 AM // 04:38

"Now that he's gone, here's the goods." Carth said as Ray left. He pushed the backpack onto the table and opened it. "Dyes, leather, iron, steel, fur, swords, and staves. How much do you want it for?" he asked. It was a routine now. Steal, report to marion, get paid, wash, rinse, repeat. Carth wanted to do more with his life.

Marion · May 29, 2005, 02:24 PM // 14:24

Marion grabbed the bag and undid the tie which fastened the top. He opened it up wide and looked inside, rummaging through the goods, smiling at somethings, not looking so pleased with some of the others.
"good... good...hmmm.... not so good.... oh this will do nicely..."
When Marion was finished he looked up at Carth and smiled.
"Not a bad haul today Carth my friend. But not your best. I'll give you 1500."
With that he reached into his desk and pulled out a purse of 1000 gold pieces, He set it on the table and then grabbed another 1000 gold purse emptying it halfway to make a total of 1500. He pushed the gold towards Carth.
"Here you go... don't spend it all in one place now."

relientK_fan · May 29, 2005, 07:37 PM // 19:37

Carth smirked. "I won't." he said. He put the bags of gold in the folds of his cloak, and left the shop. 'What now?' he thought.((Really, what next?))