Fortune's Favor — IC

[Namelessjake]

"The Piazza," Ciraco agrees, following the dwarf through the city streets. "Yes that was significantly easier than I expected," the mercenary says as the pair talk. "There definitely is the temptation to do this on own our, however Fulke could make things difficult in which case some backup wouldn't hurt. It should put us in better standing with the Saluccis too which could lead to more coin in the long run," he says, explaining the position he had reasoned himself into during their conversation with the Tulrissian. He looks to the dwarf eager to hear his thoughts.
 

[ratwizard]

Idrig mulls the opportunity over in his mind, taking a moment to respond. "Yes, I suppose it would be the lower-risk option. We got off easy with just the two of us, but who knows what this fellow is truly capable of. If he came across the sea to kill a single son, he's likely to have some sort of assistance."

He sighs. I don't intend to stay here any longer than I need. Long-term gains mean nothing to me. The favor of this foolish family means nothing to me. Still, we should see a large payout with kidnapping the crown prince. I need to stay safe, and lay low until then.

[Namelessjake]

"Exactly," Ciraco replies. "I'd put the two of us as the most competent of the group by quite a ways, but more bodies doesn't hurt and Nyx's magic has proved useful so far too. That said I do wonder how cut out the others are for a hit like this. The Cyclops and his men was one thing but the context was different," the Brenissian ponders, thinking of their less hardened comrades.

"They don't have to be the ones to land the killing blow though I suppose. I know I won't lose any sleep over it," he shrugs after a brief pause.

[ratwizard]

"Nor I," Idrig agrees. He's right, there are few among these fellows that are truly cut out for this line of work. The Saluccis will find that out sooner or later.

"More help means more shares of the payment to split, however. Are you alright with that? I think it's worth it, reducing our risk at least."

[Namelessjake]

"The coin would be nice, but I agree," Ciraco says. "And like I said before, showing we can be trusted should lead to more coin down the road," he adds. In general I'd rather still be going it alone than working with such a large operation, but that wasn't exactly going great before getting contacted by Gina. If the Saluccis are willing to throw this much gold around there must be a lot more of it in their vaults. I can always leave if things start to get too dangerous, he thinks as the talk of working as a larger team reminds him of the fate that befell his old mercenary company in Talguta.

[ratwizard]

"Then I am glad that we can agree," Idrig says with a decisive nod. "Here is hoping the rest of our collections go as well as this one."

At least we have the largest of debts taken care of first.

OOC

Take us away, Scratch!

[Scratcherclaw]

Idrig & Ciraco

With your destination in agreement, you start your way towards the Piazza, weaving through the side streets and busy main thoroughfares, filled with locals and tourists alike as the midday sun hangs overhead. The streets only grow more crowded as you find yourself closer to the beating heart of Teiros, soon arriving at the famed Piazza Vittoria. You recall mention of a restaurant named Sekiko, the source of your quarry.

The plaza is lined with assorted shops and restaurants, crowds of tourists shuffling about, street performers performing dazzling spectacles, merchants shouting out at passersby. Sign after sign are posted above each building, painted and plastered in bold colors and eye-catching fonts—an irony that makes them all look the same, rather than stand apart. Aromas of assorted foods drift through the air, foreign and familiar alike. The city is alive, and you have a restaurant to find.

OOC

Gib perception and/or streetwise

[ratwizard]

Idrig is no native to Teiros, but he's also no stranger to finding his way around cities. Still, it takes him a few moments to get his bearings due to the heavy traffic and activity at the Piazza.

Mechanics

Streetwise: 1d20+8 10

[Namelessjake]

Ciraco looks out across the plaza, scanning the surrounding shops and restaurants for Sekiko. Trying his best to block out the other distractions around them.

Mechanics

Perception: 1d20+12 17

[FinalTemplar]

Narciso smiles, taking one of the now-empty seats. "Business, but a spot of tea would be nice. I would like for things to go positively today, if possible." He says, speaking in a low tone. "I do believe your name is Hiroto Kazama, correct? We're here to collect on a debt you owe." He continues, taking a sip of tea. "I do hope that's not a problem." He says with a smile as he places his tea cup back down gently, looking over at the remaining man.

[Fialova]

Nyx had nearly worked up the nerve to speak first, only to find - to her great relief - Narciso speaking instead. She gives her best fake smile and takes a seat after her companion, looking towards the man seated before them. "Tea sounds nice, thanks," she says, when offered. Now how will he react to learning we want his money? He must have known this was coming. Hopefully he is polite about it and we don't have to try to force him.

[Scratcherclaw]

Idrig & Ciraco

Idrig

With how dense the crowd is at this hour, and given your shorter stature, you find it difficult the find the restaurant. However, you do notice a toddler making staring directly at you for an uncomfortable period of time.

Ciraco

As you scan through the plaza, your eyes lock on an intricately-designed red and black sign posted above a building. The Amkharan characters catch your eye, and you notice Sekiko written in traditional Common letters next to it. There are a pair of large windows in the front of the building, and you're able to tell that the restaurant is quite busy, likely the late lunch rush.

Nyx & Narciso

The man sets down his cup, his lips curling into an almost sinister smirk. "Indeed I am." He takes another slow sip, eyes slowly looking between the two of you, his gaze piercing and intense as a tiger's. "Perhaps you may do me the honor of explaining why I should pay this debt, if the best Gina could send was three lost kittens. That she chose to not visit herself wounds me, and I do not take kindly to such slights." He sets his teacup down again and crosses his arms, his sleeves slightly riding up and revealing fairly muscular forearms covered in tattoos.

[Namelessjake]

"Over there," Ciraco says pointing out the restaurant and setting off towards it, not waiting for a response from Idrig. He heads for the door keeping an eye out for the others as he does. Assuming he doesn't spot them he opens the door and steps inside the restaurant.

[ratwizard]

Idrig frowns at the small child, ignoring his gaze while he searches. Frustrated, he finally sticks his tongue out at the child before hastily following after Ciraco. It is no wonder that few dwarves travel the world. The surface peoples can be insufferable.

[Fialova]

The way the man speaks, the smugness and arrogance he exudes, all rub Nyx the wrong way. She thinks of the customers she has had to deal with at the Carnevale, the managers she had to serve, and all of the shit she had to put up with for years as a glorified slave of the Clowns. Her nervousness begins to melt away as her past frustrations let her know exactly what kinda of man she is dealing with, and all the similar men in the past she never got to stand up to.

"And why would Gina choose to grace you with her presence when you seems so keen to go back on your deal with her? Enough so that when even a single word of payment is mentioned, you immediately try to find a way out of it? I imagine she doesn't take kindly to such slights either," she says, narrowing her eyes to the man as her fake smile fades into a much more appropriate frown.

[Scratcherclaw]

Idrig & Ciraco

Moving through the midday plaza crowd, you find yourself at Sekiko's entrance. It has a large wooden set of double doors, intricately carved with symbols of the Ghian spirits. Flanking it are two open-air windows, which you can see have paper screens that can slide to close them. Peering in, you find the restaurant to be quite busy, with dozens of tables filled with patrons, and waiters weaving through while carrying intricate dishes on wooden trays.

In the corner, you spot who you believe to be Nyx, Narciso, and Luca, seated at a table with a young Amkharan man in a red and black robe.

A pleasant savory smell wafts in your direction, grilled meats and vegetables, and other unfamiliar but enticing odors. As you step inside, a young Amkharan woman behind a small wooden counter bows to you. "Welcome to Sekiko. A table for two?"

Nyx & Narciso

Hiroto's eyebrows raise at Nyx's outburst, and his lips curl into an almost devilish smile. "My, my, the kitten has a mighty roar. But does she have claws?" He sighs and leans forward in his chair, clasping his hands together. "You speak as if you know anything of my deal. But I would make a deal with you instead." His grin widens. "How about you fight for the honor of House Salucci. All of you, against my men. Nothing so gruesome as a battle to the death, of course. Just a friendly skirmish." He taps his fingers together, looking between the three of you. "If you win, I will pay my debts, and then some. Think of this as verifying my investment, yes?"

[ratwizard]

Idrig ignores the woman for a moment, leaving Ciraco to reply to her. Instead, he quietly peers over at Nyx and the others, trying to determine if their arrival would be helpful — or harmful for the collection attempt.

Mechanics

Insight & Perception: 1d20+1 12 1d20+1 4

 

[Scratcherclaw]

Idrig

You're unable to determine exactly how the conversation is going at the table, although you notice your companions and your apparent target drinking tea together.

[FinalTemplar]

Narciso grits his teeth, setting his jaw firm as he adjusts in his seat. "And you think that's such a wise idea?" He asks trying to compose himself. "You seem pretty confident, you seem to think you know us. I'm shocked, honestly, that you are so perceptive." Narciso blinks a few times. He clears his throat, and says; "I don't think a skirmish is a wise idea. We don't want anyone slipping up and getting hurt --- Nor does anyone want any trouble. Pay your debt, and we'll leave you be, nothing further." He leans back. "I don't want to fight your men. You use them as a shield, thinking that behind them you're impenetrable. You're not, Hiroto." He says calmly, and seems quite focused. "You're not."

Mechanics

Intimidation attempt: Intimidating the Dude: 1d20+1 9

[Namelessjake]

"They're sat over there," Ciraco says to Idrig, ignoring the hostess. "Should we join them?" He asks, wondering how they should play things out. There's no way to know if our arrival will help or hinder the task at hand, he thinks, trying to gauge how the conversation is going.

Mechanics

Perception & Insight: 1d20+12 31 1d20+5 14

[Fialova]

Nyx is annoyed even further when the man seeks only to belittle her - their entire group - and suggests a duel instead. As he speaks she brings her shadow into the booth next to him, small at first, but it slowly begins to creep behind and around him, a small hand-like shape forming from behind, around his neck, before forming a more paw-like shape with visible claws. 

"I think we should just do the exchange now, and save your men the humiliation. You wouldn't want others to know they were torn apart by a kitten, would you?"

Mechanics

Casts Shaped Consciousness, and uses intimidate
Shaped Consciousness Intimidation: 1d20+5 24

[Scratcherclaw]

Ciraco

From where you're standing, you can tell that your quarry wears a somewhat smug look on his face, though seems relatively calm and collected. Nyx and Narciso, however, appear agitated, based on their body language and what you hear of their voices. From what you can hear, it sounds like the man is not eager to pay his debt. You notice him rolling up his sleeves as well, revealing muscular arms covered in tattoos of different Ghian spirits, particularly of lions in combat with dragons.

After a few moments, you also a menacing shadow appear behind your target, starting to wrap around him, with a shadowed claw forming near his neck. You can notice Hiroto's eyes widen, both in shock and amazement.

Nyx & Narciso

Hiroto stifles a laugh as Narciso's words seem to fall flat upon the man. "My boy, I can hold my own, as can my men." He rolls up his sleeves further, showing tattoos of different Ghian spirits, particularly lions in combat with dragons. "The Blood Lions don't take weaklings among their ranks." He takes another slow sip of his tea, keen eyes immediately catching the shadowy figure take shape and wrap around him. His eyes widen, both in shock and what appears to be genuine amazement. He touches his neck a few times, feeling if the shadow is tangible. "Perhaps I misjudged you... If this is who Gina has trusted, then I will accept. But you alone, Lioness of Shadow. Your friends have yet to prove their worth." He sighs and flashes an oddly calm smirk. "Now then, how much was agreed upon?"

Narciso

You immediately recall the Blood Lions from your life back in Talguta. It was members of that gang who chased you and Yuuto years ago, capturing Yuuto and leaving you to suspect he was murdered at their hands.

[FinalTemplar]

A sudden spark of rage ignites behind Narciso's eye, "1200 gold." He says, barely finding it in himself to speak plainly to him. He shifts himself in his seat, watching for any sudden movements from the man.

Mechanics

I'd like to mark him as my Hunter's Quarry, with intent to attack if he antagonizes Narciso further. In some attempt of restraint, he'd be attempting to do so non-lethally, if only to prove a point.

[Fialova]

Nyx does her best not to show it, but she feels pride in seeing the man's change in demeanor, and his apparent newfound respect for her. The Lioness of Shadow. I don't know if I live up to that, but it definitely works for this moment. "It is as he says," she replies to the man, at his mention of payment. As she speaks, her shadow begins to shrink and return to the seat next to them, taking now the form of a kitten sitting patiently in the seat it was summoned in. 

[Namelessjake]

"It looks like they may have things in hand but they don't look too willing to pay. Let's go join them," Ciraco says to Idrig, a slight smirk forming on his face as he spots Nyx's shadow trick at work. The Brennissian then steps past the hostess, making his way towards the table where the others are sat.

Nearing the table he stands several feet back from it, not wanting to alert the Amkharan to his presence yet but close enough to listen in on the conversation.

[ratwizard]

"Aye, let's," the dwarf replies, following after. As he passes the hostess, he turns to address her with a wink. "We've got it covered."

[Scratcherclaw]

Nyx & Narciso

"Ah," Hiroto says, maintaining eye contact solely with Nyx. "I shall have one of mine fetch it from the vault, if I may ask for your patience." You catch him waving down a young, thin man and whispering something to him. The man nods and disappears through a door in the rear of the restaurant. "While we wait, perhaps you might like some dessert? Ujikintoki is perfect on a hot Brennisian day." He glances at Narciso for a moment, and then to the shadowy kitten beside him. "And perhaps some saucers of milk for the kittens."

Idrig & Ciraco

The waitress only seems to sigh and get back to her work as you stride past her, approaching the table. As you walk, you notice the shadowy tendrils enveloping the Amkharan shrink down, forming into a kitten seated next to him. You spot a young, thin man approaching the table for a moment, with your quarry whispering something to him, before the man disappears into the kitchen. Once you're close enough to the table, you hear him say, "Perhaps you might like some dessert? Ujikintoki is perfect on a hot Brennisian day." You catch him glancing at Narciso and the shadowy kitten and adding, "And perhaps some saucers of milk for the kittens."

[FinalTemplar]

Narciso visibly stiffens up, clenching his fist tightly under the table. He seems to watch as the young man disappears.

Hiroto&Nyx

Narciso glares at Hiroto as he speaks, very quickly beginning to lose his temper with the man. He watches as he waves over a smaller man, probably a messenger, and sends him off. He attempts to relax once more, steadying himself, until... That BASTARD. He thinks, suddenly shooting up from his seat and attempting to toss a firm punch squarely in Hiroto's face.

Mechanics

Narciso unarmed strike: Knock his block off!: 1d20+8 16 1d4+6 10 1d8 2 Ambush Tactics damage: 1d6 2 If it comes to it, I'm aiming for non-lethal damage.

[Scratcherclaw]

Emboldened and enraged, Narciso attempts to punch Hiroto. The Amkharan deftly holds out an open palm, catching the fist in it. He squeezes down on it for a moment, looking right at Narciso. "My, such anger. And for what?" He shakes his head, bringing Narciso's arm down upon the table. "No matter. It just means you'll have to skip dessert." With his other hand, he makes a strange claw-like gesture. A few moments later, two tall, imposing Amkharan men in red and black happi coats approach from behind Narciso. Their arms are similarly-muscled, if not more, than Hiroto's, and they have similar tattoos with lion iconography.

The pair grab a hold of Narciso's arms, pulling him from his seat with seemingly little effort. Not waiting for any further instruction or objections, they drag him through the doors in the rear of the restaurant, likely the kitchen.

Nyx & the Eavesdroppers

The kitchen doors close, and Narciso goes out of sight. "Do not worry. I will return him later, and have a word with your employer about this display. He simply needs to be taught a lesson." He shakes his head and sighs, staring at his open palm for a moment before looking back to Nyx. "But this will not change our deal, Lioness. You impressed me, and I will still reward that."

A few moments later, the same thin man from earlier returns, setting down a large bowl of green shaved ice, topped with what looks like beans. He also retrieves a modest pouch from his pocket, setting it down on the table with a jingle. He gives a short bow before disappearing into the back again. "Your coin is there. But please, dig in." He gestures to the strange dessert before you, taking a spoonful himself and tasting it.

Narciso

Whether you flail or fight it, the two men effortlessly drag you to the back, and you find yourself in a busy kitchen filled with counters and prep stations, chefs barely paying any mind to you. This leads you to believe this is a regular occurrence. They continue dragging you until you end up in a dark, empty room towards the very back. They throw you down onto the stone floor, standing over you. "Boss says you need to be taught a lesson. Can't just try to attack someone without consequence, kodomo."

Keeping a firm foot on your chest, they each give a firm slap upon your face, each one taking a cheek. It stings for a moment, but the pain soon subsides, and they lift you up again, dragging you into a room with multiple basins and dishes, with some men and women washing flatware. "You do dishes. Be grateful this all for punishment," the other man says in somewhat broken Common. They lean against the wall, apparently supervising while you work.

OOC

Impromptu skill challenge to determine how good you do, should you choose to do as they say!
Roll Dexterity to handle the fragile dishes
Roll Endurance to handle the heat of the kitchen
Roll Perception to spot the dirtiness that must be scrubbed off
Roll Acrobatics to stack the clean dishes

[FinalTemplar]

Feeling rather shocked and embarrassed, Narciso can't even bring himself to attempt to escape their grips. In fact, he doesn't say a single word the entire time they 'punish him'. He had felt so sure of himself only for this to nearly go as bad as it could go. He brings up a hand to his face, seemingly checking for blood before glancing back at the 'guards'. After feeling satisfied there was none, he takes a moment to assess the situation. After thoroughly convincing himself that he didn't stand a chance, he quietly got to work with the task he was given.

Mechanics

Multiple rolls: Dex > Endurance > Perception > Acrobatics: 1d20+3 6 1d20+1 12 1d20+7 21 1d20+9 27 Results are in the same order as the title suggests.

[Namelessjake]

Ciraco's hand instinctively goes to his sword as Narciso swings at the Amkharan. But he doesn't move as the man easily catches the punch and Narciso is dragged off. "They can keep him if they like. That was far from professional," the mercenary says to Idrig with a signature smirk.

"It seems like this is handled now, we should maybe wait outside," he says as he sees the coinpurse set on the table.

[Fialova]

Nyx watches in mild annoyance as Narciso lunges towards their mark and host, after he'd already agreed to their terms. What is he thinking? This man must have pushed a button somehow for him to get that angry. Her annoyance turns to concern as he is dragged away before her, though that is quickly alleviated by Hiroto's words. She nods to him, somewhat skeptical of his motives, but believing his show of respect. When offered the food, she waits til he takes a bite to take one of her own. It is quite good, she thinks.

[ratwizard]

Idrig's eyes light up as Narciso stands up and throws an errant punch. He watches the man get dragged away with both entertainment and selfish concern for the status of the job. I hope this doesn't affect our payout.

"You're right about that," he says to Ciraco quietly, also eyeing the coinpurse. "That dessert looks delectable though. It's a shame we can't have a bite."

He beckons the mercenary along as he makes for the door. "Were you to bet upon it, what would you say they're doing to him back there? This sort seems much too creative and cruel for something trite as a beating."

[Namelessjake]

Ciraco follows Idrig back out of the restaurant, finding a nearby piece of street ornamentation to lean on while they wait for the the others to emerge. "He may return to us missing a finger or some other piece of himself," the Brennisian postulates with slight chuckle at the young man's misfortune.

"Whatever it is I'm sure it will temper his temper."

[ratwizard]

"Either that, or spur him further into impulsiveness," Idrig says with a shrug as he pulls out a vial to spin between his fingers absentmindedly as they wait. He turns to Ciraco, studying the man for a moment. "What's your aim here?" he asks, eyes narrowed in curiosity. "With the Saluccis, I mean. You trying to settle into their ranks? Or are you just here for the coin, wherever it comes from?"

He doesn't seem the type to lick a boot and grow roots... at least not with this family. He's got too much experience to be bossed around by a failing dynasty doing their desperate best to maintain relevancy.

[Namelessjake]

"My aim?" Ciraco asks, repeating the dwarf's question back to him as he thinks. "My loyalties have always lain with whoever is paying me the most, so I guess the latter," he replies after a brief moment of introspection. "That hasn't worked out as well as it could have so far though, so who knows? Maybe this could be a longer term thing," he adds after another brief pause, as he is reminded once more of the end his old mercenary company met.

"What's yours?" he asks, partly out of genuine curiosity but also not wanting the conversation to be a one way transaction. Everything does feel like a transaction with this dwarf. I feel like most people he interacts with don't even realise that though.

[ratwizard]

"Naturally. You can't buy a meal with loyalty. Coin is king," Idrig asserts, finding himself agreeing with the human. When the question is turned on himself, he shakes his head. "They're fair employers, but the Saluccis are little more than a means to an end for me. I care not for this city. As soon as I pay my debts and take back what is mine, I will find better pastures. But in the mean time, I will do as they ask of me."

He frowns, however, remembering the alchemist he had struck an unlikely bond with, researching together. "Teiros isn't without its hidden boons, though. I will grant it that."

[Scratcherclaw]

Nyx

"It is good, yes?" Hiroto says with a plain smile. "Perhaps I may introduce you to dango one of these days. I should quite like to hear more of your exploits, Lioness." Gradually, the mound of shaved ice is worn down, and nothing is left but an empty bowl. A waitress hurriedly picks it up as she passes by, disappearing with it into the back. Hiroto stands from his seat, nodding to you. "I've business to attend to, as I'm sure you do as well. Worry not, though. Your companion should be out shortly." He bows to you and taps on the coin-filled pouch on the table, and disappears into the back.

After a few minutes have passed, Narciso exits from the back. His clothes are quite wet, with some spots almost soaked. Getting a closer look at him, you notice something scratched into his face. It's just barely drawn any blood, so you can tell it's not a deep scratch. Looking further at it, you can see it's shaped like 子, though the meaning is unknown to you.

Narciso

You slip up at first, nerves still quite agitated, whether you want them to be or not. The sound of shattering glass echoes emptily through your ears before you realize what you've done. "Damn it, be more careful," the one man says. Between the pressure and the building heat in the room, you break a few more. However, those you do clean are spotless and stacked perfectly. Your clothes, however, are quite wet. But you know this is nothing the warm Brennisian sun won't fix.

After some time passes, Hiroto enters the room, crossing his arms to look at you. "This is how my mother would punish me when I misbehaved as a child. And so those who behave as children receive the same fate." His lackeys move to grapple your arms, and he moves closer to you again, digging beneath his robe and pulling a lion's tooth necklace. Standing almost face-to-face, he presses the sharpened tooth against your cheek, dragging it along. The stinging pain is short-lived, though, and Hiroto steps back and smiles at you. "I trust the next time we meet, it will be as adults." He pats you on the shoulder and takes his leave. The two hulking men corral you back to the dining room, where you find Nyx and Luca still awaiting you.

[Fialova]

"Yes, it is good," Nyx admits, her anger towards the man subsiding some at his change in tone and hospitality. One minute he is threatening to make us fight his guards. The next, he is offering sweets and asking my life story. I will never understand the people of this city.

As the man leaves, she nods, not having reason to doubt his words anymore. She waits patiently at the table, watching for Narciso. When he finally appears, her eyes widen at the sight of him, more out of shock that he seems so unscathed, something she did not expect. He does not seem bruised, and is barely bloodied. What did they do to him in there? Perhaps these men are not as brutal as they seem.

"Are you alright?" she asks, once he walks into earshot. "We should get back so you can get changed," she continues, as she glances at his soaking clothing. Maybe a bath too. If not to wash grime, to wash away the day.

[FinalTemplar]

Narciso does the dishes, still absolutely shaken by the guards throwing him around... unsurprisingly he breaks a few dishes and yet the guards don't hit him. He finds himself unable to look Hiroto in the eyes as he speaks, and then he's dragged off by the guards.

He starts at the ground as he listens to Nyx's words, finally returning to the present. "I haven't been hurt,"[/b] he said, nodding. "You're right. If there's nothing else to get, we should get back.."

[Namelessjake]

"I can respect that," Ciraco replies. He curiosity is piqued by Idrig's mention of debts and taking back what is his, wondering what they both could be, although he doesn't press the subject further, expecting the dwarf will not be very forthcoming with those details.

"Where would you go then? Where is better pastures? Back underneath a mountain?" The Brennisian asks with another slight smirk. Most places I've been you're always knee deep shit, at least Terios seems to have some opportunities amongst the shit.

[Scratcherclaw]

Nyx & Narciso

With nothing else to do in the restaurant, you make your way back into the plaza. The sun is warm, being past midday by now, and a warm breeze sweeps through. You notice Idrig and Ciraco nearby, seemingly chatting near another storefront.

Idrig & Ciraco

After some time passes, your three companions finally exit the restaurant. Resting your eyes upon Narciso, you notice his clothes are quite wet, with some spots almost soaked. Getting a closer look at him, you notice something scratched into his face. It's just barely drawn any blood, so you can tell it's not a deep scratch. Looking further at it, you can see it's shaped like 子, though the meaning is unknown to you. Beyond this, he appears unscathed.

[Fialova]

"That is good," Nyx replies, offering the man a weak smile. She grabs the bag of coin from the table and heads outside, where she spots Idrig and Ciraco already waiting for them, surprised to see them again so soon.

"Oh, you're here!" the woman says, more out of shock than excitement. "We just finished up, have the coin here," she says, motioning for the sack as she jingles it slightly. "How was it for you?" she asks. Was their mark as rude as ours? I feel like any would be annoyed to have money asked of them, but at least this worked out in the end.

[ratwizard]

"Where would you go then? Where is better pastures? Back underneath a mountain?" 

"No, I left the mountain kingdoms for good reason." He takes a deep breath, considering the question. "I suppose Ghia. I've heard there are alchemists there that would put the rest of the world to shame. But who's to say?"

Their conversation meets a quiet end as he notices the others exit the restaurant. The boy is unmarred, other than that strange symbol. I wonder how his mind fares, then. He is lucky his punch did not connect. His eyes turn to Nyx, and the sack of coin she jingles.

"Well done," he says, his face curling into a smile beneath his beard. "We had similar success. We collected the debt, and perhaps even a new opportunity."

[Namelessjake]

"What happened to you!?," Ciraco asks seeing the wet Narciso approaching, laughing as he does so.

"At least you still have all your fingers I suppose, that could have gone a lot worse," he says, before glancing at the man's hands to check he does indeed still possess all of his fingers.

"Yeah our mark was nothing we couldn't handle," he boasts after Idrig explains their successes.

[FinalTemplar]

Narciso rolled his eyes, clearly annoyed and frustrated at being embarrassed so handily. "As I said to Nyx, I'll be fine. The only thing really damaged here is my ego." He says, clearly trying to downplay it, or make a joke of it, but not really having the energy to. "I'm sorry for nearly throwing the job. It will not happen again." He looks down at the ground, not really finding it within himself to make eye contact with anyone.

[Fialova]

"Oh, what opportunity?" Nyx asks Idrig, curious to know what the two men discovered. "I am not sure if we gained a specific opportunity, but Hiroto seems to respect me now, so that should help us in the future. Maybe he will pay on time from now on," she says, trying not to feel too confident after the success. Hopefully we don't have to keep asking each time. I don't think I can do that on command.

[ratwizard]

"And eliminate the Saluccis need for us?" Idrig adds as a consequence to Nyx's efforts, though mostly in jest. "Maintaining a debt or two is what I call job security."

The dwarf nods at Narciso's apology, satisfied that the brash Brennisian seems to have learned himself a lesson.

"The opportunity came from the Tulrissian noble, Bretz. It turns out he's parted ways from his murderous father back in the Heartlands, who has sent his pet executioner to finish the job. Now obviously, a dead Bretz would be an upset for the Saluccis, so we shall bring the matter to our patron first."

[Namelessjake]

"He won't even be expecting it, so it should be easy coin," Ciraco adds to Idrig's summary of Bretz's job offer.

"Let's head back to the Villa," he says, seeing no reason not to starting heading back to their base of operations. Assassination and abducting the Prince. Things sure are escalating. As should the rewards.


 

[Fialova]

"Oh," Nyx says, her eyes widening some as Idrig explains their lead. "That does sound bad, yeah." By comparison, that makes our conversation with Hiroto seem kinda trivial. But we got the money, that's what matters.