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Post by Karen on Jan 19, 2014 22:41:05 GMT -6
Rumor has it there lies a certain island in the Western Isles. A haven of thieves, of spies, of even the most dangerous of assassins. Watched over by faceless sentinels of neutrality. A place of great bounty, where even the rarest of treasures might not be so far out of grasp. It was rumor, myth, and legend all in one. No matter the person you ask, everyone denied. After all, who would confirm it? Of course, that isn't always the case either.
From the port of Valor there was a Captain who's ship always made a special stop on their voyages.
The sea breeze coasted through the air as the ship began to pull into port. A bazaar from the very get go once someone stepped off. And those that did were either of the crew or otherwise cloaked from head to toe or walked with a certain confidence to their gait. They came in all different sizes and even shapes in a manner of speaking. Thin to portly, tall to short, and even young to old.
The isle of "Mystique" was never exactly witty in it's name, but it was where those of the shadows liked to go. For information, for gold, even to hire on another assassin to join them in their work. "It's been sometime since I was here." Karen muttered in reflection. The Elimine Acolyte wasn't exactly the only one who looked the part, even in this locale. A plethora of people milled about in the bazaar portion of the port, out for all kinds of parcels and trinkets. Or other accoutrements of a less physical nature.
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Post by Jya on Jan 19, 2014 22:55:45 GMT -6
Jya was in a rather peculiar situation on the island, having been practically stranded in her own right. This place was full of people with similar aptitude as her. At the very least, nobody she met had actually said anything of their profession. It was both easing and worrisome in her own mind. A direct question was never answered, there was so much hush hush talks that she didn't understand. At the very least, she knew to keep her mouth shut.
This leads to her first predicament, she didn't know how to leave. The only way she managed to land on the island was through the method of stowing away. She was hoping to take a boat back to the mainland after taking a look around the isles, while attempting to avoid what she considered to be pursuers. The people here didn't question her at least, bound by some twisted code of their own. It left her rather defenseless as she struggled to figure out how to communicate.
Unlike so many others, she wasn't clad in cloaks or shrouds. Actually her face was much safer then her usual wear. She actually didn't look as well kept as the others either. Her green clothing was torn in various areas, worn down from many confrontations. However if one looked beyond the cloak, they would find weapons that were sharp and ready to take a life. The problem was finding a job, she didn't know how to go about doing it. She needed money to get off this island, perhaps if she keeps her eyes and ears alert, she will find something. She already had a few stares, some people whispering about the wraith, but it seems her credibility was discounted most of the time thanks to her look and presentation. Nobody was stupid enough to show their face like she did, but once again, it was safer this way. Her face was unknown, compared to her green. Plus she hoped to be more inviting this way, wanting to encourage more people to approach so she could understand what to do here.
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Post by Karen on Jan 19, 2014 23:13:50 GMT -6
Karen surveyed the bazaar, she was looking for a particular item of late. It wasn't for a mission per say, but it was an item that would be quite beneficial towards fulfilling certain objectives. She tread with light steps, as much of the gathering did. However, an odd sight caught her gaze. A black haired girl that looked rather battered by time and confrontation judging by her clothing. She wasn't the only one who didn't bother concealing their face and it was perhaps because of this that Karen's attention was drawn.
Even aside from the rather disheveled appearance she had, the girl wore an expression of worry. Her line of work required seeing through actors and to Karen's experienced eye, the girl looked genuinely concerned. Yet... The green clothing, especially dressed in so much of it meant she was likely one of the followers of that "cult" of The Green Wraith. Well, it wouldn't rest easy on her conscious if she ignored the girl.
Karen stepped over to the other Assassin. "Troubled by something?" She spoke a bit above the usual whisper, though it was quieter than usual speech as well.
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Post by Jya on Jan 19, 2014 23:27:53 GMT -6
Jya was glad to finally be approached, even if it was someone familiar with this place. A small, but relaxed smile appeared on her face. Her agitation seem to vanish at the approach, but that didn't mean she was in the clear just yet. This was a chance to ask for help and in worst case scenario, she assumed she can fight her way out. She had already given up, more or less, on the whole secretive language the people concocted.
"I just don't know how this place works and well, I really just want a job," she admitted, flat out and at face value. There was definitely no hidden agenda behind her words. Hopefully the woman won't call her out, she had little place to run. There always seem to be a frightful bunch around a corner, though a slice off the throat could very easily make them silent.
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Post by Karen on Jan 19, 2014 23:40:19 GMT -6
The older woman looked slightly amused. "You look more like you could use a meal and new clothes." Perhaps she was playing into whatever game the younger girl was playing, but right now her better side wanted to push forward. "Perhaps we can talk of a job after that. I'll pay." Karen's face held a gentle smile, one that was genuine. Her voice was soft and her tone soothing, she seemed like she really didn't fit here, but just her presence was more than enough to speak of what she may be like besides her kindness.
"If you truly are new here, then let your first lesson be about finding a good benefactor around here." She gestured for the younger girl to look over at something. "The tavern most contractors look to hire out of. Just don't cause trouble and the Guild will treat you right." She then nodded back to the bazaar. "Might be able to score a job from the "merchants" as well, but they're quite touchy about who's asking as you've probably guessed. We all know what each of us does or at least suspects. Don't cause trouble around here and you're fine, that's just how it is." Finally she began to look around briefly.
"Not all of us are just killers though. I know my words will mean little unless I give examples. Just as I said before, allow me to buy you a meal and some better clothing. What do you say?"
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Post by Jya on Jan 20, 2014 11:18:20 GMT -6
Jya was a bit baffled to say the least. She was hardly expecting so much help, especially from a place like this. Her experiences had told her not to trust this, not even for a second. The one thing she knew for sure that such kindness had to be repaid. She was in no position to decline, much of her life was lived in poverty, it wasn't like she can afford anything at the moment. She had always accepted kindness and was sure to pay it back in due time.
"Thank you," she said rather sheepishly, listening intently to the woman's advice. In some ways she had already reminded her of Alcibie. She pushed the thought to the back of her mind. It was no time to reminisce on the past.
"This is my first time seeing so many people like these," she admitted, glancing about for a moment.
"I'll help out where I can, to repay I mean."
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Post by Karen on Jan 20, 2014 12:18:18 GMT -6
The Acolyte shook her head. "There's no need to worry about repayment." She smiled again and led the other girl into the bazaar. "I'm Karen. And you are?"
After guiding her to a shop filled with clothing of all types from all over Elibe, Karen allowed the other Assassin to pick out whatever she desired, not particularly troubled by price tags. If anything, she had seemed more bothered by the state that the younger girl was in before. "Feel free to pick out whichever you like. I've always been partial to clothing from Etruria, a bit of home pride." She shrugged as she said this. "There's a number of fine chefs here. Is there anything you'd like in particular after this?"
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Post by Jya on Jan 20, 2014 12:46:03 GMT -6
"I'm Jya, nothing more," she replied, shrugging her shoulders. It felt odd to say her name after so long. Everybody else seem to prefer some nickname or code name of some sort. She wasn't the most creative in that department. Besides, she can't go about calling herself the Emerald Wraith.
She followed close behind the woman, instinctively keeping her feet light. It has been awhile since she changed clothes and with that in mind, she picked out the most practical wear. It also seemed to be the most cheapest of the wears. Actually with those chasing after her, she chose a less green set of clothing. It ended up being a set of white and light blue clothing with a nice set of brown fingerless gloves. With that in mind, she had an idea where she wanted to go. To keep herself decently hidden, she chose a black cloak this time. From the remnants of her old headband, she wrapped the little bit of green left around her wrist. It brought a certain degree of comfort.
"Umm Karen, I really don't mind, I make do with what I have," she stated in her new wear, with her old clothing still bundled up. It took her a few moments to hide her swords, still getting used to the knew clothing.
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Post by Karen on Jan 20, 2014 13:29:12 GMT -6
Karen nodded as Jya spoke. Jya... Had she heard that name somewhere before? No, she doubted it. She'd remember a name like that. "I can appreciate that, but sometimes it's nice to do a little something special for yourself." She walked over to the merchant, paying him for the clothes before turning to Jya once more.
"I do know a fellow that owes me a discount after I did him a little 'favor'." She chuckled to herself, memories of an old job resurfacing. "Ah, but why talk when I can show?" She lead the other girl off once again, this time to a busy tavern. The owner tipped his hat to Karen in acknowledgement before congratulating her on winning a free meal by being the "customer of the day". After getting seated, a menu lay on the table. "Well, since it's free, might as well order all you can eat now." She looked over the menu, a waiter approaching after awhile. Karen placed an order before setting her menu to the side.
Waiting until after the waiter had taken Jya's order as well and went off, Karen looked at the younger girl silently for a moment. "All that green... Are you a member of that Cult of The Green Wraith as well?"
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Post by Jya on Jan 20, 2014 13:52:35 GMT -6
Jya was a bit surprised to see Karen's skills with dealing with people. She had charisma and influence that far outreached hers. It reminded her a bit of how threatening those assassination contracts that was given to her were like. If she didn't do them, she feared she would be snuffed out in the world. Actually she was positive. Her contracts weren't a matter of choice, they never were. For an assassin, she actually despised the legality of the job.
"I guess I'll eat whatever is good," she shrugged, staring intently at the menu. She can read, but it took a lot of time and effort. It isn't like she can read all of it either, her eyes furrowed in concentration, but at some point she gave up on making the choice. She looked sheepishly at the woman before glancing down one more time before she asked the question. A cult?
"What do you mean by Cult of The Green Wraith? Why would there be a cult?" her eyes widened as she placed the menu down. It was news to her and she never heard of them. It was a wonder why she hasn't been caught yet. Maybe this so called cult was the meaning behind it.
"I wear green because I travel all over, it helps me blend into the surroundings in most areas, but cult?" she answered, looking a bit more concerned. Was she stealing the Green Wraith name? No, the few people that found her always did give her that name, but she was often a success except with Claire.
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Post by Karen on Jan 20, 2014 14:36:28 GMT -6
"I apologize, I just assumed by all the green." The older woman shrugged. "It's been a popular group on the rise lately."
She paused for a moment before starting to answer Jya again. "The Green Wraith has become quite the well known Assassin of late. Ever since Bern, the cult has experienced a greater number of thieves flocking to it. They say she's a true Wraith and not just in title." She shook her head a bit. "I've always been quite comfortable in my faith to Elimine, so it's certainly not the thing for me. Everyone finds comfort in some belief though. What about you?" She raised an eyebrow in curiosity.
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Post by Jya on Jan 20, 2014 17:31:37 GMT -6
Jya relaxed a bit, letting out a sigh. The matter still troubled her, especially when it sounded that people actually looked up to the Green Wraith. They really shouldn't and she hoped none of them went so far as worship someone like her. There was no way for her to have known the consequence of her action. The fact of the matter was, she had no idea of her own influence and at this point, to use her influence. As far as she knew, the followers had their own images and she was definitely not going to live up to it. At the very least she had no urge to do so. She will do as she had always done and that was survive.
"She?" Jya asked, her voice wavering at that one simple word. Her mind had caught it, something casually thrown into the conversation, but meant so much more. Yes, Karen definitely said 'she'. Had the cult always followed a feminine figure? This only meant that whoever wanted her head only had to look out for the female gender. It also meant there was many problem to come. At this point the color from her face began to drain. There was nothing to worry about, she wasn't wearing much green anymore, plus the only other method to discover her was her weapons. She just had to use the more simpler blades, instead of Quadkiller.
"I don't know what to believe in, I mean I'm not a holy person. The only people I believe in are my friends," she answered, thinking that it might not be a satisfactory response. She was never taught any church teachings having been too sick to even attend. By the time she ran off, well there were far more interesting sights then a church.
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Post by Karen on Jan 20, 2014 17:46:40 GMT -6
"She?"
Karen nodded once more. "That seems to be the favorite interpretation. I've heard some say it's actually a man, but rumors will be rumors." Of course, the Etrurian Inquisitor was well aware that the Wraith was a 'she'. But there never was a proper name to put to her. Just a female dressed in green with black or dark brown hair. The Green Wraith did a good job of hiding her identity.
She then heard a common phrase in most she talked to, a lack of real feeling in any beliefs. Though there was something good to be said about Jya's belief in her friends. Karen wished she could have that kind of faith. "Well, if you're interested, perhaps I can tell you about the Elimine faith after our meal. No sense trying to talk through stuffed mouths." She chuckled, the waiter soon appearing with food for Jya and Karen. "Dig in!"
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Post by Jya on Jan 20, 2014 18:27:09 GMT -6
Jya considered that option for a moment, but she didn't need anymore confusion then what she already had to deal with. Religion never seemed to matter, it always appeared to be other people had. She even thought it was something you were born with. Besides, she just didn't think it was for her.
"Sorry Karen, I don't think I can," she smiled lightly, taking small bites of her meal when it had arrived. She hoped it wouldn't offend her too much.
"I knew a cleric and well, I guess it never stuck," she tried to explain when her mouth was free.
"I just want to be able to repay you for your help."
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Post by Karen on Jan 20, 2014 18:44:26 GMT -6
Karen nodded once more as Jya spoke, having started into her meal as well. Sometimes it truly didn't fit for people, she was respectful of that, if not exactly approving. To some such as the Sacaens, they had their own beliefs that they refused to part from. Perhaps it was something attained from birth in some cases.
When the younger woman started talking about repaying her again, Karen once more shook her head. After a moment when her own mouth was empty again, she started to speak. "I've told you before, you don't need to repay me. Sometimes you can do something for someone just because you want to." It was kind of cute though, she had to admit. She'd never met someone so intent on repaying her.
"I suppose I could still use some good company while I'm here though."
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