Belinda
Shaman
Recording the world as I see it
Posts: 110
Profession: Scholar/Book Keeper
Affinity: Ice
Profile: Belinda's Profile
OoC Alias: Twilightfairy
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Post by Belinda on Jan 8, 2017 12:10:26 GMT -6
The Sandsea.
A small pub in the northern end of Khan Yunis. A small seaside pub that offered food and drink to weary sailors and travelers of all parts of Elibe. Owned and run by a former Etrurian who took advantage of the profits from the port city. This little pub was well known by the local for it's stock of imported wines and local liqueurs. The prices for some of the glasses tended to deter those who were at the lower end of the income spectrum. As a result, this little pub was a popular destination for the scholars of Khan Yunis. For those who could find some peace talking with equals about all manner of things such as science, ancient ruins, and local gossip. Without the rabble of a bunch of drunken sailors shouting at the top of their lungs over who had the biggest head.
It was here that Belinda sat. At her usual table overlooking a window. She had a small glass of red wine on the table and was busy reading the contents of her book. A brief guide to star charting. She had placed flyers around the city asking for a guard. Her job was to find those who were willing to escort her on a journey to Badon. Back to her home town. The flyer stated that there would be a room, food, and water provided. Payment would be made in two fold, a quarter of it to be paid upfront. And the rest to be paid once delivered safely to Badon. She didn't specify exactly how much gold would be paid as she preferred to interview those whom applied for the job first before discussing what was to be earned. The flyer also stated that today would be the day to meet her. She specified the pub, her name, and to look for the woman with short purple hair.
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Post by Syana Flamberge on Jan 8, 2017 23:31:07 GMT -6
A pub. Why was it always the pub? Why weren't any of these meets ever in a park or a big mansion or something? It was always a pub. Even the rich people sent someone on their behalf to a pub. Just once, Syana would like something different. Was that too much to ask? She sighed, looking down at the flyer. A simple escort mission? Piece of cake. A little too much information on the flyer, if she was being honest. You could always spot someone who was hiring a mercenary for the first time. There was no need for a name or description. The location itself was enough. A good merc could tell who had put out the job immediately.
Syana didn't really need the money, but she was bored. Things hadn't been the same since she broke from Saturos. Things had been so less interesting. Before they were getting into all kinds of hi jinx, secret missions, infiltration... But now she was on her own. Sure, she had done a number of pointless jobs and earned quite a bit of money. But they were boring. She needed something more exciting in her life. Maybe this little escort thing would be the answer.
Slipping into the pub, Syana looked around. The flyer had said to look for someone with purple hair, so she wasn't too hard to find. She spotted her almost instantly. Moving silently through the crowd, Syana slid quietly into the chair across the table from her. "I hear you're looking for a guard."
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Post by Kayla on Jan 9, 2017 4:09:29 GMT -6
Kayla sat on the ground as she looked out to sea. She and her pegasus, Polly had recently flown into Khan Yunis. It wasn't a bad place, much more tolerable than the open desert. Her clothes were dusty from the travel and she had some amount of dirt on her cheek. Kayla didn't mind, she was just happy to be here. There was shade here and people and life. Kayla's eyes eventually left the ocean and began to scan the town around her. A board of flyers caught her attention. She turned to the pegasus at her side. "Look flyers! Just like you. Hehehe." Kayla laughed a little too hard at her joke before she led the pegasus over to the board.
Most of the flyers were asking for a hand in moving or something terribly unexciting. But there was one that sounded quite interesting. An escort misson with room, food and water. It may as well have been a pleasure cruise for how happy Kayla was at the thought. On top of it all, she would be getting paid. So she had her new destination, today at a seaside pub to search for a lady with dark purple hair. She reached a hand up to her head to mess with her own mop of messy purple hair. Kayla laughed again and began to lead Polly to a certain pub.
Once she got to the pub in question she left her pegasus tied up in the shade out back, before she entered. Kayla hurried to the bar. "Hey, Barguy! I need water yeah?" Based on the man's response, her demeanor was unexpected in this locale. Kayla didn't care and the barkeep eventually provided the requested water. Kayla hustled back outside, accidentally bumping into some of the more dignified patrons.
Kayla returned to Polly and emptied the water she received into the troth, allowing the pegasus to hydrate. Kayla patted the winged horse's mane before entering the pub once again. This time she got stopped upon entering by the barkeep. Kayla stopped moving while the man spoke. She got the essence of what he was saying. This is a fine establishment blah blah blah. "Oh don't worry about me I'm just looking for my, uh sister. She wanted to meet here." Her eyes fell upon a certain purple haired lady sitting by the window. She had a glass of red wine on the table and a redhead stood next to her. Kayla recalled her name from the flyer.
Kayla raised a hand and called out across the pub. "Heeey! Belinda! Can you tell this guy were sisters and to let me in already?" Kayla shifted slightly and brushed some of the dirt off her clothes. Let's hope that worked.
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Belinda
Shaman
Recording the world as I see it
Posts: 110
Profession: Scholar/Book Keeper
Affinity: Ice
Profile: Belinda's Profile
OoC Alias: Twilightfairy
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Post by Belinda on Jan 11, 2017 20:33:43 GMT -6
Ah her first client. How lovely. Belinda took a moment to eye the redhead. She looked like the sort who knew her way around a fight. One who preferred to kill with sneaky tactics like an assassin would. Yes, this person certainly looked like she'd make a fine guard. A ship was a place with limited space, with plenty of shadows to hide in. A place with a fixed amount of room. Yes.. Yes.. Belinda suspected that if this woman could memorize the specifics of the boat she'd find a whole manner of short cuts in and around the ship. Quick ways to come to her and provide protection. She calculated all of this while taking a sip of her precious wine. She then set the cup down into it's little corner of the table.
"Yes, m'dear I am looking for a guard." The purple haired woman nodded softly.
"Allow me to congratulate you on being the first applicant for the position. By the way you presented yourself I can assume that you are familiar with the art of killing. A professional." She could feel a small smirk slither it's way across her face. A professional assassin meant that they worked with a contract. And contracts were a very useful tool in the art of business and escorting. She had completely ignored the other young woman who barged in asking for water then leaving. The pub wasn't accustomed to such rude behaviors but then again rude people usually didn't show up. But then Belinda's mood soured when the little girl came back. Shouting. And stating that she was her sister.
Now, Bel is a familiar patron of this pub. The bartender knew her, the owner knew her, heck the bouncer, and regulars knew her. They knew some of her life story. And they knew damn well she did not have a younger sister. So, Paul, the bouncer, was not inclined to take any of that young woman's sass or lies. Belinda sighed softly. She didn't want to see the young woman get thrown out of the pub. As Paul didn't exactly discriminate his punches... everyone got the same treatment if they pissed him off.
"Excuse me." Belinda got up and approached the door man.
"Paul. It's alright. The young miss is here for the job I posted." She turned to glance over at the young purple haired girl.
"Young lady, loudly lying about yourself is a terrible way to meet your potential boss. In order to redeem yourself, I strongly suggest you quietly calm yourself down and show a little class." She spoke, returned to her chair, and motioned to the other chair across from her.
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Post by Syana Flamberge on Jan 12, 2017 11:28:48 GMT -6
Syana made no facial reactions to what the woman said, but internally she was smirking. You could say she was familiar with the art of killing. And you could definitely a professional. This woman had no idea how lucky she really was that Syana was interested in taking this job. It wasn't something she could brag about in the open, but she had protected a number of important people over the years, and they all still lived to tell the tale. Hell, she helped guard Aidan when he was starting his freaking rebellion. A simple trip home? She wondered if she would even break a sweat.
The redhead gave a small nod. "One could say that of me. I feel confident in saying that were you to hire me, you would make it to your destination safely. I have a great deal of experience in such missions, and every one has ended in success. I could provide you references, but many of those have been confidential missions." Confidentiality could be a double edged sword to a mercenary. It was often needed for higher paying jobs, but then you couldn't use them to bolster your reputation else-wear. Although, as long as a potential employer believed you, simply saying you were entrusted with multiple confidential missions could be proof enough of your skill. To be hired for one such mission and be successful enough to be hired again wasn't all that common.
Their talk was interrupted by a girl whom seemed to be a few years younger, but far less experienced than her. Syana had to fight the urge to facepalm. The idea of walking into a potential meeting with an employer and yelling across the place about it was enough to make her cringe. She wouldn't tell this Belinda how to run her mission, but if it was up to her, this girl would not be invited along.
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Post by Kayla on Jan 13, 2017 1:00:37 GMT -6
It wasn’t the first time Kayla had been reprimanded for her behavior and it certainly wouldn’t be the last. Nonetheless, Kayla allowed her cheeks to turn a little red with embarrassment. “Heheh I guess the truth works too.” But it’s a lot less fun. The Pegasus knight waited for the woman who put this mission together to return to her table. She straightened up, chest puffed out and stuck her nose high in the air as she facetiously strode through the pub toward the group.
Upon arrival she gave her best imitation of a curtsy. She had never truly been taught to do one, but she had seen enough to replicate the act. “Name’s Kayla. You’re Belinda yeah? It’s a pleasure to meet ya.” She turned to address the redheaded woman as well. “Nice to meet you too. I’m super excited for this mission.” Kayla pulled up a seat. She looked around the pub to see if any eyes were still on her after her entrance. Clearly this wasn’t her typical spot, but if this is what it took to get the chance to sail the seas, she was going to take it. Now she just had to convince the others that she would be worth the headache. This would be the hard part, especially after a less than astounding first impression.
“I know what you may be thinking. Hmm what can this girl do for me? Well I’ll tell ya. Truth is I’m a peg knight so I’m useful as a scout, or messenger. If we get shipwrecked or something I’m sure you’d be glad to have me around. Not to mention I can fight, but I prefer to leave the heavy hitters to those more… suited for the job.” Kayla deliberately looked out of the side of her eye toward the redhead and smirked a bit.
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Belinda
Shaman
Recording the world as I see it
Posts: 110
Profession: Scholar/Book Keeper
Affinity: Ice
Profile: Belinda's Profile
OoC Alias: Twilightfairy
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Post by Belinda on Jan 15, 2017 11:34:19 GMT -6
"Believe me I understand the importance of privacy between patron and provider." During her time in Badon she made coin as a record keeper for sailors. Some reputable and others shady. With some that had suspicious live cargo that she'd have to disguise as something else on the record books. She used a fake name on all her documents and even changed up her handwriting so they wouldn't be traced back to her. Those in the more lucrative end of shipping and receiving paid her more for her work as a result. Of course once she hit Nabata she put that sort of life behind her.
Belinda looked over at her two options. A serious assassin and a cheerful young girl. Now she was going to pick the assassin to be her personal body guard for sure. But the young miss had a Pegasus. And on A ship that was amazing. Anything that could fly could be used to send messages over seas to other ships. To deliver supplies. To escape should the ship sink. A scout for pirates or weather patters. As much as it pained Belinda to do this she needed to hire her too. The potential uses for a Pegasus rider on a ship outweighed the lack of experience. The rider would simply have to learn on the go. She glanced at the red head first.
"You with the pinot noir colored hair. I will hire you as my personal guard." She then glanced over at the young miss.
"And you young Kayla will be hired as well." She paused for a bit. Letting the dust of her actions settle. Then she spoke again.
"The ship we will be sailing on is a civilian vessel. The captain is a client of mine. I must hire those who will be of both use to me as well as him. While I am employing, Lady Rouge to be my private guard. Young Kayla is going to be delegated to the duties of the ship and her captain. The payment will be 1000g each. Full payment will be given once we arrive in Badon. Food, water, lodging will be provided. And you will be given passage from Nabata into Lycia. That trip alone if you were to paying for it rather then working for it runs about 500g's per person.. She pulled from her bag a map.
"You will also be required to bolster some of the ship's guard or deck hands if the need arises. We will be out to sea for about three months. We are planned to make one pit stop for supplies in one tiny port town along the way." She pointed her finger to the general area of the pit stop. A small dot in the Nabatan territory that marked the halfway point. She paused again this time to take a sip of wine. The wine glass was now empty.
"Three months out at sea is not an easy ride for us women, for a variety of reasons. You must be certain that you can handle the sort of conditions that will be provided."
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Post by Syana Flamberge on Jan 15, 2017 21:43:18 GMT -6
Good. This woman understood the need for privacy. That showed the red haired woman that she wasn't some foolish rich girl that wanted someone to protect her just because. Those were always the worst. This mission had promise. When Belinda announced that she would be hiring Syana as her personal guard, she gave her a small nod. It was a wise move, especially considering the alternative of this other girl. No harm would befall her, unless there was some sort of small force that attacked her. She wasn't sure why she needed a guard, but any individual attack on her would be a failure.
As if on cue, Belinda announced that she would be hiring this Kayla girl as well. Fantastic. Sure, having a pegasus would be useful if they needed to relay messages or escape the ship in short order. But she had her doubts about this girl. She said she could fight. Maybe she could, maybe she couldn't. That remained to be seen. What had been seen was her behavior and she wasn't yet a fan. This was Belinda's job, though, and she could do what she wish. Syana wasn't going to try to tell her how to run her own thing.
The woman stayed quiet as Belinda ran down what to expect on the ship. It seemed to be pretty standard fare. Paid upon arrival, everything they needed provided, help if help is needed. Nothing she hadn't seen before. "This won't be my first extended ship ride, and I'm sure it won't be my last. The conditions won't be a problem."
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Post by Kayla on Jan 17, 2017 19:26:28 GMT -6
Kayla was grinning ear to ear after hearing that she would be hired for the mission. She had to keep herself from clapping her hands together in excitement as the leader ran through the details. Kayla did notice that there would be no provisions provided for her pegasus, but rather than ruin her invitation by asking she decided she would rather just pay out of pocket. Getting paid for an adventure? What could be better than that? Kayla had begun to day dream about the ship and the sea and salty old sailors who spoke funny. She came back to reality as her employer spoke of the duration of the trip.
Three months was a mighty long time, especially for a girl who could hardly even sit still on her pegasus. The other new hire didn't seem to be concerned with the length. Not to mention that they would be stopping at some point along the way. She believed she could do it and even if she couldn't she could bail and never see these people again. Whatever, no reason to think about it now, we haven't even left yet. I can't wait to see the ship. She began to get herself hyped up all over again.
"So when do we leave? Where do we meet? Do I need to bring anything? Are there stables on a ship?" Kayla's excitement got the better of her a little as she stood and rattled off a bunch of questions. Kayla quieted down and looked around to see if there would be any answers for her inquiries.
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Belinda
Shaman
Recording the world as I see it
Posts: 110
Profession: Scholar/Book Keeper
Affinity: Ice
Profile: Belinda's Profile
OoC Alias: Twilightfairy
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Post by Belinda on Jan 22, 2017 9:31:36 GMT -6
Belinda nodded quietly and took out two pieces of parchment. She took out a small bottle of ink and a quill. These were the contracts. These contracts specified what ship, what time, what place, where the stop was, and what they were to do. There were also clauses, the contract such as those who failed to comply would be thrown off the ship. The guards were not to support any mutiny's that might arise. Not that Belinda was counting on a mutiny. She was good friends with the captain and she'd hate to see the crew rebel against him. If they got stranded somewhere, they would not be paid extra. However, Belinda was willing to pay extra if the guards did exemplary work. That last bit wasn't on the contract. The paper also detailed exactly how they would be paid. Two hundred before leaving. It was strongly recommended that this gold was used to purchase supplies for the journey.
"I honestly cannot say if there are or are not any stables aboard. This is a different ship than the captain's own. I do believe that there is some method on board for transporting live animals I just do not know what it is. It could be anything from stables, cages, traveling with the passengers, to locking them in the bottom end of the ship." She shrugged. Belinda didn't have an animal with her so she never bothered with figuring out all those things.
"However, if you ask the captain, with reasonable demands, he might be able to work something out with you regarding your steed. The vessel will also be transporting a small load of cargo. As is per custom to the port city we visit." We do not expect to be attacked by pirates. But then again... no one ever expects pirates.
"If you have finished reading through your contracts you may sign."
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Post by Syana Flamberge on Jan 25, 2017 11:26:40 GMT -6
Syana slid the contract that Belinda had produced towards her and began to read it. It was a fool who signed a contract without first reading it over. Sure, she had no reason to mistrust Belinda, but that was no reason to simply take her word for everything. Caution was better than recklessness. You never knew when an employer would try to screw you over by slipping some small thing into a contract. So, the redhead took her time slowly reading through the entire thing. Yeah, it took some time. But it was worth it.
Belinda seemed to be trustworthy, though, as there was nothing wrong with the contract. Everything seemed to be neat, spelled out, and in order. Content, Syana reached over and took the quill, dripping it lighting in the ink. The Ilian signed her name on the specified line and set the quill back down. She was in this thing now, for better or for worse. Looking over at the other girl, Syana wondered if she would actually read everything over or just sign right away. Her attitude earlier made Syana feel as though she'd just sign, but they'd see.
She slid her now signed contract back over to Belinda. This woman was interesting. She was upfront about everything so far, no trickery with the contract. And yet Syana could tell there was something else at play here. She wasn't going to press her on it, but there had to be a reason why someone wanted protection like this. Hopefully, they'd never have to find out why.
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Post by Kayla on Jan 30, 2017 19:30:42 GMT -6
Kayla looked at the contract for a brief amount of time before she picked it up. This document wasn't like the flyer from before. This one had clauses and lengthy words. Kayla didn't quite comprehend what all the details meant and she decided to place the contract back down. She grabbed the quill and signed her name to the paper. She wrote in block letters which appeared misplaced on the well written document. She noticed that she had signed well before her coworker did. Perhaps she didn't pretend to read it for a believable amount of time. Kayla placed the quill down, trying to hide her lack of reading and writing skill. She was somewhat embarrassed and hoped the moment would soon pass without anyone really making note of it.
Kayla had signed contracts before. She had made many promises and even kept a couple. She figured this was just another piece of paper that had no significant meaning in the real world. Especially if no one could catch her and her pegasus. Kayla shrugged, she liked these two well enough. Serious as they were. Hopefully she wouldn't have to bail on the trip halfway through. "Well with that fun bit out if the way. I had better go check on Polly, share the good news ya know." Kayla moved to leave the pub. Kayla was certain she would have a great time on this trip, even if no one else wanted her to. The pegasus knight smiled to herself as she left to pub to find her steed.
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Belinda
Shaman
Recording the world as I see it
Posts: 110
Profession: Scholar/Book Keeper
Affinity: Ice
Profile: Belinda's Profile
OoC Alias: Twilightfairy
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Post by Belinda on Feb 13, 2017 20:02:46 GMT -6
OOC- We will be moving this into another thread. So make conclusions/preperations then I will end it. --- Belinda nodded softly. She liked these two women already. The redhead looked to be a dependable sort of woman. While the purple haired lass was energetic and positive. Good. She was going to need that positivity out at sea. It would help to pass the time. However, the plum haired lass did seem a bit too flighty for her fancy. She would have to see if this child took the job seriously or would she bail at the first opportunity. She hoped she did not take her money and run. It would reflect poorly on her if she did.
Belinda took the two contracts and gave them a quick once over. The red headed woman's handwriting was reflective of her character. It was neat and legible. And the other girl, Kayla, her handwriting seemed to be a bit more rushed. If not a bit blocky. Despite that Belinda could still identify which letters were what. The shamaness knew that not everyone in the world was blessed with the ability to read and write. She knew tutors to be expensive.
"Right then. Everything is in order." Belinda pulled out two pouches of gold. She handed them to the two ladies. Each pouch had two hundred gold coins. She never mentioned what would happen if these two ladies decided to bail after being gifted these pouches of gold. The contract had their names. She knew how she looked like. She could easily circulate their names and descriptions. Oh how sailors love to gossip. She could put them on a black list and ensure that they would never find employment in either Nabata or Badon again. Paul certainly wouldn't let either of them step in his bar ever again if Belinda told him they were a couple of thieves.
"Your upfront payments. We leave in four days. Be at the docks on the dawn of the fourth day, the ship is called the Highwind. She sports white sails and green flags. Captian's name is Lawson. I suggest each of you pay a visit to the docks before the fourth day. Familiarize, yourselves with the vessel and her crew." She waited for a moment. In case if these two ladies had any more questions for her.
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Post by Syana Flamberge on Feb 21, 2017 0:06:44 GMT -6
And of course Kayla barely read the contract. While Syana didn't expect any sort of foul play from the girl, and assumed that her fighting abilities would be up to par if it came to that, he enthusiasm could be a liability. Sure, it could be a good thing, but there was a time for that and a time of caution. If they girl couldn't tell the difference between the two at the wrong time, it could spell trouble for all three of them.
Reaching over, Syana took the pouch of money meant for her and pulled it towards her. It was bad business to count money that an employer had given you in front of them. Once she was back in her own room, she would double check to make sure that everything was in order. If it wasn't... Well she'd take care of that if things came to it. Tucking the pouch into her pocket, the redhead turned her attention back towards her employer. She took mental notes on all the details they were given about the Highwind. Syana already knew that she would be taking several trips to the ship over the next few days. She would need to become intricately familiar will all the nooks and crannies of the boat. Maybe hide a few weapons around in case things went south and she was somehow separated from her blade. There was much preparation to be done.
Getting to her feet, she gave Belinda a nod. "I shall see you both in four days." With that, Syana moved off and disappeared into the crowd.
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Belinda
Shaman
Recording the world as I see it
Posts: 110
Profession: Scholar/Book Keeper
Affinity: Ice
Profile: Belinda's Profile
OoC Alias: Twilightfairy
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Post by Belinda on Mar 24, 2017 18:30:35 GMT -6
OOC- Closing this thread and opening up a new one. Lets get this boat show on the road..er. sea. --
Belinda was satisfied with the responses of the two women. It was clear to her that the red head would be more responsible of the two women. The purple haired woman could almost see the gears in her head turn. She was probably thinking how she would familiarize herself with the vessel. Memorize the rooms. Hide a few weapons. Yes. The red headed woman was going to be very a very useful tool and companion on this voyage. Perhaps she could learn a thing or two from her regarding strategy.
Belinda would have to wait four days before she could see this woman in action. But, her curiosity was not just reserved for the lady with the wine hair. The little miss Kayla also caught her interest. Well more specifically her mount. It wasn't often Belinda had a chance to interact with Pegsai. She had seen only a few in her lifetime. Mostly those who's riders acted as messengers to her mother's family back in Ilia. She knew that their flight was due to their ability to kick the air. And their wings served mostly as gliders. The occasional flap of the wings was to help ease the work put onto their feet. At least that was the way she saw it. But, she knew pegsai tended to behave like horses. And she had met several horses in her time. Her father had a fine horse and she grew up learning all of the basics of riding. But, horses were expensive to keep, and when the time came, the horses she grew up with were sold. She shook her head lightly. No. This wasn't the time to dwell upon her past. This was the time to look forward to the future. To a small adventure upon the seas.
[end thread]
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