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Post by Khalil Gharaq on May 8, 2017 19:57:56 GMT -6
Khalil sat crosslegged on the docks, his blond hair flowing in the breeze. He was eyeing the comings and goings of the human vessels in the port. Currently, Khalil wasn’t feeling the urge to damage any of the monster’s playthings at the current moment. Not that he even had the strength to do any massive damage anyway. Still, it was strange. A soul so typically engulfed in turmoil was feeling a brief period of peace. Khalil was a dragon after all, he would have time to sink ships later. But for now, all he really wanted was some nice cool glass of water and well roasted fish. A lot of both would be preferable.
Khalil felt the coin pouch on his hip. Of course, it was nearly empty. He rarely concerned himself with the system of making money in the new culture. The world would eventually be reclaimed by nature and these coins would become artifacts of an ancient past. Alas, for now at least, these future artifacts were how one had access to food and drink. Not to mention shelter and luxury, but those were afterthoughts to the water dragon.
Khalil had witnessed some humans giving others money if they sat with a pot in front of themselves. So here he was, a proud dragon, but currently nothing much more than a beggar for money. Urrgh. What have I been reduced to? It’s pitiful. Khalil exhaled moist air through his nostrils. Ones that used to be able to shoot pressurized jets of water, now just blew hot air.
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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 May 19, 2017 18:31:55 GMT -6
Belinda walked around the city streets. Donned in her signature white cloak and black sleeves. The young shamaness was munching on a set of little cake like snack balls as she walked around town. She hadn't been back in Badon in over a year. And while the young maiden enjoyed her life of freedom in Nabata, there were certain little delights that were only found in Badon that she greatly missed. These little ball cakes full of cheese were one of them. Peasant food. She could almost hear her father's voice in her head. He had raised her to enjoy a life of luxury, a life with good wine, goose liver, and fish eggs. He scoffed at the idea of his kids eating the foods of the common man. But, Belinda loved it! She loved the crunchy texture of the fried cakes and the gooey cheese. And she also loved that when she ate them it pissed off her father so much. And his expressions only got better when she got her brother hooked on the little cheesy delights. She remembered that day well when dad's "pride and joy" was caught throwing the snack balls into the air and catching them into his mouth. That was a good day. It was at this point she took notice of a few seedy looking fellows staring at her from the shadows.
Although I think I should be walking around with an escort. Belinda sighed softly. She was no longer her father's daughter and thus lost whatever sort of protection she had with her family name. And even though the family name was disgraced they still had some money. Money that other people wanted. Belinda's attire wasn't exactly subtle. The black and white attire she wore was symbolic to the ideology she developed. She understood what it meant. But to the people outside of her own little head, she looked like a walking chess board, that was held together with leather straps. Add to that she was also semi decorated in gold looking ornate jewelry. She knew this jewelry was fake, she suspected the would be muggers would not. Right. Time to stop indulging myself. Lets see what cheap help we can find to get us back to the inn.
The Shaman's eyes scanned around for the nearest buff looking dude. And she found one. A beggar man who looked strong enough to lift a boat. This man was probably some sailor down on his luck or just down of coin for whatever drink he fancied. Belinda put the cheese ball bag into her pouch and approached the beggar. She dropped a coin in his cup and waited for him to acknowledge her patronage.
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Post by Khalil Gharaq on May 20, 2017 2:49:29 GMT -6
Of course. People passed him by will nary a glance. It was so very typical of these humans to see one, supposedly of their kin, in need and simply continue on with their days. Khalil shook his head, he was about to give up on the whole idea of having a good meal and just turn in to a nearby cove for the remainder of the day. Then there was the cling of a coin at the bottom of his bowl. It was almost enough to give Khalil a shred of faith in this humanity. Almost. One coin wasn't really going to change much. Regardless, Khalil nodded his thanks without looking up at the good Samaritan.
Apparently, the nod wasn't enough. The person who had dropped a coin in his cup was still there. Perhaps they were just standing around to look down on the dragon. Khalil's pride would not tolerate that. He glanced up sharply at the human. He wanted to ask what exactly they were looking at. But from the looks of it, the woman did not want to start trouble with him. Fair enough, Khalil wasn't the biggest fan of scraping in the middle of the street. It called too much attention. Still, the dragon didn't enjoy the perspective of the woman looking down on him.
Khalil rose and leaned his back against the building he once sat against. He folded his arms against his chest and looked to the side. The dragon wasn't going to speak, but his stomach had other intentions. His belly rumbled audibly. Khalil had to speak to save a little dignity. However, he didn't have much to say. "I appreciate that." Khalil didn't know why she was sticking around. But if this was some sort of trick, he wanted to be prepared to flee or fight.
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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 Jun 2, 2017 19:54:35 GMT -6
"You are welcome." Belinda smirked softly. She liked it when her deeds were acknowledged and appreciated. She glanced around again then back down at the man. She could see the people in the alley's talking in hushed whispers. Some were pointing. She sighed softly. The man rose from his seat and towered over her. Oh. He'd make an excellent guard. And to be honest Belinda kinda liked his appearance. The sir had a rugged look about him that reminded her of these over glorified heroes that were in the books. Heroes that had to have been half god or something to pull off the physically impossible feats of heroism and rescuing damsels in distress. Belinda knew not to believe everything in those stories and she certainly hated being a damsel in distress. But, she knew the streets of Badon. She knew how people reacted to her. Some saw her as a spoiled rich kid and others as a servant to the Nether.
"You look like you're a strong man type and I am in a bit of a bind." She discretely pointed to those lingering in the alleys.
"Muggers and potential cutthroats. Would you be willing to escort me back to the inn at the end of the docks? I'll compensate you for your time of course." She had heard his stomach growl earlier. And she was very familiar with the phrase beggars can't be choosers. And while the phrase, in theory, meant that the beggar was forced to help in the situation he was in, in practice the phrase is flawed. While it would end up bad for the beggar he still had the option to NOT help her.
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Post by Khalil Gharaq on Jun 3, 2017 15:35:32 GMT -6
Khalil unfolded his arms as the woman began to speak. Apparently she was in need of help. The kind of help that people need when they are alone in a dangerous part of town. Khalil looked to the side, contemplating. Have these humans not done enough damage? Now they pick on their own kind, its ludicrous. No matter, Khalil had little patience in general. Let alone patience for humans who can't get a legitimate, respectable job. Of course, Khalil viewed his own situation quite differently. He had no source of income either, but that was neither here nor there. Khalil's eyes were directed toward a certain alley. He furrowed his brow at the sight of them plotting, colluding. Humans just can't face their foes head on. They always need tools, strategies, numbers. Khalil wanted to roar, but it would probably come out pitifully weak.
The dragon could feel his stomach turning, searching for something to digest. Hungry as Khalil was, he had other plans for these cutthroats and muggers. "Escort? Not how I deal with things..." He pushed himself upright from against the wall. Khalil cracked his knuckles and walked across the street, toward the alleyway. As he approached a couple of the sketchy men dissipated into the shadows. Khalil addressed the ones that remained. He was deadly serious with his beady eyes. "I'll give you guys a warning. If you come after that purple haired lady..." Khalil motioned toward the woman who had given him a coin. "I will bash your dumb skulls together and toss you into the sea." Khalil gave a harsh look and returned to the woman's side. Now that the display of machismo was done, he could do the job that he was actually supposed to do.
Khalil spoke without really addressing the lady. "Where are we going?"
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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 Jun 9, 2017 11:04:32 GMT -6
Intersting. Although she should have expected this much. Guards and brutish men like that usually preferred to face their challenges head on. Not realizing that the figures that lurk in the shadows could have things that can cut, gouge, and gore them to their deaths. She was glad the whole thing worked out. And those cutthroats were gone for now. Although she had a feeling they would return later and plot something else at some other unsuspecting woman. The man returned to her side and asked where they were going.
"To the inn at the end of the docks." She responded to his question while rummaging through her bag. She pulled out a biscuit and handed it to him.
"I can hear your stomach growling from here. I've also got some little balls of cheese to tide you over until we get to the end." She sighed softly. Belinda wasn't really fond of giving away some of her favorite cheese bites but she knew that servants needed to be treated with some level of dignity and respect. That's how it was when she was at home. Except when father was in one of his moods. But, no one was ever truly immune to his violence when he was in a foul temper. She also knew how terrible it was to try working with an empty growling stomach. She opened the pouch of cheese snacks.
"There are ten left. You may take four." She motioned for him to dip his hand in. After the man had taken his share of the fried snack, Belinda put the pouch away.
"It's this way." She spoke as she walked.
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Post by Khalil Gharaq on Jun 10, 2017 1:51:06 GMT -6
Inn at the end of the docks. Khalil had managed to forget that she had already mentioned that. Perhaps he was hungrier than he had thought. The woman offered a biscuit which Khalil grabbed in a rushed manner. Typically, he would’ve considered this as a possible trap. Maybe the biscuit had some sort of dragon poison. But he was just too hungry. He ate it in two large, animalistic bites. He swallowed before it was even fully chewed, causing him to force it down his throat with some extra might. Khalil shook his head after he finally got the food into his gullet. He let out a breath.
He was a little embarrassed at the display, more so since the woman could hear his stomach growling. He would never let that embarrassment show to a human though. So he just ignored it. Apparently, he would also be able to take four of the woman’s ten cheese balls. Khalil found that strange. She was so willing to give up the biscuit, but not the cheese balls. It was clear that she preferred these balls of cheese. Khalil had no reason to take the woman’s prized food, since he would get paid soon enough. Also since he had already devoured a biscuit from her.
“Keep your balls of cheese. I just need the coin when we are finished.” He didn’t turn his nose up to them though. In fact they smelled pretty good. Khalil could live without the cheese though. He preferred to eat fish, ever since he was a young dragon. Khalil followed the woman, a half step behind. He kept an eye out for any threats, but he didn’t go out of his way to start conversation with the lady. With any luck, his intimidation display earlier scared any threats away. Khalil didn’t think that was very likely though.
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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 Jun 13, 2017 20:42:02 GMT -6
Not a cheese man. Belinda thought to herself as she closed the snack pouch. An aversion to cheese wasn't uncommon. She knew a few people who could not stomach the stuff. Perhaps this man was one of those people. She would never know, because she will never ask. She then quietly put the pouch back into her bag. She took a few seconds to glance at the man. She didn't quite like the way he snatched the biscuit out of her hand. But, then she reminded herself that he was a beggar up until a few moments ago. That was probably the only half decent thing he's had in a while. As she walked down the streets of Badon she took a moment to appreciate the hustle and bustle of the port city. Badon was a lot like Khan Yunis, in the sense that it was a port city where all the world's ships drop anchor at least once. Any resource she needed could be delivered to either city given enough time between travel.
"So, Guard. You got a name?" She asked with some genuine curiosity. She didn't like referring to her servants as mere servants. When she was still with her parents she actually took the time out to learn the names of her maids. The maids came and went as the years pressed on and Belinda liked to learn the names of the servants and their quirks. It kept her mind busy as she went through the monotony of study. I wonder where they went. She thought to herself. They had moved on to other houses after the family had fallen from grace.
"And a story?" Whatever the story may be if he did a good job as a guard. She would put in a good word to her small network of captains. Maybe they could hire this man and he'd make a new life for himself out on the high seas. Unless that sort of life was what got him onto the dock in the first place.
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Post by Khalil Gharaq on Jun 15, 2017 1:16:47 GMT -6
The water dragon noted that this human asked his name. He didn't quite see why it mattered. She had him around for protection, not company. Even so, Khalil obliged and provided his name. "Khalil." Initially, that was all she had asked for, so that was all she received. However, she went on to ask about his story. Khalil almost scoffed at the thought of providing his whole story. Yeah, saying hes a dragon that has had the ones he cared about ripped form him time again by the humans.Probably wasn't the best call here.
But he already had entered the conversation by providing his name. Not to mention he didn't want to upset the woman who was paying him. So once again, Khalil obliged. Although he tried to keep things a vague as possible. He kept his eyes peeled as he spoke.
"Yeah I got a story." Khalil exhaled through his nostrils, inhaled again and continued. " I used to be big. Made a splash you know? I had a lot going for me. It was nice, I was happy. That was a long time ago and now, I'm here, walking the streets begging for coin." Of course the summary was brief and unspecific, but for the most part it was accurate. Khalil shook his head, as if he still couldn't believe the way things had played out.In a sense, this didn't really feel real. This wasn't who he actually was, but it was as close as he could get for the time being. Until his stone regained its power.
Now was the part where he should reciprocate the question. "And your story?" Khalil was again trying to appease the human, but it was probably best that he knew where this payment would be coming from. He didn't want to get mixed up in blood money. Not right now anyway.
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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 Jun 17, 2017 21:07:52 GMT -6
"Pleasure to meet you Khalil. I am Belinda." She turned around to introduce herself. Then turned right around and kept walking. Khalil was about a half step or so behind her so she could hear him talk. She was mildly surprised when he willingly shared his story. It was a simple story and one she had heard before. One that she had experienced before. And then he wanted to know her story, for the sake of learning where the money had come from. That was a smart move on Khalil's part.
"Born and raised here in Badon. Family was on the wealthier side of the societal spectrum. I was brought up as a lady, expected to follow certain rules of life. Father did a thing. Family lost it's name, and most of it's wealth." She turned back to look at him. She dare not mention what her family name was lest this man be a formerly angry client of her father. Her story was actually sort of common around these parts. With Badon being the large trade hub that is was, fortunes could be given, or taken from them overnight.
"Left Badon to avoid becoming a slave went to Nabata. Became a scholar." She smiled at that last bit. The young shamaness had done a lot for herself in the wake of her family's fall from grace. Stuff that was of her own work and not backed upon the name of her father, and that filled her with a sense of pride.
"As for where the money comes from, it is what I have saved. Khan Yunis has a place for those that are educated. Work is easy to come by as either a tutor, scribe, accountant, archivist, so on and so fourth. You need not worry. Your hands will not be sullied by my coin." The pair of them had past the half way point. And so far she hadn't seen any other signs of trouble. Which was a welcome relief.
"If you be so down on your luck. Once this is through I might be able to give you a lead to a potential job. Ships need sailors. Cargo needs to be loaded. Other ladies need guarding."
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Post by Khalil Gharaq on Jun 20, 2017 2:24:10 GMT -6
Pleasure to meet me? Really? I find that hard to believe. Khalil likely read too far into the woman’s polite words, but he never really understood why humans masked their true feelings with language. Possibly it was to avoid causing undue harm to people with weak emotional control. He was guilty of doing the same to the younger dragons a long time ago. It didn’t matter now though.
Belinda explained her story. None of it was particularly useful information for Khalil to know, but he listened anyway. Would they really have enslaved her? The thought compounded his belief that generally, humans were awful, monstrous beings. However, the woman was glad she had become a scholar. Anyone would prefer that to slavery. She had gained money as a tutor, or an accountant or some other work for the educated people of Khan Yunis.
Khalil nodded, somewhat relived that he would not be caught up in any mess by accepting her payment. Belinda then recommended being a sailor or perhaps a bodyguard. Khalil couldn’t imagine being stuck at sea for months on end with some of humanity’s most boisterous individuals. He would transform and sink the ship in a matter of minutes. So being a sailor wouldn’t work. “I’m not… patient enough for sailing.” Khalil tried to keep the rationale vague.
Bodyguard however. That could work, assuming the person who needed protecting wasn’t one of those spoiled human brats. Khalil would likely ditch an entitled child to teach them a harsh lesson if nothing else. But to be fair, this woman was inoffensive enough. If he could continue to get employers such as her, he would indeed be able to make money for survival. “Being a bodyguard could work. Depending on the mark.” If he was lucky he could even knock out a few humans. It might help alleviate some anger.
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Flash
Mage
Posts: 23
Profession: Mercenary Mage
Affiliation: N/A
Guild: N/A
Affinity: Fire
Profile: Flash
OoC Alias: Flash
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Post by Flash on Jun 20, 2017 7:59:13 GMT -6
Flash was fishing near the Docks. Surprisingly, with a lot of patience, you could actually catch some fish even here. There were two in the bucket next to him. Not too small but not too big either. "I could sell them... as if. nobody needs only two fish here." Considering the fact he had never tried to cook fish, he really didn't know what to do with these. Flash hadn't even thought that that he would catch anything. If there is a fishing rod on the ground it's not like you can just leave it there. "Be kind to others but never forget to think about yourself." That is what his family had always told him. He wondered how they were doing. It's not like too much time had passed since he had last seen them. Unfortunatly he didn't have enough money to send them some just yet. At least not if he didn't transport it himself. But he himself was doing alright since he did have enough money to eat and sleep. "If only i could find way, to transport the money, that isn't expensive! Let's hope they do fine even without me. Neil is probably looking after them. He told me if anything were to happen he would do his best to help." Slightly more reassured after remembering that his mentor could help his parents, Flash looked around. Not too many people. Surprising. Looking at the docks he saw two people that were...unusual. Maybe he was just imagining things but the other people looked a lot more - normal - than those two. One was a massive hunk of man, the other seemed to be a smaller woman. The feeling he had about them was like looking at Neil only somehow diffent. Especially different with the man. "The Ether inside and around us...maybe it even tells a story about us? Never noticed this at home. Well we don't have a lot of mages as far as i know. Maybe they are mages? Or special in another way? Or i'm just imagining it. Flash was very unsure about the feeling he was getting. Especially as it was really vague. But he knew one thing. He was interested and that ment he was going to follow them.
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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 Jun 22, 2017 19:08:39 GMT -6
Not a sailor. Interesting. She was learning more and more about her bodyguard with each passing moment. Now she was really curious to know what sort of job this big guy had before he ended up a beggar. Muscles like that don't come from someone who has been a beggar their whole lives. No, this man has something else in him. Some sort of story that she assumed must be kept private. Which was fine. To each their own. She had no right to pry into the past of a complete stranger.
The attentive Shamaness took a moment to look around again. It was at this point she noticed there was a light haired individual following them. His movements were too streamlined for him to be a mere peasant wandering around the docks. She probably shouldn't refer to him as a peasant. Either way, she didn't like him following her around, especially when they were so close to her destination. Belinda turned her head to talk to Khalil.
"We've got a tail on us. Light hair. Light Clothes." She then took a bit to look at the Inn which loomed ahead of them. The pair can very well see the sign that read "The Sturgeon Inn". Belinda sighed softly then ran a hand through her short hair. She really didn't want any trouble following her to the establishment. Especially since the inn owner was one of her captain's good friends. She had a reputation to keep as being a well respected and well-behaved lady.
"Do you mind shooing him off?"
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Post by Khalil Gharaq on Jun 23, 2017 16:02:38 GMT -6
The two were approaching the inn. Soon, Khalil would receive his payment and be on his way. He sure would've been upset if somebody managed to come between him and his payment. Especially, since it was so close in the near future. Khalil could almost feel as if that was going to be the case. Sure enough, Belinda made a comment about a person following them. The dragon growled his response."Happy to." Although, his plan wasn't exactly to 'shoo' the tail away. He would much rather take him out of the picture all together. Just to make sure he didn't return at a later time.
Khalil shifted the gaze of his beady eyes toward the apparent tail. The white robed, light haired man seemed to be muttering to himself while scanning the duo. Khalil clenched his fists, allowing his knuckles to crack in the process. He took a few deliberate steps in the new man's direction. Khalil didn't have many words for the man. "Leave." The rest was implied through his eyes and body language.
He had clenched fists and a clenched jaw. His brow was furrowed above slightly squinted eyelids. He stood tall, chest slightly lifted. If the simple intimidation route didn't work, Khalil would be more than happy to knock this scrawny looking human's lights out. Hell, he might even get a bonus payment if it came to blows. Khalil eagerly awaited the tail's response. Would he turn and run like Khalil expected? Or would he rather surprise the dragon and try to fight?
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Flash
Mage
Posts: 23
Profession: Mercenary Mage
Affiliation: N/A
Guild: N/A
Affinity: Fire
Profile: Flash
OoC Alias: Flash
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Post by Flash on Jun 23, 2017 16:35:38 GMT -6
Flash noticed that the woman said something to the man. Had he been spotted? Sure enough the man was coming in his direction. Thinking quickly Flash weighed his options. It's not like he could fight this guy in hand to hand combat. Or that he wanted to. So he decided to try and simply ask if one of them was a mage. Sometimes the easiest solutions were the best ones. On one side he was excited that he may have the chance to talk to another mage, on the other side he knew that he could get in trouble very easily. "Leave." The man looked agressive, clenching his fists and jaw and also seemed to wait for Flash to say or do something that would allow him to knock the young mage out. Well that looked like a rough start. But that can hopefully be fixed. Bowing respectfully to the giant before him Flash said, while trying to be loud enough for the woman to hear him: "I will, but please let me speak. First of all: I mean no harm to you, however my curiosity led me here. I am Flash, a mage. I sensed something special from the two of you and wanted to know if one of you is a magic user. If I could exchange opinions and strategies with someone who has also studied the magic arts that would mean a lot to me. So please tell me if you are a mage and otherwise let me ask your companion." That man was no mage. At least Flash hoped he wasn't. That would be... weird. Anyways - he had done all he could to prevent an unjustified attack, so he hoped the man would not act without thinking. Flash readied himself to jump backwards in case the man decided to attack anyways.
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