Circe Alexandra
Mage
"But I just wanna play it right, We're gonna get there tonight"
Posts: 64
Affinity: Anima
Profile: Circe
OoC Alias: Ars Sanctum/Tsunderis
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Post by Circe Alexandra on Dec 24, 2016 13:40:34 GMT -6
When Circe made her excursion out to Nabata, she hadn't expected to actually make the trip all the way down to Khan Yunis. It had only been because she had hitched a ride with a convoy that was en route to the famous trade port that she actually decided to go. Circe did not have a specific destination in mind. That would come after she explored all of Elibe on her own, particularly all the archives and libraries Elibe had to offer! Khan Yunis' appeal came from her inability to explore the city on her own as a child, and she was able to recall one particular archive!
Plus she had friends of the family in the city. If she cranked up the charm or, if need be, spun a few "business wheels" Circe figured her stay in Khan Yunis could be free! Room and board covered for!
Unfortunately it seemed that fate had other plans in store. When she had arrived at the jewelry store that traded their rare metals for her store's rare gems, the owners informed her that, while they would be happy to have her, times were especially tough on them. Namely the hadn't been able to keep up on any trade deals, given that they had lost three trade caravans en route to the Nabata/Lycian border. It was only when a single driver of the third caravan had made his way back to them to tell them what had happened.
Bandits. Desert thieves who raided merchant caravans to haul them off to their hideout, hidden amongst the sands. The news disturbed Circe. While her conscience told her to try and help this family, Gerald and Juniper Hornigold, just as "the right thing to do", she even held a person stake in it. Though famous for their rare Nabatan gems, her family's store also sold the Hornigold's metals. Their golds and silvers and bronzes, amongst others, were popular among the Alexandra's customers.
So Circe was, pinning up fliers across Khan Yunis. She didn't have much gold of her own to share, but she had to do SOMETHING. Even if it meant hiring a mercenary. Unfortunately Circe was pinning up the parchment outside of the very archive she had hoped to spend a few days inside. Not...ideal, to say the least.
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Post by Drei on Dec 24, 2016 22:34:07 GMT -6
Honey hued eyes drifted slowly along the text adorned in golden letters that ran the length of the old crimson leather bound tome's spine. His lips wordlessly mouthing out the title while a single extended index finger brushed the title of the tome while feeling the faint divots made into the leather by the imprinted letters.
"Dancing Shadows."
On the cover, the sub-title had less ornate treatment, being brown letters but still as handsomely designed.
"A tale of the Nether, and a Life within."
The ashen haired shaman averted his gaze while tucking the tome under his arm before he began weaving through the various shelves and rows. Tomes and scrolls galore. Every direction. However the ones that would likely truly pertain to him were the ones with chains binding them and a lock around them. Darker tomes, intended to store secrets kept and known by only the writer and the reader. Often of the more morbid aspects of the Nether. Almost every one was an interest to Drei, but understandably were exceptionally expensive.
So, until he found himself richer than a Marquess, it was comprehensive studies and comparative experience compilations for him. Maybe he'd compile and try to compose a dissertation on his own experiences some day, but he wasn't so sure. Though he housed a soft spot for the academia revolving around elder magic, lately he'd become increasingly tired. The toll from his exertions was steadily growing. It didn't ease the headaches even when he waned off casting. Some day, perhaps he'd be able to solve that.
A pleasant surprise greeted him as the young shaman slid the tome over the counter where the owner of the shop was standing. A familiar face to greet him. A woman with long braided crimson hair leaned over the counter, flashing a warm smile while the middle-aged woman clasped at the boy's tome he'd revealed. Her tone was almost motherly. Sweeping a finger along the spine before parting it and ensuring the quality prior to selling it.
"Good to see you Drei, dear. I admit that I've been quite worried since word arrived concerning your father's circus. It is truly a tragic turn of events. That your alive gives me no small joy. When you first walked in here I thought ghosts had shown themselves to punish me for previous sins~"
The shaman felt his normally non-expressive visage falter as he showed a hint of a smile towards the woman. Madam Priscilla had always been a good friend of their families. Both times they visited Khan Yunis when he was younger, she'd treated him as if he were a nephew coming to visit. She was generally fascinating to converse with and her sweet tarts were second to none. He'd still failed in replicating them precisely, though he was closing in. His own tone was reserved. Shielded almost, as was his instinct in recent times.
"Thank you. I'm glad your still well. I'd visited Borris in Badon before taking a ship here. He mirrored your sentiment. I've been taking this time to learn, and study."
The woman slid the tome to him, but before she spoke of a price, she gazed to the door of the shop before raising an eyebrow. Her tone suddenly more quizzical as she drummed her pale slender fingers along the top of the tome's surface lightly. The series of thuds lined into a rhythmic pattern before Priscilla spoke up.
"How would you like this tome...free of charge?"
An eyebrow of his own crept upwards while suspicion set in. Seldom did he get anything free, even when he'd visited of his own volition prior to the family losses. His tone expressed such caution. There was always a cost. Nothing was truly free.
"In exchange for....?"
The woman directed her gaze back to Drei with a stifled giggle. No doubt she found his caution amusing. She slid a flier to him before pointing to the door while her hand rested atop the tome.
"I know a few friends who have having difficult times, thieves and bandits if you will. Popper raiders. Seems they've been hitting another business beyond my own. Someone finally decided to do something about it, and well...I've seen what your father was capable of. He always spoke highly of your talents and you seem like you could handle yourself. So why not help out with this? Let me know when your done, and I'll waive the price of the tome. Sound fair~?"
Drei pondered quietly for a moment. Head leaning down into the knuckles from his hand which had balled to a fist to serve as a resting point for his chin. Not spending money was nice. He also needed more to do. To further his growths and test his magic. Clasping at the flier, Drei nodded quietly. No further words need be spoken. Not while he now began to dwell upon the situation, reading the flier for himself as he exited the shop and back into the heated shops and streets of Khan Yunis.
As fortune would have it, following a trail of the fliers led him to the woman posting them. The young Sacaen shaman lifted his left hand which contained the folded up flier before speaking in a passive tone. Keeping himself explicitly neutral in impression. Examining the woman before him as Drei approached Circe. Still clad in the fairly heavy dark robes he'd grown to become far too fond of, the shaman introduced himself.
"Hello. My name is Drei, and it was suggested that I attempt to assist in the troubles you seem to be having?"
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Circe Alexandra
Mage
"But I just wanna play it right, We're gonna get there tonight"
Posts: 64
Affinity: Anima
Profile: Circe
OoC Alias: Ars Sanctum/Tsunderis
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Post by Circe Alexandra on Dec 24, 2016 23:02:45 GMT -6
"Hello. My name is Drei, and it was suggested that I attempt to assist in the troubles you seem to be having?"
Circe spun around and immediately assessed the man who spoke to her. She had only so much real world experience when it came to such a matter. Her parents had talked to her about mercenaries and brigands and so forth from the point of view of aristocrats. Mercenaries were convenient when they were successful, brigands were the lowest scum there were. Or at least, the lowest scum they were willing to speak aloud in public. In Etruria. To an extent Circe had always agreed to that logic, and yet here a man stood before her.
And he did not look like a mercenary. No ex-soldier who turned craven. He was just a young man, he looked to even be her age from a first glance. He did not look like a battle-scarred man who would do anything for a single piece of coin. His hair was white as snow, almost silvery, and his tone sounded...honest. Yet Circe was forced to react to him as if it had been a business arrangement.
...But his wording. It was so odd.
"It was suggested?" Rather than respond as Circe intended, the fact that stood out HAD to be addressed. The man hadn't simply spotted one of her fliers and decided he could use some spare gold? "I...apologize, for my bluntness, but, it really must be asked."
Circe walked up closer to him, so that she could watch his reactions closely. "Who suggested that you assist me?" What if this was some manner of trap? Could Circe be underestimating the simple raiders? Perhaps they are a group that is truly organized, and they caught wind of a naive Etrurian girl who thought she was hot to trot, big enough to take them out of business.
Perhaps she was naive. But Circe would NOT allow that to happen.
"Not...that I don't need the help. I do, hence the fliers, but that was surely an odd way to word it. As for my name...well it is Circe." She wouldn't give him her full name, but she at least would give him her first. As much as she felt her need for caution, Circe still ah...did not turn away her first opportunity at help for taking care of these raiders. The sooner the job was done, the better. For the Hornigolds, and for her own family as well.
So she stood, arms crossed beneath her breast, and awaited the man's explanation with a curious brow cocked.
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Post by Drei on Dec 25, 2016 19:10:44 GMT -6
Drei's golden hued gaze slowly scanned their surroundings, and then the woman once more. Though he masked it well, as was one of his few true gifts retained from his previous career as a performer, he found her confusion annoying. The simple facts should have been all that was necessary. However, Drei really wanted that tome, free if possible. So he would indulge if necessary, with unnecessary details. The shaman's tone remained perfectly level. No hint of emotion staining it, and his face like a blank canvas. Gaze focused upon her just enough to indicate he was speaking to her.
"Someone suggested that I follow through with the help requested upon your Flier."
Then she stepped closer. Though his hands idled at his sides, long sleeves and silken tekko which extended to the base of his middle finger brushed to the internal fabrics with his hand twitching ever so slightly. Faintly. Instinctive, though he managed to swiftly repress the urge to begin utilizing the conduit of magic within him to call upon the nether. Being on his own, or in the companionship of only Mila for so long had left him still distrusting of anyone who he hadn't known for an extended period of time. Ultimately, the gestured resulted in a slight rustling of his robe sleeve. Drei answered her question as Matter-o-factly as her prior one while trying to combat the unease at being in a closer proximity to someone he did not know.
"A shop owner I know. Madam Priscilla. She runs the tome shop down the street and to the left behind us, Read em' and reap. She told me it would serve to help her because they also caused troubles for her own shipments and she knew the most recent victims of the raiders. In exchange, the tome I desire will be free of charge. Are there any other...questions? "
Drei's head tilted very faintly a few inches to the right though his poise remained unchanged otherwise, causing his posture to resemble that of an owl examining some oddity before him. Ashen bangs drifted to the side as if silken threads dangling downwards. He did not quite understand the woman before him, but in earnest would be lucky if it remained that way. The Shaman's mind adrift more with thoughts as to the severity of the brigand infestation than towards the actual notion of assisting the woman. He...held a small grudge towards those that plundered or pillaged.
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Circe Alexandra
Mage
"But I just wanna play it right, We're gonna get there tonight"
Posts: 64
Affinity: Anima
Profile: Circe
OoC Alias: Ars Sanctum/Tsunderis
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Post by Circe Alexandra on Dec 26, 2016 14:17:21 GMT -6
The man, Drei, seemed incredibly tense. It didn't really help Circe with her suspicion, and her eyes couldn't help but drift to the man's long sleeves. They rustled, as if he had formed a fist with me or at least fidgeted. However, as strange it may have sounded, she found some relief in hearing out the man's motivation. For one, it was believable. He stood to gain directly for assisting her. And it was so...plain, that Circe doubted it was some sort of cover up. It helped even more that Circe knew of the tome shop. She had hoped to at least give the shop a visit, but she did not have the chance due to the bandit problem.
"I see..." Circe stated before she let out a sigh. She allowed herself to relax a bit, and took a step back from Drei before she offered a small smile. "I'm sorry for my suspicions." She was, really, but she did not regret the actions she had taken. Circe was in an entirely new element here. Khan Yunis was a city she had only visited once, and she had never formally recruited anyone for mercenary work, let alone act as a mercenary herself.
"The only further questions I have for you can wait." Circe could have assumed Drei was some sort of magus based on his appearance, and lack of a noticeable weapon, given that he seemed to believe he could be of some use during a job such as this. What sort of magus was still to be determined, and Circe was curious. She always did enjoy meeting other magi, and so far Nabata had seemed to be a great country for that. However, those curiosities came second to the actual mission that was to come.
"Aside from two! That is." Circe held up her right hand, hand balled into a fist save her extended index finger. "First: Do YOU need any further details on the job to come? Second: how skilled do you believe yourself to be?"
Even if the man only desired this rare tome from Read 'em and reap, Circe still had to be prepared to pay him. And she only had so much gold to spread around. If Drei was skilled enough, though, then perhaps she could save herself the coin from other mercenaries. Circe had also failed to share every detail on the admittedly rushed fliers she had created and put out across the city walls.
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Post by Drei on Dec 27, 2016 16:43:41 GMT -6
The shaman gazed quietly on-wards as the woman apologized. With how mistrustful he was of others it was slightly plausible The ashen haired sacaen boy lifted his arms up slowly, folding them over his chest. The large baggy sleeves dangled someone, and pale fingers quietly clasped at either of his forearms near the sides while she spoke. Merely observing while she inquired if he had any uncertainties he'd like to express. He paused for a moment. The shaman raised one hand, with two fingers ascending to point skywards towards the waning Nabatan veil above. His honey shaded gaze idling upon the girl who it appeared would be his employer. His tone was reserved, but evoked the notion that he was methodically calculating out every factor within. Which he would when he had enough information on the situation to try and process an outcome.
"Well first I would inquire to the number of those who would be fulfilling this contract. Secondly, to the number of assumed brigands. Is there any comprehensive data to utilize in this regard. Our numbers as opposed to theirs, and possibly their approximate threats posed?"
The shaman had essentially probed every possible aspect of the same core questions, but asked enough to ensure that he had all he wished to know. Covering, ultimately most variables. However he pressed onwards, further extending one hand quietly with palm now flattening and fingers curling as if to grip an object of a rounded nature. While he spoke, a small pulse of magic began to hum to life within his grip. His gaze never broke from Circe while he spoke, or channeled his magic.
"How skilled...I could hold my own against a few enemies. Depends on how addled in the head the enemies are. Unintelligent foes are easy to exploit often."
All the while, Drei briefly called upon the void. The air around his palm filled with that familiar presence. Vile magics began to form, what first appeared like merely a shadow upon his palm. Until it took dimensional form. Physically protruding from his palm with bulbous shapes and inky black shifting hues of purple and violet and black. Twisting with faint tendrils as if the mass of magic reached out for the fingers which guided the conduit which supplied their existence. However the magic vanished soon after it began as he halted it; merely displaying that he could control elder magic. So the girl could realize where precisely his talents lay.
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Circe Alexandra
Mage
"But I just wanna play it right, We're gonna get there tonight"
Posts: 64
Affinity: Anima
Profile: Circe
OoC Alias: Ars Sanctum/Tsunderis
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Post by Circe Alexandra on Dec 27, 2016 21:48:55 GMT -6
The peculiar man held up two fingers before he stated his answers to Circe's two “must-answer” questions. The first was pleasing to hear. While Circe would have briefed the man on the full details of the mission before they departed, she was relieved to know that Drei recognized the importance of him already knowing that information. He wanted to be briefed and informed, and that meant he really was taking the matter seriously. At least as seriously as one should. Best part was that Circe had been certain to obtain the details he desired before she had put up the fliers.
She was no mercenary or sellsword (selltome?), but she had a brain. Especially after how messy that incident in the dig site had been, Circe had a newfound respect for proper preparation.
Better still, though, was that Drei had given a silent answer to one of her “must-answer-later” questions. That question being what branch of magic did he practice. With a quiet display it turned out to be elder magic. Given the ah, dark robes...Circe should have guessed. Were all elder magic praciticioners fair of hair? It did lend to a nice contrast, though, his soft ashen hair against the black light produced by the elder magic.
“At the moment, our numbers consist of two. Just you and I. And given my limited ability to fund greater numbers, it is likely that it will only be the two of us.” Not exactly ideal, but it was the reality the two currently faced. With a gentle flick of her head she tossed her dark bangs back into place, and shifted her feet so that her right leg bore more weight than her left.
“But I've done my research. The survivor of their last raid mentioned that the enemies numbered at five. It seems to fit with the description others had given of a 'small-raiding party' that they had seen riding in the distance as well. There still could be others, as well, but the number I have is five.”
Circe was on a roll, now. Perhaps she was a bit too proud of the research she had done before she had written up her fliers. What remained of the stack bounced in her hand, lightly blown by the breeze, as she continued on. “As for their weapons, they appear to mostly use swords. Curved. Two are riders, stolen horses no doubt, and the others fight on foot. One confirmed archer. No magic.”
Which bode both well and poorly for the duo. Provided they could take out the archers some how, they needed only keep their distance from the sword users. In absolute basic theory, at least.
“As for their skill, well, they've had three successful raids in the past month. Neither of the caravans they've attacked have been heavily guarded, though. While I will not doubt their skill, I would say their success stems from the ability to choose and isolate good targets. Heavier guarded caravans have, so far, gone untargetted.”
But how long would that last? Circe certainly had an idea...but she didn't need to dump everything on Drei right away. Just the essentials.
“As for myself...” Circe held up a single finger, gave a wink and a smile, before small sparks ignited: and a modest fireball burned into life. While the temptation to show off a bit more was appealing, she knew better than to go all out just to make a display, especially in the middle of a busy city.
“So, you're in, then?”
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Post by Drei on Jan 1, 2017 18:33:47 GMT -6
Drei paused quietly. Strolling a few steps to the side while veins infused with an ink like trail of black magic that birthed from pale digits. Small wisps which danced as if small sable fires ignited by the faintest of hearts squirmed about from the ashen haired shaman's finger tips. Channeling magic. Sculpting it. Controlling and guiding it helped enhance his focus. It allowed him to remove emotions from the thought process and focus on pure methodical calculations. It was how he coped. Looking at the facts.
Raiders. Mounted. Superior numbers, varied weapons. Melee combatants.
Having inferior numbers was always a negative aspect. The fact that they were only two wouldn't help them much. Nor would it help that he himself was unfamiliar with the deserts and paths along the road. He'd always traveled to Khan Yunis via boat. On top of that he'd never left the actual city limits. Save for this journey and the last, he'd always been there with his family and to perform in his father's circus. So this put him at a disadvantage. Unfamiliar terrain. Though...steeds could also be a weakness. Striking at them presented openings. He'd experienced that in Sacae with the caravan attack.
The shaman turned to take a few steps back towards Circe while tilting his head. Halting the flow of magic entirely as the small tendrils faded into tufts of dissolving nether. Fingers curling into a balled fist, he rested his chin on it while nearly fully tilting his head to the side even as he examined the girl. The flames she displayed briefly evoked an image of Mila in his mind, as he thought to her pyromantic mastery and power there in. A form of magic he was accustomed to fighting along-side. That, at-least, would help them. His expression still remained passive, as the young shaman spoke up.
"Yes. Consider me..in as you put it. I believe we can handle this threat. If not, we shall not live to regret it no doubt."
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Circe Alexandra
Mage
"But I just wanna play it right, We're gonna get there tonight"
Posts: 64
Affinity: Anima
Profile: Circe
OoC Alias: Ars Sanctum/Tsunderis
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Post by Circe Alexandra on Jan 3, 2017 13:49:46 GMT -6
And Circe thought she was realistic. Where all Elder Magic users a bit...off? It wasn't as though Drei's words were wrong, but how comfortably he stated them was what Circe found to be a bit jarring. Still, he did not seem to have any complaints, nor did he have any further questions for the time being. Most importantly, the prospects of failure and death did little to deter him, and he hadn't even heard of Circe's strategy yet. There were some disturbing implications in that reality, but Circe refused to let her death, or the death of her ally, be the end result of the mission.
Success was the only option.
“Splendid!” With a snap of her fingers, embers and sparks withered away into the wind, the fireball she had produced sizzling out into nothing. She proceeded to walk past Drei and shoot him a smile. “If you'd be so kind as to follow me, then, I can fill you in on our plan of attack.”
Circe kept a decent pace as she made her way down the lively road. Khan Yunis really was a city that thrived on business. It truly made it stand out in a country that had very little in the way of modern civilization. Khan Yunis was prosperous, and its citizens were even more busy-bodied than the Etrurians back at Circe's home. Granted Circe mostly met aristocrats and nobles who had inherited their wealth, and had all the time in the world to browse a jewelry shop.
It was just a...nice observation to make. That Khan Yunis truly was a gem of the desert. Something about seeing merchants chatting to their clients in such a lively manner helped ease her nerves. She did have them, after all. The tiny fluttering of her heart at the prospect of taking on men who had no issues with taking human lives. Granted there was the incident in the archaeological dig site already, and a few of her lessons with her old mentor, but this was...different. SHE had plotted a plan to attack THEM. This was not someone else's plan, nor was it an impromptu rescue mission.
The personal stakes were the greatest Circe had ever experienced. If anything went wrong on this mission, she had nobody to blame but herself. As such, any peace of mind was welcome in the face of that reality, no matter how strange or small. It helped keep that overwhelming confidence riding her. To keep her back straight and her head held high.
“The raiders have experienced nothing but success, having followed their formula. This success has been noteworthy against H-ore-nigold's caravans.” No, really. That was the name of their shop. Gerald seemed to think it was the best thing ever, and boasted about it to this day. “So, my plan is to take one such caravan through the desert, with us two acting as the caravan guards. I know the trail that the raiders attack, and have mapped out a way to move off that trail and onto disadvantageous territory once they begin to chase us. Remember, they've had nothing but success. I have little doubt their overconfidence will drive them to follow us. The best part? The path I have planned out is very narrow. They can only run us down from behind, rather than pincer us in like they have tended to do on their trail.”
Circe gazed over her shoulder, just to make sure Drei had kept up with her, before she continued on. “I can't afford to fund proper sellswords to act as caravan guards, but I can pull out a few favors. Enough for us to have a driver and one extra crew member. Their job will be to push empty boxes, our bait cargo, back towards the raiders. Horses are skiddish, and if we can throw them off balance the men'll lose their mounts. I doubt they've tamed the beasts well enough that they wouldn't abandon them if they got wounded.”
Circe didn't exactly enjoy the prospect of harming innocent animals, but if the raiders could use them as an advantage then she needed to turn that into a disadvantage. Or, at least, take that advantage away.
“We can cast our spells from the caravan as well, and if we wear them down and scare off their mounts, we should be able to dismount from the cart and...finish them.” The words did not sit well, but it was a likely reality. There were only two combatants involved in the mission, and four enemies. To capture all four and return them to Khan Yunis was an overly idealistic reality.
Still, the negative did not sit on her mind for long, as she had arrived before their destination. H-ore-nigold's, Gerald and Juniper Hornigold's shop. For all her confidence regarding the plan, she still er, had to pull those two favors and ask for the Hornigolds caravan. Circe was only so confident in how well that would all work out, but her plan hinged on it. The alternative was to search the desert for the raiders' hideout, or shadow another caravan...on foot. Through the desert.
Yeah.
“So, I ask again...any questions?” Circe asked, turning 'round to face Drei with her trademark confident smile.
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Post by Drei on Jan 11, 2017 14:23:51 GMT -6
How...strange this other woman was. Of-course, finding someone filled with energy wasn't strange in or of itself. But the particular ambient vibes that she gave off were most odd. Ashen bangs drifted to obscure parts of his visage, the sweltering heat of Nabata still ever presence like a thick haze within the air. Segments of the street draped in shadow from obstructing buildings were a gracious privilege to indulge in, for the chilled air (or considerably less oppressive) allowed him small moments of respite. His robes trailed inches from the ground, tailing behind him while he quietly adjusted the cuffs around his wrists while following behind Circe. Fingers idly tugging and pulling at small segments to give his skin more room to breath. Honestly, if he'd owned any other clothes besides these robes he'd have worn that. It would've certainly been better than nearly sweating to death.
The boy's fingers quietly lifted, and Drei began to faintly channel that minute internal conduit of dark powers. So that the faintest palpable essence streamed from index finger to middle finger. The familiar presence of the nether washed over him, as he sculpted and guided the minute wisp like shadow. Pale digits slowly worked and manipulated it's composure, construction, and orchestrated the smallest of movements. Puppeteering the path it worked as it circulated around his palm and wrist like a small shadowy eel swimming through the sea.
Khan Yunis was a large place. Walks of all life gathered from thrice over Elibe to contribute towards it's population. This place was welcome to all. It did not bar those of dark magic like Etruria. It did not mistrust those of light magic. Your skill set could be useful to anyone. A small phrase came to mind. The strong tones of his father confidently reciting it while he noted the large slew of people moving through out the streets and alley paths. No crevice underpopulated.
"If you've the skill, Khan Yunis has the work."
So it seemed. His open practice of elder magic did not provoke a reaction of scorn. A few eyes drawn, mayhap, but nothing unpleasant. No foul tones or angry gestures. No confrontation or conflict. It was a pleasant notion he did not know too well. He'd not been able to openly display or practice his arts around populated individuals since his father's circus had been...closed. The pale shaman lifted his gaze to the back of the womans head while she spoke.
The first thing he thought of was the conflict in Sacae. When he'd stumbled upon a caravan mid raid by brigands. How he'd utilized one of it's wagons to fight from. Taking cover, assaulting from a higher ground. He could've kept it up had he not been...accidentally assaulted by Mila's fire magics. She'd confused him for an enemy initially. However the scenario was similar. Save they'd, reportedly be fighting less brigands. The only difference being that this time, the caravan was expecting an attack. It would give them an advantage, for sure.
Drei quietly followed. Listening further before raising an arm, quietly clasping at his chin. Letting his thoughts drift quietly along before formulating what to say. In essence, he had little to comment unfortunately. This girl seemed to enjoy speaking alot and that was not his forte. Unless it shifted to academic theory of magical practice.
"I see. No, I believe I understand the plan. I shall be ready when ever it is time to depart."
Her smiling expression was met with a shielded visage. Masked behind neutral look while amber hued gaze idled upon her curiously.
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Circe Alexandra
Mage
"But I just wanna play it right, We're gonna get there tonight"
Posts: 64
Affinity: Anima
Profile: Circe
OoC Alias: Ars Sanctum/Tsunderis
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Post by Circe Alexandra on Jan 13, 2017 20:06:01 GMT -6
Wow...really? Circe expected some manner of question to follow up her spiel. Perhaps the man hadn't been paying attention? Or perhaps Circe just wanted an excuse to further delay the inevitable. She still had to ask the Hornigolds for permission to use their caravan. THEN she had to go pull her favors to have a couple of workers on them as well. That bit could be done later, she wasn't concerned about whether or not they would comply. It was the Hornigolds.
“I-I see.” Came Circe's reply, attempting to sound as confident as she wished she was. Still, she gave a bright smile all the same, even if it was met by the blank gaze of what could have been a sleep deprieved child, before she turned to the doorway of H-Ore-nigold's. Elimine curse that shop name. She straightened her back and cleared her throat. “All right then, Drei. You just leave all the talking to me.”
She doubted that would be a problem.
Circe throw open the door and sauntered in. What she attempted to display was not arrogance, but rather a more a...girlish charm. She was the polite, proper raised heiress of a wealthy business. Maybe not noble but she'd bowed and chatted with enough aristocracy to know how to behave as such. Ah, but she was not to act high and mighty! She never wished to portray herself in such a way. What she did wish, though, was to come off as intelligent. Bright. To keep her girlish charm while portraying adult maturity and rationality.
It worked wonders in Etruria, with most aristocrats and merchants. Even if she KNEW the H-Ore-nigold's, she didn't know them extremely well. She'd only met them face to face once!
“Ah, Mr. and Mrs.Hornigold!” Circe exclaimed as she strolled across the storefront to greet the couple at their counter. The store itself was impressively sized, obviously lucradive, and had man tables that displayed countless types of mineral ores, as well as the price ranges, alongside them. Everything from iron to gold.
The Hornigolds were dusty skinned folk. Well into their middle ages, Gerald Hornigold had thinning hair and Juniper had touches of grey all throughout. They seemed...surprised to see the bright Circe, and quirked their brows at her quiet companion.
“Circe? Back so soon...have you already found help?”
“I have. This man behind me, Drei.” Circe gestured politely to Drei before she quickly continued on. “And two other kind, but reliable men.” Not entirely a lie, but hardly the truth. “We'd set out to take care of the raiders tomorrow!”
As politely as the Hornigold's seemed to handle this statement, the doubt was clear in their expressions. Circe didn't exactly blame them. She had no credentials as a 'mercenary', with very little experience. She was also young and privileged. When they had last met her she was a child proper, and she no-doubt did at least a few things that would have her embarassed to recall. They had every reason to be doubtful...which was why Circe could not afford to show even the slightest-hint of self-doubt. If she appeared to lack faith in her own ability, she could not complain about others behaving in the same manner.
“Th-That's great, dear...” Juniper stated softly, clearly a bit torn about which direction to take the conversation in. “But, Circe, do you-”
Nope, can't let that happen!
“I just need to ask ONE favour of you two. For this job to be completed, we would require the use of a caravan, horses included of course. Would you two be so kind as to lend yours to the cause?”
“O-Our caravan?!” Gerald's draw practically dropped at the suggestion, and he sputtered a bit before he could carry on. “But...who would dri-”
“One of the two men I mentioned would be capable of handling the horses and driving the caravan.” Circe kept that sweet smile of hers plastered on her face, but she secretly reveled in this. Tearing down a naysayer, proving that she was capable of more than what someone believed. If she let that show at all, though, then the whole plan fell apart. So she held out a hand and began to tap on her fingers, eyes raised to the ceiling in thought. “Oh, we would need boxes as well. Empty of course. Beyond the horses and wagon itself I will not allow any of your property to be at risk. It's a bait strategy, you see. We would just need it for the day, to ride out and lure the raiders into attacking us. Then-”
“All right dear...a-all right...” Juniper's hands were up, but her head lowered in defeat. “You can have the caravan.”
“Thank you kindly.” Circe stated, gaze fixed on the Hornigolds once more. Gerald sighed and rolled his shoulders.
“Mhm. Just...be careful, okay?”
“You have my word, Mr. and Mrs.Hornigold.” Circe gave a polite bow, grateful for their concern but also admittedly thrilled at her success thus far. However they still had some time to prepare. Circe wouldn't be able to speak with the men she needed to for a few hours yet, and she did not want to linger...there were preparations to make.
“The caravan wagon is just out back, yes? I'll take Drei to show him.” Circe turned on her heels and reached out to Drei's arm, to grasp him by the sleeve. She shoots the white haired man a wink before continuing. “Come along, Drei.”
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Post by Drei on Jan 14, 2017 13:39:06 GMT -6
Drei didn't really respond visibly to her stammering statement or her smile. If anything, he quietly just nodded in affirmation before he averted his gaze to take in their evident clients. Though, to a degree Circe was still his client supposedly. They would've been his clients by proxy? Or would they. The job was ultimately theirs, and they were the ones that would pay out the reward or payment for the completion of the aforementioned term. So did that mean that he was beholden to them, and they his employer while Circe was more of a contractual negotiator? Seriously...how did mercenaries function with this kind of thing? It was baffling to him and profoundly confusing.
Oh right. People were talking and doing that whole "Interaction" thing.
The mention of his name drew his attention. The shaman examined the individuals whom had been directly suffering because of the raids. They seemed nice enough. A faint nod of greeting with silent expression was the best they'd get out of him for the moment. Circe had asked to do the talking after all. Like people his family would've known. That made it a bit easier for him to put himself in danger for their behalf as well as his own. He didn't like doing anything from a purely selfish standing, because of the feelings it evoked. So if he could do it for someones gain as well it made it an easier notion. Even if that technically still implied selfish intent. Just more so from a moral caliber, that kind of selfish he could live with.
Drei's left hand tucked through ashen bangs and quietly combed them out of his face so that they quietly curved to the side as per their norm. The heat of Nabata had him sweating, and the droplets clinging to his hair and wetness of it made it a bit messier than he was used to. Also made him realize he was do for a hair cut at some point. Drei's other hand drifted to the folds beneath his coat while he observed the conversation, now tuning in. Though he wasn't fond of using a point literally, it seemed like Circe had put her horses before the cart.
Honey shaded eyes narrowed. Quietly observing Circe's reactions as the female mage began to forge on. Given what she'd told him he assumed her plan was locked in. Here however it seemed that was not the case. Even the way she became more assertive seemed to slightly hint of a front. If nothing else, it seemed that way purely because he was oh so very familiar with putting up facades. It was perhaps one of his few genuine talents. The ability to throw up a mask or veil to obscure his expressions or thoughts and betray naught. The pale haired shaman let his index finger slowly stroke the hard-leather bound tome chained to his hip. Feeling the divots and small indentations or deformities and abnormalities about them. His father's tome was a great comfort to him. It always had been, even if he couldn't read it.
At-least now that they were in-doors he no longer suffered the oppressive rays of light from the sun. The stifling wafting warmth however did little to help his situation. The young Sacaen Shaman averted his gaze once more when the woman went to speak to Circe, as if about to protest. Here he saw doubt. Uncertainty. Perhaps the girl wasn't intended, when they'd approached her with their plight, to depart for the venture herself. Maybe they'd simply asked her to put up flyers, or had never intended for her to actually spearhead it in the way she did.
It intrigued him. Why would she go out of her way if they didn't seem to desire it? Did she want to? Was it for personal gain? To help others? To prove she could help others? If so, to herself or the others in question? Still, she seemed to comfort or assure them. Which ever it was they truly needed to have transpire. The young shaman observing further when they told her where it was even as the girl's tone shifted to one of victory. And Drei, who was stuck thinking and observing was caught off guard, though he masked it barely when she latched upon his sleeve and yanked him with her. The closeness instantly causing him to seize up slightly before following begrudgingly. He loathed personal space being too close of proximity. He quietly followed, speaking not a word as he tried to settle himself from getting frustrated at being guided.
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Circe Alexandra
Mage
"But I just wanna play it right, We're gonna get there tonight"
Posts: 64
Affinity: Anima
Profile: Circe
OoC Alias: Ars Sanctum/Tsunderis
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Post by Circe Alexandra on Jan 14, 2017 14:19:55 GMT -6
Well, that felt like a MASSIVE load off. A weight had truly been lifted from Circe's shoulders. Even if she was skilled at handling situations such as that, it didn't mean she particularly enjoyed it. Hm, funny. Being innately talented at anima magic was a large part of the reason she pursued its mastery. But the difference there was the pursuit of Anima magic was hers, and hers alone. It required no approval from others, required no bargaining. All that mattered was that she practiced and obtain more experience with casting. That she study new tomes as soon as she could, and learn the casting and combat styles that would further her understanding of the elements.
She only had to prove to herself what she was capable of. There was little added pressure.
So yes, even as she stepped into the heavy sunlight that hammered down on Khan Yunis, Drei in tow, she let out a deep breath of relief. Circe wasn't even certain the mission itself would carry that same weight to it.
Sure enough, around the back of the shop, was the caravan wagon. It was modestly sized but built very sturdy. It had to survive trips through the Nabata Desert, of course. While most of H-Ore-Nigolds metals were shipped to Etruria, and thus to her family's shop, by boat, they still had other clients WITHIN Nabata proper. Deliveries to be made to and from mines as well. The wagon had to survive what Nabata could throw at it, and Nabata had one of, if not THE, most dangerous environments on Elibe.
Circe released Drei's sleeve and knocked on the hard wood. Plenty of it was reinforced with metals as well. The benefits of running an ore, metals, and smelting shop, it seemed.
“Should be able to withstand the mission...” Circe mumbled to herself aloud. Drei had been so quiet she nearly forgot he was with her. Granted she ah, had ASKED for his silence, but she doubted he would have spoken much whether or not she had done so.
The young magus turned around to face Drei. “Ugh, how do you STAND the heat in those robes?” Circe had caught some snide comments about her...admittedly skimpy style of dress from others before, despite the fact that it was clearly Nabatan flavored. She simply wrote it off as jealousy and moved on. If she was going to care about what others thought of her abilities, she refused to allow that to extend to her style of dress as well.
Besides, it sure did pay off when one was ACTUALLY in Nabata. Though she would need a cloak for the wind, sand, and potential sun damage during the mission proper.
“Anyways, this will be our wagon. The horses are kept at the stables, and I still need to talk to our driver...” To be honest Circe wasn't sure what else to say. Drei had given very little info about himself, beyond his motivation for taking the job and that he was “fine” with Circe's plan. She cocked her head and regarded the white haired man curiously.
“I'm not sure you want to be dragged around by me as I set up the rest of the mission, but that won't take all day. Do you have any preparations you need to make? Is there anything you're going to do to pass the time until tomorrow morning?”
Conversation skills? 10/10, Circe. She had blundered up that sequence of questions, but she couldn't exactly undo them.
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Post by Drei on Jan 15, 2017 0:15:59 GMT -6
So far this was proving to be a more promising venture than he'd originally given it credence for. Seeing someone so far as engaging and fairly unique as Circe had piqued his interest. At-least his curiosity, if nothing else. That wasn't to say he hadn't met unique people before. Mila was a talented genius with fairly high magical aptitude and a voracious knowledge concerning most things magical. Samantha was a nice girl that seemed to have strong moral centers. However both were very upfront. First impressions with them would've left one exposed to them in their entirety. For the most part. It had become something he realized upon initial observations. People who were that open or often led those genuine sides show held little mystery. Not that this was necessity for him to hold interest, but it led him to find little reason to observe them directly.
Drei walked a few steps past Circe and quietly ran pale thin fingers along the rough worn wooden texture that surfaced sides of the wagon before fingers met heated metal plating which served no doubt as additional structural support. It would certainly make for a decently defensible position. At-least to disable the horses of the raiders, if they were fast enough. At this point, Drei caught her comment about his robes and turned to gaze flatly at Circe while lowering his hand from the wagon. He lifted his hands a few inches from either side quietly and shrugged his shoulders before answering somewhat bluntly.
"These are the only clothes I own. So I just..get used to it eventually I guess. I seldom notice it after a time, at-least to the severity that others might be inclined to theorize."
The shaman lowered his hands before turning to gaze past her once more while idly pondering in thought. His right hand resting atop his tome again and slowly stroking it absently with his index finger. His amber hued eyes scanning her as she began to lay out the supposed game plan for the rest of the day. It also seemed, as if he wasn't a necessary part of this plan. Which meant he could spend his time better preparing himself or trying to adequately adapt his traditional methodology in combat to the scenario. Something he'd sooner spend time pondering than later in earnest. Once she'd bombarded him with questions, his first thoughts rang through his mind free of any filter or censor.
Oh good, she's as bad at talking to people as I am.
"I shall take my leave for a time then and meet with you at a place of your choosing tomorrow. Where ever the convenience is highest. Until then I may take this time to meditate and commune. If that's all then...? "
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Circe Alexandra
Mage
"But I just wanna play it right, We're gonna get there tonight"
Posts: 64
Affinity: Anima
Profile: Circe
OoC Alias: Ars Sanctum/Tsunderis
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Post by Circe Alexandra on Jan 15, 2017 2:36:01 GMT -6
Well, slight mistake aside, Circe had gotten Drei to speak. Briefly. Evidently the only clothes he owned were those heavy, dark robes of his. Er...r-right. Circe wasn't exactly sure how to respond to that. The man was in KHAN YUNIS. Fairly deep into Nabata. Evidently he just allowed himself to get adjusted to the heat beneath those robes, rather than spend a few coins to buy a shirt or a shawl or...anything else.
To make matters worse Drei seemed to be eager to move along. That was...fine, she supposed. He wasn't supposed to be her friend or anything, hm? Just her ally. So long as they co-operated and worked well together, for the sake of the mission's success, that was...all that mattered. Right. So Circe forced another smile and gave a nod.
“Best spot to meet me will be right here, tomorrow morning. I should be here a bit after dawn, with the rest of our crew and the horses...” There wasn't much left to say, really. Circe walked past Drei and gave him a polite wave. “Make sure to be here for sunrise!”
Well, so much for a pleasant distraction from the mission at hand. That was a childish thought for her to have, anyway. Wasn't her fault Drei was relatively easy on the eyes. It was just a damn shame she seemed to...not be able to talk to him. Not even out of embarrassment or anything of the sort, Circe didn't allow herself to get flustered over boys (if she could help it), but she just didn't have much to work with.
It was probably for the best. Again, the objective.
Circe left the proximity of H-Ore-Nigolds and headed off towards a particular tavern “The Salty Sailor” tavern. That's where she'd find the men who owed a favor or two to the Alexandra family. Brothers who were once broke orphans, who were beggars in a village way out in northern Nabata. Circe's parents had taken pity on them and got them jobs as miners. Circe had met the brothers the last time she came to Khan Yunis, where they had since retired, using their hard earned money to start up the Salty Sailor.
Now they could very well be tavern owners now, but Circe was fairly confident she could remind them of the debt they owed the Alexandra family...
“Circe...Elimine take me, it is too dang early for this.” Nazim stated, stifling his hand with a yawn. The tanned man and his twin brother, Ashim, both looked rather exhausted. After all they had to run their tavern late into the night, regardless of if they accepted Circe's request. Which they had, much to her happiness and relief. Circe's Charm - 2, Adults – 0. She was certainly on a roll.
“If we don't leave early then we run the risk of being stuck out in the desert at night. You both know full well that's practically a death sentence.” Without the hot Nabatan sun the desert became deathly cold, and due to how one had to dress for the heat, you could not afford to dress for the cold to follow. They also ran the risk of being attacked by ANOTHER group of raiders. Such attacks were more likely at night, even outside of the usual territory.
Circe herself was tired, but not quite to the extent of the Nabatan brothers. She seemed rather chipper, having had a full breakfast and a tea before she dragged the two lugs out to the wagon. Nazim had already rode the horses over and hitched them to the wagon, while Ashim had loaded it up with empty boxes, weighed down with some sand so that they would not just bounce off the caravan.
All they needed was Drei, and then the plan could be set in motion.
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