Seeking Magic

[Lylessa Uluki]

((NPC Post))

Lord Alessar Hornwood sat at a table in The Grumpy Cricket Tavern, drinking what the bartender claimed was his best ale-- which apparently meant it had fewer flakes of sawdust floating in it than the lesser ales had. Hornwood had to fight to avoid wrinkling his his nose with each sip, but he reminded himself there was a good reason for this. Should he be noticed by the wrong people, it would be silly to be seen sitting in a public house doing nothing. He had to at least pretend he was there for the usual purpose.

Not that he was likely to be seen. At this hour the bar had few patrons, and Hornwood was tucked away in a dark corner. He'd paid a handful of bishani to be left alone by the tender-- far more than the privilege was worth, truth be told, but what were a few more coins for a wealthy man like Hornwood?

He didn't want this meeting to be disturbed. Best to speak to his potential new hires without interruption, and without calling attention to himself or them. For it was magic that Hornwood sought. Dark, damaging magic. Having grown up in Marn, he'd heard the ruins on the outskirts were a breeding ground for all sorts of malevolent powers. He'd always taken that with a fairly large grain of salt... at least until it had been confirmed to him that a warrior had fought a demon hag there. The hag had been killed, but Hornwood wasn't going to take any chances after that, unless it was with lives he considered less valuable than his own.

As for what he hoped to find... his wishes were flexible. He knew only the barest outlines of the magics to be found in the ruins-- outlines he would impart to his potential employees when they arrived-- but if they could find any way to harness and bring back some of that magic, he would be happy. He would be even happier after he defeated Barmitheon Panterras, his former mentor, a senile old fool who had now become a liability.

He'd spread the word discreetly, through the shadier of the channels he had access to, what sort of people he was intending to hire, and where they could meet him. None of the rumours to be circulated would include his name, simply that he was a wealthy and well-positioned man who sought to hire a few people useful skills-- or if nothing else, with a willingness to take a risk for money. A risk he, naturally, had played down as much as possible.

And so he waited, sipping cheap ale and pondering dark deeds.

[Garfane]

"Psst!" A voice came from nowhere. "Oi, longears!" came a hoarser whisper from behind. Garfane stopped, 'Longears how clever', turning he looked around.

He turned, looking for the voice in the night and sure enough a man came out of the shadows; dirty, smelly and unshaven. Clearly some form of beggar or hired thug.
"Yes, how can I help you? I have no money if that is what you are after." He said trying to hide his nerves.
"Oh no sir, I know of work which may be of interest." The stranger whispered.
"Really?"
"Yes sir, Meister scholar. Well paid too, so I've been told".
Julius raised an eye brow. "Well paid?" Pausing for thought, Julius adjusted his robe. "Where is this work?" He demanded.
The stranger swallowed and looked around nervously like he didn't want to be seen out; Julius could see it in his eyes even on this dimly lit street.
"The Grumpy Cricket Tavern scholar." The stranger shifted again, "A wealthly man, I know not his name, but he waits tonight." He man coughed and looked around.
"Very well," Julius sighed "I shall meet this man you speak of." Before he had finished the stranger was gone.

'Well', thought Julius.' Barely back a week and already something is happening.' Straightening his robe he moved off towards The Grumpy Cricket Tavern to meet this man. 'Money is money after all.' Thought Julius. 'And the gods know I need it.'

With magic not being allowed in Marn. Julius' dreams of being a mage where limited. Since coming back from his trip from Keltaris, he hadn't once been able to cast a spell without fear or being caught. At least in Keltaris he could practice in the guild hall and safe houses. Here though, back home, he couldn't even summon a light without raising eyebrows. "Surely, my protective spells aren't evil, nor corrupt." He thought to himself out loud.

The street was deathly still. After all it was late, and who in their right mind would be out at this time in Marn? Pulling his hood up over his head, covering his head-band with its black stone, he put his head down. It was raining again.
'Nothing like Marnian weather.' He thought. After what seemed to be a long ten minutes he made it to The Grumpy Cricket Tavern. To say the place didn't look inviting would have been a understatement. The sign post was hanging off. Doors and windows barred or shut. Its moss covered brick work clearly damaged by the damp of the season. Slowly he pushed open the door.

It was empty except for a few drunken men, the bar keep and his maid. However there was a man. He was sat in the corner, clearly displeased at something. Walking over the bar area, he waved the bar keep over.
"Ale, please bar keep."
The keep grunted and slide him a pale looking ale; bits floating in it. Taking a sip, Julius fought back the urge to spit it out. Turning, Julius looked at the man, heading over watching him every step of the way. The man had a glare. What a glare too, not looking away Julius pulled up a seat and sat. Staring at the man.
"I'm looking for work."He asked, his voice hushed "My name is Julius Henry Garfane, I am a mage of sorts." He pulled down his hood. His black and platium hair glimed in the light, pale blue orbs in his face shone like a ocean in the summer, then he smiled. "And you are?"

[Rotiku]

It was raining out. Rotiku sat in the rain, quite displeased he had no shelter. He use one of his few books as cover. He watched the rain drip off the edges and onto his legs, annoyed that the book did not act as much of a shelter. Ever since he had landed in Marn, life had taken a turn for the worst. Rotiku watched a faint figure make his way through the rain and towards him.

"You should get inside, mate." The stranger advised him "It is really coming down."

"I don't have any money and I keep getting kicked out of taverns for not buying anything." He replied to the stranger quite bitterly while trying not to shiver. He looked at Ro's attire and noticed a sword hanging off his belt.

"No money. Would you like to earn some?" Rotiku raised an eyebrow at him. "Rumors have been going around that there is a man who is hiring some people. Supposedly fighters. I do not know the details of it though. All I know is the man waits in the Grumpy Cricket Tavern." He thought he had seen that earlier, but honestly had no idea where it was.

"Thank you, sir." He shoved his book back into mhis bag, only to realize that the man had left. He couldn't see him past the down pour. Rotiku trudged along to where he believed he had seen the tavern. He found it and pushed his way inside. It was not the nicest of buildings, but it was still shelter. He looked around. A couple of men were laughing and drinking. He doubted this is who was hiring. He saw two men sitting in a corner talking. Perhaps one of these men were hiring. He looked at them, and the one facing him looked back. Ye turned away for a moment, unsure of what to do. He thought about it quickly. If he went and asked, he could look like a fool and interrupt them. But if he acted like he knew what he was doing, he would look like an even bigger fool. "I should just play it safe." He murmured to himself. He made his way over to the two. "Excuse me, I may be wrong, but I have heard word that someone is hiring for some work."

[Lylessa Uluki]

((NPC Post))

Hornwood stared at the first arrival, trying not to allow his indecision to show on his face. On the one hand, having a mage among his hires was quite necessary, and having that fact announced saved having to ask questions to determine it. Though Hornwood was inclined to hire those without magic as well, as long as they could fight-- no sense losing the magic users to a demon hag in the middle of some sensitive ritual-- or had some other useful skill, if no one among them could use magic, their expedition couldn't get very far.

On the other hand, he was wary about how quickly the fact of the magic use was announced. At best, it was reckless. In Marn, where magic was outlawed and stamped out, to broadcast having such talents was not generally wise. Hornwood didn't really care if this stranger got himself locked up or killed by the Guard, but if the man was reckless in other areas as well, he might spoil the whole expedition by acting impulsively.

Risk could bring great reward, though. So the apparent recklessness might turn out to be a blessing in disguise. What still worried Hornwood, what he considered the worst case scenario, was that this man might be a government spy. As soon as Hornwood accepted a mage into his employ, he too would presumably be committing a crime, and the Guards might descend upon him.

In spite of his concerns, Hornwood pushed back his own hood. He was a large man, built like a piece of furniture-- well-padded, but strong and solid underneath. His hair was golden and collar-length, not yet running to grey or thinning, but his somewhat lined face revealed him to be be middle-aged, about forty. The cloak he wore was velvet, dark blue, and very expensive, as was the rest of his clothing, which was black and neatly tailored. It was nondescript, though, too generic to be traced back to any specific clothing maker. Nor did Hornwood wear any rings or jewelery; he owned plenty of such trinkets, but any of them might prove too identifying, so he refrained.

"Greetings, Garfane. I am Lord D'Or." He hadn't intended to give them his real name anyway, and the potential for trouble with the law only confirmed his inclination. "I am indeed hiring. You say 'of sorts'-- what exactly is it that you do?"

The arrival of a second person was initially met with irritation. Hornwood didn't want to have to try to explain himself to some random bystander, especially after paying an outrageous sum of bishani for the privilege of remaining undisturbed. When the second man spoke, however, Hornwood understood why the bartender had allowed the stranger over rather than waylaying him.

"I am the one looking to employ a few worthy people. You may call me Lord D'Or. Tell me, what is your name, and what skills would you bring to an expedition?"

Hornwood looked at them both, trying to size them up. Were they useful enough? Were they brave enough? Would taking them into his confidence, even under the assumed name, damage Hornwood's social position, his reputation for respectability? Those were the things most precious to him, and in fact the things Panterras had most endangered.

Panterras didn't understand how the real world worked. Too long, the old man had been at the top of the pile, and when the mound had collapsed under him, spilling him back down to the ground, Panterras seemed not to have noticed. True, he was aware of his discomforts-- and hated the Fae woman so much because he blamed her for his losses. But Panterras had never figured out that he needed to act differently. That his imperious and audacious manner simply wouldn't work in a place like Marn. The circumstances had changed, but Panterras hadn't changed with them. Shame about the old man, who had taught Hornwood well about magic, but Panterras had become more trouble than he was worth. Perhaps it was worth the temporary risk to Hornwood's position to secure it by getting rid of Panterras for good. No, not just perhaps... it was certain.

"Do the two of you fear danger?" He regarded them searchingly. "Do you fear death?"

Perhaps some sort of a test needed to be devised. When Panterras wanted to test Hornwood, to see if Hornwood had the stomach for the appointed tasks-- back when Hornwood had been acting like a fawning sycophant, to what was now his great embarrassment-- the old man had instructed Hornwood to watch, and then participate in, the magic rites and experiments performed on unwilling little Kira. Hornwood had held the girl down when her father poured potions into her mouth or transfused her with demon blood, and Hornwood himself had once carved ritual symbols into her flesh for a particularly gruesome magical attempt. Doing so had nearly made him vomit, with all the blood, and the girl's pitiful but irritating refusal to cooperate... but Hornwood had performed his part with skill, and Panterras had been pleased.

Hornwood decided he would need to devise some equivalent test of courage and resolve for these new employees of his. That was the only way he could be sure of trusting them. Especially the mage, who might be reckless, but it wouldn't hurt to be more sure of any of them. As he listened, he began pondering what sort of test would be appropriate.

[Garfane]

"I am indeed hiring. You say 'of sorts'-- what exactly is it that you do?"

Julius thought about the question for a moment. Looking over his shoulder to make sure no one had now taken a interest in what he was saying. "What I mean. My lord. Is that I am but a novice still learning the ways of the arcane" he paused for a moment. "You see I am back from Keltaris, where magic isn't frowned upon, So you'll forgive my out-rightness." He smiled

Someone else was walking up now, Julius stopped talking at once. Watching the stranger walk up to the table. Was he a gaurd? Had Julius spoken out of turn? Then the man spoke.

"Excuse me, I may be wrong, but I have heard word that someone is hiring for some work."

Breathing a sigh of relief, Julius relaxed and smiled. The stranger was like him, a man in need of some coin. There was something about him though, he looked ill. His messy black hair swooshed as he walked, and he was clearly a elf so there was some common ground on which to strike up a converstation. Eventually Garfane turned around back to Lord D'Or. Now that was a strange name. But if he was paying what did it matter?

Lord D'Or was in conversation with the newcomer. Talking in whisper, Julius couldn't hear a word that was being said. "So much for having big ears" he thought to himself. He sat there and looked into his ale, the bits of wood still floating on the surface. No sooner had the whispers started they stopped the man named Lord D'Or looked up, something about his face made Julius uneasy. There was a look in his eyes. He hadn't seen for a long time. So long infact he couldn't quite place it. Still he was uneasy all the same.

"Do the two of you fear danger?" He regarded them searchingly. "Do you fear death?"

Raising a eyebrow Julius watched Lord D'Or. He didn't flinch, Julius thought something like this would come up but was truely hoping it wouldn't.
"I wouldn't say I am a fan of either my lord." Julius arched his fingers together. Pressing his finger tips together.
"However, I am slightly more in favour of danger than dying. If I am to be honest." He smiled and leaned forward elbows on the table. Glancing left and then right he leaned a little close.
"What is it you are wanting us to do?" Julius wanted to know now, what he was getting himself in for.

[Rotiku]

"I am the one looking to employ a few worthy people. You may call me Lord D'Or. Tell me, what is your name, and what skills would you bring to an expedition?" The man further back told Rotiku. Ro glanced around for a moment and then sat down next to the other man.

"Greetings Lord D'Or, my name is..." Ro held his tongue for a moment. This man was not being entirely truthful. Rotiku just had a feeling, but assumed it was nothing and shrugged it off. "...Sirror." He told the man. Sirror had been one of the elder guards in Sharm. "I am a fighter. I mainly use a sword, but can use a few other weapons. I personally think I have a good shot with a bow."

Lord D'Or was looked at me for a moment. "Do the two of you fear danger? Do you fear death?". Rotiku pondered this question for a moment as the other man next to him answered. Death and danger were both something to be afraid of. But why did he ask that?

"Well Lord D'Or, it all depends on the circumstances. In terms of danger, I have faced danger before and did not back down. In terms of death, I could not tell you since I have never died before. I do not know what happens, so I have no reason to fear it. In terms of someone else dying... I have seen an entire village killed before me... I could take it." Ro was going to continue on about how he was also not afraid to kill, but decided to leave it at that until he actually heard the job conditions.

"What is it you are wanting us to do?" The man beside him asked. Rotiku also wanted to know. He raised an eyebrow at D'Or. He was curious to know what kind of task he had gotten himself into, and if he could even get out.

[Lylessa Uluki]

((NPC Post))

Hornwood... alias Lord D'Or, at least for tonight... was somewhat reassured by the mage's answer. It made sense, being from elsewhere, that he wouldn't think to guard his tongue-- and that could be a good thing, if it also made him less squeamish about seeking out sorcery than a Marn native would be.

"It is good to hear of one who keeps such an open mind. Perhaps you can aid me in my endeavor," Hornwood said with a smile that was genuine, though somewhat calculating. "These locals are so... petty... about the arcane. I need someone with a little more stomach and backbone, if you take my meaning." His meaning, of course, being someone who didn't fear magic.

To the other man, once he had spoken, Hornwood responded, "It is good to make your acquaintance, Sirror."

Hornwood assumed both men were using false names, but that didn't bother him particularly. It would add some level of inconvenience if he had to track them down later, but it should still be possible. Besides, he could hardly expect less dishonesty from them than he himself was using against them.

He continued, "A man of skill in combat would be quite useful to me. The task is not without risk, and those I hire will need, as a group if not individually, to be able to defend themselves."

Garfane's answer about risk and dying reassured Hornwood that the mage was not as reckless as he had first suspected, and he found Sirror's equally acceptable. A coward would answer that he feared those things greatly... but only a fool would say he didn't mind them at all. A healthy respect for danger without terror of it spoke well of someone being both able and level-headed.

Hornwood raised an eyebrow when Sirror spoke of watching an entire village die-- but it was not a look of skepticism or condemnation. Rather, it was a thoughtful look, a look that considered the possibilities and found them better than expected. A person who could tolerate that much death and violence could prove infinitely useful. "And how, Sirror, did this village come to grief? Had you some hand in it?" The casual tone suggested that if it turned out to be the case, the speaker would not be bothered in the slightest.

After waiting for Sirror's reply, he answered Garfane's question. "Simply put: I am seeking magic. I care little the type or the source, as long as it is powerful. You will find that I am not... let us say I am not 'finicky' about the legality or the morality of the means. I have always believed that laws and morals were for lesser men."

Whether he meant lesser than the three of them, or lesser only than himself, Hornwood did not make clear.

"A former colleague is causing trouble, and must be dealt with. Unfortunately, he is aware of all the methods of combat I have at my disposal, and can prepare to counteract them. I need something new-- something he will not expect-- something which will take him completely by surprise, and allow me to tidy up this little mess."

"We have spoken of my morality, but what of yours? How far would you go in pursuit of a goal? Would you kill without provocation? Would you steal without questioning who was deserving? Would you use any force necessary, even against a defenseless person?"

He leaned back in his chair and regarded them steadily. "Tell me, gentlemen, where do you draw the line? How far would you go?"

[Garfane]

"It is good to hear of one who keeps such an open mind. Perhaps you can aid me in my endeavor," Hornwood said with a smile that was genuine, though somewhat calculating. "These locals are so... petty... about the arcane. I need someone with a little more stomach and backbone, if you take my meaning." His meaning, of course, being someone who didn't fear magic.

Julius didn't take his eyes off of D'Or. Watching his face and eyes for any trace of what or who he was. The real him, not the man who hid in the corner of a run down inn.
"I thank you Lord D'Or. Your words are generous." Julius paused to think on his phrasing of the what he was about to say. "You, My lord maybe mistaken about the people of Marn, I don't it is petty. I think it is something more simple although more complex." He paused to let his words sink in.
"It is. Is it not, Human nature to fear the unknown after all? We fear death, we fear magic not because they are bad things. But because some of us don't want to understand it. Or rather won't even try to understand it." Taking a sip of the vile ale that was now growing warm he wiped his lips with his long sleeve.
"You see unlike yourself and I my lord," He gestured between the two of them. "We aren't scared of the 'curse' or 'comtamination' of magic it is something to be understood and used, not to be feared and mocked." He stopped and leaned forward.

" As to you endeavour I will help you. I however have something to ask of you, If we do indeed find what ever you are looking for. I would like the chance to study it with you. Imagine what we could both learn." Julius leaned back and folded his arms looking at the man standing beside and then back to D'Or. He wish he knew this mans intentions. Good or ill something, still it was payment and the chance to learn more so he will take this as far as his morals and principles will take him.

To the other man, once he had spoken, Hornwood responded, "It is good to make your acquaintance, Sirror."

"Well Lord D'Or, it all depends on the circumstances. In terms of danger, I have faced danger before and did not back down. In terms of death, I could not tell you since I have never died before. I do not know what happens, so I have no reason to fear it. In terms of someone else dying... I have seen an entire village killed before me... I could take it."

The messy haired man beside him had at last spoken out loud. Sirror seems like a strange name he thought. But you can't keep on being mistrusting. Still no need to be hasty either. Julius nodded curtly "Nice to meet you, Sirror."

The story of the destruction of a village. Which was bound to come soon made Julius' hair stand on end. Did this man 'Sirror' mean to say his was a mass murderer? Was he the victim of some cult? these questions would have to wait for later.



D'or had turned back to Julius.

"Simply put: I am seeking magic. I care little the type or the source, as long as it is powerful. You will find that I am not... let us say I am not 'finicky' about the legality or the morality of the means. I have always believed that laws and morals were for lesser men."

Julius rubbed his chin. "Lesser men?" he whispered his response. Leaning in agian "I am not a lesser man because of morals sir. I see myself as guided, but you are entitled to think what you will." Julius shifted in his chair, something about the need for power for control uneased him.
"My lord I mean no disrespect but magic is not a play thing." Julius knew he had over stepped the mark. "I am sorry lord D'or I am tired. The journey was long I will hold my tongue from now on." Julius bowed his head and then looked into the eyes of D'or.

"A former colleague is causing trouble, and must be dealt with. Unfortunately, he is aware of all the methods of combat I have at my disposal, and can prepare to counteract them. I need something new-- something he will not expect-- something which will take him completely by surprise, and allow me to tidy up this little mess."

Agian Julius watched him. So all this was for a fight? he had promised to hold his tongue and thought it unwise to speak out and mearly nodded. "What kind of trouble is he causing?"

"We have spoken of my morality, but what of yours? How far would you go in pursuit of a goal? Would you kill without provocation? Would you steal without questioning who was deserving? Would you use any force necessary, even against a defenseless person?"

He leaned back in his chair and regarded them steadily. "Tell me, gentlemen, where do you draw the line? How far would you go?"

Julius felt his blood boil slightly. This was not what he had expected. "Lord D'or I will complete a goal in almost anyway possible if my morals will allow it. I live by a code, a personal code. Not one set up by my guild back in Keltaris although I use that too." Julius watched both men now. Truly this was make or break time for both men.
" I will not therefore, attack or mime anyone with out provocation or if they were defenceless. Life after all is sacred is it not?" Julius leaned in a whispered. "However if I am called on to kill for the greater good. Or to say my life of that of others then yes I will kill." Julius decided to leave it there before he lost his temper. After all, if he wanted to get paid and live he would have to make D'or believe he would do anything but kill.

[Rotiku]

D'Or and the mage spoke for a short while. They were talking about magic and arcane arts and the people of Marn. Since Ro didnt know much about any of these things he stopped paying attention. After a while D'Or turned to speak to Rotiku.

"It is good to make your acquaintance, Sirror." D'Or said.
This guy is full of crap. He is not trustworthy.

The other man beside Ro also spoke. "Nice to meet you, Sirror." He nodded to him.
This guy seems alright. I may be able to trust him. For now I will keep the alias.

After talking a bit longer about danger and death and such Ro let it slip about watching the destruction of Sharm. D'Or gave him a strange thoughtful look, but it was difficult to tell what he was thinking. He looked over at the mage who was also watching. "And how, Sirror, did this village come to grief? Had you some hand in it?" D'Or asked.

A bit shocked Ro pulled back. Sharm had seemed so long ago, in truth it had only been a few days. "No, the village was attacked by demons. I had no hand in it whatsoever. I escaped from the massacre with little wounds. Let's not linger on the subject."

Ro waited to see if they would say anything. After they started talking about magic again. All Ro cared to hear was "Simply put: I am seeking magic. I care little the type or the source, as long as it is powerful." The rest was all probably pointed at the mage, but it was of little importance to Ro anyways. The mage spoke for about magic not being a toy, but Rotiku still payed little attention.

"A former colleague is causing trouble, and must be dealt with. Unfortunately, he is aware of all the methods of combat I have at my disposal, and can prepare to counteract them. I need something new-- something he will not expect-- something which will take him completely by surprise, and allow me to tidy up this little mess." D'Or told the two his desire for this magic. Quite sure this was not legal in anyway Rotiku began to get up but something forced him to sit back down.
Sit down you idiot. What he is doing is illegal, what your doing is not. Although you could make it illegal if you do not play this right. Just listen to everything I say and you will be fine.

Ro felt a shock of pain in his head, but didn't make any movements to indicate so. That was his voice, but he wasn't thinking that. Was this a trick of either of the mages? It couldn't be. The two were just talking, not doing anything magical.
Seriously, this guy will probably hunt you down and kill you if you try to leave. Ill explain what is going on in time, but for now you have to deal with your current issue. It is this D'Or guy. You have to kill him. I know you don't trust him Ro, and I can tell you that this guy will probably try to dispose of you once your done his little job. See what he wants to do to his colleague?

As crazy as this voice was, it was right. Ro kept sitting listening to the conversation.

"We have spoken of my morality, but what of yours? How far would you go in pursuit of a goal? Would you kill without provocation? Would you steal without questioning who was deserving? Would you use any force necessary, even against a defenseless person?"

He leaned back in his chair and regarded them steadily. "Tell me, gentlemen, where do you draw the line? How far would you go?"

Now Rotiku listen. I am going to tell you what to say. Wait until AFTER the mage has his turn. That may make this easier. Just say whatever I tell you to.

After the mage had spoken the voice started speaking quickly. Ro tried to ignore it and answer the question his own way. "Lord D'Or sir. I would go to the end. If someone was in my way, they are probably the enemy. If negotiation is possible, I would take it. If not, I would have to resort to my sword."
"As for how far I would go, Lord D'Or, I would kill anyone who would threaten my life." Our eyes connected for a brief second.

[Lylessa Uluki]

((NPC Post))

Hornwood nodded slowly as the mage Garfane spoke. His words were wise, and Hornwood agreed that magic should be used and understood. They were certainly on the right track there.

He considered the mage's suggestion that they study the discovered magic together. Initially he was reluctant; he hadn't intended this to be a long term contract, merely a single job in exchange for payment. The more Hornwood pondered it, though, the more the idea made sense. Hornwood had a fairly thorough grounding in magic, but he was far from an expert, and he was not used to working alone. Without Panterras's knowledge to lean on, a second mind could only be an asset.

"Certainly, Mister Garfane. Such an arrangement would indeed benefit us both." And if it didn't, Hornwood would find some way to... remedy the situation.

Hornwood looked thoughtful as Garfane spoke of "morals." He wasn't offended by anything the mage said, but he was once again worried. As far as Hornwood was concerned, having principles only held a person back. Worrying about other people meant less ability to look out for yourself... and Hornwood considered his own welfare of primary importance. This didn't seem like it would do well at all-- but Hornwood merely gave an understanding nod in response to the apology.

He listened with interest to Sirror's comments about the village destroyed by demons. If such creatures could be harnessed, made to obey the will... it was worth investigating. Well worth it. "I am sorry for your loss," he said, sounding more or less sincere. "Perhaps I could look into the matter," he added noncommittally. "Check my books, consult some other sources, and see if I can find any information." The information would not be given without price, of course, but it would be handy to know either way.

When asked what trouble Panterras was causing, Hornwood tried to be honest, lest they detect a lie, but not to make his answer overly detailed. "As you know, Marn has very restrictive rules about magic. My former colleague has been unable to restrain himself from flouting those rules at every turn, doing the best he can to get himself in trouble with the law-- and risks dragging me down with him. He has lost his mind, and an insane mage is a threat to everyone in this city. What if his renegade magic caused disaster?"

There was one example he could give. "One of this former colleague's experimental subjects escaped, and is now running amuck in Marn. Someone has been sent to clean up the mess, but it could happen again." That wasn't entirely accurate. Kira could hardly be said to be running amuck-- in fact, she was apparently lying low at that fort in the Industrial District, given she hadn't been seen around Marn at all-- and there wasn't much a crippled teenager could do to harm anyone. Still, making her seem like some sort of magical monstrosity unleashed rather than a tormented child trying to escape the suffering inflicted on her strengthened Hornwood's case against Panterras. "Such things cannot be allowed to continue. They put my reputation, as well as the safety of the whole city at risk."

Hornwood frowned deeply as Garfane described his personal code. To Hornwood it seemed far too restrictive. He could only hope it wouldn't get in the way of his plans. Sirror's answer was somewhat more comforting, but still more tentative than he would have liked. Even this fighter didn't seem exactly ruthless. Hornwood was now entirely sure he would need to give these two some sort of test before he set them to his main task.

"Before you embark on the major project I intend for you, there is another matter I wish you to see to, so we can be more sure of each other. You will, of course, be fully compensated for this as well. If you succeed and I am pleased with the results, our business relationship can extend to something larger."

He paused, looking at them. "I wish you to capture one of the Fae and bring it to me. The type of Fae is of no importance." He'd considered sending them after the troublesome Duskling, but she was too well protected, and an attack on her husband was already in the works-- more right now might raise suspicion. The little blue Fae could wait.

"As you know, fairies are essentially containers for magic. They have no souls, and cannot be said to be people in any sense of the word. They are no more than animals, if even that; they are but vessels. The release of such magic would be of great benefit to me-- but you need not concern yourself with that part. Bring me a fairy. Any fairy will do."

Hornwood passed each of them a small sack full of bishani, what he considered a generous wage for something so simple. Were it not a test, he would have paid far less for a job that was essentially without risk. "I'll give you double that again upon your return with such a creature."

[Garfane]

"Certainly, Mister Garfane. Such an arrangement would indeed benefit us both." And if it didn't, Hornwood would find some way to... remedy the situation.

"Excellent." He sighed, feeling the relief. Maybe they could be partners at some point who knew. He just hoped his previous out burst hadn't counted against him too much. But only time will tell. "After all Lord D'or two heads are better than one are they not?"

The other man had spoken and drawn pictures. Some of which were crude at best. Nothing rang a bell for Julius, he hadn't had much experince with the demonic side of magic. "Sirror, I am willing to help you in this matter.... At a later date." Julius had paused to deicide if the elf would be sane enough to cope if the time did indeed arise.

"As you know, Marn has very restrictive rules about magic. My former colleague has been unable to restrain himself from flouting those rules at every turn, doing the best he can to get himself in trouble with the law-- and risks dragging me down with him. He has lost his mind, and an insane mage is a threat to everyone in this city. What if his renegade magic caused disaster?"

Julius nodded sagely. "As I said they do not understand magic hence it is feared." Julius looked over his shoulder "I am hoping to enlighten those who fear it maybe even teach, but those are plans for another time." Julius watched D'or and Sirror for a moment judging them then continued, "or another life depending what happens here gentlemen." He chuckled gently. His cool confident demenour shining through for the first time in the night.
Julius watched as D'or explained his predicament about how his colleague was running amuck and acting addled Julius sighed. "This is not the first time I have heard of magic doing this to the unprepared or undisiplined D'or. In Keltaris we focus on these things to stop this happening." Now his slight arrgonance was showing. He didn't care of course. Still it was worrying the city guard were letting this mad man run around. " Uncontrolled magic, in any form must be contained and if needs be destoryed. Therefore you analysis, would appear wise. Can we try and reason with him first my lord?" Julius asked. Trying he hoped to appeal to both men's compassionate side.

There was one example he could give. "One of this former colleague's experimental subjects escaped, and is now running amuck in Marn. Someone has been sent to clean up the mess, but it could happen again." That wasn't entirely accurate. Kira could hardly be said to be running amuck-- in fact, she was apparently lying low at that fort in the Industrial District, given she hadn't been seen around Marn at all-- and there wasn't much a crippled teenager could do to harm anyone. Still, making her seem like some sort of magical monstrosity unleashed rather than a tormented child trying to escape the suffering inflicted on her strengthened Hornwood's case against Panterras. "Such things cannot be allowed to continue. They put my reputation, as well as the safety of the whole city at risk."

"Another?" Julius was shocked. So shocked his chair creaked a little " Surely the gaurd have contained this... this.... what did you say? experiment?" Julius tried to compose himself but the shock was too much. "Forgive me but I thought Marn considered itself civil? how therefore can it allow rogue magic at such regular interals?" Julius leaned in. " This must be remedied, I will help but I will not kill this 'Experiment' maybe I can help save it?"

"As you know, fairies are essentially containers for magic. They have no souls, and cannot be said to be people in any sense of the word. They are no more than animals, if even that; they are but vessels. The release of such magic would be of great benefit to me-- but you need not concern yourself with that part. Bring me a fairy. Any fairy will do."

Julius didn't totally agree with the description of the Fae race given by D'or. However he must have good reason for this. "Any fairy?" Julius asked in a curious whisper. " Very well. I have one question for you though my lord?" He looked into his ale then back at D'or. Breifly he glanced at Sirror. "May I study this Fae with you?" He put his hand in the shack and pulled out a small had full. He guessed at half the amount and slide the bag back across. "I will do this for half the amount if you would allow me this honour." Julius placed what was in his hands into his burlap bag tied to his waist.

[Rotiku]

The mage and D'Or continued to speak of magic. Ro sat bored, trying to keep his attention focused on the conversation.

D'Or offered his help to Rotiku. As much as Ro needed the help, he didn't want it from a slime bag like D'Or. He barely knew the guy and yet there were too many things that seemed like lies and deceptions. He decided to just play it lightly. "Yeah, maybe. Only if everyone is still alive after our job." Rotiku laughed a bit. If plans went through, then D'Or wouldn't be helping anyone. He did feel a bit bad because the mage was quite eager to work with him, but those feelings had to be put aside. This guy was a possible threat, and had to be cut down.

D'Or explained why he wanted his colleague dead. Rotiku paused to think about this momentarily, but decided to let go of any suspicions he had. He had not been in Marn long enough to have any solid proof that this was or wasn't true.

"So Lord D'Or..." Rotiku held his tongue for a moment. "What exactly is this experiment?" Rotiku had never been much of a fan of magic. He knew two basic spells, but nothing much. But he had always liked the idea of summoning and creation. Perhaps once D'Or was done speaking he should go and see his colleague. He shook it from his mind realizing it was a bad idea, but waited for an answer out of curiosity.

After the mage and Ro explained their morals D'Or thought for a moment. "Before you embark on the major project I intend for you, there is another matter I wish you to see to, so we can be more sure of each other. You will, of course, be fully compensated for this as well. If you succeed and I am pleased with the results, our business relationship can extend to something larger." He told them.

"I wish you to capture one of the Fae and bring it to me. The type of Fae is of no importance. As you know, fairies are essentially containers for magic. They have no souls, and cannot be said to be people in any sense of the word. They are no more than animals, if even that; they are but vessels. The release of such magic would be of great benefit to me-- but you need not concern yourself with that part. Bring me a fairy. Any fairy will do."

He passed Ro and the mage a sack each. Ro looked inside and examined what he knew to be bishani. This was the first time he had actually had any, he had only seen other people using it. He had no idea how much was in here, but seeing as how the mage wasn't complaining, it mustv'e been fine. "Now your speaking my language sir." Ro put his sack into his bag.

"I'll give you double that again upon your return with such a creature." D'Or said.

That was reassuring. Money made everything. Ro smiled with delight. "Honestly sir, Ill be back with you fairy. Heck, if I have the chance I will grab more than one." Ro started stretching a bit in a Alright-let's-go-already kind of fashion.

The mage went on about how he wanted to study the fairy with D'Or. He gave back have the sack of bishani. Ro kind of snickered a bit. "Hey, if he doesnt want it, I'll take it." Ro motioned towards the bishani.

"Listen D'Or. I honestly don't care about anything unimportant you have to say by this point. If there is anything left that may be relevant, tell me please. If not Im going to go get your fairy now." Rotiku stood up, quite obviously ready to leave.

[Lylessa Uluki]

((NPC Post))

If Garfane was indeed showing arrogance, Hornwood didn't care. It certainly wasn't a quality he would begrudge another man. In fact, it spoke well of determination and confidence to show a little pride-- or even a lot of pride, as long as it didn't interfere with the work.

Hornwood shook his head in response to the suggestion that Panterras could be reasoned with. "We have tried. His mind is too far gone. Were he an ordinary man, he could simply be bundled away to the country to live out his days in peace. Given he is a mage, however... it is too dangerous to allow him to wander free. That said, I would be happy to see him rendered harmless instead of killed." Because it wouldn't matter, really. If Panterras was rendered harmless, Hornwood could kill him anyway, and that might make Garfane more cooperative about the whole thing, if he thought he wasn't ending the life of Panterras.

It was all Hornwood could do not to sigh in frustration when Sirror asked about Panterras's work that went awry, and Garfane suggested looking for the "experiment," otherwise known as Kira. It seemed such a waste of time... but it wasn't necessarily unwise, he reminded himself. Kira was a loose end, and Hornwood disliked loose ends. It simply wasn't possible. Kira had taken refuge at a military compound, surrounded by do-gooders who would fight to protect her. Luring her out would be far more difficult than planning an ambush for the old warrior. Kira was, for the moment, out of Hornwood's hands. Still, the assassin Panterras had hired to do the girl in should make short work of the problem.

He answered Sirror's question first. "The experiment is on the blood of demons and devils, and the effects of undiluted, corrupting evil on the soul so tainted. Not exactly the sort of project during which one wants to leave the results just... wandering about."

Then in response to Garfane, "A specialist has already been dispatched to deal with the girl--" Hornwood realized how horribly misspoken, and corrected himself, "Or rather, the experiment. This experiment is a failure, and cannot be salvaged." At least not after the damnable Fae had healed the girl and, in so doing, destroyed years of work done with her body as its medium. "You need not trouble yourself over it. Our priority must be to stop the old man from creating another situation as dangerous as this one."

Hornwood nodded in response to Sirror's suggestion about additional fairies. "Whatever you can do will be most helpful. Any you can bring me, I will put to good use."

He laughed in hearty appreciation of Garfane's desire to study the Fae, but did not accept the returned money, pushing it back across the table toward the mage. "Keep it for now. You may have expenses along the way. When you manage to capture the creature, I am certain we can come to an arrangement to study it together." Surely Garfane wouldn't expect the fairy to survive the procedure? It wasn't as if it was a person, and the man seemed full of intellectual curiosity.

Sirror's desire to be off earned a smile. "I am finished speaking. Leave word here at The Grumpy Cricket when you finish your task, and I shall meet with you again. In the meantime, unless you have further questions, you may be on your way."

[Garfane]

Hornwood shook his head in response to the suggestion that Panterras could be reasoned with. "We have tried. His mind is too far gone. Were he an ordinary man, he could simply be bundled away to the country to live out his days in peace. Given he is a mage, however... it is too dangerous to allow him to wander free. That said, I would be happy to see him rendered harmless instead of killed." Because it wouldn't matter, really. If Panterras was rendered harmless, Hornwood could kill him anyway, and that might make Garfane more cooperative about the whole thing, if he thought he wasn't ending the life of Panterras.

"Indeed." Just sighed. " That is indeed a sad waste but I guess need must my lord." Julius slowluy stood up from his seat having seen Sirror was clearly eager to leave and earn more money. Julius looked down at the coin pressed back into his hand. Do'r was right expenses may be incured and he didn't want to be caught short did he now.

He answered Sirror's question first. "The experiment is on the blood of demons and devils, and the effects of undiluted, corrupting evil on the soul so tainted. Not exactly the sort of project during which one wants to leave the results just... wandering about."

Very dark magic indeed. But that was not his concern. After all what D'or did on his own time. As long as it didn't affect him too much, was his own business. "You are right, you can't leave it running around." Julius was still standing his was now pulling his hood up. His face now obscured in the shadows of his hood.

Julius couldn't understand why Sirror, couldn't or wouldn't deem magic important surely nothing so bad could of happened for a elf like himself to find it unimportant. Even the unfortunate detail of the demons. But now was not the time for questions they could wait.

Sirror's desire to be off earned a smile. "I am finished speaking. Leave word here at The Grumpy Cricket when you finish your task, and I shall meet with you again. In the meantime, unless you have further questions, you may be on your way."

"Very Lord D'or, we will see you on our return with one of the fae." Julius nodded and turned on his heels his robe flapping as he walked. He reached the door and turned the handle.
"Ah great.... its still raining." He sighed as he left and stood under some shelter waiting for Sirror to catch up.

[Rotiku]

Rotiku quickly ran over to the Mage. "I never got your name you know. I came in after your introduction. As you know I am Roti-" He quickly stopped talking. By this point he already knew that he had dropped the alias. While his name was highly unusual, he had revealed most of it anyways. "I guess there is no point in continuing to pretend to be Sirror, huh?"

The mage was trustworthy though. He thought about the situation briefly. The mage trusted D'Or, enough to want to work with him. Rotiku trusted the mage though. He didn't even want to kill anything. It was a triangle of trust. "Listen," Ro said as he pulled up his hood "I know that you may trust that Lord D'Or guy, but I think he is scum. It's not that he is a mage or anything. We openly performed magic in my village. There is just something far too strange. I think that once we finish our job... He might try to eliminate us like his colleague. I need you to keep my alias around him, please. My actual name is Rotiku. If you do not trust me, then we shall part ways after we have caught the fae." He left his last name unsaid. If anyone else was named Rotiku by some odd chance, he would be slightly more difficult to hunt down. He doubted the odds though.

After the Mage had finished his answer, Ro saw a person in an alleyway. He was short, but mainly shrouded by the rain. He dropped a box and quickly ran away. Curious on what the box was, he went over to it. It was labeled "GARBAGE" in big letters. He opened it up with little hopes to find anything interesting. He looked over at the mage, who just seemed to give him an strange look for garbage picking. The only reason Ro was searching this piece of trash was because someone came, dropped it and ran. He looked inside, only to find garbage. He kicked the box over and into a puddle. A small gun-like object slide out and down the alley. It looked gnomish, and potentially worth some money. It was like a gun, but on the front there was a large spherical clamp object attached to a chain. He slipped it into his bag. Hopefully it was worth something, enough to get Ro off the streets for a few nights anyways.

"Damn, I didn't find anything" He said right after he was pretty sure the mage clearly saw him take the gun thing. "Anyway, I am unfamiliar with the regions around Marn" That was not entirely true. Rotiku was also unfamiliar with Marn itself, and had no idea what was outside it. "Um, I honestly have no idea on where to look for a fairy." He pulled up his face mask so that only his eyes were visible "Got any ideas?"