Rendezvous

[Maeve]

The troupe approached the bridge, which was guarded by armed men. Their armor was well-kept, and looked fairly expensive. Maeve’s stomach did a nervous flip-flop upon seeing them. She had been in some nasty encounters with guards of the sort these men appeared to be, in earlier years; sometimes guards were just glorified, state-sanctioned bandits. It was rather normal, actually. Most cities had guards, and she cursed herself for not thinking of a guise or excuse sooner. Silently panicking, she forced herself to act casual, focusing instead on putting one step in front of the other. She kept her eyes down until Chezak stopped. She made the mistake of looking up, and met the eyes of one of the guards. She saw an immediate reaction register on his face, and she looked away again, trying not to freak out and do something stupid.

If you have any magic, it's best to go declare at the Justice Hall instead of being dragged there by one of us guards, or worse yet, a battlemage.

Her eyebrows rose up in a worried gesture. It was just as those simple townsfolk had told her. Again, the sudden shame engulfed her, making her cheeks burn red. She tried to reassure herself as she always did that it wasn't her fault she had magic, but as always the guilt was still there. It reminded her of the time she was purchasing her cloak. The man who had sold it to her, while measuring her with a strange apparatus to gauge her strength, had told her it was as her "existence was pure magic". He had been unable to make something powerful enough to shield her completely.

Her hands found her sword hilts automatically, beneath her cloak. The movement made the black cloth stir, but then it was still. She hoped they didn't notice. She was saved from trying to explain herself by Chezak.

The young lady is a friend of mine, and I'll vouch for her, my friend. As for the badger, since I live in the woods around Shim, as you know, I've made a friend or two of the various woodland neighbors in the area. I've tried to stop him from following me, but he seems to want to, so I tend to let him.

Maeve let the breath she was holding go. She saw the guard wave them in at the periphery of her vision, and she walked ahead, letting Chezak fall behind her. She ended up walking next to Benjamin. Her head didn't turn, but she looked at him out of the corner of her eye. He seemed completely unfazed.

When the older elf spoke up, his tone spoke of business.

I've got to meet someone over there. You are welcome to join me, if I have yet to earn your trust. Otherwise, I suggest you make yourselves comfortable here in town, and I will be in touch rather shortly.

She looked over at where he indicated, and saw a strange building. She stopped and looked up at it. It looked like a huge tank. She was curious, but it seemed at the moment inexplicable. Instead, she pondered over what he’d said. The offering to rest was tempting, but she decided against it.

“I think it would be wise to accompany you further. Just because we’re in the city does not mean we’re safe.” She followed this with a serious, pointed look.

It wouldn’t do to let him out of her sight, only for him—and her supposed prize—to be snatched away right from under her nose. And she also didn’t trust him, though it was nothing personal. She looked back at Chezak to see what he thought.

[Anja]

I think it would be wise to accompany you further. Just because we’re in the city does not mean we’re safe.

Benjamin smiled glibly at this. knowing full well the root of her concern. "Indeed, madam, you are over-zealous in your duties. I am honoured to be valued so highly by one I have only just met."

Sandwheel rolled his eyes at the flowery display of mock courtesy, and made a point of keeping in step with Maeve. The elf walked in the direction of the water tower, taking out his pipe as he walked. The time of resting and smoking was nigh.

Indeed, his favourite rock called to him, but as they rounded the bend in the tall grass approaching the base of the water tower, that call revealed itself to be muffled by the seat of a certain lady's pants: A certain lady that Benjamin was more than willing to sacrifice a rock to, in that her presence answered a good deal of questions.

She is probably not the betrayer. Nor is she lacking in punctuality.

"Good evening, Dianelopa. It is good to see you here. I apologize for any delay, but I seem to have run into a bit of bandit trouble out near Shim. You wouldn't happen to know anything about that, would you dear?"

As his companions came up behind him, he waved an arm towards each of them.

"Oh, this is Sandwheel, Maeve, and Chezak. They helped me out of that particular spot of trouble, and were kind enough to accompany me into the town once more."

[Dianelopa]

Dianelopa had been waiting long enough that she had almost dozed off a bit. Before her semi-nap, she'd pretty much concluded Benjamin wasn't going to come. But he'd proved himself trustworthy so far, so she had persisted, trying to get herself as comfortable as possible on her somewhat uncomfortable seat. Thus it was that the appearance of Benjamin and his three friends startled her.
She stared at Maeve, Chezak and Sandwheel and not being sure that their presence was desireable, forgot to greet them, wondering instead why they were there. Was it just to protect Benjamin from some bandits?
Benjamin didn't seem perturbed, and yet he was asking her about bandits. Was it an accusation? The whole situation was making her feel uneasy. It took a few minutes before she realized that she was staring mindlessly and had better say something. "I'm glad you got back safely. It is not nice to be attacked by bandits."
She stopped talking, eyed them all again and frowned. "Why would I know?..." Suddenly it occurred to her that in fact she did know a bandit. Thad. And apparently Benjamin was surmising that it was Thad. At that thought her face turned hot, her heart started banging. "No," she blurted out. "It couldn't have been Thad. He wouldn't have... Would he have?" Benjamin had seen Thad, he'd know, so she hesitantly whispered, her voice having gone hoarse, "Was it Thad?" not really wanting to hear the answer if it was positive.
But no quick answer came. So she looked at them all again trying to gauge whether they exhibited any animosity toward her. But it didn't seem like it. Her gaze fixated on Maeve who showed no hostility, but did show signs of weariness.
"Oh dear," Dianelopa said to her. "You don't look so good." She stood up. "Please at least take a seat. Not the most comfortable. Maybe Puck has some dragonflies for you. But I don't know if he's home. And I don't know if dragonflies would help. But it's all he has. Or I could go to town and get some food for you, if you like."

[Chezak D'Maroe]

Chezak followed the others through the gate. When Maeve glanced in his direction, he nodded to let her know he agreed with her, and tagged along. He was lost in his own thoughts, but even still, his eyes moved over the crowds of people. People who were also lost in their own thoughts of the daily drudgery they endured. It had been one of the reasons he had relocated from the city to the woods around Shim. He couldn't stand the sight of all these disheartened people. True, there were the occasional group of workmen standing to the side of a house they were repairing, sharing a joke and some laughter, but camaraderie was rare. It seemed people were afraid of their neighbors, for none knew when they might be dragged in to the judges by a battlemage because they were accused of working magic as a way of revenge.

The elf idly wondered how many magic-users actually lived within the city limits under what could only be deemed as oppression. Chezak didn't much like magic, and didn't at all practice it, which was odd for one of his race.

Chezak shook off his introspection as they approached the water tower. He took in the woman sitting beneath it. He nodded to her as he was introduced, then, as she interacted with Benjamin, he found himself frowning. She didn't act as most people acted, and he couldn't even attribute that to the shady dealings she seemed to have. She became very nervous when Ben told her about the bandits jumping him, seeming to think it was because she had told someone named 'Thad'.

He glanced at Maeve to see her reaction to all this, when suddenly the woman was masking her discomfort behind a concern for Maeve's drawn, tired look. Chezak could only see it as a tightening around the eyes and a stoic look on her face, so this woman must be at least as perceptive as he felt he was.

Chezak was suspicious of this woman, and even though Benjamin seemed to know her, that didn't do anything to ease his mind. Either she was a good con-artist, or she really was as guile-less as she seemed.

[Anja]

Benjamin's scrutiny was of a serene nature. His eyes were gentle, and his smile genuine as he spoke softly to Dianelopa, stepping closer and closer as he spoke, until he was very nearly whispering in her ear. As he spoke, he handed her the gate key.

"My dear, we will discuss this later, under more clandestine circumstances. It would not do to compromise the integrity of our team in the presence of wolves. Now, do not open the gate until we are gone, and once inside, return this key to Puck and to Puck only. He is usually in the Parlor Room, if not, he will be there shortly after you. When you find him, tell him we have a pair of guests to entertain, guests to whom we are somewhat indebted, but whose friendship is not yet concrete."

Benjamin leaned back and gradually brought his voice up to a normal level now, turning around as he spoke. "He will make preparations for an evening meal while you come and find us at the building around the corner. You know the one, with the swinging orange-stained lamp on a hooked post by the gate?"

Turning to the others, he smiled. "Sandwheel, you can relax here with Dianelopa. I believe your goods have been ready for some time. Maeve, if you are indeed as exhausted as my perceptive little henchwoman believes you to be, we must get some spirits into you, and perhaps a massage. I have a friend that runs a massage parlor and tavern just around the corner, strictly below ground, if you understand. She will pamper you while my associates set a table for our imminent rendezvous. I extend this courtesy to all of my better clients, and I offer it to both of you as additional thanks."

Sandwheel seemed reluctant to leave the company of the seductress, instead sitting by her feet and staring up at her. He gave Benjamin a withering look. "All your better clients wouldn't happen to include me, would it? The gauntlets can wait, I'm comin' with." And that was that.

[Maeve]

Maeve stared at their new acquaintance like she had a second head. The girl chattered on and on, and then had the audacity to take one look at her and offer her...dragonflies? She wasn't exactly appreciative of any of the offers, and she turned her nose up at the seat indicated. Maeve had been through worse and she didn't like being treated like a cripple when she wasn't one. When Benjamin went up to the girl and began talking very lowly to her, Maeve went so far as to give them the cold shoulder, leaving just the side of her face visible to the pair as she looked down the road. Her arms were folded beneath her breasts and her back was tense.

She had better hearing than most humans from what she could tell, but with the wind and general eternal noise of the outdoors it was hard to make them out. If they had been in a quiet room indoors, maybe. She was curious to know what was said but it must have been their personal business, the way Benjamin was acting.

Maeve,

At the sound her name, she twisted enough to look at Benjamin, who she found smiling at her.

...if you are indeed as exhausted as my perceptive little henchwoman believes you to be, we must get some spirits into you, and perhaps a massage. I have a friend that runs a massage parlor and tavern just around the corner, strictly below ground, if you understand. She will pamper you while my associates set a table for our imminent rendezvous. I extend this courtesy to all of my better clients, and I offer it to both of you as additional thanks.

The words made her stomach drop a little. Alcohol sounded great and all, but it didn't exactly affect her like normal humans. She was an extreme lightweight, and had often found herself in very strange places in the morning. In some areas it was all one could drink, and she'd had a hard time of it when that happened. It seemed she couldn't build any tolerance to the stuff at all.

The massage sounded nice, too, as long as the person giving the massage was a gay man or a straight woman, and even then...

Maeve sighed. She was used to dealing with this. No matter where she went, she didn't fit in as well as she would have liked. Perhaps this was a traditional guest offering in this area; she had no idea. There had been worse traditions where she'd been. "Very well. Lead us, and we will follow. As long as Chezak gets to give me the massage," she said, casting a playful look at Chezak as the last words left her curved up lips.

[Dianelopa]

Feeling the coolness or indifference in the attitudes of Benjamin's acquaintances, Dianelopa stuffed the key in her pocket, keeping her hand clenched around it. She bowed her head and stared at the stones and unkempt grass in front of her feet waiting for the group to disappear. She wasn't looking forward to the dinner Benjamin had promised them. In fact, she wasn't even sure she was invited. Maybe the dinner was just for them. But she didn't ask.

[Chezak D'Maroe]

Chezak ignored Benjamin and Dianelopa during their exchange, his head turning and seemingly taking in the sights of Marn. In reality, he was checking the shadows, watching the faces of passersby to see if their gaze lingered over-long on the five of them and their little meeting. He didn't even attempt to listen to the lowered conversation even though he was only mere feet from it, instead keeping his attention on their surroundings, and his right hand resting across his body on the pommel of his falchion.

At the offer of a drink and a massage, Chezak turned back to Benjamin and nodded his agreement, though he wasn't sure he would be going for a massage. He turned to take a step in the direction Benjamin had indicated when Maeve's comment fully registered.

He very nearly stumbled. It wasn't often one could see an elf, normally exceedingly graceful creatures, almost stumble, and only one of like fluidity or astute perceptions would notice some. It would seem likely that all in his present company would notice.

Chezak turned a bland look on Maeve as he indicated she and Benjamin should lead the way. He was taller than both of them, and would be able to see over their heads. He leaned forward just enough to whisper words near Maeve's ear, even though he knew that Benjamin would likely hear them.

"Don't you think that's something that should be discussed in the privacy of a room with closed doors?" His brow lifted, showing the joke behind his words, and to let her know that he could give as good as she could.

[Anja]

The establishment was small, entered by a tilting little niche in the side wall that led down a simple wooden set of stairs to an ornately carved oaken door. Benjamin knocked twice, paused, then knocked a third time, and was welcomed with open arms by a robust, squat lady in her mid-forties. She had thick, matted black hair, a clean, pale face, husky shoulders and arms, and a smile fit to burst.

"Bennnjamiiiiiin, come in come in come in!! Dese are your frieeeen's, yes?"

Benjamin stepped in, awkwardly accepting an impassioned embrace from the masseuse, and allowing Maeve, Chezak, and Sandwheel to step in behind him. The mid-sized room was lit by a multitude of candles, apparently scented, and the walls and decor were of a gentle burnt-orange motif, varying up to pale yellow in the tapestries and lighting, and down to soft wooden textures in the furniture.

The woman addressed her guests politely, and with an overabundance of hand gestures. "Please, sit down, relax, I will take care of you from here. My name is Czela (Zayla), and I am here to make you comfortable. Benjamin is good friend of mine, we go back long time now. Would any of you like a drink? Perhaps just some water, yes?"

Benjamin stood by the door, smiling, and Sandwheel was the first to stroll up to a plush sofa and lose himself in its cushiony depths. Looking around at the room, his eyes fluttered a little. "Nice digs, a feller could get used to this..."

[Maeve]

Don't you think that's something that should be discussed in the privacy of a room with closed doors?

Maeve just smiled mischeviously at him and winked. As she strutted after Benjamin, she took the time to look around at the buildings and people. There were quite a few humans milling about, along with a few elves here and there. Because Maeve looked mostly like a human, the trio went relatively unnoticed. A few men and a woman stared at her overly-long, but then went about their business. It seemed like a normal city, like many she had been to before.

Maeve was relieved when they reached the massage parlor. She had been extremely nervous that they would run into other guards or draw too much attention to themselves. If she got into trouble at this point it would most likely be her undoing. Though, she did have Chezak with her; perhaps he would protect her if something happened. She looked at him for a moment when this thought crossed her mind. The look was appraising, most likely unsettling due to how unreadable it was, and then she turned toward the loud, short woman who greeted them.

Please, sit down, relax, I will take care of you from here. My name is Czela (Zayla), and I am here to make you comfortable. Benjamin is good friend of mine, we go back long time now. Would any of you like a drink? Perhaps just some water, yes?

Maeve felt dizzy as the woman shook her hand with more vigor than was necessary. "You can call me Mae," Maeve said just as politely. She did take the proffered seat--rather quickly at that, lest she fall over--next to the badger. Seeing a badger sitting on the fluffy couch was a little weird. She directed a nice smile at Czela and said, "Water would be lovely, thank you."

[Dianelopa]

Meanwhile, when the sound of their footsteps had faded, Dianelopa took the key out of her pocket and headed toward the iron gate. She had at most taken a couple of steps when she heard rustling in the grass. After all that had happened she was becoming leery, not fearful exactly, but life in the city was beginning to fray her nerves a little. She turned to look and there was Thad walking rather non-nonchalantly toward her.
"Hi", he said.
"Oh", she said.
"That doesn't sound like a very friendly greeting."
"What did you do?" she asked her voice rasping because of the sudden lump in her throat.
"What did I do?" Thad sounded puzzled. "I did what I always do. A little knick on some wealthy looking pockets now and then. A quick boarding of a boat here and there."
"And an attack in the forest with a bunch of bandits?"
"No," said Thad. "That wasn't me."
"But you knew?"
"I've heard about bandits in the forest," said Thad.
"Hmmm," said Dianelopa. She couldn't put the pieces together, but she thought it was a little odd.
"How about a nice dinner with me," said Thad clearly wanting to change the subject.
"No," said Dianelopa. "I have other things to do."
"Here?" said Thad. "You seem to like this place."
"Not here," said Dianelopa and went to sit down on her log again.
Thad didn't make any move to leave, so Dianelopa said rather roughly. "Please leave me alone."
"Ow," said Thad and looked dejected.
His look reminded Dianelopa of the prickly pleasure she'd felt the last time she was with him and she felt confused, but she said, softer this time, "I have to think. Please go."
Thad walked away slowly, and Dianelopa waited until she could hear him no more.
Then she got up and walked to the iron gate, this time looking and listening carefully to be sure no one was watching. Then she stuck the key in the lock and turned it. There was a click and the gate moved. How odd she thought to be entering this strange place, just like that. She slipped in, closed the door, but did not lock it and entered the parlor room she'd been in before.

[Chezak D'Maroe]

Chezak followed to the building they were going to, his eyes roving the street. He was trying to banish the vision of Maeve's smile and wink at his response. Though he could still feel the tugging from the charms she wore to attract men to her, he was becoming more adept at telling the lust apart from his own attractions towards her.

The smile and wink of suggestion made it harder for him to tell them apart. It was easier if he kept his eyes off her. As such, when she glanced up at him appraisingly, he ignored it even though he saw the motion out of the corner of his eye.

When they finally reached where they were going, Chezak was whisked in along with the rest of them, and went to a seat opposite Maeve and Sandwheel. He pushed the pommel of the falchion back as he sat, allowing the scabbard and blade to lie along his leg and not interfere with his seat. He lay his bow on the edge of the seat, pulling his quiver over his shoulder and laying it next to his bow stave.

A young boy, no older than twelve, brought a tray of refreshments, cool and warm wine, ale, and various other types of drink. Chezak offered a small nod to the boy as he leaned forward to grab one of the glasses of cool red. The glass itself was a delicate goblet, matching the serene yet beautiful surroundings of the room.

Taking a sip, Chezak leaned back and allowed himself to relax.

[Anja]

Puck looked up from his book as Dianelopa entered the Parlor room. His feet were up on a hand-embroidered footstool, and the cozy wooden decor of the room seemed to glow in the firelight of a thousand candles, glow-globes, and incense sticks. Taking off his reading glasses, he smiled at Dianelopa.

"Why, hello. Dianelopa, was it? I suppose you have some sort of message from Benjamin for me?"

Setting down his book, he drew his armchair closer into the table, and offered the seat opposite. Looking at his watch, his mind turned to dinner. "Please, sit down. We will hear the latest news, and then turn our thoughts to supper. Something a little more appetizing than dragonflies is in order this time, wouldn't you agree, dear?"

[Dianelopa]

"Ah", Dianelopa jumped when she heard Puck. She hadn't been expecting him there, maybe because Benjamin had said he'll be there soon. But there he was, the sort of cute elfish but fine fellow who had put her at ease before, so she said, "I AM Dianelopa and I do have a message from Benjamin. I am hungry", she added, "and real food is definitely better than those dragonflies."
She stopped talking and sat down in the plush chair offered, leaned her head back and anyone might have thought she was going to take a nap. In fact, she was thinking of food. But since Puck just sat there looking at her expectantly for a while, it occurred to her that she was supposed to say something. Funny how being hungry made it hard to concentrate on other things. "What is it?" she asked. "I closed the door when I came in. I didn't lock it. Ah, I didn't leave the key in the door did I?" She reached in her pocket and took it out. "Here", she said handing it to Puck.
Another pause and Puck was still waiting.
"Benjamin", she said finally. "He told me to tell you something. I..I don't remember what it was. Maybe the key? Thad came along, before that Benjamin was there with some other friends of his as well. They weren't so nice to me, not like Benjamin and you." She shrugged.

[Anja]

Puck sighed heavily when Dianelopa stopped talking. To the eye trained in the nuances of courtesy, he probably looked as though he were holding back a deep sense of exasperation. But only a practiced conversationalist could penetrate the endearing facade of a gentleman such as Puck. His smile was warm as always, and his questions were intoned gently.

"My dear, who in all of Pal Tahrenor is Thad? Did he see the entrance? What did you tell him? Really, dear, you simply must learn to be a tad more discreet. And as for these friends of Benjamin's, the old fellow must have said something about them? Are they coming here? Are they trustworthy? What are they here for?"