Mr Greenwood! I have been meaning to contact you. You are the leader of the local chapter, are you not? I've been assigned to the area as an adviser, and as such I, in fact, am at your service. He gave a matching bow, motioning to take off his hat without actually taking it off.
Well, sort of. In an informational sense.
He gave Marlena a look that communicated a smile even though they couldn't see his face.
I assume you are not of the Venator, Ma'am. Rest assured, we will get to the bottom of this and get any harmful or banned magics contained. That...is what you're here for, right Mr. Greenwood?
Degree in Post-Mortem Communication, an Offical Hemomancy Conditional Practice Certificate, License to Employ Pyrokenetics, Advanced Necromantic Exception Certification, Doctorate in Soul Magics and Related Sciences, Approved Demonic Event Technician from the Board of Infernal Affairs, Practicing Curse Removal Specialist.
The leader of the Noctis Venator was looking to her for banned and highly illegal material. He knew of her and the Tryst, and now she had something on him. Such brilliance she could not have planned. The handle of the door behind her began to turn and she reached for it behind her back, holding it fast. She looked to Loreburn and gave a smile, one of her best before she spoke, calling to Cesar's men first.
Tell Cesar I will be there momentarily.
Thank you, Mr. Loreburn. I'm sure you are doing a wonderful job for Mr. Greenwood and the Venator.
Mr. Greenwood. Are you still in a hurry? Or would you prefer to talk to your colleague here? I can wait inside if you wish.
Her hand tightened on the handle but her gaze was soft, years of acting around others allowed her to play the part of sweet and harmless fairly well. She knew Alec wouldn't believe it. But the other might.
Umm... Hello, yes, up here thank you.
Alec [M:118:6:][D3v:http://rpgmenagerie.com/index.cgi?action=display&board=cs&thread=412&page=1#1242]"I see," said the blind man to the deaf lady.[0:Wandering the stacks.][1:Present and accounted for.]
"I guess I am now," he mutters darkly at Loreburn's words, wiping a gloved hand down his face before shooting a neutral look at Marlena, perhaps readable but for his blank, matte black eyes. "Yes, I'll be speaking to Cesar in a bit. Please, ask him to have his best merchandise out when I am done." Rounding on Loreburn, Alec gives him a rather cold look, and takes him by the shoulder, pulling him a ways down the alley. Having learned his lesson involving Manrick and subtlety the first time, he whispers "Quiet now. Not the sort of people you want knowing more of your business than completely necessary" as they round the nearest corner.
Come in under the shadow of this red rock, and I will show you something different from either your shadow at morning, striding behind you, or your shadow at evening, rising to meet you. I shall show you fear in a handful of dust.
Manrick was blissfully unaware anything had happened, only displaying a little confusion when Alec pulled him around a corner.
Ahhh...the ah...book traders, or your friend? He was beginning to suspect something. It was like a large ship, ponderously turning in the water...turning against Alec. But it would be a long time before there was any reaction in Loreburn's conscious mind.
I'm not surprised to learn about black magic here. The whole place is founded on a ley line, did you know that? It's fascinating, a veritable pressure cooker of extranormal activity. The law of Anomalous Attraction might well be proven by this very spot! His voice rose in excitement, then came back down quickly when he saw Alec wasn't as excited as he was. He wiped off the front of his robe nonchalantly.
Just tell me what to do, Mr. Greenwood. You know the area better than I.
He was fully willing to let Alec lead, not suspecting anything but for him to contain the books.
Degree in Post-Mortem Communication, an Offical Hemomancy Conditional Practice Certificate, License to Employ Pyrokenetics, Advanced Necromantic Exception Certification, Doctorate in Soul Magics and Related Sciences, Approved Demonic Event Technician from the Board of Infernal Affairs, Practicing Curse Removal Specialist.
And your qualifications?
Alec [M:118:6:][D3v:http://rpgmenagerie.com/index.cgi?action=display&board=cs&thread=412&page=1#1242]"I see," said the blind man to the deaf lady.[0:Wandering the stacks.][1:Present and accounted for.]
Smiling, perhaps a little coldly, Alec shakes his head and wipes a hand down his face again, chuckling a little hollowly. "Neither really needs to know more than they have absolutely got to - which isn't a whole lot. Yes, yes, the Ley Line, Anomalous Attraction, there are people working on that now." Leaning back against the wall, making it lean ponderously, he carefully takes his weight off of it, looking back at it. "Anyway," he mutters, turning back to Manrick, "I am not here on business for the Venator. Exactly. I sort of am. But not really."
Sighing again, he scrubs at the bottom of his chin with the heel of his palm. "Look. What I intended to do was....was...." His eyes light up, and he snaps his fingers. "Yes, that's it, I'd intended to study the books personally before turning the books over to the guild for containment." Smiling, a bit pleased with himself, he nods, and continues, "Yes, yes, and I was looking to maintain contact with the traders, to continue getting the books off the market."
Come in under the shadow of this red rock, and I will show you something different from either your shadow at morning, striding behind you, or your shadow at evening, rising to meet you. I shall show you fear in a handful of dust.
Nods at Alec's words and turns as he leads Loreburn away. Breathing deeply and steeling herself, she opened the door and stepped into the warehouse. It was better lit that the one she had been working with, and there were guards littered around the building along with boxes and crates, sacks and nets. Marlena spotted Cesar immediately. A loud mouthed peacock of a man, dressed in a mismatch of what he believed to be finest of things. He wore his money when he wasn't throwing it at whores or tavern workers. He was the man she'd spotted on the dock the day she met Kiga. Dammit, she could use him about now, but no worries. She could manage. Lifting her chin, she stepped to Cesar confidently and with purpose and he did his little trick of trying to ignore her, trying to let her think he was in charge.
"... And this is going to Highever. Marlena! What a pleasant surprise. Didn't expect to see you again so soon, girl. Come to tell me I was right and that the job is too tough for a pretty little thing like you? I did tell you that you should be on my arm looking pretty and shutting up..."
Her expression was blank as she let him carry on. She was unimpressed. Far from intimidated. And most certainly bored. Marlena crossed her arms over her chest and tapped a toe impatiently, the obviously rude act cutting the man short.
If you are quite finished, I brought you a customer. Someone with plenty of money wanting things that only those with contacts and skills could get for him. So I brought him to the best.
Massaging the pig's ego was probably not the best plan, but she knew how to work men into doing what she wanted. A sweet smile, one the that was in complete contradiction to how she felt was all it took for him to change his tone.
"Well... I, er... Well. You are right about me being the best, doll. You're not that dumb of a girl after all. What is this customer after?"
Purposefully ignoring the comment he made, she found herself a seat on a crate, her legs crossing one over the over as she gripped the edge lightly, watching Cesar as he looked her up and down. The man would lose those eyes one day. Probably by her gouging them out.
Books. Tomes. Papers. Things he hasn't read. Things that he shouldn't be reading. The sort of writings that would get him into a lot of trouble should he be found with them. And don't worry, I believe this one would not be stupid enough to cross you or myself. And he's prepared to pay a lot of money too.
"You want something don't you, pretty thing?"
Just your allegiance. I'll keep bringing you generous customers, if you give me your support.
The request was reasonable. A simple one and beneficial to both. Yet the man still had to think it over.
I also want written papers on what you trade with him. Signed by him. I don't care about your signature. Just his. Insurance you could say, to make sure he remains quiet.
A smile graced the man's lips and he nodded, turning to one of his men.
Ahhh....! Then he wagged his finger and made the strange, drawn out, approving sound, then tapped the side of his head.
Smart, Mr. Greenwood, very smart! Usually we like only certified mages to study banned books, but as a chapter leader, I think we can give you a little leeway! One hand folded behind his back, he swiped the other one back around the corner dramatically.
I look forward to sharing our studies, and am very interested in seeing your progress on surveying the area! Doubtless you have a well-constructed chapter here, impressive for a new branch. He was utterly sincere, a consummate optimist despite his profession.
Let's go rejoin your friend, and uh-- He mimed closing a zipper over his mouth.
--quiet. Understood. Once we have the books, we strike!
Degree in Post-Mortem Communication, an Offical Hemomancy Conditional Practice Certificate, License to Employ Pyrokenetics, Advanced Necromantic Exception Certification, Doctorate in Soul Magics and Related Sciences, Approved Demonic Event Technician from the Board of Infernal Affairs, Practicing Curse Removal Specialist.
And your qualifications?
Alec [M:118:6:][D3v:http://rpgmenagerie.com/index.cgi?action=display&board=cs&thread=412&page=1#1242]"I see," said the blind man to the deaf lady.[0:Wandering the stacks.][1:Present and accounted for.]
"You're getting it now," Alec says, tapping the side of his own head. "Now, we take a look at the books together, we pick out the more dangerous ones - because I am sure he's got more than we can afford to pick up right now - we pay, and then we leave." He looks at Manrick critically. "D'you understand me? We want this man to stay in business, to help keep books off the market and out of the wrong hands." Thinking a moment, Alec shrugs, turning the corner and keeping his voice low. "If something goes wrong, or feels like it's going to go wrong, then strike."
Come in under the shadow of this red rock, and I will show you something different from either your shadow at morning, striding behind you, or your shadow at evening, rising to meet you. I shall show you fear in a handful of dust.
A little bit less sure, but still confident. Keeping him in business? Why not just burn the place to the ground, set down some purge runes, then call it a day? Didn't make sense to him, but there had to be something he wasn't considering.
Understood. He was quiet as he followed Alec back into the shop, looking a little wary.
Degree in Post-Mortem Communication, an Offical Hemomancy Conditional Practice Certificate, License to Employ Pyrokenetics, Advanced Necromantic Exception Certification, Doctorate in Soul Magics and Related Sciences, Approved Demonic Event Technician from the Board of Infernal Affairs, Practicing Curse Removal Specialist.
Marlena watched from her seat on the crate, looking most out of place surrounded by eight of the most unappealing men in ragged leather armor, none of them had what would be called a friendly face with their hands on sword hilts, one with a bow. Her right hand was raised, fingers toying with the whistle that hung around her neck, a smile that was meant to look completely genuine, endearing and maybe a little flirtatious directed to Alec, yet again avoiding the gaze of Loreburn.
Cesar wasted no time in beaming a smile that was only seen with the promise of money. He made no mention nor seemed phased at the fact that Loreburn was with Alec, his eyes were scanning for a coin purse to hazard a guess as to how much he could get at this moment.
Cesar, this is Alecsander. He's wanting only your best, naturally.
Cesar nodded to one of his men in a far corner, and the man gave a curt nod back, moving quickly to take hold of a long and narrow crate. As he brought it over and began to work it open with his knife, Cesar stepped forward, clapping his hands together before rubbing his palms.
"Well, Alecsander... There are four here, for now. More can be gotten as you are probably aware. If these satisfy of course."
The crate is opened and straw pulled from above the leather bound books, laying neatly side by side in varying states of wear and tear due to age and care.
Umm... Hello, yes, up here thank you.
Alec [M:118:6:][D3v:http://rpgmenagerie.com/index.cgi?action=display&board=cs&thread=412&page=1#1242]"I see," said the blind man to the deaf lady.[0:Wandering the stacks.][1:Present and accounted for.]
Stepping up to the crate to look at the books, Alec starts at the right and works his way over, carefully picking each book up thumbing through them, not reading them but checking that most of the pages are there, and in a mostly present state.
Alec furrows his brow and looks over at Cesar, the second book open in his hands. "This Dalneri tome on blood magic is barely legible, and written half in cypher." He closes and sets the book down, looking at the third book. "There's.....a hole. In this one." He picks it up anyway and leafs through it, eyebrows climbing up. "And it looks like someone saved it from a river. After a long, leisurely float." He's less careful with this one, nearly slamming it closed and dropping it back into the crate. "Manrick?" he says, looking over his shoulder at the tall man. "I think I'm done here. Take your look."
Come in under the shadow of this red rock, and I will show you something different from either your shadow at morning, striding behind you, or your shadow at evening, rising to meet you. I shall show you fear in a handful of dust.
Manrick was completely oblivious to any looks he may or may not have been getting, more interested in the books than Marlena or the nasty-looking thugs. He stepped past Alec and hummed slightly as he looked the pile over.
Oh look, third edition Necrotelenomicon. Looks like...some of the pages ripped out. Or were scratched out. Look, scratch marks. Pretty deep too. I don't think they're human. Not even remotely surprising. He set that aside, and gave a small gasp.
Demonology And You! Ah, my first little tome. I remember picking this up when I was just a lad. Good condition. Aaaaannnd...hm. Well, this is interesting. Ayleid soul magics?
Degree in Post-Mortem Communication, an Offical Hemomancy Conditional Practice Certificate, License to Employ Pyrokenetics, Advanced Necromantic Exception Certification, Doctorate in Soul Magics and Related Sciences, Approved Demonic Event Technician from the Board of Infernal Affairs, Practicing Curse Removal Specialist.
Cesar's smile was waning, and so was Marlena's patience. If he had hoped to impress with such drivel then she had seriously underestimated him, despite all she had been told. The fingers that rested on the crate beneath her drummed a quiet and rhythmic pattern as she shook her head, sending her black waves back over her shoulders. Letting out a quiet huff of breath, she looked to Cesar, who for all his earlier bravado, had gone rather quiet.
I think you are insulting your potential buyers, Cesar, and I dislike being made a fool of. Surely you have something worth their time and effort in finding us?
Cesar looked to her and scowled. His pride was in question, as was his reputation, and it seemed as if money was about to walk out of his door. This time, he moved himself, walking to another, smaller crate. Large in many respects as it only held one book, but the book was big enough to warrant it. Brushing straw away, he picked it carefully from it's container, his grip on it light, almost as if he didn't want to touch it. Bringing it back, he holds it out towards Alec, a black leather bound tome.
"Lost two men trying to get this out of where it was being stashed. Corruption, demons, general chaos was about all we could decipher. Got it on request of someone else, but they are in no position to take possession of it now. Maybe they had the knowledge to translate it. Don't know. Don't care."
With those finishing words he looked directly at Marlena. She knew exactly who had asked for it, and with them being in a cell, he was right about them not needing it. Probably half the reason why he had not liked her. She had caused him to be left with a book that he could not seem to sell.
Last Edit: Jun 18, 2012 18:02:21 GMT -5 by Marlena
Umm... Hello, yes, up here thank you.
Alec [M:118:6:][D3v:http://rpgmenagerie.com/index.cgi?action=display&board=cs&thread=412&page=1#1242]"I see," said the blind man to the deaf lady.[0:Wandering the stacks.][1:Present and accounted for.]
"Black leather," Alec mutters under his breath, taking the book into his hands. "The binding of choice for the truly dangerous and the dangerously true." Pondering for a moment, Alec shrugs and gives a soft chuckle. "Also a few damn fine cookbooks I've run across." He flips the cover open, and leafs past the cover page, then stops.
"No," he says flatly, looking down at the spidery scrawl, in the maroon color of dried blood used as ink. "You......no. You can't have this book. I've been looking for seven years for this book. And you have it?" He slips the cover closed and turns to Manrick, pushing it into his chest he rounds on Cesar. "Where was it?" he asks rather evenly, the only emotion betrayed by his eyes, shifting from their usual matte black to a brilliant, shining red. "Tell me now. Give me directions. Draw up a map. And give me the book. Free of charge. And we all walk away happy."
Come in under the shadow of this red rock, and I will show you something different from either your shadow at morning, striding behind you, or your shadow at evening, rising to meet you. I shall show you fear in a handful of dust.
Shocked at the sudden change in Alec's demeanor, the dark mage put out a hand to stop him, ask what was wrong, but then his curiosity took over, flipping open the book. He murmured softly as he read a random page, and all emotion drained from his voice.
M-mister Greenwood, this is a bad idea, a very very bad idea. At least....at least four megathaums of very bad mojo. Infernal and Outsider....I never took any Outsider classes! The Eldritch Knowledge extra credit assignments were taught by that one elf I could never stand...this is bad bad bad. He looked up in a panic to Marlena, then to the thugs.
How long has this been here? Did you move it? By Pitch's ingrown toenails, the radiation alone....
He held the book open in one gloved hand, looking around in a near-frenzy that somehow held the confidence of having done this a thousand times.
We need to establish a perimeter, make sure nothing's made it in. Whatever backwater bugaboo squeezed through the hole this thing probably made can't be that strong, but if we don't confirm nothing's open we will have a Level Four demonic event on our hands here, and I do not have the tools for that. Mr Greenwood, we need to set down purging runes, now!
Degree in Post-Mortem Communication, an Offical Hemomancy Conditional Practice Certificate, License to Employ Pyrokenetics, Advanced Necromantic Exception Certification, Doctorate in Soul Magics and Related Sciences, Approved Demonic Event Technician from the Board of Infernal Affairs, Practicing Curse Removal Specialist.