"I wasn't going to hurt him," Zhara murmured sulkily, "Nor was I going to damage anything. I was just--"
The young mage hung back as Serenity talked to the merchant. However, when the man in black reacted, Zhara couldn't step back. Before her brain could think, her body reacted. She stepped in beside the poor Merchant in pain and faced the dark mage.
"Hey, let him go. That was unnecessary." Zhara furrowed her eyes in anger. "Yes, magic is a tool, but that doesn't mean you should use it every chance you get especially when it involves someone that can't defend themselves."
The mage had her hand outstretched and ready. Neither Serenity nor anyone else could stop her if this man in black won't let this poor merchant go.
Serenity looked at the stranger, "You really don't know the outline of a good threat, do you?"
It was when she saw the black tendrils that a tail wind began to form at the base of her feet. Serenity wasn't about to let this be the start of a new Highever.
Then the magic happened, in more ways than one. The young mage was wiser than Serenity gave her credit for as she stepped up to defend the villain from the robed man's magic.
"You should listen to her, she can throw a mean mud ball."
The electric crackle of an enchanted (and quite effective) polearm caught the attention of most everyone playing part, or witness to, the unfolding hostilities. A quick turn of the head confirms that the booth, the vendor and the three mages were now being surrounded by no less than six rather concerned (or miffed) looking Sentinels. Six was not an unusual number for a Sentinel patrol squad and as was often the norm, consisted of two men wielding crossbows (now aimed squarely at the three), two holding said electric polearms (one which was no precariously pointed at the small of Alexander's back), a mage who seemed quite assured of his potential role in any conflict and their leader, signified by his somewhat 'better' equipment. The leader spoke, with a voice that held no hint of doubt.
"Right. I demand that all magic cease, immediately."
By rights, this should have been anticipated. Hostility in the market was never tolerated so long as it was witnessed and worse than that, public displays of magical aggression toward well known and reputedly harmless merchants was considered very, very naughty. Oh dear.
::The shadowy tendril that held the Merchant's wrist disapated like so much smoke as Alexander released his hold upon the magic that gave it form. He raises his hands slightly, just enough to keep them clear of his robes and to give the impression of not being a threat. His eye goes from face to face of those gathered around him, be they mage, guard or bystandard, to try and "read" their attitude towards the situation in the hopes of fidning some to win to his side. Meanwhile his mind prepares to defend himself, should he need to.::
"Good afternoon, Officer. I thank you for coming to my protection. I believe you will only need to look to the knife on the ground to see I was simply defending myself."
My first thought was, he lied in every word, That hoary cripple, with malicious eye Askance to watch the workings of his lie On mine, and mouth scarce able to afford Suppression of the glee, that pursed and scored Its edge, at one more victim gained thereby.
Men in uniform always made Zhara's heart race. From a far, it was admiration. From up close pointing sharp objects in her direction, it was, well, panic. The young girl didn't know whether she should use her magic and try to escape or just stand still and wait this out. Her outstretched hand stayed frozen from uncertainty.
"B-b-but...I didn't do anything...yet," Zhara said fear and anxiety apparent in her voice.
The young mage's eyes darted around furiously while her brain raced trying to find a more viable option than creating more magical chaos to get herself out.
Serenity placed a hand on Zhara's shoulder to reassure her, "Surrender with grace, love. There's nothing more you can do than that."
Serenity simply smiled at the officers and made herself appear harmless, even if she wasn't performing magic to begin with. If they were in Highever, Zhara would have right to fear what was to come next. At the first sign of magic all three of them would have been taken into custody.
Wistvale still felt very much new to her, and didn't know what the penalty for displaying magic maliciously would be penalized with.
(My apologies, again. I only stepped in because I saw something that simply wasn't going to go under the radar. I'll be done shortly )
Alex has little luck 'spotting' someone who he can win to his cause. The situation was of course a very tense one and he was unfamiliar with Wistvale's laws and policies on such matters. Whilst there was a knife evident at his feet, he'd also been witnessed as the aggressor of the incident. The Squadron Leader had many question, the most prominent being just who was responsible for what. His men moved as he spoke, like well oiled machinery.
"Pleasantries won't help you in the slightest, sir. Being privvy to your demonstration, you'll understand that i find your intent altogether dubious. I want three things. Why anyone felt the need for physical confrontation, what started the hostility and lastly - what part you all played in this matter."
The Senitnel guards had moved between the three and the merchant and now, at least; had separated them enough that they could prevent any further aggression. It was clear they weren't in a great position to argue presentl and as the Leader looked over each one of them, it was evident that he wasn't amused in the slightest. Agitated seemed a much keener word. All but a couple of the onlookers moved on about their business now as well, the people of Wistvale had great faith in the capacity of the Sentinel to keep peace.
Zhara took a deep breath to calm herself down. The other lady was right. There was no need get too worked up. Looking at the Sentinels, they didn't seem like an unreasonable bunch. So, she'd try to hardest to plead her case, and hopefully things wouldn't turn out too bad. The young girl didn't want her first experience in the new city to be a bad one.
"I was over there,"pointing to where she had came from, "Then, I ran up here because I saw the seagulls, and I like seagulls. Also, I like the ocean.
So, I was looking around when I saw the stall right here selling totems. The totems weren't anything spectacular, but this guy" pointing to Alex, "was cool with his black coat and eye patch. So I came over to ask and see if he saw anything worth buying.
"This guy got a little miffed because the totems didn't have any magic in them. So, we were talking about people selling useless junk and passing them off as magical objects when this guy" pointing to the merchant, "got angry and pull out a knife. Then this lady," pointing to Serenity, "came over to tell him to not be stupid pointing knives at people with magical abilities. Then, this guy used magic to make him drop the knife. Then, I ran over to make him stop. Then, before I knew it, you all came over and made me all scare. Now, we're all here."
Zhara said all this really fast in what seemed like one breath. She inhaled and exhaled a couple times. When she seemingly calmed down, the young girl looked at the Squadron Leader hoping he understood and believed her story.
Serenity blinked at the young mage, mouth slightly gaped as she looked between her and the Sentinels not really sure how to follow that.
"I, um, yes. Exactly as she said," she finally started before regaining her posture.
"The merchant did pull a knife on this man over here," she said pointing at the robed man with a glance, "But I was unaware of the cause. I stepped in after the blade was drawn to try and peacefully stop the nonsense before it occurred. Although..."
She started, looking for a moment like a girl who had been caught doing something bad.
"My suggestion to stop came in the form of a threat. I had no intention to use magic, I just wanted the merchant to see the error of his ways."
::He keep his hands clear and visable as he spoke still, not wanting to fuel the fire he could almost feel stirring beneath the surface. It was clear that there were rules here that he was not yet acustom to. Views on magic that were bordering on the fearful. Perhaps more than bordering...
Interesting. He wondered what had happened in this world to cause such fear.
He looked from face to face as people spoke and inclined his head to the young woman as he began to speak himself.::
"The girl has the right of it. I was going about my business examining goods that the local merchants have to offer when I came to this stall. The merchant proclaims to sell magical totems to bring luck and other benefits. Upon examination of his goods, I called into question the truth of his claims. The gentleman took offense and drew his weapon. Even going so far as to come around his stall to confront me.
That is when I took it upon myself to defuse the situation in the best way I had available to me. A more physical response could have led to greater danger for myself and those around me, therefore I felt my response to be the safest for all involved."
::His eye passed over the Sentinel mage as it moved on towards the Captain.::
"I would like to think that a proper amount of restraint was used. That I should be allowed to defend myself. But I am begining to see that it is not that I chose to protect myself that is the issue, but the manner in which I chose to do so. Would that be correct, Captain?"
My first thought was, he lied in every word, That hoary cripple, with malicious eye Askance to watch the workings of his lie On mine, and mouth scarce able to afford Suppression of the glee, that pursed and scored Its edge, at one more victim gained thereby.
Alex's insinuation was only met with a ripple like effect, the countenance of both the guards and the merchant turning to some degree of confusion at his words. It seemed he'd missed his mark and well, it might come as no surprise.
"No. You're very wrong. Were you to have a knife, it is our duty to put down any such violence. Surely you can understand that. Regardless, you've had your say. Harold, is what they've said correct?"
The guard gave the Merchant a stern look and it was quite readily apparent that the merchant, or Harold as he was named, was very flustered with this whole ordeal.
"Look, I only did it to scare him off! Who does he think he is, coming here with no reason but to scare off my customers? Look at him, My high and mighty, acting like he's the resident authority on magic! It's not right, he's a bully is what he is! You can't mess with a man's livelihood, I've got a family to feed! Is he gonna feed them? No! He should be in trouble, lock him up!"
.... said Harold in an exhaustive manner. The guard continued his investigation.
"Mhm. Tell me Harold, how much do you sell these items for?"
"Well the little ones are five gold a piece, the large ones are seven. I sometimes take custom orders, too." said Harold quite proudly.
"I see. And is your trade license still valid?"
"Well yes, you can see it right here." And you could, Harold holding up the piece of parchment again, quite proudly.
"Very good. And tell me Harold, just how has business been lately?"
"It's been great! These are selling themselves! The sailor lot from the docks here are mad about them, being that they're all supersitious and what not. You should hear some of the stories they tell me! I haven't had to do anything but stand here and take their coin!" Again, Harold seemed quite proud and very excited.
The guard seemed quite satisfied with the outcome of his questioning but bent down to pick up the dagger.
"Very well. I'll think nothing of this petty squabble, but I'll be confiscating the knife."
The guard slipped the knife into his belt and as he stood, he rose to look Alex squarely in the eye. Alex, as well as he knew the minds of men, knew that the guard had no fear, nor hesitation. His authority was, at least to him, absolute.
"Well sir, I would suggest that there are better things you could be doing, than upsetting licensed merchants, selling harmless wares. I can assure you, no one is under the impression they're precured a magical artifact for a pittance in coin. Enjoy your day."
The guard nodded and turned about, falling into rank with the rest of the squadron. They took to the street and were leaving the scene, but before they turned the corner, their leader halted and faced Alex one last time.
::Alexander inclines his head to the Captain in re-introduction.::
My name is Alexander Ravenhurst, and I am...new to this place. I appreciate you enlightening me on the ways of your town, Captain.
And may I have your name as well?
::He would love to know who to thank in the future. Should the opportunity ever come...::
Last Edit: Jul 10, 2013 9:31:56 GMT -5 by Alexander
My first thought was, he lied in every word, That hoary cripple, with malicious eye Askance to watch the workings of his lie On mine, and mouth scarce able to afford Suppression of the glee, that pursed and scored Its edge, at one more victim gained thereby.
The guardsmen clearly weren't impressed. It mattered very little, as they marched off around the corner and out of sight, the situation resolved peacefully enough.