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AEONmeteorite

Architect of Worlds
Helper
Zierf and Ellswyr has been at war for centuries. Death has almost become a game by the point, as both sides don’t seem to think war is enough, they’ve taken to assassins to rid themselves of enemies. Though, assassins have become so commonplace that they are easily thwarted, besides the few who make it. Their codenames are the heat of discussion between citizens, aristocrats, royalty and assassins alike.

Assassins kill, but no one who is hiring wants an assassin dead. They sneak around in the shadows, absorb information, they are the sacks of knowledge that either country would love to get their hands on. If an assassin goes missing and there is never a body to be found, then it is likely they’re in the hands of a captor.

It is unlikely for an average citizen to be targeted and they all know that. Nonetheless, they do enjoy the drama in it all and keep to date with assassin ‘news’. Even when a citizen presumes someone to be an assassin, they treat them well, due to knowing their lives are constantly safe. That is, until they know information they shouldn’t.

Both countries have a wall at their border. There is land between the two walls, No Man’s Land. Fugitives, travelers and some assassins hunker in this land.
 
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Rosen studied a tattered piece of paper pinched between her thumb and finger. This was all the information Lady Eron had been able to provide her on the location of Shade. While codenames were fantastic, they were also awful when assassins needed to find each other. Those closest to them tended to only know their real name, and those furtherest from them never knew their real name. Finding their whereabouts was the toughest undertaking. And, town members who purposely housed them refused to give out information for their own safety. As long as a townsperson kept silent, they were safe.

"Last they saw him was in No Man's Land, aye?" she heaved a sigh. By now, his location could have changed drastically. Rosen wouldn't have taken this job if it hadn't been for the fine amount of gold she would be receiving after his capture. Lady Eron was sure that he was the assassin who killed her son, and whether or not that was true, she had planned to turn him into the King for a fine sum of gold, half of which Rosen would get her hands on. It was a good deal.

"Shade," Rosen breathed as she walked toward the wall of her country. "I believe he is from the rival country, Ellswyr. His codename has been one I've heard countless times. Which isn't good news for me." The maiden stopped quite a bit before the wall. It was tough to leave her country, especially during the night. The guards were on the ground and on top of the wall. It wasn't at all easy to cross, and while she had figured it out on her own before, a little while back, someone had made a secret passage. She stomped her foot once on a large cobble stone, paused, and stomped it two more times.

A fair amount of stones in front of her moved aside, the way down was a ladder. There was barely any room for her to shimmy in. But, once in, nothing there was fancy. It lead to a sewer after all. Torches lit the way. She pulled a rope that closed the stones above and stepped forward. Every now and then she could hear a sizzle from a drip of water hitting a torch. Rosen kept herself on edge, as many assassins passed through here as well as fugitives that had caught wind of the passage. She listened to the sound of her footfalls echoing throughout the sewer. After a good amount of time, she pulled on another rope, went up a later, and escaped quite a distance from the wall.

"Whew, that smell never gets old," she said as she closed the passage and flipped out the paper again. "No Man's Land, in a makeshift town called, FreeAr. Last someone saw him, he was at a tavern. Located Northeast sitting between rivaling countries. Great. Let's see if he's still there." Rosen shook out her arms before pouring into a sprint towards the direction of the makeshift town.
 
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Ellswyr, the kingdom of the fae. It was constructed mostly of wood buildings built to favor the forest. The homes were built into y’all wide trees, higher and higher they rose with nobility and social status. The roads that led into the kingdom were either down low beneath the trees. Where the poor lived, less than commoners. The other road, was made up of thick tree boughs and wide large leaves and vines. The canopy of one level was the floor to the next. Most of the people were some type of fae. Birds and small animals were everywhere. Children who didn’t know better ran playing, jumping from branch to branch.

A dark green dog, with bright blue eyes sat beneath a tree. It’s fur rustled in the soft wind, turning a darker shade of green as it did so. The dog let out a small whine as it picked it’s head up to sniff the breeze. Turning it’s head to the deepest shadow of the tree it lay beneath. The rustle of leaves as a single black boot stepped out of the shadows. Aeryn smiled lightly as he finished stepping out of the shadows. He kneeled down to pet the dog, taking a moment to look back up at the gate that led out of the kingdom. The guards there seemed oblivious of his presence, as most usually were. He let his hand trail just a few seconds longer before picking up and vault to a high branch. From his vantage point he could se the road that led to no man’s land. He let loose a sigh of resignation and vaulted to the next branch, the leaves rustling lightly as he landed. Then the next, and the next.

It didn’t take long for him to follow the low roads into the flat lands. The small area of land, marked by no hills, and increasingly dead trees. He pulled a small scroll from a hidden pouch in his cloak. Unrolling it he looked the name over again. He had heard y’all of this assassin before, but never dealt with him, or her personally. “Let’s see if we can’t get anything useful tonight.” He mused to himself as he rolled the scroll up and put it away. “Then I can get back for a nap.” He said hopefully as he began running across the flatlands. There wasn’t much shadow to use for traversing, and nobody he needed to look out for, so all semblance of stealth was gone. As dusk approached he finally reached the main town in no man’s land. He slowed down as he found his way to the central tavern. Where all bits and scraps of information seemed to make its way. Smiling to himself he opened the door. The smell of ale, grime, dirt and stale food hitting him like a pungent fist. He let out a breath as he made his way inside, keeping his hood low, and his eyes swiveling. “One ale” he muttered to the bar wench when he passed her by, slipping two coppers onto her tray, and flashing three more as he found his way to a table. Ensuring her a tip for speedy service. She smiled and nodded as he made his way to sit in a dark corner. The fire wasn’t lit yet, but there were several men bringing in wood to start it before the night got underway. Aeryn sat and waited for his drink, as he contemplated. Watching as more people arrived, he began working in his mind who beat to bribe and question for the information he needed.
 
The world seemed to grow darker as she made distance from her country. It was quiet. Only the occasional questioning owl and fiddling cricket made their appearance known. Darkness was...terrifying to Rosen. As far as she knew, no one had figured out she had such a fear. No one had a reason to. Being in the dark alone was far more trembling than fighting an enemy in the dark. Even if someone was trying to kill her, at least she knew someone was there. So if no one was around to watch her be horrified, the information would never be known.

Rosen picked up speed. She wanted to get out of the inky black surrounding her. She suppressed her powers, being sure to not form any light. Giving away her route and location wouldn't do her any good. Her country, Zierf, was made up of mostly humans. There was the occasional unique species, but they were never anything glamorous. Humans there didn't treat other races with respect. Thus, they made rivals with any country that housed anything but humans. Somehow, Rosen had grownup a fantastic life there. While humans fear darkness as a child, Rosen's species feared it constantly.

The maiden's breathing became heavy and messy. Surely she had to be close by now. Surely. When would the trees end? The plains?

And, finally, she spotted a glimmer of light. She inhaled sharply, pleased with her findings. Rosen wasn't sure whether or not this was the town she was looking for, but she didn't much care. Her sprint slowed to a jog and eventually a walk as she strode into town. She had avoided many of the bigger towns in No Man's Land. Sure, it was a breeding ground of information, nonetheless, she didn't want to be a part of that information. The town did appear bigger than what she usually saw, though, it didn't confirm the location of the place.

Rosen sauntered through the buzzing people. It was so late, but there were so many people out and about. Figures. There likely weren't many children around. Her thoughts were broken as she heard a door opening. A sudden wave of voices and laughter boomed from the place. The atmosphere of the building coaxed her in and upon entering, it was clearly a tavern.

"Excuse me?" Rosen tugged on a man's sleeve. She rolled in her shoulders, bowed her knees and looked up at the man. Anything to make her look more innocent. The man grumbled, whipped around, but gasped as he saw Rosen a head below him.

"Sorry there little miss, I thought you were a man!"

"Well, that's a fine compliment isn't it?" She gave the stranger a teasing smile.

"Forgive me. I didn't mean it like that. I am a...a tad drunk right now."

Rosen knew that all too well. His words were so slurred, she could hardly grasp what he was attempting to say. "If you wouldn't mind, could you answer my question? Is this the only tavern in town?"

The stranger shook his head, which lead to Rosen frowning. "Not at all. This is FreeAr! We have tons of taverns here. This place sure is the best to dine in little miss!"

"Little miss..." Rosen grumbled quietly to herself. The man continued to try to speak with her, but she ignored him and walked further into the tavern. Even if this had been the only tavern, locating one assassin in such a place would be difficult. "What do you have?" Rosen asked as she approached the bar. The worker there began to list a load of alcoholic beverages, but Rosen lifted her hand to stop them. "Do you have hot chocolate?"

Much to the worker's surprise, they nodded. Rosen never did take alcohol well, low dosages instantly made her balance uneasy. And hot chocolate was like a warm hug to her, and was in dire need of such a feeling after roaming the darkness.

andujarprime andujarprime
 
Aeryn watched the tavern fill from his spot in the shadows. He didn't want to make himself too hidden, or appear too solitary. He put on a small smile and waved his mug of ale at everyone who nodded towards him or made eye contact. He watched people come and go, his ears sharp picking up tidbits of conversation. Almost all of it was drunk chatter of no importance to him. But he kept an ear out, one never knew when a tidbit of information would be leaked. Even if it meant nothing to most, it almost always meant some sort of gain for him. Secrets and information were the most prized form of currency. Only the experienced know this, and he was very well experienced. He did catch an odd request nearby. A request for hot chocolate, not something usually ordered at a tavern like this. But considering the raucous night ahead, and boisterous patrons, it was completely reasonable that someone wouldn't want to get too inebriated. His eyes glanced over in the direction where he heard the order from. The bar, from what appeared to be a young girl. Yes, the voice was most definitely feminine. So innocent, to be in a place like this. But he knew looks were always deceiving. His eyes kept roaming the room, He took note of a bard seeming to tune his instrument sitting before the fireplace. The bards partner played a few tunes into a pipe she held. The entertainment was soon to begin, he might as well prepare to settle himself. The crowd seemed to be making it's way to gather together. When people were gathered, and drunk they always talked. Especially if said people were having a good time. He dug into his cloak to feel the coins and figured he had enough to buy several rounds. His eyes seemed to drift back to the bar a few times before he waved down the barmaid. "Something to eat please, Anything fresh honestly. And another ale if ye' please." He said to her flashing her a grin and handing her several coppers.

AEONmeteorite AEONmeteorite
 
People could have been put into groups. Those who were straight up drunk, those who were there just to be with friends, others were drawn to the music, both the drunk and sober, but then, there was a good sum that used the music to their advantage. It was the perfect time for the aggressive, the cruel, the touchers could get away with their shenanigans.

As Rosen stayed at the bar, she had already witnessed a few girls being prowled on by men. Women getting catty with each other and a few others that were bothersome. Most were far away from the music that was playing. Figure. And, just as Rosen thought she'd be in the clear, she felt a tap on her shoulder. Rosen twisted her neck and peered over her shoulder. It was a man with a cheesy grin on his face.

"Well, hello Ma'am, I was wondering if you'd like to join me and my friends for a drink," he said and pointed at a table with women and men.

"No thank you," Rosen said in the bleakest voice she could muster. The guy hadn't seemed too bad compared to other people in the tavern, but like a flip of the switch, his drunk showed through.

"Oh, and why not?" he snapped and she wasn't going to deal with it this time. There had been plenty of other taverns Rosen had been to where she'd been asked to join in. Usually, she said yes. Especially since blithering drunks let tons of information spill from them like a broke spout. She was after another assassin though. There was no time to be lax about the situation.

Rosen reached up, grabbed the man's collar and pulled it down. Her other hand showed off a small blade as she leveled his eyes with hers. "I said no, quite kindly mind you. I do appreciate the offer, as your friends don't seem half bad, but I don't want any part of your attention. Leave me alone. Don't come near me again," she hissed, let go and put the blade away.

The man hesitated, but eventually shuffled his way back to his friends. She returned to eyeing the others in the tavern. The groups helped filter out those who weren't likely to be assassins. Rosen wouldn't imagine this Shade guy to be joining in the dancing with the music, though he might if it is in his race nature. An assassin may be in a group of those who invited them, but they'd feel off compared the group. Not as involved. Rather observing than participating. Getting angry, rude or touchy would be an issue, as their face would be well remembered. She didn't know Shade perfectly, but she knew herself.

Thus, she checked the groups away from the music. Everything seemed about right. No one was out of place. Thus, she double checked the music goers, and they all appeared where they wanted to be. Then came the stragglers, people like her, alone. There were quite a few...and most didn't seem to want to be known.
andujarprime andujarprime
 
Aeryn watched as the barmaid came back with a bowl of stew, a surprisingly fresh piece of bread and another ale. During his wait though, he did catch some interesting news. Several nobles that would be out of town in a few days. Another noble was asking about certain codenames. Seemed to him that there were several families planning to make moves soon. A voice caught his ear again, hot chocolate. Her voice was a bit more menacing this time, a definite threat. His eyes looked towards her momentarily, then kept roaming. Nothing looked too off, but he knew what he heard. His food arrived shortly after, he finished eating just in time with the music starting up. He let out a groan as he waved to the barmaid, his face changed to a smile as he handed he his empty bowl platter and a few extra coppers. When she had her back turned and on her way he had to do a complete internal assessment. He needed to get on his game, and he needed to do it fast. He shook his head, shook off his jitters and planted a smile on his face as he stood up. He made his way closer to the fire and the bards. The music playing loudly, and the fire dancing shapes against the ceiling.

As he made his way to the crowd he kept his eyes and ears open. People were shifting into and out of seats. Moving people made him nervous, always have. He smiled to everyone, waved here and there with his ale. He stopped at a table halfway through the room. There was a couple there that looked to be in a heated argument. His disarming smile and raised mug seemed to stop whatever they were fighting about. He waved the barmaid over, handed her a few coppers and she hurried off. The couple were smiling after he stepped away, and the barmaid came back with more drinks. As he moved around, he kept prodding, prying for names and information. Buying more and more drinks at each table. By the time he reached the center group, there were people dancing. He seemed to be in a cheery mood, although it was all a ruse. He wanted to be back home with his dog. He sighed as he turned from everyone, looked over at a few people in the surrounding room nodding and smiling with a wave at the ones who waved towards him.
AEONmeteorite AEONmeteorite
 
Nothing. Nothing stood out to her besides a few mutterings about information. She kept her ears peeled until she determined that they were likely information brokers more than assassins. She scooted her mug across the bar, showing her doneness with the drink and put down some copper coins. She tugged at her gloves and spun around on her chair. Rosen's eyes didn't leave the crowds.

And then, she saw it.

A man, walking around. Rosen leaned forward and cradled her head in her hand. Studying his movements. What was this? How peculiar... She had never seen someone jump around to different tables. Not even a broker would be so daring. He was buying drinks, and then, she got a hint of a question he had asked. Something about names.

Names. Those were a huge deal.

Finally, the maiden stood up, tugged at her gloves again and stomped through the dancing people. She shoved bodies aside as her brows loomed downward while she made a beeline for this man. People shot her irritated glances when she pushed them away. Rosen returned with a far more menacing scowl. And, as she made way to the man, her eyes narrowed. She was right behind him. Steps away. Thus, she reached toward his shoulder, ready to grab it and get his attention.

andujarprime andujarprime
 
Aeryn made his way closer and closer to the fire and the bards. He could feel eyes on him, but thought nothing of it. It's like a sixth sense, when you can feel yourself being watched. He knew he had eyes on him, since he was going around and merrily spending coin and chatting up patrons. Yet this was different, not exactly malicious but there was focused attention on him. He kept a smile up, and added a bit of a drunken swagger to his step and a slight slur in his speech. Then it happened, he could feel the presence closing in. He took a deep breath, ready for whatever made it's way to him. He could feel someone entering his personal space, someone uninvited. He twirled around and the first thing he saw was a hand, light and almost dainty. It wasn't closed in a fist, and it sported no weapons, his fae reflexes afforded him the time to look up the arm and realized it belonged to "hot chocolate". He kept his drunken smile on as he took her outstretched hand in his and pulled her in.

"Why, ye fancy a dance then lass?" He exclaimed obnoxiously loud. To the cheering and jeering of the patrons surrounding him, he pulled her in, took a half second to down the rest of his ale, and began to twirl her around. People were in a hurry to escape the whirling duo as the bards kicked up the pace of the music. The patrons started to cheer them on as he led them in a whirling dance straight to the hearth fire and the bards. Who by this time were playing even louder. He caught her eye and smiled as he turned his head to the rest of the crowd.

Who is she? why did she approach me? She isn't drunk if all she's had is hot chocolate, she's got her wits about her. These were but the first few questions that raced through his head as he kept the drunk look on his face. He led her through different dance steps as the stepped, hopped, stomped and twirled away to the music.

AEONmeteorite AEONmeteorite
 
Rosen inhaled sharply as she was pulled in. Her brows knitted amid all the perplexing movements. For a mere moment, she thought this sincerely was a blubbering drunk, but then she thought back to how he acted among the people. It wasn't right. Something had been off. If he was a drunk, the questions he asked and the way he spoke prior wouldn't be how it was. Even if she had only seen and heard bits of it.

The moment the man began to twirl her though a, "Yeep!" escaped her lips. Rosen had a tough time keeping up. Dancing and killing people, those were two contrasting things. Every quick movement left her a jumbling mess. And, their eyes met, he smiled and Rosen developed shivers up her spine. It didn't feel right. Nothing was settling comfortably with her. The more she felt his hands on her body, the further her angst became. The music and the sounds of people echoed between her ears. So much noise. It was chaos fiddling with her emotions. Rattling her bones. Quaking the foundations of her amenity. Rosen attempted to keep up. Doing what she could to appear to everyone else that this was exactly what she wanted. But she didn't do the same to him. She wanted this man to know that she didn't assert herself to jitter around in the tavern.

The maiden took a rooted breath. Aligning her thoughts, wishes and movements to coordinate herself. Her steps grew far more assertive and intentional. Rosen's center of balance returned. She managed to sail straight again on the disordered waves she was forced to dance along. Her shoulders, once being rolled near her ears, had calmed and let loose. And, she came to a point that no jump, hop or twirl would jolt her intention and thoughts. Rosen stared directly at the man from that point on. Her eyes, they began to glow a dim pink as she conjured what she was to do next. With so many people watching, there weren't many options. The best she could pursue was to get the man out of the tavern so she could properly talk with him. Thus, Rosen's glowing eyes promptly began investigating the building for the best place of escape along with the man.
 
Aeryn chuckled at her startled reaction, spinning and hopping as the music called for. He kept his eyes roaming the room, but every few seconds they would trail back to his impromptu dance partner. After a short while her rattled look became more focused and determined. By the time he looked back to her for the fourth time, she was steady, her eyes were focused. In fact they were focused on her, and he knew she could see through his rouse. He smiled at her once more and decided to continue. “Careful dearie, don’t be too hasty. I’m just having a bit of fun.” He whispered, low enough for just her ears as he came in close. He had seen her eyes change, felt the use of magic, the hairs on his skin began rising as he got goosebumps. “wouldn’t want ta hurt anyone over a bit of innocent fun would ya?” He asked in a grim town, a complete contrast from the cheerful look on his face. His eyes began to look around, wondering if there were others nearby that seemed to be about to do something unexpected

AEONmeteorite AEONmeteorite
 
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Rosen glowered, her irises continued to glow brighter. She wasn't a sure what to do in this instance. She had been attacked on multiple occasions, even in moments where she least expected it. But a dance, a dance, that had thrown her off guard and now her suspicions were right. Whether or not this was
Shade, he was a crafty man with some sort of an agenda. And Rosen had situated herself enough for him to feel the need to prance around with her.

"I won't lie," she said as a smirk carved into her face. Showing off her clear sharper than average teeth. "I'm having fun as well. I can't remember the last time I danced." Her smile fell. "It is a nearly a shame you are so shady, isn't it? Else we might have been able to dance the night away and this conversation would have never happened." Rosen kept her voice silent as he did, though she was far worse at keeping up the kind of facade he did. Smiling, appearing to have fun, that had always been tough for her to achieve. Rosen squeezed his hand, pressing down on what bones she could feel. "Tell me, why were you asking such informative questions to so many people?" she growled.
 
"Come now, we're all a bit shady here aren't we? You included I'm sure." He responded with a smile as he spun her and placed his hands on her hips, he brought his head close to hers almost resting on her shoulders as he swayed her a little more slowly. The song had changed again, the tempo came down a bit, and the people around them seemed to be swaying slowly in tune." That being said, why does this conversation have to ruin a dance?" He said as he moved her forward, spun her slowly till they were face to face and he was looking into her glowing eyes. "My questions are my own business little miss. As I'm sure yours are for you as well." He said with a smile before he spun her. The tempo was beginning to pick up again.

He didn't miss the inflection in her voice, and he could almost bet that she was trying to guess who he was. This wasn't exactly a horrible thing, but it wasn't necessarily good either. Not many people who didn't know his alias already came looking for him. Usually other nobles looking for his services, but those were pretty obvious to sniff out. Thinking they were blending in by wearing dark clothes and shady nicknames. Not this girl, no she was experienced. She wasn't a noble, nor was she anyone he'd seen before. He would have to keep his guard up that's for sure. "Why do you ask such curious questions? With your glowing eyes, and pretty teeth? Such a dazzling smile, you sure it belongs here in the rough and tumble of this underworld?" He asked her teasingly as he watched her behind his smile. His glance shifted as more people seemed to have joined the dance. Their movements seemed to have given the more drunk patrons courage enough to ask others for a dance.
 
Rosen shuddered when she felt his hands on her hips. What an awfully vulnerable spot to be in? And one would figure, being the kind of assassin she was, being touched in spots like this wasn't frequent or normal, even though it was normal among the people she was around. What's more was the lack of reaction he had when she alluded to the codename she had been given. She had hoped it would give her some perspective. If his guard had been down, then perhaps it would have worked, or maybe, he wasn't the one he was looking for.

She refused to give up now. If the rumors about Shade were true, he would be fantastic at shoving aside such a simple trick.

"Glowing..." she pulled back her head and swallowed. Rosen never knew when her eyes put on their show and she usually had a fair amount of control over them. "Ahem, yes, they do that sometimes. You know...curses from Ellswyr are fickle things," she lied. "As for my curiosity. You can't blame me. You're the one who started it when you acted so peculiar. And, you better watch the words that stream from your lips, I can remove skin in a single snap," she snickered.
 
His skin prickled with goose flesh. “Heh, that’s a scary thought.” His eyes shifted a bit nervously, he hadn’t exactly thought she was that dangerous. The wonders of his daily occupation you could say. But then he regained his composure and responded. “Ellswyr huh? Well I guess knowing where you’re from narrows down who you could be working for, or your identity.” He said looking into her eyes with a genuine smile. He had gleaned more information than he thought possible, to lock into his mental safe and he didn’t even have to trade anything. He was giddy indeed as he pulled away and twirled her around. “You seem to be very concerned with the information I am seeking out, yet you don’t know me.” He said in a hushed tone as he brought her close and performing another pass. “Are you going to offer up more? Do you have more? So you even know the information I seek?” He peppered her with question each time their faces came close after their separate spins.

He started to pull away and lead her away from the crowd. This girl was dangerous, he didn’t want to make a spectacle here, and he surely didn’t want to use his powers in public, almost a dead giveaway. He smirked at her as he stepped behind one dancing couple then into the throng of onlookers that had been watching everyone dancing. He made sure to keep his head visible so that she could follow as he led her away. He made his way further from the fire, further into darkness. Into his element he led her with a smile that grew more cunning by the second. While out of view he pulled out a small vial from his pocket. It was a clear odorless, nearly tasteless liquid. He sat back and waited for her to catch up.
AEONmeteorite AEONmeteorite
 
Rosen took the slightest breath of relief as she had figured that she had tricked him into believing her place of origin. Anything to throw him off guard. "Of course I am concerned, how could I not inquire wh--" she was cut off as she was bombarded with questions in the midst of their dance. She hadn't the time to answer a single one of them. Which, to a point, she was fine with. Rosen was not certain how she should have answered the questions in a way he'd be happy with. Her insecurity and anxiety gradually began to return again. She had just brought her feet up to speed with the dance, but being asked so much threw her off guard.

And, just when she thought she had room to say something, he peeled away from the crowd and went silent, much to Rosen's elation. The maiden did what she could to follow close behind, yet people kept shoving themselves in her way. She didn't want to appear too strong, so she didn't elbow back and weaved through bodies of people, using the man's head to find him.

The people began to thin out, what's more was that he was going further away from the source of light. Rosen let out a shaky breath. She told herself that it was fine. She wouldn't be alone in the dark and there were plenty of humans in her point of view right behind her. Nonetheless, even if this darkness wasn't that bad, if this man was Shade, it wouldn't be the ideal place to be. "Excuse me. Have I done something terribly wrong. I did enjoy dancing with you, though it was a surprise," she said in a louder voice and stopped as she lost sight of him for a second due to a group walking in her path. Rosen just about growled at them, but as they passed, she saw the man sitting back and raced over there before anyone else could get in the way. "Sorry for being so slow. Also forgive me for asking too many questions." She figured that now was the best time as any to act innocent and clueless.

andujarprime andujarprime
 
He sat in the half darkness of a booth at the far end of the tavern. He watched her curiously as she made her way to him. Tilting his head to the side slightly he smiled before shaking his head. "No, nothing wrong at all. I thought you wanted to dance though. Isn't that why you were reaching for me? It is rather forward, but I always did like forward, upfront people." He explained with a smile as he waved towards the empty seat on the other side of the table. he turned in and began speaking, assuming she would just sit anyway. "Everyone asks questions, everyone wants answers. Answers are valuable, they are currency here. That is why I ask questions, to gain currency. To gain information. You never know when you may be in need of something, or be in a position to help someone." He explained, trying to make it seem as if he were a bit more humane, and caring of others than his job allowed him to. "I haven't asked you any questions though. But I seem to have drawn your attention it seems." He paused and smiled "Not that I'm complaining though. The attentions of a beautiful girl are not to be taken lightly. It doesn't happen very often after all." He flirted with her, exuding an aura of charm and confidence. He was relaxed, he did not sense danger, or was he afraid of anything foul befalling him. He could handle himself, and that much was evident in his movements. "Now I am curious, what exactly have I done to garner such attention?" He asked as he watched her, his hands sitting in his lap beneath the table.

AEONmeteorite AEONmeteorite
 
Rosen pulled back her head before she stepped forward and sat down in front of him. She clenched her jaw, trying to hold her breath. The air felt different. The way he acted, it wasn't the same as he had been doing prior on the dance floor. "Garner such attention, aye?" Most normal people weren't so curious and questioning. There were the few though. The few who would milk information, for the man wasn't wrong. Information was currency, and assassin's took great pride in bearing any such intelligence. There were others who hunted such, brokers and merchants used it to their advantage.

But, to kill people, that was an entirely different thing than the best place to sell necklaces.

"You are indeed correct. Information is much needed in this world," she beat around the bush, avoiding his questions. "You could say that I was inquisitive of you. You appeared amiable. I couldn't help but feel the need to reach out to you, get closer, engage in conversation." Rosen let out a weak laugh and picked at the wood of the table. She avoided eye contact with him. Darkness made her uneasy. Normally, as assassin would never want to elude to such fears, but perhaps, it would lead him off her trail and she could spend more time deciphering whether or not he was Shade. "When I finally met you, I was, startled. I didn't predict your assertiveness. Needless to say, I was just, putting myself out there." She pulled out a silver of the wood and twisted it between her fingers.

andujarprime andujarprime
 
"Yeah, put yourself out there you did." He smiled and lifted his hands to the table. "I can say, I am quite, honored to hear you say so. My assertiveness, well that's just the way I am when I drink. Some say spirits and ale bring out one's true nature. Others say it makes you act the complete opposite." He shrugged and leaned back watching her. "I don't care for superstitions though. I am however surprised, once again to be in your presence. Now, since we are playing a game of questions as it seems. Is there anything I can do for you miss?" He asked her curiously, awaiting her reaction. "My name, by the way, is Solarin. There, a free tidbit of information for you. Well, to be completely honest that is but one name I go by." He gave her an alias, confident that it couldn't be traced to his real identity. After all the amount of people that actually knew his identity as shade was very limited. Nobody outside of his boss and small council knew. "And what brings you from Ellswyr?" He asked as he watched her. He raised a hand to a passing barmaid. "Another ale if you please, and let us have a nice glass of wine. Not the watered down stuff you give to the drunkards please." He produced a few coins and handed them to her. She smiled and ran off as he waited. The music had died down a bit, but it was still there as background noise. People were still dancing, and the fire still going. Absolutely no one was paying attention to their small booth in the shadows.

AEONmeteorite AEONmeteorite
 
Her eyes glowed twice. Once when he mentioned a name and once when he mentioned Ellswyr. She hadn't gone to her neighboring country for some time. That was an issue. She had no inkling of what political issues were happening there. What life was currently like. It was all a mystery for her. "I, travel, quite a bit," she said. That wasn't a lie. Of course she traveled often. "I needed a break from my like in Ellswyr and I heard some of the big towns in No Man's Land could lead me to a great place to head to. You wouldn't perhaps have any suggestions?" she raised a brow and scratched the sliver of wood against the table it came from.

Rosen closed her mouth for a few heartbeats as she thought of what he ordered from the barmaid. She glanced around, hoping to catch the eye of another server, but not a single one was around. No one was around. In fact, the crowd had begun to thin out where everyone was dancing. People were heading home. She bit her bottom lip and focused back on this so-called Solarin. "Where did that name derive from sir?" she inquired and curled her toes as she held her breath.

andujarprime andujarprime
 
He arched a brow. "From a trader from across the Southern Sea. He started calling me that one day and it stuck." He said with a shrug. It wasn't a lie, he spent some time at the docks near the southern border of Ellswyr. "Now as for names might I have the pleasure of knowing with whom I speak? I'm afraid we have some scores to tally in the information department." He chuckled as the two glasses of wine were brought over. He took his in hand and pushed hers over to her. Raising it in a toast. "To new acquaintances I hope." He said smoothly as he watched her. He had taken note of the way her eyes flashed but left it unsaid. He had travelled from home as well, but he still kept in touch. He would have to try and gather information on glowing eyes at another time. The challenge today was figuring out who this was and why she was interested in him.

AEONmeteorite AEONmeteorite
 
Her eyes lustered once more as the wine was pushed toward her. She didn't drink. She had a tough time doing so. Poisons, no problem. Toxins, not a single issue there. Moldy bread, basically new. But alcohol, she hadn't mastered it. It was her biggest downfall. Usually, it wasn't a point of matter, considering it wasn't often that it hinged on someone's ability to trust her when she refused such. In this situation, things were obscure and unfocused. Rosen couldn't read him properly and make a fitting decision.

Little sips. She'd act as if she was taking little sips. She raised her own glass, pressed it against her lips and let the tiniest bit sip through. She hid it well, that need to wince from the sting trailing on her tongue and cutting paths in her throat. Rosen put down the glass. "Solarin, why on earth did you act more drunk than you were when we first began dancing? Care to explain that." She continued to beat up that bush. She wasn't as sly as other assassins when it came to her own information. She didn't have a list of names off the top of her head to tell him. "I find it curious that you seem different than when you were yelling when I first extended my had to you."

andujarprime andujarprime
 
He smiled and shook his head. "Now, now, you're going to talk yourself into debt. Taking currency, instead of exchanging it. I'm not in the habit of charity." He said half jokingly as he took another small sip. "Who's to say that was acting? Or that I'm not acting now and am in fact quite drunk but also a talented actor?" He asked teasingly as he pointed to her glass. "You haven't even really touched the wine I so graciously got you. I dare say you're trying to keep me at a disadvantage." He exclaimed and placed a hand to his chest. "I may have my feelings quite hurt if this continues." He said before laughing at his own joking manner.

After a moment his laughter faded, and he extended a hand out as the barmaid from before seemed to come around once more. He waved her closer and she bent to his head inclining her ear. She nodded and stepped away hurriedly with a smile, losing herself in the crowd. "Perhaps another token of good will? I can be quite generous, I just don't like being taken advantage of. Not like this anyway." He said with a cunning smile. Moments later the barmaid reappeared at the girls side. Then a small platter of warm sweet rolls were placed in the center of the table. "I hope you can enjoy these as much as I do. Now if you please, a name?" He asked once more picking up a small roll covered in powdered sugar. taking a large bite and consuming half he looked at her expectantly.

AEONmeteorite AEONmeteorite
 
Her jaw clearly closed as she attempted to redirect her drool to the back of her throat. The aroma. That sweet smell that enveloped her being and teased her tongue. She fought back on her desires, but then figured, they were pastries. No alcohol. She could down what she needed and, in fact, could drink more of the liquid as the sweet rolls would help absorb some of the wine. Rosen reached out, stuck the sliver of wood in a pastry, using it as a toothpick and pushed it in her mouth. She speedily downed it, engulfing the flavor and sweetness. She inhaled and gave out a hearty exhale. "That hits the spot," she breathed.

She downed a tad more of the wine. As it dawned on her that she likely would not be excavating anymore loose change from the man. "My name, aye?" she cooed and poked at a roll with the sliver. "Asking a lady that, how blunt of you? My name is Kilde," she lied, of course. And, Rosen was sure that he knew. "And who is to say I'm not acting as well, hm? What if this was all a facade? A peculiar one. I could be a ragtag woman, filled with nothing but normality. I could also be an aristocrat running from my duties. Who knows?" She pierced another sweet roll. Rosen kept her hand here, staring at where her little sliver penetrated the bread. And, after an uncertain amount of time, she lifted it to her mouth and took another sip of wine. "Everyone puts on a show indeed."

andujarprime andujarprime
 
He chuckled at her act. He was very skills in the mannerisms of people and could spot an act a far way off. "Well, miss Kilde it's a pleasure to meet your acquaintance." He nodded finishing his roll. "Yep, blunt of me right? About as blunt as you extending yourself to me for a dance eh? As for your acting? Well, I'm curious what you could be acting? Are you indeed a noblewoman on the run? If you were, I daresay you wouldn't be from Ellswyr would you?" He stated before taking a bite of another roll. He chuckled to himself as he thought of his current predicament. She was definitely hiding something and trying to throw him off. He could feel that he had her in a bit of an uncomfortable spot and he wouldn't relent. "As far as acts go, I will admit that I was simply looking for free information. Not so different from what you seem to be doing now avoiding all my questions and asking your own." He said slowly and accusingly before smiling and finishing off another roll.

"People are much more likely to chat when inebriated." He explained then raised a brow at her. "Not that I'm doing that to you, I'm just being a gracious host after you presented me with a nice dance." He said with a smile. "Most people like you more when you're the one paying for their drink and they can associate you with a good time. At least that's some of what I've learned in my travels. You can add that as a free morsel of intel if ya didn't know that." He said to her laughing and taking another sip of his wine. "You don't seem an aristocrat though, maybe a normal lady if ya tried really hard. However there certainly is a small part of me hoping you are an aristocrat looking to shirk her duties and experience the outlaw life." He teased with a chuckle.

AEONmeteorite AEONmeteorite
 

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